March 5, 2017

Why does the US not like tea?  Throughout the rest of the world, tea is part of the culture.  I was in Sydney, Australia last week and the meeting agenda had tea breaks.  Granted, most people had coffee but there was definitely tea available and the meeting breaks were called morning tea or afternoon tea.  I got to Hong Kong last night and there was a mysterious picnic basket contraption on the dresser at my hotel.  Not sure what it was I opened it up and to my surprise it was the cutest, insulated tea pot holder.  My hotel had hot tea waiting for me when I arrived at 11pm.  Needless to say, I LOVE this hotel.  It just makes me wonder, why is tea time not observed in the US?  I guess the South has sweet tea but that isn’t really what I am talking about.  Tea time is the best.  It is a reason to stop your day, relax with a hot drink, and connect with people.  Are we too busy in the US to stop and enjoy some tea?  In fact, when I say it is tea time, people in the US think I am going to golf.

I am writing this blog entry sitting in my hotel room in Hong Kong drinking a cup of tea.  Outside my window is a bustling city.  I actual see two tea stores from my room.  I also see Rolex and Cartier stores.  I could care less about the jewelry and watches, I am much more interested in finding a little tea accessory in one of the tea stores.  That is officially weird.   I am glad there is something I love so much that it makes me happy to see it around the world.  Maybe it makes me feel a little more comfortable alone in a huge city.  My coworker flaked on me so I am here alone and perhaps something as simple as a cup of tea is all it takes to make me feel not so alone.  Hobbies and passions are great for making you feel like you belong.  It’s a big world and we are looking for ways to connect us to each other.  What hobbies or passions do you have that connect you to the world and the people in it.  Whatever it is, no matter how “weird” it may be, it is part of your world and it is important.

It’s starting to get dark so I need to figure out where to go to see this Symphony of Lights.  I am officially not a person who likes to travel alone.  I want my family and friends.

Tea Recommendation:  Drink tea with a friend.  Turn off the tv, put down your phone, drink tea, and connect.