Trixy Life

While sipping tea with a slice of the fruit tart I baked yesterday, I found myself reflecting on my long relationship with this simple, yet comforting drink. Growing up, tea was never my favorite. I found it too bitter and strong, a stark contrast to my preferred beverages. It wasn’t until later in life, particularly after discovering my lactose intolerance, that I began to appreciate tea’s subtle charms. This newfound appreciation marked the beginning of a fascinating journey with tea that has taken us from Alaska to England and beyond.

A tea revelation in Alaska

Our tea journey began in 2006, during a memorable trip to Alaska and Canada with my parents and brother. At that time, Elisa was just a month and a half old. The trip was filled with breathtaking moments – sailing through the Inside Passage, traversing mountains by train, and witnessing glaciers up close. Yet, one of the most memorable experiences was our visit to the tea room at Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia.

In the midst of this stunning natural beauty, we found ourselves in the serene surroundings of the tea room. A fellow traveler, Fabio, who was passionate about tea, took us through the intricacies of the tea ritual. He explained everything from the perfect water temperature (between 85-95°C) to the ideal steeping time (3-5 minutes). His enthusiasm was infectious, and we were captivated by his detailed knowledge. We left with a promise to incorporate more tea into our lives, inspired by this newfound appreciation.

Navigating English tea traditions

Upon returning to Italy, we eagerly adopted our newfound tea habit. It became a regular part of our mornings, and we even fancied ourselves as tea aficionados. However, our move to England brought us face-to-face with tea customs that were both eye-opening and, at times, amusing.

One of our first social experiences in England was an invitation from Rachel, a new English friend. We were excited about her invitation to have tea at her home and looked forward to enjoying a traditional tea with a delightful assortment of treats. However, as she began serving dinner, we were surprised and asked if we had misunderstood the invitation. Rachel explained that in the UK, the word “tea” can also refer to an evening meal. We had a good laugh over the misunderstanding and enjoyed the evening despite the mix-up.

When Rachel offered us tea, we eagerly requested it with lemon, only to be met with her look of horror and disbelief. She kindly explained that in the UK, tea is typically enjoyed black, with milk, or with milk and sugar – but never with lemon. Our request was quite unconventional, and we had unintentionally strayed from the norm. After a hearty laugh and a wonderful dinner, we embraced the English tea customs and began enjoying our tea black. It was a small adjustment, but one that deepened our appreciation for the subtleties of English tea.

The charm of English tea rooms

Living in England introduced us to the delightful tradition of visiting tea rooms. These charming establishments, often set in historic homes or quaint villages, became a favorite destination after long walks. There was something magical about stopping in these places to enjoy a cup of tea and a selection of treats, especially when the weather outside was rainy or windy. The comforting warmth of the tea was perfectly matched with the cool, damp English climate.

One of my favorite experiences was savoring scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. The combination of the soft, buttery scone with rich cream and sweet jam was pure bliss. The tea rooms also offered an array of homemade cakes, each more tempting than the last. Afternoon tea, a special version of tea time, included not just scones and cakes but also an assortment of sandwiches. This lavish spread turned tea into a delightful meal, adding a touch of elegance to our afternoons.

The English tea experience became a cherished ritual, especially on dreary days when the rain tapped against the windows and the wind howled outside. There was something incredibly comforting about settling into a cozy tea room, where the aroma of freshly brewed tea and baked goods enveloped us, making even the grayest day feel a bit brighter.

Tea in the United States: a new routine

Now back in the United States, tea doesn’t hold the same cultural significance as it does in England, but it has become a comforting part of our daily routine. In Arizona, where the temperatures can soar to extreme highs, tea might not seem like the most practical choice. Yet, our tradition of enjoying tea remains a cherished part of our daily lives, even if it is not as tied to the weather as it was in England.

We often enjoy tea for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, paired with cookies or cake. It has become a small but meaningful ritual in our busy lives, offering a moment of relaxation and connection. Despite the heat, the tradition of tea continues to provide comfort and a sense of continuity from our time in England.

Our journey with tea has evolved from a simple curiosity to a cherished part of our daily routine. Whether it is the refined traditions of English tea rooms or the comforting ritual of a tea break at home, tea has become a symbol of connection and relaxation. It is amazing how something as simple as a cup of tea can bring back fond memories and create new ones, no matter where we are in the world.

Thank you for joining me on this tea-filled journey. It is wonderful to share these experiences and reflections with you.

Se you next time!

Valentina