Tea

Since I haven't posted anything in a while, and there isn't much actually going on in my life (I'm assuming no one wants to hear summaries of the textbooks I've been reading - Particle Physics 2nd edition, Introduction to High Energy Physics, and Introduction to Solid State Physics) I've decided to post my thoughts on tea.

In Ireland people drink tea as close to constantly as is possible and still do things like go to class and breathe. So far I have had 2 cups of tea (it is 11:45), and that is after skipping my usual cup with breakfast in favor of OJ; I have definitely embraced the tea-drinking culture here. It is a social interaction as much as a beverage, I have spent many an hour talking over a cup of tea when at home two people would just awkwardly stare at each other or go back to their rooms.

I drink tea when I'm cold, when I don't feel well, when I'm talking to people, and when I'm working. And with about half my meals. (see first sentence of previous paragraph) It is amusing to note that this habit began shortly after I arrived, indeed the first conversation I had with my new room mates was over a cup of tea. At the time I assumed it was merely because they had just made a pot and had some left over, not because tea takes over your life and there is *always* a pot of it, or at least boiling water.

Tea is sold by the box, but not the typical boxes we are used to in America. Last week our house bought a medium sized box that had 104 tea bags in it. We just ran out and bought another one.

The Irish are not particularly varied in their tea consumption, there is tea, and there is the smaller selection of "other types of tea". Tea consists of Barry's or Lyon's tea, in either original or gold blends (I think there may be a decaf option as well). "Other types of tea" occupies about half the space as the tea category does in the grocery store and consists of green tea, earl gray tea, and a few herbal teas. I think we Americans have far too many choices in our lives (next time you're in the grocery store, look at the number of varieties in teas and you'll see what I mean).

It is also important to note that tea is served with milk and sometimes sugar. It is also brewed fairly strongly. I realized how deeply ingrained this is in Irish culture when I read the back of a green tea box. It warned consumers that green tea is best when brewed for only (only was actually used on the box) 2 minutes and should not be enjoyed with milk. I'm fairly certain that in America green tea boxes just say brew 2-3 min and enjoy.

Well, I'm off for a cup of tea. More interesting news hopefully after my ultimate tournament this weekend :)