Happy International Tea Day!

The joy of a good cuppa

Photo by author.

Today, 21 May, is International Tea Day. The United Nations adopted the observance of this day on 19 December 2019 to promote the “long history and the deep cultural and economic significance of tea around the world” as well as more sustainable tea production.

As I write, I’m sipping on a cup of rainforest-certified tea that comes in a biodegradable pyramid bag. Marketing guff for sure, but it’s deliciously thirst-quenching.

I’ve been a proud tea-drinker for most of my life. As a child, I was served cups of milky tea and no sugar. Once some uncle made my tea with sugar and I almost vomited. These days I can drink tea with or without milk but never with sugar. I love all the herbal teas too (without milk).

Chamomile is a good comfort tea for when I’m feeling sad, a cup of black tea with milk gets me going in the morning, and minty tea in the afternoon either warms my hands or refreshes me, depending on the weather.

You know a person is a good person when they invite you for a cup of tea. They’re usually a caring, trustworthy person who enjoys a good chat. A person who’s good in an emergency or times of need.

Tea is also a great crosser of cultural barriers. Look at how many people from all around the world enjoy a nice brew. Tea…