I feel it is time to admit I have a problem. I like to have a few drinks every night… well if I am being honest I start drinking before work, and only stop when I go to sleep. I am not really sure what the Surgeon General’s recommended consumption level is, but since I measure my intake in gallons instead of glasses or ounces, I am sure I am over the limit.
So here goes… I have a tea problem. I feel like I have to hide it because people tend to have weird reactions when I turn down coffee in favor of the good stuff. People will say things like “what can’t you handle the strong stuff?” Honestly, I like my tea like I like my women; strong, dark and bitter (don’t worry, my wife laughs at that joke). I just like the taste of tea better. I also get those people who suck their teeth and say “oh, a teetotaler.” Not at all! I like a cold beer or a stiff drink, but that doesn’t mean I can’t also love a cup of Earl Grey!
I think part of the problem is that other than ice tea, the USA doesn’t have a large tea culture yet. Tea consumption is quickly building, but we do not have a form of High Tea like England, or an elaborate tea ritual like Japan. Someday I hope that we will. Maybe we American tea drinkers are at the cusp of starting this tradition ourselves. I hope my children see it. Until then, I think we should band together, hold our heads up high… and kick back a a few cups of the good stuff.
