I can’t remember a time when there has been a drama in my life and a cup of tea hasn’t been on hand to console me. In fact, tea is one of my mother’s cure-alls along with mothballs and TCP antiseptic. There’s something soothing about it and for some reason it always tastes better in a bone china cup and saucer even though being a cack-handed Carrie I’m always holding my breath & struggling not to drop or smash my mother’s finest Royal Doulton. There’s something very reassuring about a cup of tea; a bit like a hot bath on the inside or wearing your oldest and most favourite sweater.
Let’s be honest it was buckets of tea that got me through the Serial Shagger saga and subsequent indignities. I’m not denying that there weren’t a shedload of cocktails thrown in for overall fortification but ultimately it was my good friends Earl & Lady Grey that were on hand to provide comfort during the humiliating ordeal of being jilted.
When I was in Turkey, tea or çay was more than just a drink it was a social invitation to sit, share the company of another soul, engage in conversation and watch the world go by. It was considered impolite not to accept the hand of friendship being extended to you and declining the invitation may have been considered an insult by some. The Turkish pride themselves on their hospitality and with very good reason; seldom will you leave a Turkish home without having partaken in a meal of some sort. They enjoy sharing their food with guests, their home produce and laughter. Rarely have I ever left Turkish hosts where I wasn’t just taking away a sated appetite but a lesson in graciousness together with some new friends.
Come & share a pot of tea, my home is warm, my friendship’s free
Sweet, Dallas. My son is teaching in Malatya right now, and he is delighted to sit down and sip a cup of tea when it is offered, as it often is.
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I saw that and am so envious. There’s nothing like a bit of Turkish hospitality when I was travelling to Karatut, even the lorry drivers offer to share a cup of çay with you
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You are absolutely right about cay being the social connector and glue in Turkey. It might be a little addictive 😉
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Its either that or something that they put in it!
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We had wondered about that… 😉
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So very true. A cuppa in the afternoon or after dinner is our favorite times. My British DIL still drinks her tea in the a.m., but I can’t give up the morning coffee. Great post!
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I’m coming over for tea! And yes, tea in a china cup and saucer tastes and feels like I am embracing a tradition that has served generations of people. After a brisk walk in winter, coming home to tea and toast is heaven.
“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves — slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future.” Thich Nat Hahn
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Once more I feel like a freak, a Yorkshire lass that doesn’t like tea 😦
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Dad says there’s nowt as queer as folk!
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I used to think it was only the British who were into their tea, but after travelling the world, I’ve realised this isn’t the case. Your remarks about being nervous of breaking the Royal Doulton, reminded me of Mrs. Bucket’s next door neighbour in ‘Keeping up Appearances.” I loved that series. 🙂
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I loved Hyacinth with here snobby ways, too. That was such a wonderful comedy series. I love the Brit dry sense of humor.
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I adored that series. I wanted it to go on for ever. 🙂
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May I just say Ladies, that my mother is Hyacinth re-incarnated (especially when she answers the phone)
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😆
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having a cup of tea with some biscuit during heavy rain is wonderful feeling ever. 🙂
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Warm rain I really do miss that. It lashes down here in Devon but its always cold with it
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Yes it’s strange how a cup of tea is the first thing people turn to or offer when things go wrong. Something warm and comforting about it. With regard to the Serial Shagger Saga … cannot wait to read more about it what happened next in beautiful Turkey!
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I need to get on that, I did write some posts about life in Turkey in Tinky Town Tales and Serial Shagger features in Tales From the Allotment but I do need to sit down and sort them all out.
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Oh I see! I thought Serial Shagger was the ex mentioned in Tinky Town Tales! My bad! 🙂
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Sweet Dallas, you do know here in Texas we only know one type of Tea? It is iced and sweet. But to each their own.
For me? Hot bath, nice glass of wine and a good book will always do the trick.
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My Grandmother taught me the art of the tea cup and crooked pinky. I also love tea and find it so comforting. I wish that American’s kept the tradition of tea time…but we’re too busy doing whatever we do. Here is one of our adventures together, I thought you would appreciate it http://hugskissesandsnot.com/tea-at-the-ritz/
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You’re right I loved it; your grandmother was very elegant and you cannot beat afternoon tea in a very grand establishment
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I loved that post so very English. I took my nieces for afternoon tea to Harrods for pink lemonade when they were younger it’s such a lovely tradition
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