Tea and a Shameless Plug

Tea is a big deal in Europe, India, and the rest of Asia. Actually, it's a big deal everywhere outside of the U.S. To give credit where credit is due, the U.S. is catching on. There are all sorts of tea websites and tea catalogues (I would link you to Melissa's earlier post but I don't know how. Sorry) available, and even entire stores devoted to tea. This is very exciting for me. I do not believe there has been a day in my life (only slight exaggeration here) that I have not had at least one cup of tea. It is a part of my day, much like checking my email a zillion times.

Prince of Wales Tea was recommended by a friend - I like my tea with references. A little background: Prince of Wales tea was, not surprisingly, named after Edward, Prince of Wales (Edward VIII) who requested a "carefully blended tea." You don't know what that means? That's ok, neither do I. This particular tea blend contains Oolong, Assam, Gunpowder, and other varieties of tea leaves.

This is not a tea one drinks when in a rush. This is a tea that one needs to sit and think about - it is not a straightforward flavor. The first taste smoky, next up a slight tint of resin. It reminded me Lapsang Souchong, the diet version. The overpowering resin flavor in Lapsang was tempered in Prince of Wales, and the overall taste was softer and rounder but still quite distinct. This tea requires time and attention, so beware!

Yesterday, I had a cup of Prince of Wales my favorite mug.

And now, it is time for the shameless plug. I will never do this again, I promise, but bear with me because this is important. The mug is from an organization in Seattle, Chaya, one that my very close friend has devoted herself to for the last two years. And I mean devoted, wholly, and entirely. Chaya serves the South Asian women's community in Seattle, aiding victims and survivors of domestic violence, and striving to raise awareness of domestic abuse in the South Asian community. If you have time, take a look at the website.

That's it for my shameless plug. I feel not too guilty about it - it's not like I was selling that spray that's supposed to simulate hair. Do people actually buy that?

~AK