As to unusual methods of drinking tea.... I have yet to notice any deviation from *orally*. lol
True tea appreciation in these parts is a solo venture, to be sure. Restaurants generally serve a cup of hot water on a saucer, with a spoon, wrapped tea bag, and lemon slice on the side. At the age of
17, I had a feeling there must be more to it, and began to explore in the larger metro areas. I found a handful of coffee shops which sell loose tea. Trying their varieties was a bit anticlimactic, after reading about tea in the only book that my local library could offer on the subject. Every time I travel, I look for tea.All the mainstream brands sold in local grocery chains, (we have done away with most of our mom 'n' pop markets in the name of "convenience") consist of tea bags in cellophane wrapped boxes. Darjeeling, English Breakfast, Irish Breakfast, and many flavored black teas, green teas, flavored and plain. Herb and fruit teas seem very popular, but there again, they are bagged 'n' tagged.
I am not a fan of green tea. However, after reading on this board that one is not supposed to infuse it with boiling water, I intend to have another go at it, and see if my opinion changes. I prefer dark teas with woody or spicy undertones. I don't know what terms are typically used to describe these traits. I like those from India that I have tried. Teas from England and Ireland please me, when I can find them. As to Chinese tea, Oolong is my favorite, perhaps because of the aroma. I used to drink jasmine a lot when I was younger. I am not as fond of it, now. I still treat myself to a pot of Lapsang Sushong when I go to the city.
I used to mail order, on occasion. I don't do it anymore, because I abandoned my post box in favor of home delivery, and rural shipping is tricky, at best. My favorite specialty shops and vegetarian markets (who used to sell wonderful loose tea) have closed up shop, one by one, in the wake of suburban sprawl.
As far as chasing my own "thirsty muse", I am guided by my palate and purse. I put up with a lot of rather stale tins of overpriced, mass produced, but still flavorful, loose tea. I just have too many irons in the fire to traipse about the globe at my whim. But, I am taking mental notes for my retirement! I plan to gad willy-nilly in search of the perfect cup of tea, collecting rare books, and pretending I am not too old to learn to paint. Aahh, the ease with which dreams take us!
Carol :-)
~~~~~~~ "And he that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." ~~~ ~~~ J.R.R. Tolkien ~~~~~~~