Good morning! Ever try the blueberry scones from Starbucks? They are fantastic. Especially with a nice cuppa tea. I may be an American, but I love this for breakfast or teatime. But only once in awhile. The calorie count must be baaaad.
When I was in my twenties, I traveled around Europe and the Middle East with my boyfriend for about four months. We ran into many Brits, Australians and an occasional South African, who introduced us to afternoon tea. No matter how primitive the camp, a kettle would be put on to boil around 4 p.m. It was wonderful sharing travel adventures and tips over hot tea and biscuits. Even if we were on our own, we continued the ritual.
(I usually make it with milk and sugar, but like the light of the black tea better. The china teacup and saucer are from my mom.)
One of my favorite things in Turkey was getting tea when we stopped for gas in the middle of nowhere. A little man with a red cap and a white caftan ran out to the van with a tray holding little glass cups of hot tea and sugar cubes. With gestures he told us to put the sugar cube between our front teeth and drink the tea through it. Delicious! And it was free. This happened more than once while traveling in central Turkey, and it helped, because we were often the only vehicle on the road for miles and miles. That can get lonely and scary.
When we returned to the States, we told some guy friends, “You’ll have to come over for tea sometime!” You can imagine the looks on their twentysomething faces. It makes me laugh now just thinking of it. Funny how you get so used to foreign customs when you’re out of the country. We drank tea for a while, then succumbed to the American-coffee-in-the-morning custom. It was years before I had tea again.
Once, a girlfriend and I made it a project to try all the afternoon tea places in Washington, D.C. What fun that was. We might just have to do that again, but this time with photos.
Pearls & Prose 
I totally like the tradition of afternoon tea. It’s the ritual. I started making plans with a friend since a few week to open a traditional tea house for the expats where we live. High tea and cupcakes and buns. Ever been to Sally Lunn’s in Bath? That is one of the oldest tea houses in England. The buns are incredible.
http://www.sallylunns.co.uk/
I missed one of the oldest tea houses in England?? Well, now I have to go back to Bath. Over here in the States, the name Sally Lunn refers to a kind of cake that’s very popular in the South. Is Bath where it started?
Your tea house sounds wonderful!
You could do a photo book on tea traditions around the world.
I’d love to do a photography book one day.
These photos are making me jealous. I got clear braces put on my teeth last week, and once they were on, my orthodontist told me I can’t drink tea with them. I almost sat down and wept. (Sigh)
Next time you have a cup, have enough for both of us. 😉
(Beautiful photos!!!)
I will! I can see no bubble gum or gummi bears, but no tea? Yikes, hope they’re off soon.
Blueberry scones…yummy!
Not as good as the pumpkin bread, though. I know you hate pumpkin, but try it!
I too love tea but always gravitate towards coffee which packs a stronger punch. It is so distinguished though, isn’t it?
Yes, if I want a real boost of caffeine, I reach for java. You’re so lucky to be in Paris where they have the best coffee!