That English Family

Tea, Dreams, and Bittersweet Realities: An Envy-Fueled Odyssey Of That English Family

While doing my research on the postgraduate college I wanted to attend, I stumbled upon a piece written by one person with a sketch drawn by his brother. When I read a bit more about them, I came across a blog by their mother. Her blog, her words, and her pictures of her sons, grandchildren, and relatives became a soothing balm for wounds I didn't know I had. Her little stories of faith, her memories of her mother, her entries about her elder son getting into university, her videos of playing with her younger son's kids She had lived a difficult life yet managed to make the most of it. She and her family look very, very happy. Not the Instagram happy where they morph their differences into lies to get coins and likes. Genuinely happy. Smiles. Guitar. No lies. Their eyes sparkle. Their moments attest to genuineness. The comment section is a giant,  soft quilt of compliments showered by her friends and extended family. I do not know how they are related to each other or what kind of relationship they maintain. But she seems like a genuinely good person. Just humans and goodness mixed like sugar and butter. She reads and writes beautifully, and her words have turned me into some sort of "fan".

I recently saw her update about visiting her elder son, who is studying in a different country, in a beautiful city in Europe. He glowed. He exhibited luminosity. His face just sparkles. He makes music in his free time. He had multiple bands. He uploads them on YouTube and sells them as well. He is studying hard to build a career as well. I watched some of his music. There's freedom. There's passion. There's love. There's acceptance. I imagine them to be a family of love, freedom, and acceptance. Living in a home filled with warmth and good tea I imagine them meeting on holidays and celebrating with their friends and family, exchanging gifts. I imagine them saying goodbye before the elder son leaves for university and sharing tears. I imagine them having video calls where they try to match their timezones. I imagine her elder son taking her mother around the city, showing her the museums, parks, and famous eateries. She is writing another book, and I have yet to buy her first one. I am saving money for that. I imagine her meeting her son's friends as they show her around. I imagine her going back home and reminiscing about her time with her son, which is reflected in her blog.

After glancing a bit more at the photographs she had uploaded with tiny notes about each of them tucked underneath, a train of reality hit me. It is the same university that rejected me. I looked at her son, standing outside the university. Reality—my grusomely bland reality—pulls me back to my cold room, to my cold cot. And I think about my interview with the professor from that university, which was flailing and embarrassing. I think about the non-existent photographs of me with my family. I think about the screams and angry silences around my house. I think about the last time I spoke to my sister, who is from a completely different country. I think about the last time I spoke to my father, who had just moved in downstairs. I think about my friends who have left to pursue their dreams in different cities. I think about my mother, who is sleeping next to me. I think about last evening, when we all made our teas separately and drank them separately.

I check flights for cities in Europe. One leaves tonight. Should I go? Should I pack my bags and just leave? Should I visit the university, talk to the students and professors there, and talk to her elder son about his experience there and his music? Should I visit her as well? Tell her I am saving money to buy her book. That would be ridiculous. I don't even have the money to buy her book, and yet I am visiting her from a shabby little town in a shabby little country. She doesn't even know who I am. I decide against it and go to sleep. Try to sleep. With fantasy and reality fighting over my head. I lie there while they both rip me into pieces. I think about tomorrow morning and how I have to pick up these pieces and face life in this room. I imagine what she must be telling her son about how much she enjoyed her trip to visit him. And I imagine her son reading her mother's happiness while walking to the university while passing a park where she shared a cup of tea with her while telling her all about his studies. I think about the last time I took a trip and shared it with anyone and glance over my empty gallery. I close her blog and try to forget her URL so as to match my fantasy with my empty reality. So, it can be a fair fight.

- Oizys.

Teas & Books Galore!

As a tea lover, I'm always looking for ways to expand my knowledge of this beloved drink. Whether it's learning about the history and culture of tea or exploring the different varieties and growing regions, there's always something new to discover. Over the years, I've come across some fantastic tea-related books that have helped me deepen my understanding of this complex and fascinating beverage. Here are my personal reviews on some of the most fascinating books on tea that I have come across.

1. "Tea: History, Terroirs, Varieties (Third Edition)" by Kevin Gascoyne, François Marchand, and Jasmin Desharnais is a fascinating read that delves deep into the world of tea, exploring its rich history, diverse terroirs, and myriad varieties. As a tea lover, I found myself engrossed in the authors' vivid descriptions of different tea regions, the unique flavours and aromas of each tea, and the cultural significance of tea around the world. This book is a treasure trove of information for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of tea.

 

2. "The Book of Tea" by Okakura Kakuzo is a classic text that offers a poetic and philosophical take on the tea ceremony and its place in Japanese culture. As I read this book, I found myself transported to a world of serenity and contemplation, where the simple act of drinking tea can become a deeply meaningful experience. The author's musings on the beauty of imperfection, the transience of life, and the harmony of nature and humanity are both inspiring and thought-provoking. It is available on Google Books free of charge!

3. "Tea: A Nerd's Eye View" by Jhanne Jasmine is a quirky and fun exploration of the science behind tea. As a self-proclaimed tea nerd, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the chemistry, biology, and physics of tea, from the compounds that give tea its unique flavour to the role of water temperature in brewing the perfect cup. This book is a great read for anyone who loves tea and wants to deepen their understanding of this fascinating beverage.

4. "The Book of Japanese Tea" by Oscar Brekell is a beautiful and informative guide to the world of Japanese tea. As someone who is passionate about both tea and Japanese culture, I found this book to be a real treasure trove of information. Berkell explores the history of tea in Japan, the different varieties of tea grown there, and the unique brewing methods used to make each one.

5. "For All the Tea in China" by Sarah Rose is a fascinating historical account of the British tea trade in China during the 19th century. This book tells the story of Robert Fortune, a botanist who was sent on a mission by the British East India Company to steal tea plants and the secrets of tea production from China. I was gripped by this tale of espionage and adventure, and it gave me a new appreciation for the complex history of tea.

6. "Puer Tea: Ancient Caravans and Urban Chic" by Jinghong Zhang is a comprehensive guide to one of the world's most revered and mysterious teas. Puer tea, which is produced in China's Yunnan Province, has a long and storied history, and is said to have many health benefits. Zhang delves into the cultural significance of Puer tea, as well as the different varieties and brewing methods used to make it. As a tea lover, I found this book to be a real eye-opener and I learned so much about this fascinating drink.

 

7. "The True History of Tea" by Victor H. Mair and Erling Hoh is the book if you're looking for a comprehensive and scholarly exploration of the history of tea. The book delves into the origins and evolution of tea culture, covering everything from the early days of tea consumption in China to the global spread of tea during the colonial era. With extensive research and beautiful illustrations, the book provides a fascinating look at the role of tea in human history.

 

8. "Pearl Among the Clouds" by Ueda Akinari is a beautiful book that tells the story of how tea was introduced to Japan. It's a lyrical and poetic book that will transport you to another time and place. As I read the book, I felt as though I was right there with the author, experiencing the breathtaking landscapes and encountering the fascinating people of Tibet. Sokei's writing is vivid and engaging, making this book a joy to read.

 

9. "The Way of Tea" by Rand Castile is a practical guide to the Japanese tea ceremony. If you're interested in learning more about this ancient art form, this is the book for you. As a tea lover myself, I found this book to be a treasure trove of information about one of my favourite beverages. Castile's insights into the spiritual significance of tea in Japanese society were particularly fascinating, and his descriptions of the tea ceremony left me yearning to experience it for myself. It's full of beautiful photographs and step-by-step instructions that will help you master the tea ceremony.

 

10. "The Darjeeling Distinction" by Sarah Besky is a fascinating look at the tea industry in Darjeeling. This book sheds light on the complex social and economic issues surrounding the production of one of the world's most beloved teas. Besky's writing is insightful and thought-provoking, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in the ethics of the food industry.

11. "The Classic of Tea" by Lu Yu is a timeless book that was written over a thousand years ago. It's a beautiful meditation on the art of tea and its place in Chinese culture. If you're interested in the history and culture of tea, this is a must-read. It is a book that has been on my reading list for some time, and I'm so glad I finally got around to reading it. This ancient Chinese text is a fascinating exploration of the history and culture of tea. As someone who enjoys tea as much for its cultural significance as for its taste, I found Lu Yu's insights into the spiritual and social significance of tea to be incredibly interesting.

12. "The Tea Book" by Linda Gaylard is a comprehensive guide to tea from around the world. It covers everything from the history of tea to the different types and brewing methods. It's a great book for beginners who want to learn more about tea. As a tea lover, I found this book to be a fantastic resource for learning about different tea varieties and brewing methods. Gaylard's writing is engaging and accessible, making this book perfect for both tea enthusiasts and newcomers to the world of tea.

 

13. "The Story of Tea" by Mary Lou Heiss is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the history and culture surrounding one of the world's most beloved beverages. As someone who has always been fascinated by tea, I found this book to be an incredibly informative and enjoyable read. Heiss delves into the ancient origins of tea, tracing its evolution through the centuries and across different cultures, from the tea gardens of China to the tea salons of Europe.

14. "A Bowl for a Coin" by Vanessa Kimbell is a unique and beautifully crafted book that offers a personal and poetic perspective on the world of bread-making. As someone who has always found bread-making to be a meditative and rewarding activity, I found Kimbell's reflections on the subject to be insightful and inspiring. Her prose is lyrical and evocative, transporting the reader to a world of flour and yeast, of kneading and rising.

15. "The Tea Book: All Things Tea" by Nick Kilby and Louise Cheadle, the cocreators of Teapigs, is a charming and accessible introduction to the world of tea. As someone who is always looking to expand my knowledge of different teas and brewing techniques, I found this book to be a great starting point. It covers everything from the history of tea to the different types of tea and how to prepare them, and is full of beautiful photographs and illustrations. What I particularly appreciated about this book was its emphasis on the importance of quality and ethical sourcing, something that is increasingly important to many tea drinkers today.

These are just a few of the many books on tea that I have enjoyed reading over the years. Whether you're a tea enthusiast or simply interested in the cultural significance of tea, there's a book out there for you. So sit back, brew a cup of your favourite tea, and delve into the fascinating world of tea.

- Oizys.