Coffee, Tea, or What'll it be?

Ah, the steaming cup of dark liquid refreshment comes as part of the daily routine for so many people all over the world. Whether one lives in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, or even Africa, in any locale it seems that one can find either coffee or tea if it is desired. It is a a mark of civilization to an extent. I have been to places all over the world, and in all of them I have tried the local coffee to see how they make it. Tea is also ubiquitous and though the British Empire seems to take credit for speading its fame, the Chinese have been brewing it for centuries.

Coffee may have been first brewed as far back as 900 BC in Ethiopia, and it was a mainstay in the muslim world by the 15th century. It was called 'Kahweh,' after the arabic word for invigorating. It still seems to be invigorating today.

Tea, on the other hand, has been around the west since the 16th century but had its origins over 4,000 years ago in China. The first book written on the subject of tea was the Chinese book Ch'a Ching, which was written circa 780 AD. There is a plethora of information available on this history, but this site, has interesting snippets about tea customs.

Now, back to the task at hand...

Since I am currently sitting in a coffee shop called Shockoe Espresso, I shall first discuss my own thoughts on coffee.

I find coffee is something that I want to drink in the morning mostly. I like it brewed, rather than espresso, and I add some sugar and cream until it is nice and medium brown, like a nice tan color. Too much cream and it tastes too fatty, so it has taken a while to figure out the balance. Too much sugar makes it taste overly sweet, which kind of ruins the coffee taste for me. My dad would say that any sugar ruins the taste, but I cannot really take it black, as I find it too strong and bitter.

It seems to be a really good way to start my day. It helps to define the day that way. Almost as though the day doesn't really start until I have some to drink. Even if I don't drink much, it feels strange until I do, like something's missing. Of course it isn't a requirement, but it is a preference.

Tea is a better drink in the afternoon and evening. Besides having less caffeine, it is a lighter drink by and large. Though there are some teas, such as Lapsang Souchong, which have a very strong taste- Lapsang Souchong has a smoky taste, as though it were dried over a hickory fire. Very interesting taste. I prefer milder teas like Earl Grey, Lady Grey, Irish breakfast tea, and oolong tea.

Both tea and coffee provide one with an escape from the mundane tasks of life. It is a simple pleasure that takes time to complete. It requires care and attention to make a cup that is just right. And the reward for the effort is gone in the time it takes to drink. The longer it is savored, the more the pleasure. If one takes it too fast it burns, and the flavor is hidden by the river of hot liquid as it scorches the tongue. Besides, that's no way to treat a good cup of coffee or tea. It is there to serve, and it faithfully rewards its maker with delightful moods and good times. It is something that can be enjoyed no matter the weather, no matter the situation, and no matter the company. And on top of that it is legal everywhere.

Life is full of simple pleasures. Tea and coffee are but two of them, but having found them, I shall celebrate and enjoy them fully as I continue my quest to find others.