Tea for two and two for tea

“A true warrior, like tea, shows his strength in hot water.” – Ancient Chinese proverb

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is filled with lovely things, but after several hours of browsing, my sister-in-law and I were ready for a break.  While looking at gorgeous Middle Eastern rugs (which looked much like those of today in their timeless beauty and patterns), I was approached by a woman asking me where the tea house was.  I had no idea but thought that sounded like an exhibit I was ready to see.  When I mentioned it to my s-i-l, she enthused about how wonderful a cup of tea would be.  Although I agreed, I guess I hadn’t made it plain that we were looking for an exhibit, not a place to order tea.  🙂

When we arrived, despite the fact that there were other people around the tea house, its simplicity and lack of clutter, made an oasis of calm.  A tea house in the middle of a museum.  Not something you see every day.

Tea is a cup of life. – Anonymous Author

The spirit of the tea beverage is one of peace, comfort, and refinement. – Arthur Gray

Remember the tea kettle – it is always up to its neck in hot water, yet it still sings! – Anonymous Author

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company.- Anonymous Author

Is there no Latin word for Tea? Upon my soul, if I had known that I would have let the vulgar stuff alone. – Hilaire Belloc

“Meanwhile, let us have a sip of tea. The afternoon glow is brightening the bamboos, the fountains are bubbling with delight, the soughing of the pines is heard in our kettle. Let us dream of evanescence, and linger in the beautiful foolishness of things.” – Okakura Kakuzo, Book of Tea (1906)

And because I couldn’t not include it:

Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn’t try it on. – Billy Connolly