If you are like me, you just can’t say no to a steaming cup of tea or to a cup of fresh coffee.
And if you are in Istanbul, you will see they developed a splendid craftsmanship around the pottery that serves both brews.
At art level.
Delicate yet strong enough to face the hot liquids from the summer hot days till the snowy December nights.
Don’t get fooled by their apparent frailty.
If tea is what steams up your soul and you want to buy some, head over the Egyptian bazaar (part of the grand bazaar).
Please do not even consider those sad tea bags we are used with in our rushed lives.
What bout these?
Mountains of teas arranged in such a harmony that create a delight for your eyes and enchant your nostrils.
For those of you who prefer single plant teas… behold 🙂 rose buds, linden, apple, pomegranate, mint, of course the black tea, and so many others.
But just for the love of it and for senses to be totally swept of their feet, tea blends are also present.
Be honest: aren’t you just a bit curious what’s the deal with this “love tea”?
Should I even mention you can take that and spice it up a bit more perhaps with 2 slices of dehydrated coconut slices, or blood oranges? Just to add a glimpse of summer in your concoction.
I was explaining you in a shopping related post about their merchants: their skills combined with a special gift of sensing what people want and need.
That was not an exaggeration. You will find yourself entering in a such a shop for curiosity and there the “treasure unfolds” before your eyes.
And of course, the vendor will try to offer you his best supplies. And by offering I mean he will prepare you a glass of fresh tea.
There, in the store. He will catch the glimpse of satisfaction from your eyes that will confirm him which is your favorite flavor.
Who cares outside is burning hot and perhaps you are too? The tea is there to comfort you, and you will not leave empty handed, that’s for sure.
Tea is more than a tradition and a ritual in Istanbul.
Perhaps you know the special tea glasses, perhaps you heard about Turkish people enjoying tea while socializing, after meals, and pretty much each time they have the chance.
It’s lovely seeing the small colored tulip glasses flying up and down the streets, from hand to hand, putting a smile on everyone’s face.
I did not come home without a kilo from 2 of their tea blends and without a gorgeous set of glasses.
And, each evening, before retiring to the living room, I brew some fresh tea, pour it in the glasses and enjoy it… like I learned from them: in totally peace and gratefulness.
That’s the lesson I learned from Turkish tea: being in the moment, grateful, in peace and creating an unique moment.
Ok, coffee lovers, haven’t forgot about you, I got your back also.
I enjoy coffee, in all forms, and to be honest espresso in Italy is my favorite coffee strength, creaminess and quality wise.
Turkish coffee: that’s not just a different story, but this tiny cup is a story by itself.
From the tiny cups in which it is served, to the pinch of cardamom that spices it up, to the sand where it’s traditionally prepared in.
You can enjoy it along a nargila (hookah) or just plain, in small sips, but only after a couple of minutes after they brought it to you.
This is a great tip, trust me (just after it being poured in the cup, coffee grains float around, and they need some minutes to.. relax on the bottom of the glass).
Please for your comfort, don’t skip this step. Otherwise you will get annoyed (perhaps), and start the experience from an unfair position.
You enjoyed your coffee and to complete it, fresh water is always a perfect end to it.
I imagined that in this point it doesn’t surprise you that even the glasses for water are so “not ordinary”.
Why everything so tiny, little, minuscule? Well I asked myself this question over and over again.
And this is what I learned from this: we cherish more all that is amazing and that comes in the smallest quantities.
Now that you know, I am so curious what would you try first when visiting Istanbul.
It’s it coffee or tea?
Andreea Radu 