The Republic of Tea
Two unacquainted men left a business conference early. They shared a taxi to the airport, where they discovered they were also about to share a plane ride. Seven hours later, it was semi-settled. They would start a tea business together.
I didn't know much about their story when I ordered The Republic of Tea from the library. It was on a list of 100 Best Business Books and sounded intriguing. I also didn't know I was about to suggest a year-long "tea pilgrimage" to my girls.
It is probably subversive to call a year of pursuing something ordinary a "pilgrimage." But I'd already forged the way with another journey. So here we are. On Tea Pilgrimage.
The Republic of Tea showed up right on time, and I'm reading and discussing it with my 13-year-old (who stole it away and is already two-thirds through). The book is a delightful chronicle of a business, born and forged. It feels right— this playful treatise on business philosophy, packaging, tea markets and "Tea Mind."
After all, we have purposed to put tea on our minds (and in our cups) until at least next July. Who knows. Maybe this will begin a longer journey, like the 18 years that is now behind two men who left a conference early... and who are still filling cups (and minds) with tea.
Labels: my writing story, tea pilgrimage, The Republic of Tea
posted by L.L. Barkat at 8:00 AM
12 Comments:
very intriguing story and i relish the way you "reveiwed " it. Such fun to share books with your kids too!
I may have to pick up this book. I'm a tea drinker. I'm mostly English, after all. When I was a child, my mom packed us up almost daily for tea time with my grandmother. Now, since my mom lives over 3 hours away, when we aren't together, we call each other almost daily for tea time.
Oh there are many wonderful teas to sample. And once you've had a cup of the finest -- and you'll know how good tea can be -- you will want none else.
Will you sample Thai, Chinese, Japanese, English, and Indian teas? Green, black, white, hybrid teas? Tea with scones and cream in the Highlands? Tea when you're "in the mood"? Draw a tea palace?
It will be fun to travel along virtually.
Sounds intriguing...
http://mairmusic.wordpress.com/
Sometimes we don't realize we've started on a pilgrimage. Like when we start a blog, or take a book with us for a hospital stay, or one day write a poem. And those little ripples move out into the world, touching others and coming back.
Woohoo!! I am a tea-oholic! :)
Sounds like a fun book to read... it's on my list already.. I had heard about it from another friend, but now, your post has really inspired me to get it and read it !!
Thanks for sharing this one...
And oh... Happy Tea Year!! :)
Oh my! Another great read I musn't miss!
And...
a possibly odyssey too!
I am a tea afficionado. Love my cuppa!
i don't drink coffee...perhaps i shall try tea...but that's besides the point...and speaking of pilgrimage, me thinks you should venture on an art journal pilgramage. *wink, wink!...i digress again...
so was this serendipity or God on the move? perhaps a little of both? awesome, inspiring story.
love the idea of reading with your girls...i might have to try that with mine soon....
Ooooooo now I have another book to put on the wish list!
Tea. Sigh. I do so love tea. Perhaps I've been on a pilgrimage all these years and never knew to label it as such?
For basic black tea, my friend next door loves Tetley's British blend. I'm partial to PG Tips.
For decaf, especially in winter, I love Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane.
And I just checked my cupboard--I have a Republic of Tea Vanilla Almond "Sweeten the Mind" tea. I served it to Charity one time when she visited, and she really liked it.
That's just a sampling. I could go on and on....
Interesting, I'm getting ready to go on vacation & didn't pick up this book -- but I'll keep in in the back of my mind. I have a few others to start first. Very excited to start God in the Yard this week. Can't wait to see what all the fuss is about!
Republic of Tea made a "Eat, Pray, Love" blend? Wish I could find it around here.
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