IMBIBERS CELEBRATE TEA DAY
Tea Connoisseurs the world over, will attest to the fact that there is something beautiful about the art of drinking tea. Cutlery, accessories, and the accompanying nibbles, both sweet and savoury, there is so much to drinking this second most consumed beverage.
This past Friday, Marriot Masa Square, in partnership with Fives Roses and Oratile Kefitlhile, hosted an intimate tea party. Other sponsors and partners included White Label Fragrances, Nako Time Pieces and Phollala Events. Five Roses showcased over fourteen varieties of tea in exotic flavours such as Puree Peppermint, Mixed Berries, Pure Chamomile, Passion Fruit and Ruby Orange tea that revitalized guest’s senses from the moment the silken tea- bags were immersed in hot water.
This tea party was not just any other tea party. It came at a time when many are yearning for events or any outing. And the Friday event fit in perfectly with the new normal of small and intimate events. The United Nations has declared May 21st, the International Tea Day.
Turning tea- drinking into a coveted experience, the celebration was aimed at paying homage to the long history and deep cultural and economic significance of tea around the world. Good conversation, laughter and a jovial mood were some of the highlights of the day. On offer, guests were welcomed with a fresh pot of gourmet ice tea, freshly made scones, and a themed dessert platter. The nibbles went down well with a freshly brewed pot of Five Roses. The Day promotes and fosters collective actions to implement activities in favour of the sustainable production and consumption of tea and raises awareness of its importance in fighting hunger and poverty. It was first celebrated on December 15th in 2005 but has since been moved to May 21st. One of the highlights of the day was getting a new perspective on the art of drinking tea from connoisseur, Tsompie Mokaila of Tsompie’s Tea Garden. Like many of us, Mokaila was introduced to tea by her mother. And just like most of us, tea became a labour- intensive task as adults would want a freshly brewed pot at every corner. She shares that her mother was very particular about how she wanted her tea. She wanted it served with clean cutlery, and that everything had to be on point. Her story echoes many stories of Batswana, where most of us often found ourselves making tea and in most instances, having to forgo playtime with friends until the last drop was served.
“It was a tedious exercise to make tea as a child. You could never negotiate, and you always had to make tea regardless of how many pots of tea you have made on the day,” she recalls.
She further said that her mother also happened to love baking. So, tea would be served with baked goodies. It is this tradition that she has carried to her own home and opened her very own Tea Corner. She further says that she has inherited those high standards of serving tea from her mother, Daisy Matenge. One of these standards was that cups and tea pots have to be pre- heated before tea was served. A dash of mint was also added to add flavour.
One of the greatest offences that anyone can ever commit when it comes to drinking tea is using a coffee mug to drink tea, and leaving a teaspoon in a tea cup. Speaking on the significance of the day, Five Roses Sales Operations Manager, Andre Van Wyk said, “Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. While May 21st may seem like an arbitrary date chosen by United Nations, the significance of celebrating in May is that tea productions begin in May in most tea producing countries. The day is aimed at raising awareness on the importance of tea in fighting poverty and hunger. Tea is known for its relaxing and therapeutic benefits and as the month of May also signifies Mental Health Awareness, what better way to de- stress than with this century old delicacy.” Protea Hotel by Marriot Masa Square, General Manager, Hayden C. Bowl said, “We are thrilled to have been part of the first International Tea Day celebrated in Botswana, and to host some of our esteemed guests and friends to a morning of delicious tea and great conversation. The previous year was challenging for us all and not many can say it was their cup of tea but as Protea Hotel we are taking the first steps towards creating new positive memories.”