Some people I know do seem to think it's eccentric, but I don't think that's
the tea itself they're reacting to. What they seem to find eccentric is the
attention to detail when brewing, the desire to learn more about tea, and
the care I take in tasting and enjoying it. Our culture tends to devalue
anything that isn't hurried, anything that smacks of patience and devotion,
so I suspect that's why some folks just don't get why we are interested in
tea.

My friend introduced me to green tea in a bag about this time last year. I
was interested in the stuff, so I pulled out a book from the library. When
I read about whole leaf teas and their astonishing variety, I set out to
learn more. Fortunately there are dozens of vendors online (I too live in
an area where no local retailers sell decent teas in any variety) who are
always willing to help me learn a little more, for the right price.

Jennifer

"Rufus T. Firefly" > wrote in message
m...
> How did everyone get interested in tea? Many of you have lived in
> Asia, but are not from Asia. Did your interest develop after you went
> to Asia? Why tea when the world is interested in coffee? (I,
> personally, have never liked coffee, but I envy those who do.) How do
> those around you view your fascination with tea (for those fascinated
> with tea)? Do they see it as eccentric? It is obviously not very
> eccentric when you're caught up in it, but I fear most people cannot
> understand this interest, regardless of where in the world one might
> be.
>
> Excitedly awaiting your stories,
>
> Rufus T. Firefly
> Tokyo