Twenty-first Century West African Tea-tasting Experience of North West England

“My dear sister daughter, make me a cup of tea”. 

Maz’s mum was a nurse, from a long line of female traditional healers of natural medicine. Her simple request to Maz would mark the transition from a hard day’s work in the NHS to caring for her four children.

Present day and I am about to attend Maz’s inaugural tea-tasting experience, inspired by her mum, Rosa. 

We arrive at the cosy venue, transported to a cultural fusion of Africa, the Caribbean, Britain and beyond. The local café has become a tea library, an art gallery, a ‘pharmacy’, and a relaxed bohemian setting with books about tea, beautiful artwork from Sierra Leone, soft African rhythms and tea to aid every condition under the sun. 

The seminar begins – its theme? Tea, and mental wellbeing. 

Tea culture is a powerful social conduit on the African continent. Although Japan is famous for its tea ceremonies, which tend towards mindfulness, in contrast African gatherings are lively, full of conversation and sharing of information in a rich oral culture.

For example, the ancestral West African Attaya ceremony is a chance for workers to take a break and enjoy three glasses of tea together representing three stages of life.

·      The first pouring bitter and strong, symbolic of birth.

·      The second pouring sweet with added sugar or honey - the middle stage of life.

·      The third pouring weak yet very sweet – ageing and maturity.

Maz drinks tea to ‘inspire the poetic spirit in her’.  She has a beautiful voice, and when she sings and reads tea poetry the full richness of her message is shared, strong, welcoming, inclusive and peaceful.

The seminar closes and we gather for a personalised and prescribed cuppa and chat.

The invitation is simply to take time out to share in the tea.

You might also enjoy this West African experience as:

·      A cultural adventure in tea

·      A feast for the senses

·      An opportunity to enjoy beautiful singing and poetry renditions

·      An education in tea history

·      A way to explore tea recommendations in good company

…Or might the poetic spirit ignite within you too?

That is, indeed, a powerful brew.

 Contact:

Maz Vandy, Rosa's Tea Garden

Email: mazzaveerosasgarden@gmail.com

Phone: 07397288223