When I was on a (group) tour of Europe in 1974, I was feeling
punk one day so I stayed behind in my room while the rest
went sight-seeing.
We stayed at Cambridge University but I was feeling a little
better so I decided to explore the town. There were wee shops
everywhere and I went in them all.
I saw a beautiful pottery piece in a dusty old shop and had
to push on the door which rang the bell, though it seemed to be
empty but for me. I wandered about, ooing and aaing until I
found what I wanted.
Just then, out from behind a very small door, came this tiny
elderly woman and she was bearing a tea tray with all the fixings.
Raised LDS I had never had tea so I was most agreeable when she
pointed to a small table and 2 smaller chairs. The chat began.
The tea had cream and sugars and lemon and tiny scones..I was
totally enthralled..the time passed, no one else entered the shop.
It started to get dark so I said I wanted to buy the piece I found..
she said, 'Oh no, I can't sell that..'.
So I pointed out my 2nd choice, and once again she said she could
not sell that piece either, sentimental reasons she said. I was not
overly concerned as we had that wonderful tea and I was feeling great.
I thought, I will return tomorrow and see how persuasive I could be.
Which I did, the shop was still empty but the bell rang and out she
came, tea tray at hand. She told me everything about her life, she
was a widow and her children had talked her into the shop to try and
empty all their storage units.
The problem, of course, was that she could not bear to part with
anything..I just laughed and laughed the more she told me. It was
the very best part of the tour for me and I remember her so well.
That tea habit the Brits have, I just LUV it ;-)
Soufie! I was raised LDS, too! I have not been active in many years, but I understand where you're coming from, not having had tea growing up.
And I'm with you. I love the tradition of afternoon tea.
I love all the pretty dishes and accoutrements, as well as scones and finger foods!