When it’s this cold here in the Baltimore and DC area, it can be a challenge looking at the glass half full. It can be a time of hibernation, which is good or bad depending on how you look at things. I’m all for peace at any time of year. I’m all for a good cup of tea and some good conversation any time of year. I’m all for anything that’s genuine, any time, any place, and anywhere.
But sometimes you appreciate a little solitude and with our busy schedules it may be few and far between. However, with anything in life, if you want to make time for the ones you care about you will. And that includes the one you need to look out for the most, yourself. That’s not a selfish statement whatsoever. It’s one of where if you can take of yourself, then you take care of others and look out for the ones you care for the most. That’s anything but selfish. It’s the most selfless thing there is.
This is why, back in November, I took some time much needed and in the place I was in, some desperately needed time for myself. Exploring charming towns, seeing new sights, and appreciating the universe around you is what makes this life so glorious, even if it’s a short drive away.
Caffe Amouri of Vienna, VA fits the bill of something different and a place where it seems like community is a way of life. It’s in the historic part of town where upon inspection seems to be a lot smaller than it once was. I could be completely wrong but it’s an observation based on other small towns I’ve encountered in my journey, not just for my love of tea but for everything.
The decor with musicians past and present is a great touch.
Leave it to me to always want to drink tea in a coffee shop. A few close friends tease me for that, but all in good fun. I love a good coffee, but that story can be reserved for another time and maybe another blog. Maybe.
For all the vibe of the Northern Virginia and Washington, DC area being a bit stuffy, I didn’t get that here. It’s all our perception and how we tend to view things, but I saw something beautiful. And I can’t put my finger on it nor do I need to exactly. Maybe as I keep writing it’ll come, but it doesn’t have to.
If I remember correctly, I actually had my sights set on a cup of coffee, but when I saw their collection of tea, I had to go in that direction. How often am I here, and when would I actually be back? So it’s funny that the tea that caught my eye was the Bourbon Street Vanilla.
Where it came from I have no idea, but maybe this link or this one will help, if you would like to purchase some yourself.
You see, I went to New Orleans in the summer of 2015 and that vacation still has a profound effect on me to this day. It was life altering that I’m still trying to come to terms with. And by me writing this out, I still haven’t and maybe I’m not meant to, or maybe I’m afraid to. Nevertheless, it was amazing. But it’s not as if Bourbon Street itself was the highlight of the trip. It actually wasn’t even near the top. But when I find a tea that reminds me of something beautiful, because of the name or a picture, drawing, or something else symbolic, I have to try it for myself.
The tea itself is fantastic. I’ve said over the course of this blog that Rooibos teas have been such a joy to me, and if it wasn’t for these stories who knows if I would be such a fan. It’s the discoveries I’ve made and the new things I’m learning about myself and my surroundings that have helped me grow, even if it’s been a slow process.
The almond pieces and vanilla flavor really made this tea a pre holiday treat. And it’s perfect for these cold weather months and times ahead. So there’s the half full part. I was also in a place of peace and tranquility where I was able to relax, without a worry or care in the world. Now that last part is temporary. I do worry and I do care, maybe too much. But at least for these few minutes, I was in an unfamiliar place, yet it felt like home.
Home is wherever you want it to be. Now I have some things to thing about…
For more on Caffe Amouri, here is their selection of coffees and teas (including the aforementioned Bourbon Street Vanilla) to purchase online, and contact information.
Have a blessed one.
Ideen
Tea Is Fun 