In 2021, when the COVID-19 epidemic broke out, instead of going to the office, I worked at home. That time was difficult but extremely valuable because I made friends with myself. And tea, especially Tan Cuong (Thai Nguyen) tea, also known as man tea, has accompanied me throughout the journey of understanding myself.
Looking back, I came to tea as a fate. The fate is that I knew how to drink tea from a young age but drank it with the mindset of an outsider. Because I have parents who love tea, every time I brew it, I try to taste it. It wasn't until later, when I drank tea for health and wanted to learn more about the art of Vietnamese tea, that I officially entered that world. And I don't even know when I fell in love with tea.
I like drinking tea because tea has so many things that people admire. When tea can appear in popular places or be seen in luxurious places. Not only that, tea can be drunk alone, alone or in a crowded space. Then going through each region, the tea will have its own distinct aftertaste thanks to its unique brewing method.
The author makes tea for you
I realized that no matter what space or state of mind you enjoy tea, tea is still tea, just as it is. For me, the most complete way to drink tea is when the person making it is calm and the person receiving it is warm.
The tea will change from a slightly acrid taste on the lips, then gradually sweeten the throat and seep into people's hearts. Therefore, you cannot drink tea in a hurry. If you are in a hurry, your mind will not be calm and you will not be able to fully appreciate the delicious taste of tea.
Think back, life is inherently predestined, some people come, some go and some stay. Like tea, we cannot find a second cup that tastes exactly the same as we have enjoyed it.
(Entries for the contest "Impressions of Vietnamese coffee - tea" under the program "Honoring Vietnamese coffee - tea" for the second time, 2 by Newspaper Workers organization).
Graphics: CHI PHAN
