It was long time
ago. A summer when we decided to do the thing most Finns commonly do.
What is that? Well, of course a cruise to Stockholm. I was excited to
do it, I mean to spend a day in Stockholm. I really like this place:
classic, chic, cool... I also thought that cruising part would be fun
too. You know, spending time just reading great books in our cabin
and properly catch up on things. Well... I know that I haven't done a
cruises many times. I noticed quite rapidly that most people don’t
have the same idea of activities on the ship as I did. By the way,
why is it so hard to find a proper cup of tea in there?
Aija-Riikka
Rannanmäki and I go back many years. We were studying at the same
university of arts. She is a pianist and currently finishing her
studies and teaching piano in the East
Helsinki Music Institute. She is also
studying comparative literature so she is a very active girl in deed!
Stockholm was as
radiant as I had thought. We had a marvelous day wandering around the
city, chatting and shopping. And of course we needed to have a nice
cup of tea. I had received recommendations of Tea House Chaikhana in
the Old Town (Gamla Stan) just opposite the fascinating German Church
(Tyska Kyrkan). The tea house was a refreshingly cool and quiet place
where one can easily escape the buzzing streets to enjoy quality tea.
I ordered a Chinese rose flavored white tea called 'Mei Gui Da Bai'.
According to the tea menu of Chaikhana it is: ”White rose tea, or
even known as 'rose mist', is among one of the rarest of the
flavoured white teas. Produced in limited quantities during a short
period in the late spring in Fujian, this silver needle tea
distinguishes itself by its smooth sweet taste and sensual hint of
high mountain rose that lingers on the palate.” As it was a lunch
time we both ordered a petite afternoon tea to enjoy. Aija-Riikka had
an English afternoon tea and I had a French one (which was a new
acquaintance to me).
Aija-Riikka's home
has a tradition of enjoying tea every evening. She remembers her
grandmother having it and her parents and little sister have
maintained the tradition. Since moving on her own she has done so
too. How sweet is that! She prefers black tea but also likes green
tea. Usually at home she enjoys organic Assam. In the mornings she
likes to have a cup of coffee. She is very fond of her evening tea
moment. Like she said: 'It is not just the tea but it is the moment
with tea!'
