Tea Tales

The Kettle That Traveled

My grandmother's kettle crossed three continents before finding its place on my stovetop. Every morning when the water sings, I hear echoes of kitchens I've never visited. She used to say that tea made in a loved kettle tastes different—and I believe her now. The handle is worn s...

Learning to Wait

I used to drink my tea too hot, impatient to start the day. Then I met a woman at a tea shop in Kyoto who watched me burn my tongue and laughed gently. 'Tea teaches patience,' she said. 'The best cup is the one you waited for.' I've been learning to wait ever since. Some mornings...

There's a particular quality of light in my kitchen at 6:47 AM that I've only noticed because of tea. Before I started this morning ritual, I was never awake to see it. Now I arrange my day around it—that golden slice of sun that hits the counter for exactly twelve minutes, warmi...