In my recent post on camellias, I buried a lead on India/tea drinking/Starbucks/Dubai/the global world we live in.  So, let me yank it out and put it here under its own heading.

  Howard Shultz

  Charlie Rose

I saw an episode of the Charlie Rose show recently in which Charlie was interviewing Howard Shultz.  It turns out that Starbucks is setting out to introduce the world to the product of tea, just as they have already done with coffee.  Keep in mind that before Starbucks, the Chinese, for example, did not drink coffee.  They do now!

And another piece of trivia is that India has not permitted Starbucks (or Apple) to open any stores.  When I was in India last February, I looked everywhere for a Starbucks.  I saw McDonald’s, which is kinda funny when you think about it–cattle being sacred in India and all (see here for fun http://www.indiamarks.com/what-you-can-and-cant-get-at-mcdonalds-india/).  When I flew into Dubai from Delhi, Starbucks was there: I almost fell on the ground in adoration!  Don’t get me wrong: I am not all about American commercialism spoiling all of the world.  It’s just that in India I needed some reminders of home.  I felt like I was on Mars.

Check it out: Starbucks at the Dubai airport.  Sign in English and Arabic.  What you don’t see in this picture are my tears of joy for seeing a company I recognized!  I am usually a strong, vital tourist.  India brought me to my knees and not in a good way!

India has excellent teas, of course!  I loved the chai that was prepared even at truckstops!  I’d love a cup right now. Nameste.

So, on the subject of tea in India, let’s have a look:

 

Yes, India is identified with tea. Look at this old postage stamp:

Here’s where tea is grown in India:

You can purchase tea in India for a lovely presentation.

Because, as the picture below says, masala chai is everywhere in India.  I love to drink this tea.

These Sikh men are preparing chai for their customers.

A pretty presentation.

The ubiquitous product.

A street stall vender of tea.

 

Here’s to your health.  Now drink your tea.

postscript:  here’s a link for a recipe for chai masala

http://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/masala-tea-powder-dry-masala-chai-powder/