When my co-workers take a break, some drink coffee, some drink tea. We all like to treat ourselves to scones and a slice of cake, or whatever is left over from lunch. Some of my acquaintances from Western cultures have called this Afternoon Tea. But is it, really? Tea can have different names: Afternoon Tea, High Tea, Dim Sum Tea, and All Day Tea.

In our family, my grandparents drank light tea in the early morning before working at their garden. They would pour the cool left over tea along with the tea leaves on the bed of flowers.

At lunch time they drank a medium tea based on the food we would be eating. After nap time, they had tea that my grandfather picked from the tea plant. It was fun to do that with Grandpa.

In the evening, Grandpa and his friends had a unique way to drink tea. They used a special tea pot set with very small tea cups. They made tea many times while they read their poems, or played music, or played chess, or painted their paintings.

What Afternoon Tea, High Tea, Dim Sum Tea, and All Day Tea means can vary from person to person. To me, Tea Time is the time for a break, for a retreat, for energizing, and a time to join with others. Hot tea and a snack rich in carbohydrates revives my spirit. Tea is also helping me get an intercultural experience. Hopefully, I will learn more in the future about how traditional High Tea is to be served.

Nhan is originally from Vietnam. She owns Pacific Cafe and Cooking School at 10874 97 Street.