On our trip to France, Robin and I visited the beautiful City of Strassbourg. Strassbourg is located in the Alsace region, the Eastern part of France - just across  the German city Kehl. In fact, Strssbourg has a tumultuous history, being conquered by the Germans, then the French, then the Germans and after Word War II finally became part of France. It is due to this back and forth that the two cultures are blended in language as well as cuisine. Today, Strassbourg is the seat of the European Parliament and is one of the finest capitals in Europe, while at the same time still preserving its medieaval charm.

Part of this charm are the many tea houses that are called in France “Salon de The” (pronounced ”tay“). Originally a salon was an exhibit of contemporary artists, but today, they are meeting points for young and old who converse and enjoy a fresh croissant or pain au chocolat over a cup of good tea. The atmosphere is cozy and offers a respite from the business of the day.

We found many different salons, from traditional to modern and enjoyed the tea and wonderful pastries as well as the French hospitality!

Salut!

Tea is probably the second most popular drink here in Germany next to “beer”….and maybe coffee.  Whether it is tea bags or loose tea, you don’t have to seek out a specialty store to buy tea. You can find it in supermarkets, bakeries, department stores, and even in toy stores, where I came across this creatively packaged tea assortment of  herbal teas. “Mary’s little lamb” seems to have a love for tea and is enthusiastically promoting

- “I miss you tea” – appropriately packed in “blue”. ( even though I have no idea which herb could possibly take care of those feelings…..)

- “Get well real soon” fruit blend with  extra power – antioxidant power that is!

-  “Love Magic” – a blend for heavenly moments. I’d call that “Love Potion No. 9″!

-  “Feel good wellness tea” to relax body and mind……so you don’t have to count sheep at night!

What a great tea gift for every occasion!

During my exploratory trip through Frankfurt, I came across a “Tee Geschwendner” tea store. This chain of teas stores has been around in Germany for a long time and has a couple of stores in New York as well.  A few years ago, they tried their luck in Scottsdale, but without success.

Since I am always interested what new and innovative teas and tea products European tea stores have to offer, I stopped in and chatted with the very helpful store manager. Aside from a huge selection of teas and herbals blends,  I also found a shelf with “tea liqueur”.

I knew that Germans often add a little brandy to their tea during the cold winter months, but had not heard of or seen tea made into an alcoholic product – what a nifty idea!

Just leave it  to the Germans to impart a little more ”spirit” to an already spirited beverage……

We are spending some well deserved down time in Germany….where  a long time ago the seeds for Souvia were planted im my mother’s kitchen.

During our time here we plan on exploring the tea-drinking habits of Germans. (bet you thought they only drink beer!). There are some interesting tea stores here, each with a unique character and product mix. From what I have seen so far, herbal teas are most popular.

While tea was something only consumed hot, the trend has shifted and iced teas can also be found on many restaurant menus. I must say, I was a little amused, when I saw the sign above! Here we had traveled 6000 miles to experience a different culture, only to find that globalization is alive and well…….