Friday, November 05, 2004
The coolness of winter is nipping at my cheeks. Though this winter is not a Manitoba one (cheers to me), it is a winter nonetheless. I haven't been entrenched in a complete winter cycle for two years now. India was a fabulous distraction from the darkness of winter nights, the rain that soaks up into my bell-bottoms, the crisp breath in my lungs during a run, and the undesire to get up, out of bed.
I've noticed a sharp increase in my desire to drink coffee. Unfortunately, this winter is without free 'partner' beverages. For the first time in a long time, I got the desire to set up my home espresso machine for vanilla latte season. I wonder if my coffee palate can be built up again to take some straight-up espresso. It's frightening to consider that I used to be completely fueled by espresso. Some days, up to 8 doppios were injected into my brain, nerves, and eyeballs (sorry - to all of you who witnessed it). That's not including my regular coffee of 2 - 3 cups a day, regardless of my days off. I think this winter should mark my beginning of increased tea intake.
When in Darjeeling, we found a glorious peace in the tranquility of the Himalayan mountains, in a small cafe', in the cup of hot, Darjeeling tea. We brought back a good brick of the tea, which can only defined as Darjeeling tea (at least that's what the locals told us - it's not black, green, herbal, or oolong; it's Darjeeling). The taste and fragrance of it is distinct. There are definitely going to be a few days this winter where I will be longing for a Darjeeling moment - so the tea will have to suffice.
If you can't tell by now, I'm missing India, namely the feelings of impending travel. It has been reinfused by the departure of our friends, Trev and Candy, on a 6 month trip throughout Southeast Asia. They are going to be in India within three weeks. I'm so thrilled for them - and so, so jealous. It's not an envious jealous, it's more like a protective girlfriend jealous - knowing the goods, the chaos, the beauty, the horror, and the loveliness. In addition to Trev and Candy's excursion, a couple we recently met are going to India for three weeks. They have really stepped up to the India plate, leaving their child with family and friends for three weeks. to properly explore the diversity of this crazy-wonderful country. So much wonder and diversity ahead for these four people.
So, a real winter lies ahead for me. I guess it's about time. More coffee, tea, and rediscovery of my fall/winter wardrobe. "What's this? Oooohhh, a sweater that I haven't been enfolded in for some time." I'm home.
I've noticed a sharp increase in my desire to drink coffee. Unfortunately, this winter is without free 'partner' beverages. For the first time in a long time, I got the desire to set up my home espresso machine for vanilla latte season. I wonder if my coffee palate can be built up again to take some straight-up espresso. It's frightening to consider that I used to be completely fueled by espresso. Some days, up to 8 doppios were injected into my brain, nerves, and eyeballs (sorry - to all of you who witnessed it). That's not including my regular coffee of 2 - 3 cups a day, regardless of my days off. I think this winter should mark my beginning of increased tea intake.
When in Darjeeling, we found a glorious peace in the tranquility of the Himalayan mountains, in a small cafe', in the cup of hot, Darjeeling tea. We brought back a good brick of the tea, which can only defined as Darjeeling tea (at least that's what the locals told us - it's not black, green, herbal, or oolong; it's Darjeeling). The taste and fragrance of it is distinct. There are definitely going to be a few days this winter where I will be longing for a Darjeeling moment - so the tea will have to suffice.
If you can't tell by now, I'm missing India, namely the feelings of impending travel. It has been reinfused by the departure of our friends, Trev and Candy, on a 6 month trip throughout Southeast Asia. They are going to be in India within three weeks. I'm so thrilled for them - and so, so jealous. It's not an envious jealous, it's more like a protective girlfriend jealous - knowing the goods, the chaos, the beauty, the horror, and the loveliness. In addition to Trev and Candy's excursion, a couple we recently met are going to India for three weeks. They have really stepped up to the India plate, leaving their child with family and friends for three weeks. to properly explore the diversity of this crazy-wonderful country. So much wonder and diversity ahead for these four people.
So, a real winter lies ahead for me. I guess it's about time. More coffee, tea, and rediscovery of my fall/winter wardrobe. "What's this? Oooohhh, a sweater that I haven't been enfolded in for some time." I'm home.
