10 Tea Destinations You Should Visit Once In Your Life

Posted on October 16, 2014 by Frostie

Image credit: Turkish tea by Sztanco Demeter

It warms us up when we are cool and it will cool us if we are too heated. Tea is the second most consumed drink in the world after water and this is probably the reason why it has become a worldwide little treasure- From the time of the ancient Chinese Dynasty to our present, tea has taught us there is nothing better than its flavour when it comes to relaxing or catching up with friends and family. Welcome to the worldwide art of drinking tea!

Argentine: The land of mate

People say that in order to know beautiful Argentine, you need to try its meat and of course, its mate. Did you know there is an entire museum dedicated to mate? This herb is without any doubt the national drink in the country and it is said that the more you drink it, the strongest the after-taste. If you fancy some more information about this caffeine-rich infused drink, don´t hesitate to visit Museo del Mate (289, Lavalle, 1648 Tigre, Buenos Aires). Image credit: Mate by Marta López

Morocco: Experience the mint tea!

You can’t really say you know the mint tea flavour unless you have been to Morocco. Touareg tea, how Moroccon mint tea is named here, is the real heart of this culture and it is strongly linked to the act of hospitality. In this sense, tea is served to guesses three times-Of course the guess will always have to drink the glass!

China: The art of making tea

Image: All the tea in China by Adam Cohn via Flickr

China is the birthplace for tea; here people have been producing tea over the years, something they call “Chao dao”, which was also exported to Japan. This country is a perfect destination for tea lovers that will be able to visit the only National Tea Museum in the country (opened in 1991 and based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang), where you can find out more about the strong tea culture in this place.

India: The world of Chai

India consumes more tea than any other country in the world. Whoever visits this destination will find out that this drink is literally served on every corner, especially in crowded train stations where you will see people selling this drink from early hours in the morning until night. To find out more about the tea culture in the country, pop in at Kanan Devan Hills Tea Museum (Munnar, India).

Japan: The matcha ceremony

Image credit: Matcha tradition in Japan by Flickr

Tea is in this country a huge part of the food culture. Even though the diversity of teas here is endless, whenever someone mentions this drink is known it’s referred to green tea. The tea ceremony is called here matcha and is seen as a ritual that generations have been using for ages and which consists of serving green tea to a small group in one of those popular old teahouses.

New Zealand: The tea explosion

Like in America, people from New Zealand get interested in this drink because of its healthy reputation. According to historians, New Zealand imported considerable amounts of tea in the nineteenth-century, with the arrival of the British missionaries. A fun fact about the tea culture in this country is that its only commercial tea plantation is called Zealong, which launched its first list of products in 2009.

Russia: Drink tea as a guest

Russians drink tea at different times of the day. Originally introduced by the Mongolians, it has turned into an important part of the Russian culture and today we could say that there is no Russia without this drink. Follow the local style and try a cup of Zavarka, a very strong tea prepared in a separate pot that allows guests to have several tea rounds.

Britain: Enjoy an afternoon tea

Image credit: The Goring by Expedia

There is nothing more British than having a proper afternoon tea, which owes its origins to Anna, the 7^th Duchess of Bedford. Today this ritual attracts hundreds of travellers, especially in London, a city that hosts a wide chic selection of hotels and cafés offering this service. Top tip: Although most hotels in London offer the best afternoon tea in the country, as blogger Antonia Windsor details in this article on the Expedia blog, it’s important to remember that British people, especially Londoners, tend to save these posh sessions for a special occasion. If you ever visit the British capital and you fancy a real afternoon tea, book a table at Claridge´s Hotel (Brook St, Mayfair, London) Cost: £50.

Thailand: A popular tea around the world

Thai tea is one of the most popular teas in the world and it has been attracting consumers over the years across different continents. It is made from strongly-brewed red tea that usually contains anise, red and yellow food colouring and sometimes other spices too. Visit The Museum Coffee & Tea Corner (1, Damnernkasem Road, Hua Hin) and enjoy amazing garden views whilst enjoying classical music.

USA: The tea explosion

Tea is in the States one of the most popular non-alcoholic drinks in 2014. It doesn’t matter if you fancy green, red or even oolong tea, as they are all included in North American people’s healthy diet so you won’ t have issues when it comes to finding them on the menu. Top tip: Remember that American coffee is still preferred for the morning ritual!

Image credit: Starbucks tea by Vivian Farinazzo via Flickr

Author Bio

Marta López is a travel writer based in London. She loves travelling and discovering new cultures. When she isn’t writing on her laptop she can be found around the city looking for the latest tea shops.

Top Picks From Dream Magazine | What To Read

Posted on October 15, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

I couldn’t be a writer if I wasn’t a reader. I am a complete magazine junkie. Online, print, iPad: it doesn’t matter. All that does matter is good content. But there are a million blogs, sites and magazines out there. It can be hard to find something good, to know what to read. My latest favourite is Dream Magazine. It ‘explores the stories of the people, places and races that bring life to Honda’s world-leading innovation and engineering’ so it has lots of great stuff on cars and transport, something that can be sorely lacking in general women’s magazines. We like cars and adventure too.

On my bucket list is an LA road trip so I loved this piece about the Gold Wing’s LA adventure. They also had another great piece on Los Angeles being the city of the car, which just fuels my obsession. They have this great picture of LA’s Petersen Automotive Museum.

I love reading about innovation so this piece was great. Their back catalogue is also full of awesome stuff and you can subscribe to Dream Magazine.

Separated into sections of Innovation, Adventure, Life, Adrenaline, Videos and Offers, it is hours of fun and interesting reading for anyone who loves life, traveling, cars, motorbikes and a sense of adventure. The only bad point is how envious I get of all of the amazing trips I see people going on. I just add them to my bucket list. Well, the ones I am brave enough for anyway. Mission extraordinary: motorcycling across Afghanistan sees former Royal Marine, Chris Short, talk to Dream about his epic motorcycle journey from Afghanistan to Goodwood. I would love to do this but I reckon I am too much of a wimp. Maybe one day….

Sponsored Post

Shaped in Mexico

Posted on October 15, 2014 by Sarah Bacchus

Shaped In Mexico was a Pop Up Art Show that ran for 5 days over last weekend in London and we are hoping they are going to be bringing it back on a regular basis as it was one of the best events we have attended. The talented and Award winning artists, designers and musicians that are either from Mexico or have been inspired by the country all created a plethora of tantalising, exquisite and delightful art. With the origins of Mexican life intertwined within every artistic piece. Fashion is deep rooted in my background being a Fashion design student and personal stylist its easy to see the influences that had filtered through.

Maria Vogel an amazing designer on Mexico’s fashion scene. Her work and amazing attention to detail has won her huge acclaim. Not only are her designs truly incredible but they are also exceptionally well cut. The choice of fabrics really depict the Mexican heritage and style women desire.

She has featured in ELLE MEXICO, VOGUE, GLAMOUR, HARPER’S BAZAAR, and NYLON, among others. She has also been part of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Mexico many times.

The artists themselves where all either from the stunning country or where inspired by its beauty.

The Pop Up display combined visual arts, music, design, stunning fashion and delicious liquor. Its aim was to bring to like the real Mexico! We think it was a tremendous hit all round.

Then it was time to eat, drink and sample the Mexican night life! A truly amazing evening and we really hope this becomes a regular thing. Even if its just a few times a year we will be putting this in the diary and attending each and every one of them as it was spectacular.

Nip over to the Shaped in Mexico website to see more and read all about the concept and the artists.

Follow them on Twitter @shapedinmexico

Boy + Kite Are Back With Blueprint | Music News

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Frostie

Boy + Kite has opened up for acts such as Ume, An Horse, Quiet Company and The Toadies, as well as played at SXSW 2012 and the Center of the Universe Festival in Toronto, CA while hitting the Top 10 Charts on KUT 90.5 in Austin, TX. 2013’s We Can Go Anywhere I Want EP, which was recorded by Nada Surf’s Louie Lino at Resonate Studios, expanded on the bands knack for lo-fi ghost-pop. Their sound also landed them kudos from My Old Kentucky Blog, furthering their momentum as an emerging band…

Then, in December 2013, Darvin Jones suffered a traumatic head injury and spent a considerable amount of time hospitalized in critical condition with his synapsis in both ears broke and the left and right hemispheres of his brain severed as well as a fractured skull. Jones wasn’t sure he would ever play music again and the adversity only made Jones’ desire to play music stronger.

After a miraculous recovery, Boy + Kite was ready to fly again.

The newest three singles, collectively referred to as Blueprint, were a brutal and euphoric release for Jones and company, now consisting of Jones, Puorro, Giuseppe Ponti and Marc Henry. The songs were crafted in their practice space, which sits inside a massive film equipment warehouse, and were then taken to Public Hi-fi Studios in Austin (owned and operated by Jim Eno from Spoon) where tracking commenced. The resulting singles, “Either Way”, “Turned Sideways” and “Touching the Sun” showcase the most balanced work of Boy + Kites career.

The Art of Amputation: Distorted Pop Song | Music News

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Frostie

Ruby Music
17 November 2014
The Art of Amputation are an alternative five-piece from London who combine soaring melodies with experimental sounds and big fuzzy guitars to create soundscapes they claim will “hold your hand in dark times.”

The band consists of Freddy de Lord (Keyboards, Vocals and Saxophone), Hugh Fox (Drums, Drum-Loops/Programming and Percussion), Allan Harrod (Vocals, Guitar and Keyboards), Mark Hyden (Guitars and Vocals) and newly added member Tim Harrod (Vocals and Percussion).

The Art of Amputation began when Hugh and Allan got together as a duo after the break up of a previous band. The pair started writing and rehearsing together as a simple keys/guitar and a drummer outfit. Together they wrote and recorded most of their first EP, though it soon became clear that they needed to find an additional guitarist to attain the sound they wanted. Mark was recruited and the trio began rehearsing and writing based on a shared appreciation of an eclectic range of artists like Weezer, Pixies, The Beatles and Bowie. Time in the studio triggered an influx of ideas and the band needed another member in order to realise them. Freddy joined in a formative period for The Art of Amputation. Each member’s individual styles began to compliment the others and the result was the creation of some impressive and polished tracks.

Allan’s keen ear for melody has been the main catalyst for the creation of each of the band’ compositions with other members working together until the song as a whole falls into place. The bands last writing tool is always the studio. They have big ideas and working with producer Steve Honest in Hackney Road Studios has ensured the creative process progresses seamlessly. Allan’s brother Tim recently completed the band’s line up, joining The Art of Amputation on vocals and percussion for their live shows.

Their new single ‘Distorted Pop Song’ is a stunning and intricately layered composition that channels the influences of The Flaming Lips and The Big Pink with its infectious, uplifting melody climaxing in a Spector-esque Wall of Sound.

Gigs:
17th October – Headline show at Camden Barfly

Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red by Margaret Graham

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Margaret Graham

Yesterday, on a brilliant clear October morning two of the granny administrators of Words for the Wounded, Jan Speedie and Margaret Graham, arrived at the Tower of London to view the art installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red.

The art installation commemorates Britain’s involvement in the First World War, a war to which so many marched in the early days, certain that it would ‘be over by Christmas’. It was not to be, of course. The war ended four years later at 11.00 am on the 11 day of the 11 month of 1918.

One of those who went early to war, was a Derbyshire man who died in Flanders. He wrote in his will, knowing that everyone was dead and he was surrounded by blood, The Blood Swept lands and seas of red, where angels fear to tread. It is these words that inspired ceramic artist Paul Cummins’s design.

In those trenches, classes mixed for the first time, barriers were broken, lives were destroyed. ((888,246 British and Colonial dead) many many others were injured, mentally and physically . It was a defining moment in our history, if you could call such relentless effort and sacrifice a moment.

The setting was designed by stage designer Tom Piper. In total, 888,246 ceramic poppies will progressively fill the iconic Tower’s moat over the summer. One for every single man who was lost. Volunteers fix the stems and plant out the poppies, for sale for £25. In due course, the poppies will be packaged and posted to the purchasers, again by the volunteers. Bravo the volunteers.

By yesterday the tide of poppies had extended in some areas to the edge of the moat, and in others, were lapping towards the walls, but there is room and time for more, just as there was, sadly, time for more in that First World War.

It is a heart stopping vision, one that promotes a moment of deep reflection, of commemoration, and for the grannies a determination to continue with our voluntary work – raising funds for the recovery of injured troops, so on with the mail shots for our fundraising writing competitions opening on 11^th November.

I believe the last poppy will be planted on the cusp of 11 November.

The Tower of London website says ‘We are hoping to sell all of the poppies that make up the installation and, in doing so, raise millions of pounds which will be shared equally amongst six service charities.’

I would love to know exactly how much is distributed as our servicemen, and ex-servicemen are still sorely in need.

Pictures courtesy of Susan Atkins and Margaret Graham

www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk

Influencers Attend The Leading Culture Destination Awards

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Frostie

On Friday 10th October, Museum Directors, Artists, Art Patrons and Creative Industry Leaders graced the red carpet at the luxurious Jumeirah Carlton Tower to celebrate the World’s Best Visual Art Institutions. The Leading Culture Destinations Awards is the first and only international awards to celebrate the best non-for-profit visual arts institutions around the world.

The eclectic guest list included Radio & TV presenter George Lamb, Countess Nathalie v Bismarck, Suede band member and Arts Editor Mat Osman, make-up artist Daniel Sandler, model Oooota Adepo, artist Antony Micallef, actor Neil Stuke and fashion designer twins Felder Felder. Cultural institutions in cities as far and wide as Paris, New York, Miami, Shanghai, Oslo and Berlin, were among those competing to win awards at the event with London scooping the prize for “Best Culture Destination.”

Is Generation Z The Most Ambitious Generation Ever?

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Frostie

New youth report reveals today’s 16-25 year-olds as aspirational creators

Three in five young people want to run their own business

‘Freedom to achieve my goals’ valued more highly than money

Two in five place ‘failure’ as their biggest fear

An in-depth report commissioned by Lucozade Energy has uncovered the UK’s youth to be a pioneering generation of self-driven entrepreneurs, despite the uphill struggle they face with securing a job after education.

The report, commissioned by the brand amongst 16-25 year olds, reveals that over half (62%) are interested in working for themselves or creating their own brand. The aptly named Gen-erators Z are a group of young people who have grown up in a world where technology exploded, making it more possible than ever for them to do what they want to; from publishing their own book, to being able to sell their products direct to consumers, they are now able to realise their dreams more than ever.

Hamish Stephenson, an 18 year-old filmmaker who chose to ‘invent’ his own career by making money from his passions, comments: “I have the attitude that I can do it, and nothing will stop me. Why not just do what you want to do, and what you are passionate about, instead of being stressed that you might not have enough money in the future, or you might not have a job.”

This emerging tribe of self-starters has clearly not developed without a catalyst; growing up in austerity Britain could be attributed to this rise in entrepreneurial spirit. Nearly three quarters (71%) admit to feeling under pressure because it is harder than ever to get a job and more than three in five (69%) feel they are under more pressure than their parents were at their age.

This sense of pressure can also be seen when considering young people’s biggest fears; almost two in five (38%) admit that failure is their biggest fear and 17% state that not having the energy or time to follow their passions and dreams would be the worst thing that could happen to them. It is clear that they are putting themselves under immense pressure to succeed on their own terms and they really want to make the most of every moment.

Despite this, today’s youth believe that society has a negative perception of them – considering them to be more interested in taking selfies than being a self-starter. 91% of 16-25-year-olds think other people, and society generally, has a bad opinion of young people today, with 36% of respondents thinking that people wrongly believe young adults are afraid of hard work. One in ten (10%) admits to spending nearly all of their spare time trying to further their career and more than a third of 16-25 year-olds questioned (36%) would say that their work/life split is around 75% work and 25% life.

Bejay Mulenga, a 20 year-old entrepreneur from London says, “My main goal is to keep on striving forward and to keep on being as efficient as I am now…anything I put my mind to, I just go out and get it. You don’t always get what you want, but if you put the work in, you kind of get it.”

This desire for career freedom amongst 16-25 year-olds could be seen as a rebellion against the restricting ‘job for life’ concept prevalent in their parents’ era. When given a list of 20 choices of life dreams, including making my parents proud (17%), owning my own home (22%) or earning good money (21%), the most popular aspiration was ‘to be able to live the life I want and have the money and freedom to achieve goals’ (29%). This ranked much higher than living debt-free (11%), which was significantly lower.

Dr Rupa Huq, Sociologist at Kingston University, comments: “The young people of today feel a need for the world to be a better place but also, one to have fun, and for that reason they are not that materialistic but seek a sense of satisfaction in what they do.”

Ed Hardy, 17 year-old founder of telecoms start-up Edge Mobile, believes it is all about prioritising happiness over boosting your bank balance: “Often people assume that if you’re a young entrepreneur you’re out for money. I think, actually, there is a change and money is no longer so important. Actually, happiness and doing a career that you enjoy (is) really fulfilling for you personally; it’s just so much more important now.”

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