Global Tea Time

Finland is described as one of the most northern and geographically remote countries in the world. It marks the border between northern Europe and Russia. It was part of Sweden for a long period of time, then belonged to Russia until 1917. The description of the country is an interesting dichotomy. On one hand they say that it is densely forested. On the other hand, they say about 1/3 of the country lies north of the Arctic Circle. From visiting Alaska, I know that there is a certain latitude above which trees don't grow any more, but looking back at my pictures, I didn't make it above the tree growing latitudes when I went to the Arctic Circle.  Most of what I found about Finland and tea, is that they like bagged tea with cute characters on it. I did eventually find an English language website for this brand, and apparently these characters show up on lots of things, like pillows, towels, duvet covers, and even toothbrushes. If you look far enough on the website, you will...

This weekend is "houby days" Czech village. You know how some cities have "China town", well, we have Czech Village. Houby means mushroom (specifically morel mushroom), so it is a street festival that celebrates the mushroom. I've seen a little bit of it over the years. My lace guild often has some people demonstrating bobbin lace somewhere in the festival. I've demonstrated there before. One of the big selling points to get volunteers is when we can find a place to demonstrate indoors. This weekend was a perfect example. The day starts off cold and rainy, then the clouds clear and it gets hot and humid, then thunder storms pop up in the afternoon/evening. I'll happily hide indoors on days like this. Thanks to the local Czech and Slovak museum and library (a Smithsonian affiliate per their website), I have seen examples traditional dress and culture. Unfortunately, a lot of the traditional outfits were destroyed by a massive flood 11 years ago. They di...

Like so much of Europe, there is a lot of information on Italy . 125 pages worth according to my link. I've never been there, but I remember flying over it. The Mediterranean sea is an amazing shade of blue, and Italy really does look like a boot. I got the impression of verdant mountains rising off the flat lands, but it's hard to tell from the cruising altitude of a flight from Amsterdam to Nairobi. According to the information I found, that impression does not seem to be too far off with the north of the country being part of the Alps to its eventual disappearance below sea level. I think Italy typifies the feeling or Europe being an old museum. This is the home of iconic ruins, famous Renaissance artists and scientists, and the head of the Catholic church (okay, Vatican City is technically the smallest country in the world, but guess where it is!) Of the people I know who have visited Rome comment on how it is obvious that the roads were established long before cars were ...

Today's resource comes from an actual book. Oddly enough, it's a kind of nutrition book for our modern era. I will admit that I have started watching a lot of videos on YouTube about diet and nutrition. They usually stray into talking about weight, and weight loss, but I'm picky about who I watch. I check out their credentials, and whether or not they are trying to make money off of it (books are allowed, product placements are not). I also listen to make sure they are offering sane ideas, and that they have research to back up what they are saying. I found Daphne Miller, MD this way, and her book "The Jungle Effect" which looks at diets for cold spots for disease. Believe it or not, Iceland is a cold spot for depression. Iceland was actually one of the countries I've always wanted to visit. While I hate cold weather, I am intrigued by their hot springs, and the social culture that has grown around them (at least in books I read on the subject). Weather patt...