Tea is a staple here. I was told this before I left the U.S. but had no idea how frequently we would have tea. It’s not uncommon to have tea time at every meal and then tea between meals too. I’m guessing this may be a remnant of colonial European influence. Tea time is not always just tea. Often coffee and hot chocolate are served as well. A mixture of hot water and milk are blended and sugar is added to taste. This time allows people a break to enjoy fellowship and pray together before continuing their day. Usually Kenyans prefer chai (mixed tea) but sometimes it is served from a tea bag. Everyone usually has their own recipe but it always is about w 1:1 ratio of water and milk, with sugar and tea added to taste. Sometimes afternoon tea is accompanied by sliced up fruit (apples, pears, and various citrus fruits I’ve yet to learn the names of) or avocados. We’ve had several church members stop by the manse during tea time to get to know me better and share in these fruitful goodies. One day I was talking to one of our Parish Members about taking some tea back home to share with my friends at home. He told me not to bother because the good tea that is harvested and exported. He said that the good tea is to expense for Kenyans to afford so merchants don’t even sell it. It broke my heart that many people here can’t enjoy the cream of their crops. Regardless, I’m hooked on it now and will definitely cram as many boxes as I can fit into my suitcase. One thing is for sure.... I will definitely be missing Kenyan tea when I return to the US. I should probably start weaning myself off of it soon... ~ Nell in Nairobi