Tea

My lack of history knowledge knows no bounds!

This iconic 1846 lithograph by Nathaniel Currier was entitled "The Destruction of Tea at Boston Harbor"; the phrase "Boston Tea Party" had not yet become standard. Contrary to Currier's depiction, few of the men dumping the tea were actually disguised as Indians.

Many years ago, I had the pleasure of attending a 'schools matinee', a special show that many dance companies would hold especially tailored for school children. (Now probably even more so, with GCSE/O level dance exams that can be part of the curriculum).

It was at Sadlers Wells Theatre and was performed by Rambert Dance Company. My memory is so bad I can't remember what the dance piece was called, but they explored a section of it that was about The Boston Tea Party. I have just Wiki'd to double-check that this was the fore-runner, so to speak, of American Independence Day. (Said my history knowledge was baaaad!). And, um, yes it was. (For the others among you who weren't 100% sure!).

I had a call from Mr B late last night. They are an hour ahead, and tend to be working late into the night. The show will be held in an open air theatre and doesn't start until 10.30pm!

So, they worked until 4am Monday night/Tuesday morning. The hotel is right across the road from the stage. They don't have tea/coffee making facilities in the room and no 24hr room service. One of the crew asked the chap on reception if there was anywhere they could get a tea.


The receptionist thought for a while and then answered
"You can get a drink at the local cemetery".

No joke.

Mourners apparently mourn through the night and the cemetery has a cafe for them to be able to have hot drinks during their mourning!
I find that so odd on so many levels...to mourn overnight and be able to get a cuppa. Jolly good idea though; could you imagine that happening in the UK? Maybe it does, do you know different?

(Gratuitous shot 'cos my dad designed/drew the original lady picking tea)
Oh, and by the way, I don't drink tea!