I was never much of a tea drinker. As a matter of fact I was never much of a hot-anything drinker. But I’ve always liked the thought of drinking tea, the assorted baggies and leaves, the little pots to be filled with piping hot water, little cups to be drunk out of.

Then there’s the ritual of tea which is also very soothing. Put some fresh, cold water in the kettle and set it on the stove to boil. Meanwhile, contemplate the various teas and decide which to use. Baggie, ball or loose leaf? Persian black, Japanese barley, Orange, Gunpowder, Chinese Jasmine? I decide on jasmine loose in a little teapot from Mitsuwa with a filter at its spout to catch the leaves. It comes with two small blue matching cups.

I set out a plate with napkin and set the little teapot on it. The napkin is good for soaking up the dribbles which inevitably run off the spout to wet the bottom of the pot.

The kettle has a tendency to burble and clatter instead of giving off the appropriate whistle. So I turn off the gas and pour a bit of hot water into the teapot, swirl it about to warm the porcelain, then slowly pour the water out of the spout into the sink. I set the teapot on its napkin and open the tin of jasmine. 2 heaping teaspoons of leaves go into the pot, then the rush of just boiled water to the brim and with a clink the top is replaced and the tea left to steep for 5 minutes.

I stare out the window and note the overly long Sombreuil rose tendril that needs to be tied down before it gets too windy. The tea leaves unfurl and infuse the water with their flavor and aroma.

I think the tea is ready and carry out the plate and 2 small cups to the table. We pour out our jasmine tea, then inhale the fragrant steam and warm our hands against the cups.