In Vero Beach we asked if they had a kettle. The mousekeeper didn't even know what one was! Poor dear. My British grandmother would feel faint. So we quickly drove to target and bought a small one and have taken it on every trip to the States since then. Take a kettle.
To make real tea, boil cold water, rinse tea pot to warm, then add a good teabag or leaves in a ball (twinnings will do), and fill with water. Let stand for two minutes, then pour the tea into china cups over milk and sugar if you take it. No plastic mugs, no water from a coffee maker, no spigots and no small metal restaurant tea pots that leak tea everywhere but the cup when you pour it .
Throwing in my favourite quote of all time:
"No, - he said, - look, it's very, very simple... all I want... is a cup of tea. You are going to make one for me. Keep quiet and listen.
And he sat. He told the Nutri-Matic about India, he told it about China, he told it about Ceylon. He told it about broad leaves drying in the sun. He told it about silver teapots. He told it about summer afternoons on the lawn. He told it about putting in the milk before the tea so it wouldn't get scalded. He even told it (briefly) about the history of the East India Company.
So that's it, is it? - said the Nutri-Matic when he had finished.
Yes, - said Arthur, - that is what I want.
You want the taste of dried leaves boiled in water?
Er, yes. With milk.
Squirted out of a cow?
Well, in a manner of speaking I suppose..."
