Time to Celebrate – It’s Iced Tea in England

Halfway through my recent three-week trip to England, my friends and I had a much-needed day to rest and take it easy. We were at a lovely cottage in the Cotswolds and while there, we had to do some laundry. The washing machine/dryer was in the basement.  Also in the basement was a freezer. While waiting for some clothes to dry, out of curiosity, I opened the freezer door and what to my wondering eyes should appear but two (yes – TWO!) partially used bags of ice.  For anyone who has been to England (and Europe) you know that ice is precious and extremely hard to come by.

 

After a few joyous shouts, we scurried around and brewed tea from some recently purchased tea bags. We then placed that little pitcher in the refrigerator to chill and then placed some of the treasured ice cubes in glasses and poured the brew over them and wa-lah!  An actual glass of iced tea.  Yes! Real iced tea in the middle of England!

 

We celebrated and savored those glasses of iced tea like we’d just discovered a stash of gold nuggets or a 20-carat diamond.  It’s funny the little things we take for granted that when forced to do without them, how suddenly precious they become.  I’ll never look at a glass of iced tea or an ice cube the same again. I now appreciate ice, ice makers and ice dispensers on a whole new level.  And just like those coming to America for the World Cup this summer and are discovering the wonder and enjoyment of a truly cold – iced-cold beverage, I say enjoy. Along with the ranch dressing, we’re hoping that you’ll take the idea of ice and ice dispensers back to England and Europe with you. So the next time some of us Americans cross the pond for a visit, we can hopefully enjoy more than just a few cubes of confiscated ice.