Great (random) question! I was a huge fan of tea even before spending a semester in England back in college. My dad and I are both connoisseurs (with a favorite brand: Taylors of Harrogate, which I used to buy overseas and carefully stash in my suitcase for the return trip, until I found it here in the States). I've never had a cup of coffee in my life, believe it or not. It's not really about the caffeine for me. I have one cup a day, in the morning (except in winter, when I add a second cup at night), before settling in for a long day of writing, editing and inbox overload. I'm partial to black, but green and white teas have qualities and health benefits worth exploring. I like to shop for loose leaf at Teavana, where they let you smell the tea and describe it to you in full - the employees there are really educated. I agree that preparation is key. And I enjoy that preparation, too, especially when using a kettle on the gas stove and steeping it myself. Going to afternoon or high tea is an experience, too, that I highly recommend. The Peninsula in Chicago is the very best, but The Drake is nice, too. And don't forget iced tea in summer - I love making it in the sun, like my mom did when I was a kid, but I also own a Bodum ice tea maker that's convenient. I raise my cup to this fun question!
