Boston has spoiled us yet again with a sunny morning, but I believe clouds are scheduled for later. No rain though!
I shuffled down to The Library for some complimentary croissants to take back to enjoy in my room with a cup of Abigail’s Blend tea.
Today is the last full day of of the tea tour. I’m giving my feet a break and wearing my Adidas sneakers. My feet will thank me later when we walk to dinner in full dress and heels.
Our day started with about an hour drive north east to Salam, MA where we visited the Peabody Essex Museum.
Bruce had knowledge of the museum and took us to specific areas to point out tea-related items as well as Chinese exhibits including the remarkable Yin Yu Tang house.
This 16-bedroom stately home was the home to the Huang family for more than 200 years until the last descendants moved from the village in 1982.
In the 1990s, as part of a mutually beneficial cultural exchange, the home and its contents were carefully dismantled and transported to Massachusetts for eventual reconstruction and installation at the Peabody Museum.
Multiple generations lived in the house at one time and it’s a true time capsule and glimpse into the merchant’s house and family life for a remarkable 200 years.
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The Chinese theme continued as we looked at the porcelain trade and how that booming industry provided many of the wonderful teacup and teapots we use today.
There was also a terrific maritime exhibit with many ships mastheads on display.
One specific teapot was of special interest. It was a gift to Queen Elizabeth the first. However, at the time it was gifted, England was not acquainted with tea yet. These days tea and England are synonymous, but there really was a time when it wasn’t available and known to them as a society. My, how things have changed!
I also enjoyed the Salem fashion and design tour where important designers and their connection to Salem was made.
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Of course, one can’t be in Salem without exploring the tragic time of the Witch Trials. There is a small exhibit in the museum that tells the story of the women AND men who were accused of witchcraft and if they stood trial, were released, or hung as a result. It’s all very sad…especially when you read that many, if not all, were exonerated years, and centuries later.
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I found it interesting while reading the lengthy copy that was provided on gallery walls, that the tiny room with a large crowd seemingly gave great reverence to these stories and the fates of the souls. Everyone was respectful and quiet, even though it was difficult to find spots for reading with so many.
There are other museums dedicated to the witch trials throughout Salem and I’m sure they REALLY hype it up for the tourists. This exhibit was simple and pointed.
The group then met up a block away at the Jolie Tea Company for afternoon tea and tea blending.
A white-washed interior with beautiful arched windows greeted us as we sat along two tables at the store front. This is a lovely shop with large jars of loose leaf tea on display behind the counter and a scrumptious dessert stand filled with macarons.
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The tables were set and ready for us as we sat down, greeted with an iced vanilla Rooibos tea. As we all ordered our individual teas, we were asked to step up to the tea bar and concoct our own tea blends!
I already had my tea blend in mind and because it’s going to be a gift, I won’t divulge the ingredients in this blog post, but I think I did good. It was fun to create and experiment with different flavors and spices. They also keep the exact measurements and ingredients documented, so if you want a new batch of it, just let them know and they’ll make if up for you. I love that! I think everyone had a great time developing their own personal blend of tea.
As we were blending, I enjoyed walking about the shop and discovered three young woman dressed as the sisters from the movie Hocus Pocus enjoying their own afternoon tea service. They were kind enough to pose for a photo and to pose for others as well. They drew attention for sure.
The tea service was terrific. The tea arrived already steeped to perfection in individual teapots. The sandwiches, scones, and sweets were wonderful. I drank a Formosa oolong,
I sat facing the windows on the streets and thoroughly enjoyed watching the people walk by. Many in witches hats.
Of course, I picked up a box of macarons! They were really, really good.
We had about 45 minutes to kill so many of us explored the streets of Salem during what is typically their busiest and best time of the year – October! So much to see, so much to do, so much to take in…all with a witches theme. They embrace it, but one does have to feel sorry for the people who live here during this hectic time of year.
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Our driver was able to find a great spot to pick us up and we made the short drive back to Boston with some minor traffic delays. We had a couple of hours before our final dinner as a group together. I showered, wrote in my blog, and rested.
The grand finale dinner was held at Bistro du Midi, a French restaurant a short 10-minute walk from the hotel. We met in the lobby and walked over to a 2nd floor private room where champagne and wine was ordered.
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Bruce indicated this is his favorite restaurant to eat whenever he is back in Boston, and it did NOT disappoint.
I enjoyed a first course of fall squash agnolotti (pasta) with chestnut, kale, in a brown butter emulsion. My second course choice was an arugula and endive salad with blue cheese, walnut, radishes and seasoned vegetables. The main course choice was filet mignon with pommes purée, pearl onions, heirloom carrot, cremini mushrooms, and bordelaise. Dessert was Créme Brûlée.
All I can say is “WOW!” What a meal.
As we were enjoying our meals, we yet again, got to know one another better…but sadly it was the last night together. For some reason this last night, I latched on to Shirley from San Diego and we bonded over…well, kind of everything…and the wine and champagne, I think. She’s a trip and a rare bird. I enjoyed listening to her and getting to know her a little better tonight than I had the last few days.
As people were getting up to leave the restaurant and saying their goodbyes, Shirley and I were not prepared to end the evening, so we stepped up to the bar and chatted a wee bit more. Then I insisted we get back to the hotel…I knew I was tipsy and need to get there. So we set out after taking a selfie in front of the restaurant and doing some window shopping critiques of the latest fashions on the walk back.
Shirley and I successfully navigated the cross walks and wobbly brick sidewalks that only Boston can provide and arrived back at the hotel as the doorman gallently opened the door and welcomed us back.
It was wonderful to BE welcomed back. What a wonderful hotel and staff they have. Boston has been most kind. The TeaTime Magazine staff, led by the great Lorna Reeves provided us with a truly memorable experience. We can’t thank Bruce Richardson enough for his generosity in sharing his wealth of knowledge on not only tea, but art, history, and Chinese culture.
I am sad to say goodbye to people I was just getting to know, but I have exhausted the mini bar bill and I think I need to take a break from scones and large pots of tea for at least a day!
Cheers!
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