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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Kenyan tea

Just to update you...The rat was caught.

"We have the worst possible outcome."  My husband said this morning.
"Is it dead?" I asked, cutting to the chase.
"No," he said - "it's injured and it's under the chest of drawers whimpering."
"Ewch!"

It was tempted by the peanut butter we put out for it (thanks for the tip readers!) - but the rat obviously managed to escape the trap somehow.  The next problem was how to dispatch the injured rodent.

My husband got out his airgun (preferring that option to the bludgeoning one).  Suffice to say - the rat is now gone.... It hid - but it didn't run.

Also, the puppy cried again all night - but we put her a little further out of earshot, so everyone had a better night's sleep.


Meanwhile (and on a lighter note) - I read this lovely article by Xanthe Clay on Kenya's tea producing this morning called, 'Celebrate Tea; from Kenya to your cuppa".  She visited a tea cooperative in the Rift Valley and learned how to pick leaves.

Some fascinating facts:

"According to the UK Tea Council we drink 165 million cups of tea a day, an average of more than two cups per man, woman, and child – that’s twice the amount of coffee we get through.


More than half of our tea comes from Kenya, almost all in the blends used in tea bags. Professional blenders, who make the recipes for these mixtures, love Kenyan tea for its bright copper colour and “brisk” flavour, the perky liveliness, a balance of astringency and tannin that’s hard to describe but is instantly recognisable in a really refreshing cup of tea. As the Typhoo advertisement would have it, the “Ooh”. "

To read more, click here



17 comments:

  1. Have you been to Kiambethu? Sure you will have. A very sweet (now little) tea farm - such a lovely afternoon out - great tea , lunch and wonderful talks of tea. I never remember any of the facts- but I enjoy it at the time.

    http://www.kiambethufarm.co.ke/

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  2. Delighted to read your blog on the Tea and get directed to the article in the Telegraph. I have served many incredible teas from Kenya in my tea Room over the last few years, and the redbush Rooibos from SA was also very popular. I would love to go to Kiambethu for lunch and a tea natter. Ah! The stuff dreams are made of.
    I think I'll go and put the kettle on and dream a little about those Tea Room days in Nova Scotia.

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  3. Hi there!

    I recently started a blog at Jimaba.com and was hoping we could discuss trading links? I'm an American expat living in New Zealand and writing about my experiences since here. Have a look at the blog and let me know what you think.

    Kind Regards,


    Jimmy
    www.jimaba.com

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  4. Anonymous10:48 am

    Are you no longer a blogger? I check in every now and then to see if there are any updates. Miss the blog!

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  5. Hey, know anyone who could be interested in a moving deal within Nairobi? Professional movers http://bit.ly/Oqmd3M

    We also have other deals you could browse through, in case you are interested :)

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  6. Where did you go? Missing your posts and hoping that you are just taking a little extended summer break!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous3:05 pm

    Is everything ok with you and our family? Haven't heard from you in a few months. Hope all is well.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous12:10 pm

    I'm assuming something terrible must have happened. May I send my best wishes to you and your family?

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  9. Anonymous5:07 pm

    The blogosphere misses you!

    ReplyDelete
  10. are you not blogging anymore-what a shame. hope everything is ok.

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  11. Anonymous11:34 pm

    Where have you gone?!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous11:34 pm

    Where have you gone?!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous11:35 pm

    Where have you gone?!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous5:25 am

    Just wondering if all is well, you haven't written in a while, and yours is the only blog I check periodically for the goings on in Nairobi.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous9:41 am

    Dear Expat Wife,

    As an avid reader of your blog for several years, just wanted to let you know that you are missed.

    I hope all is well and that your silence is due to good things.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous12:49 pm

    Where are you? We haven't heard from you in months! What's going on?

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous12:17 am

    Hi, umepotea sana. vipi dada

    ReplyDelete