"Ripon" > wrote in message
om...
> I just came back from a business trip from Cox's bazaar (world's
> largest unbroken sea beach 710 km. Located in south of Bangladesh,
> border with Myanmar( former Burma). After my business work, I got a
> day off to explore around. I have decided to explore Arakan (Border
> city in Myanmar with Bangladesh). When I entered the city, I have
> found this tea shops full of people, chatting, laughing. My guide
> offered me to have a cup of Burmese style tea. I have tried two
> different kinds of tea-
>
> 1) This was blend of Bangladeshi CTC tea Assam CTC. Myanmar shares
> border with Assam(India) and Chittagong Hill track ( Bangladesh). The
> blend steeped in hot water, then they add full cream warm milk then
> put date Juice in it. Here during winter date juice is very popular
> and rare now a days. This new styled tea gave me a totally different
> taste. Very tasty. I drank four cups on by one. Full body, fruity,
> malty- a real treats.
>
> 2) This is a new taste first time, I have discovered in my life.
> According to the tea seller and my guide. The tea was a Burmese
> production. I had the tea straight. What surprise- tastes like
> Yunnan. Earthy, peppery, brown liquor. But also got some hints of
> Assam. I asked the tea seller, where is this tea growing region. He
> said this tea is from north-east region of Burma. Instantly my memory
> reminds me- Myanmar share border with Chinese Yunnan province. He also
> told me Laos and Vietnam produces the same kind of tea. Strong logic-
> this four country shares border with Yunnan province. I gave $50 to
> the tea seller and requested him to send me some tea to my Bangladesh
> address. He took the money and promised me to send it with in 10 days.
> By the way, the tea was orthodox tea, twisted tightly. I have to have
> this tea again.
>
> My guide thought I am crazy to believe a stranger. $50 is a lot of
> money in Myanmar. He thinks he just took the money and will never
> contact me. He didn't know, I am in love with tea. I believe people
> easily and so far I am fine. I believe in myself and believe people .
> Maybe I am crazy but deep inside my heart- I strongly feel, this man
> will send me the tea.
>
>
> Ripon
> (Chittagong, Bangladesh)

Interesting story, Ripon. I hope you get your tea. If (perhaps I'd better
say, when <g>) you get your tea and can try it, let us know if it tastes
that same as you remember it.

I'm curious: why did you need a guide? Is the language that different, or
does the political climate in Myanmar require it if you're a foreigner?

Regards,
Dean