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)