Tea in the desert, Jordan

 

The great thing about tea is that you can have it anywhere. Who needs a café? Or, indeed, a handy thermos? You can make it fresh if you have the right ingredients and equipment; namely, a bottle of water, loose tea, sugar, a stainless-steel teapot, a spoon, glasses, and a lighter or matches. All you then need do is locate some kindling to start a small fire, bung the water, tea and sugar in the pot (no need for ceremony, after all), and stick it straight in the flames to brew. After a few minutes, pour into your glasses for a refreshing and uplifting beverage. Such was my experience in the hills of Petra with a Bedouin guide. No milk or sweet biscuits, but actually, jolly pleasant tasting.

Later, I visited Wadi Rum (think Lawrence of Arabia; I did listen to Maurice Jarre’s spectacular score whilst having a wander there, just because). After a bit of dune bashing (jeep driven by a total nutter called Hussan who was also brilliant and hilarious) and trying to run down a sand dune (harder than you might think), it was time for tea. Phew! Flavoured with sage, cinnamon, and sugar, the tea was brewed in a fire pit, served in small glasses, and taken in a tent filled with rugs and cushions. It was extremely civilised and a relaxing end to an epic day.