Tea drinking

25 September 201

Tea drinking has been an important part of all of the countries

I have traveled through so far; Azerbaijan being no exception. Here there are numerous places to drink tea in most villages, along the road side and in towns. People sit at tables usually covered with a plastic colored cloth. A large tea pot full of black tea will be provided along with pear shaped glasses in saucers. A large bowl over flowing with sugar cubes is always present. Tea is usually drunk by men, who seem to sit sharing news and making phone calls whilst drinking and smoking. Many are older men, but there are also groups of younger guys who seem to sit around for ages. I am not sure if they are unemployed or are spending  their breaks sharing  a cuppa.

My attention has also been drawn to the art of sitting outside your house or shop watching the world go by. In Azerbaijan this is a summer pass time, a way to enjoy the warm weather before the long winter sets in and a chance to catch up with neighbors and friends as they pass by. An interesting array of seating can be found ranging from simple wooden benches to ornate dining chairs. Thank you Marisa for giving me the idea to photograph some of these.