There’s a tea shop run by an eccentric woman from China a few towns over from me. She closes the shop sometimes for weeks or a month at the time when she travels back to China to vet new growers and suppliers.

Her selection is incredible, her knowledge beyond compare, she seemingly cannot stop talking for more than 30 seconds without suffering physical harm and her prices very fair.

I’ll stop by a few times a year and spend a similar amount there. The oolong she gets is just stellar. Long, unbroken leaves that I can steep 6 times and still get great flavor. The jasmine pearls she sells are the most floral I’ve ever had and every time I brew them I’m surprised.

Life is short. It’s worth spending a little, if we can, on good experiences to fill our days and share with others.