I love the sound of tea cups rattling lightly on their saucers. I love the sound of the water boiling. I love the scent and plume of smoke in the steam as it rises from my cup. I love the plop of a sugar cube or three into the water, followed by the velvety swirl of cream, and the darkening of my brew with loose leaf strained tea, done up the Irish way, strong and a touch smoky. I love the fall of a tiny tea spoon as it rings like a bell when I turn it. I love tasting the edge of the bone china as it cooly pauses at my lips before the first sip. I love tasting the tea as I breathe in its scent. Dublin. 2013.