TEAM DARJEELING: Tea shop in Lima, Mate de Coca and a little tea party.

We took a cab to an upscale part of Lima called Mira Flores- a part of Lima tourists often visit.  We went specifically to visit a little tea shop I found online called Te Quiero Te.  Each time we took a cab we were so happy to arrive safely to our destination, feeling as though we risked our lives in the process.  Here is a picture of the traffic- notice how close our side mirror is to the car next to us.  They do have white lines in the road- though people don't seem to see them- why drive in 4 lanes when you can make 9?

My daughter and niece with Irma (our traveling teapot) inside the tea shop.

 Forgive, my daughter, she learned to blow bubbles on the bus ride from Los Organos (beach where we stayed for a week in the north of Peru) to Lima.  She pretty much spent the rest of the trip blowing bubbles whenever I allowed her to have gum.   Pictured with Irma in Te Quiero Te tea shop along with my daughter and me are my sister-in-law and her daughter.

The owner, Napoleon, wasn't there that day, the sweet lady working was Giovanna.  My sister-in-law translated and explained who Irma was, and asked if she minded us taking photos in the shop.  

 Irma posing next to Mate de Coca.  These are the leaves Cocaine is made from- but much processing goes into it before it becomes the psychoactive alkaloid. Coca leaves have been used for centuries in Peru as a stimulant, to prevent altitude sickness, help with headaches and digestion.  Indigenous peoples often chew on coca leaves to increase energy and reduce hunger and thirst while they work long days.  It is illegal to bring the leaves or tea back to the U.S., so I ordered a cup to go and drank it on my way home.

Giovanna was so nice to give the girls little whistles.  On top of that, when she heard the shattering of my daughters outside the store as she dropped the beautiful ceramic piece, she gave her another one as dd's eyes started welling up with tears.

After purchasing the Mate de Coca to go, a few ounces of some Panettone flavored black tea, and a tea strainer we headed back to Lima to prepare a little tea party.  The girls and I made placemats for each guest out of construction paper.  Glue, colored pencils, construction paper and scissors were supplied and here are a couple of the place mats they made...

 The tables were set...

 I poured the Panettone black tea from Irma

Panettone (Paneton) is a popular cake traditionally served on Christmas and New Years in Peru with hot chocolate.  Many teas available at the tea shop were traditional teas that can be found anywhere, I know that Peruvians love their Paneton, and thought it has a local flair.

My daughter served alfajors, here she is serving to her Abuelo (Grandpa)

Hope you enjoyed being a part of our simple little tea party