"Having Tea"
"Making Tea"
are all quite popular phrases here in New Zealand. I'm told we have our British friends across the pond to thank/blame for this phenomena.
imagine my surprise when the term "Having Tea" is spoken and does not necessarily mean: break out the mug and tea accessories and have a cup of warm cheer.
having tea means, food. making tea generally means eating dinner.
the US equivalency is as follows:
Breakfast = morning tea
Lunch = lunch
Dinner = tea
Other specific instances when tea is actually made part of the work day happen at 10am and 3pm, like clockwork. it's quite amazing actually. i think the 10am and 3pm tea times are called "tea", but I'm not
entirely certain.
Also of note, you can drink whatever you like for "tea", i typically have plunger coffee. which actually has nothing to do with a plumbing tool, rather a coffee press. and since I'd rather lick the bottom of my shoe than have instant coffee, i am always emptying or refilling a coffee press.
don't worry, after almost 5 months, I'm still quite confused. oh and parties are called "do's" but I'll get on to explaining that a bit later.
Hi Sara. I found the same confusion living in England. Plus they "organize" everything, a cake(sponge), a party etc. I found you were already supposed to know when you were invited for tea, what time you should show up. I had to ask. I did find that "High Tea" is more formal because it is served at a high table, like a dinner table. Otherwise you hold things on your lap or use little, low tea tables. It may take the right genes.
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