Tea Time with Samovars

Custom agents didn't even know what this curious paraphernalia-looking object was when returning home from Russia last Saturday. "It's a Samovar used for brewing hot tea" explained our party. I imagine the custom agent could think of 101 illegal and dangerous reasons not to let it pass but he let us go anyway. Phew - because it truly is a traditional tea-making container heated with coal or charcoal and used in communal settings. One of our last nights in Tula a self-made millionaire showed us how it's done. At the top is an attachment or lid to hold and heat a teapot filled with flavored spices and loose caffeinated tea. You allow the water to boil then using the faucet you fill a cup half way with boiling water and then add the teapot with the stronger concentrate. The result is unabashed strong chai, just the way I like it. Many newer samovars use electricity but Richie Rich knows imposters when he sees them and sticks to the traditional.