Tea and murals is back! You can’t see me, but I’m doing a little happy dance right now, because this is one of my favorite blog series. If you are new here, first of all, welcome! You might be wondering, what is tea and murals? That’s a great question! You see, I’m a tea lover but also a keen traveler and an artist and this is my own creative way of combining those passions. It all started with the realization that beauty can be part of my everyday life anytime, anywhere. Even when I’m at home in San Francisco (so, technically not traveling), I love exploring neighborhoods I don’t know very well. Be present in the moment and you’ll be surprised how much beauty you will find, often in the most unexpected of places, sometimes in a cup of tea, sometimes just around the corner. Tea deserves more attention, and so does art. I’m pairing the two by showing you the most vibrant and fun murals while drinking tea. Grab your cup, let’s go!

Last weekend I was in Venice, Los Angeles and I discovered some pretty murals, including this black and white mural of palm trees on Abbot Kinney Blvd. by Noah Abrams Studio.

The tea is Kumaon Black by Young Mountain Tea. I cold brewed it because... isn’t it pretty to see the tea leaves dance in my glass tea tumbler? The dry leaves smell sweet and slightly floral, almost herbaceous. The tea (brewed hot) smells sweet, like my apartment when I bake an apple cake and it tastes like baked apples with a floral aftertaste. It’s equally delicious when cold brewed. 

Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice is a treasure trove of hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems. After shooting the photos for tea and murals, I went to the jewelry store Miansai for… tea! Yes, I’m not crazy, they have the most beautiful tea and kombucha bar and a wonderful patio. I’m so in love with this space. I got a delicious iced rose vanilla chai and sat on the patio to soak up the sun surrounded by succulents and palm trees. A cheeky squirrel decided to pay me a visit, was it a sign (I wonder)? Nearby, there’s another one of my favorite gems, Tortoise General Store, with their handcrafted and designer goods from Japan. I couldn’t resist, I got a small pitcher to use as a fairness cup for tea.

Don’t miss the previous episodes of tea and murals! Check out “The Botanical Mural”, the “Honey bears with bicycle” and “Tea and murals. Anniversary Edition”! And don’t forget, next time you see a mural that inspires you, take a pic and tag The Tea Squirrel on social media or use the hashtag #teaandmurals for a chance to be featured in the next edition!  I can’t wait to see all your pics!

Disclaimer: I was not paid to mention or review businesses, products or services. This is my honest opinion. Tea sample provided by Young Mountain Tea.