I’d been in the UK for less than twelve hours and had already learned a crucial thing. Whatever the situation, someone would offer a cup of tea. I was tired from the journey? Tea. Didn’t sleep well? Tea. Stepped on a pine needle while only wearing socks? Tea. I said thanks and headed downstairs. And maybe there was something in the tea approach, as I felt 10 percent less marshmallow-brained once I’d finished it.
