Tea and coffee are precious and aromatic products that come as exotic in modern Europe. Originally from Ethiopia, coffee spread through the Middle East in the 16th century and will arrive through Venice, which was the gateway to all exquisite Eastern cuisine. Tea also arrives in Europe in the 17th century, and is brought to England by a Portuguese queen, as Lusitanian sailors have been engaged in overseas and commercial adventures for more than a century.

Both are drinks that have gained the virtue of combining with their environment a social ritual: the British "tea time" or going to "have a coffee" with any inconsistent excuse. But also its intake becomes pleasant in solitude, when we schedule the day or immerse ourselves in deep meditations. Morning toast or afternoon gingerbread; readings, confidences and social life accompany each other. With or without milk? With sugar, saccharin or alone?