Teapot

Miniature chrome teapot

Tea is the Britain's number one drink. The British have been the largest per capita tea consumers in the world.

You may have heard the word "high tea". I used to believe that high tea involves things like manners, lace and dainty foods. After doing some research when I wanted to post this miniature chrome teapot, this is what I learnt.

High tea is an early evening meal, typically eaten between 5pm and 6pm. It is also known as meat tea. High tea usually consists of cold meats, eggs or fish, cakes and sandwiches.

The term “high tea” was originally used to distinguish it from “low tea” or afternoon tea. Low tea was served in a sitting room where low tables (coffee table) were placed near sofas or chairs. The word high referred to a table such as a dining room table and it would be loaded with dinner dishes like meats, cheese, breads, shepherd's pie or steak and kidney pie.

This is one of my collectibles from England brought to me by my eldest daughter.

Balalaika

Balalaika is a stringed musical instrument of Russian origin and is a traditional symbol of Russian culture. Balalaika has always been an original gift for guests of all Russia, who are interested in Russian folk music.

Balalaikas come in number of sizes. The smallest is The Piccolo Balalaika; The Prima is the most common size. It is approximately two and one-half feet in length. There are two more larger sizes, i.e. The Second and Alto Balalaikas. Since the real balalaika is rather large and it is not always convenient to carry, a miniature balalaika is therefore the best option to serve as a souvenir.

Another magnet collectibles from my eldest daughter.

Switzerland Cow Bell

A cow bell is a bell worn by freely roaming livestock, so they don't run away without being heard. While bells were used on various types of animals, they are typically referred to as "cowbells" due to their extensive use with cattle.


This red metal cow bell was added to my collectibles in the year 2007 by my colleague, Pi Yao who claims that 80% of my collectibles (excluding what have been bought by my daughters) came from her. Um, may be she's right.

Black Sheep

Baa Baa Black Sheep have you any wool ?

This plush stuffed black sheep doll from New Zealand was added to my colletibles by my eldest daughter. It is so cute. When it is turned over, it makes a "baaah" sound.

I have to keep it away from my dog, Lotto, who whenever hears a "baaah" sound, would try to grab it.

Maori Doll

New Zealand Maori Doll Magnet.

Sweet little Maori Dolls are popular items of Kiwiana and make wonderful New Zealand souvenirs. This little girl wears a hei tiki, a cloak and a headband with Maori designs. The hei-tiki worn around the neck is made of greenstone which is considered a treasure.

Magnet collectible bought by my younger daughter on her flight to New Zealand.

Vintage Delft Blue Finger Candle Holder

A vintage Delft blue finger candle holder. Blue pattern of flowers. Excellent vintage condition. This is another Delft blue product bought in Chiengmai, Thailand. I have two of this in my delft blue collectibles.

Tea sets collectibles

It's now summer in Thailand. However, the weather for the past few days was even colder than in winter. Whenever the weather is cold, I like to sit in the garden drinking tea or hot chocolate. This tea set was added to my collectibles by my eldest daughter when she was an exchange student to Kansas, USA in 1996/1997. This miniature tea set is made as a serving set . Though, I wouldn't dare drinking from it, I just love the whimsy of these little sets.