This book, is the culmination of a long creative journey. And the fact that this
journey has taken 5 long years, is a reflection of the effort and devotion that has
gone into the project from start to finish: from the research and writing; to the
collection of images; the photography; the design, layout and printing; the
pairing with specially blended teas; and finally the packaging - it has truly been
a labour of love.
Alefiya had so many ideas for this book and they were all so ambitious, that at the beginning, it seemed to me unlikely that they would all be realised. But that was before I got to know her better. She knew exactly what she wanted, and she had the full support of the Akbarally family. She left no stone unturned, and, I believe, did not let anyone rest - least of all herself - until it was done. There was no compromise, and it shows.
As far as the research and writing was concerned, the family gave me access to all the resources I needed, and then gave me the space and freedom to work, and I'm very grateful for that trust. And it was a fascinating story to write. Your lineage has been traced back, not a hundred or two hundred, but a thousand years! That is just incredible. You now know more about your ancestry than any family I can think of… with the possible exception of the Windsors.
Of Tea Leaves and Family Trees is not just about ancient history of course: it is about family; and the family company; and the shared passion for tea. It is about preserving beloved memories, and it is a tribute to all those who have given of themselves, to allow all of you to shine.
I hope this will be a book that you, as a family, will cherish. It has been wonderful to be a part of it.
Alefiya had so many ideas for this book and they were all so ambitious, that at the beginning, it seemed to me unlikely that they would all be realised. But that was before I got to know her better. She knew exactly what she wanted, and she had the full support of the Akbarally family. She left no stone unturned, and, I believe, did not let anyone rest - least of all herself - until it was done. There was no compromise, and it shows.
As far as the research and writing was concerned, the family gave me access to all the resources I needed, and then gave me the space and freedom to work, and I'm very grateful for that trust. And it was a fascinating story to write. Your lineage has been traced back, not a hundred or two hundred, but a thousand years! That is just incredible. You now know more about your ancestry than any family I can think of… with the possible exception of the Windsors.
Of Tea Leaves and Family Trees is not just about ancient history of course: it is about family; and the family company; and the shared passion for tea. It is about preserving beloved memories, and it is a tribute to all those who have given of themselves, to allow all of you to shine.
I hope this will be a book that you, as a family, will cherish. It has been wonderful to be a part of it.
