Plain Hot Water

This article peaked my interest because it reminds me of my surprise when I first arrived in the UAE that folks don't drink cold water, even though it's hot as a raging furnace throughout much of the year.

Now with over four years under my belt living here, I too, shy away from cold water and reach for the room temperature bottle more often than not.

Another case of "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

~~~~~~~~~~

Another great find from the New York Times What We're Reading -

China's go-to beverage? Hot water. Really.

China's annual legislative sessions are in full swing in Beijing. Thousands of delegates are convening daily at the Great Hall of the People to listen to speeches, discuss government work reports, and review economic plans for the next five years.

Essential to keeping things moving? Hot water. Brigades of young women (and a few men) are toting thermoses around the massive building all day, pouring drinks for delegates. Some use the steaming hot liquid to make tea in paper cups that read "Great Hall of the People," but many others simply drink it straight.

For many Westerners, the idea of drinking plain hot water is odd. But most Chinese (among others) think Americans' habit of chugging ice water is equally bizarre, and even unhealthy.

As the daughter of a traditional Chinese doctor, I am a devoted hot water drinker.

http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-china-hot-water-20160313-story.html