After traveling the world, Lara Wallace has decided to bring some of the flavor of her experiences to Athens.
Wallace, an Ohio University modern languages and Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE) professor, plans to open Pangaea Tea this summer in Athens Book Center, 74 E. State St. The shop will specialize in imported teas from around the world and from fair-trade alliances.
The idea for the tea shop began when Wallace lived above a tea shop in Morocco, Spain.
So much of my interests come from Morocco
Wallace said. The music is one of the most beautiful music I've ever heard and their food is the best cuisine.
The atmosphere of the tea shop will be a fresh edition, unlike anything in Athens, Wallace said. There will be live music from Celtic musicians, Middle Eastern drum bands and other world music.
The walls of Pangaea Tea will be lined with international d+ Wallace said.
Wallace, a 1998 OU graduate, returned to Athens in 2004 after traveling and living in countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Mexico, Singapore and Thailand.
The many different cultures in Athens are what first attracted Wallace to the city. She said her interest in other cultures developed in high school when she lived in suburban Cincinnati, which had few outlets to explore diversity.
While traveling, Wallace spent a year in both Mexico and Spain teaching English.
Both were amazing experiences that helped me to open up to a world of possibilities and different ways of thinking
she said.
Customers will be able to buy tea by cup for less than $1.50 or by the pot. Wallace likens her tea shop to Donkey Coffee & Espresso, 17 1/2 W. Washington St.
The Donkey is a very comfortable and respectable establishment with a commitment to social responsibility and a good product
Wallace said.
Before deciding to open the shop, Wallace researched the interest in tea and another coffee shop.
Many of the OPIE students and fellow teachers come from different cultures
and I found they are really enthusiastic about the idea
she said, noting that many students are switching from drinking coffee to tea because of health concerns about caffeine.
Athens resident and Wallace's friend Jordan Yehnert said she is excited about the shop opening.
Athens is a home town
liberal place with people that are open to new things
Yehnert said.
Wallace said she enjoys the thought of owning a successful business, but she will not let the shop become more important than her teaching.
I want to open Pangaea Tea because I think we need a place with a large selection of tea in Athens and I just have to be the one to do it
but my real passion is teaching
she said
In addition to selling tea in the sublet section of the Athens Book Center, Wallace also will take over coffee and food sales, owner David Brennan said. To fulfill part of the book center's mission, the tea shop will provide an alternative to Court Street activities, he said.
Anymore
