about fanlistings
A fanlisting is, quite simply, an online list of fans for a given subject. It's easy to join; all you need is a name, e-mail address, and country. Your e-mail is used only for database purposes and so that the fanlisting owner can contact you, for example if the listing moves or is closed. Also, if you choose to list your e-mail address on the list, other members will be able to contact you, and if you so wish, you'll be able to contact them too. It's a great way to get in contact with other fans!
about bubble tea
Bubble tea is a type of tea drink that originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. Especially popular in the East and Southeast Asian regions, it has also recently spread to and gained a sizeable following in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, and Perú. You can also find bubble tea stores in major European cities such as London and Paris, as well as Buenos Aires in Argentina and Monterrey in Mexico. Little by little, this delicious beverage is taking over the world, usually via Chinatowns and other similar Asian communities.
The original Chinese name of bubble tea is 珍珠奶茶 (zhēnzhū năichá), which translates literally to "pearl milk tea". "Pearl" refers to the tapioca balls normally incorporated in the drink. These are often mistakenly called "bubbles", however the English name comes from the process known as "bubbling", by which certain types of bubble tea are made. The process of bubbling involves the way the ingredients of the drink (e.g. sugar, powdered milk, tea and ice) are mixed together. The drinks are shaken as in the style of cocktails. This gives the drink a layer of foam on the top, one of the distinct characteristics of the popular bubble tea.
In English, it's usually referred to as bubble tea, boba tea, or pearl tea, although there are other variants on the theme. Internationally, it's known as "trà sữa trân châu" (Vietnamese), "버블티" (Korean), "タピオカティー" (Japanese), "ชาไข่มุก" (Thai) and "sago" (Tagalog), among many others.
Bubble tea is mostly known for the chewy, black pearl tapioca balls that sit at the bottom of the cup. Originally, the drink came in two distinct types: milk teas, and fruit-flavoured teas. Now, however, many places offer a hybrid of the two, as well as many other variations on the general theme of bubble tea. In the place of black tea, green teas or even coffees are sometimes used as the base of the drink. In place of tapioca pearls, jelly cubes are sometimes used in varying flavours. Additionally, for those who don't like tea, most bubble tea cafés will sell drinks without tea in them, known usually as "Snow Bubble".
If you've never tried this great drink, you're missing out!