Back from China: Return to Cyberspace

I can't believe the month of May is almost over!  The time has flown since my return from China.  It's taken me a long time to get over the jetlag.

Trip was awesome!  Back with even greater appreciation for how much there is still to learn about tea. There's a Chinese proverb that goes something like this...

                 "Reading ten thousand books is not as useful as traveling ten thousand miles."  

Reading a book can tell you how steep the mountains will be, how fresh and sweet the air is in a valley of tea fields, but until you've been there, it's just not the same.  But I'm happy to report that I've been there!

Everyone's asking "can I see your photos"?  Hey, I want to see them too!  I'm working hard at it and I've only made it through half so far!   So, here's a few samples to show some highlights...an appetizer of sorts.

(Image: Donna Sikora)

(Image: Master Zhou)

Master Zhou

(Image: Michaelle McLean)

That's it for now.  Stay tuned, more to come soon!

Off to China for Tea

I can hardly wait!  In a couple of days, I will be on a 14.5 hour flight to Shanghai to join Tao Tea Leaf's Spring Tea Tour.  A small group consisting of five fellow travellers led by Tao Wu, co-owner of Tao Tea Leaf  on a journey to discover, taste and, of course, buy the freshest this year's crop has to offer.  You can click here for the itinerary.

We're going to learn first hand how tea is made from bush to cup.

Looking at these samples of yixing clay teapots, I am so excited to meet Yixing pottery masters and learn the ancient art of making these tiny precious teapots.

I wonder how many I can stuff in my suitcase...?

Vancouver in the Springtime

On my way back from China, I will be stopping off in Vancouver to visit some good friends and take in some of that city's beautiful scenery.  If you've never been out to this West coast city, I highly recommend it, especially during the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.  It's so pretty that it almost makes one forget how wet, cold to the bones, grey and dreary a Vancouver winter can be...I've experienced their notorious winters before, can you tell?!

Photo: Drew Taylor

 I'll be looking forward to visiting some of the cool tea shops out there!

Pekoe Tea Lounge

 Tower of tea to sniff before you decide which one you'd like

Pierre, the owner (soon to be Certified Tea Sommelier)

 Soon to be Certified Tea Sommelier, Del Tamborini

 Well, with service like this, how can a girl refuse...

O5 Rare Tea Bar - stop by for a flight of teas or see if I am in time for a tea and food pairing event

pick up some great Kale + Nori bitters or a cool tea bowl

Pedro, owner of O5

See you in a few weeks, Vancouver