...The field surrounding Ally is beautiful and lush. The breeze swirling about her is fresh and light, while the air smells faintly of summer rain - a refreshing and cleansing smell. She sips her tea, which magically stayed warm and in the cup. Bits of the air slip into her tea so that it tastes even more refreshing. "It's been a long day," she murmurs. "I must be hallucinating. Well, I'm talking to myself. That's the first step of insanity."
Ally walks through the field with flowers and grass brushing up against her legs. She finds herself on a path and looks ahead in the distance. There, sitting regally, is a bright red structure - a pagoda. It's a bit up the road, but she reaches it quickly. Time exists but bends.
Ally, cup still in hand, approaches the pagoda and stares into the eyes of what appears to be a statue of a man, clothed in silky garments and sporting a conical hat. Suddenly, the eyes blink and Ally jumps. "You scared me!" She blurts out, almost spilling the mug of tea.
"You scared me," the old man says in tattered English, speaking slowly. "What are you doing wondering around here?" He seizes up her clothes - her "study" clothes: yoga pants, a comfy slub tee and a zip-up hoodie.
How can I explain I just poured a cup of tea and appeared in Japan? Ally asks herself - without speaking aloud. "I'm trying to find my way to the tea," she says vaguely, not understanding that tea isn't just a singular object.
"The tea? I do not understand," the old man says. He shakes his head. "Nevermind that. I could use your help in the farming." He holds out his hand and Ally shakes it, surprised at how soft his hand is. "My name is Yamato."
"My name is Ally; nice to meet you," Ally says politely.
"Come with me, Ally-son. We will harvest tea and prepare for the royal tea ceremony!"
_______________________________________
Reader Question 1) What is it about tea that you're hoping to learn more about? Origin? Processing? Interesting legends? What's drawing you in? Ally will answer this question next week in ths 3rd installment of the Teaist Apprentice: Wed., April 13, 2011.
Reader Question 2) I want to know more about the Japanese tea ceremony. Ally will learn to harvest tea leaves, prep them for the ceremony and how the ceremony takes place in the 4th Installment of the Teaist Apprentice: Wed., April 20, 2011.
Send in your questions: keenteathyme@gmail.com
Showing posts with label japan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label japan. Show all posts
4.05.2011
3.21.2011
RealiTEA: Radioactive Tea not expected in Japan, despite fears
We're all thinking about - and praying for - the Japanese after the tsunami and earthquake, but some have apparently worried about radiation affecting the tea.
This didn't cross my mind in the slightest, but as soon as I saw this story's headline I immediately thought of Fallout 3 (xbox 360 game):
This story discusses the threat of radiation on tea, but insists that consumer fear is exaggerated. It's a decent story which presents both sides (a Journalism 101 rule which often fails in modern media). Take a moment to read it:
3.14.2011
In Support of Japan
Last Updated: 3/19/11
During times of great need, you often see the best in people - and in this case, companies.
Many organizations around the globe are gearing up to help those affected by the terrible earthquake and tsunami in Japan. (My mother works for FEMA and they are getting ready to send supplies as well.) Even with the shape of our economy - which is less than ideal - there are still some acts of goodwill: donations to Red Cross and other organizations can help.
In the tea world, I've found some companies willing to go the extra mile. American Tea Room will donate 10% of all sales through March 31, 2011, to Peace Winds Japan and Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund, a unit of Global Giving. Click on the titles for more info. According to a post on steepster.com, the American Tea Room "has such a personal connection to Japan that we wanted to be able to help as well as raise awareness." Both groups also accept individual contributions.
Yogic Chai is donating 30 % of sales through March 31. Visit their Web site for more info or check out their newsletter at http://eepurl.com/cZfbY
Updated:
Adagio will send 15% of sales on Japanese tea to the cause. Find more information here: http://www.adagio.com/green/japanese_relief.html?SID=4d97de1ed67644f479d301cf3a1970b7
Any other tea companies pitching in for the cause? Drop me a line: keenteathyme@gmail.com
During times of great need, you often see the best in people - and in this case, companies.
Many organizations around the globe are gearing up to help those affected by the terrible earthquake and tsunami in Japan. (My mother works for FEMA and they are getting ready to send supplies as well.) Even with the shape of our economy - which is less than ideal - there are still some acts of goodwill: donations to Red Cross and other organizations can help.
In the tea world, I've found some companies willing to go the extra mile. American Tea Room will donate 10% of all sales through March 31, 2011, to Peace Winds Japan and Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund, a unit of Global Giving. Click on the titles for more info. According to a post on steepster.com, the American Tea Room "has such a personal connection to Japan that we wanted to be able to help as well as raise awareness." Both groups also accept individual contributions.
Yogic Chai is donating 30 % of sales through March 31. Visit their Web site for more info or check out their newsletter at http://eepurl.com/cZfbY
Updated:
Adagio will send 15% of sales on Japanese tea to the cause. Find more information here: http://www.adagio.com/green/japanese_relief.html?SID=4d97de1ed67644f479d301cf3a1970b7
Any other tea companies pitching in for the cause? Drop me a line: keenteathyme@gmail.com
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