This past week I tasted five Darjeeling oolong teas from five different producers. Three of these teas are the main subjects of our online tasting activity at hand. Suffice to say that I am impressed by the unique taste and individuality of each tea, considering that all of them sprang … Continue reading
We are neither of the West nor of the East. We belong to that number of nations which does not seem to make up an integral part of the human race, but which exists only to teach the world some great lesson.-Piotr Chaadaev, early nineteenth century Russian philosopherAbout the time … Continue reading
What about all these other ‘teas?’ Confusion about what is a true tea comes from the indiscriminate use of the word ‘tea.’ It seems that any beverage made from hot water and a plant ends up with the appellation ‘tea.’ People say they like mint tea, rooibos tea, yerba mate … Continue reading
mindful and focusedall your five senses arousedgraceful as a cat
New day dawns misty Tea leaves await their harvestFuji-san watchesThis haiku captures the essence of a morning last May in the midst of the Shincha harvest. We awoke at dawn to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji from the middle of a small tea field next to the hostel.
Don Norman, one of design’s most influential theorists, used three teapots to represent the distinction between visceral, behavioral, and reflective design. There’s something inspiring about an object designed for such a specific, simple purpose. Any vessel that pours in a tight stream, insulates the user’s hand from heat, and filters … Continue reading