The Daily Tea’s good friend Susan Sawyer recently embarked on a wonderful journey to Asia to visit family and friends. She sampled many traditional teas along the way, complete with a tea ceremony, and chronicled the adventure with some stunning photographs.
“I started off in Hong Kong visiting my good friend Catherine. Catherine and her husband, Jerry, and two daughters moved to Hong Kong several years ago for Jerry’s job. They are relocating back to London this summer so she warned me that if I wanted to visit Hong Kong while they were there, I better get over soon! My first few days there were filled with hiking, sight-seeing and shopping in the markets. And the weather was perfect for it — sunny and in the 70’s each day.
Then Catherine and I headed off for a three day jaunt to Hoi An, Vietnam. Hoi An is on the central coast of Vietnam, and we stayed at a beautiful resort right on the beach. What a beautiful country — very green and lush, gorgeous beaches, friendly people, delicious food and so much culture! The ancient and colorful town of Hoi An formerly was a trading port. Now it is great to wander the streets (or ride a bike) to see the old buildings, boats, bridges, restaurants and shops. We also visited My Son (a site of ruined Hindu temples) and hiked in the Marble Mountains.
Then it was back to Hong Kong for a few more days. I said goodbye to Catherine and her family and flew to Taipei, the capital of the island of Taiwan. My cousin Amelia and her husband Ben have been living there this year and studying Chinese at a local university. They are living in a flat right in the heart of a market — with lots of foods, people, smells, and sights. Quite different than NYC!
While there, we went hiking on a dormant volcano, relaxed in the nearby hot springs and roamed through some museums and parks. But one of the highlights was my visit to the Wistaria Tea House with Amelia. She did the tea ceremony — which includes brewing, pouring, appreciating/smelling, and finally tasting!
Then, after a fabulous two weeks, it was back home to NYC. But I will never forget this amazing visit with friends, the sights, and tea!”
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- The summit – There was an amazing view of downtown Hong Kong and Victoria Harbor.
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- Then Catherine and I headed off to Vietnam for a few days, and explored the religious ruins, My Son.
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- My Son ruins, Vietnam.
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- Hiking in the Marble Mountains – ran into lots of Buddhas!
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- Hong Kong Island, South China Sea.
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- McD tea menu in airport in Hong Kong.
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- Mornings in Taipei – Tea at my cousin’s apartment with a real tea set.
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- My first bubble tea in Taipei – where it was first created.
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- Much more powerful taste than the first tea (The traditional Tie Guan Yin) We certainly enjoyed its rich flavor, but it wasn’t an everyday tea.
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- With my cousin Amelia at the Wistaria Tea House enjoying two different pots of tea with traditional pineapple cakes.
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- At the Wistaria Tea House in Taipei – My cousin Amelia did the tea ceremony for us.
