This past summer Dan and I went to China. It has occurred to me that I have yet to absorb the impact of this wonderful journey. Basically, we returned to the States and hit the ground running, with China in our wake. Our intention in visiting China was to learn the culture behind this amazing country, especially the lovely history of tea, our favorite beverage. Well, at least its right up there with wine…This adventure turned into bits and pieces of experiences that are heartwarming to recall.
We traversed the country visiting Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. However, a side trip to the tea region of Hangzhou, was really a stand out for us; especially after being amongst the hustle and bustle of lots of people, construction, noise, and pollution for almost two weeks. As new and exciting as those cities are, you can imagine this side trip was a true respite. We took a train from Shanghai to Hangzhou, and on this journey sat next to a young man in his thirties. He was from Taiwan, and an engineer who was about to spend two months in Beijing working with the Olympics. He was looking forward to getaway trip with his wife before he left for his work assignment. Hangzhou - deemed by the Chinese as a piece of heaven- fit the bill. Imagine our surprise, when we ran into this man while checking into the resort. He was curious how we knew about this far away place in the mountains- a place that most Westerners weren't aware of. One answer- the Internet! Hey, our mission was to drink the famous Longjing loose leaf green tea while relaxing at the Fuchun Resort in the mountains of Hangzhou. Mission accomplished.
Much like wine in our lives, tea is also connected with experiences. I truly got a kick out of watching my husband drink Longjing tea precisely from the source of where it was created- it is a memory that I will always cherish. We continued to drink Longjing, also more commonly known as Dragon Well, every day that we were in our little oasis. This green tea is reminiscent of fresh cut grass, and a depth of flavors.
We traversed the country visiting Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. However, a side trip to the tea region of Hangzhou, was really a stand out for us; especially after being amongst the hustle and bustle of lots of people, construction, noise, and pollution for almost two weeks. As new and exciting as those cities are, you can imagine this side trip was a true respite. We took a train from Shanghai to Hangzhou, and on this journey sat next to a young man in his thirties. He was from Taiwan, and an engineer who was about to spend two months in Beijing working with the Olympics. He was looking forward to getaway trip with his wife before he left for his work assignment. Hangzhou - deemed by the Chinese as a piece of heaven- fit the bill. Imagine our surprise, when we ran into this man while checking into the resort. He was curious how we knew about this far away place in the mountains- a place that most Westerners weren't aware of. One answer- the Internet! Hey, our mission was to drink the famous Longjing loose leaf green tea while relaxing at the Fuchun Resort in the mountains of Hangzhou. Mission accomplished.
Much like wine in our lives, tea is also connected with experiences. I truly got a kick out of watching my husband drink Longjing tea precisely from the source of where it was created- it is a memory that I will always cherish. We continued to drink Longjing, also more commonly known as Dragon Well, every day that we were in our little oasis. This green tea is reminiscent of fresh cut grass, and a depth of flavors.
We followed our dreams, and made it happen. Now back in our home land, each time I drink loose leaf green tea, I drift back to memories of our trip to China. Whether its tea, wine or food- remember to try and share it with someone, and you will indeed create a memory for life.
Make it an adventure!
Make it an adventure!
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment