This was all about ceremonial tea drinking and tea appreciation. First we took off our shoes and went up to the third floor. There were stools for some of us, but many had to sit on the floor, not something we are accustomed to or in physical condition for. The tables were set with all the equipment which was explained to us in detail. There were fragrance cups and tasting cups, procedures for cleansing, heating, brewing, pouring and drinking the tea. We had two varieties of tea and several cups of each. First use the fragrance cup to smell the tea and then pour it into the tasting cup. Then roll the fragrance cup between your hands and smell the empty cup. Drink the tea from the tasting cup in three sips. By the end I certainly appreciated the tea and enjoyed both varieties. In the weeks since I have been more aware of the qualities of the tea I drink. It was fun and informative, and would only have been better if we could have understood more of what the tea master was saying.

We got a very good explanation on the various teas and a demonstration of how to properly brew the tea. Then, we were given the opportunity to brew the teas according to the way we had just learned. Best part was the explanation and history of tea.

You must remove your shoes before entering, but there are little cubbies for your shoes.