During her home visit, Frances stayed with a family who had a connection to a tea farmer close to town. The Dad invited us out to spend the day picking tea and learning about how green tea is processed. We lucked out with the weather and were able to go today.
The dad and daughter picked us up and we headed west about 30 minutes to the more rural part of town. The landscape is covered in tea plants, which look like leafy, well-groomed bushes. When we arrived at the farmer's home, we were treated to tea drinking as well as some snacks of fruit (very exotic fruit) and sunflower seeds.
The four of us headed out (well walked down the road for a few minutes) until we came to the farmer's tea plants. We learned what to look for when picking. The little leaves are the best. We spent an hour picking and didn't have too much to show for it but it was enough for us. Many workers were in the field. The father informed us that workers come out and pick all day for a pay of 150 RMB (which is about $25 USD).
We returned to the house for a wonderful and huge lunch of about 11 dishes ranging from bamboo to fish and even pig's tongue. They were all very good and filling.
The father showed us a park area and Frances and myself spent about two hours exploring the paths and finally found a stairway that goes over the mountain. We didn't have enough time to climb over the top but we will surely return another day. Being out of the city did wonders for my sinuses! We also had a great time looking at all the landscaping and statues that seem to be everywhere.
After our climb we headed back to the farmer's house to see how the tea leaves are processed. They had spent some time drying already but they were then put into a drying bin for about ten minutes to get the rest of the moisture out. From there they went into another hot drum to be hand pressed. They were then ready for drinking!! The farmer packaged them for us to be shared between Frances and me at a special time.
The farmer and his family also gifted us with a package of tea. Green tea comes in many varieties but we specifically picked West Lake Long Jing, which we are told is the best and very healthy. I also bought two more packages to bring back and share with my family and friends in Montana.
With the day closing in, we were driven back to the school happy, full, and with much tea to share. Today was so relaxing and invigorating. Tomorrow (which is Sunday) we have classes again but I am feeling great and ready to continue with my time here. China can get quite overwhelming at times with all the people and the feeling of being an outsider and not being able to understand what anyone is saying, but experiences like today make me feel truly happy and blessed that I am able to be here and experience a completely different culture.
No comments:
Post a Comment