What you’re about to see in this video is the actual tea ceremony itself. As for the preparation (taken from wikipedia), a small amount of matcha is placed into the bowl, traditionally using a bamboo scoop called a chashaku, then a modicum of hot (not boiling, about 80 °C or 176 °F) water is added. The mixture is then whisked to a uniform consistency, using a bamboo whisk known as a chasen. There must be no lumps left in the liquid, and no ground tea should remain on the sides of the bowl. Because matcha can be bitter, it is traditionally served with a small wagashi sweet (intended to be consumed before drinking), and without added milk or sugar.

So first, we were served this…

…and then this…

…before finally witnessing the preparation of the much anticipated cup of tea. *smile*

Hope you didn’t find that too draggy… *laugh* That very same evening after that, my class, Shimizu Sensei, Janice and I headed out together for a bite and karaoke!!!! Hehe. We definitely had a good time together and even better when Shimizu Sensei sang! Hehe. Jouzu! *grin*

the no-alcohol team *laugh*

izakaya

yummy food *grin*

Manu san sneakily caught me on my blackberry! *laugh*

BTW, and I’ll be heading to Singapore first thing tomorrow for the Asia Conference 2010 (http://www.asiaconference.org.sg/2010/)which starts on Wednesday. Really looking forward to it although I’m only staying till the evening seminar on that day before I take the first flight out of Singapore the next morning. Thinking about it, I just realized that technically, in 3 days I would’ve ended up spending 14 hours on the plane. Haha. So I guess I’ll be looking forward to spending some quality time with myself in the air then. *laugh* I’m gonna be missing classes and the rest for a couple of days but I reckon trip will be worth the while. Will I be seeing any of you there? *smile*