Tea Ceremonies and tea brewing

I was taught to perform the proper Japanese tea ceremony from an older Thai woman years back, and I think it was one of the coolest experiences ever. She owned a small asian market and we ended up becoming great friends. I find the tea ceremony a great way to relax and withdraw from modern hustle and bustle. I love "The Book Of Tea" by Okakura, a week or so back someone found it for free on Project Gutenburg online... but it only costs $3.95 at the bookstore. It is very complete and a great history and philosophy lesson. Not plugging or anything but Taoism is a great extension to tea and tea ceremony. I personally really enjoyed the Tao Te Ching.

- Dominic Drinking: Jasmine Green Pearls