On Apr 7, 9:59*am, Shen wrote:
On Apr 6, 11:13*am, Michael Plant wrote:





I am fond of all the Dan Congs from Teaspring and, yes, indeed, you've got
a really special TiGuan Yin there in the Pu Ti Cha. *The Dong Ting Bi Luo
Chun is exceptionally bright and refreshing and I really like their
Sichuan Gong Fu, rich, deep and dark. *Nai Xiang Oolong is a delicate
milky flavoured oolong that seems to be a very fine quality - I prefer it
to Red Blossom's. *Huang Guan Yin is complex and toasty. *Just bought some
and I really enjoy the sweet and fragrant Bai Ji Guan. *Dogma turned me on
tot he tea and I'm very grateful. *It's worth the price. *Teaspring also
carries a Bi Luo Chun Hong Cha (red/black). *Yes, that's right. *This one
is black, not green and it's really a nice tea for a formal gong fu or a
chilly evening. *It's always a good idea to sample and since Teaspring
gets their mail out pretty swiftly, I'm sure you won't have too much time
to wait for your next box of little treasures. *Shen

Shen, I for the most part agree wholeheartedly with your general assessment. Would you kindly describe in some detail what you mean by "formal gong fu." Take all the space you need. Write on the back, if necessary.

Cordially,
Michael

Michael,
I merely meant (and admittedly, I was vague) that it's one of those
special teas for which I take time and share on auspicious occasions
with dear friends. Sichuan Gong Fu is another that deserves this
consideration. There are a few.
It is a tea in which I invest thought and savor; serve either for
myself or communally gong-fu style, letting my friends appreciate the
care and respect I show this tea. When I do gong-fu with those few
special teas, there are few words and quiet, nearly meditative
gratitude for the beauty of the pot and cups, the tray, my tea cloth;
for the tea and its history moment by moment of infusion, as it
unfurls, blossoms, dies; for the vendor who chose exquisitely and the
farmer who tended and gathered tenderly and for the tree that gifted
me.
"Formal" is probably an inappropriate word. "Slow" may be a better
word. For me it is an act of giving homage to the ceremony itself.
I feel this way about many teas and many experiences. I am very lucky.
Shen


Hi Shen,

Just feeling mischievious...Prithee tell us what is the history behind
a Black BiLuoChun when Bi means Emerald Meaning Green? Please
enlighten us on this misnomer, or is the vendor pulling a fast one on
us just because BiLuoChun is supposedly a famous Chinese Green?

;"

Kevo