Hello from the UK

by **drumhum** » Jun 21st, '08, 18:02

Hello from the UK

by drumhum » Jun 21st, '08, 18:02

Hello from Wales, UK.

I gave up drinking booze at home (well, apart from the occasional one - and of course in the pub with friends. I'm not a monk!) and replaced it with tea. Now I find I hardly touch the regular tea bags anymore either. In fact apart from my breakfast coffee its Oolongs and Puerhs throughout the day for me. I've rapidly become the tea geek to my friends and family - but no-one is complaining once they taste my brews :-)

In my 6 month tea journey, so far, I've acquired two yixing pots, three Puerh cakes and gone through countless Oolongs. Every day I'm learning more and discovering new flavours.

My current favourite read is the Leaf Magazine (http://the-leaf.org/)

There's not a lot of the Chinese leaf in the UK - at least of the decent variety. Jing and CantonTea have provided some good drinking though. I'm just thankful for the internet!

My first order from China arrived yesterday (TeaSpring). Marvelous.

I want a Gaiwan now. :lol:

by **Victoria** » Jun 21st, '08, 20:34

by Victoria » Jun 21st, '08, 20:34

Welcome! Please come join us on TeaDay,
and tell us what is in your cup currently!

Welcome,
Victoria

by **Chip** » Jun 22nd, '08, 00:11

by Chip » Jun 22nd, '08, 00:11

You are amoung many others from Europe who call TeaChat their home away from home. Welcome and please CLICK HERE AND SHARE WHAT IS IN YOUR CUP ON TeaDay!!!

by **Salsero** » Jun 22nd, '08, 01:02

Re: Hello from the UK

by Salsero » Jun 22nd, '08, 01:02

drumhum wrote:I'm just thankful for the internet!

Me too! Welcome to the club. I suppose your lust after gaiwans arises at least in part from the Jing Tea Shops Phoenix Gaiwan thread:
viewtopic.php?p=47350#47350

Frankly, sometimes I'm not sure whether it is the tea or the teaware that has a stronger hold on me.

by **olivierco** » Jun 22nd, '08, 02:36

by olivierco » Jun 22nd, '08, 02:36

Welcome!

by **drumhum** » Jun 22nd, '08, 08:34

Re: Hello from the UK

by drumhum » Jun 22nd, '08, 08:34

Salsero wrote: I suppose your lust after gaiwans arises at least in part from the Jing Tea Shops Phoenix Gaiwan thread:
viewtopic.php?p=47350#47350

Frankly, sometimes I'm not sure whether it is the tea or the teaware that has a stronger hold on me.

Interesting discussion Salsero. My interest in the gaiwan actually came from this...

http://teamasters.blogspot.com/2005/07/ ... -time.html

I've found the articles in this blog very useful. Some good down-to-earth advice comes from Mr Stéphane Erler and his association with tea master "Teaparker".

I've always found found brewing new (to me) teas a hit and miss affair. Just being able to see the tea as it brews would be useful. I can bring out the pot once I've a better idea about tea quantity and brew times.

I also like the idea of drinking straight from the gaiwan when i'm in the mood to jostle with the leaf.

:wink:

By the way, when I referred to "Jing", its the one from the UK.
jingtea.com
I can see this getting confusing!

Thanks all, for the warm welcomes.

by **Salsero** » Jun 22nd, '08, 12:06

by Salsero » Jun 22nd, '08, 12:06

Yes, Stéphane's blog is great. Very quick of you to sort out the confusion about the two Jing shops. You will enjoy your gaiwan when you get it.

by **criteaque** » Jul 9th, '08, 08:39

by criteaque » Jul 9th, '08, 08:39

Welcome drumhum!

Feel free to check out Adagio's UK site - I'm sure you'll find some of those Chinese leaves you've been missing :wink:

by **chamekke** » Jul 9th, '08, 10:49

by chamekke » Jul 9th, '08, 10:49

Welcome to TeaChat! (Croeso i TeaChat)

Thanks for joining, I am looking forward to reading your posts

by **Victoria** » Jul 9th, '08, 11:45

by Victoria » Jul 9th, '08, 11:45

Maybe you should consider getting a glass gaiwan,
so you can enjoy watching the leaves.

by **hop_goblin** » Jul 9th, '08, 12:03

by hop_goblin » Jul 9th, '08, 12:03

Welcome from the Lakes of Minnesota!