Reporting live from The World Tea Expo… I have always wanted to say that! Even better than wanting to say those words is the fact that Tea Escapade’s attendance at The World Tea Expo is reality. For the last few months, I have waited eagerly for this infamous tea event that began on Saturday, May 2nd.
We arrived late Friday night and I anticpated walking on the exhibit floor the moment I stepped off the plane. Saturday morning, bright and early, I attended my first class – Comparative Origin Cupping taught by David De Candia. This skill building workshop lived up to my high expectations and then some. Don’t worry… there are definitely more details to come, as well as pictures.
The rest of the day was spent walking the exhibit floor. Pacing myself was critical as each tea vendor freely shared samples of both hot and cold brewed tea. After cupping numerous teas during the workshop, becoming tea logged, was eminent.
To quickly recap my World Tea Expo adventure for the day…
- Attendance at one of the skill building workshops.
- Visiting and chatting up numerous vendors, including, but not limited to, Teas Etc., Harney and Sons, Rishi Teas, Aiya, Kim Bees, and Hunan Tea Co., LTD.
- A delightful interview with Beth Johnston from Teas Etc. – coming soon.
- Unexpected meeting with one of our favorite bloggers – Tea Guy.
The World Tea Expo ended with the World Tea Championship, which I regrettably missed. I admit, we attended Cirque de Soliel. The winners, however, will be published shortly.
That’s all for now!
Sorry we didn’t run into each other. Did you taste any of the Taiwan oolongs? There were less than last year, but more quality than quantity this year.
Hey Jon,
Yes, I did taste a Taiwanese Oolong in the Comparative Cupping Workshop. It was fabulous! In that particular workshop, I actually had a Taiwanese Green and Black as well. My favorite teas were those from Taiwan.
I know I should have attended the Tea Expo but I just didn’t feel I could afford it. But at least I should have attended and walked the floor and made some contacts. It sounds like it was fun, and I’m glad you made some good contacts and tasted lots of intriguing teas. Did you meet my friend, Nan Taylor with Tea Graces?
I have just started a blog on my website http://www.mysteryteaparties.com. While I do love tea and everything about it, I’m far from being an expert on the subject. I have lots to learn about blogging, too. Any advice?
Maxine,
Thanks for visiting and commenting. The Expo was a great deal of fun – I drank so much tea and met so many people. I cannot remember if I met Nan Taylor or not. I am still unpacking and need to look at all the cards I collected.
Congratulations on your new blog! Blogging is not difficult – I actually think it is a lot of fun. Over the last few years, I have have had several – Tea Escapade, however, is my favorite. You should email me if you wan to chat more about blogging.
Hi.
My friends and I did attend the Expo. Regrettably as well, we missed the World Tea Championship, which I hear was very nice.
We had a nice time, and in reading your blogs, it appears you did too.
I’ll be back to read some of your other updates.
Take care
PJ
PJ,
Too bad I missed you. It seems like I was all over the place. Missed alot of people. Better planning next year. Have you posted anything on your blog about your adventures?
I hope next year I will be able to join you at the World Tea Expo. As it stands on May 3rd I held my first public Tea Party (see blog), which was a lot of fun.
Hello Madam Potts!
Must visit your blog to read about the public tea party. Hope to see you at the Expo next year!
I didn’t blog this year yet. Did a write up last year, and probably took more pictures then too.
It is our annual trip and we are looking forward to attending next year’s 2010 lol
PJ