Kyoto is undoubtedly a traditional city, but that does not exclude a certain sense of fun. I have chosen these happy Japanese women, who must sometimes wear less classic outfits than these, to be my ambassadresses in wishing you a wonderful year in 2011, a year in which we might allow ourselves to express our “joie de vivre” in front of a passing photographer, a year in which we might take the time to observe such delicate things as the petals of cherry blossom.
A happy year
11 January 2011

I loved your blog. Exploring the world’s teas – what an adventure!! I’m a (less adventurous) tea fanatic! I’m in Hong Kong next week to buy tea and Tokyo at the end of February. I was planning a day trip from Tokyo to Shizuoka to buy tea. Do you have any advice on which village to visit in Shizuoka that would be best for a tea lover? I currently live in the South of France and I was so buzzed to see that you have a Tea School in Paris. That will be my next trip.
Hello Jennifer ! Thank you for your post.. Tawaramine is I think the perfect place with very nice view. It’s a great place (north of Shizuoka) as well if you like to walk and to take snaps. Enjoy and most welcome in our Tea School… Our courses are in french for the moment, I don’t know if it is a problem for you…
Dear Francois: Thank you so much for the recommendation. I’m setting my compass now! Tea courses in French will not be a problem. I managed to survive the Cordon Bleu in French so le voila! I’m in Hong Kong right now sampling tea and I think its been a good year for Ti Guan Yin. I’ll post you some when I return. Thanks again!
Dear Jennifer, thank you for your delicious samples !