On Friday night Jono and I joined Taube and Julian in going to a very casual tea ceremony. It was held at a Japanese lady's house who is always inviting foreigners and other friends to her 'open house'. She was very welcoming and friendly and even came to get us from the train station.
On arrival we made ourselves comfortable on a bench outside in the garden, and by this time it was dark. Scattered lights showed off the gorgeous Japanese garden and the many students dressed in yukatas taking part in serving us our sweets and green tea. The sweet we ate (which you eat to counteract the bitterness of the green tea and isn't always terribly tasty) was homemade and served on a pretty plate. It tasted pretty good, and so did the tea.
We then ventured into the house and joined a group of foreigners who were all living in nearby towns. George and "Melon" (Mary-Ellen), from England, Joy and Gabrielle, from Canada, and Susie, from Perth and Colm. They were all so friendly and we had a great time chatting, drinking beer and wine and eating various sweets. I also had a chance to see some ikebana students creating beautiful arrangements. Truth be told, I like mine better! It was a really great night.
