Blooming Thursday
I've just finished reading the latest book in the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde. In my opinion it is not his best book, but none the less it is good. It kind of dragged on, some aspects of the story weren't resolved by the end, I hope Shades of Grey has these answers!
Anyway, I visited Chinatown the other day in the search for blooming tea. I thought if I'm going to find it anywhere, here would be the place. I first came across Beijing Trading Company on Pender Street. They had jars of tea in their window, but when I went inside I saw that there was a lot of dried herbs and other things on the wall. They did have a small amount of tea, but they were all in tea bag form and packaged in boxes. The store person was brilliant when I asked her if they stocked it. She told me that they didn't but she did sell me some Green Tea called Noble Gunpowder. It was only $1.50 for a box, so I thought 'What the Hey'.
I was told that I would be able to get blooming tea in Chinatown, so I carried on my search. I came across Ten Ren's tea shop on Main Street and went in to ask. As soon as I walked in a shop assistant handed me and my fiance a sample of a green tea with.....I can't remember, I took one look at the price tag of $79.00 for a box and tried to make my excuses for not buying some! Everything in the store was quite pricey, but looked like it was good quality. I did however ask if they stocked blooming tea and THEY DID! My search was over! Two choices of colour, yellow or red flower. I chose red and brought a jar as they didn't come as singles. This tea was called Li Chi Jasmine Tea a green tea with a slight hint of Jasmine. I couldn't wait to get home and try it out. I did take a video of the steep and as soon as I have edited it I will post it.
That was not the only experience with tea of the day. I don't know if it does count to others, but I grabbed a Lychee Green Bubble Tea on the way home! For those who don't know what bubble tea is it is a cold tea drink mixed with tapioca pearls (bubble). Mmmmmmm......I heart bubble tea!
