Category Archives: life

The Tao of Tea

Hello Nations!

Now, I know what you’re thinking… but don’t worry! I’m not going to get all philosophical on you today. (Well… maybe just a little.)

The only truly important things in life are our relationships. Relationships with those we love – our family and friends. And I cannot imagine going through life without friends! To enjoy a cup of tea with a friend is one of the true joys of living! I am very fortunate to have so many friends… and today I want to introduce you to some of my newest tea friends.

The Tao of Tea is a tea house in Portland, Oregon, and they serve some of the finest teas available. The ambiance in this tea house is second to none (well… maybe second to The Jasmine Dragon in Ba Sing Se… haha!). The employees all know their teas very well, including proper preparation and serving techniques. From the ambient lighting and (quietly playing) relaxing music, to the décor, I cannot imagine a more cozy way to spend an afternoon with friends. You will not be disappointed! If you know how much I love tea, you will understand that this is one of the highest compliments I can give.

So why are you still reading this? Get on out, stop by the Tao of Tea and enjoy a cup with a friend.

—
Iroh

*P.S. For those of you that love to enjoy the very rare yellow tea, this is one of the only places in the area that carries it. Very limited quantities!

The Book of Tea – Kakuzo Okakura

Kakuzo Okakura was a Japanese scholar. He was from an upper class family and tutored in English and Western thought as a child. He wrote The Book of Tea, a long essay which discusses Teaism, Zen, Buddhism, philosophy and the Japanese tea ceremony and its influence on all aspects of life and society in Japan.

It is a very good read, and I highly recommend reading it.

You can find royalty-free online and downloadable versions of the book The Book of Tea at Project Gutenberg here:

The Book of Tea – Project Gutenberg

Hello nations!

I am so happy to be able to share with the world… the opening of… Jasmine Dragon Tea!

This is truly a dream come true for me, and if it hadn’t been for the help and support of all my friends and family, especially my beloved nephew Zuko, this dream could never have become reality.

So, once again, thank you to everyone! As a token of my gratitude I would like to formally invite persons of all nations to come drink deep the sweet essence of tea with me… and the first cup is on the house. All week long! So come one, come all!

We are located in the Earth kingdom city of Ba Sing Se, in the upper ring. If you have trouble finding us, remember, just ask where you can find the finest tea in Ba Sing Se!

-Iroh
… because tea is more than just hot leaf juice…