Tea that packs a whollop

[miladycarol]

I was a bit nervous about today. aMa’s older sister is in town for a week and we went to pay our respects. Last time when I was here, I was nothing but an embarrassment to the family. There are certain methods of acceptable behavior and I didn’t know them. I was sick and it all went poorly. So, today, with lurkitty’s help, I dressed nicely and sat there with my dozen words of their language and tried to establish cross-cultural pathways and positive relationships. I think it went well. I’m so relieved.

Personally, I’m not one to put much stock in “face.” It has its applications, but I enjoy being me to the fullest, whatever that means. If you like me, great, let’s have fun. If you don’t like me, it’s your loss. I’ll have more fun without you, then. After having said that, I am conditioning myself to care about face where my in-laws are concerned. It is an integral part of their culture and I must learn how to play the game. I refuse to be untrue to myself, but I am willing to go the extra mile and apply a little spit-shine and polish on my rougher areas. See? I can compromise. *grin*

So, this afternoon, we went to a cousin’s house to visit with auntie and uncle. I used all twelve of my Chinese words in all the right places. I sat attentively and tried to participate when I could. When tea was served, I became very complimentary. I think that my declaration of love for all things tea incited a challenge. Next thing I knew, Big Auntie brought the wee little Chinese teapot packed with the special tea from the Chu Chow region of China where their Grandparents were born. She also brought out the teeny, tiny little teacups and poured a tea so thick and strong Moses could have led the whole Hebrew Nation across without bothering to part the waters. I expect to wake and find chest hair. This was serious tea. Serious. There’s no smile here.

None.

Nope.

Okay, maybe a little smile. *grins broadly* I enjoyed it.

Especially since four of my twelve Chinese words are tea related. I scored points for the family, I think. Everyone walked out happy. We returned to the family home where aMa, after seeing me write down the contact info on the tea package in my PDA so we could order some for ourselves, presented me with a brand new package of the very same tea. I had asked her to remember the name (written in kanji) for me so I could order some. I wanted to bring it back to Oregon to share some of G's cultural background with our friends. Maybe that moved her. She even said she would give me a proper Chinese tea set. I’m very excited. This means I’ll be returning home with a real tea set and tea from G’s ethnic heritage to share in a tea ceremony with you all. I’ve seen the ceremony before, but I made Belinda promise to teach me so I can iron out the rough spots. That way, I’ll be really impressive when I next hold tea at Avalonne. Then we can all have hairy chests. *sniggle*

Actually, one negative side effect of that tea was the extreme wakefulness I’m currently experiencing. I may be up for quite a while, I fear. Maybe I’ll do a few laps around the backyard. No wonder the cups are sooooo teeny. And I had several refills. Oh dear.

Comments

[lurkitty.livejournal.com]

Glad I could help. I knew your natural charm would win in the end!

[miladycarol.livejournal.com]

I can always dress myself, but it's more fun with a friend. *hug*

[gwyd.livejournal.com]

Ooo! I want to try it too and see the ceremony!