| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Vibe | Rainy day, relaxing after a very busy morning |
| Teaware | Ru Ware Porcelain Gaiwan (150ml) |
| Tea | Tongbai Hong Black Tea (from Henan, China) |
| Water Temp | 100°C (212°F) |
| Tea Leaves | 8 grams |
| Cost per Cup | ~8 RMB (About $1.10 USD) |
| Steeping Time | 5 seconds |
| Taste | Rich and very smooth, like milk (especially the 1st cup) |
The Noisy World and My Rainy Balcony
The world today is very noisy. Every day we hear bad news about trade wars, military drills, and economic problems. It makes people feel worried.
But today, I saw children walking home from school. They were laughing and playing happily. Their joy made me happy too. I truly pray that our world can stay peaceful and safe. Peace is not easy to keep.
This morning was very busy for me. I had too much work and felt tired. My mind needed a break. I wanted to feel calm, but my stomach was weak, so I did not want green tea. Green tea can be too strong for an empty stomach. So, I chose a warm and gentle black tea: Tongbai Hong.
I went up to my balcony on the second floor. It was raining lightly. My small tea table had some dust because I did not use it for a long time. Cleaning the dust felt very good. It felt like I was cleaning the stress out of my brain. I took out my favorite 150ml Ru Ware Porcelain Gaiwan. When the hot water hit the tea, the busy world stopped.
My Old Friend: The 150ml Gaiwan
This gaiwan is my favorite. It is small, only 150ml. It is perfect for one person to sit quietly and think. This small gaiwan has been with me for many years, through good times and bad times.
A small gaiwan helps you taste the tea slowly. You can use it for green, white, or Puerh tea. Porcelain and ceramic can absorb the tea flavor over time. So, I only use this gaiwan for black tea. After many years, the rich taste of black tea mixes perfectly with the gaiwan. It is a wonderful mix.
The Tea: No Fake Masters, Just Real Flavor
Do you know the famous Chinese story Journey to the West? This tea comes from Tongbai Mountain, the place from that story. Tongbai black tea is not famous around the world, but it is real. I can buy it right near my home.
To be honest, the tea market in China has a big problem. There are too many fake “Master Teas.” People pay too much money for them, and it is hard to know if they are real. It gives me a headache.
Tongbai Hong is different. Workers make it carefully using 5 traditional steps. It does not taste like cheap sweet potato or honey. It has a beautiful floral and fruity smell. The tea leaves are thin and straight. The taste is sweet and stays in your throat for a long time. It is one of the best high-quality black teas in China.
How it Tastes
The first cup of this tea surprised me. It is very thick and rich. It does not feel sharp in your mouth. Instead, it feels as smooth and soft as warm whole milk. Then, you can taste a sweet, flowery flavor that stays with you.