Growing up on a farm in the Canadian prairies where tea time was a daily ritual, the practice is now an imbedded part of my life. What started off as an extension of hospitality and opportunity for rest, has blossomed into a universal language that has accompanied me to more than 20 countries allowing me to connect with and learn about different people and cultures.

In November 2012, one of these tea journeys allowed me to spend a month in China immersed in the Chinese teahouse culture. I left with hundreds of dollars worth of tea, new friends, some good stories, and mostly a stronger appreciation and understanding of the Chinese culture. My time at Chinese teahouses is currently being circulated in the form of a single-boxed book. There’s only one owner.

Inside are six short stories about the people I met, the things I learned, and many interesting facts you may not know about Chinese teahouse culture. Each story is based on fact, but the names and identities of the people featured have been changed to protect their identity.

The pages are unbound, meant to be read in any order. They reflect the Chinese teahouse culture, where just when you think you understand the rules of engagement, you realize the rules don’t exist in the way you imagined. Every aspect of the book from it’s textures, colours, accents, exclusivity, and means of transportation is a story itself and reflective of the sensory experience of the Chinese teahouse culture. The companion blog is meant as a complimentary (and more linear) space to accompany the book of tea. Along with offering a platform for sharing the short stories inside the boxed book, and the significance behind the books’ conception, this blog will also (hopefully) act as a tracking device as the story of tea continues its journey.

As a way to further share a story of tea, I hope to post my short stories on booksie for other tea lovers, as well as anyone with a genuine curiosity for other cultures.

Your reflections, questions, stories, and the location of this book (if you are the current owner) are appreciated.

Enjoy the book, enjoy the stories, enjoy a cup of tea.

A story of tea continues: 49.314643,-123.077148