Tea and bamboo

After a night of attack by rampant mosquitoes, we reverted to a Chinese-style breakfast after 2 mornings of bacon and sandwiches... haiz... The first activity of the day was a guided tour around the Phoenix Tea Plantation, where we learnt how tea is cultivated and harvested. I have been drinking tea since young, but was never cognizant of how tea is grown and processed. The guide mentioned that once the season arrives for harvesting, a committee of women will sweat to complete the task. Given the vast area that the plantation covers, it definitely is no easy task, and these workers deserve my respect for that. I also learnt that tea grows over a stretch/gradation of elevation above sea level. After that, we had a session of tea-brewing. Steven seemed to have prior knowledge of tea-brewing, as he got the ball rolling and seemed adroit in his steps and movements. I probably will not be getting such an opportunity anytime in the near future unless I venture out of Singapore again.

The highlight of lunch was the taro sticks, which were so fragrant and sweet it easily beat the other dishes hands down. Thereafter, we headed to Bamboola Taiwan, which produces and markets bamboo merchandise. The products there were sturdy and durable, and aesthetically pleasing to the eyes too. The master has been in this trade for 34 years! And he waved it off as 'ONLY'! On show were many boxes which can only be opened if the latch is shaken to a specific angle. It appeared to be a magic show initially; he said that it will open if you treat the box with respect. Actually, I feel that there's a deeper meaning to it - it applies to human social relationship as well. If you treat one another (family and friends) with respect and patience, refrain from fuming over trivial matters, relationships will blossom or at least be prevented from souring.

Now, we're at Sitou Experimental Forest to take shelter from the imminent typhoon. Hope it subsides quickly so that we can continue with our outdoor activities tomorrow! :)

Tea-brewing

Tea plantation

Gigantic beetle

Bamboola Taiwan

Me with walking stick at Bamboola Taiwan