鼎铛玉石

* Tao Shang

鼎铛玉石

November 2 , 2011

Goldfest 2011

Posted at 16:00 EST

I haven't had a lot of time to explore all the venues yet, but did spend a very enjoyable time pouring over old maps in the Hutong of the Cartographers in Fengtai (from which district I emerged unscathed despite its reputation). I can certainly recommend this place as an invaluable source of information for any intrepid armchair traveller.

fengtaiplaque

October 29 , 2008

Goldfest Egypt and Orient

Posted at 07:00 EST

The plaques for this quizz were lovely enough that I took it numerous times (including a gender change) just to see all the ones possible. But this one was my own result - Set!

I got 9 out of 10 correct on this one, so yes, I can most certainly think like a Mongolian!

I admit I think the archaeology quiz result was a fluke, as I simply made semi-educated guesses for each question *laughs*

More to add later I am sure!

August 16 , 2008

Souvenirs from the Hungry Ghost Festival

Posted at 08:00 EST

A wonderful festival with so much to read and visit! I still have plenty of houseboats along the Grand Canal to explore, a ghost story to write and another spooky movie to watch, so will fill in the commentary later. But here for now are the souvenirs I've scooped up so far.

:: I prefer Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea ::

Longjing is a famous variety of green tea from Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China where it is produced mostly by hand and has been renowned for its high quality. Longjing tea leaves are pan fried (unlike most other teas, which are steamed) to stop the fermentation process.

When steeped, the tea produces a yellow-green color, a gentle, pure aroma, and a rich flavor. The pleasant aroma is refreshingly light with a hint of fruit and nut combined. The aftertaste is almost instantaneous, filling the mouth with a sweetness reminiscence of grape fruit. The tea contains Vitamin C, amino acids, and the highest concentration of catechins among teas.

The name of this tea literally means "dragon well," a well that contains relatively dense water, and after rain the lighter rainwater floating on its surface sometimes exhibits a sinuous and twisting boundary with the well water, which is supposed to resemble the movement of a traditional Chinese dragon.

April 29 , 2008

Adventures in Ai JI

Posted at 11:00 EST

This kitty came from the far-away land of Ai Ji (or Egypt, as they call it). His name is Mao Wang, the King of Cats. Mao Wang is also Elvis Presley, who was also raised in Memphis (Tennessee rather than Egypt...)

I also got this cat scratcher for Mao Wang to play on. I'm told it is meant to represent a fierce creature with many teeth called a e yu. But Mao Wang is fiercer than any e yu.

This festival in Ai Ji for the Cat Goddess was very interesting and amusing, and so I brought back a souvenir for myself:

February 28 , 2008

A nice surprise!

Posted at 19:00 EST

I'm completely amazed and pleased as punch to have been given second prize in the Shaman's Solnal Storytelling Contest held by the Orient for LunarFest. I didn't expect to place because although there weren't a lot of entries, all the stories were wonderfully told and such fun to read. Thanks to the judges, whoever you were! *laughs*

February 23 , 2008

LunarFest 08 Souvenirs

Posted at 18:00 EST

Arriving rather belatedly on the scene, but running around to catch up and visit the various worlds of the Orient that are hosting events this year! LunarFest is always my favourite AW festival, and this year is no exception.

:: I prefer Kukicha Baton Tea ::

Kukicha Baton tea is green tea from Japan that is an unusual combination of green leaves and thin white twigs. It is made of four sorts of stems, stalks and twigs of Camellia sinensis.

Kukicha has a nutty, slightly creamy flavor. For best results, Kukicha is steeped in water between 70°C to 80°C (155°F - 180°F) for three minutes - otherwise, like all green teas, the result will be a bitter, unsavoury brew. Kukicha is a powerful antioxidant and is very low in caffeine, in fact the lowest in caffeine of all traditional teas. Kukicha has also been known to be effective at inducing labor.

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