Sadō

Another cultural activity that was planned for us a tea ceremony known as Sado. Not only was it our first time but it was also our buddies first time attending a tea ceremony. 

Since today was a Saturday, school finished early. To make use of this early finish, we headed over to the tea ceremony teachers house. It was quite a long walk from school but we made it there eventually. Especially in this humid weather, by the time we had gotten there, we were all hot and sweaty. Once we got there, we got introduced to all the teachers and helpers. After introductions, it was time to change into our Yukata's. Wearing our Yukata's was something that we were all not looking forward to. Maybe because it was really hot and we were all crowed in a small room with a hot water boiler right next to us.  
​
SITTING ON THE GROUND, ON OUR KNEES FOR 30 MINS was a really big struggle. I know that not only New Zealand students but also the Japanese students were struggling. Especially Satoshi, it was cute to see him turn red. Thankfully it was not that long so once we drank the tea and ate the cake and the ceremony was complete, we were given the chance to stand up. Everyone sighed with relief with the English interpreter told us that we can stand. 

Once the ceremony was complete, we were given to opportunity to make green tea ourselves and serve it to our buddies. It was a wonderful experience as I learned how to make green tea the traditional way. One thing about green tea is that it is really bitter. So drinking it twice was not helping. 😂