We met in the lobby at 9:15 for our latest sleep in yet. Our first destination was Wak Japan for a traditional tea ceremony and explanation of the history of green tea from a tea master. Green tea ceremony is meant to create peace and harmony among all those taking part in the ceremony. In the old days warriors were meant to remove their swords in order to ensure this peace. Presently people are encouraged to restrain from wearing watches and nice jewelry or clothing.Green tea also started off as a medicine. Green tea has many antioxidants and vitamin C that is nourishes the skin and reduces aging. It was primarily used as a stimulate among Buddhist Monks in the traditional era and during vigorous meditation training green tea kept them awake. After the tea ceremony the two green tea masters who are also well practiced in the arts of Ikebana took us upstairs for a hands on lesson in flower arranging, which is Ikebana. We all had our own bouquet and were instructed to not only design what looked most pleasing to the eye but also focus on the significance behind the design. The tallest flower is ten which means heaven. The middle element is called Jin which means human being. The third is called Chi which means earth. After flower arranging we went to the Manga Museum. Manga are comics created in Japan. Manga is a large part of pop culture in Japan and people of all ages partake in it. They had art on display and books in Japanese, English, Korean and other languages for visitors to read. Our day ended earlier than usual with a late lunch at a sushi go around restaurant where you choose the dish of your choice from a conveyor belt of sushi!
- Raakhi, Chelsea, Kennedy
seasonal sweets K.N.
sushigoround K.N