Tuesday, January 30, 2007

My opium addiction


Here are my bricks, 10kg of 2006 Lao Ban Zhang pu. The excitement I feel about these bricks is similar to an opium addict found a supply of the gooey paste in bricks on the opium bed.

Speaking of opium, tea and opium got mingled together starting late 1700's, the British forced opium import to China to pay for tea consumption instead of paying with silver, triggered the famous Opium War in mid to late 1800's. The lost of Hongkong, forced open trading in ports of Guangzhou, Xiamen, Ningbo and Shanghai, the nation was brutalized by the British and other European countries, lingering resentment of the western countries are still among many Asian countries in addition to China. It was the most difficult time in all China history.

Tea has been a luxury item highly sought after and fought for for hundreds years. I can't imagine not indulging every sip of tea I can get my hands on. I treasure my tea more than diamonds and gold! Tea can nourish your soul, enrich your spirit, cleanse your flesh. Beauty within is the ultimate endeavor.

8 comments:

~ Phyll said...

That's quite a lot of bricks! It's Mengku Lao Ban Zhang, right?

Imen said...

yes, it's 2006. The review I had done was 2005.
http://tea-obsession.blogspot.com/2006/11/2005-mengku-banzhang-ancient-tree-pu.html

Would you like to have one?

Anonymous said...

Hello!
What a nice batch it is!
It makes me want to cry (or jump up with JOY;-)).
Your pictures are so good, they make me feel, as if I've participated in this nice tea experiences.
Thank you.

~ Phyll said...

Oh, thank you, Imen, but I wouldn't want to take it away from you. Perhaps if and when we meet I can taste it with you. After all, we live in the same county. :) Thanks again!

Imen said...

Innerspace:

I feel like hopping around like a wabbit!

Phyll,

Let's do that in March.

MarshalN said...

Hey Imen,

Do you mind taking a few pictures of the banzhang brick, especially leaves that are wet (I'm sure you'll be drinking them at some point?). I'm quite curious about this thing.

Imen said...

Marshaln,

Will do in the next day or so.

MarshalN said...

Thanks