On the morning of 29th October at 10:30 a.m., 18 alumni from the Singapore University of Social Sciences (‘SUSS’) participated in our Chinese Tea Appreciation workshop. Our alumni arrived punctually and were all decked up in beautiful traditional Chinese costumes in accordance to the workshop’s theme. They were greeted with a faint whiff of tea scent the moment they stepped into Deyi (得一茗坊) (a Chinese tea house). The furniture in the tea house emitted an atmosphere of tea culture and zen.
Due to the impact of Covid-19, our alumni friends have not seen each other for an estimated three years. Hence, this gathering ignited endless chatter as they caught up! The Chinese tea appreciation workshop started promptly at 11:30 a.m. The tables were filled with exquisite dessert plates, fruits, desserts, and different varieties of tea leaves. A tea set was also placed in front of each alumni participant. A week’s worth of fatigue was washed away as they immersed themselves in the tea culture, snacks, clear explanations of the teas from the teacher, and the soft and relaxed melody of the Guzheng (a Chinese harp-like instrument).
One and a half hours had passed in a blink of an eye. Everyone agreed that they had not have enough of the session and they look forward to the next upcoming alumni event.
Let’s to listen to some of the alumni’s experiences and thoughts on the Chinese tea appreciation workshop：
Zhang Yan(悦辰) felt that the art of tea culture had forged closer bonds with her fellow alumni. Through the exchange, she had discovered hidden talents among her fellow mates!
On the other hand, Liu said that there were not many thoughts as this event was simply a form of relaxation and a platform in allowing one to feel at ease.
Another alumni, Deng Jing Hong (邓景红) added that it was rare to have such an opportunity to quieten down our hearts and make a pot of tea while putting aside work matters and slowing down from our daily bustling lives. It was nice to enjoy a brief respite with a group of good friends, while chattering and sipping on tea.
Yu Fen (玉芬) used a few words to summarize her thoughts, which were ‘We promote culture as well as friendships ’.
Sun Bi Ling (孙碧玲) also shared her experience by stating that she had learnt a lot about teas. She has now better understood the names of the teas and the differences among the six major types of tea. She felt that not only were there familiar faces, she also got to know new faces! This created a jovial chatting session among the new and familiar alumni!
Xu Jing (徐静) agreed and said that even if time flies and the world changes, this would not change the bonds and sentiments shared over the tea session.
The following phrases were used to describe the alumni Chinese Tea Appreciation workshop:
Happiness gathers as alumni meetings resume,
all decked in elegant Chinese costumes,
we listen to the details of tea ceremony art,
as the strings of Guzheng strung the hearts,
the aftertaste of aromatic tea linger on our tongues,
as the tea experience brings us so much fun!
