Asian Plaza And my travel Gaiwan Tea Set

I was at the Asian Plaza and this sweet lady was selling tea items.  She also made me tea!

I thought it was fun that she kept her tea cups in a warm water bath on the stove.

Look at all the fun tea sets.  And it was so fun that she wanted to barter with me for the set I bought.  She said $35, I said $20, she said $30, I said $25 and she said yes.  It reminded me of when I was in Malaysia.  I love to barter for items.  It is part of the buying and process and they want you to do it.  They want you to feel you got a good price.  It is also a social thing and helps builds relationships, if you have not bartered or negotiated before try it, it is fun.  

But know, if you ask for a price and they agree, be prepared to buy it.  Also another great tip is to ask for the price you want and if they say no than walk away...sometimes they will call you back and give you that price or at least a better price.  Walking away does work sometimes.

Here is the set I bought for $25.

There is a tea jar, 3 cups, and a Gaiwan.  Gaiwans have been used since around 1350 in China.  Gaiwan means  lidded bowl.

It is such a pretty and delicate set.

This tea set is great for oolong tea.  I did a Milk Oolong tea that I love from Ohio Tea Co.

Fill the gaiwan with water of the appropriate temperature. For green teas, steep uncovered for 30 - 45 seconds. For oolong and black teas, cover with the lid and steep about 45 seconds to 1 minute.

One of the benefits of using high quality, loose-leaf teas is that they can be re-steeped several times. Keep adding water as many times as yields a flavorful cup. To re-steep, increase the steeping time about 15 seconds each time.

You can see my beautiful rolled oolong and then once it steeps the leaves unfurl.  

1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.