A Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

Zara and I spent the day together.  I want to walk you through the traditions of a Japanese tea ceremony!!

It was held in a lovely park:

The tea house:

First we removed our shoes:

Then we carefully read all the directions!!

She served us our tea and confection: (notice that the bowl's pattern is facing us) 

 Hot green tea with a sweet confection and a small pointed stick:

You eat the confection first and must cut it with the stick and use the stick to eat it:

Then you pick up the bowl and turn it twice so the decoration faces away from you.  Then you sip the tea, holding the bowl in your left hand:

You must drink it all and leave no foam, in 3-4 sips: