Tea Ceremony 茶会 A.k.a. Foreigners in Kimono

Probably one of the coolest experiences being in Japan so far, the three of us went to a traditional Japanese hotel, Ryokan, where we participated in the Local International Women's club's annual tea gathering. Not to mention we all three got dressed up in kimono, and took a lot of fabulous photos with James' new camera.

Here we are with from left to right, the Chinese Ambassadors wife, the Korean Consul's Wife, the American Consuls Wife, and the wife of the Governor of Aichi Prefecture. 

Before anything we all had to get set up in Kimono. The lovely ladies who lent us the kimono and helped us look so dapper are 75 and 90 respectively. Still incredibly swift on their feet!

It took them no time at all to get us three in Kimono. I can't imagine doing this by oneself, and even though at one time, Japanese men could probably do this on their own, the average Japanese would find it very to put on a kimono.

Here I am stepping into my Hakata, The skirt-Pant things that Samurai would have fought in. 

Sitting in Kimono in the proper japanese style of sei^% is an interesting experience. To do it properly, you have to rest your thighs on the back of your heels, while  your feet are splayed out behind you. It's quite stressful on the front tendons of your legs.

Here I am in the front garden of the Ryokan, ready to go.

We sure what to expect coming to the Ryokan that day, we thought we would just be invited to a ceremony where we would be the guests. In fact we were the ones serving hot bowls of matcha; frothy mixture of powdered green tea and hot water. Here I am stressing about which table to go to. The only instructions we were given about how to do it properly were in a jumble of Japanese and English. None of us really got the hang of it until near the end. 

Here are the ladies behind the scene serving up the dozens of cups of Matcha, which has to be freshly and carefully prepared just before serving. 

Sharing lots of Jokes with Julia, The wife of the American consulate.

After serving our last bemused guests their last bowls of Matcha, we had some time to stroll around the garden.

I'm actually looking at a construction crane next door; Loudest Ryokan Garden ever. 

The Consuls Wives. The American Consul's Wife as colorful in Black in white as was is normally.

I've seen alot of interesting clothes in Japan but, There's nothing that compares the the beauty of a bright kimono in the Spring sun. 

All together a unique and incredible experience, and one not easily forgotten by us our our Japanese guests. How many Japanese can say they've been served by Westerners in Kimono. How many Westerners can say they've served Matcha stumbling around in Kimono. Thanks to our lovely hosts and the consuls wives for making us feel welcome!