I love travel, especially the alertness of the senses upon landing at a new destination - which in my case happens to be Taiwan. The high humidity (think Florida, so no big deal for me), the smell of spices and food from small shops, the lovely sing-song sound of the local dialect, even the buzz of the motor bikes. However, it is tea that I really look forward to.

If I had to proclaim a tea category that was a favorite at Teas Etc, it would be oolongs.

For the next two weeks, I'll be based out of Taipei City visiting with existing growers that produce our Plum Blossom Oolong, Oriental Beauty, Fanciest Formosa, Tung Ting and Baozhong oolongs, and meeting a new growers.

Next week I'll meet up with the Taiwan Oolong Study Tour sponsored by the Taiwan Tea Manafactures' Association. This is an intensive 6 day immersion into the growing, harvesting and producing oolong teas including the history of tea in Taiwan. One thing I've learned for certain in the tea business - there is always more to learn - and I'm psyched to participate in this in depth study.

Must run, I'm off to Miao Li and Hsin Chu.

Newman