I’m smelling this tea. When it was dry, I swear there was a hint of banana, a very mild sweetness. Wet, it smells wonderful & somehow familiar. I linger with my nose in the cup, eyes closed, inhaling slowly. There is a sweet buttery-ness with the implication of vanilla. I want to breath this all afternoon.
I would like to tell you what this tea tastes like, but I can’t. I don’t have a reference point. I’m really still a Pu’er novice myself, still learning, probably forever. I’m on the 3rd steep, and I feel like I’m drinking from an sacred mountain stream. It’s slightly sweet, and the only thing I can really say is that it’s so smooth that I feel like I’m drinking air.
After the 1st cup, I felt that tingly numbness in the back of my throat and it gradually spread to my tongue and sinuses. After the 2nd cup, I stood in the kitchen doing Quigong while time stood still. My brain is lit up like a lightbulb, and a tingling sensation has spread throughout my body, as if I can feel every cell vibrating just slightly. I’d be happy to do Quigong or yoga or meditate all afternoon. I see myself in a canoe, floating down an endless misourri spring fed stream, just enjoying nature.
Is this the reason people drink Pu’er? I’m no longer worried about it being an allergic reaction. After reading some things online, including a link sent to me by Claire (you’re awesome, Claire, thanks!), I’ve concluded that THIS is Chaqi. I am drinking a Heavenly Elixer.
