urban oasis – Tea Journey

Katherine Bellman

Urban Oasis: Nohohon Tea Room

Urban Oasis is a collection of images of spaces in cities where we can take a few moments to find balance and peace. Take time for you to disconnect an enjoy a space which brings a little zen to your every day.

Over the last few years I have seen some great changes to Toronto in regards to Japanese specialty shops. Mostly we have seen an array of Izakaya ( Japanese Bar) and cozy cafes, but just last year we finally have a Tea room!

Nohohon Tea really hit the spot after an afternoon at OCAD University’s Grad show. I raved about the shop for months to those that I knew would listen. A shop that specializes in Japanese drinks and a few select snacks, it was long over due.

The inside is quite humble as it is part cafe and part shop. The latter portion is contained within a glass cabinet upon the wall. The contents were a feast for the eyes. Within were a small array of tea wares (mostly tea bowls) and some select teas from Momo Tea. It was quite clear from the cabinet that my brother and I were going to enjoy anything we tried.

My brother tried the Fresh Taro Smoothie while I opted for Straight Chilled Matcha with red bean paste. It was truly the best place to stop for a drink and study or even catch up with a friend.

Now lets go back to the tea wares. In the cabinet was an array of wares all made by Secret Tea Time. Naturally a bowl ended up coming home with us. I picked the adorable raccoon chawan to add to my collection. Not long after arriving home a bowl of matcha was whipped up to end the day. The remaining drops of collected beautifully in the swirl inside the bowl.

I highly recommend you checking out Nohohon Tea Room when you visit Toronto, try out a Japanese specialty drink just steps from Spadina and Queen Street West shopping.

Katherine Bellman

Urban Oasis: Lole White at Fort York Toronto 2015

Urban Oasis is a collection of images of spaces in cities where we can take a few moments to connect with nature, find balance and peace. Past posts from the series can be found here.

The second last Saturday of August was Toronto’s chance to have the Lole White event. If you have never been to this event before, it is a yoga event which is dedicated to peace. Thousands of yogis (depending on venue size of course) get together for a yoga session together with that single thought in mind. Trust me it is well worth it to go at least once my first experience brought me close to tears, as the energy from everyone with this single thought was so powerful.

Unlike last year which was held inside the ROM (and in the evening rather than the morning), we got packed up in the wee hours of the morning to get to Toronto by 8am or so. The view while we waited in line for the gates to open was breath taking. It felt like I was called to this space as it was so close to the Exhibition grounds which was gearing up for Warrior’s day (which always falls on the first Saturday during its run). It was very nostalgic as when my Grandfather was alive we would go on that exact same day every year with him. So for me it felt a little more emotional than it usually would.

Once settled in (and picked our spot on the field) we relaxed a bit. Ahem.. I mean went shopping at the pop up shop. I really wish they had sunglasses there as I left mine at home (aka was too sleepy to remember them). A lovely volunteer offered to take our picture to remember the event. By the way if you look at last years photo, we are pose quite similar to then (how does that happen?).

The wait till the event started was well worth it. In front of my Mom and I was a lovely lady who used to come into Teaopia when I worked there. It was so touching that she remembered me. When the event ended I ensured to say goodbye to her before we left the grounds. I hope to run into her again in the future (ah Teaopia).

Overall the event was very uplifting and set the right tone for the rest of the day. I almost forgot how unique it is to practice yoga and meditation in the morning rather than latter in the day.
I hope you check out this event (or one near you, by the way there is a free one in New York City at Central Park tomorrow ). If you want to find out more about the event check out their webpage at the link below. Till next time everyone.

Lole White Tour Website / Twitter / Youtube

Katherine Bellman

Urban Oasis: East Beach Bowmanville

Urban Oasis is a collection of images of spaces in cities where we can take a few moments to connect with nature, find balance and peace. Past posts from the series can be found here.

A few weeks ago a friend and I were exploring the local beach and got some great shots. This little piece of land comes out from the beach and gave quite the view of Lake Ontario. The area is really called ” Port Darlington Waterfront Park” but the street name is East Beach Road. As there are two beaches in the area I feel that the latter is in wider use among us locals.

I hope this inspired you to explore a beach near you, but if you are in the area here is a map to find this beach. Feel free to send me an e-mail if you do visit, I would love to meet you.

Katherine Bellman

Urban Oasis:Toronto Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada Lion Fish

Urban Oasis is a collection of images of spaces in cities where we can take a few moments to connect with nature, find balance and peace. Past posts from the series can be found here.

If you have not got the chance to visit the Toronto Aquarium or are visiting sometime soon, here it is on a map. Other local attractions include The CN Tower and Rogers Center.

Katherine Bellman

Urban Oasis: Toronto Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada Shark Reef

Urban Oasis is a collection of images of spaces in cities where we can take a few moments to connect with nature, find balance and peace. Past posts from the series can be found here.

If you have not got the chance to visit the Toronto Aquarium or are visiting sometime soon, here it is on a map. Other local attractions include The CN Tower and Rogers Center.