It’s been very close to a year since I started this blog. This morning before San Francisco Dance Sensation, sitting above this magnificent scenery, I look back at the year that just went by. A year, such a short time period, yet so much happened.

I quit my stable full time job to leave on a two month adventure in Asia. Two weeks of which was spent with Hugo and Sabrina from the Camellia Sinensis. They were amazing travel partners. Great sense of humor with curiosity beyond end. We were on a mission – discovering new variety of Vietnamese tea and understanding the culture of tea in Vietnam. Part of our discoveries are available in the book Thé Vert: À la rencontre d’un art millénaire.

My journey brought me to Singapore where I made amazing friends among the local Lindyhoppers and Westies. By far a very welcoming community.

Japan was a dream come true. It felt like a civilization that grew from in between the east and the west. I got a taste of Japanese Zen Meditation in the mountains of Antaiji. I danced like there was no tomorrow meeting amazing people – Yoko, Isaac, Kuma, Shigure, Yusuke, Chieri, Alice, Sophie, and Ben. I sampled tea all over Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. In the process I met a young gentlemen, Yoshi Watada, owner and tea sommelier of Chachanoma. He inspired me by his composure and dedication. I also had the honor of being received by the Sugiyama, a family of tea cultivator, owner of Shibakirien. Thank you Hugo.

A few months after the Asian escapade, it was time to indulge in la dolce vita italiana. During my very short stay in Rome before enjoying a peaceful week in Sicily, I had a blast Lindyhopping in historical sites and on the beach. Una scialla notte indeed. Thank you Mara Lou, Elena, Gaia, Andrea, and Dory for making my stay incredible.

Since my more permanent return on North American soil towards the end of 2012, I have dedicated myself to regularly attend West Coast Swing and Blues event all over the continent. Some months I would be at a dance event three weekends out of four dancing to the wee hour of the morning. I made lots of worthy encounters who proceeded to become friends. Dancing is amazing! By January 2013, I officially made it into novice with 2 WSDC points by finishing 5th with Marie-Charlotte. Thank you Marie-Charlotte and all the best in intermediate

I lived a fulfilled year doing mostly what I love: exploring tea, dancing, and traveling. I made numerous new encounters through this shared passion. Where does all this leaves me now?

*Drum roll*

It’s time to bring all this back to Montreal!

Will be opening a Tea Shop in the upcoming months AND…

For the first time EVER, bringing a couple of TOP WCS professionals to Montreal!

Moral of the story

Do what you love and do it often.
Good things will come from it.

For the realist who wonders “What about money?”
To that I answer, it is a valid concern. A concern that I’ve had this whole year while persevering in living without ever compromising on doing what I love. I cannot tell you how it worked out to be this way. A few days ago, I was afraid to look at my bank account. Afraid to find out that I was poorer now than I was a year ago or, even worse, that I would be full of debt. I can happily say that my net worth has increased since last year. Somehow, things just work out.

Thank you life
and everyone who has been part of it!