Erick Smithe went on a working holiday to Taiwan in the summer of 2003 and ended up staying for eight years. From a young age, he has had an overpowering interest in absorbing cultural legacies, treasures — of both East and West. Owing to great good fortune and the generosity of many wonderful people, Erick had the opportunity to study several Classical Chinese cultural disciplines, including language, calligraphy, martial art and most significantly tea. It was tea, in combination with the dedicated practice of Qi-Gung, which opened (and continues to open) doors into worlds which one dares not dream possible. Once opened, these doors can never again be closed. Out of respect and gratitude to his many great teachers — some very famous, others virtually unknown, Erick strives to share this passion for all things authentic, beautiful and true — with all those willing to sit and share a cup of tea. His principle philosophy is that by respecting Tea, we respect ourselves, respect our guests at the tea table, and in turn all of Nature as a whole, . Tea will then reveal things about ourselves and our world, which we may never find without the peace and tranquility it brings to our hearts.Erick is the co-translator of Cha-Dao — from Tea to Tao Erick works as both author, educator and top-hand tea source. He counts among his friends some of the worlds best tea producers and collectors. At events he attempts to make appear effortless, the near twenty years of preparation which has gone into each individual moment of a tea gathering — the space within each brewing of treasured tea leaf.