New York, United States—A Japanese tea ceremony was hosted by Poland’s permanent representative to the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Boguslaw Winid, in cooperation with UPF International. Including H.E. Mr. Winid, ambassadors’ wives and other diplomats and staff, about 15 persons attended the ceremony.
There were three special features in this tea ceremony, which was held on April 16, 2015: 1) This was the first time that ambassadors’ wives attended a tea ceremony at the Mission. For example, the wife of the Kuwaiti permanent representative is the president of the United Nations Delegations Women's Club (UNDWC), of which Mrs. Yoo Soon-taek, the wife of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, is a patron.
Many ambassadors’ wives are members. The wife of the Egyptian Permanent Representative is a member of the Executive Board of the Women’s International Forum (WIF), of which Mrs. Yoo Soon-taek is also a patron. 2) The venue, the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Poland, was acclaimed by the participants as one of the best so far for tea ceremonies. It is a beautiful venue with a grand piano. Even sitting there is enjoyable. 3) Poland’s permanent representative valued us very much, and his staff helped our team to set up every step for the preparation of the tea ceremony from the day before. Our whole team was inspired by their kindness and sincerity. At the same time, we also reached the heart of all the Mission staff through serving the Tea Ceremony.
Everyone learned how to live for the sake of others through the attitude of “Osakini” (which means “Excuse me, I will drink it before you”) in the tea ceremony. Everybody enjoyed the peace that they experienced with the tea and relaxed with the piano music. This was an unforgettable tea ceremony.