Experience the tranquility and beauty of a morning spent exploring a tea plantation and factory in the heart of Sri Lanka. In April 2024, we embarked on a journey to discover the artistry and tradition behind Ceylon tea.
As the sun rose over the rolling hills, casting a warm glow over the lush green tea bushes, we were greeted by the sight of women workers, their colorful saris standing out against the verdant landscape. These dedicated workers toil tirelessly for little pay, earning as little as 3 euros a day for their labor, often plucking up to 16 kilograms of tea leaves.
Exploring the plantation, we were struck by the tranquility of the surroundings. The only sounds were the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze and the distant chirping of birds.
At the factory, we witnessed the tea-making process firsthand. Inside, the air was thick with the rich scent of tea leaves. Despite the extreme heat conditions, workers diligently carried out each step of the process. We watched in awe as they carefully withered, rolled, oxidized, and dried the leaves, their expertise a testament to centuries of tradition.
We left with a newfound appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into every cup of tea, as well as a deep respect for the land and the people who tend to it. Witnessing the extreme heat conditions under which workers diligently carried out each step of the tea-making process was a humbling experience. Our day spent amidst the beauty of the Sri Lankan tea plantation was not only a lesson in the dedication and hard work that goes into every cup of tea but also a reminder of the resilience and strength of the workers who make it all possible. As we departed, we carried with us a renewed sense of gratitude for the simple pleasures in life and a profound respect for those who toil tirelessly to bring us the tea we love.
Stelios