Remember, remember, the grey of November

Welcome to YOCHA STUDIO

 

Yungang Grottoes, Shanxi, China

It has to be said, November is not the most glamourous of months. Sorry if your birthday falls in the eleventh month but that’s just the way it is! Grey, wet, dark, dank: these are just a few of the adjectives that spring to mind when we hear the word November. It doesn’t even have a decent festival to brighten things up - too late for Hallowe’en, too early for Christmas. So, what are the positives about November? Let’s make a list…

 

1.    It only has 30 days.

2.    It’s been a bizarrely warm month in Sweden so far (although while it may be good for the size of the electricity bill, it just doesn’t seem right.)

3.    Err…that’s it!

 

Well, that was quick at least!

 

OK, it’s not quite true that there are no celebrations in November

 

· Britain’s Guy Fawkes Day, on November 5th, commemorates a failed attempt to blow up the houses of parliament (“Remember, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot”). Children collect money for ‘the Guy’ – it used to be a penny, but inflation has corrected for that. Fireworks are set off with varying degrees of success, while at night bonfires with poor old Guy Fawkes atop them are lit across the country.

 

· In many parts of Europe and America 11th of November is ‘Remembrance Sunday’ usually marked at 11 am. This solemn occasion honours those who died in the first world war and other conflicts over the past century.

 

· Singles’ Day or 11/11. These days November 11th is probably best known as the biggest online shopping day in the world – and it’s made in China! Originally devised by four Chinese college students to celebrate their ‘singleness’ (hence all the ones in 11/11!) it was quickly coopted by Chinese online retail giants as a sort of Black/Cyber Friday on steroids. This commercial extravaganza has since spread to many countries around the globe (including Sweden) and is now by far the biggest online (and offline) shopping day in the world.

 

So, there you have it; November’s ‘celebrations’ include: an attempt to bomb a parliament building; a commemoration of the deaths of millions of people in war; a day used by multi-billion dollar companies to sell millions of items to people who don't need them and probably can’t afford them. Stay classy November!

 

Still, here at Yocha Studio we like to stay positive, so here’s some good news from nasty November!

 

Firstly, our new lunches have been flying off the shelves - there seems to be a taste for authentic Asian fare amongst Uppsala’s discerning public and we’ve sold out on more than one occasion. Due to their popularity, we’ve decided to start making lunches available at weekends too – but booking first is essential! Either drop in to let us know or e-mail info@yochastudio.se.

YOCHA Lunch

Secondly, last Sunday we opened early to feed people in a slightly different way with our ‘Taste of Chinese’ workshop. The aim here was to give people a literal ‘taste’ of Chinese language and culture. Fifteen participants enjoyed Asian snacks and Chinese tea while getting some fascinating insights into Chinese language, culture and a different worldview. Hosted by Yocha founder and former Chinese language teacher, Fang Danrui, the workshop was a such a success we’ll be repeating it soon!

YOCHA Notebook丨Classic Chinese Painting

Thirdly in good November news, we are receiving lots of interest from companies and groups wanting to organise something a little out of the ordinary for their employees or members. This week we hosted a special Kung Fu tea workshop for members of the Tangent Sverige group and, of course (despite it being mid-November), a good time was had by all. So if you, or your employer, are interested in putting together a unique culture-related event for groups of varying sizes, feel free to contact us about special rates and times: info@yochastudio.se

 

And more good news! Due to popular demand, our resident Gu Zheng virtuoso, Jiajia will be back again to play this ancient Chinese instrument for your delight and delectation from 3pm to 7pm on Friday 26th November. She will once again be wowing her audience with unique renditions of traditional Chinese tunes and other songs. What better way to forget it’s November and enjoy authentic Chinese tea and snacks than accompanied by authentic Chinese music?

Kung-Fu Tea Workshop in YOCHA

Finally, our entry in the Uppsala City! ‘scariest pumpkin competition’ may not have been the scariest, but it might just be the cutest. Our pumpkin carvers went for a tea themed pumpkin with matching Chinese teacup. Unfortunately, due to administrative confusion, our pumpkin was only displayed from 30th October to 1st November rather than the full five days – so our chances of winning are rather reduced – but we had fun making our “Tea-rrifying Little Teapot’ and even made soup from the innards. And, of course, a big thanks to everyone who voted for us – you know who you are!

Japanese-style Portable Tea Set

As usual, if you can’t manage to make it to our physical tea shop here on Kungsängsgatan (and who would blame you in November!) why not make a virtual visit to our online store? At  www.yochastudio.com  you can find all the original Asian design items on sale in our store available for purchase online and delivered to your door.

 

Till next month (not November, thank God!) do your best not to get too depressed😉 .

 

 

The Yocha Team.

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