July 6, 2007 - Part B

Today we went to Boulder, Colorado to Celestial Seasoning for their factory tour. At the start of the tour we had to put on hairnets. Richard and I also had to wear beard nets. We looked really great. Below you can see our photographer, Vera, in her hairnet. Unfortunately, we don’t have a picture of Richard and I with our hair and beard nets. I think we learned a lot about tea, at least I did. The aromas were delightful. As our guide opened the room containing the chopped mint leaves, he explained our sinuses would clear and our eyes may water. He was correct. We experienced both and were allowed to stay as long as we wanted. Charlotte was the first to want to exit followed shortly by the rest of us. Next we watched the machines put tea in bags, put the bags in 20 bag boxes and put the boxes in shipping cartons.




In the pre-tour lobby there were items in a display case made of tea packages including a dress, shoes, handbag and hat. Included in the lobby were pictures of a young woman wearing the outfit to a company event. It surely caused a lot of conversation. I must say, it is a unique way to promote their product.




We sampled some different flavors of hot and cold teas prior to and after the tour. Of course, we purchased tea to take home from the Tea Shop pictured below.




I think we all had a fun and interesting day.