A Day at TeaFest PDX 

We went to TeaFest PDX today, and I don't think I expected just how many people would be there. We arrived early because there had been so much talk about using public transportation since parking would fill up quickly. Surprisingly, we found a parking spot without any trouble.

Once we got in line, though, we realized just how busy it was. The line seemed to go on forever, and by the time we got inside, it felt a little overwhelming. Since admission included entry to the World Forestry Museum, we decided to take a break from the crowds and explore the museum first. It ended up being a nice way to slow down before heading back into the festival.

Inside TeaFest PDX, there were teas from all over the world. It was fun seeing so many traditional tea styles represented, and we spent time sampling teas, chatting with vendors, and browsing all of the beautiful teaware.

The one thing I felt was lacking was the food. There were only three food vendors, and there were very few vegetarian options. We ended up taking the shuttle over to the International Rose Test Garden for a little adventure, hoping the festival would be less crowded when we returned.

When we came back later in the afternoon, it was a completely different experience. The crowds had thinned out, and we were finally able to sip tea peacefully and spend more time visiting the vendors. We even stopped by the matcha station and made our own bowl of matcha, which was a fun hands-on experience.

Overall, I really enjoyed TeaFest PDX and loved the variety of teas and tea culture represented. My biggest suggestion would be to consider a larger venue. It would make for a more enjoyable shopping experience for visitors and a better selling experience for vendors. The current space felt very crowded during the busiest part of the day, and I imagine that was challenging for everyone involved.

Even with the crowds, it was a fun day, and I'm glad we went. If I attend again, I'd definitely arrive later or plan to spend time at other nearby attractions. 

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