Tea soothes and refreshes, and in many countries drinking tea is an event in itself. Volcano Art Center's "Hawai'i Grown Tea" series begins with a free talk and tasting on Jan. 21 with Tea Hawaii & Co. owner Eva Lee, a founding member of the Hawaii Tea Society.

Learn what Big Island growers are doing in propagation, cultivation and processing of tea for the commercial markets. Taste Hawaii-grown Camellia sinensis and learn about cultural activities in the world of tea. Tea plants are available for purchase.

The series also offers two workshops: The first, "Hawai'i Grown Tea Propagation," Feb. 6, describes Hawai'i tea growers' experimentation with known cultivators, and propagation methods. The workshop also covers how to start a tea garden.

The second workshop, "Hawai'i Grown Tea Processing," March 6, focuses on tea processing and traditional aspects as well as new methods that are adapted to the Island environment.

"Hawaii Grown Tea" workshops are 1 to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. Cost is $55 per workshop. 808-967-8222, www.volcanoartcenter.org.
— Advertiser Staff

TRAVEL TOOL

LOCALS GIVE TIPS ON POCKET SHERPA

Many of the iPhone Travel apps have useful information but may be too niche or too general. Pocket Sherpa is a relative newcomer tied to www.localyte.com, which connects travelers with "local people who are proud of where they live and want to share their local knowledge."

You'll see a nifty globe that you can spin with your fingers to find a country you'd like to visit. For each country/city, a menu bar shows newspaper links, travel services and wikitravel entries. Peruse a list of local experts or see a recent Q&A about the country. The "Localytes" are rewarded for their answers by the Web site's community via an e-Bay-style reputation system.

Since it's free, it's not too hard to give Pocket Sherpa a test drive to seek a local tip on an unfamiliar city.
— Associated Press

LAS VEGAS

TETHERED BALLOON RIDE OFFERS PANORAMIC VIEWS OF CITY

Las Vegas can now be seen from Cloud Nine — a 20-minute balloon ride that never takes off. The balloon is tethered by a steel cable near the Mandalay Bay Resort, allowing passengers to rise 500 feet for panoramic views of the city. The balloon accommodates 24 people and can be reserved for Champagne outings and wedding and birthday celebrations.

Cloud Nine operates 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 10 a.m.-midnight Fridays-Saturdays. Tickets are $22.50 for adults in the day; $27.50 at sunset and night. Children ages 5 to 12 soar for $17.50 in the day; $22.50 at sunset and later. www.cloud9vegas.com; 800-585-8688.

— USA Today