In many ways, geisha are living embodiments of Japanese traditional culture: each one is well versed in traditional dancing, singing, musical instruments and occasionally other arts such as tea ceremony and ikebana (flower arrangement).

BBC: Kyoto's living art of the geisha

From there his route to power was typical of the times: freedom rallies, imprisonment by the British authorities, release, tea with the governor, a constitutional conference and a flattering independence ceremony conducted by a British royal.

ECONOMIST: Hastings Banda

After a hectic day of media interviews, tea-drinking and chatting with the "old boys", they took part in the formal closure ceremony, which included a fly-by and drill display.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Sad salute to war command centre