activities: quietCon 3/25 & 3/26

	The QuietCon was nice. On Saturday, 3/25 I was met by lovely folks at the TSalon and Emporium. Contrary to rumor, or perhaps expectation, the Tea was social, and not in whispers nor in silence. We got along quite well, talking about our travels, hobbies, assignments and aspirations. The nice thing about TSalon is that they will indulge one in a formal tea for a fixed price --25 - 40$ AND they also have a large a la carte selection.  This means that everyone who attended could buy what they wanted - from a small pot of tea (3 cups for 4.50) or large (7 cups for 7$)  .... soup and 1/2 sandwich combo for 14$ or cookies for 8$. Everything was delicious, and was beautifully presented. Especially the cookies, the tea and their cucumber tap water. I am definitely trying to do that at home.  (cucumbers in place of lemons in the pitcher) Afterward, we sauntered upstairs and caroused the extensive tea selection that we sampled downstairs.  They had a large percentage of their Teas available for purchase in 4oz or larger quantities.  In addition, there are many tea accessories to procure, from dainty honey spoons that are bent just so as to lean against the edge of a cup and let honey slowly drip to myriad strainers and dispensers. Most of us indulged in some additional retail activity upstairs. I bought a black and grapefruit blend called "whispering heaven". Sunday, 3/26,  despite the rain, there was a good turnout of folks. Equitable Tower was closed, so we stayed outside there just a little while. We started with a quote by Rumi,  followed by meditation on tangerines as inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh/Peace is Every Step.  We then proceeded in silence eastward to St. Patrick's Cathedral.  On reaching those steps, I handed out a poem by Ram Dass. As we walked in contemplation the sun threatened the rain, and by the time we left St. Patrick's it had won the battle of the afternoon weather. It ended up having to timeshare with the wind, but it was certainly manageable.  We then explored some wonderful outdoor park spaces -notably, Paley Park and GreenAcre Park. Both had waterfalls. Paley Park (53rd btw Mad & 5th) is a blissful cacophony - a wall of water meets you at the far end of the park.  As you enter this sliver of public space, step by step the white noise of the water begins to engulf your experience and it becomes almost surreal as the taxis are clearly less than 20 yards away, but all noise ceases and all that exists is water down pebbled rock. Stopping for a bathroom, we found an indoor atrium (that was open). This too had a waterfall, but it was a gentle cascade against polished stepped stone, so it didn't have quite the same experience as Paley. On the way to this atrium (also in the east 50s) we passed an office building labeled BlackRock.  (funny eh?) Appropriately, signs of  Burning Man continued to follow us on our journey.Now that needs were met, bladders were empty, the troops decided that they were hungry.  Questing for the perfect oatmeal cookie, we passed a swank sushi restaurant - with a logo that was effectively the man upside - down. (I'll post if i can persuade the cam phone to let the picture go. ) On to GreenAcre Park.(51st btw 2nd & 3rd).. Another waterfall, but this was a much more elaborate experience. Enter into a dark rock oasis with multiple levels.  On the right an abstract stone fountain with water flowing through a gentle geometric stream that steps down toward the back wall and runs along the lower level seating. On the left there's an elevated covered seating arrangement and a stunning cherry blossom tree (i think that's it) .   Delicate light flowers against the earthy stone and juxtaposed with a building in flux, covered by bright blue tarps.   The main space itself is filled with short tables and chairs, and we were all surprised that they weren't nailed down or chained together in any way.  Trust was reigning in this space. (and perhaps a video camera or two). Here,  I handed out a poem  by Zenkei Shibayama. Having procured the cookies, cheese, apples, hummus and anything else we thought we might need, we moved on to Roosevelt Island. We took the Tram at 59th and 2nd Ave, intending a picnic on the opposing river bank.  Watching the city fade away and looking down at traffic on the 59th Street Bridge, of these things I never tire. Sadly upon arriving to the island, the Wind now was winning the battle for ruling the weather, and the Sun, though still present, was less than adequate to keep us warm.   We attempted to picnic on a bench, sharing some of our provisions and keeping them from blowing away. Lovely conversations, were had and soon it was decided to call it a day. I boarded then again the tram,  It was at this point that I said goodbye to my fellow travellers, wishing them a pleasant afternoon, and in sincere appreciation of 3 hours spent with perfect strangers who are now strange friends. I am definitely planning more of these adventures, and I need your assistance - Ideas, Locations, Activities, additional tour guides and Quotes to Meditate upon during the journey are much appreciated. Thanks, Marah QuietCon proprietrix. (QuietConI announcement) If you are tired of the cacophonous dark room warehouse parties. If you are wanting to be able to have a conversation without using el- wire or blinkies to light your companion's face. If partying just isn't what it used to be. If you are looking for a change of pace QuietCon is for you. During this weekend experience some peace and quiet, and hopefully have a good pot of tea. There will be two main events: a walkabout to free/cheap quiet spaces in NYC, and as a separate happening, a (not free) sit down Tea. Other quiet events may occur, however, these two will happen. RSVPs are required for the Tea, and nice to have for the walkabout. The Tea will be a sit down tea, dressing in costume is not required, however if any of you want to come in Victorian or Edwardian I don't believe anyone will object. Likely, I will be in a 50s or 60s high society outfit. The walkabout will occur on Sunday.If mother nature pours or hails or it's just not feasible Quiet Con Walkabout will occur the following weekend. Wear comfortable shoes, quiet clothes (no corduroy, vinyl, or belly dancing bells.) The walkabout will tour spaces like places of worship, small gardens, possibly a museum or two. The list is still underway. I will focus on one area of Manhattan, with many places within walking distance from each other. RSVPing is important as the size of the group will impact location choices. Of course anyone is welcome to join or leave at any time, however it's nice to know what I've gotten myself into ahead of time. Tea at T Salon 11 East 20th Street, Manhattan 3:15p; $a la carte pricing Please RSVP to quietcon@gmail.com SUNDAY quiet walk meets at Equitable Tower Atrium 7th Avenue, between 51st and 52nd streets, Manhattan 2:04p; $free ////////