This is a lovely break from the hustle of city life and tourist rushing. The Way of Tea is…read moreparticularly focused on noticing *this* moment right here - this one that will never happen again because even if we came back to this place later we would be different people. Urasenke hosts an abbreviated (not the four-hour long-form) tea ceremony at 6 PM on the first Wednesdays of each month. It's part educational program - because the hosts encourage everyone to ask questions as they go - and part tea ceremony. If you have no idea what to expect, here's some help: - You will be kneeling or sitting on mats the whole time, so wear clothes that are comfortable and stretchy (jeans can be binding in the knees). But do dress up a bit, as this is a somewhat formal event. - You will be asked to remove your shoes just inside the door. Wear clean socks. - You won't be served a meal. While the long-form ceremony includes a light meal, this presentation does not. You'll get a little sweet to contrast with the tea. And the thin tea is meant to be exactly three-and-a-half sips. - You really can ask as many questions as you like. Take some time soon to pause and notice the moment. Have some tea at Urasenke.

If you've ever read "The Book of Tea" by Kakuzo Okakura this is place for you to experience the…read morefull tea ritual involving all of your senses. This unmarked tea room presents the entire experience of formal tea ritual as practiced by the Urasenke Foundation, a Kyoto-based non-profit. From the Japanese prints, to the flower arrangement, to an inspiring poem to the subdued lighting and tatami mats, a theme for the season is expressed to prepare your mind...then you enter the tea room. Each tea utensil and movement in making the tea has been refined to create a meaningful ritual that celebrates the beauty of the moment and being in the present. We had a very bitter live tea that was whipped and served with sweets that created an effect that the bitterness became suprisingly pleasant and refreshing. The students and teachers were exceedingly friendly and calmly dispelled any awkwardness for those of us on dial-a-clue as to the subtlties of Japanese etiquette. Among our group was a Buddhist monk from Tibet who asked a number of interesting questions relating tea to zen. Check their calendar online for the weekly "Open Hearth" dates and make a reservation as this is no casual cup of tea. I believe the Urasenke people also host occasional tea services at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.

My fiancé and I did the wedding ring crafting workshop and I highly recommended it. We came in…read moreknowing nothing about metalwork or casting and came out of it with a bunch of knowledge, a super fun experience, and 2 wedding rings made by our own hands. The owner is super knowledgeable and friendly and can help you as much as you want or as much as you need (and I needed some major help at the end). He helped us make our completely different styles and....it was just super cool. If you're getting married and want cool, unique rings you gotta go here!

We signed up for a two-day workshop to craft two rings, a wedding band for myself and a silver ring…read morefor my fiance. We worked with Emma, and it was an absolute blast! She was so helpful and kind, and it was an overall such an engaging experience. We got to do every step of the process, and Emma stepped in whenever either one of us needed help. She even helped us get my fiance's fingerprint imprinted on the inside of my ring, which was a very cool touch. We're so happy with the end result, and I can't wait for the wedding so I can wear my ring!

Thankful this place shutdown. The owner was an egotistical maniac and at one point literally had a…read moreswearing/screaming tell off session with our group. He also enjoys using his "status" as a way of putting down ppl and making them feel less than. All of the "lessons" you take at this "school" can be found for free online and there is absolutely no need to drop $14K or more. Not only that, you're expected to do all of your own work in terms of networking and finding jobs during and after. You're deemed a lazy, entitled brat if you're not doing most of the work yourself. So not sure what we're paying the tuition for? I'm not surprised by the reviews here. The owner uses bullying tactics to scare ppl from speaking out such as telling students he will ruin you and that knows all the CEOs and founders in silicone valley (I highly doubt such an assinine person would be accepted in those circles). Hence my need to make this account to avoid jeopardizing my own career that I built myself from scratch. If you contact alumni and ask for the real tea, you will find out these shiny reviews are a farce and I welcome you to do that to save yourself. I hope this review saves people a ton of money and emotional abuse caused by this establishment.

I am an alum, and I am so glad to hear this place is shut down. The founder and his team are…read moreegotistical, delusional, abusive, and rude. I had low self esteem when I joined which is why I tolerated their attitudes. I was once yelled at by the founder's mother, she literally yelled at me at the school. And the team bullied students who were so afraid of losing the network. 14K was not worth it. I wasted my time and resources there. My previous 1 star review was deleted, not sure why. I am adding another one here. If they represent Silicon Valley, I would not touch SV because the culture is toxic.

Richard is an amazing teacher. He is patient, accommodating, and will give you the right feedback…read moreto get you to your best speaking abilities. I had a lot of fun during these sessions, and could see the immediate impact they were having in my business. Would 100% recommend him!

Highly recommended - a life saver! I hired Richard to help…read moreme prep for a keynote speech. I had decent content, but he helped me refine it and get better at delivery. Practicing with him was extremely helpful. I felt prepared, confident and I nailed it! Thank you, Richard

I took my first class with CP, and it was exactly what I was looking for. I have been modeling for…read morejust about a year and was craving guidance, knowledge, and a resource to direct questions to. In my first class I learned all about runway walking and casting etiquette, it was all new things I had never heard before and I now hold them very valuable to my heart. I can't wait to continue learning under CP, and see how far this modeling journey can take me.

Charleston is a very knowledgeable and experienced teacher. He has many connections and can help…read moreopen doors for people. I attended a few classes and learned things I'll never forget. He preaches anyone can be a model. Attending his class you'll see various heights, ages, ethnicities, body types and weights. Which is why I found it quite hurtful he found it appropriate to send me an exercise video. I'm disabled, which he was made aware of. Its an invisible disability but it can impact my physical capabilities so I've chosen to no longer attend.

I spent a wonderful Sunday here!…read more The owner asked me to come in and teach a class, so I did. I hadn't been to Voice One before. I can tell you it's a wonderful facility with great ownership and management. The students here are and welcoming to new people. As a professional Voice Actor for 20 years, I feel that the education they are giving their students is top-notch. They have wonderfully defined coursework and everything is mapped out to gear students for success. I have a friend who teaches here and she is also very fond of the school. She and I are both very honest people, and we appreciate that being reflected by the owner of Voice One. The integrity is lovely to be behold. If you were looking to learn about voice acting or any of the other things they teach here don't hesitate to sign up.

Took a number of classes and really couldn't recommend any aspect of their approach to teaching…read more Most, but not all, of the instructors seem jaded, burnt out, and obnoxious, sally in particular. There didn't seem to be any effort to build meaningful connections between instructors and students, their attitudes seem very detached, joyless, and transactional.

Grand opening of a pottery/ceramic studio in Nob Hill (SF) across from the Cable Car Museum on…read moreMason. Great place to learn pottery making. Use of the hands helps keep the muscles toned and strong when shaping the clay. Samantha Is the instructor/teacher. She has the patience of Job when it comes to teaching. It's 2 levels with the kiln downstairs. Monthly membership is available to those who want to spend more time creating and making their pottery. Love it.

Came across this beautiful little pottery store/ studio while getting coffee down the street. Very…read morefriendly service and great quality; I love my wall flower holder. I also perched some Palo Santo and gave some to my friends that I visited. Lovely store

I've used the pools at the YMCA buildings in San Francisco. I decided to try this pool in North…read moreBeach. It's $8 day pass. I didn't know it was the only public pool with a sauna. The gyms have saunas with pool. The pool was nice. The location is nice in North Beach. The locker room was pretty good. I would be back. Lap swim is ideal.

This is such a great place to swim and relax. I've been here 12 times and it's been smooth sailing…read more The main facilities are clean. I love how they have a swimsuit dryer and plenty of showers. I highly recommend you purchase shower shoes! Don't let your feet touch the ground in the locker rooms. I like the 2 pool concept. It makes it easier for the lap swims to be spread out. I have a monthly pass and I have been swimming usually during the "lap swim" times. I know the "rec swim" can get busy here. Bring shoes!!! Staff are nice. Easy drop off and pick up area outside the building too.

I have nothing but good things to say about Dogpatch Foil! I can't remember my instructor's name,…read morebut he was so kind and knowledgeable. I actually went to two lessons a year apart. The only barrier to me going more is that it is so expensive for one lesson (over $300). The instructor explained the super high cost of the foil itself, so I understand the need to increase the lesson price. I would love to do this more regularly, but cannot for this reason. I decided to splurge on the first lesson and was gifted the second lesson. We put in at Crane Cove Park. I have been there many times but never swam in the water. I was outfitted with a wetsuit, helmet, and booties. I never felt cold while in the water. During my first lesson, they connected this radio to the helmet so I could speak to the instructor while out. It was super helpful because he could give me real-time feedback. In my second lesson, they did not have radios, so it was harder to communicate during the lesson. It really is so fun to foil, and I highly recommend it to anyone who might want to give it a try. If you wanted to feel comfortable doing it, unless you regularly surge/skateboard, it would probably take 3-5 lessons before you are zooming around standing completely, so definitely factor that in when it comes to cost.

Awesome shop so nice and close to Crane Cove - a great place to get out on the water…read more I took efoiling lessons from Dogpatch Foil and had an awesome time. I was immediately hooked. They sold me a board and have been super helpful and friendly along the way. I highly recommend them for lessons and sales of Fliteboards!