Algebra Tea House- A poetic review
This place behaves organically slow, and while music of varying genres comfortably moves through the speakers, I find a seat to find tea and a nice treat! My eyes wide scanning the local art surrounding me. There’s this shelf to the left of me and I’m so taken back by its complexity that I’m transported to a tree house somewhere in Brazil, wind caressing my scalp with a book in my hand. This wooden shelf holds notebooks, scarfs, each with inspiring individuality, tomatoes, peppers and in the next nook, loose leaf teas are displayed along with those cute little balls to hold the herbs. There’s a seating area behind this shelf that has these lovely velvet stools paired with high tables, and a seat for two right in the hands of the sun shining through the window.
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Steam rushes to the ceiling. I am greeted by a very welcoming and bright young man, he’s enthused to aid me in my inner-standing of the menu. “I’d love a gentle tea with a feminine vibration.” He looks behind him at the jars of tea displayed against the wall, not really cringing at what said like ai assumed he would. “ I think you’ll love the South African Tea!” Reading its description, I begin to feel so much gratitude. Its contents of rose petal and lavender are exactly what my soul yearns for. I thank him and spend time observing the universe within this building. Each beverage was served in these handmade, eccentric vases. Fitted to the wall was this tree shaped art piece, on each branch sat a unique piece of expression, a painting, clay pieces with painted flowers. The abundance of art inspires me to write this piece. Moderately busy, nothing that seems too overwhelming for the crew, they wash dishes and chat a bit, adding to the life within the establishment. Palestinian flags and conversations full of laughs, my South African tea adds a smile to me, leaves of lavender create peace in places beneath. A shelf of house used items divided the back from front. I appreciate seeing what is utilized in house, right before my very eyes. Now, I close them and I take a deep breath in to address the smells. Pita. Cooked beef. Ginseng tea. Their aromas melt together so comfortably despite their contents being so distinct.
I’ve gained some clarity as the rain decides not to fully commit to its descending. Today is different from yesterday, alone I sit, as birds gather outside the tea shop to admire an eclectic tree, its branches dance and sway in motion with a Malian singer and her band coming from the speakers. As I write this piece, I blend in with my surroundings. I want you to picture a white canvas , brown, yellow, burnt orange, teal red and black smudge into one. I imagine the owners and their vision for this place. Did everything go according to plan? The crowd here today is composed of young individuals, I can’t help but notice their thoughtful outfits, stylish and lovely blends of jewelry and fabrics. I remain through the evening, to capture the pace and observe how it’s changed. The sun has left and the amount of people has remained the same, the only difference is the energy. The nature of the cafe is extremely relaxed, the gentle lighting showing its full personality. There’s this deep calm and appreciation settling in as I look around, it’s such a pleasure to find spaces full of culture, pleasant people and beautiful art to ponder on. I utilize spaces like these to fuel my artistic car. Algebra Tea House is one of the places among many that I feel encourages contemplation and good conversation. I’ve met some pretty warm earthed people here and the common energy they all carry with them is that need for understanding. I enjoy finding spaces where I can have conversations with like-minded individuals. It’s important for places ;ike this to exist, places that promote and support the artistic spirit in all of us, and this tea house does that for me!
