Brea’s replies to the inquires you may have
ATTENDANCE
Q. It’s called Dragon Gatherings; does this mean you’ll be holding more than just this first one?
The intention is set to hold at least one more Dragon gathering this year, though it’s not certain at this time. If this is something you’d like to do, don’t hold out on the possibility of a future date. Take the leap on this one; since it may be one of a kind.
Q. The schedule looks full, do I have to attend every single part of it?
The idea is that we’re immersing ourselves into a full day, for days in a row, of practice, and doing it together. Your being there for each part is important; however, if you need to rest and sit something out, we want you to take care of yourself!
NOURISHMENT
Q. I have a lot of diet restrictions/allergies/preferences— what is the menu like?
We’ll ask that you share with us your dietary restrictions if you have them. Please categorize them as medical, allergy, or preference. While we can’t guarantee we’ll meet your exact desires, we’ll take your preferences into consideration and we’ll definitely make sure we tend to your allergies and need-based dietary restrictions.
The menu is our version of Temple Food, with little to none of the five pungent ingredients: onion, garlic, chives, shallot, and leek. The ingredients Kaja uses in her recipes are simple and yet the flavors are bursting. Breakfast is simple and hot. Lunch is the main, heartiest meal, and our light dinner is an easy-to-digest soup or stew. For groups with at least one vegetarian/vegan present, we’ll have the option to add animal protein; for groups 100% carnivorous, it’ll be incorporated into the menu.
REFUNDS & CANCELLATIONS
Q. What if I need to cancel my enrollment?
Life sometimes makes your plans fall through, and I understand this. However, due to the incredibly limited space of these immersions, cancellations cannot be offered a refund. The exception to this is if your spot if filled*. This means that you can either actively find someone to take your place, or you can wait and see if the spot fills on its own. If this happens, I’ll be happy to give you your money back, minus the processing fees of the collection platform(s).
Half the total amount of your tuition is non-refundable even if you spot fills
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
Q, Can I arrive early and/or stay later than the specified arrival times and days?
Oh how I’d love to have you stay as long as you’d like! Alas, since Alta y Seca gets booked often, check-in is no earlier than 3p and check-out no later than 11a. While extended stays here at the QYG temple aren’t available, if you look on Airbnb I’m sure you’ll find some sweet options in the area and we can connect you with other practitioners who are open to sharing a spot.
HIKES
Q. Are the walks we take physically challenging?
Though I’m no hiking expert, using the the Yosemite Decimal System, I would categorize them as Class 2 Hiking: Easy to Intermediate; but most of the time it’ll be in the Easy level. If we hike into the arroyo there’s a section with a fairly steep pitch with loose gravel that would be best with hiking poles*. That portion I’d call Class 3: Hiking and Scrambling.
You can read the details of these classes HERE.
*If you know you’ll be more stable with poles, I do recommend bringing them. I’ll be using mine for that section just because I want to protect my knees.
