LGBT Food, Fun, Travel, & Social Group

THAILAND TRIP!

• Dates: January 5 - 19, 2026 (15 days / 14 nights)
• Cost: $5200 (per person, excluding international flights)
• Single supplement: $875
• Trip details: https://globe-drifters.com/trip/thailand/

See who goes on these trips and what we do & see: THAILAND TRIP PHOTOS!

If you have questions, email info@globe-drifters.com.

Travel around Thailand on a small group, 15-day trip and explore its temples, jungle, and beautiful beaches! From island hopping on a long-tail boat to jungle trekking in one of the oldest rainforests in the world, you won’t be disappointed in the Land of Smiles. Thailand’s stunning landscapes and laid-back vibe make it the perfect getaway! Thailand’s breathtaking landscape, mouth-watering food, relaxing massages, and laid-back vibe make it the perfect travel destination. Did we mention a massage is only $8?! No matter your style, Thailand has something for everyone.

Shop like a local: Visit Bangkok’s largest and most authentic fresh market, where locals buy their daily ingredients—from fresh fruits and vegetables to creepy-crawly delicacies—before learning to cook authentic Thai dishes with a local chef.

Picture perfect beaches: Visit the laid-back town of Railay, accessible only by boat and pedestrians. The beaches here are straight from a postcard!

Sleep in a treehouse!: Stay the night in a teak forest in treehouse bungalows. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that not many tourists get to see.

✨⛪ Guided Church Tour: Faith, Art & Architecture @Holy Trinity Cathedral 🏛️

🌿 An Inspiring Afternoon Inside a Louis Sullivan–Designed Chicago Landmark ✨

Join us for a special guided visit to Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral, a designated Chicago Landmark and one of the city’s most extraordinary sacred spaces. Designed by legendary architect Louis Sullivan — often called the “father of skyscrapers” — this church is one of his few religious commissions and a true architectural treasure.

This immersive experience explores Orthodox faith, symbolism, immigrant history, and Sullivan’s architectural vision, all within a richly decorated, awe-inspiring interior.

This is a stationary guided church visit — no walking route or neighborhood stroll — allowing us to slow down and truly absorb the art, architecture, iconography, and spiritual atmosphere of this remarkable landmark.

Expect vivid murals, traditional Orthodox icons, gold accents, incense, and powerful stories of faith and immigration — all shared in a respectful and informative setting. ✨

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🕰️ Schedule, Meeting Info & Cost
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 3 PM
📍 Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral 1121 N. Leavitt St.,
⏱️ Visit length: ~90 minutes
💰 Cost: $15 per person
💵 Cash strongly preferred
(Zelle / Venmo / PayPal accepted if needed so I can submit one group donation)

⚠️ All attendees must check in with me at the start of the tour and submit payment directly to me so I can give to the church

📸 Photography is typically allowed — please be respectful of the sacred space and follow any onsite guidance.

🎤 Private guided experience arranged for our group.

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🌟 What We’ll Experience
⛪ The stunning sanctuary designed by Louis Sullivan
🎨 Traditional Orthodox iconography and hand-painted murals
🕯️ Candles, incense, and sacred ritual elements
📜 The history of the parish and its immigrant roots
🏛️ Architectural details that blend Orthodox tradition with Sullivan’s design philosophy

This visit takes place entirely inside the church and its immediate grounds.

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📖 About Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church
Founded in 1903, Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church is one of Chicago’s oldest Orthodox parishes. The building was designed by Louis Sullivan, a pioneering American architect best known for shaping modern architecture and mentoring Frank Lloyd Wright.

Unlike Sullivan’s commercial work, Holy Trinity reflects his ability to adapt architectural form to religious meaning. The church’s simple exterior contrasts dramatically with its richly ornamented interior, emphasizing spirituality over spectacle — a deliberate and powerful design choice.

Designated a Chicago Landmark, Holy Trinity stands as both a sacred space and an architectural masterpiece. It represents the perseverance of immigrant communities who preserved their faith, culture, and traditions while shaping the city’s cultural landscape.

Today, the church continues to serve a diverse Orthodox congregation and remains one of the most visually striking and historically significant religious buildings in Chicago.

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🍽️ Optional Coffee or Lunch After the Visit
Those interested are welcome to join me afterward for coffee or lunch at a nearby neighborhood spot.
🍽️ Options will be shared closer to the date.
⚠️ Please bring cash — some venues may not split checks.

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👟 What to Bring
• Camera (if permitted)
• Respectful attire
• $15 tour fee (exact change appreciated; cash preferred but Zelle, Venmo, PayPal accepted)

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🚇 Getting There
Public transportation is easy and encouraged.
Use Google Maps or CTA Trip Planner:
https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/

🚗 Parking
• Free and metered street parking nearby
• Generally easy to find during daytime hours
• Always check posted signs

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📝 RSVP & No-Show Policy
✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated
✔️ Cancel promptly if your plans change
❌ Repeated no-shows may result in removal from future events

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✨⛪ Join us for a rare opportunity to experience a Louis Sullivan–designed Chicago Landmark — where faith, immigration, and architecture come together in one unforgettable space. ✨

CUBA TRIP!

• Dates: March 14 - 22, 2026 (9 days / 8 nights)
• Cost: $2700 (per person, excluding flights)
• Single supplement: $450
• Detailed itinerary, visa info, FAQ, etc: https://globe-drifters.com/trip/cuba-march/

See photos from previous trips here: CUBA TRIP PHOTOS

For more information or if you have questions, please email info@globe-drifters.com

Cuba travel, legal and local… Thanks to the small group size, we avoid the big, government-run establishments, most of which US travelers aren’t allowed to patronize. As a small group, we can also dine at privately owned restaurants to support everyday citizens. Our groups of 12 travelers or less can visit smaller, more off-the-beaten-path places for more meaningful interaction with locals. Below are some of the things that make our small group trips to Cuba unique:

Authentic, local interaction: Your own dedicated Cuban trip leader throughout the trip will be your friend and show you Cuba through the eyes of a local.

Playa Larga: A sleepy beach town on the Bay of Pigs to escape the hordes of travelers at the major tourist hotspots. It’s a great place to witness everyday Cuban life in a typical Cuban town.

FAC: The Fábrica de Arte Cubano is a great place to mingle with Cubans over a drink while listening to live music and admiring works of art by local artists.

PORTUGAL SLOWCATION!

• Dates: April 9 - 19, 2026 (11 days / 10 nights)
• Cost: $4450 (per person, excluding flights)
• Single supplement: NONE!
*Room upgrades available for premium rooms.
• Details: https://globe-drifters.com/trip/portugalslowcation/

Check out pictures from previous trips to see what we do, where we go and who goes on the trips: PORTUGAL PHOTOS!

If you have any questions, please email info@globe-drifters.com.

What is a slowcation? Click here to find out: https://globe-drifters.com/slowcations/

Experience the magic of Portugal at your leisure on our slowcation… Explore Sintra’s fairytale castles, verdant hills, and charming cobblestone streets returning each day to a dreamy 19th-century estate. Then, head to Porto for wine tasting, golden sunsets aboard private sailboats, and strolls through colorful, lively neighborhoods. With hands-on experiences, unforgettable meals, and time to truly connect with each place; this is Portugal at your pace!

Portugal like a local: Step off the tourist trail into authentic Portuguese traditions. Learn the art of cheese making at a family-run dairy farm, paint your own azulejo (traditional tile), and wander through the unique landscapes of a working cork plantation.

Fairytale castles: Roam through Sintra, where enchanting palaces, lush gardens, and picturesque streets reveal centuries-old legends and hidden gems at every turn.

Douro Valley delights: Sail in style down the Douro River and indulge in the finest wines at exclusive quintas nestled in the scenic, rolling hills of Portugal’s award-winning wine country.