" ComeWith " AND Join us hiking, camping, volunteering etc

 
 
 

¡¡¡ Pura Vida !!!

Come alone, leave with friends!

Join me in Costa Rica for 9 nights/10 days of exploration and tropical adventures. Best Meetup ever!!

Costa Rica is a playground for the adventurous and an eco-tourist's dream! It is an unspoiled tropical paradise.
Beautiful beaches.
Rainforest biodiversity.
Misty volcanoes.
Roaring rivers.
Lush jungles.
Exotic flora and fauna.

And we are going there to enjoy it, learn about it and make memories of a lifetime!

This event is a true Meetup. We are creating it from scratch, and brining like-minded people together on this adventure. Along the way making lifelong memories and friendships.

Together . . . let’s make a Meetup to remember!

• Hike around the base of the Arenal Volcano
• Selvatura Zip Line Canopy Tour
• Guided visit to Finca Luna Nueva Farm
• Caño Negro Refuge Tour/Visit
• Rio Frio Wildlife Refuge Boat Tour
• Hanging Bridges Walking Tour
• Ecotermales Hot Springs
• Monteverde Night Walk Tour
• Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Tour (daytime)
• River Floating Tour
• Tamarindo Beach
• Sunset Sailing
• Snorkeling Tour
• And more!

For a detailed Day By Day itinerary Click Here to fill out our info request form

Land Tour cost $2195 per person, double occupancy (we match roommates for those traveling solo, and most of us are doing just that).
If you want your own room: Solo occupancy additional $690

The only way to secure your spot for this meetup is a $300 deposit that is refundable up to 90 days before departure.
Click here for secure deposit link
When you make a deposit be sure tp fill our our ATTNEDEES FORM.

As we mentioned, . . . the cost is $2195. This is for the "Land" portion. only. Airfare is not included. This gives you the flexibility to have a flight with timing that works best for you. Or to use point/miles.
I can also help arranging your airfare. To receive an offer, CLICK HERE and send me a message.

What is Included in this trip:

• 9 Nights hotel accommodation
• 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners.
• Meet & Greet at the airport.
• Pick-up from airport to our hotel, and hotel to airport at the end of the trip
• Transportation throughout the trip
• Private naturalist English speaking tour guide
• All entrance fees and tours mentioned in the itinerary day-by-day description
• Daily water bottles for the group
• Hotel and Added Value Tax

Does not include:
x International Airfare
x Meals other than specified
x Optional Tours
x All items of personal nature (telephone calls, Laundry, room service, etc.)
x Tipping for tour guides and drivers

Want more info?
Click Here to fill out our info request form
OR
RSVP to the event with your email to receive additional info.
OR
Send me a message

Whatever is easiest for you!

Still have questions?
We do a Q & A Zoom every two weeks or so.
CLICK HERE for our Q & A Zoom. RSVP on that event to get a reminder for the zoom.

Click here for the MAIN location of this event on Meetup RSVP there to post any discussion and to get notice of any comments and discussions. As well as any updates and reminders

We believe in good decent social.

SOT[masked]

Click Here to see all our other events

 
 
 

The concept here is very simple.

If you are new to the group or New in Town OR new to meetup. Then THIS is the event to go.

AND

If you have been in the group, and want to be part of the welcome wagon . . . join right in.

Just like everyone else: You want to meet other members and to meetup!!

In other words all members welcome to attend. So you will meet and make a nice circle of friends and decent people.

Where will all the merriment be occurring you ask?
Paperback Brewery is a craft brewery. You may have seen Bunny With A Chainsaw at Trader Joe's. Well, . . . they have a bevy of other awesome creations . . or it's just beer. Come and taste and decide.

They are located in a 6,000-square foot World War II-era aircraft hanger.
Se we are within a well designed and visually interesting place.

We will have the mezzanine level for us.

As far as drinks . . they have some great selections on tap. CLICK HERE to see what's on tap I am looking forward to trying "The Surrealist"

Here is what will happen:

Arrival time window is between 6:00 and 7:00 PM

When arrive and enter . . . I will be at the door . . or close to it . . . with a Top Hat (this is how you recognize the host. Look for the Top Hat . . usually in my hands and not on my head.) and I will hand you something (or you will pick it out of the hat). This will be how you recognize everyone in the group.

Then you will proceed to the mezzanine level.

Once there . . . you will meet group members.

We will schmooze and hang out and socialize. Eventually I will explain the mingle game. You will be able to play it based upon the thingy I gave you when you entered.

My guess is that at 8:00PM I begin the mingle game.

How much for all the fabulousness?

• No Cover and No Minimum. (this way if on a budget there is no pressure). You will still need to pay for whatever drinks or bites you do purchase. You can even come as a designated driver and they have non-alcohol drinks.

The main goals are to:

• Socialize and get to meet people.
• Celebrate any birthdays of members in that month.
• Be a New Members welcome too. And meet other more seasoned members too!!

And also please feel free to be an added event host. Just ask!! On this event . . . more than one host is ok. Aiming for 2 or 3. Send me a message on meetup.

To be clear: This event open to all members. With the on site emphasis to be a warm welcome to the group, and to meetup. This is an inclusive event for people to feel comfortable and get to know people in a setting that does not involve some other event happening (like a concert, or seated dinner)

Does this place serve food? OMG yesssssssssssssssssssssssss. And it's delish! LINK FOR Paperback Food Menu

Parking: There will be plenty of street parking on the surrounding side streets.
There is also a Vons about a block away . . .park there and discreetly meander away.
About a 1 1/2 blocks away is an EDD office. Just park there and look unemployable.

Carpool? Post in the comments OF THE MAIN EVENT POSITING (also read the comments too before you post). CLICK HERE to RSVP or to post to the main post

Final note: Very often people say: "I want to go but I don't have anybody to go with." . . . .on this event we all come on our own.

If you have a buddy or partner or a whatever, just have them RSVP on the event. No RSVP=Big Sadness

This is a Stigma Free Event. Meaning this event has a No Plus One.
Individual RSVP's needed

Also: In this way everyone is coming on their own.

Come on your own and leave with friends.

Come with friends and leave with more friends.

Come out for a fab meetup in fab place with even better people.

Special Note:
Inappropriate (or creepy) behavior by any attendee regardless of gender or age is not acceptable.
If any inappropriate or creepy behavior is reported or observed at an event you will immediately be requested to leave by the manager of the venue.
You will also be removed from this group by any organizer, co-organizer or assistant organizer.

*** We do NOT discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, or even for belly button lint. Well, . . . except for creepy behavior (see above)

 
 
 

Hello all! Calling all volunteers who want to make a difference in your community by volunteering with Shoes for the Homeless, Inc!

Please join us on Saturday, June 17th for an afternoon of charitable service and community involvement at our Volunteer Shoe Processing event. Shoe processing is a vital step in being able to give shoes to the homeless and those in need. We need your help! We would love if you could donate an hour or two of your time. All are welcome!

When: Saturday, June 17th, at 2:00 PM.
Where: West LA College, Lot 7 located at 9000 Overland Ave, Culver City, CA 90230.
Directions: Enter West LA College from Overland Avenue at Freshman Drive. Go a short distance and make a right at the first stop sign, which is Albert Vera Drive. Go past “Plant Services” and make a right into Parking Lot 7. We will meet at our two large blue containers. You will see our Shoes for the Homeless, Inc. banner on the sides of the 2 large bins/ shipping containers.
A link to the map of West LA College is: www.wlac.edu/transportation/index.aspx.

There will be plenty of free parking and bathroom facilities are available. Gloves and water will be provided. Once you arrive, you will see a signup table and someone will happily greet you, and give you a nametag, gloves and instructions.

*Please Bring Shoes* - If you can, bring lightly used men's, women's and/or children's shoes! Our goal is 65,000 this year! https://www.shoesforthehomeless.net/project-65000

Students are eligible to receive community service for their time.

To get an idea of one of our past events, here is a link to our last blog entry: Past event on May 20th

Please email us if you have any questions at [masked].

We look forward to seeing you on June 17th! Thank you!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

About the organization:
Shoes for the Homeless (SFTH) is a non-denominational, non-profit/501(c)(3) organization that collects, processes, and distributes shoes, free of charge, to the homeless and those in need. With our partners, SFTH is working to create a future in which every man, woman, and child has the tools and confidence to take the next step in their lives.

Why we need your help - Shoe processing:
Shoe processing is where we sort shoes, put a rubber band around each pair, put them in groups and then place them in bags. Shoe processing is a key and crucial step in distributing shoes to the homeless and those in need.

Together we are building community spirit and helping thousands of people improve their quality of life - one step at a time.

Shoes for the Homeless, Inc.
https://www.shoesforthehomeless.net
https://www.facebook.com/ShoesForTheHomeless
https://www.instagram.com/shoesforthehomeless

 
 
 

Grass Roots Neighbors is a volunteer community organization. We meet the immediate needs of our neighbors experiencing food and housing insecurity. We mobilize to fill the gaps in existing services by providing assistance with love and respect.

Activities may include:

Sorting thru and separating donated food.

Cleaning and cutting vegetables and fruit.

Scooping stew and fruit salad into containers and then packing in boxes for distribution.

Washing, drying, and putting away utensils, bowls, pots and pans used to make stew and salad.

If you would like to join us for an hour or 4 or more, all help appreciated.

Delivery of prepared food, donated blankets & clothing starts around 6 in one location & 7 in another location. If you are interested in assisting with this please let me know.

Grass Roots Neighbors also delivers groceries to about 50 families during the week. The pick up of the groceries is around lunch time in Playa Del Rey. If you would like to assist with deliveries please check out the website.

 
 
 

This hits all the highlights of Greece in all the best ways.

Athens - Mykonos - Santorini - Crete

Ferry from island to island, see all the amazing sites.

• Explore the Acropolis in Athens
• Mykonos island jeep safari
• Sunsets in Oia, Santorini
• Spend time on pristine Greek beaches.
• Visit the ancient ruins of the Palace of Knosos in Crete.
• And more!

Here is a thumbnail:
Day 1 - Athens
Day 2 - Athens to Mykonos
Day 3 - Mykonos -Jeep Tour
Day 4 - Mykonos / Delos
Day 5 - Mykonos to Santorini, Greece
Day 6 - Santorini, Greece
Day 7 - Santorini to Crete
Day 8 - Crete
Day 9 - Crete
Day 10 - Depart Crete

Cruising across the blue waters between these destinations. What could be more picturesque and tranquil?

Meetup only allows so many words in a post. To get the detailed Day-By-Day Itinerary OR to make a deposit . . . CLICK HERE and fill this out.

OR you can Message with your email address and will send you Detailed Daily Itinerary and deposit information. CLICK HERE to message your email address.

Cost $3390*
Deposit of $400 to secure your space.
CLICK HERE to pay deposit and fill attendees form

Includes:

• 9 Nights Accommodations
  1 Athens - 3 Mykonos - 2 Santorini - 3 Crete
• Breakfast Daily - 2 Dinners
• Ferries and shuttles
• Guided Tours per itinerary
• Admissions per itinerary
• Dedicated English-Speaking Greek Tour Leader
• Airport/Hotel Transfers on Tour Dates
• All Taxes and Surcharges

*The price is per person is in a double (share) room.

We provide free roommate matching, so there is not a need to pay a "single supplement".

However, if you wish to room alone it is an additional $975

Not Included:

• International Airfare
• Gratuities

As stated . . . Airfare is not included . Flight costs vary by how you are flying, when are you buying the tickets, etc. If you need an airfare quote Message here and we will give you the best quote available at the time.

To get detailed day-by-day itinerary on this or any of our other overseas trips, Click Here to fill out our google info request form

This trip has limited capacity of 24 total. It will fill up extremely quickly.

We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister group we post our local free, local/reginal camping, and our overseas events to.
Click Here to see all our other fun events

Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!

SOT[masked]

 
 
 

Dine at the oldest restaurant in the world, visit iconic museums such as Prado and Guggenheim, be amazed at Gaudi's architecture, taste pinxtos, sip good Spanish wine and view the Running of the Bulls from your own private balcony! To top this off...shop for spices and textile at the exotic soukhs of Morocco! And why not, visit a hammam (bath house) to fully enjoy the local culture and traditions?!

This is just a little taste of what awaits you on this awesome culinary and cultural adventure!

Spain is truly a magical and fascinating country - full of history, culture and oh...so much good food and fun time!!! Morocco's history is intertwined with Spain's, so it makes perfect sense to combine these two destinations and be amazed at the similarities and the differences.
We get to travel as locals, mostly by trains between the cities AND at the best time of year to be able to experience in person The Running Of The Bulls in Pamplona.

CLICK HERE to see the photos from our 2022 amazing adventure!

We visit:

• Madrid
• Bilbao
• Pamplona RUNNING OF THE BULLS
• Barcelona
• Marrakech
• Casablanca

Guided tours in each city, breakfast daily and several lunches and dinners, museum entrances, tasting menus, Running of the Bulls w/balcony view, transportation throughout the trip and much more!

We travel as a group, and also have the flexibility of hop-on, hop-off tours and museum passes with "skip the line" so you enjoy a complete independence. You can take our organized tours or do your own thing, cater to your special interests, visit other sights and locations in the cities, while still being guided and aided with arrangements. You can do it independently, or you can join new friends traveling with you, and do it together. The idea is come alone, meet new like-minded people and make lifelong memories, without the "one size fits all" tour formula.

Day 1: Madrid Welcome Dinner at the oldest restaurant in the world!
Day 2: Madrid Sightseeing and Skip the Line Royal Palace Guided Tour
Day 3: Madrid/Bilbao Prado Museum. Train to Bilbao
Day 4: Bilbao Guggenheim Museum. Authentic Basque Dinner
Day 5: Bilbao/Pamplona by train
Day 6: Pamplona Running of the Bulls with our own Balcony, best view!
Day 7: Pamplona/Barcelona by train
Day 8: Barcelona. Hop-on/Hop-off Tour. La Sagrada Familia Guided Tour
Day 9: Barcelona/Marrakech Entry to Gaudi’s Park Güell. Evening flight to Marrakech
Day 10: Marrakech Guided tour and visit to the local bazaars
Day 11: Marrakech/Casablanca A day for exploring and shopping
Day 12: Casablanca. Authentic Moroccan Food Tour
Day 13: Flight back home

Price per person, double occupancy: $4495
(we match roommates for those wishing to share)
Price for single room: $5595

Included:

• 12 nights in first class hotels with central locations
• Breakfast daily
• Dinner at Casa Botín in Madrid, founded in 1725, is the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records https://botin.es/
• Authentic Basque Dinner in Bilbao
• Transportation between the 6 cities
• Arrival and departure transfers from airport to hotels and train stations
• City Sightseeing tours in Madrid, Barcelona and Marrakech
• Entrance tickets and guided tours at the Prado, Guggenheim, La Sagrada Familia, Park Gruell and other museums
• Authentic Moroccan Food tour in Casablanca
• Front Row Private Balcony to view (safely from above) the Running Of The Bulls in Pamplona

In addition to the services listed above, what's included mostly comes down to creating an awesome trip at a great value and balanced logistics.

Not Included:
x Transatlantic Airfare (we can help you arrange that)
x Meals not listed above
x Tips and any personal and accidental expenses

The only way to secure your spot is a $500 deposit
Click Here for Secure Deposit Link
Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).*** Final payment due 60 days before departure
Click Here and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit
Click Here to fill out our google info request form and receive detailed itinerary and inclusions.
Limited capacity of 24 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly.

We have designed this to include all the "must see" locations.
Click Here to Message Direct to Anna with any questions.
She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions.
Click Here to see all our other fun events

SOT[masked]

 
 
 

Grass Roots Neighbors is a volunteer community organization. We meet the immediate needs of our neighbors experiencing food and housing insecurity. We mobilize to fill the gaps in existing services by providing assistance with love and respect.

Activities may include:

Sorting thru and separating donated food.

Cleaning and cutting vegetables and fruit.

Scooping stew and fruit salad into containers and then packing in boxes for distribution.

Washing, drying, and putting away utensils, bowls, pots and pans used to make stew and salad.

If you would like to join us for an hour or 4 or more, all help appreciated.

Delivery of prepared food, donated blankets & clothing starts around 6 in one location & 7 in another location. If you are interested in assisting with this please let me know.

Grass Roots Neighbors also delivers groceries to about 50 families during the week. The pick up of the groceries is around lunch time in Playa Del Rey. If you would like to assist with deliveries please check out the website.

 
 
 

Grass Roots Neighbors is a volunteer community organization. We meet the immediate needs of our neighbors experiencing food and housing insecurity. We mobilize to fill the gaps in existing services by providing assistance with love and respect.

Activities may include:

Sorting thru and separating donated food.

Cleaning and cutting vegetables and fruit.

Scooping stew and fruit salad into containers and then packing in boxes for distribution.

Washing, drying, and putting away utensils, bowls, pots and pans used to make stew and salad.

If you would like to join us for an hour or 4 or more, all help appreciated.

Delivery of prepared food, donated blankets & clothing starts around 6 in one location & 7 in another location. If you are interested in assisting with this please let me know.

Grass Roots Neighbors also delivers groceries to about 50 families during the week. The pick up of the groceries is around lunch time in Playa Del Rey. If you would like to assist with deliveries please check out the website.

 
 
 

Grass Roots Neighbors is a volunteer community organization. We meet the immediate needs of our neighbors experiencing food and housing insecurity. We mobilize to fill the gaps in existing services by providing assistance with love and respect.

Activities may include:

Sorting thru and separating donated food.

Cleaning and cutting vegetables and fruit.

Scooping stew and fruit salad into containers and then packing in boxes for distribution.

Washing, drying, and putting away utensils, bowls, pots and pans used to make stew and salad.

If you would like to join us for an hour or 4 or more, all help appreciated.

Delivery of prepared food, donated blankets & clothing starts around 6 in one location & 7 in another location. If you are interested in assisting with this please let me know.

Grass Roots Neighbors also delivers groceries to about 50 families during the week. The pick up of the groceries is around lunch time in Playa Del Rey. If you would like to assist with deliveries please check out the website.

 
 
 

There are several ways to get to Machu Picchu. All of them are stunning and storied. And you will get to choose the way that works best for you.

The Salkantay Trek is an ancient and remote footpath located in the same region as the Inca Trail where massive snowcapped mountains collide with lush tropical rainforests. It is less travelled than the Inca Trail, with breathtaking vistas! Considered by many the better alternate to get to Machu Picchu. It is also not that heavily regulated with government taxes and fees. Hence, the good price!

The Inca Trail is the "tourist" route. We are doing the 2-day hike, which is the second half of the classic Inca Trek. It is shorter and less difficult than the Salkantay. The view is stunning - mostly rainforest canopy and ancient historic sights.

The Train is just as it sounds. No long hike. Travel by rail and with less effort. This is intended for those with either less mobility or those that wish to glamp it a bit.

Peru is an amazing place with many unbelievable surprises. We are sampling a little bit of everything - from the tall peaks of the Andes, to the majestic Inca ruins, to the Amazon Jungle and not to forget...the famous Peruvian food and the pisco sour!!! This is a trip of a lifetime indeed!

Come enjoy this beautiful country the way you want - be it with a stunning 5-day hike (Salkantay), "The Classic" (Inca Trail) or the luxury way (The Train). We are doing this trip 3 different so we can be more inclusive and welcoming of all. For the Inca and Train option, we are including a bonus, 3-day trip to the Amazon Rainforest!

ALL THREE groups will begin together with a few days in Lima and in Cusco but will reach Machu Picchu - the culmination, in different ways!

Option 1: Machu Picchu via Salkantay Trail
Land Only Price per person, Double (Share) $2175
Land and Air out of LA, Double (Share) $3570
Single Supplement (Hotels only, share during trek) $300
Secure Deposit Link for Salkantay Trail $251

Option 2: Machu Picchu via 2-day Inca Trail and the Amazon Rainforest
Land Only Price per person, Double (Share) $2855
Land and Air out of LA, Double (Share) $4350
Single Supplement $400
Secure Deposit Link for 2-Day Inca Trail and Amazon Rainforest $252

Option 3: Machu Picchu by TRAIN and the Amazon Rainforest
Land Only Price per person, Double (Share) $2795
Land and Air out of LA, Double (Share) $4290
Single Supplement $400
Secure Deposit Link for Train Option and Amazon Rainforest $253

Deposit in addition to RSVP is required to hold your space. Deposit is refundable up to 90 day before start of event.

INCUDED

• Hotels in Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes.
• Emergency Insurance during Salkantay Trek portions.
• Guided Sightseeing Tours in Lima, Cusco and Amazon Rainforest
• Breakfast Daily
• Welcome Dinner in Cusco
• Farewell dinner in Aguas Calientes after Machu Picchu
• Meals during Salkantay Trek, Inca Trail and the Amazon Jungle Adventure.
• Hotel/Airport Transfers
• One way Flight from Lima to Cusco and Cusco to Puerto Maldonado (for the Amazon extension)

Not Included

• Any other meals not stated.
• Any other taxes, gratuities, or other expenses.
• Travel Insurance when not on Trek portion (we can give you a quote for that)
• International Airfare, as well as flight from Cusco or Puerto Maldonado to Lima UNLESS you are opting for air and land group package from Los Angeles.
• AIRFARE FROM OTHER CITIES NOT INCLUDED. REQUEST A QUOTE

**FILL OUT OUR GOOGLE FORM **for detailed itinerary

This event is posted to several groups. The number of RSVP does not reflect the total signed on. CLICK HERE for the main/central post.

Got Questions?
Specifics about Salkantay Trek . . . Message to Marc
(Marc-screen name Oddie) https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881
All things flights and itinerary message to Anna
(Anna) https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062

OR . . . .
We do a monthly Travel Q&A Zoom. CLICK HERE to RSVP for our monthly A & A Zoom
Come to the zoom, ask questions, meet others attending, be social.

We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister group we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.

CLICK HERE to join in and see all our other events

SOT[masked]