Backpacking

Are you tired of the usual expensive and boring New Year's Eve parties? Join us for a unique adventure to start 2026! 🎆 I'm **Francesco**, a biologist and explorer. I have organized a **7-day trip to Romania** (Dec 30 - Jan 6) that combines an authentic Urban NYE with a wild Road Trip into the heart of Transylvania. **🗺️ THE PLAN** **PART 1: The Urban Warm-up (Dec 30 - Jan 1)** 📍 **Timișoara:** We will explore the "Little Vienna" of Romania. * No tourist traps: we’ll hunt for **hidden Jazz Clubs**, drink fresh unpasteurized beer at the factory, and explore the communist history. * **NYE Night:** We celebrate in the main square with the locals and fireworks, then move to a cool pub to welcome the new year. **PART 2: Into the Wild Road Trip (Jan 1 - Jan 5)** We pick up our car and head to the mountains! 🚗 * 🦬 **Wildlife:** We’ll track **European Bisons** in the snow at the Hațeg Reserve. * 🏰 **Gothic Vibes:** Visit **Corvin Castle** (one of the spookiest and most beautiful castles in Europe). * ❄️ **Snow & Trekking:** Base in **Sibiu** (Medieval city) + a day of accessible winter hiking in **Păltiniș**. * 🧊 **The Ice Hotel:** Driving the legendary **Transfăgărășan Road** up to the frozen Bâlea Waterfall to see the famous Hotel of Ice. **👀 WHO IS THIS FOR?** I'm looking for 2-3 chill, open-minded travel buddies (20-40s). If you prefer nature, good conversations, and a snowy adventure over a chaotic disco, you are the perfect fit! **💰 COSTS & LOGISTICS** I have already arranged the logistics (Car Rental + Itinerary). * **Style:** Low-cost but smart (Hostels/Guesthouses). * **Budget:** We share the costs (Fuel/Food) and there is a fixed fee that covers the **Car Rental and Accommodation** for the whole week. **📅 DATES:** Dec 30th to Jan 6th. **📍 MEETING POINT:** Timișoara. **👉 HOW TO JOIN:** This is a small group (max 4 people in the car). **Send me a direct message here on Meetup**

***Golden dunes, volcanic trails, wild coasts & starry New Year skies — your perfect Fuerteventura (Canary Island) adventure starts here.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS TRIP?** For more detailed info & to get entry for this trip, click on link below 👇🏽: [https://canary-newyears2026.eventbrite.de/?aff=meetup](https://canary-newyears2026.eventbrite.de/?aff=meetup) **WHY GO?** Fuerteventura is one of the most breathtaking and diverse islands of the Canaries — a place where landscapes shift dramatically from golden desert dunes to volcanic craters, wild Atlantic cliffs, tranquil lagoons, and quiet whitewashed villages. In just minutes, you’ll move from otherworldly sand seas to ancient lava fields, from calm turquoise coves to windswept beaches that stretch endlessly into the horizon. We’ll wander across the famous Corralejo dunes, hike up the rim of volcanic craters with panoramic views, explore the raw west coast, and visit the historic inland towns that reveal the island’s true soul. And did you know? Fuerteventura is home to some of Europe’s clearest skies, making it a magical place for stargazing — the perfect backdrop for a New Year’s celebration under the open Atlantic sky. Let’s discover it together! Please do join our Whatsapp / Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [Whatsapp Group](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

Wir bieten allen Interessierten die Möglichkeit, mit Elektronik zu basteln. Workshops und Vorträge zu verschiedenen Themen rund um Elektronik und Software sind willkommen. Von Arduino bis zu komplett selbst entwickelten High-End Schaltungen sind wir für alle kreativen Ideen offen. Wir haben auch Gruppen rund um das Nähen, Programmieren, Retro Computer. Wir treffen uns immer am Dienstag und am Freitag ab 18:00 Uhr. Egal ob Anfänger oder Profi – hier seid Ihr jederzeit Willkommen. Ihr könnt mit anderen fachsimpeln oder auch mit unserer Hilfe Eure ersten elektronischen Gehversuche starten. Wenn zeitgleich in den vorderen Räumen Workshops oder Vorträge stattfinden, kann hinten Werkstattbetrieb stattfinden.

Let's mingle with locals and play some ping-pong. They have bats but I suggest you bring your own.

**👋 Hello Strangers! —** For all players and chess-curious folks out there who want to chill and make friends: We are hosting a daily chess meetup in Mitte / Prenzlauerberg welcoming all experience levels. It doesn't matter if you just watched the Queen's Gambit or if you have been playing regularly for years – join us Daily from 7 pm till midnight. **Pics** · [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/strangerchess/) / **Chat** · [Telegram](https://t.me/strangerchess) / **Web** · [Strangerchess.com](https://strangerchess.com/) (No need to bring anything, boards, clocks, etc. are provided)

**Note:** *We regularly receive bookings for the Free Walking Tour Berlin from many different platforms, which means you’ll be joining a diverse group of travellers from all over the world. Expect a lively atmosphere, lots of people, and an amazing opportunity to meet new friends while exploring Berlin together.* **Free Walking Tour Berlin – Discover the City’s History & Culture:** Explore Berlin like never before with our Free Walking Tour Berlin, the most authentic and engaging way to experience Germany’s capital. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to discover more, this guided walking tour is designed to help you uncover the stories, landmarks, and hidden corners that make Berlin one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. **Why Join Our Free Walking Tour in Berlin?** * Pay-what-you-want model – Everyone is welcome, and you decide the value. * Expert local guides – Friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about Berlin. * Meet fellow travellers – A social and fun way to explore the city. * Daily departures – Rain or shine, we walk every day. **Who Is This Tour For?** The Free Walking Tour Berlin is perfect for backpackers, solo travellers, groups, and families who want to get an overview of the city before diving deeper. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just a fun day out, this tour offers something for everyone. **How It Works:** The tour is free to join – no upfront cost. At the end, you are welcome to leave a tip that reflects what the experience was worth to you. Simply book your spot online to secure your place, as tours often fill up quickly. **Join Us Today:** See Berlin through the eyes of a local and experience its history come to life. Book your spot now and get ready to walk, learn, and connect on the Original Free Walking Tour Berlin.

Celebrate the end of 2025 with comedy before the chaos of New Year’s Eve. On Tuesday December 30, Back Door Comedy’s favourite comedians bring their best jokes to the front room of Mysliwska. Celebrate, commiserate and relieve yourself all over the back of a year like no other. Doors 8pm Show starts 8:30pm Break 9:15-9:30pm Show end 10:15pm This show is totally in English, inclusive and adult. Your fine ass lineup: hosted by Justin Small https://www.instagram.com/justinsmallcomedy/ Justin Small, originally from the United States, is a common face on the Berlin standup comedy scene. Having lived in Europe, Latin America and Asia, he derives much of his inspiration from his experiences and misadventures of being an “ethnically ambiguous” black guy around the world. His comedic style combines sharp wit with intellect, personality and attitude; all tied together with a straightforward delivery. featuring Abi Mohanty https://www.instagram.com/abiscomedy/ Abi is a Berlin based comedian. Born in India, she didn’t go far from the stereotype of being a software engineer. While that fills her pockets, comedy fills the void in her heart. Currently converting childhood trauma into jokes one show at a time, Abi has been performing all over Europe, usually in places where Ryanair goes. She recently won King Gong at the Comedy Store and Big Belly Gong in London in a desperate attempt to make her parents proud. featuring Ludwig Benecke https://www.instagram.com/ludwigcomedy/ Ludwig Benecke, the relentlessly funny and charming “nice guy” of stand-up comedy! For the past four years, he has been tirelessly showcasing his wit and humor to audiences all over Europe and the United States. As a Swiss-German nice guy navigating the unpredictable world of comedy, Ludwig hilariously recounts his journey from a life as an economic engineer to pursuing a creative career. His material covers everything from dating miseries and his upbringing to sharp observations about his former corporate job, offering a unique and relatable perspective on life’s challenges. He is now based in Berlin and has been described by various people as “funny.” featuring Sofia May https://www.instagram.com/sofiamaycomedy/ Sofia was born and raised in New York City on Ren and Stimpy and bad boundaries. Her comedy style is dark and whimsical. People often say, “She’s so innocent! Just like O.J. Simpson!”. Her solo hour “9/11 Birds and the Bees” won Best Performer by the European Comedy Edinburgh Fringe Awards. She has performed all over Europe, in London, NYC, SF, and the Edinburgh Fringe for the last 3 years. She performs on a nightly basis in Berlin and produces Stand-up at The Shine. featuring Moe Singleton https://www.instagram.com/moedinero/ Moe Singleton is a talented comedian hailing from Cleveland, who kickstarted his career in Richmond, VA before making his way to the vibrant comedy scene of Brooklyn, New York. There he had the opportunity to perform in renowned comedy clubs and even opened for esteemed comedians like Roy Woods Jr., Monroe Martin, Josh Johnson, and Alonzo Bodden. Moe’s comedic journey has taken him all over the East Coast, as well as to cities like Los Angeles and Seattle. His talent has also been recognized internationally, as he performed at prestigious events such as Off JFL, Zoofest, and Fringe Fest. Moe embarked on a successful European tour, captivating audiences in London, Copenhagen, Paris, and Berlin. In addition to his live performances, Moe has made his mark in the digital world. He has two half-hour comedy specials available for streaming on various platforms. One of his specials, “Dazed and Confused,” can be enjoyed on YouTube. Moe also hosts a weekly podcast called “Thought for Your Thoughts,” which can be found on all major streaming platforms. Produced by your usual host of Back Door Comedy, who’ll be reclining on a frosty balcony in Lisbon: Anna Beros Anna’s a Kiwi born, Melbourne raised, Berlin based full-time independent standup comedian, YouTube host, podcaster and producer. She celebrates life’s struggles with incisive standup and playful audience interaction. Her new standup solo, High Hoe enjoyed a successful full run at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025 and her previous solos, Creampie Curious and Creampie Clarity played at numerous comedy festivals through the UK and Australia in 2023 and 2024. She tours Europe and produces and hosts 5 weekly shows in Berlin. In 2025, she opened for Jeff Arcuri at Admiralspalast, in 2024 for April Macie on US army bases in Germany and for Ian Fidance in Berlin in 2019. She hosts the comedy channel, Ersties Nonsense, has the podcast Adults ONLY Comedy Berlin and has written for Comedy Central DE. https://www.instagram.com/afberos/ Venue: Mysliwska Schlesische Straße 35 10997 (U1, U3) One of Kreuzberg’s oldest bars. Buzz in if you can’t open the door. Good vibes, locals and visitors. Bar closes super late so stick around after the show Prepurchase tickets [here](https://www.annaberos.com/event-details-registration/back-door-comedy-end-of-year-special-standup-in-english-xberg) to secure your seat. If sold out there, try [eventbrite](https://backdoorcomedyspecial.eventbrite.de/) (higher booking fees) Remaining seats may be available at the door with cash or card

Bachata (the dance of our generation) is a social couple dance like Salsa - no choreography. The community in Berlin is active daily - you will meet a lot of open-minded people and make new friends quickly! Every Thursday we have Bachata dance classes in Berlin - we are usually a group of around 20 people (95% beginners): 🕖 19:00 - class: Technique for Beginners+ (0-1+ years experience) • No partner needed (we switch). • You can start from zero in any of these classes! 📍 Adress: Klosterstraße 44 ([Google Maps Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VGEqaVSy9xBCoHv9)) - near S+U Alexanderplatz • Entry: Entrance A, code: 5928# - inside press the button at the left of the door. 3rd floor, then black door. • Price: 10€ per class. ✅ Dance teacher contact: [WhatsApp-group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IWKPsid0cBDAUHCWKZNL2B) / [Instagram](https://instagram.com/mahir.bachata.berlin) 🇩🇪: Bachata (der Tanz unserer Generation) ist ein sozialer Paartanz wie Salsa - keine Choreographie. Die Bachata-Szene in Berlin ist groß und täglich aktiv - du wirst schnell viele offene Leute kennenlernen und neue Freundschaften schließen! Jeden Donnerstag findet dieser Bachata Tanzkurs statt - wir sind meistens eine Gruppe von 20 Leuten (95% Anfänger): 🕖 19:00 Uhr - Kurs: Technik für Anfänger+ (0-1+ Jahre Erfahrung) • Kein Partner nötig (wir wechseln). • Du kannst in diesen Kursen jederzeit von null starten! 📍 Adresse: Klosterstraße 44 ([Google Maps Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VGEqaVSy9xBCoHv9)) - Nähe S+U Alexanderplatz • Zugang: Eingang A, Code: 5928# - drinnen Knopf drücken links an der Tür. 3. Etage, dann schwarze Tür. • Preis: 10€ je Kurs. ✅ Tanzlehrer Kontakt: [WhatsApp-Gruppe](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IWKPsid0cBDAUHCWKZNL2B) / [Instagram](https://instagram.com/mahir.bachata.berlin) Schreib uns gerne eine Nachricht, wenn du offene Fragen hast! Wir freuen uns auf dich ❤

Join our **6 nimmt!** Meetup to play, socialize, and enjoy this easy game. Everyone’s welcome! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player. Expect fun, friendly games, laughter, and new friends. 👉 Please RSVP only if you plan to attend. *** **How to Play (Quick Guide):** * Deal 10 cards to each player and place 4 cards face up in a row. * Each turn, all players choose one card and reveal them at the same time. * Cards are placed from lowest to highest onto the row whose last card is lower and closest in number. * If a card would be the 6th card in a row, the player takes the first 5 cards of that row and places their card there. * If a card is lower than all row-ending cards, the player takes one entire row of their choice and places their card there. * Continue until all 10 cards have been played. ***

*Weekly Lunchtime Concert at the Luisenkirche* Join us every Thursday from 12:30 to 13:00 at the Luisenkirche (Gierkeplatz, Charlottenburg) for a lunchtime concert featuring a rotating roster of talented organists. Each week offers a unique performance, showcasing diverse styles and interpretations on the magnificent new Hans Reil organ, installed in 2024. *Wöchentliches Mittagskonzert in der Luisenkirche* Jeden Donnerstag von 12:30 bis 13:00 Uhr laden wir Sie herzlich zum Mittagskonzert in die Luisenkirche (Gierkeplatz, Charlottenburg) ein. Genießen Sie abwechslungsreiche Orgelkonzerte, gestaltet von einem wechselnden Kreis talentierter Organisten, und erleben Sie die beeindruckende Hans-Reil-Orgel, die 2024 installiert wurde, in voller Pracht. *** | 1.1.26 | William Peart | | ------ | ------------- | | 8.1.26 | William Peart | | 15.1.26 | Henry Fairs | | 22.1.26 | Kit Downes | | 29.1.26 | William Peart | | 5.2.26 | Kit Downes | | 12.2.26 | Matthias Schmelmer | | 19.2.26 | William Peart | | 26.2.26 | Jonas Sandmeier | | 5.3.26 | Kit Downes | | 12.3.26 | Raymond Hughes | | 19.3.26 | Deborah Faul | | 26.3.26 | William Peart | | 2.4.26 | Kit Downes | | 9.4.26 | Jonas Sandmeier | | 16.4.26 | William Peart? | | 23.4.26 | Kit Downes | | 30.4.26 | William Peart | | 7.5.26 | Kit Downes | | 14.5.26 | William Peart | | 21.5.26 | Helene Strack | | 28.5.26 | Matthias Schmelmer | | 4.6.26 | Jonas Sandmeier | | 11.6.26 | Kit Downes | | 18.6.26 | William Peart | | 25.6.26 | Jonas Sandmeier | | 2.7.26 | Dick Sanderman | | 9.7.26 | Julia Landau | | 16.7.26 | Christiane Drese | | 23.7.26 | William Peart | | 30.7.26 | William Peart | | 6.8.26 | William Peart | | 13.8.26 | William Peart | | 20.8.26 | William Peart | | 27.8.26 | Jack Day | | 3.9.26 | William Peart |

The New Year's Eve on Drachenberg last year was so much fun that I am offering this event again this year! We will meet outside the east entrance to Nikolassee S-Bahn station on Alemannenstraße (make sure you don't get the entrances mixed up!) and follow the route through Schlachtensee, Krumme Lanke, Grunewaldsee and Hundekehlefenn. After crossing the railway tracks and the AVUS at the Grunewald S-Bahn station, we will walk through the forest to reach the summit of the Drachenberg. Ideally, we will arrive at the top of the hill at midnight, just in time to see the fireworks lighting up the Berlin sky. At 0.45am, we will start our return journey to Heerstraße S-Bahn station. From there, it's just a five-minute train ride to Savigny Platz station and Schwarzes Café, where I've reserved a table. The café staff are prepared to serve us food and drink until at least 3 am. While we will have spectacular views on Drachenberg, please also prepare for unpleasant wind and cold. For this part of the event, it would be useful to bring extra coats, windproof jackets, and hot drinks. Sekt and the like is also welcome! If you need to contact other participants during the hike (for example, to find out where to meet us if you are running late), use the WhatsApp group. (A few hours before the hike, I will privately share the link with all participants to prevent bots from hijacking the group.) For all other purposes, especially socialising and posting photos, please use the Telegram subgroup 'Event Chat & Photos': https://t.me/addlist/KAOk2PA4BDE0ZTY8 . The hike will take place if at least 6 people sign up. As long as there are more than 6 people, you can sign up and cancel as many times as you like. If there are 6 or less people, please avoid cancelling, as this might make the other participants feel insecure about whether the hike will take place (or whether there is something wrong with the hike and they should cancel as well --> [Matthew effect - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_effect)). If there are less than 6 participants, the hike will also take place unless the majority of the participants are in favor of canceling the hike.

Start the New Year off right! Join us as we get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event to distribute food at the Champion Food Pantry! We’ve created a great little community of Movie Group friends! Rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve people in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: The Champion Food Pantry provides needed food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. For this event, we’ll be volunteering to help with Food Distribution during client pick up times. Our group will receive on-the-spot training from some of their seasoned regular volunteers. PLAN FOR CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: Please arrive by 2:45pm. Our volunteer time will be from 3:00 to 6:00pm. LOCATION & PARKING: The Champion Food Pantry is located at 1460 S. Champion Ave in Columbus. Parking is located in the lot on Frebis across from the pantry. Please enter through the door marked "Volunteers enter here” on Frebis Ave. A map has been uploaded to the photos. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the majority of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. No shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will mak you ineligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. LINKS & INFO: Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: • Champion Food Pantry Civil Rights Training: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Parking and Entrance: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0wI-AwOYLY • Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/foodpantrieschampion THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others in our community! But the benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering can provide a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Thanks for your help and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

We're collaborating with Westerville Queer Collective to gather supplies and pack care packages. Head over to their event page to [register](https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-wroejsfn/events/312453970/) officially. We’ll be assembling care packages with food, warm weather supplies, recreational items like books, and resource guides for local unhoused folks. Packages will then be delivered to HEER2SERVE, local nonprofit that has weekly “serves”, when they go out into local encampment areas and deliver needed items and food. Our care packages will be a part of that. WQC will supply containers and food items for the care packages. So this time we are primarily focusing on gathering donations for keeping warm, including up to 50 of the following items: Clean or new socks, hats, scarves and gloves Handwarmers Sanitizing wipes Lighters You are welcome to contribute items or just come and help pack. Leave a comment if you are bringing donations. We can also accept money donations through WQC.

Salsamante Dance Academy will be at Swerve to share the Rhythm & Energy of Bachata & Salsa. These are Beginner Level lessons to get you comfortable and understand the two dances. Spread the Good News to all. Swerve Dance & Fitness Complex 640 Lakeview Plaza Blvd A, Worthington, OH 43085 Bachata 7pm-8pm Salsa 8pm-9pm $15 - One Lesson $20 - Both Lessons