Travel Blogging

# 🎾 Pickleball + Contrast Therapy Afternoon (Markham) **📅 Date & Time:** **Friday, September 19th, 2:00–5:00 PM** **📍 Location:** Athlete Hub – Ronin/MyAthlete.io, **217 Idema Rd., Markham (Steeles & Woodbine)** **💲 Cost:** $25 per player (save $5 with promo code below) *** ### 👋 About the Event Join us for a unique **3-hour sports & recovery experience** at our Markham gym. * **2 hours of Pickleball** (rotating doubles on 2 courts, max 16 players) * **1 hour of Contrast Therapy** (cold plunge + heat cycle, guided recovery) * **Recovery tools throughout the session** — compression boots, red light therapy, and massage guns available during off-court breaks * Don’t want to get paired randomly? No problem — bring a friend and you can play together! This is not just a drop-in — it’s a chance to **play, recover, and connect** with other athletes in the community. *** ### 🏓 Format * 16 players max → 8 per court * Rotating doubles every \~15 minutes * Everyone gets 6–8 matches across 2 hours * While off court → access recovery stations (compression boots, red light, massage gun) * 1-hour contrast therapy block: * Wave 1 (8 players) → Cold plunge → Heat station → Lounge (\~25 min) * Wave 2 (8 players) → Same cycle (\~25 min) * Social hangout in lounge to finish *** ### ✅ What’s Included * Guaranteed pickleball play (2 hours, rotating format) * Pro-style contrast therapy session (cold + heat cycle) * On-court recovery tools during breaks (compression boots, red light, massage guns) * **Towels provided** * Light refreshments *** ### 📌 What to Bring * Paddle (if you have one — extras available) * Court shoes + comfortable clothes * **Bathing suit + toiletries** (for contrast therapy) * Water bottle * **Bring a friend!** If you’d like, you can register with a partner to guarantee you play together during the pickleball rotations. *** ### 💲 How to Register This event is limited to **16 players only**. To confirm your spot: 1. RSVP here on Meetup 2. **Register & pay** on **[MyAthlete.io](https://myathlete.io/org_profile/1757696830905x685739735532699600)** 3. Buy a **Trial** and use promo code **MEETUP20** at checkout to save $5 for your first time. ⚠️ Meetup RSVP alone does *not* guarantee your spot — registration must be completed on MyAthlete.io.

### ❄️ **Festive Winter Walk — Holiday Markets Edition!** **📅 Friday, December 19** **⏰ Meet for 6:00 PM** **📍 Starting Point:** outside McDonald’s at **Bathurst & King** (look for the Meetup sign) Bundle up and join us for a magical winter walk through Toronto’s most festive holiday spots! We’ll explore markets, lights, treats, and cozy vibes all evening long. Perfect for festive vibes or any last minute gifts you might need to pick up. *** ### 🎄 **Our Festive Route** #### **1️⃣ McDonald's (Bathurst & King) — Meet & Warm Up** We’ll gather outside . Grab a warm drink and get ready to stroll. #### **2️⃣ Stackt Market – Holiday Markets & Lights** Our first festive stop! Explore creative vendors, glowing installations, and lots of holiday photo moments. #### **3️⃣ The Well — Winter Lights & Vendors** A short walk brings us to The Well, beautifully decorated for the season with cheerful lights, pop-ups, shops, and indoor warm-up spots. #### **4️⃣ St. Lawrence Market – Seasonal Treats** Next, we continue east to explore tasty holiday treats, local goods, and classic seasonal flavors. #### **5️⃣ Distillery Winter Village – Grand Finale!** We end at the iconic Winter Village. Twinkle lights, Christmas music, festive vendors, and all the magical holiday atmosphere you could want. Stay as long as you like! **Note, there is an [admission fee](https://thedistillerywintervillage.com/tickets) if you want to enter here. Also expect big crowds.** $15.00 + $1.50 service fee + $2.15 HST = $18.65 total ***I will not be entering*** because have a party to attend tonight. Finally ,[ consider joining our WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=hqrt3) to stay updated on many neat events with us *** ### 🎁 **Details** ✔️ Easy, relaxed walking pace ✔️ Free to join (you’re responsible for any food/drink purchases) ✔️ Dress warmly — it’s December! ✔️ Please *respect your RSVP* so we know who to expect Come enjoy a festive night filled with holiday energy, great company, and the best winter sights in the city! ❄️🎅✨

Welcome ! OM Chanting is a group practice that uses the transformational power of OM to activate the self-healing potential of participants, promote inner peace and purify the environment. OM Chanting is a free practice, however, donations are welcome to help cover the rent of the studio. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- EVENT DETAILS: address: 283 Spadina Avenue; 3rd floor. ( SE corner of Spadina and Dundas). We will start at 6:30 pm. Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes earlier. We will be sitting on chairs; you can also sit on the floor if you prefer. You are encouraged to bring a bottle of water. Looking forward to seeing you ! For more information about Om Chanting, please visit: [https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/](https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/) Much Love, Veda Cell: 416-845-9375

### Come out for some Pokémon Trading Card game fun at our Casual Play and Trade Event! **ITINERARY:** 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Open trading time and registration 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM: Casual tournament Tournament will be Standard Format, Swiss style with number of rounds based on attendance. All participants will receive a ***League promo booster pack*** for playing Trainers will receive an additional booster pack for every battle for a maximum of 4 league packs :) . Additional prizing based on availability and attendance. If you would like, you can also prepay for your ticket here: https://lvlupgames.ca/products/pokemon-league-casual-play-and-trade

Street chess. Free. All levels are welcome. The event happens when the weather is good. ‼️The events may happen every day but will not necessarily be every day, even if it says there is an event on Meetup.com, check the instagram story post @sidewalkchess. If there’s a story post that says that the event is happening, then there is an event on that day, but if there is no story like that, then there’s no event‼️

Let's review and reflect before jumping into the new year.

✨ **Peace Starts With Me Night – Christmas Edition** ✨ Join us for the final Peace Starts With Me Night of 2025—a warm, cozy evening to celebrate our year, connect, and welcome the holiday season together. 🎄✨ This special night is all about reflecting, appreciating, and enjoying community… starting with peace, starting with us. 🕊️ 📅 Date – Friday, Dec 19 🍽️ Appetizers + Short Film – 6:00 PM 🌟 Program – 7:00 PM 📍 Location – 215 Mavety St (FFWPU) 💰Fee - $5 / person Here’s what’s waiting for you: 🍽️ Appetizer Time + Short Film A relaxed start to the night as we enjoy some bites and watch a short inspirational film. 💬 2025 Peace Starts With Me Recap + Icebreaker A look back at this year’s activities and moments, plus a fun activity to connect. 🎄 Christmas Special Finger-Food Dinner Enjoy a festive, delicious holiday meal together. 🎉 Recreation Time Light games like bingo and other fun activities to celebrate the end of the year! Come join us for a warm year-end gathering, share gratitude, and wrap up 2025 with peace and joy. ✨ Peace starts with me. ✨ **To confirm your spot and help us prepare materials, please fill out this short registration form:** [https://forms.gle/RGK88rXRajdaVYkp9](https://forms.gle/RGK88rXRajdaVYkp9)

Hey Toronto! This is your weekly escape into global cultures. [Click this WhatsApp Groupchat Link to join ](https://l.gourl.es/l/4ed7dff035771e7de7cc448f4403465c1b8d1f99?u=7709345) Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people in their 20s and 30s gather for a mix of language practice, travel stories, and community. Whether you’re new in town or born here, this is where world citizens connect. No judgment, no pressure — just pure, human interaction.

Join us for our second *Snap & Stroll* — a laid-back photo walk starting at Spadina station and heading south on **Spadina Ave**, open to anyone who loves capturing life on the move. Bring any camera (yes, even your phone), comfy shoes, and good energy. No pressure, no pro skills needed — just walk, shoot, and vibe with fellow creatives. We’ll wrap with optional drinks nearby. **Note:** **Event will be cancelled if there is heavy rain expected that day.**

\*\*NOTE: This meetup currently lacks a regular host. (The current hosts are volunteers for online organizational purposes; they show up in person occasionally.) If you arrive and there is no host, don’t worry. Whoever is the longest-running member (or whoever wants to) can set the timer for the writing session. In this way, the meetup is self-sustaining, and not dependent on any one person. Thanks for your understanding.\*\* Join us for an hour of quiet writing, followed by an hour of (optional) socializing. \*\*SILENT WRITING BEGINS AT 1:15 PM. IF YOU'RE LATE, WELCOME! WE WILL IGNORE YOU (BECAUSE WE'RE BUSY WRITING) UNTIL 2:15 PM.\*\* This meetup is open to everyone, whether you’re writing a novel, blog, class paper, or journal entry—or something completely different. Anyone interested is welcome to attend :) LOCATION: 5 Elements Cafe, basement level RSVP: Please be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. We recommend coming down to the basement to grab a spot before you buy anything, just in case. SCHEDULE: 1:00 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chill/leave. Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

Please make your reservation on dayofus.com. This is a paid event. DayOfUs brings strangers together for unforgettable dinners. Every week, we curate group dining experiences at great local restaurants — you + five new faces. No awkward planning, no group chats that go nowhere — just good food, good vibes, and conversations that matter. ### **Here’s how it works:** 1. **Take our quick quiz** in the DayOfUs app to share your preferences. 2. **We match you** with a group of like-minded people. 3. **We book the restaurant** — you simply show up and enjoy. 4. **You leave with new friends** (and maybe a new favorite restaurant). ✨ **Not a dating app** – we’re all about human connection and building friendships. ### **Why Join Us?** * **Effortless** – We handle all the planning. * **Fresh every week** – New people, new restaurants. * **Personality-based matching** – Not just random pairings. * **Local & traveler friendly** – Whether you’re new in town or just looking to meet more people. **📅 This listing is for awareness only — bookings are made through our app or website.** ✅ **Join today and get 10% off your first dinner** with code: **MEETUP10** **Download the Day of Us app**: [App Store Link](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/day-of-us-meet-new-friends/id6748222136 "https://apps.apple.com/us/app/day-of-us-meet-new-friends/id6748222136")💻 **Or sign up on our website**: [dayofus.com](https://www.dayofus.com/?utm_source=eventbrite&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=toronto&utm_content=diningtable "https://www.dayofus.com?utm_source=eventbrite&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=toronto&utm_content=diningtable") Your registration does not include your individual food and drink purchases. You will pay for your own order. ## **FAQ** **Do I pay here on Meetup?** No — we don’t take bookings here. Please sign up through our app or website to join a dinner. **Is this a dating event?** Nope! Our focus is on genuine friendships and expanding your social circle. **Do I need to come every week?** Not at all. You join whenever you’re free and feel like meeting new people. **Refund Policy** Refunds are available when you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled dinner (handled through the app).

**THIS IS THE LAST TOUR BEFORE CHRISTMAS. I WISH YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND THE VERY BEST FOR 2026. LET'S MAKE THE NEW YEAR A YEAR OF PEACE, UNDERSTANDING, FRIENDSHIP AND COMPANIONSHIP. AT TORONTO HISTORY WALKS LETS BRIDGE THE GAP AND MAKE CERTAIN EVERYONE HAS A PLACE.** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** Yesterday it was a guided tour of Cedarvale Ravine with Ernest Hemingway, now it's the great British writer Charles Dickens who will conduct our last tour before Christmas. And this special walking tour will explore Toronto in 1842 during his world tour. He loved Toronto. Think a Christmas Carol. Think Toronto and a Christmas Carol. There is a link! After visiting Toronto, the Scrooge character appeared in print to astonished readers. Several sites in the downtown core have a direct history and link to the writer, so come along on a magic voyage of discovery with Dickens himself and explore a world of literature and culture in old Toronto. From the American Hotel at the corner of Front and Yonge to the dining halls of the rich and famous, this tour will ring in the holidays and put a smile on your face. Ok so it's not exactly the happy tour, but it's very similar. And maybe he might even read a little from his famous book "A Christmas Carol." Here's hoping. If you want Dickens' to read during the tour, send a comment below! That could be a great ending, a little Christmas magic to go! We begin this walking adventure at the dog fountain at Berczy Park on the north side of the fountain, Wellington Street East. This tour has a ticket price of $15.00! per person! \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Do you want more motivation and confidence to build Lasting Relationships? This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Join us for this free, in person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Do you want more motivation and confidence to build lasting relationships? Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Jennings Java Artisan Coffee Roasters](https://www.jenningsjava.com/)!

Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!