Travel

**No pressure. No plans. Just new friends ✨** Whether you’re visiting Washington DC for the first time, just arrived, or simply love meeting curious, open-minded people, this bi-weekly **Just Gutsy** meetup is an easy way to share stories, make friends, and explore the city together. **Who it’s for?** • Solo travelers • Expats & digital nomads • Locals who love meeting travelers **What to expect?** ✨ Relaxed, **self-led** gathering 🤝 Small group energy 🌍 Travel stories, tips & shared adventures 🍹 Grab a drink or snack if you like **How it works?** This is a self-led meetup, meaning I set it up for you but the magic happens between you. To make sure everyone finds each other smoothly, please follow these simple coordination steps: 1️⃣ **RSVP** Thoughtfully If you’re planning to come, tap “Going.” It helps others feel confident joining and builds momentum before the meetup. Even if you’re 80% sure, RSVP. If your plans change, please update your RSVP so others aren’t expecting your attendance. 2️⃣ **Confirm 2 Hours Before** (Essential) To ensure the meetup runs, please comment on this event page at least 2 hours before the start time: “Confirmed for today 😊” This allows everyone to see, ahead of time, who is actually coming. The meetup moves forward when at least 2 people confirm 2 hours before the event. If fewer than 2 confirmations are posted by then, attendance may be low that day. This avoids anyone showing up uncertain. 3️⃣ **Signal Your Arrival** When you arrive, comment on this event page: “Arrived” + where you’re sitting + what you’re wearing Example: “Arrived. Sitting outside near the entrance. Wearing a black t-shirt.” This ensures everyone can easily find each other. Recognition Tip Having a clear profile photo on Meetup is highly encouraged — it makes recognition effortless and helps the group form faster. **When & Where?** 📅 Day: Every Tuesday & Saturday 🕓 Time: **4:00 PM local time** 📍 Meeting point: In front of **Compass Coffee.** **Arrive on time,** smaller groups make it easier to connect. **Why join Just Gutsy?** • Meet open-minded people who genuinely want to connect • Feel at home anywhere in the world • Be part of a growing global solo travel community • Early members get lifetime premium access to the future Just Gutsy app 🚀 Join here 👉 https://justgutsy.com/ WhatsApp: After attending, you’re welcome to join the Washington DC Just Gutsy WhatsApp group to stay connected and suggest spontaneous meetups: 👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/KwwHR0npG3aB8VykYjN3hw **About Just Gutsy** **Just Gutsy** is a global community for solo travelers who are free spirited, love exploring the world believe that real connections make the best memories. Hi, I am Syrine, I started solo traveling in 2018 and it changed my life, from introvert to extrovert. Along the way, I loved meeting people, but also felt how hard it can be to find connection when traveling alone. I’m building Just Gutsy so no one has to feel alone on the road — and so anyone who’s still shy to take that first step has a welcoming place to start. 💛

**Braver Angels holds workshops, debates, and public presentations designed to bridge the political divide we are experiencing in our country. We’ll hold our next meetingApril 8th at the McLean Government Center (1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean) starting at 7 PM, with doors opening at 6:30 PM.** With Special Elections coming up in Virginia in April and Midterm Elections in November, what could be better than the topic of ***Media Literacy and Misinformation?*** At this event we will learn about and discuss - * how to use professional analytical tradecraft to test the reliability of information * how we know what we know * how to identify confirmation bias and make a distinction between journalists and content creators……and much more……. The overall purpose is to provide tools that enable the audience to move beyond passive consumption and into active, analytical evaluation of information. ***\*\* More details to follow - so please stay tuned \*\**** \*\*\***PLEASE NOTE**, Jennifer Ibarra is the main organizer for this Meetup Group. Please do not direct questions to Marc, but to Jennifer instead.\*\*\*

This group was originally started by Chad Keith who created and hosts a podcast by the same name in Charlotte, NC. I am hoping to continue his legacy here in NoVa as I recently moved to this area. This group is all about finding community around self-improvement and exchanging ideas on how to be your best self and get the most out of life. This group is for anyone who is interested in overcoming average in all areas - career, ambitions, relationships, hobbies, health, everything. I am so excited to meet driven individuals in the NoVa area so please reach out if you have any questions at all. EVERYONE is welcome so please sign up for an upcoming meetup!

Time to get exotic! Ethiopian is a 'hands on' experience (but they also have forks just ask). Dinner menu: http://www.shebarockville.com/menus/dinner/ If you aren't familiar with Ethiopian food, try a sampler platter. SAMPLERS $15.95 BEEF SAMPLER Sheba Tibs, Tibs Wot, Minchet abish alicha, Gomen with side of house salad $15.95 BEEF/CHICKEN SAMPLER Tibs Wot, Doro Wot, Minchet abish Alicha, Gomen with side of house salad $15.95 CHICKEN SAMPLER Doro Be spinach, Doro Wot, Doro Minchet abish, Cabbage with side of house salad $13.95 VEGAN SAMPLER Bergeden, Key misir, beet Salad, Gomen, Ater Kik and Cabbage, served with side of house salad $14.95 VEGETARIAN SAMPLER Egg Wot, Key misir, Gomen, Cabbage, Ater Kik served with side of house salad All Aboard, Mates!

**April’s event will give you a sneak peek of [FedGeoDay 2026](https://www.fedgeo.us/)!** GeoDC’s guest speakers for the evening will be members of the organizing team for **[FedGeoDay](https://www.fedgeo.us)**, a conference about how federal programs and stakeholders build, support and use geospatial open-source software, open data, open science and open mapping. **FedGeoDay 2026: *Building Ecosystems for Supporting Federal Data Stewardship*** Do you use US Census data, NASA satellite imagery or federal GIS tools? Curious how policy changes and AI innovation are shaping the way we think/talk about or solve problems with location and maps? **FedGeoDay 2026**, a conference on April 22–23 in the DC area, will answer these questions and more. **[FedGeoDay](https://www.fedgeo.us)** is the premier conference devoted to how federal programs and stakeholders cultivate and harness “open geospatial ecosystems.” Themed ***Building Ecosystems for Supporting Federal Data Stewardship***, FedGeoDay 2026 will feature more content than ever and more ways for attendees to engage and shape the dialogue. Organizing team members including **[Eddie Pickle](https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-pickle-b67545)** from Snowflake will answer your questions and tell you more about the conference, including the hands-on workshops on day two and the first-ever FedGeoDay "unconference," which gives the power to shape the discussion back to the attendees in the spirit of open source. FedGeoDay's planning team also includes GeoDC's very own Chad Blevins and Puneet Kollipara. FedGeoDay is April 22–23 in Suitland, MD at the Census Bureau HQ, just off the Green Line. Check out the website for an at-a-glance view of the [program](https://www.fedgeo.us/program), keynoted by **[Denice Ross](https://www.fedgeo.us/denice-ross)** (former U.S. Chief Data Scientist, now at Federation of American Scientists). Get your **[early-bird tickets](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fedgeoday-2026-tickets-1980250906769)** by this **Friday, 4/10**. **Agenda** * **6–7 pm:** Happy Hour / Networking \*Sudhouse has great HH specials! * **7–8:30 pm:** Announcements / Events /Jobs-Internships and FedGeoDay Preview Presentation Happy Spring, and we look forward to seeing you at Sudhouse DC! If you're interested in presenting for the May GeoDC event, we've got a few spaces remaining. Please complete an [interest form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/10Yj1-BOBXHqtoepJNW2X1WRzmdMjvbBPB8F5fgu5Lhk).

***\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*SOLD OUT\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\**** [REGISTER HERE](https://traveljoy.com/bookings/STRdgpcQN4Bqb87wSHpBPbqH) Begin your experience by selecting one premium tea from the curated collection. While your tea gently steeps, you will be presented a three-tier stand to share of chef-curated bites, featuring an artful mix of savory and sweet offerings designed to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Each three-tier stand is shared by two people. Tables are arranged for 2’s, 4’s, and one table for 6. Please let us know if you’re registering with a friend and we will do our best to seat you together—if not, it’s a great opportunity to meet new Suitcase Gals. The room is small and quaint, so we’ll all be in the same cozy space. **Location**: Hello Betty (Rockville) located in Pike & Rose inside the Canopy by Hilton. **Parking**: Garage parking with two hours free. Please arrive on time so you can enjoy the full Afternoon Tea experience, and be sure to give yourself a few extra minutes to find parking. *Parking is ticketless—when you enter the garage, you’ll be prompted at the kiosk to enter your phone number. If you park for more than two hours, you’ll receive a text with a link to submit payment.* **The closet Metro stop,** North Bethesda, to Hello Betty is about a 5-10 min walk from the station to Pike and Rose. Very easy and convenient if you're coming from DC or further up the Red Line. ***Example Menu:*** ### Tier 1: A Proper Start **Maryland Lump Crab Salad** Celery relish, cucumber, brioche **Smoked Rockfish Rillette** Piperade, aged cheddar cornbread **Cucumber & Salmon** Tahini, ponzu aioli, red shiso, pumpernickel **Avocado & Wild Rice Tartine** Smoked trout roe, sourdough ### Tier 2: Warm & Wonderful **Strawberry Shortcake Scone** Vanilla anglaise, strawberry–rhubarb preserve **Beet Tartlet** Golden tomato confit, herbed goat cheese, orange blossom **Gruyère & Leek Quiche** Aged Gruyère, roasted leeks, baby spinach ### Tier 3: Pretty Things to Finish **Chocolate–Hazelnut Donut** Cocoa–hazelnut cream, gold leaf **Oolong Tea Cake** White peach confit, toasted granola \*\*NO SUBSTITUTIONS TO THE MENU\*\* ### Cost: $88\.00 per person \| no refunds *Gratuity is included in the payment, so you can simply arrive, relax, and enjoy without needing to bring additional cash.* Payment will be processed via Venmo during your registration process. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*SOLD OUT\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Please [REGISTER](https://traveljoy.com/bookings/STRdgpcQN4Bqb87wSHpBPbqH) here to reserve your spot. We can't wait to sip and connect! Cancellation Policy: Due to the limited and intimate nature of this event, all registrations are **non-refundable**, as we are reserving space and coordinating directly with the venue based on confirmed attendance. We truly wish we could be more flexible, but once your spot is secured, we are committed to the headcount provided. If you find that you are unable to attend, we warmly encourage you to gift or transfer your ticket to a friend who would enjoy joining us. Please simply let us know the name change in advance so we can update our guest list. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and support, and we look forward to gathering together for a beautiful afternoon.

Spring is finally here! To celebrate, let's visit the tulips at Brookside Gardens before walking through the Seminary Historic District and making our way over to Bethesda. We'll finish off by visiting Max's Best Ice Cream for a sweet treat to end the day https://maps.app.goo.gl/ Part I - Walk to Brookside Gardens (1.6 miles) [https://maps.app.goo.gl/f2ARZeSKNXob9z8A9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/f2ARZeSKNXob9z8A9) Part II - Walk around Wheaton Regional Park (2.5 miles) [https://maps.app.goo.gl/czHfnKj81UZdYPf49](https://maps.app.goo.gl/czHfnKj81UZdYPf49) Part III - Walk through Seminary Historic District to Bethesda (9.4 miles) [https://maps.app.goo.gl/W1qcehvqPrdL6JiU7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/W1qcehvqPrdL6JiU7) **Mileage:** \~13.0 miles **Start Location:** Glenmont Metro Station **End Location:** Bethesda Metro Station **Time:** 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM **Terrain:** This will be have a solid amount of uphill (\~900 feet) elevation gain) with a mix of paved, gravel, and trail surfaces

You are an immortal Soul. As Soul, you are a unit of awareness, who uses a physical body to experience this world. It is your spiritual birthright to freely explore and enjoy all of Divine creation. It is up to each of us to claim that freedom for ourselves! Examples of Soul Travel include out-of-body experiences and near-death experiences. One aspect is your dreams, where you explore other spiritual worlds. Another aspect is the expansion of consciousness. All aspects increase your awareness and understanding of life. This world is a spiritual laboratory. If you would like to learn some Soul Travel techniques, please join us! A flyer for this event is available for you at: [https://eck-va.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Poster-for-April-12th-2026-Discover-the-Expanded-Awareness-of-Soul-Travel-Rev-1.pdf](https://eck-va.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Poster-for-April-12th-2026-Discover-the-Expanded-Awareness-of-Soul-Travel-Rev-1.pdf)

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. 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."

Let’s try this popular Italian restaurant in Reynoldsburg. This is the menu: https://scaliristorante.com/#4e468054-0235-43e2-81c2-44e061341e9e

Pay attention! We’re delaying a week for those of you who may be on Spring break and/or celebrating the holiday. Ok, no pancakes, but waffles-a-plenty. Join the local UX and Digital Design community for a casual monthly breakfast. Look for us upstairs!

💓 **Online Speed Dating Built for First Timers – Real Connections, Zero Pressure!** **🔴 MUST READ: RSVP Alone Won't Get You In!** To attend, you must: (1) Click your age group link below, (2) Complete registration, and (3) Finish the personality quiz. Limited spots available – register now before they're gone! **📋 Choose Your Age Range Below to Register:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=collective-local-singles-mixer-event-squad&ar=18-32&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=collective-local-singles-mixer-event-squad&ar=30-46&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=collective-local-singles-mixer-event-squad&ar=40-58&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=collective-local-singles-mixer-event-squad&ar=55+&face_v=4.0) --- 🤝 Tired of swiping with no results? Try real conversations instead! Online speed dating removes all the awkward parts of traditional dating. A friendly host guides you through each round, so all you have to do is show up and be yourself. 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations - First-time speed daters seeking a welcoming, easy experience - First-timers who want to date without the pressure of face-to-face meetings - Busy professionals who value their time and comfort **How It Works** 1. **Sign Up** – Click the registration link for your age bracket above. 2. **Finish the Short Personality Assessment** – This helps us optimise your matches for the evening. 3. **Connect on Zoom** – No setup needed. Just click the link and you're in! 4. **Meet Your Matches** – Rotate through fun one-on-one rounds with Cleveland singles who share your vibe. 5. **Discover Your Matches** – We'll notify you of any mutual interest after the event. The rest is up to you! **Event Details** - **Format:** Hosted live on Zoom – guided, fun, and stress-free - **Location:** No venue needed – just a comfy seat and a good internet connection - **Host:** Your personal guide through the evening – friendly, encouraging, and fun - **Vibe:** Light-hearted, easy-going speed dates with open-minded Cleveland singles - **Accessibility:** Join from any device – laptop, tablet, or phone - **Duration:** About 60–90 minutes of structured, fun conversations **Frequently Asked Questions** **How long are the conversations?** Each round is a few minutes – long enough to feel a connection, short enough to keep things exciting! **What happens after the event?** We reveal mutual matches after the event. If you both liked each other, we help you connect! --- ✨ The hardest part is clicking register. After that, we make everything easy. See you there! 💘 ✨

Dinner and dancing

Join us for pizza and conversation at Vick’s Gourmet Pizza! 🍕 Good slices, good stories, and plenty of laughs around the table. Come hungry, bring your best conversation, and let’s enjoy a relaxed evening with great company. Extra cheese and extra chatter encouraged! 😄