Ex-Chicagoans

Ikigai is a Japanese concept meaning "a reason for being" or "a reason to wake up in the morning." It represents the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for, promoting a life of purpose and daily fulfillment. What is your Ikigai? **ATTENDANCE POLICY:** To keep this group running smoothly and ensure that spots are available for those who genuinely want to attend, please RSVP only if you are confident you can make it. If you RSVP “Yes” and do not attend without updating your RSVP in advance, you may be restricted from attending future events for a period of time. We understand that things come up. If you can no longer attend, simply update your RSVP as soon as possible so your spot can be offered to someone on the waitlist. Repeated no-shows will result in removal from the group. Thank you for respecting everyone’s time and helping us maintain a reliable and engaged community. **SUPPORT THINKERS AND DRINKERS:** Thinkers and Drinkers International is a registered 501(c)7 nonprofit organization. We work hard to create an organization that adds value to our communities while keeping membership free for all. If you find value in what we’re doing, please consider donating through Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thinkers](https://www.patreon.com/thinkers) **CONNECT:** Instagram: @ThinkersDrinkersInternational Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/thinkersdrinkersinternational/](https://www.facebook.com/thinkersdrinkersinternational/) Podcast: [https://www.spreaker.com/user/thinkersdrinkersinternational](https://www.spreaker.com/user/thinkersdrinkersinternational) Email: [[ThinkersDrinkersInternational@gmail.com](mailto:ThinkersDrinkersInternational@gmail.com)]

​**Due to the popularity of the event, registration is requested at [https://luma.com/dcmahjongg](https://luma.com/dcmahjongg).** We do not use the RSVP system on Meetup. **A drop-in game every Monday at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Central Library, located at the corner of 9th and G Streets NW.** **==> THESE MONDAY GAMES ARE FOR EXPERIENCED PLAYERS ONLY -- THERE ARE NO INSTRUCTORS ON SITE** <== The Gallery Place Metro station (9th Street entrance) is located across the street. Street parking is available. We play in the Great Hall -- as you enter the library, we are on the right of the room. Games begin at 6:00. Games wrap up at 8:00. **If you own a mah jongg set, we encourage you to bring.**

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/australia-9-days-highlights-cairns-barrier-reef-sydney-tickets-499023441547](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/australia-9-days-highlights-cairns-barrier-reef-sydney-tickets-499023441547)). RSVPing only on the Meetup Page doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT. ABOUT THE EVENT Marvel on these 9 days of adventure to explore the highlights of Australia’s east coast from Cairns to Sydney. Explore the beautiful Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest which gives you the chance to learn more about the fascinating history, culture, and nature of the region. Snorkel and scuba into Great Barrier Reef, the best spots at one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders. Explore the stunning sprawl of the Blue Mountains and the tour can not be complete without visiting Sydney, the capital city to soak up the vibrant culture and laidback lifestyle. **Inclusions** **Ticket Price Includes :** **Airport pickup and transfers** **7 Breakfasts** **2 lunch** **1 Dinner** **8 nights of hotel accommodation** **One way flight (Cairns- Sydney)** **Transportation in A/C bus / Van (shared)** **Excursions and activities as per the itinerary** **Tour leader** **Ticket Price Excludes :** **International Flights** **Meals (other than those mentioned above)** **Personal Expenses** **Tips and gratuities** **Transfers other than those mentioned in the Itinerary (available at extra cost)** **Travel insurance / Visa** **Highlights** **Visited Places:** Cairns Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest Great Barrier Reef Bondi Beach Sydney Blue Mountains Kiama South Coast **Travel Experience:** • Cairns city • Sydney Harbour Cruise • Daintree Rainforests • Snorkel / Scuba in The Great Barrier Reef • Blue Mountains tour • Cuddle up to Koalas • Hand-feed baby Kangaroos Reasons To Book This Trip 1\. Affordable Adventure – Traveling with a like\-minded group is not only fun but also it’s cost\-effective instead of traveling solo\. 2\. Forget About The Planning – We take care of permits\, transportation\, and logistics\, so all you have to do is show up\. 3\. Make New Friends – On every trip you will meet new people\, it’s a good opportunity to make friends for your life while enjoying the group event\. 4\. Group Leader – Event organizer will be there every step of the way\, making sure that the trip goes as smoothly as possible\. 5\. Unforgettable Memories – All events are designed keeping in mind to have an unforgettable memory of your lifetime\. ***Notes*** ***Tour Start*** ***CAIRNS*** ***Tour End*** ***SYDNEY*** ***Destination*** ***AUSTRALIA*** ***Flights*** ***Arrival: Day01 before 3pm*** ***Return: Day9 anytime after 12pm*** ***FLY IN Airport: Cairns Airport (CNS)*** ***FLY OUT Airport: Sydney Airport (SYD)*** ***Meeting Point*** ***The group meets at the arrival airport or at the hotel on Day01.*** ***More details will be provided via group chat on WhatsApp*** **Itinerary** **Day01 : CAIRNS** Description: Welcome to Cairns, Australia. On arrival get transferred to the hotel. Today is a free day to explore the Cairns city. Cairns considered the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, is a city in tropical Far North Queensland. Its Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park tells the stories of indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with music and dance. Cairns Esplanade, lined with bars and restaurants, has a swimming lagoon. Northwest of the city, Daintree National Park spans mountainous rainforest, gorges and beaches. Activities Included: Airport transfer Free day to explore the city Accommodation: Hotel – Cairns City Centre or similar . . . . . . . **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITE LINK AND PURCHASE A TICKET. IT RULES.** Travel insurance : WE HIGHLY ENCOURAGE TO GET A TRAVEL INSURANCE.

DCC's "Monday Moves" to the Pentagon and Air Force Memorial, Georgetown, and Various Points of Interest. Join DCC and Conte’s Bike Shop Navy Yard, for a fun ~26 mile ride to the Titanic Memorial, The Wharf, Hains Point, Long Bridge Park, 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, Air Force Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial (via Arlington Blvd Trail), Georgetown University, Georgetown neighborhoods, The Kennedy Center, Constitution Gardens, The Mall, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, and the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. This ride will be geared towards our newer riders (with a chill pace and no one left behind), but all are welcomed. We will be riding both on the street and on bike trails. We will go over things to help riders become more comfortable with riding in groups. We will meet at Conte’s Navy Yard Bike Shop at 10 am and depart at 10:15. All riders should bring their own hydration and nutrition, as well as a spare inner tube. *** Please, no music that can be heard by other riders or ear headphones that impede your hearing. Parking is limited at the Navy Yard, so for those driving, an option is to park at Anacostia Park (aquatic center) and take 11th street bridge to M Street, then a left on 4th. ***all riders ride at their own risk*** If there is a chance of inclement weather expected on Monday, a cancelation notice will be posted by 9:00 pm on Sunday; otherwise, the ride will take place. Below is a link to the ride: (~26 miles and ~765 ft of elevation) https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49924382

Let's take a walk through various parts of Capitol Hill, including the Marine Barracks and numerous public parks! **Route:** * Start at Eastern Market Metro Station * Walk along South Carolina Ave. to Garfield Park * Walk to G street till the Marine Barracks * Walk around the barracks and head towards Potomac Ave. Station * From Potomac Ave., walk up 15th street, towards C street * Follow C street to Kentucky Ave., follow Kentucky to Lincoln Park * Walk around Lincoln Park, and north on Tennessee Ave. to D street. * From D street, follow Maryland Ave. to Stanton Park * From Stanton Park walk up 4th and 3rd street till we get to NoMa * Finish at NoMa Metro Station **Millage:** 5.2 mi **Start Location:** Eastern Market Metro (meet in Market Park) [https://maps.app.goo.gl/gcZ7tXJS2Xjhefbb7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/gcZ7tXJS2Xjhefbb7) **End Location:** NoMa Metro Station **Time:** 6PM-8PM **Terrain:** This will be mostly flat, on paved or gravel ground \-\-\- We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early, because we will leave without you. Note, we often limit the RSVPs to keep group sizes manageable. If you are on the waitlist but would really like to join, reach out to the organizer. We're always looking for new leaders who can showcase their neighborhood or any cool places they know, so please reach out either at an event or on meetup if you are interested. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114) (Confirmation code- 0802)

Specifically catering to those in the LGBTQIA+ community (though Allies are welcome), Queer Circle is a place to gather safely where space is held for everyone. Led by Ginny, the circle focuses on empowerment, individuality, and how our practices entwine with it all. Prepare to work with queer/androgynous deities and beings, and our queer/trans-cestors! HATE HAS NO HOME HERE. Please be conscious of shared experiences and how it may impact fellow circle members. 🏳️‍🌈 fee is $25 🏳️‍⚧️

Join us as we do an invigorating outdoor walk and talk in Historic Greenbelt MD. Our goal is to walk twice around the 1.4 mile path. Should take about an hour. Afterward, those of us interested will head to nearby Cedars of Lebanon restaurant for lunch and conversation. The address for GPS is Buddy Attic Lake Park. 555 Crescent Rd. Greenbelt, MD. Meet us in the parking lot. Thank you! .....Ross A.

❤️♠️❤️ Speak & Spades - A Night of Cards & Conversation ❤️♠️❤️ Welcome to our 1st official Speak & Spades Night! Come out to a new venue in Downtown Silver Spring - Comma's Food Hall inside City Place Mall. ♠️ Spades games will be available from 6pm to 10pm! Play cards, eat, drink, & socialize! Enjoy a variety of reasonably priced restaurant options. ❤️ Optional: Around 7:30pm, take a break from Spades...and take some time to Speak. Engage in an open and casual conversation between men and women. 👨🏾‍🏫 Led by Life Coach, Kool KT, discuss dating, relationships, love, marriage, and more. Speak your mind and learn how the other side thinks. 🌟 Singles and couples are both welcome to Spades and to Speak! Bring questions, share stories, and gain insight. 😀 Play a game of partnership and maybe learn how to find your permanent partner! 🍷 Happy Hour Specials all night! 🎶 A Live DJ will be playing music 🚗 Parking available in Ellsworth Garage (connected to the venue) 📷 See the photo section for details 🌜Join us for a night of cards and conversations! You won't forget it!🌛 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

Join us for a night of board games, cocktails, and confessions! Talk about your experiences leaving MAGA while playing games like Ticket to Ride, Cards Against Humanity, and Monopoly Socialism (or another board game if you want to suggest one). If we get enough people, we could host a few rounds of Secret Hitler.

H Street Corridor is up and coming. Bars and restaurants left and right. Let us check it out! We booked the whole rooftop for this party Event is free and 21+ Happy Hour Specials Dress Code : Dress to impress Metro & Parking : The closest metro station is Union Station. After Union station we can jump on the only Street Car in DC FOR FREE! It makes a stop right by RedRocks. Street & Valet parking are available for $.

In the first 30 minutes of class, Qi Gong(5 organ and spirit enlivening)exercises are taught. In the last hour, the class is divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced groups and are taught Lao (old) Yang Tai Chi Chuan.

Sac au Lait has been bringing New Orleans Traditional Jazz to the area for 20 years. This happy music will make you smile & move your feet! Dubbed “Baltimore’s Finest in Dixieland” by the City Paper, Sac au Lait has been playing melodies New Orleans Traditional Jazz in the Baltimore/DC area for over 20 years. The band brings plenty of youthful energy, mixing vocal and instrumental tunes to get people happy and dancing! The appeal of this music from the ’20s and ’30s is broad, and that has allowed them to perform in all types of venues for a variety of audiences. With a fun band name like Sac Au Lait (translation: Bag Of Milk), you hardly know what to expect, but we think it's gonna be a great time! So, join the PRJC in beating the tax day blues with some live local music. Bag of Milk, indeed! [https://www.sacaulait.com/music/](https://www.sacaulait.com/music/) Our in-person concerts are held at Rosensteel Hall in Silver Spring. It's just a few blocks from the Forest Glen metro (Red Line) and has plenty of parking on site. Inside, there are tables and chairs, a big dance floor, and a cash bar with beverages and snacks. Come on out and have some Spring fun with us. The Potomac River Jazz Club (PRJC) has been bringing live New Orleans/Trad style jazz to the DC area since 1971. Admission: PRJC members ($20 (this means [dues-paying members of PRJC](https://prjc.org/joinprjc.html), not this free Meetup group), General admission $25 at door, $22.50 if purchased [online](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prjc-presents-trad-jazz-mardi-gras-bash-featuring-orleans-express-tickets-1093860960579?aff=erelexpmlt) in advance. Youth with valid student IDs: Free. Sales at door are by cash, check or PayPal only. [Click here to buy tickets in advance!](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prjcs-beat-the-tax-day-blues-with-sac-au-lait-in-person-concert-tickets-1983916767457) Our events page: [https://prjc.org/prjcevents.html](https://prjc.org/prjcevents.html) [Join PRJC here!](https://prjc.org/joinprjc.html)

Africa is entering a defining economic decade. Rapid urbanization, infrastructure expansion, agricultural modernization, and digital transformation are reshaping markets across the continent. Yet many professionals and members of the diaspora in the United States lack structured, grounded insight into how development actually works — beyond headlines and social media narratives. The **Africa Development & Capital Forum** invites you to our in-person gathering in Washington, DC. This session will explore: • Key macro trends shaping African markets • Infrastructure and real asset development opportunities • The evolving role of diaspora participation • Risks, realities, and responsible engagement • What disciplined, long-term development looks like This event is educational in nature and designed to foster meaningful dialogue and relationship-building among professionals interested in Africa’s long-term economic trajectory.

This event is being held in partnership with the DMV Spades Meetup Group. Direct questions to the Host, Nne-Nne Abanobi. ><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Hi All! Join us for 2nd Saturday Spades in Greenbelt, MD. Our group is friendly and welcoming. Please give us a try! 📍Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar 🦐 6002 Greenbelt Road Greenbelt, MD 20770 ⏳️ 6:30pm to 11:30pm 🌟 Join us at this PG County sports bar for food, fun, drinks.....and, of course, Spades. 😀 All skill levels are welcome! Get matched with a partner onsite. 🍷 Happy Hour Specials from 12pm to 7pm: [https://hookreel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HR_GreenbeltMD_HappyHour_Menu_24x36.pdf](https://hookreel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HR_GreenbeltMD_HappyHour_Menu_24x36.pdf) Located right off the Beltway. Free parking! Remember to support the business by ordering food/drinks. 🌟 **This event is posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.** We look forward to seeing you!

Dinner and dancing

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

...and speaking of breakthrough roles: who can forget the first time we saw Tom Cruise singing Bob Seeger in his underwear? Often considered an updated 1983 version of The Graduate, the movie sparkles with memorable lines and original music. I only regret that I was never told that "Princeton could use someone like Bob..." See the movie first and join us for some "Cruisin'"

How do we recover from having had a toxic or narcissistic ex? How do we move on from the past, especially something as traumatic as a divorce or breakup? How do we avoid anxiety and depression? How do we have more self esteem? In this meeting, you will learn the mental health secrets to help you quickly get over the past and heal your mind. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

**Caller: Kim Thompson** **Band: Full Moon Country Dance Orchestra** **Clinton Heights Lutheran Church** **15 Clinton Heights Ave, Columbus, OH 43202** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

We will have our certified mediums available and you can receive 3 10-minute readings for $20. To keep you safe, we will be following all CDC and Health Dept. guidelines at our psychic fair today. Sitters and readers required to wear a mask. We will maintain a minimum of 6 foot physical distance during readings. Please, if you can, bring your own portable chair to use during your readings. Please note that we are at our wonderful new home at Unity of Columbus, 4211 Maize Road, Columbus, OH