Ghost Towns

Join us for another lowkey writing session! Bring your laptop, iPad, or notebook so that you can get some words down! We will start around 6:00 as people filter in. Writing, chatting, and casual introductions will go on until 6:30 as people arrive and grab food and drinks, when we will do a round-table to introduce ourselves, our genres and writing styles, and what we are looking for from the group. After that, we can buckle down to do some writing and make ourselves be productive! I will try to snag the big community table to the right of the registers at Tatte, or sit against the back wall with a couple of tables pulled together, so you can look for me there. I'll post in the comments when I arrive, so feel free to check there or message me if you are feeling lost or having difficulty finding the group. I'll look forward to meeting you all! Our next workshop will take place on the Monday following this one, so look forward to that, as well!

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.

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.

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)]

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)

Tour of Georgetown's Secret Streets, Thursday, April 9! Once a thriving tobacco port, Georgetown was key to the founding of the nation’s capital, a place of bitter contention during the Civil War, long a site of political scandal and mysterious deaths, as well as a cockpit of Cold War, World War Two, and current espionage, even home to several of America’s most influential scientists and engineers. In short, a perfect place for a history walking tour of scandal, stunning achievements, misbehavior and intrigue, bracketed by some of the nation's finest architecture and bistros! We'll focus on northern and central Georgetown this time. MEET: Outside the main gate of Oak Hill Cemetery, 3001 R St NW, Washington, DC 20007 NOT 3287 M St--The App gives the wrong address! Register and Prepay in advance through: Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tour-of-georgetowns-secret-streets-thursday-april-9-tickets-1986144967062?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true Or PayPal, sending $23 to: paypal.me/EMoser460 Or pay $22 in cash at the start of the tour. What: The action-packed itinerary will select from the following persons & events: • The crisis of Martha Washington's granddaughter • The mansions of D.C.'s first "Governor". • The nation's craziest house • The haunted gun barrel fence • James Bond in Georgetown • George Washington’s bodyguard, and a presidential murder • The spy whose schemes killed dozens of CIA operatives • The slave catcher who sided with the Union • The first woman to win the Congressional Medal of Honor • Assassination conspiracies • Mysterious hideaways for runaway slaves • The femme fatale who bedeviled the KGB • The worst marriage, and murder, in town • Mysteries of the Old Stone House • Presidential scandals • Home of the first lobbyist • America’s most haunted house • The clever craft of Russian agents • The woman spy who fooled Nazi Germany--and J. Edgar Hoover • The country's most historic house • A famed female author’s brush with war-time horror • Homes of the Kennedys, and Elizabeth Taylor, and Captain Kirk And more!! Who: Your host is is a former presidential speechwriter, a former writer for “The Tonight Show, author of many books of history, including, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood: Crime, Scandal and Intrigue in Lafayette Square!: https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette-ebook/dp/B082ZVDCD7/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1555118270&sr=1-1-catcorr And his latest, a spy thriller set in Georgetown: https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 And a forthcoming book on the history of Georgetown. We’re on TripAdvisor!: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html Think history’s boring? Think again!! MEET outside the main gate of Oak Hill Cemetery, 3001 R St NW, Washington, DC 20007 NOT 3287 M St--The App gives the wrong address! Join us on a springtime evening stroll through America's most historic, scenic village.

What better way is there to celebrate San Fermin other than at a bar named after the very city of Pamplona (with all set-up, decoration and amenities), where the main fiesta takes place and without heading to Spain?! We won't have the real bulls running around. But we will have real Spanish Drinks to sip on! It is ornate, bullfight-themed Spanish spot for creative tapas & paellas, plus sangria on tap & cocktails that draws its inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s travels throughout the Basque region of Spain. It is located in the bustling Clarendon neighborhood, features an innovative take on traditional Spanish fare paired with an extensive sangria program. -Free with RSVP * Huge line up of DJs * For bottle/table service AND birthday specials text 202-368-1878 * Dress Code : we encourage you to dress-up in White and Red * Event is 21+ * We will have specials including the usual suspect Mer-Tini:) -Come one, come all; this is the most friendliest event you have ever attended! * Feel free to invite your friends. They don't necessarily have to be a member EXCERPT ".....The world’s most exhilarating race (yes, with real bulls!)takes place each July in the cramped streets of Pamplona, Spain for a nine-day festival unlike any other. The famous Running of the Bulls in Spain is actually just a portion of a three-part fiesta known as the San Fermin festival. The origin of the Pamplona bull run dates back to the 14th century when local Spaniards began honoring the passing of Saint Ferman. Saint Ferman was dragged to his own death by bulls – so what could be more fitting a tribute than an annual run with the bulls? In his memory, participants take part in a feast day, an ancient fair and a bullfighting event that has become world-famous. The massive party kicks off at midday on July 6 after the launch of the Txupinazo rocket. Locals and tourists come together in a rowdy crowd ready to take on nine days of celebratory drinking and eating. The actual bull run itself includes a half-mile course that winds through four different cobblestone streets of the historic Spanish town. As you might imagine, slow runners are not encouraged to attempt the life-threatening feat of running with bulls. On the mornings of July 7 to July 14, hundreds of anxious spectators dressed in red and white await the sound of the starting rocket – and the lumbering arrival of the bulls. Once the bulls are released, adrenaline-seeking runners sprint down the road for their lives… literally. The enraged bulls show no mercy to those who slip or fall on the course, making this one of the most dangerous running events of all-time. Once the race is completed, traditional bullfighting commences. This allows runners to take a shot at besting the bulls in true matador fashion. By the end of it all, festival-goers accompany each other for a closing candlelight performance of the song “Pobre de Mi.....” METRO & PARKING INFO : It is half a block from the Clarendon metro station. Street parking might be a challenge. There are parking garages around.

We will meeting at a **New Location: GameOn** which is at 1330 U St. If taking the metro go to U St station take the 13th St exit and walk half a block. The bar is on U St between 13th and 14th. We will be sitting at the upstairs nook by the Mario Bros mural. We will be reading "We Are Legion (We Are Bob)" by Dennis E. Taylor. [We Are Legion (We Are Bob) (Bobiverse, #1) by Dennis E. Taylor | Goodreads](We%20Are%20Bob) As per usual we are crowd sourcing book ideas and voting on the top books. We encourage you to add votes to the books [DC Science Fiction Book Club Suggestions - Google Sheets](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mprXaa6bcEW5EL_uprN16-RBcetO6pbqA4vHDTjtowI/edit?gid=0#gid=0)

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

The topic for April is "Water" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Join us for a two mile trail hike alongside the Brookside Trail at Blendon Woods Metro Park. This trail is largely gravel and does include some hills and stairs. Hopefully we will see some wildlife while hike this scenic trail! Join us!

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia