Oriente Medio

WHAT IS OM CHANTING? OM Chanting is a group practice, one of the techniques of Atma Kriya Yoga, that uses the transformational power of OM to activate the self-healing potential of the participants. BENEFITS OF OM CHANTING: • Activates self-healing • Transforms negativity into positive energy • Calms the mind • Helps to cultivate more joy, love and peace for the world • Purifies the environment through the OM vibration To preserve the energetic integrity of the circle, once chanting has started, participants arriving after the start time will be asked to sit on the outside of the circle. If you are running late, please let the OM Chanting Organiser know – if it is only a few minutes, they might be able to wait for you. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? The event is run on a voluntary contribution basis. Recommended contribution AED 50 (cash only) THE EVENT MAY BE CANCELLED IF THERE ARE NOT 5 PARTICIPANTS. PLEASE CHECK IN WHATSAPP GROUP. PLEASE JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HPu7ZPoaANWLsDIcKCSqbv

WHAT IS OM CHANTING? OM Chanting is a group practice, one of the techniques of Atma Kriya Yoga, that uses the transformational power of OM to activate the self-healing potential of the participants. BENEFITS OF OM CHANTING: • Activates self-healing • Transforms negativity into positive energy • Calms the mind • Helps to cultivate more joy, love and peace for the world • Purifies the environment through the OM vibration To preserve the energetic integrity of the circle, once chanting has started, participants arriving after the start time will be asked to sit on the outside of the circle. If you are running late, please let the OM Chanting Organiser know – if it is only a few minutes, they might be able to wait for you. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Recommended contribution in cash AED 50 LOCATION: 📌 https://maps.app.goo.gl/M2vSRgpxQkGGhvXEA?g_st=aw 🚘 3 hours free parking is available just outside the studio. Simply drive in past the sensors, and give reception your licence plate number on your way out. ♾These sessions are free to attend. Donations are welcome to cover set-up costs. 📋✅Formal registration is required, at the venue or on the Zoga website 👇 https://zoga.ae/

your midweek Latin fix 🤩 - Every Tuesday starting at 10PM and ending at 3AM Let’s dance the night away to the charming tunes of Latin & Afro music while enjoying a drink or a bite with friends and peers in the outstanding venue - Twenty Rooftop Bar at Movenpick Grand Plaza, Dubai. Take advantage of the special offers on food & drinks Organized by MOOVnation

\*This is a **paid** event. RSVP on Meetup is not enough — to confirm your place, please complete your registration through our website. **\*** In a working world that demands adaptability, clear communication and steady nerves, improv offers something practical: a way to train the mind to be more responsive, grounded and open. ##### **STORYTELLING:** Clear, engaging communication is built on structure and attention — not theatrics. Using Johnstone’s story games, you’ll learn how to shape ideas, build narratives with others and express yourself with clarity and authenticity. Ideal for presenters, leaders and anyone who wants their message to land. These sessions draw from *Keith Johnstone’s Impro for Storytellers*, translating foundational improvisation principles into everyday skills you can actually use at work and in life. They’re open to all experience levels. Join one session or attend all three for a deeper progression. Drop in. Try it once. Or commit to the full journey. Either way, you’ll leave with tools that travel with you. [Register here](https://courtyardplayhouse.com/event/improv-drop-ins-for-personal-development-storytelling-apr-2026/)

📍 **Venue:** Al Manara Sports Hall, near Onpassive Metro Station *(pick up and drop off available from Onpassive Metro Station) [(Google Maps)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/s3f3BmtB6s3SN4na6).* We play badminton here every Tuesday, 8-10 PM. Join our [Join the Al Qouz/Jumeirah Whatsapp Group Here](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KREbzal9A4899L5OzYYsOP) **👋 First time joining?** [Click here to WhatsApp Sarfaraz (+971551899547)](https://wa.me/971551899547?text=Hey%20Sarfaraz!%20This%20is%20my%20first%20time%20joining%20Badminton%20For%20All%2C%20Dubai.) and confirm your slot. **📝 Key Info** This is a group open for players of all levels, nationalities, genders and races. *Cost per session: 40 AED* *Duration: Each session lasts 2 hours* *Equipment: We use feather shuttlecocks; please bring your own racket* *Slots: Booked on a first-come, first-served basis* *Play: Players will be rotated around multiple courts and will get games similar to their level of play* **Late Backout & No-Show Policy** **We strictly enforce our late backout and no-show rules to ensure smooth operations.** Organising replacements on short notice is difficult and disruptive, especially as our organisers have day jobs. Please be mindful of our policy: * **RSVP Policy:** Please RSVP for sessions exclusively through the Meetup app. WhatsApp is mainly for regular updates on attendance, timings and last-minute changes. Any requests made via WhatsApp might not be considered for session sign-ups. * **Late Backouts:** Backing out within 9 hours of the session is considered a late backout. You will be required to pay the session fee in full, even if a replacement is found. * **No-Shows:** If you fail to show up without notice, you must still pay for the session. * **Respect for the Organisers:** Our organisers finalise the list the night before or early morning. Last-minute changes mean they need to leave their work to arrange replacements. This affects not just the organisers but the overall experience of the players. * **Waitlist Responsibility:** If you're on the waitlist and no longer wish to attend, it’s your responsibility to remove your name. We assume that anyone on the waitlist still wants to join the session if a spot opens up. * **First-Come, First-Serve Basis:** We ensure fairness by adhering to a first-come, first-serve system. Please do not ask for special treatment or last-minute slots outside of this. **Note: Players may cancel without penalty up to 9 hours before the session. After this time, the session fee applies regardless of waitlist status. Please book and cancel responsibly to avoid disruptions for everyone involved.**

Experience a sensational blend of smooth motion and fun expression while creating beautiful lines with easy-to-follow steps. Bachata is a lyrical latin dance style originated in the Dominican Republic, expanded in Spain and grew to become one of the most popular dance styles worldwide. Offering an outlet for rhythmic expression and flowing sensual movement, bachata incorporates a number of different styles, techniques and expressions. AED 89 /1 class AED 599 /8 classes (monthly package) Join us on this new journey of wellness and discovery! Book your spot NOW! https://moovnation.zbni.co/u/DcCwA For enquiries Call/Text 058 538 7446

**🎲 Mafia Game Night 🎲** Join us for an exciting night of mystery and deception at Al Barsha - Mashreq metro station **📅 Day:** Tuesday **🕢 Time:** 8:00 PM - 11:30 AM **💵 Price:** AED 50 including 1 drink 🍸 🌸 FREE for ladies joining for the first time 🌸 055 577 8561 WhatsApp today's group chat https://chat.whatsapp.com/L90Ey5S3oVG3AP9s2baE2O?mode=gi_t INSTAGRAM [https://instagram.com/winner_dinner0?utm_medium=copy_link](https://instagram.com/winner_dinner0?utm_medium=copy_link)

The coming of spring offers an opportunity for an East Asian adventure of remarkable contrasts – from the Instagram-worthy **cherry blossom season in South Korea**’s buzzing capital of Seoul, to timeless pastoral traditions in the **remote nomadic camps of Mongolia**, and finally to the imperial grandeur of **Beijing’s Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China.** Linking Mongolia and China, we will travel on the legendary **Trans-Mongolian Railway** – a true bucket-list experience for many travellers. **While Korea has much to explore**, a few days are enough to see the main sights in and around the capital and enjoy the magical backdrop of **bright pink blossoms in full bloom**. Highlights of Seoul range from ancient palaces to vibrant modern shopping districts, and a day trip from the city offers the chance to delve deeper into the country’s fascinating nature and culture. **Mongolia, by contrast, remains shrouded in a mystery** despite its gradual opening to the world. This vast, landlocked nation between Russia and China is home to only around three million inhabitants. With grassland and desert steppe landscapes covering an area the size of Western Europe, a large share of the population still upholds its ancestral nomadic heritage. Here, more than half of Mongolia’s nationals continue to live in round yurts, or gers, which are as mobile as the people themselves. Yet Mongolia is a country of striking contrasts. There is a clear divide between its capital, Ulaanbaatar – with its upscale restaurants and high-end boutiques – and the rural heartlands, where traditional ways of life remain firmly rooted. **Genghis Khan, regarded as the founding father of Mongolia,** came to power in 1206. By uniting several nomadic tribes in the northeast, he laid the foundations of what would become the world’s largest contiguous empire – surpassed only by the British Empire in the 19th century. In just a few decades, his cavalry conquered a realm greater in both size and population than that of the Romans at their peak. It is hardly surprising that he is revered as a national hero, immortalised by an imposing 40-metre-high statue – the world’s largest equestrian monument – located in a complex just outside Ulaanbaatar. Today, Mongolia is undergoing rapid change. Yet despite these transformations, its country dwellers, scattered across immense landscapes with limited communication, remain unfailingly hospitable – always ready to welcome a visitor with a bowl of warm, salty milk tea. After exploring Mongolia’s sweeping wilderness and vibrant capital, the **journey continues south along one of the world’s most storied rail routes**. Boarding the Trans-Mongolian train in Ulaanbaatar offers a gentle transition from the steppe to the cities of China, with hours of evolving scenery framed by the carriage windows. The steady rhythm of the train, conversations in the dining car, and the gradual shift in landscape create a sense of travelling through time as much as through geography. **Beijing greets travellers with an immediate sense of scale and history**. Its landmark attractions are impressive not only for their grandeur, but also for the way they bridge imperial tradition and modern urban life. A visit to the Forbidden City offers a glimpse into the former seat of Chinese power, its courtyards and halls laid out with a precision that reflects centuries of dynastic rule. From there, a day trip to the Great Wall reveals the sheer ambition of ancient engineering – watchtowers marching across rugged mountains in a way that almost defies belief when seen in person. Yet some of Beijing’s most memorable moments are found in its quieter corners. The hutongs, with their narrow lanes and traditional courtyard homes, provide a more intimate view of the city’s daily rhythm. Small cafés, family-run noodle shops and simple scenes of local life offer a striking counterpoint to the imposing monuments and broad avenues elsewhere in the capital. **Let’s go!** **Day 0 // Departure** Meeting at airport for a direct flight to Seoul. **DAY 1 // Arrival in Seoul** Welcome to Seoul, the energetic capital of South Korea and a major hub for commerce, fashion, beauty and youth culture. After arrival and hotel check-in, enjoy an easy first day to recover from travel while getting an authentic taste of local life. Visit Noryangjin Fish Market, where stalls are piled high with fresh seafood and you can watch vendors and buyers in action or sample a simple meal. Continue on to Museum Kimchikan to learn how Korea’s most famous dish is made and why it is such an essential part of everyday life. In the evening, head to the Banpo Bridge area for a relaxed riverside stroll and views of the illuminated bridge before returning to the hotel to rest. **DAY 2 // Seoul & Cherry blossoms** After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the lobby and set out for a full day of sightseeing around Seoul. Begin at Jogyesa Buddhist Temple and then witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony before visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace (or Deoksugung Palace on Tuesdays), with time to explore its grand courtyards and palace buildings. Stop at Cheongwadae Sarangchae (or the National Palace Museum on Mondays) to gain more insight into Korea’s history, then visit a Ginseng Center before a lunch break at your own expense. In the afternoon, browse traditional shops and galleries in Insadong, then continue to busy Namdaemun or Dongdaemun Market to experience the city’s lively street scenes and bargain-filled stalls. Finish the day with a ride on the N Seoul Tower cable car (tower admission without lift) for panoramic views of the city, and then be dropped off in the Myeongdong or City Hall area for an evening at leisure. **DAY 3 // Cherries in countryside** Leave the city behind this morning for an escape into the lakes and hills of Gangwon-do. Drive towards Chuncheon, where we'll visit Alpaca World to meet gentle alpacas in a mountain setting, or opt instead for a scenic rail bike or canoeing at Chuncheon Mulle-gil, along the Bukhan River. Continue to Mt. Samaksan for one of Korea’s longest cable car with sweeping views over Uiam Lake. In the afternoon head to Nami Island, known for its cherry-lined avenues, riverside paths and famous K-drama filming spots. Free time to stroll or relax in the shade. Return to Seoul in the evening, free time at leisure. **DAY 4 // Mongolia – Ulaan Battar** In the morning short flight to Ulaan Battar, capitol of Mongolia. We’ll start with Sukhbaatar Square, the city’s grand central plaza, framed by the Parliament House and statues of Mongolia’s national heroes, for an introduction to the country’s political and cultural heart. Continue up to the Zaisan Hill Memorial, a Soviet-era monument perched on a ridge above the city, where wide views open over Ulaanbaatar and the surrounding hills. In the evening, experience a traditional Mongolian folk performance, with music, dance and perhaps a taste to set the tone for your journey. **Day 5 // Terelj National Park & Ger Life** Begin the day at Gandan Monastery, the spiritual heart of Mongolian Buddhism, where monks gather for prayers beneath towering temple halls. Next we'll leave the city and drive east to the **Genghis Khan** Statue Complex, where a gleaming 40-metre equestrian statue of the Great Khan rises from the steppe; explore the small museum beneath and climb up inside the monument for panoramic views. From here, continue into Gorkhi–Terelj National Park, a landscape of granite outcrops, larch forests and wide meadows. Stop at the iconic **Turtle Rock**, a natural formation shaped like a giant turtle, then, time permitting, make the short walk up to **Ariyabal Meditation Temple**, a peaceful hilltop sanctuary overlooking the valleys below. Later, visit a local nomadic family to sample traditional dairy products and learn about the rhythms of Mongolian nomadic life. In the evening we'll settle in a Terelj ger camp, enjoying the quiet of the countryside under big Mongolian skies. **Day 6 // Modern Ulaan** Enjoy breakfast in the ger camp before drive back, watching the steppe slowly give way again to the city’s skyline. On the way, stop at Sain Nomuun Monastery, a lesser-visited Buddhist complex that offers a more intimate glimpse of contemporary religious life. Back in the capital, visit the Bogd Khan Palace Museum, the former winter residence of Mongolia’s last spiritual and political ruler, with richly decorated temples and chambers filled with thrones, gifts and ritual objects. In the late afternoon, visit local bazaar and souvenir shopping. **DAY 7 :: Trans-mongolian train to Beijing** Today we board the Trans-Mongolian train in Ulaanbaatar and settle into our compartments as the city slowly slips away and the wide Mongolian steppe opens up outside the window. The first hours are spent watching familiar scenes of grazing horses, distant gers and rolling grasslands, all framed by the steady rhythm of the train on the tracks. As the route bends south, the landscape gradually changes, becoming more rugged and varied, with hills, valleys and scattered settlements marking the approach to the Chinese border. We’ll have time to read, chat with fellow passengers, visit the dining car for a simple hot meal and step into the corridor to photograph the views as they unfold. By evening, after border formalities, the train continues through the night towards Beijing, and you fall asleep to the gentle motion of the carriage, crossing quietly from the vast Mongolian steppe into northern China. **DAY 8 :: Arrival in Beijing & Hutongs** Arrive in Beijing at 14:35, where you are met at the station and assisted with a smooth transfer into the city. After check-in, set out to explore the historic hutongs, wandering through narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes. As you walk, soak up the everyday rhythm of local life, from old men playing cards to tiny shops selling snacks and trinkets. Continue to nearby markets or commercial streets, where you can browse for souvenirs and get a first taste of modern Beijing’s energy. Return to the hotel in the evening and unwind after your journey, overnight in Beijing. **Day 9 :: Forbidden City & Great Wall** Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out for a full day of sightseeing in China’s capital. Begin with a guided visit to the Forbidden City, the vast former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with its grand halls, courtyards and rich symbolism. Learn about the lives of emperors and the rituals of court life as you move through this UNESCO-listed complex. In the afternoon, drive out to the Great Wall at Juyongguan, where you have time to walk along the ancient ramparts and take in sweeping mountain views. Return to the hotel in the evening for some free time at leisure and overnight in Beijing. **Day 10 :: Temple of Heaven & Departure** Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out. This morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, an elegant complex of temples and altars once used by emperors to pray for good harvests. Stroll through the surrounding park, where locals often practise tai chi, dance or play traditional games, giving a relaxed glimpse of everyday Beijing life. After some free time for a final walk or last-minute shopping, transfer to the airport in the afternoon. Bye, bye East Asia! **In brief:** DAY 1 :: Arrival in Seoul DAY 2 :: Seoul & Cherry Blossoms DAY 3 :: Cherries in countryside DAY 4 :: Mongolia – Ulaan Battar DAY 5 :: Terelj National Park & Ger Life DAY 6 :: Modern Ulaan DAY 7 :: Trans-mongolian train to Beijing DAY 8 :: Beijing & Hutongs DAY 9 :: Forbidden City & Great Wall DAY 10 :: Temple of Heaven & Departure **Level of difficulty:** Easy, available for everyone **Accommodation & meals:** Hotels - double sharing, 1 night aboard a train in soft sleeper, shared cabin. Meals excluded. **Cost:** **AED 14,370 all inclusive** of flights and train until MAR 30. Past this date cost will change. **Specifically excluded:** Meals, visa, insurance. **Visas:** · **Korea:** Most passports get visa on arrival, based on The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA). [Other passports ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_South_Korea)\- third party visa agency only\. · **Mongolia:** visa free or e-visa. For passports non-eligible for visa on arrival, entry permit 150 USD + 90 USD payable on arrival. · **China:** EU, AUS passports visa free, except Czech Republic, Lithuania and Sweden. [Other passports ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_mainland_China)\- third party visa agency only\. *It is sole responsibility of participant to secure entry to country of destination.* See yah in Spring Asia x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 - 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](http://linktr.ee/trekkup)

**Event Details** Online via Zoom **Timings** UAE 4:45 PM India 6:15 PM UK 1:45 PM *** ### ✨ The Experience We begin with a gentle introduction, allowing the body and mind to settle. From there, you will be guided into a dynamic meditative journey where movement, breath, and awareness come together to release suppressed energy and restore natural flow. The session concludes with optional sharing and reflection. **Flow for the Session** 4:45 – 5:00 PM: Introduction 5:00 – 6:00 PM: Kundalini Meditation Followed by Q&A (optional) *** ### 🌿 What is Active Meditation? Many of us carry deeply held emotions, unresolved experiences, and inner tension. When we sit in silence, these often rise to the surface, making stillness feel difficult. OSHO Active Meditations offer a different pathway. Through movement, shaking, and free expression, the body begins to release what has been held within. Energy begins to flow freely, rising, bringing lightness, openness, and a sense of inner freedom. From this space, silence arises naturally—effortless and deeply nourishing. *** ### 🌸 Joining Details **Zoom Meeting Link:** Click Here **Meeting ID:** 863 8210 8643 **Password:** divine *** ### 🌿 Preparation • A quiet, comfortable space • Yoga mat or soft surface • Eye mask or blindfold (optional) • An open mind and willingness to explore *** ### 🌼 Stay Connected Join our WhatsApp community: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/DLBuywCGOHl5KsbcPHjF97](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DLBuywCGOHl5KsbcPHjF97) *** If you have not received your Zoom confirmation email, kindly check your spam folder or search for the following: [hello@surekhasadana.com](mailto:hello@surekhasadana.com) *** With warmth, Surekha Sadana Holistic Health Coach Nutrition \| Functional Medicine \| Inner Work [www.surekhasadana.com](http://www.surekhasadana.com/)

**The most mysterious and least explored of the Central Asian “stans”,** Turkmenistan has long been one of the hardest countries to approach. It shares borders with Kazakhstan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north and east, Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the south and southwest, and the Caspian Sea to the west. For centuries, **Turkmenistan stood at the crossroads of civilizations**. In medieval times, Merv was one of the great cities of the Islamic world and an important Silk Road stop, a vital link in the trade route between China and the West until the mid 15th century. Annexed by the Russian Empire in 1881, Turkmenistan later played a prominent role in the anti-Bolshevik movement in Central Asia. In 1924, it became the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic, a constituent republic of the USSR, and **gained independence in 1991.** The country became famous for the dictatorship of Saparmyrat Niyazov, who ruled as ‘**Turkmenbashi**’ (‘leader of the Turkmen’) and governed until his death in 2006. His era left a surreal legacy: **golden statues of himself and grand monuments** celebrating the so-called “golden age” of Turkmenistan. Yet the **essence of Turkmenistan lies beyond its politics** — in the warmth and generosity of its people, whose legendary hospitality makes visitors feel instantly welcome. **Ashgabat**, the capital, is a billion dollar display of national pride, with endless white marble buildings stretching across a long, dry valley. At sunrise or sunset, the city glows with a strange beauty, resembling more a scene from a sci-fi movie than an earthly settlement. A visit to the **Köw Ata Underground Lake** offers a unique experience. Descend into a cave at the base of a mountain, walking down a staircase 65 meters underground, into a world of warm, sulphurous air. At the bottom, a crystal-clear lake, naturally heated to around 36°C, invites you for a surreal swim deep beneath the earth’s surface. **Turkmenistan doors to hell…** And then there is Turkmenistan’s most **famous spectacle: the “Doors to Hell”**. In the desert village of Darvaza, home to around 350 tribal residents, life had been unchanged for centuries. Nothing could interrupt the peaceful and quiet lifestyle of the nomadic tribe, aside from sitting on a valuable cache of natural resources. Initial estimations of the site’s reserves were extremely low. In the early 1970s, Soviet scientists attempted to burn off escaping gas after a drilling mishap. When they lit the gas, it erupted and **never stopped burning. Over forty years later locals call it the Doors to Hell.** [https://vimeo.com/183429568](https://vimeo.com/183429568) **Let's go!** **DAY 0 // Thursday – Departure** Meet at 22:00 at Terminal 2 for a direct flight departing on Friday at 00:20. **DAY 1 // Friday** Arrival, immigration formalities, and check-in at our lavish white-marble hotel for a short rest. Complete foreign passport registration. Take a quick tour to admire the majestic statues of Ashgabat and a few other city landmarks. In the evening, **depart for Darvaza**. En route, stop at two other craters – one filled with water and one with sulphur mud – both releasing gas from underground. Enjoy an **“A Little Party Never Killed Nobody”** themed BBQ dinner near the main crater, followed by an unforgettable sunset over the burning gas spectacle. **(Camping).** **DAY 2 // Saturday** In the morning, head to Kopet Dag (“hilly mountains”) and continue towards Nokhur village. Return towards Ashgabat and take a swim in the volcanic **underground lake of Kow-Ata**. In the evening, immerse yourself in **Ashgabat’s sci-fi cityscape** neon-lit streets framed by white marble facades and explore the local nightlife. **DAY 3 // Sunday** Start the day with souvenir shopping at Tolkuchka Market, the largest in Turkmenistan. Visit the **UNESCO World Heritage site Old Nissa**, the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, Independence Square, and statues of national heroes. **DAY 4 // Monday** Early morning transfer to the airport for your return flight to Dubai. Back home at 07:00 hrs. Bye bye Turkmenistan! **Activities:** trekking, swimming, sightseeing, getting amazed with burning gas crater! **Accommodation & meals:** 4 star hotel double sharing + 1 night camping, local meals included. **Cost: 7,100 AED all incl. flights** **and visa pre-approval cost** **until MAR 05.** **Visa:** payable on arrival, approx. 115 USD. **RSVP:** To reassure enough time for visa processing and eventual re-applying in case of denial, we recommend to join this trip within 30 days before travel date. Standard cancellation policy applies for anyone joining later. See yah at Doors to Hell x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](http://linktr.ee/trekkup)

**South Sudan where cattle population is higher than population of people**, recently hosted a pope and despite being officially newest country on the world map, still struggles for international recognition. Juba, the capitol, is a home to one of the worst traffic organizations in Africa. Central round about can proudly compete with Dhaka rush hours. Nearby streets are filled with entrepreneurs’ outlets, on Custom Road you will find **Fast Food Rolex, Dubai Mall, Doha stores**, amongst many others. **Among the tallest people in the world**, towering over the cows and bulls of their cattle camps, the **Mundari are one of the most fascinating tribes on the planet**, their way-of-life far removed from the modern world. The fertile region of South Sudan, home to wildlife migrations, raiding tribes and warriors, and everyday rituals sure to shock you out of the ordinary! **The Mundari are a small ethnic group of South Sudan** and one of the Nilotic peoples, indigenous to the Nile Valley, and composed of cattle-herders and farmers. Like much of South Sudan, the land they occupy is low-lying area prone to flooding, providing very fertile basis for cattle grazing. The Mundari people have close connection to their cattle, from giving them names and having them take part in their rituals and practices. The most treasured cattle among the Mundari are the Ankole-Watusi, the “Cattle of Kings”, with the most impressive having **horns that can reach over 2 meters long**. The cattle themselves have heritage dating back thousands of years, from the combination of the Egyptian Longhorn of Africa and the Zebu Longhorn of India. Relying on the herding of cattle, sheep and goats to obtain milk, blood, meat and leather, the tribe also have a reputation for being fierce warriors, **where status and wealth are measured in cattle** and loaded weapons. Low-level warfare to rustle and raid cattle is not uncommon. South Sudan is a place for the true explorer, with expedition into this remote and unknown part of the world for those wishing to see what few others can! **Let's go!** **Day 1 // Arrival + sunset at Mundari** Morning flight, followed by Immigration adventure. Local lunch and hit the road for one of the best sunsets you can have in Africa – orange horizon between Mundaris, ocean of curved horns cattle and the smoke, used as repellent from mosquitos. Head back to city for dinner and overnight in the hotel. **Day 2 // Mundari morning, Juba + wrestling** Early wakeup call and drive for sunrise and Mundari morning ceremony. Come back for breakfast and hit the city. Between the cathedral and mosque, we will surely find time to visit Konyo Konyo – the biggest market, where ladies can order Mundari dress for the afternoon wrestling show. Lunch at the bank of the river, before we move to the wrestling ground, followed by local dance show. After dinner, we will have possibility of checking the night life, rooftop bars and perhaps the casino, where Chinese expats bet high with locals. Overnight in the hotel or optional wedding crashing, subject of availability. **Day 3 // Nile boat trip** Breakfast and check out from the hotel. Morning boat trip on a Nile, refreshing sneak peek on how the riverbanks prepare for Sunday mass in the church. Afternoon time airport drop off and return flight back home. Bye, bye Juba! **Level:** Easy. **Activities:** Tribe encounters, sightseeing, boating. **Room & Meals:** Hotels, double sharing. Meals excluded except breakfasts. **Cost: AED 3800** excl. flights until **APR 01.** Past this date cost will change. Flights: 3900 AED (Ethiopian). **Specifically Excluded:** Meals, any cost related to visa on arrival, photography permits for professional cameras. **Visa:** Based on entry permit, cost excluded from trip budget, 130 USD. **Yellow fever** certificate mandatory to enter South Sudan. **Photography:** Expect 150-200 USD for “photography permit” if you are bringing professional camera equipment. See yah in South Sudan x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [info@trekkup.com](info@trekkup.com) [Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

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!

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

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."

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. We will be hearing from Becca Powell, Director of Advocacy and Outreach at Unchained At Last, an organization whose mission is dedication to ending forced and child marriage in the United States through direct services and systems change. Unchained At Last's mission clearly meshes and addresses several of our Humanist Ten Commitments. Becca will educate us about an issue many of us may not be familiar with--but should be. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Interested? Contact Preston Moore k.preston.moore@gmail.com 614-300-5989 ———————————— Engaging in men’s work is the new way to forge friendships while being open-minded to personal growth. Many men experience healthier relationships, personally and professionally, by engaging in this work. Open Men’s Group is a container for men to share vulnerably without receiving judgment or feedback. We believe that emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate, and purpose-driven men will help heal some of society’s deepest wounds. We support the powerful brilliance of men and we are willing to look at, and take full responsibility for, the pain we are also capable of creating – and suffering. We care deeply about men, our families, communities, and the planet. Visit ManKind Project USA to discover more. https://mkpusa.org/