Scrambling

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.

On Monday, we'll meet in front of 2100 Clarendon Blvd (https://maps.google.com/maps?q=2100+Clarendon+Blvd&ll=38.889847,-77.084005&spn=0.009704,0.017531&hnear=2100+Clarendon+Blvd,+Arlington,+Virginia+22201&gl=us&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=38.890666,-77.085485&panoid=Vy-Mbkk_fU1USwuw4_R6SQ&cbp=12,140.28,,0,0) around 6:50pm and head out for a nice hilly run at 7pm. We usually head out for a drink after the run. So if you're planning to stay after for drinks, bring your ID/etc. Notes: If you're not familiar with the area, please review the routes. If it's cold, take cover inside the foyer area of 2100 Clarendon Blvd. Photos taken during the event may end up on Instagram, Meetup, Strava and similar platforms. Routes: We'll alternate between the following routes. Both routes are hilly. We'll run 20 minutes out and then turn around and run 20 minutes back to Courthouse. Everyone runs at his/her own pace, so the distance will depend on your speed. 1. Courthouse to Georgetown Waterfront (one giant hill) (https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6264227038/) Veitch St. to the Custis Trail; downhill to Key Bridge; over to the Georgetown Waterfront. 2. Courthouse to Custis Trail West (rolling hills) (https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6600124130) Veitch St. to the Custis Trail; West toward Glebe Rd. Pace: All paces are welcome! We'll be doing an out and back route, so everyone will just turn around at the halfway time marker. That way we should all start and end at the same time. Free Parking at Courthouse Plaza: The underground garage (http://tiny.cc/OmKZx) is on Clarendon Blvd btwn Wayne and Veitch Sts. (near Strayer/CVS and the AMC Theater). If the first 2 levels on the left are full, you can park on the lower levels to the right. Street and Surface Parking lots should be free in the area as well. Metro: Orange or Silver line to Courthouse Station.

Come join local improv troupe, the ***Home Improv Mints***, as we run through some of the basics of short form improv. Wear clothes you can move around in. We will start at **7:15**. We will run until just after 9 pm. Bring yourself and a willingness to try new things - like (insert audience suggestion here)! We try a different topic each session to see if it changes who sees the announcement. There might not be bobwhite imitations, hyena butter, lava floors, trans livestock, thalidomide twinkies or inflatable turnips (all things that HAVE come up), but we can promise something *random*. But we encourage you to bring cookies. NOM NOM NOM! We only have so many slots available. **Please don't RSVP as a yes *until* you are certain.** We limit the class size so everyone gets a chance to play, and ask for RSVPs so we know how many outlines to print and cookies to bring. We understand things change sometimes. Please message us if things change and you can't make it, rather than being a No-Show. Multiple No-shows get you put on the naughty list and may get you ejected from the group. Please don't make us do that. Please donate - *running* a Meetup group ain't free folks. Suggested Donation is $10/session. And feel free to bring more cookies. Everybody likes cookies. If you're keeping track, this one will be Workshop # 3. Hope to see you then!

In this weekly meeting we will review 2 submissions with a word limit of 2K each. Please use track changes when making edits and send out the edits to all group members that everyone may learn and grow from your critiques. If you're interested in getting on our email list and participating in this meeting, please send us a message!

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)]

**🔥Mambo Fridays🔥** Salsa & Timba Night \| Every 2nd Friday 🎧 As always, the legendary DJ Mambo Soul is flying in from Houston just for Mambo Fridays! 📅 Friday, January 9, 7:30pm–12am 📍 Bryant Street Market, 670 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington DC 🕗 7:30pm Salsa Lesson by DanceInTime 🕺 8:45pm–12am Dancing & Mingling 🎧 DJ Mambo Soul (from Houston!) + DJ Chika 🎟️ $10 Early Bird \(until Jan 2\) \| $15 after 💙Admission includes Exclusive Happy Hour Pricing: save up to $15 on drinks all night!!! 💚💙🩷 👦 Kids under 15 FREE \| ✨ Drop-ins welcome 🚇 2 min walk from Rhode Island Ave Metro (Red Line)

Join DC Metro Crafts for a field trip. We'll be at Quill and Crumbs, the cafe at the Shakespeare Folger Library. The Shakespeare Folger Library is about 3 blocks from the Capitol South metro. Head up First as you get out of the station, pass the Library of Congress and the Capitol, turn right on East Capitol, and the Folger is on the right. The entrance is around the side, not through the front of the building. Head upstairs to the cafe and we'll be at the tables at the back. Bring your own cross stitch, knitting, crochet, or other portable craft. We'll be in the back at the group tables.

This is a perfect venue to mingle. http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/f/4/600_308043572.jpeg

Samba gives a great cardio work out and introduces to Brazilian culture. Join the fun staff of Vava United School of Samba instructors for a samba experience. 8:00pm class is for absolut beginners to dancers looking to sharpen technique. 9:00pm is for experienced sambistas that want to heighten their stamina, learn Combinations and love the samba rhythms. Beginners ($15) Intermediate ($15)

**THERE'S LOTS OF STREET RIDING AND A LITTLE WALKING** **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride Summary:** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Koffee Klatch Tour DC Tulip Exploration * START LOC: South Bluemont Parking Area, * 329 N Manchester St, Arlington, VA * START GPS: \[38\.869419780146394\, \-77\.13238140728984\]\(38\.869419780146394\, \-77\.13238140728984\) * START PARKING: Parking lot, ample parking and restrooms * ARRIVAL: 12:00 p.m. * SPEECH: 12:10 p.m. * ROLLING: 12:15 a.m. * LEVEL: Medium * DISTANCE: 21.3 miles * PACE: 11 to 13mph social pace * TERRAIN: Trails, Bike Lanes, Streets * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: **CBG_KOFFEEK_TULIPS_2026** * [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54466555](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54466555?privacy_code=JyjqB4CqvIrVUvgHi1RxOhjuD3xpMR3g) **NOTES:** Bring a camera and a lock. **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++++** For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents A Koffee Klatch Tour DC Tulip Exploration Ride. While it's not the Keukenhof in The Netherlands, there are some nice tulip beds in the area: Netherlands Carillon Memorial Circle Boundary Drive (Pentagon) Navy & Marine Memorial The Floral Library Enid A Haupt Garden Mary Livingston Ripley Gardens Smithsonian Gardens United States Botanical Gardens US Capitol The route starts at the South Bluemont (Playground & Disc Golf) Parking Area, goes up Bluemont Jct and over Fairfax Drive to Clarendon Blvd. After that we are sort of meandering between tulip sites. Be prepared to walk your bike through the various gardens and possibly where there may be crowds of tourists. From the Capitol we will loop to take the Pennsylvania Ave bike lane turning left at 13th ST NW to the Timgad Café at mile 13.1. We then take Memorial Bridge up the Rte 50 Trail to Pershing and work our way to the W&OD **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot: South Bluemont Parking Lot** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride Within the Ride:** **[TIMGAD CAFÉ](https://timgadcafe.com/)** 1300 Pennsylvania Ave Washington, DC 13st NW pedestrian area, lower concourse level of the Ronald Reagan Building Plaza beside the Federal Triangle Metro Station's entrance **++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level : If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * Beginner Level : You can easily ride your bike for 10 miles with some minor hills at a comfortable pace of 10+ to 12+ mph. * Medium Level : You can do 20 miles pretty easily at a moderate pace of 13 to 15+ mph. * Advanced Level : You can do 20++ miles easily at a 15+ pace and / or handle various challenges as rain, night riding, or other odd cycling situations. **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release " found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/ * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. NO exceptions. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. Again, no exceptions.

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!

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

Meet at Wolfe Park parking lot by tennis courts. We willl walk along Alum Creek trail, through Jeffrey Mansion Park then along Bexley neighborhood and back. Optional lunch at Trolley District.

Come out to Improving for our monthly iOS and Mac meetings. This Month's Presentation: Nothing yet. (You should volunteer). What is Cocoaheads (http://cocoaheads.org/)? CocoaHeads is a group devoted to discussion of Apple Computer's Cocoa Framework for programming on MacOS X and iOS (including the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch). During monthly meetings, members present on their projects and offer tutorials on various programming topics. What is BuckeyeCocoa (http://buckeyecocoa.org/)? BuckeyeCocoa is a group of Objective-C/Swift developers/enthusiasts. We host monthly Cocoaheads and near-weekly NSCoder meetings in Columbus, Ohio. The meetings are free to attend. Presentations! Presenters welcome! We are always in need of people willing to present material. Any Swift and/or Objective-C related topic is welcome. Times can be 5 minutes (i.e. lightning talks) to a maximum of 2 hours. Interested? Contact info is on the BuckeyeCocoa website. To volunteer for a presentation contact us at @BuckeyeCocoa on Twitter. Follow us on Twitter! @BuckeyeCocoa (https://twitter.com/#!/Buckeyecocoa/) For more information: http://buckeyecocoa.org/

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

⛳ **Tuesday Golf League – Registrations Open!** Join our 2-Player Scramble league with 15 men and 15 women, featuring new partners every week. 📅 Every Tuesday, April 21–Aug 18 ⏰ 5:15 PM – 8:00 PM 📍 Champions Golf Course (3900 Westerville Rd) 💲 Pricing: • 12 weeks – $450 • 9 weeks – $345 YOU MUST SIGN UP AND PAY USING BELOW LINK TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT: [Tuesday Golf - 2026 - Calendar - Columbus Ski Club](https://columbusskiclub.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=686961&item_id=2870039&actr=3) Great way to meet new golfers, mix up teams weekly, and enjoy competitive fun all season long. Questions - contact Bob Kaplan 614-286-8463 [gah97@aol.com](mailto:gah97@aol.com)