Smalltalk

**TRIP FULL** We've now added our Albania kayaking date for 2027: [https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/314674209](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/314674209) If it's this year you're keen on, our next overseas trip with spaces is in September: [https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/312165967](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/312165967) Swap Croatia’s crowds for **Albania’s wild Riviera** on a long weekend of sea kayaking, coastal hiking and beach time. Paddle to **sea caves and hidden coves**, glide along clear Ionian waters, and land on **Gjipe Bay’s canyon-backed beach** – one of the coast’s most dramatic spots. Hike the **White Trail** to remote **San Andreas Bay** for a swim in Ionian-blue water. Evenings are for sundowners and seafood in lively **Dhërmi** with it's beach bars, and the trip finishes with a night in **Tirana** to explore its cafés, squares and nightlife before flying home. 📏 **Key Info** • 🌙 **Nights:** 3 (Fri–Mon) • 💷 **Cost:** £427 • 🥾 **Difficulty:** **[Beginner/Intermediate](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf)** 3–4 hrs hiking • 🛶 **Activities:** Sea kayaking, coastal hiking • 🛌 **Room Type:** Hotels - Twin ensuite • 🚐 **Transport:** Private minibus + speedboat transfer • 🍽️ **Meals Included:** All Breakfasts + 2 picnic lunches • ✈️ **Start & End City:** Tirana • 🚐 **Airport Transfer:** Group transfer included for suggested flights 🌟 **Trip** **Highlights** • Stay on the **Albanian Riviera** **coast** at *Sofo Hotel*, Dhërmi **([LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cbb9nD3BNTZZL4hLA))** • **Kayak along the coast** to hidden bays and **Gjipe Canyon** and swim in dazzling blue waters • Hike the **White Trail** from Palasë River Delta to **San Andreas Bay** with panoramic sea and cliff views • Enjoy a **private speedboat ride** back along the coast after the hike • Spend a night in central **Tirana**, staying at *Vila e Arte Hotel* **([LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5yD295wAzmCYXXdXA))**, a great central base to explore the capital • **Private minibus transport** for our group throughout the trip • Small group – **limited to 18**, with an **English-speaking local Albanian guide** • Option to try extra watersports: **SUP, windsurfing, waterskiing** (subject to conditions & availability) 🌅 **Trip Description** Nestled between the **turquoise waters of Italy and northern Greece**, and sharing the same dramatic coastline as Croatia, Albania remains **one of Europe’s last undiscovered gems** – think Croatia many years ago. With **pebble and sandy Mediterranean beaches**, **rugged mountains**, sea cliffs and **hidden caves**, it offers a remarkably diverse and tranquil natural escape. On this trip you don’t need to choose between a mountain adventure or a beach holiday – **this coastline gives you both**. We kayak beneath **towering coastal peaks** through **crystal-clear waters** to the **stunning Gjipe Bay canyon**, and we also enjoy a **scenic coastal hike along the White Trail**. There’s a balance of structured activity and free time. Relax under the **Albanian sun**, try watersports, or explore at your own pace. In the evenings, the beach bars, restaurants and music give the area a **fun holiday atmosphere**. 🛏️ **Accommodation & Transport** • **Dhërmi (2 nights)** – Twin bedded en-suite rooms at *Sofo Hotel* **([LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cbb9nD3BNTZZL4hLA))**, located near the beach • **Tirana (1 night)** – Twin bedded en-suite rooms at *Vila e Arte Hotel* **([LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5yD295wAzmCYXXdXA))**, a central base for exploring the capital • **Transport**: Private group minibus: Tirana Airport → Dhërmi → Tirana Private speedboat transfer back along the coast after the San Andreas hike 📅 **Itinerary** **Friday – Arrival & Transfer to the Coast** Arrive at Tirana Airport and transfer by private minibus several hours to the Dhërmi coastline, where we check into our hotel and enjoy our first evening on the coast. The beach here is famous for its crystal-clear waters and blue sea, with bars and restaurants right by the water, perfect for a first swim and sunset drink. **Saturday – Sea Kayaking to Gjipe Bay & Beach Time** We set off by kayak along the coast to one of the most beautiful spots on the Albanian Riviera – **Gjipe Bay and its canyon**. Here (tide and sea conditions permitting) we may explore the **Pirates’ Cave** from the inside, a cave once used as shelter by pirates. The Gjipe Canyon gives off a hint of a mini Grand Canyon with its steep red walls dropping dramatically to the beach. **Afternoon (optional activities):** We return to the main beach in Dhërmi where you can choose from: • Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)\* • Windsurfing\* • Water-skiing\* • Or simply relax on the beach with a swim or a drink \*All extra activities are optional, paid locally and are subject to sea conditions and availability. Evening free for dinner at local restaurants and to enjoy the lively beach bars if you wish. **Sunday – Coastal Hike & Tirana** Hike: Palasë’s River Delta – Bay of San Andreas • Distance: 9km (6 miles) • Grading: **[Beginner/Intermediate](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf)** • Ascent: 240m • Hiking time: 2.5 – 3.5 hours This morning we start from the delta of **Palasë Beach**, where white pebbles meet turquoise sea – a classic postcard scene. From there we follow the **White Trail** along cliffs, woodland and open coastal paths, with the clear Ionian Sea visible for much of the route. We reach beautiful **San Andreas Bay**, where we have time to enjoy the beach and swim before being collected by a **private speedboat** for the ride back along the coast – a spectacular finale to the hike. In the late afternoon/early evening, we transfer by minibus to Tirana and check into our hotel. Our guide departs here, marking the end of the guided portion of the trip. The evening is then yours to explore the capital and its nightlife at your own pace. **Monday – Tirana & Departure** After breakfast in Tirana you’re welcome to: • Head to the airport (bus or taxi options available), or • Extend your stay in Tirana to explore its museums, cafés and streets. 🍽️ **Food** The local cuisine is Mediterranean with strong **Italian, Greek and Turkish influences**. Fresh seafood, grilled meats, salads, and local dishes feature heavily. **Dietary requirements:** • Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free food can be catered for • Some requirements (e.g. **nut-free**) **cannot** be catered for • We **must** be aware of all dietary needs **before booking** – please email us first to confirm if your requirements can be accommodated: **info@outdooraholics.co.uk** Breakfast is provided each day, and 2 picnic lunches are included (Saturday & Sunday). Dinners are taken at local restaurants, giving you the flexibility to choose what you’d like to eat and how much you spend. 💷 **Cost & Booking** • **£427** **How to book:** • Click **“Attend”** and pay a **£100 deposit** by PayPal to secure your space • Remainder due **within 7 days** by bank transfer - we'll email details • Payment details are emailed **1 week before** the balance deadline **Payment terms:** • Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable • When the trip is sold out, fully paid spaces may be advertised to the same gender (see **[FAQ](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf)** for details) ✅ **Price Includes** • 2 nights’ accommodation in twin en-suite hotel rooms in Dhërmi • 1 night accommodation in twin en-suite hotel rooms in Tirana • Breakfast daily • 2 picnic lunches • Boat ride from San Andreas Bay • Kayaking: instruction, kayak & kit hire • Private minibus throughout • Complimentary fixed time airport transfer • Local English speaking guide • Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations, including financial protection ❌ **Price Excludes** • Flights, dinners • Local airport bus on the last day (approx £4) ✈️ **Flights, Start & End Times** All times below are **local Albanian time**. **Arrival – Friday (Tirana Airport → Dhërmi)** For anyone arriving on one of the **suggested flights** below or already at the airport – we offer a **complimentary group transfer** to the coast, departing **12:10pm** from Tirana Airport. We will wait up to 3 hours for delays on the listed flights below only. **Inbound flights – 05.06.2026** • **Wizz Air** flight: **W95002** 05:00 from **London Luton (LTN)** → **Tirana (TIA)** landing **09:05** • **Ryanair** flight: **FR8101** 07:10 from **London Stansted (STN)** → **Tirana (TIA)** landing **11:05** • **British Airways** flight: **BA380** 07:30 from **London Heathrow (LHR)** → **Tirana (TIA)** landing **11:35** If you arrive later or on a different flight, you’ll need to make your own way to the accommodation on the coast. Flights are not part of the package. You are responsible for reaching the meeting point, even if your flight is delayed or changed. Please ensure your travel insurance covers travel disruption. **Return – Monday** The trip ends after breakfast in Tirana, you may: • Take the bus or a taxi to Tirana Airport • Stay longer in Tirana 🛡️ **Insurance & Entry Requirements** It is **essential** that you have **travel insurance** which covers: • Emergency medical treatment • Kayaking (Level 1) and hiking • Cancellation and curtailment • Travel disruption (e.g. if you cannot reach the start of the trip due to delayed or cancelled flights) You will be required to provide a copy of your insurance policy. Without valid insurance, we cannot accept you onto the trip and no refund will be due in this case. Outdooraholics cannot verify what any policy covers – you must confirm this directly with your insurer. The guide accepting your policy details is not confirmation that it is valid or adequate. **Entry requirements:** • Valid travel documents for Albania, including a passport and visa if required • Albania is **not** in the EU – please check entry rules for your nationality ❓ **Want to Know More?** • 🔍 [New to Our Overseas Trips?](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/new_to_our_overseas_trips.pdf) – Perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect” • 🏢 [About Us](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/about_us.pdf) – Who Outdooraholics are, credibility & history • ❓ [FAQs](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) – Answers to the most common queries 🔗 **Explore More & Stay Connected** [Foreign trips list](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/foreigntriplist.pdf) 👣 [Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) 📖 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) 📸 ⚠️ **Safety** Your guide is a trained hike leader and kayak instructor. Outdoor activities carry risk. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and clothing. See: **[Clothing tips](https://www.londonhiking.co.uk/Equipment.pdf)**. **📄 [Terms and Conditions](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/TermsConditions.pdf)** By signing up or attending you agree to these © Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE

For full details AND also to sign up, please click here to see the event listed on our London group: https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/310144254/

For full details AND also to sign up, please click here to see the event listed on our London group: https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/310144254/

We have moved to guild.host. Look us up there. https://guild.host/events/buckeye-cocoaheads-rcavwd

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

**Latest Dojo Location!** **Knotty Pine Brewing** 1765 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for speakers for our Monthly Meetups! Fill out the form if you are interested in presenting to the Python Community. https://forms.gle/ehSfUAC2WgR34Crq9

The Alliance is part of the Greater Central Ohio Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. We are an all-voices chorus dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for all those who love to sing, regardless of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation or musical background. The Alliance is the first and only all-voices barbershop chorus in Central Ohio. **Who:** Anyone with a passion for singing at a high level. Previous barbershop chorus/quartet experience not required. **When:** The Alliance rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 7pm-10pm. **Where:** Lord Of Life Lutheran Church: 2480 W Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 To become a full member of The Alliance, we welcome you to start by visiting us for a few rehearsals to experience the group and sing with us! Then, you may begin the 2-part audition process for membership: the assessement, and audition. We strive to make our auditions as stress-free as possible to help you let your best singing self shine.

Our monthly PHP meetup. A virtual shindig courtesy of Zoom. Check back here for the details around 6:15 pm

Ciao a tutt\*! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the Upper Arlington Library (Tremont Branch) in **Meeting Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour.

We are bringing Microsoft Build sessions to Columbus Ohio! The Central Ohio Azure Meetup and Central Ohio .NET Developer's Group (CONDG) are coming together to bring some of the labs and breakouts from Microsoft Build to your backyard. In this free, 1 day event, you are going to Build stuff with us! And yes, there will be free food. So please RSVP for a head count!