What we’re about
http://www.socialfundation.com for the full calendar EVERYONE IS WELCOME INTO THE GROUP! (Legal note: The "I Wanted To Do That, . . . Just Not Alone!!!"™ and it's derivations are Trademarked. Trademark infringement will be aggressively prosecuted.)(for permission or to join our collective contact the admin) I wanted to do that... Just not alone! (FREE & SAFE) \ *\* A community is great because of its members, and we need you to make it great!* \ We live in an ever-shrinking world, where the technologies and transportation systems make it easier than ever to connect people from every corner of the world. We also have the fortune to live in a quality and vibrant city that is home to people of diverse backgrounds and life experience. The Austin International Network gives you an opportunity to experience some of the many international cultures that the city hosts, to share your knowledge of cultural heritage, interests/hobbies or professional expertise with other members of the group, and make new friends while doing so. The mission of this group is as implied by the name of the group--we'd like to provide good company as well as a positive and safe environment for members to experience things that, for whatever reasons, you longed for but weren't able to do before. You'll also get to know things that you can do and enjoy in Austin through the meetups proposed by your peers. It is also a hope of our group to promote cross-cultural dialogues, sharing, understanding, and peer supports through a variety of local activities and events, as well as international trips. But we (organizers) are few and you are many, and this means that to work toward these goals we need the proactive participation and supports from at least some members of the community. This group is unique because of our members, and we look forward to meeting you and facilitate the meetup ideas you propose. ——————————————————————————————————— \ Interested in a festival or music performance? Crave for dining at an exotic restaurant? Can't find teammates/players for a sport, hobby, or fun stuff (e.g., bowling, basketball, badminton, dance, or a silly fun game)? *\* Any Member Can Schedule a Meetup at This Group for Free:)* \ This is a forum in Austin where people get to discover the city together in a fun and safe environment. People who are familiar with the city are of course welcome to join us and even provide meeting ideas. Newcomers to Austin (from overseas) are also more than welcome to join us and explore Austin and Texas together! We aim at building a safe and friendly community with people currently residing in Austin or visiting from overseas. You don't need to have experience overseas or be able to speak English to join this group. Every friendly person is welcome in this group! (Including people local in Austin or (originally) from other parts of the world.) If you happen to be traveling to Austin, you are welcome to join our group and events as well:) If you are currently overseas but have a plan to visit or stay in Austin in the near future, still welcome join the group. EVERYONE IS WELCOME! Join our upbeat and friendly international community *& \* Meet People from All Walks of Life \** If you enjoy friendship, activities, music, arts, networking, socializing, parties, learning, sharing, inspiration, personal/professional development, travel, culture, language, and/or some fun, and *you like them for free*, this is the group for you!! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \
Dear friends, This new group is part of an effort for establishing a network of global meetups, currently being fast deployed in major cities worldwide, including *London, Paris, San Francisco, New York, LA, Toronto, Montreal, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Austin, Thailand*... And more to come! Our only agenda is to build up a global community (in the format of meetup groups at this stage), where participants get to mix and mingle in a safe and friendly environment, have fun and adventures together or establish long-lasting friendship and fully enjoy what the city's got to offer. We believe that this service can be offered for free, and we need your participation and encouragement to make it happen. If you are fond of our vision, welcome to join and check it out. Invite your friends who may be interested. We appreciate your supports, volunteering, and valuable inputs, but nothing is mandatory except for mutual respects to other members in the community.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- We like creating meetups so much we are taking it on the road! Come join us!!Link visible for attendees
This event is to help us all plan ahead.
Overseas travel takes a lot of planning in advance. Flights, Time-off, dog sitters . . . Here are our Featured International/Overseas Events so you have the time to get things planned to be able to join.
We started simple and have only gotten better.
Our events are built from scratch and go direct. These are not just some package being re-sold. We create and lead our events. Our events are only posted to meetup. AND . . . they are REAL MEETUP EVENTS!!!
The beauty of meetup is you can come on your own and we help set up the share. We work together as a group and pool resources. So you can pay the lower double occupancy cost and not have a single penalty, unless you wish a solo room.
In other words . . . going as a meetup we get to save money AND increase our fun and adventure.
Come join us on an adventure. You have waited this long. Now is the time to finally create those memories instead of just dreaming of them.
This way you also create new friendships at the same time!!
Jun 7, 2024
Mt Kilimanjaro Trek. One of the 7 Summits. Join us on this bucket list adventureJun 26, 2024
Serengeti Photo Safari! See the Great Migration "Africa’s Best Wildlife Show"Aug 28, 2024
Unforgettable Croatia! The Pearls of the Dalmation CoastSep 7, 2024
France Culinary Explorer. Food, Wine, Cheese. Cooking Lessons, Tastings AND MOREOct 11, 2024
Costa Rica Caribbean side: Volcanos, Waterfalls, National Parks and More!!Nov 29, 2024
THANKSGIVING 2024. Fri to Mon. Ensenada Weekend Cruise. Best Thanksgiving EVER!!Dec 6, 2024
Angor Wat Cambodia, Laos & VietnamMar 7, 2025
Galapagos Islands Expedition--Untouched nature in all its splendor. Small GroupMar 27, 2025
Japan Cherry Blossoms & Mt Fuji . . . and so much more!!Apr 25, 2025
Everest Base Camp Yoga Trek. Discover the land & people. An intimate AdventureMay 15, 2025
Meetup on Orient Express. Fall in Paris Venice Prague Vienna Budapest IstanbulJul 1, 2025
Spain and Portugal with Running of the Bulls! Gaudi, Paella and more!Aug 10, 2025
The Salkantay Trek EPIC MACHU PICCHU! Experience wild PeruAug 10, 2025
EPIC MACHU PICCHU! vis Short Inca Trail or Train!! A Mystical & Magical JourneyDec 2, 2025 (new date)
Pyramids to Petra with Sphinx, Nile Cruise & Dead Sea. Lands of Ancient Mystery!Do you have questions on ANY of the above?
What to do next?
How to attend?
What to pack?
What's included and not included?
Or any question you might have!!!The most simple thing is to send a meetup message to https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881
In your message say which one and we can get the ball rolling from there and get you info.
The other easy way is to fill out our form. You can check-box several events that way. https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8
ALSO . . .
We have a monthly Q & A video conference call to answer it all!
Rsvp on this event and join us on the listed date.Here is the link to join https://meet.google.com/irp-rnyi-fgb
OR . . . If the video call is not a good time for you, or you want specific answers sooner . . . send a note and we will set up a 1 on 1 video call for a time that works for you.
RSVP here and we will send you a reminder too!!
We very much look forward to you joining our very special and super-fun meetup events.
- Mt Kilimanjaro Trek. One of the 7 Summits! Join us on this bucket list adventureAustin, Austin, TX
Our Meetup is off to another hiking adventure! Mt Kilimanjaro, as the tallest mountain in Africa, is included in the 7 Summits of the world.
It is a bucket-list item for all hard-core hikers and mountain lovers.Let's get to some numbers. It is 5,895m/19,340ft
BUT . . . our starting elevation for the trek is 3795m/12541ft
As such elevation gain is 2100m/6799ft
To compare Everest Base Camp trek, is about 2754m/9035ft elevation change. And Mt Whitney is about 1828m/6000ft elevation change.
The key to being able to succeed in this endeavor lays in the route and the support system.
We are taking the Lemosho Route via the Northern Circuit. The Northern Circuit route is the longest and newest of the seven established Kilimanjaro routes. It's one of the best routes because it has the best acclimatization profile. This results in one of the highest summit success rates. Add to that stunning views, and comparatively relaxed pace. It is also much less crowded than the other Kilimanjaro routes.
As far as our support system: We will be accompanied by experienced guides, porters and cooks. They are certified, ensuring our safety and comfort. Porters will carry our gear.
We will have a high ratio of guides to hikers. Our guides will go our pace and support each and everyone of us, regardless of fitness level. In other words...you go your own speed and we all get there safe.
More about our trek/trip.
As with all our international trips, we picked the best season/time of year to go for weather and wild-life. Lemosho and Northern Circuit is a scenically spectacular and varied route. At the lower elevations it has an abundance of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, eland and lion which come over to forage during dry season.Another thing we have done for timing is . . . the last stretch to the summit we leave camp at midnight. June 13th will be a Full Moon making it a stunning hike.
Each of our trips is personally crafted to offer the best places and best use of time.
But I don't have the needed gear?!
You don't need much more than the standard trekker's equipment. We will provide you with a list of what is already included and what can be rented there.Does this include food?
All meals on the trek potion are included and a cook travels with us!What is lodging like?
We are sleeping in new and comfortable tents (carried during the day by porters)I am new at this.
That's OK. We do plenty of prep Zooms before we depart. And in California we have a number of local outdoor day or weekend outings you can test out with us.How dangerous is this? What if I get sick or hurt?
We will be walking on an established, well used trail the entire time. Our trip INCLUDES emergency insurance. We are also Certified Wilderness First Responders and our guides are members of (AMREF) Flying Doctor.
Plain and simple, safety is our primary goal.How much does this cost?
Kilimajaro Mountain Trek $3850 per person, double occupancy. Land only (airfare not included). Solo supplement $600Trip Cost includes:
- 9 nights accommodation
- 3 meals everyday on the trek
- All Fees & Entrances and Taxes
- Camping equipment such as tents, tables, chairs.
- Lead Guide, Assistant Guides, Porters and CookRSVP to this event shows your interest, but does not hold your space.
The only way to secure your spot for this trip is a $300 deposit:
CLICK HERE FOR SECURE DEPOSIT LINK
Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).IF you need an airfare quote, Click here to message Anna
For more information about this or any of our other international events, fill out this form: INTERNATIONAL MEETUPS INFO REQUESTWe do a monthly Q & A Zoom: Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered.
Click Here to RSVP to our ZoomThe MAIN location where this event is posted:
https://www.meetup.com/twofeet/events/298960441/
(RSVP there for any conversation and comments)This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
Click Here for our other events:
Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!
SOT 200318-10
- Serengeti Photo Safari! See the Great Migration "Africa’s Best Wildlife Show"Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Austin, TX
We all have seen Lion King in one form or another . . . It's now time to go to the source.
Our meetup is off to Africa for The Great Migration Photo Safari! Encounter the exotic wildlife of the Serengeti! Marvel at the lions, zebras, elephants and so many majestic animals we have only seen in the zoo or in movies.
On Serengeti's vast, treeless plains tens of thousands of hoofed animals are constantly on the move in search of fresh grassland. This is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to experience the best game viewing in Africa!
Like every trip we do with Meetup, this one is personally crafted to offer the best places and best use of time.
The itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: June 26. Pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive to Moshi
Day 2: June 27. Moshi to Tarangire National Park
Day 3: Jun 28. Marera Valley Lodge to Manyara National Park
Day 4: June 29. Marera Valley Lodge to Serengeti National Park (Central Seronera area)
Day 5: June 30. Serengeti (Central)
Day 6: JuLY 01. Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)
Day 7: July 02. Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)
Day 8: July 03. Northern Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation area
Day 9: July 04. Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha.
Day 10. June 05. Arusha to Kilimanjaro International AirportAll of these locations don't mean much to you at the moment, but after the trip you will remember them forever as some of the best places you have ever visited!
How much does this cost?
African Migration Safari $4690 - 10 Days, land only (airfare not included). Price is per person, double occupancy.
We offer roommate matching.
Solo supplement $650RSVP to this event shows your interest, but does not hold your space.
The only way to secure your spot for this trip is a $350 deposit:
CLICK HERE FOR SECURE DEPOSIT LINK
Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).IF you need an airfare quote, Click here to message Anna
For more information about this or any of our other international events, fill out this form: INTERNATIONAL MEETUPS INFO REQUESTLand Cost includes:
- 9 nights accommodation
- 3 meals every day
- All park fees to Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
- All concession fees to Tarangire and Serengeti.
- Crater service fees.
- Professional driver guide
- Open roof land cruiser vehicles
- Drinking water during the safariHave more questions?
Click here to message Anna
Click here to message Marc (screen name Oddie)AND/OR
We do a monthly Q & A Zoom: Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered.
Click Here to RSVP to our Zoom
Click Here for our Request Form for all our international events
Fill out the info request form or come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want, without all the other fluff. As well as meet other attendees.We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister groups we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
One other thing to think about . . . Since you made it all the way to Africa, why not add a few days on the beautiful Zanzibar islands? We offer optional extension to this stunning beach destination after the safari!. Don't forget to inquire about that when you sign up!
We ALSO have Mt Kilimanjaro Trek for those who are interested in a more challenging and active type of vacation!
Click Here for our other events, local or long distance.
Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SOT 200318-10
- Costa Rica Caribbean side: Volcanos, Waterfalls, National Parks and More!!Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Austin, TX
¡¡¡ Pura Vida !!!
Come alone, leave with friends!
Join me in Costa Rica for 9 nights/10 days of exploration and tropical adventures. . . . Best Meetup ever!!
Costa Rica is a playground for the adventurous and an eco-tourist's dream! It is an unspoiled tropical paradise.- Beautiful beaches
- Rainforest biodiversity
- Misty volcanoes
- Roaring rivers
- Lush jungles
- Exotic flora and fauna
- And more!!
And we are going there to enjoy it, learn about it and make memories of a lifetime!
This event is a true Meetup. We are creating it from scratch, and bringing like-minded people together on this adventure. Along the way making lifelong memories and friendships.
Together . . . let’s make a Meetup to remember!- Poas Volcano National Park
- Arenal Volcano
- Hanging Bridges Walking Tour
- La Fortuna Waterfall Tour
- Ecotermales Hot Springs
- Tortuguero National Park Tour
- Puerto Viejo
- Cahuita National Park Tour
- Bird and Monkey sightings
- And more!
For a detailed Day By Day itinerary Click Here to fill out our info request form
Land Tour cost $2550 per person, double occupancy (we match roommates for those traveling solo, and most of us are doing just that).
If you want your own room: Solo occupancy additional $750
The only way to secure your spot for this meetup is a $300 deposit that is refundable up to 90 days before departure.
Click here for secure deposit link
When you make a deposit be sure to fill out our ATTENDEES FORM.
As we mentioned, . . . the cost is $2550. This is for the "Land" portion only. Airfare is not included. This gives you the flexibility to have a flight with timing that works best for you. Or to use points/miles.
I can also help arranging your airfare. To receive an offer, CLICK HERE and send me a message.
What is Included in this trip:- 9 Nights hotel accommodation
- 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners.
- Meet & Greet at the airport.
- Pick-up from airport to our hotel, and hotel to airport at the end of the trip
- Transportation throughout the trip
- Private naturalist English speaking tour guide
- All entrance fees and tours mentioned in the itinerary day-by-day description
- Daily water bottles for the group
- Hotel and Added Value Tax
Does not include:
x International Airfare
x Meals other than specified
x Optional Tours
x All items of personal nature (telephone calls, Laundry, room service, etc.)
x Tipping for tour guides and drivers
Want more info?
Click Here to fill out our info request form
OR
RSVP to the event with your email to receive additional info.
OR
CLICK HERE to send me a messageStill have questions?
We do a Q & A Zoom every two weeks or so.
CLICK HERE for our Q & A Zoom. RSVP on that event to get a reminder for the zoom.
Click here for the MAIN location of this event on Meetup RSVP there to post any discussion and to get notice of any comments and discussions. As well as any updates and reminders
We believe in good decent social.
SOT 2000318-10
Click Here to see all our other events