African American Travel

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. Celebrate springtime with a 10 mile hike with 700' of elevation gain showcasing two lakes, wildflowers and a botanical garden. We will begin at the South Lakes Village Shopping Center in Reston, and take Reston paths to the W&OD equestrian trail, which we will follow easterly until the intersection with the Meadowlark Connector Trail. That trail leads to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, operated by NOVA Parks. We’ll walk for about a mile through the gardens to see flowering plants, the Korean Bell Garden and a koi pond. After a lunch break, we’ll backtrack but this time follow the W&OD paved path part of the way. From the W&OD to the South Lakes Village Shopping Center we’ll take a different route, looking for wildflowers as we hike through a stream valley and up and down hills on unpaved trails, including the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail. If we’re lucky, wood poppies and wild azaleas will be in bloom along our route in Reston as they were at approximately the same time last year: The final segment will be on mostly asphalt paths along Reston’s lakes Audubon and Thoreau. Overall, about 60 percent of the hike will be on paved surfaces. We hike at a pace of between 2.5-3.0 mph when moving, but the loop through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens will be a stroll with stops. Restrooms are available at the South Lakes Village Shopping Center and at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, and there’s a porta potty along the W&OD Trail at roughly the halfway point between Reston and the gardens. No dogs permitted on this hike. Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C) NVHC hiker Maurice will assist in guiding us through this route. [Rating: B](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/) Gardens Entry Fee: For groups of 10 or more, money to be collected by leader. Exact change appreciated. Under 60 - $6.00 60 or older: $3.00 AllTrails Map for hike: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-april-14-2025-a14185b-3?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-april-14-2025-a14185b-3?u=i&sh=7cs7ov) Map of Garden: [https://www.novaparks.com/sites/default/files/2025-03/MC-ML-ParkMap_FL_3.24.25.pdf](https://www.novaparks.com/sites/default/files/2025-03/MC-ML-ParkMap_FL_3.24.25.pdf)

Click here to attend: [https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams](https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams) Some trips are wide open. Some are already locked in. Weddings. Funerals. Cruises. Family reunions. You get the idea. The mistake is thinking the opportunity is gone. It’s not. In this special session, JGOOT travel experts Julie and Mira break down what actually happens after a trip is already planned—and how the JGOOT skillset still applies. Because the truth is: With the right tools, skills, and mindset… any trip can be a JGOOT trip. It’s time for: **Trapped By Travel Plans: How to Turn a “Stuck” Trip Into a JGOOT Success Story.** Julie and Mira will walk through how they think about fixed trips, where the hidden opportunities still exist, and how to make smarter moves even when everything feels set. Inside this session, you’ll learn: • How to approach a fully planned trip without starting over • Where to still find value when your dates and destination are locked • How to use points, cash, and perks after your main plans are set • How to shift from “I’m stuck” to “I still have leverage” This isn’t about perfect timing. It’s not about catching the lowest price. It’s about understanding that the JGOOT skillset doesn’t turn off once you plan. It keeps working. And when you know how to use it, even a “locked-in” trip can become a win Click here to attend: [https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams](https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams)

Meet in front of Copper Canyon by the benches.
We'll do anywhere from 3-5 laps. It's .75 miles around and we usually do 3/4 laps. For safety reasons, we’re going to keep the group to two small groups of eight members each. Sometimes it get crowded there so we don’t want to have any mishaps. 
Afterwards, if we like the group will decide where to grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants at the RIO. If you happen to be late, walk, counterclockwise around the lake and you should see us walking

​**Due to the popularity of the event, registration is requested at [https://luma.com/dcmahjongg](https://luma.com/dcmahjongg).** We do not use the RSVP system on Meetup. **A drop-in game every Monday at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Central Library, located at the corner of 9th and G Streets NW.** **==> THESE MONDAY GAMES ARE FOR EXPERIENCED PLAYERS ONLY -- THERE ARE NO INSTRUCTORS ON SITE** <== The Gallery Place Metro station (9th Street entrance) is located across the street. Street parking is available. We play in the Great Hall -- as you enter the library, we are on the right of the room. Games begin at 6:00. Games wrap up at 8:00. **If you own a mah jongg set, we encourage you to bring.**

Join fellow book club members for dinner and great conversation at Juleps Kentucky Tavern located at 43781 Central Station Drive in Ashburn. Each person is responsible for any food and drinks selected. If you sign up and need to cancel, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance.

Hi All, This event is being held in partnership with the DMV Spades Meetup Group. Direct all questions to the Organizer and Host, Nne-Nne Abanobi. ***** 🎲♠️♟️ **Monday Game Nights & Spades Play in DC** 🎲♠️♟️ Stop in after work for food, fun, and games at 1942 Lounge in DC! ♟️🎲♠️ Play Spades and other games starting at 6pm! All skill levels are welcome! 🍸🍷🍺 Happy Hour Specials Available! Indulge in elevated vibes, craft cocktails, and curated experiences. 📍1942 DC Lounge 1942 9th Street NW Washington, DC 20001 ⏳️ 6pm to 9pm www.1942loungedc.com 🏈 Stay late to watch Monday Night Football too! 🏈

**Please read fully before sign-in.** You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. This hike is 14.5 miles’ loop with an elevation gain of approximately 2600 ft., featuring scenic Little and Big Schloss overlook on Great North Mountain trails. Hike starts from the parking lot across FDR92 near purple blazed Little Sluice Mtn trail. Hike ends near Little Stoney Creek parking area at FDR92 intersection where we will all park. We will do a short shuttle in the morning to avoid walking additional 2.5 miles on the FDR at the end of the hike. **Because this is a relatively hard hard hike in a remote area , if I don't know you, please message me with a recent A or A plus hike that you have done.** Please refer the GPS coordinates for exact trailhead parking location(s). If you plan to meet at Centreville Park and Ride, be there in time to sort out carpools and leave by 7:00 AM. Need to know details: Distance: 14.5 miles (approximately) Elevation gain: 2600 feet (approximately) Pace: 2.5 Mph Terrain: Up/Down; Rock Scramble; Few water crossings Park entry fee: $0 Carpool Fee: $10 **Trailhead Parking Lot Coordinates: (Please read fully and carefully)** Little Stoney Creek Parking: [38.93795, -78.64623](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uobhFqXgETFiUdq8A). We will all meet at the Little Stoney Creek Parking area and then shuttle all the hikers back to the Little Sluice Mtn trail parking: [38.90833, -78.64085](https://maps.app.goo.gl/535Gv5NMLtcv5q9V7) where we will begin the hike. Distance between two parking lots is 2.5 miles approx. CARPOOLING: From Centerville Park and Ride, please proceed to “Little Stoney Creek parking.” Only 2-3 cars will transport all the hikers back to “Little Sluice Mtn Trail parking” where we start the hike. We should not fill the cars up completely at Centerville so we can accommodate the short shuttle. Neither the Club nor the hike leader is responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. Suggested carpool fee: $10.00 per rider. Driving time from the Centreville, VA Park & Ride to the trailhead is about 90 minutes. Meetup time at Little Stoney Creek parking area is 9:00 a.m. Directions from Centreville Park and Ride: [https://goo.gl/maps/y81kyHE16H9hmqdQ9](https://goo.gl/maps/y81kyHE16H9hmqdQ9) (To Little Stoney Creek parking area). Approximate drive time is 90 minutes one way. Hike map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-at-little-schloss-and-big-schloss-loop-dfd7468 Dogs permitted in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy: [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Bring: Adequate water, food/snacks, hat, layers, basic first aid kit, rain gear (depending on weather), hiking poles, hiking shoe, sunscreen, bug spray, water shoe (for water crossing, if any), additional pair of socks and your big happy smile 😊. Request you to send your full name, contact number and emergency number for sign in. Any questions? Message or text me! Looking forward to this awesome hike, Caroline 703-489-1315

Giao, one of our avid travelers is inviting you to join her on this amazing 12 days tour of Uzbekistan. Tour includes: Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed Round trip flights New York-Tashkent, Tashkent-New York Other departure cities available at additional cost. Intra-flight: Tashkent-Urgench 10 nights accommodations 3 nights Tashkent 2 nights Khiva 3 nights Bukhara 2 nights Samarkand Hotel taxes, fees & service charges Hotel porterage All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates† 26 meals: 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary Active itinerary with unique cultural features Tour Highlights Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals. In Tashkent, tour Khazrati Imam Complex, home to exquisite mosques, monuments, and madrasas Visit Muyi Muborak Madrasa and view one of the oldest copies of the Koran Travel to Toprak Kala, an ancient settlement on the edge of the Kyzylkum Desert Tour the walled city of Khiva, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site Visit the revered Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum in Khiva, built in honor of the legendary poet Discover the beauty of Bukhara, one of the most important ancient cities in Uzbekistan Watch a cooking demonstration of pilav, a traditional rice dish, followed by a home hosted dinner Tour the cultural heritage monument of Chor Minor, part of Bukhara's World Heritage Center Explore Samarkand, brimming with history, the most romantic of the Silk Road cities Walk to iconic Registan Square with its colorful mosaics, blue domes and lofty arches Visit the Ulugbek Observatory, once the finest and most advanced in the Islamic world Tour Shah-i-Zinda, a necropolis of sparkling blue mausoleums grouped along medieval streets †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates. **CHECK VISA REQUIREMENTS:** [Uzbekistan Visa Requirements for American citizens in 2025](https://visarequirements.info/countries/united-states/uzbekistan/) **COST:** Land tour only: From $2199/pp Land and Air from NYC: From $3509/pp Single supplement $500 Deposit: Land Only $300/pp Final Payment Date: 1/22/2026 Email me asap at supra1214@aol.com if interested in getting booked and taking advantage of this sale. **HOW TO GET BOOKED AS PART OF OUR GROUP:** Email the following information to me at [Supra1214@aol.com](http://Supra1214@aol.com/) 1. Your full name as it appears in your passport 2. Mailing Address & Email Address 3. Phone Number 4. Date of Birth 5. Passport number and expiration date (must be valid for at least six months from departure date) 6. Type of room needed (single or double). If double, provide same info for your roommate as both must be booked at the same time 7. Your Emergency Contact Info (Name and phone number) 8. Signed credit card authorization (will email to you when I receive items 1-7) **PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT** Participants in this event should note the Liability Waiver in the PAGES section of this Meetup group. Please read it carefully. Members of this group are expected to conduct themselves in a way that is mindful and considerate of the health, safety, and welfare of themselves and other participants in any Active Friends Travel With Friends of the World Meetup activity. It is understood that you have voluntarily chosen to participate in this activity of your own free will. By joining this group and this activity, you agree to the Liability Waiver in the Pages section of this Meetup group.

## Details Please join local travel enthusiasts to share travel experiences and swap tips and ideas for future travel. This is our third meeting. It's been a while and we've all been busy, so let's regroup! Expect a non-structured, casual hang with some interesting people. I aim for this to be a welcoming environment and my only real goal is for everyone to make a new friend. You don't have to be a raging extrovert to participate. All are welcome. About the Group: This group is for anyone who loves swapping stories about far-off places, planning future adventures, and trading travel tips. Whether you've been around the world or you're just starting to explore, you're welcome here! We meet at local breweries for laid-back conversations about all things travel — past trips, upcoming journeys, bucket lists, favorite hidden gems, and insider advice. It's a friendly, casual space to connect with fellow adventurers, get inspired, and maybe even find your next travel buddy. No tickets required — just curiosity, good vibes, and a love for discovery.

Members of the public are invited to view the wonders of the universe through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend. Telescopes will be provided by the Smithsonian and pre-approved members of the NOVAC. No other personal telescopes are permitted at the event. The event will take place on the bus parking lot of the museum. **Please park your vehicle at the south end of the main visitors lot and follow signs and red lights to the observing site. As a reminder, parking during the event is free.** Have a cosmic question? One of NOVAC's astronomers or museum staff will be happy to help you. As the sky gets dark, be prepared to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! Don't forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated. Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.

Meet up at patsy’s American

Something luxurious is uncorking soon… **Not Napa. Not Sonoma. Better.** Join us for a luxurious weekend of wine, wellness, and Black excellence at the iconic, **Melanin-owned Salamander Resort & Spa** in Middleburg, Virginia. Indulge in restorative spa treatments, private vineyard tastings, and elevated Southern-inspired dining — all curated exclusively for the Corks + Melanin community. This isn’t just a getaway; it’s an invitation to savor leisure, celebrate culture, and embody the art of living well. Be the first to sip the details. Subscribe to our newsletter and secure your place at the table: [https://corksandmelanin.vip/newsletter](https://corksandmelanin.vip/newsletter)

This will be our last meeting on *Nature's God: The Heretical Origins of the American Republic*, by Matthew Stewart. For this meeting, please read the last two chapters: Chapter 7: The Empire of Reason Chapter 8: The Religion of Freedom **Where did the ideas come from that became the cornerstone of American democracy?** America’s founders intended to liberate us not just from one king but from the ghostly tyranny of supernatural religion. Drawing deeply on the study of European philosophy, Matthew Stewart brilliantly tracks the ancient, pagan, and continental ideas from which America’s revolutionaries drew their inspiration. In the writings of Spinoza, Lucretius, and other great philosophers, Stewart recovers the true meanings of “Nature’s God,” “the pursuit of happiness,” and the radical political theory with which the American experiment in self-government began. [LINK](https://a.co/d/bkTWJNb) I recommend using an AI tool like ChatGPT to ask these questions: 1. What does Matthew Stewart say about the empire of reason in his book Nature's God? 2. What does Matthew Stewart say about the religion of freedom? I hope to see you there! Fred

**Billy Goat Sections A and B weather permitting. If canceled I will reschedule.**