Authenticity

To help ensure we operate in a safe and inclusive manner we ask all members and guests to abide by the following guidelines [https://docs.google.com/document/d/11Tlklt2nqT-B8RnDaxvmZv8vsGXy3w8rVpiArNf_-f8/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/11Tlklt2nqT-B8RnDaxvmZv8vsGXy3w8rVpiArNf_-f8/edit?usp=sharing) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* The Old Melbourne Gaol is an interesting place to photograph and there are opportunities for you to capture abstract images if you so choose. As a group it has been years since we last explored this former jail and current museum on Russell St. Tickets are between $30-$38 per person. I suggest you get your ticket the day before in the event we have to postpone it. [https://www.oldmelbournegaol.com.au/](https://www.oldmelbournegaol.com.au/) After the visit to the Gaol, we will go on a mystery photography activity (which I haven't figured out yet - in short it's a mystery even for me at this stage). The Mystery Photography activity is now resolved and I have now adjusted the start and finish times. See below for the draft schedule. **DRAFT SCHEDULE** 10.00am - Meet in front of the Old Melbourne Gaol for welcome and introduction. 10.10am - Explore Old Melbourne Gaol 12.00pm - Re-group at the entrance of the Gaol. 12.15pm - Head to St Kilda Esplanade for the St Kilda Festival (Mystery Photography Activity) [https://www.stkildafestival.com.au/](https://www.stkildafestival.com.au/) 1.15pm - Re group in front of Luna Park and grab a bite at the festival 2.00pm - Enjoy the Festival at the St Kilda Beach 3.30pm - Re group (if you wish) at the start of the St Kilda Beach 4.30pm - Event ends. **Transport from Melbourne Gaol to St Kilda** Keep in mind that parking is not easy at St Kilda beach but I personally park on Nepean Highway near Alma Road. Some of you may wish to catch a tram from the city to St Kilda. Post on this page if you have ideas for transport and parking. Look forward to having you join us at the Melbourne Gaol and St Kilda Festival. Rowan

* 🌏 **MELBOURNE → WOMBAT FOREST** 🏙️ * 📅 **SUN 15 FEB, DAY TRIP ☀️** * **Walk, float, taste, breathe — in nature.** * \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ### 🌿 Embark on a Day Trip to Wombat Forest! 🌿 Discover the stunning beauty of **Wombat Forest** as you explore its natural wonders. This exciting day trip features scenic **hikes** through lush forests, a picnic and **fruit platter**, awe-inspiring lookouts, **meditation** & grounding, **kayaking**, and a visit to a **winery** for tastings or a scenic viewpoint. Enjoy a leisurely drive, wander along picturesque trails, and savor delicious food throughout the journey! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 What’s Included?** *(All-Inclusive for $99!)* ✅ Round-trip **transport** in a comfortable **MERCEDES minivan** 🚐 ✅ Guided **9 km hike** with an elevation gain of 170m 🥾 ✅ Unlimited **snacks, soft drinks, coffee & tea** ☕ ✅ Fresh **Fruit** Platter 🍉 ✅ **Meditation** & grounding 🧘 ✅ **Picnic lunch stop** with great company 🧺 ✅ **Kayaks**🛶 + all gears🛶 ✅ Visit **stunning scenic lookouts** 🌄🦘 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- #### 🕒 Itinerary: 🌅 7:30 – Pickup at **St Paul’s Cathedral**, Flinders Street 🚐 8:00 – Quick **stop/break** 🍜 9:00 – Welcome **morning coffee/tea** & snacks (included!) 🥾 9:15 – Easy **Hiking** adventure (9 km, 170m elevation) 🍽️ 12:30 – **Picnic**+**Fruit platter,** with unlimited drinks & snacks (BYO lunch welcome) 🧘 14:30 — **Meditation & grounding** 🛶 13:30 – **Kayaking** time on beautiful **Lake** (beginner friendly) 🌇 15:30 – **Stunning Lookout** 🌄 16:00 – **Winery - tasting or view scenery** 🏙️ 18:30 – Depart back to **Melbourne**, filled with memories! 📍 Drop-off: **Hammer Hall**, Melbourne \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💰 How to Book?** Secure your spot with a **$99 transfer**: 🔹 **PayID:** 0414 661 458 🔹 **Bank Transfer:** **NAME:** KARAPETIAN G **BSB:** 013233 **ACCOUNT:** 226325836 **Ref:** WF 🌟 **Limited spots available—RSVP now!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ❗️**Please Note:** **Payments are only credited or refunded if the event is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer.** In all other circumstances, payments are **non-refundable and non-transferable**. ❗️Thank you for understanding and supporting the planning involved in creating these experiences! 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 What to Bring?** ✔️ **Comfortable hiking shoes (or able to supply, let me know size)** **✔️ Wind/water-resistant jacket**🧥 ✔️ **Long pants & long sleeves** 🌿 ✔️ **Hat/beanie** 🧢 ✔️ **Hat/beanie** 🧢 ✔️ **BYO lunch** 🍽️ (or can buy on the way) ✔️ **A positive mindset & big smile!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📢 **Questions?** Feel free to **DM me anytime!** 📩 ✨ **Let’s make this an adventure to remember** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Visit our sources: https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share Instagram: nogeography.hike.kayak https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Credited or refunded only if the event is canceled/moved. Non-refundable in any other cases \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- * **A day in nature is a day well spent** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **LIABILITY WAIVER** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By joining this event you agree to these terms. ## **COVID-19 Safety Measures** * The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. * Please do not attend if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or sore throat. * If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending. * Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our community safe!

**Fairfield Park – Main Yarra Trail** This week we return to the popular **Main Yarra Trail** and walk the trail from **Fairfield Park Boathouse** along the riverbanks to Abbotsford Convent and return. We’ll walk past Dights Falls and watch the slalom kayaks tackle the river rapids. At the halfway point, we’ll stop for coffee at The Convent Café, a delightful outdoor café in the gardens. **Start:** Fairfield Park Boathouse – car park. Meet at the toilet block adjacent to the carpark. **Start time:** 9.00 AM **Parking:** If above carpark is full park in Additional Carpark in **Yarra Bend Rd** (Polytechnic). Parking is FREE on Sunday. If parking here, allow 5 minutes to walk back to the START. **The Walk**: The walk follows the Merri Creek to Dights Falls, then the Yarra River around to the Children’s Farm, where we’ll have coffee at the Abbotsford Convent. The return to our cars will be back along the same Trail. **Total distance**: 6.0 km. (approx.) **Time:** Allow 2.0 hours for the walk, plus half hour for coffee. Total 2.5 hours. **Difficulty:** Easy **Toilets:** At the start, plus halfway at the Convent café. **Coffee:** Abbotsford Convent café.

We will get-together at the KereKere cafe - at the community table just inside the cafe entrance. *This is a group for people with intermediate and advanced level French who are able to engage in a conversation en français. It is not suitable for beginners.* The cafe is close to the corner of Wellington Parade and Lansdowne St, East Melbourne in the Fitzroy Gardens. It takes about 5 minutes on Tram 75 from Flinders St Station, or 15 minute walk. Car parking around Fitzroy Gardens on Sundays now is $2 per hour with a 4 hour limit, Some parking is limited to 1 hour even on Sunday. And occasionally, if there is a game at the MCG for example there might not be much parking at all. Price: The event fee is $4.00 - cash necessary! . and please be sure you are a member of MyFrenchLife.org before attending reunion - merci https://www.MyFrenchLife.org. The event fees are transferred to MyFrenchLife contributing to the meetup platform - thank you. À bientôt ! Veronica and Daniel Réunion Hosts MyFrenchLife.org

Sunday arvo, $6 pints, live music, what more could you want! Rocky Ridge Brewery, which has taken over from Thunder Road Brewery, offers a bunch of boutique craft beers and to top it off give musicians the chance to make a living. So come join us for drinks, light entertainment and banter!

This is something you always wanted to do...Just not alone! Come explore India and Dubai with us! We’ll wander through the colorful streets of **Delhi**, take in the beauty of the **Taj Mahal**, and soak up the royal vibes of **Jaipur.** To top it all off, we’ll celebrate Holi—the festival of colors—like locals do, in an authentic and joyful way! **But that’s not all!** After India, we’ll enjoy a bonus 3-night stay in the glamorous city of **Dubai**, one of the world’s most fascinating cities. From jaw-dropping skyscrapers to desert sunsets, Dubai is the perfect mix of modern luxury and deep-rooted tradition. This isn’t your typical tour. It’s a Meetup-style journey filled with curiosity, connection, and shared experiences. We’ve done this trip before, and every time it’s been more than just a vacation—it’s been eye-opening, transformative experience that connects you to new perspectives, cultures, and unforgettable memories with new friends. *What is included in India* ➢ 2 Nights’ stay in Delhi ➢ 2 Nights’ stay in Agra ➢ 3 Nights’ stay in Jaipur ➢ Meals : 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners ➢ Round trip airport transfers by air-conditioned vehicle ➢ Local English-speaking guides for sightseeing ➢ Entrance fees to monuments as per itinerary ➢ Rickshaw ride at Chandini chowk (ancient bazaar) in Delhi ➢ Elephant ride in Jaipur (subject to availability) ➢ Old and New Delhi sightseeing included Rickshaw ride ➢ Agra sightseeing included Magnificent Taj Mahal and Agra fort ➢ Jaipur sightseeing included with Amer fort, Hawa Mahal and Jal Mahal ➢ Holi celebration in Agra ➢ All taxes, driver allowances, parking etc. *What is included in Dubai* ➢ 3 Nights’ accommodation in Dubai with breakfast ➢ Meals: 3 breakfast, and 2 dinners ➢ Round trip airport transfers in Dubai on private basis ➢ Driver/Guide in Dubai ➢ Half day Dubai City Tour (Includes Photo Stop at Burj Al Arab, Photo stop at the Atlantis at the Palm Island, Visit to Gold and Spice Souks etc.) ➢ Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner ➢ Desert Safari with BBQ dinner (4x4 sharing vehicle) & Arabian Tanoura dance show and belly performance ➢ All taxes and tourism Dihram *What is not included:* ➢ Any International/Internal Airfare ➢ Visa, insurance ➢ Any meals other than specified in cost include ➢ Porterage, tips, laundry, beverages, cost of personal nature like telephone charges ➢ Any sightseeing not mentioned in inclusions **Cost:** * **$3990 per person (based on room sharing)—we offer easy roommate matching!** * **Prefer a room to yourself? Solo supplement is $1500 for a total of $5490** RSVP with your email address to receive detailed Day-by-Day itinerary or [fill out this form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8). **If you wish to attend, deposit of $250 is the only way to secure your spot. Please pay the deposit through this secure [Deposit Link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/4XM44PYUEYJEJ).** Deposits are refundable up to 90 days before departure. **Airfare is not included**, but we are holding a group space from Los Angeles for $1299 including all taxes and the flight from Delhi and Dubai. To secure you airfare from LAX submit a **nonrefundable $200 deposit [HERE](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/W5DSZYQWFTBEQ)** **If you are not in LA, we can help you arrange the airfare from any other city.** **Space is limited** and this event is cross posted to our sister groups. RSVPs on this post do not reflect actual number of participants. Don’t wait—this trip will sell out fast! \*\*\*[Click Here ](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)\*\*\**to fill out our google info request form for detailed itinerary on this or any of our other international events.* Got questions? [Click Here](https://www.meetup.com/members/14363992/) to message Ekaterina direct with any questions. Still have questions? We do a monthly [Q&A Travel Zoom](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/297487010/) on all our events. **We believe in good decent social!** We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free events, local/regional camping getaways, and our overseas trips too. ***[Click Here](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events)***[ to see all our events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events) Our events create and foster community and a sense of discovery. We welcome and are inclusive of all. ***Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!*** SOT 2000318-10

Friends Join Us for a Transformative Two-Day Workshop on Authentic Relating on Feb 28th and March 1st. ART Level 1! Authentic Relating is about creating deeper, more meaningful connections by being open, honest, and present with others. In this workshop, you will learn practical tools to communicate more effectively, understand and express your true self, and cultivate empathy and trust in your relationships. **What to Expect:** * **Interactive Exercises:** Engage in a variety of activities designed to help you practice authentic relating principles. * **Group Discussions:** Share experiences and insights in a safe and supportive environment. * **Personal Growth:** Discover new ways to connect with yourself and others on a deeper level. Please RSVP to secure your spot, as space is limited. To learn more please click the link below. You can register online by going here: [https://authenticrelating.co/product/level-1-washington-dc-feb2026/](https://authenticrelating.co/product/level-1-washington-dc-feb2026/) *Enroll before January 28th and get 100 dollars off.*

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy the weather! We meet Saturdays at 10am, halfway between the Reston *Container Store* and *Not Your Average Joes* (by the metal benches), leaving no later than 10:05. Every week, rain or shine, we start by walking along the Green Trail to reach Lake Anne Community Center. Once there, we pause for water/bio (often staying a few minutes extra from April-November, due to the local Farmer's Market), and then we circle Lake Anne and head back to our starting point. It's roughly 3-4 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to *Not Your Average Joes* or another local restaurant for a quick drink/meal before tackling the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels. Dogs are welcome, and we recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll walk rain or shine. Also, feel free to bring a friend! By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.

If you're ready to grow your business through meaningful relationships and high-quality referrals, this event series is for you! We're a community of local small business professionals committed to building prosperity through authentic connection and collaboration. Join us for **genuine, no-pressure networking**—no fees, no pitches, no nonsense. Just good people, good conversations, and a few refreshments to keep things relaxed. Stay for a few minutes or the whole time—whatever works for you. **This event is completely free to attend**, but we kindly ask that you RSVP so we can plan accordingly. We can’t wait to connect with you!

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Hidden Cleopatra,”** an excavation through myth and slander to uncover the real Egyptian queen, with Jacquelyn Williamson, an Egyptologist and associate professor of archaeology and ancient art at George Mason University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/hidden-cleopatra](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/hidden-cleopatra) .] Depictions of Cleopatra are abundant in popular culture. A long list of painters have depicted her, Marilyn Monroe and Kim Kardashian have posed as her, and Vivien Leigh and Elizabeth Taylor famously portrayed her in Hollywood films. At the end of the day, however, what most of us think we know about Cleopatra is wrong, the product of the ancient Rome’s “fake news” and anti-Egypt propaganda. Learn about the real Cleopatra—and how our understanding of her came to be so distorted—with Professor Jacquelyn Williamson, scholar of women and power in ancient Egypt, teacher of courses on ancient Egyptian art and archaeology, and author of *Nefertiti’s Sun Temple: A New Cult Complex at Tell el-Amarna.* Dr. Williamson will walk us through how the first Roman emperor, Octavian, created the distorted image of Cleopatra as seductress that we know today as part of his political scheming to defeat his rival Antony and end the Roman Republic once and for all. Cleopatra has been the subject of debate and controversy ever since. William Shakespeare later relied on ancient Roman sources such as Horace and Plutarch in writing *Antony and Cleopatra*, and his play helped give rise to countless other works offering a distorted picture of her. Professor Williamson argues that “Cleopatra was a human being, like you and I,” and “deserves the dignity of being represented as accurately as possible.” Her efforts to set the record straight have met frustration, however—after being extensively interviewed for the recent Netflix historical docuseries Queen Cleopatra, she concluded that it, too, had missed the mark. You’ll gain a much deeper appreciation of the challenges of researching and accurately depicting the ancient past from Dr. Williamson, who also has taught at Harvard, Brandeis, and the University of California at Berkeley and is involved with an ongoing archaeological investigation of Queen Nefertiti’s sun temple. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Layla Taj portrays Cleopatra VII as part of an Egyptian Cultural Performing Arts Society production. (Photo by Amos Gvili / Wikimedia Commons.)

**Gaze at the Northern Lights, enjoy a sleigh ride, be a reindeer herder for a day, learn about the Sámi culture, visit an ice hotel, taste some good Scandinavian delicacies, visit the ABBA museum...My, oh my! These are just some of the fun activities we are planning to do during this once-in-a-life time adventure!** Like all our adventures, this one is crafted from the ground up with the true spirit of Meetup in mind. We handle every little detail before and during the trip, accompany and guide the group, creating a stress-free journey with a laid-back, friendly vibe. No big tour operators, no inflated prices — we work directly with locals to give you authentic experiences and unbeatable value. Come as strangers, leave as lifelong friends — and make memories that stick forever! ***We visit:*** * Stockholm * Kiruna (Lapland) * Helsinki * Copenhagen (optional pre-trip) ***The trip includes:*** \* 2 nights in Stockholm \* A night train from Stockholm to Lapland in a private sleeping compartment \* 4 nights in Kiruna \* 3 nights in Helsinki \* Airfare from Kiruna to Helsinki \* Arrival and departure transfers \* Sightseeing tours in Stockholm and Helsinki \* Boat ride in Stockholm \* Food tasting in Helsinki \* Breakfast daily \* 2 dinners and 3 lunches \* Northern Lights Tour \* Jukkasjärvi Icehotel Half-Day Tour \* Full-Day Reindeer Tour \* Husky Sleigh Ride **Price per person, double occupancy: $4995** (we match roommates for those wishing to share) **Price for single room: $6545** ***Not Included:*** x Transatlantic Airfare (we can help you arrange that) x Meals not listed above x Tips and any personal and incidental expenses x Optional extension to Copenhagen **The only way to secure your spot is a $500 deposit** **[Click Here for Secure Deposit Link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/TL3CB3BJL7MNA)** **Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).\*\*\* Final payment due 60 days before departure\*\*\*** ***[Click Here](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37)***[ and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37) For a detailed Day By Day itinerary: **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) Limited capacity of 16 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly. **\*\*\*Airfare from/to the US not included\*\*\*** **OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP TO COPENHAGEN offered at $590 per person/double or $785 solo occupancy (air from Helsinki to Copenhagen not included)** ***[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)***[ to Message Direct to Anna with any questions including airfare quotes.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions. [Click Here to see all our other fun events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events) SOT 2000318-10

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.