Historical Tours

Join me for my **Beginner Calisthenics Class** every Wednesday at 7pm at a park (check the location below) and learn how to build strength, flexibility, and confidence using just your bodyweight. My name is Maroof, and I’ve been practicing calisthenics for the last 4 years. I love this sport because I’m fascinated by the incredible movements the human body can achieve, and I believe calisthenics connects people, builds communities, and is one of the most sociable forms of fitness out there. In this class, we’ll cover the fundamentals like push-ups, squats, and core exercises, and also dive into the basics of more advanced movements such as the planche, front lever, back lever, and freestyle calisthenics, all in a fun, supportive environment where you can progress at your own pace. \*\*No experience needed, just bring comfortable clothes, some water, and a positive attitude. \*\* **Price:** Free. This will be a recurring event every Wednesday unless stated otherwise. **Disclaimer:** * Please keep in mind that you are responsible for your own safety. * Only confirm if you are attending the event, and update your RSVP accordingly. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out!

Hi guys! I want to meetup more often and start a monthly thing. Would you guys be interested in something like that? Next meetup Wednesday, May 20th 2026 at Goldberg in Neukölln <3

*** **🌿 Du suchst dein nächstes Ehrenamt? Komm zum Ehrenamts-Picknick auf dem Tempelhofer Feld! 🧺** Bist du zwischen 18 und 30 Jahren und hast Lust, dich gesellschaftlich zu engagieren, weißt aber noch nicht genau, wo und wie? Dann komm vorbei zu unserem besonderen **Ehrenamts-Picknick**! Statt langweiliger Vorträge gibt es bei uns direkt Praxis und Austausch: **Speed-Dating mit Engagierten:** Schnapp dir eine Minute Zeit und sprich mit jungen Leuten aus verschiedenen Initiativen. Hör dir ihre persönlichen Geschichten an, erfahre, was sie bewegt und ob ihre Projekte auch zu dir passen könnten. **Direkter Kontakt zu youngcaritas:** Unser Team von **youngcaritas** ist vor Ort, um all deine Fragen rund um das Ehrenamt zu beantworten – von den ersten Schritten bis hin zu konkreten Einsatzmöglichkeiten. **!!!! Leider soll es regnen ☔☔☔, deswegen verlegen wir unser Ehrenamtspicknick nach drinnen:** **Ehrenamtspizza-Night @ caridoo** **📅 20.05. um 18 Uhr** **📍 Pappelallee 62, 10437 Berlin !!!!!** 📝 **Melde dich jetzt an**, damit wir dir den genauen Treffpunkt schicken können (youngcaritas@caritas-berlin.de)

(Englisch below) In diesem Kurs bietet Meister YongHua eine leicht zugängliche Einführung in die Lehren des Reinen-Land-Buddhismus sowie den Mahayana. Finde Ruhe und eine andere Perspektive auf das Leben im Herzen Berlins – Reines Land Buddhismus mit Meister YongHua Mitten im lebendigen Rhythmus Berlins entdeckst du einen Raum der Stille und inneren Gelassenheit. Am Mittwoch, den 20. Mai 2026, laden wir dich von 18:30–20:30 Uhr herzlich zu einem Einführungsworkshop in den Reines-Land Buddhismus in den Räumen der Buddhistischen Gesellschaft Berlin e.V. ein. Dieser Workshop verbindet authentische buddhistische Lehren mit sanftem Stretching und bietet dir die Möglichkeit: 🌿 Stress und Anspannung loszulassen und auch in herausfordernden Momenten ruhig zu bleiben. 🌿 Konzentration und geistige Klarheit zu stärken, um fokussierter und ausgeglichener durch den Alltag zu gehen. 🌿 Mitgefühl und Geduld zu entwickeln, und so Beziehungen auf natürliche Weise zu vertiefen. 🌿Einen Weg zu finden, alles Leiden zu beenden und ewige Glückseligkeit zu erfahren. 🙏 Der Reines-Land-Buddhismus ist heute die weltweit am weitesten verbreitete Praxisform des Buddhismus. Dennoch ist das Reines-Land-Dharma-Tor den meisten Menschen im Westen noch weitgehend unbekannt. Daher besteht das Ziel dieses Workshops darin, eine leicht zugängliche Einführung in die Lehren des Reinen Landes sowie allgemein in den Mahayana-Buddhismus zu geben. 😔 Fühlst du dich erschöpft oder niedergeschlagen? Die Rezitation des Namens des Buddha hilft dem Geist, zur Ruhe zu kommen. Mit weniger zerstreuten Gedanken fällt es leichter, sich zu konzentrieren und die eigene Energie über den Tag hinweg zu bewahren. Viele Teilnehmende berichten von mehr Klarheit, Gelassenheit und innerer Stabilität – ganz ohne Druck oder Leistungsdenken. Das erwartet dich: • Einführung in den Reines-Land Buddhismus • Dehnübungen zur körperlichen Vorbereitung • Gemeinsame Rezitation des Namens des Buddha • Fragen & Antworten Programmdetails: 📅 Datum: Mittwoch, 20. Mai 2026 📍 Ort: Buddhistische Gesellschaft Berlin e.V. (BGB), Wulffstr. 6, 12165 Berlin 🧘‍♂️ Leitung: Meister YongHua, Meister XianXin und die Ehrwürdige XianPu Die Teilnahme ist kostenlos und erfolgt auf Spendenbasis. Alle Interessierten sind herzlich willkommen – es sind keine Vorkenntnisse erforderlich. Fragen oder Anmeldung: 📞 Steffen: +49 170 893 5041 (WhatsApp) 📧 chanreinesland@gmail.com ✨ Eine Einladung, zur Ruhe zu kommen, Weisheit zu kultivieren und mit leichterem Herzen nach Hause zurückzukehren. ________________________________________ In this course, Master YongHua offers an accessible introduction to the teachings of Pure Land Buddhism as well as Mahayana Buddhism. Find peace and a new perspective on life in the heart of Berlin – Pure Land Buddhism with Master YongHua. In the midst of Berlin’s vibrant rhythm, discover a space of stillness and inner calm. On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, we warmly invite you from 6:30–8:30 PM to an introductory workshop on Pure Land Buddhism at the premises of the Buddhist Society Berlin e.V. This workshop combines authentic Buddhist teachings with gentle stretching and offers you the opportunity to: 🌿 Let go of stress and tension, and remain calm even in challenging moments. 🌿 Strengthen concentration and mental clarity, so you can move through daily life more focused and balanced. 🌿 Develop compassion and patience, naturally deepening your relationships. 🌿 Find a path to end all suffering and experience eternal bliss. 🙏 Pure Land Buddhism is currently the most widely practiced form of Buddhism in the world. Nevertheless, the Pure Land Dharma door remains largely unknown to most people in the West. The aim of this workshop is therefore to provide an accessible introduction to the teachings of the Pure Land, as well as to Mahayana Buddhism more broadly. 😔 Do you feel exhausted or low? Reciting the name of the Buddha helps the mind come to rest. With fewer scattered thoughts, it becomes easier to concentrate and sustain your energy throughout the day. Many participants report greater clarity, calmness, and inner stability—without pressure or a performance mindset. What to expect: • Introduction to Pure Land Buddhism • Stretching exercises for physical preparation • Group recitation of the Buddha’s name • Q&A session Program details: 📅 Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 📍 Location: Buddhist Society Berlin e.V. (BGB), Wulffstr. 6, 12165 Berlin 🧘‍♂️ Led by: Master YongHua, Master XianXin, and Venerable XianPu Participation is free and based on donations. Everyone is warmly welcome—no prior experience is required. Questions or registration: 📞 Steffen: +49 170 893 5041 (WhatsApp) 📧 chanreinesland@gmail.com ✨ An invitation to come to rest, cultivate wisdom, and return home with a lighter heart.

**Hello every boardgame enjoyer!** We'll continue our weekly boardgame evenings every Wednesday in Drehmoment (Glasgower Str. 29, 13349 Berlin) from 19:00. You are all invited to join us! You can expect a lot of fun light games suitable for the location. We have a small library of games you are free to use (but you are also encouraged to bring your own). The games are fast so feel free to join any time! Gamers of all experience levels are welcome. Drehmoment is a classic Berlin bar, they offer varius drinks and have the best cocktails in Wedding. We have a big room in the back just for us. We are allowed to bring your own food and they have snacks for sale. A couple of ground rules that we take seriously: 1. We are guests at Drehmoment, please treat their staff with respect. 2. There is no entry fee but please support the bar by buying drinks or snacks while you are playing. 3. Be efficient in your seating and kind to other patrons. See you on Wednesday

## Hispanic Startups Berlin is back — and we’re joining forces with Nova After a long pause, **Hispanic Startups Berlin is back** with a new afterwork meetup — and this time we’re doing it together with **Nova**, the global community for high-performing professionals. For this May edition, we’ll meet at **BrewDog Mitte** for a relaxed evening of drinks, conversations, and new connections with people from the Hispanic startup, tech, business, and innovation ecosystem in Berlin. Whether you’re a founder, marketer, operator, product person, investor, freelancer, student, or simply curious about the startup scene, this is a great opportunity to reconnect with the community and meet new people in an informal setting. We’ll keep it simple: good drinks, good conversations, and a room full of interesting people. **Date:** 20/05 **Location:** BrewDog Mitte **Format:** Informal afterwork drinks **In collaboration with:** Nova Come join us, bring a friend, and help us bring Hispanic Startups Berlin back to life.

⚠️NOTE: The venue is at the top of the bar's stairs.⚠️ Hey there! 👋 Are you passionate about exploring different cultures and connecting with people from all over the world? 🌎✈️ Join our vibrant international community where curious minds come together for some amazing cultural exchange! Our meetups are perfect for anyone who wants to dive into diverse perspectives, have authentic conversations, and build genuine friendships with people from around the globe. 🌍🤝 Whether you're looking to broaden your horizons, practice a new language naturally, or just love meeting people from different walks of life, you'll find like-minded individuals ready to share and learn together. Get ready for interactive sessions where cultural discovery takes center stage! 🎭 Connect with fellow cultural explorers in a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity, fosters understanding, and creates authentic connections. 🎉 We host events across multiple platforms with 30-50 regular participants, and during our peak meetups, we often grow to 60+ people! 🙌 Come join the fun! 👉 **Guidelines for an enriching experience:** * 🍺🥤 Please order a drink upon arrival to support the venue (Required) * 🧹 Show respect for venue staff and maintain cleanliness * 🤝 Embrace courtesy and mutual respect * 🌍 Our focus is on meaningful cultural exchange and understanding - we're here to learn from each other's perspectives and experiences Please note: Venue staff and organizers reserve the right to exclude participants who don't follow these guidelines. We're committed to maintaining a positive environment where everyone can enjoy meaningful connections and cultural exchange opportunities. 🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹 It’s not mandatory, but we are kindly asking for a warm donation of 1€ or more to help cover the cost of posting on meetup.com. If you enjoy the event atmosphere, we’d really appreciate your support🤗 [https://www.paypal.me/harinezumi928](https://www.paypal.me/harinezumi928) If there's a fee for the transfer, you're also welcome to give the donation in cash directly to the organizer on the day:)

**Meet:** Treptow Sbahn. Outside Sesam Cafe (see pin) **Time:** 18:00 **Distance:** 35km **Theme:** Cycle Loop + History + Social Let’s make the most of the long evenings with some history-themed cycle tours this summer. The idea is to meet up after work, get a little cycle in, see some sights and end in a beer garden. **The Tour** The first destination will be Schöneweider: the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis – where modern electricity was pioneered. (see more on this below). To get there we will take a lovely piece of new cycle lane along the new ring road and loop out. Then its back up to Schoneweide and – more or less – follow the [route of industrial cultur](https://industriekultur.berlin/erleben/fahrradrouten/wasser-und-strom/)e. First we will head East along the South bank of the River, cruise around the industrial heritage of Schoneweider with a few stories form me, then head back up the North side to the Funk Haus (itself a monument of industrial culture) for a sundowner beer and perhaps a bite to eat at [café Zola](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QpGL6UiyQoZG6Bxv8). After that its lights on for a return journey to Treptow/Freidrichshain – estimated time of arrival 9pm. **The Cycling** 20km loop to start and then a little sightseeing and a gentler pace. As long as you have a reasonable bike and are used to cycling around town, you should be fine to join in. **What to Bring** Spare inner tube for your tyre size, cash, waterproofs, suncream, snacks, a smile. Hope to see you there Simon Schöneweider is the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis. It was here that modern electricity networks were developed by AEG, creating a pioneering electricity generation and transmission system that served as a model for all. Not only did they build the power station and grid running from it, they then went on to build the factories necessary to produce components for the electrification of the cities around the globe. Turbines, lamps, cables, valves and much more were manufactured in this kilometer long stretch of the riverside. Along with it came new residential areas as the population swelled to 26 thousand from virtually nothing in 30 years from the 1890s. Today many of the buildings are derelict, some are under development and others are art spaces or ateliers. All retain their beauty and fascination as monuments to Berlin’s industrial past. Come and explore this unique and lesser-known slice of Berlin’s History together.

Bringt gute Laune, schönes Wetter und Interesse mit. Wir treffen uns je nach Tour an unterschiedlichen Orten. Am 1. April 2018 um 15 Uhr gehts los am Eingang zur Akademie der Künste am Pariser Platz neben dem Brandenburger Tor.

2 EURO DONATION FEE PER PERSON IS REQUIRED (on site, in cash), to pay back the Meetup subscription fees and support my Events. READ THE DESCRIPTION WITH THE INFO (IMPORTANT). WHATSAPP LINK BELOW 📳​ We take the RE85 train that departs from Berlin Gesundbrunnen at 09,16 AM🚉😀 and arrives to Schwerin at 11,48 AM I attach below the screenshots with the stations and the timetable 🕐 The train is a direct train and takeable with DE Ticket 😁 We will visit Schwerin, one of the most beautiful German Cities, with castles 🏰, lakes 🌊, a beautiful city center, gardens 🌳, etc. Bring your own food🍔 and drinks🥤. Breaks ⛔: We will take 2 breaks during the day, where we deem appropriate. At the gardens or by some lakes are the best spots. What we will see: 1. The Old City Center 2. The Cathedral ⛪ (free entrance. For the Tower Climb: 3 euros) 3. The Castle 🏰 (ticket of 13 euro full price, or 9 euros reduced price: for the people who do not want to enter, they can stay outside at the gardens) 4. The Gardens (free entrance) 5. Beautiful places by the lake(s) 🌊 6. Observation decks 7. An old Mill: Schleifmühle Schwerin 🛞 8. etc. To come back one train each 2 hours is available. I will take the one at 18,14 from Schwerin Hbf 🚉, but everyone is free to take one earlier or later (I do not force anyone) 😀 I do not provide a "personal support" for people who do not take the indicated train. You are responsible to check for the weather and decide if come or not. Thanks for understanding. If you have to contact me, make it via Whatsapp, not here on Meetup. WHATSAPP COMMUNITY 💬 to find each other (join it, we use this group to find and synchronize us, as well as post photos) [https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/](https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/)

***Hike along UNESCO heritage forests & Chalky white cliffs that plunge into the emerald waters of the Baltic Sea.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS TRIP?** Click on link below to get complete info and to sign up for this event by getting your ticket. [https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/jasmund-island-23may2026](https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/jasmund-island-23may2026) **SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW USERS** * 10% New User Discount using promo code: **MEETUP10** * Valid for this trip or any other trips available on our website. **WHY GO?** Let’s discover Germany’s wild north! We hike along endless stretches of unspoilt beaches framed by the baltic sea and ghostly forests. Together we wander through a UNESCO heritage forest sitting on top of dramatic chalk cliffs that plunge into the emerald waters of the Baltic Sea. **WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?** * **Jasmund National Park:** Famous for containing Germany’s largest chalk cliffs & UNESCO heritage beech forest. Germany's smallest national park has formed an image of unspoilt wilderness. Here the largest contiguous beech forest in the Baltic Sea region is protected and in it an amazing variety of different habitats in a small space. More than 100 moors, lakes, springs and streams are framed by venerable beech forests. * **White Chalf Cliffs:** The glowing white rocks consist of 70 million year old chalk. Nature has piled them up from the skeletons of countless single-celled creatures that the Cretaceous sea once left there. The highest point of the chalk coast is the Königsstuhl, which towers 118 meters above the beach. * **Sassnitz:** Sassnitz is a resort town on the German island of Rügen. It’s home to the submarine HMS Otus, now a naval museum. **TRIP DETAILS** **Start & End Date:** Saturday, 23 May. **Meeting Time & Location:** * **Option A:** Meet in Berlin Central Station at 7:00 am. * **Option B:** Meet outside Sassnitz Train Station at 11:45 am. **Note:** Exact platform to be advised one day before trip date in WhatsApp group for the confirmed participants. **Finishing Time & Location:** * **Option A:** Berlin Central Station at 10:30 p * m. * **Option B:** Sassnitz Train Station at 5:45 pm. **Hiking Distance:** 14 km forest trek. **Hiking Difficulty:** Easy / Intermediate – Hiking at relaxed pace with multiple break times on well-marked paths, minimal elevation, sure-footedness & good fitness required. **Kid Friendly:** Yes. **What is Included?** * Community Guide for the entire trip (Guide speaks English). * Guided hike of Jasmund National park. * All public transportation for this trip from the meeting point to the finishing point (Based on your ticket option). * Access to a dedicated WhatsApp group for this event to connect with other trip mates, coordinate arrival options & stay in touch (link to WhatsApp group in the ticket). * Access to a shared Google photo album where you can share & view all amazing pictures & videos from the trip (link to Google photos album in the WhatsApp group description). **Other Things of Note & Items to Pack:** Weather is temperament and can vary between raining & sunny weather. Would recommend the following at a minimum (can further advise on this in the WhatsApp group for the confirmed participants): * Packed lunch for break during hike. * Good shoes for forest hike (no need of hiking shoes). * Rain jackets (based on weather conditions). * Rain trousers. * Suitable day pack. * Sun protection. * Sunglasses & Hat. **WHAT IS THE PLAN?** **7:00 am -** Meet in Berlin Central Train Station. **7:30 am -** Catch train for Sassnitz starting with RE 3 to Stralsund. **12:00 pm -** Arrive in Sassnitz and head to Sassnitz bus station to catch bus (Bus 23) to Königsstuhl. **12:10 pm -** Arrive in Königsstuhl and start hiking. **2:00 pm** \- Take a break for lunch in a beach location\. **2:30 pm -** Continue hiking. **4:30 pm** \- Arrive in Sassnitz strand area and get something to eat\. **5:30 pm** \- Head back to Sassnitz Train Station\. **5:45 pm** \- Arrive in Sassnitz Train Station\. **5:54 pm -** Catch train for Berlin starting with RE9 to Stralsund. **10:30 pm** \- Arrive back in Berlin Central Station\. **FOR FUTURE TRIP UPDATES:** Please do join our WhatsApp / Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [WhatsApp Channel](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

**Meet:** Treptow Sbahn. Outside Sesam Cafe (see pin) **Time:** 18:00 **Distance:** 35km **Theme:** Cycle Loop + History + Social Let’s make the most of the long evenings with some history-themed cycle tours this summer. The idea is to meet up after work, get a little cycle in, see some sights and end in a beer garden. **The Tour** The first destination will be Schöneweider: the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis – where modern electricity was pioneered. (see more on this below). We will – more or less – follow the [route of industrial cultur](https://industriekultur.berlin/erleben/fahrradrouten/wasser-und-strom/)e. First we will head East along the South bank of the River, cruise around the industrial heritage of Schoneweider with a few stories form me, then head back up the North side to the Funk Haus (itself a monument of industrial culture) for a sundowner beer and perhaps a bite to eat at [café Zola](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QpGL6UiyQoZG6Bxv8). After that its lights on for a return journey to Treptow/Freidrichshain – estimated time of arrival 9pm. **The Cycling** 20km loop to start and then a little sightseeing and a gentler pace. As long as you have a reasonable bike and are used to cycling around town, you should be fine to join in. **What to Bring** Spare inner tube for your tyre size, cash, waterproofs, suncream, snacks, a smile. Hope to see you there Simon Schöneweider is the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis. It was here that modern electricity networks were developed by AEG, creating a pioneering electricity generation and transmission system that served as a model for all. Not only did they build the power station and grid running from it, they then went on to build the factories necessary to produce components for the electrification of the cities around the globe. Turbines, lamps, cables, valves and much more were manufactured in this kilometer long stretch of the riverside. Along with it came new residential areas as the population swelled to 26 thousand from virtually nothing in 30 years from the 1890s. Today many of the buildings are derelict, some are under development and others are art spaces or ateliers. All retain their beauty and fascination as monuments to Berlin’s industrial past. Come and explore this unique and lesser-known slice of Berlin’s History together.

***Hike through the Zittau sandstone mountain range, wandering between Germany, Czechia, and Poland in a day trip.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS TRIP?** Click on link below to get complete info and to sign up for this event by getting your ticket. [https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/zittau-steam-train-23may2026](https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/zittau-steam-train-23may2026) **SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW USERS** * 10% New User Discount using promo code: **MEETUP10** * Valid for this trip or any other trips available on our website. **WHY GO?** Discover picturesque sandstone rock formations and small mountain villages, with lovely Upper Lusatian houses (Umgebindehaus) *and half-timbered houses*. The Zittau Mountains have a history of the wonderful world of legends and fairy tales. Hike up and along the sandstone cliffs with a and get stunning views across the national park. Visit three different countries (Germany, Czechia & Poland) in one day, and see the beautiful spa town of Oybin with its castles and monasteries, before heading back to the baroque town of Zittau on one of the country’s oldest, narrow-gauge steam-powered railways. If you’ve been to Saxon Switzerland and wanted more, then this is the day trip for you. **WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?** * **Zittau Mountains**: The famed, smallest low mountain range in Germany, resemble that of Saxony Switzerland with their massive basalt peaks and sandstone cliffs. * **Zittau Mountains Nature Park**: Lush beech forests, filled with beautiful and historical villages. * **Oybin Abbey and Castle Ruins**: 16th Century, Romantic-era ruins that look out across the town of Oybin. * **Zittau**: The historic town is located in Upper Lusatia at the foot of the Zittau mountains where Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic meet, and its history goes back 750 years. * **Three Country Border**: See where the nations of Germany, Czechia, and Poland intersect. * **Zittau narrow-gauge railway**: Historic, narrow-gauge railway that connects the spa towns and castles to the sandstone mountains. **TRIP DETAILS** **Starting Location and Time:** * **Option A:** Berlin Central Train Station (Berlin Hbf) **-** Meet your local guide at 7 AM. * **Option B:** Zittau Bahnhof[ ](https://share.google/yt943WIBSgmGfF8wf "https://share.google/yt943WIBSgmGfF8wf")\- Meet outside the train station at 11 AM\. **Finishing Location and Time:** * **Option A:** Berlin Central Train Station (Berlin Hbf) at 8.30 PM. * **Option B:** Zittau Bahnhof at 5PM. **Hiking Difficulty:** Hard. **What is Included?** * Community Leader & Guide for the entire duration (Speaks English & German) * Steam train ticket. * Public transportation for the entire trip starting from the meeting location to the finishing location (depending on ticket selection). * Access to a WhatsApp group & Google photos album dedicated for this trip. **Other Things of Note:** * Weather is temperament and can vary quickly. More information on this will be provided by the guide closer to the trip. **Must to Bring:** * Hiking boots * Day pack * Rain jacket, rainproof gear * Warm clothes * Sun protection **WHAT IS THE PLAN?** **7:00 AM -** Meet at Berlin Hauptbahnhof **11:00 AM -** Hike to Oybin: 15k **1:00 PM -** Lunch Break in Czechia **3:30 PM -** Arrive in Oybin **4:00 PM -** Steam train to Zittau **5:00 PM -** Train back to Berlin **8:30 PM -** Arrive Berlin HBF **FOR FUTURE TRIP UPDATES:** Please do join our WhatsApp / Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [WhatsApp Channel](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

The topic for May is "Ink" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Join us this Thursday at 6:30 pm for a nice hike along the Big Walnut Trail along the Gahanna golf course, circling Creekside and back. This 2 mile hike is fully paved and a beautiful walk through the heart of Gahanna.

Please reserve your spot by registering on the below link : **Reserve** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-biggest-community-investors-founders-columbus-online-tickets-1988563717610?aff=meetup **QUESTIONS ?** Pls Reach out to; Ridhi - +971504724873 ( WhatsApp Only)

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.