Ecology

Famous for its unique culture and stunning landscapes, **Bhutan**, the legendary **Kingdom of the Himalayas**, is a country unlike any other. Often called **the last Shangri-La**, this is a place where time runs slower, and the government operates by the unique philosophy of **Gross National Happiness**. Many factors contribute to the famed **happiness and contentment** of Bhutan’s population, from the country’s pride in **preserving its traditions**, languages, and customs to the **prioritization of wellbeing** over material wealth. In this land of dense forests and towering mountains, incredible vistas are all around, and a **connection to nature** is deeply ingrained in the culture. In addition, the practice of **Mahayana Buddhism** profoundly influences the Bhutanese way of life, emphasizing inner peace, compassion, and community harmony. With **stupas and monasteries** on every corner, spirituality is embedded in daily life here. Centuries of religious devotion have led to the creation of incredible landmarks and sacred spaces, including the country’s iconic crown jewel: Taktsang monastery, or **the** **Tiger’s Nest**. One of the most venerated places of pilgrimage in the Himalayas, the monastery appears like something out of a fairy tale, clinging to the rock a towering 800m (2,600ft) above the valley floor. Nowhere in the Himalayas is the natural environment richer and more diverse than it is in Bhutan, home to high, rugged mountains and deep valleys which have been recognized as one of the world’s ten most important **biodiversity hotspots**. One of Bhutan’s ancient names was Menjong Yul, meaning **‘the land of medicinal herbs’**, and the people’s respect for the natural environment means that even today it remains pristine and mostly undisturbed. Here we’ll discover ancient spiritual practices, trek into untouched landscapes and feel the awe of nature’s majesty in this hidden corner of the world. [https://vimeo.com/238777975](https://vimeo.com/238777975) **Let’s go!** **DAY 0 :: DEC 28** Recommended departure to Kathmandu at 02:30-08:20. **DAY 1 :: DEC 29** Connecting flight to Bhutan at 09:00-10:20. On sunny days, the inbound flight to Bhutan is marked by **panoramic views of the Himalayas, including the towering Everest**. The approach through the tiny airstrip of Paro has been termed as “adventurous”, to say the least! Arrival in the afternoon, after which we’ll check in to the hotel in Thimpu and have our first experience with fiery **Bhutanese cuisine**. Later we’ll visit Thimphu’s Memorial Stupa, also known as the **Thimphu Chorten**, a prominent religious landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells. Afterwards we’ll take a short 3-4km hike to Kuensel Phodrang, reaching the **gigantic Buddha Dordenma** at the top of the hill. The **50-meter-high, gilt gold** **statue** fulfils an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D. and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. Overnight in Thimpu. **DAY 2 :: DEC 30** Today we drive via Dochu-La Pass to Punakha and hike to iconic **Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility),** located on a round hillock on the edge of Punakha Valley. After lunch our exploration continues with a visit to the majestic **Punakha Dzong fortress**, a stunning example of traditional Bhutanese architecture which serves as a winter residence for the Dratshang Lhentshog, the commission for the monastic affairs of Bhutan. Built in 1637, it is picturesquely located in between two rivers – the **Pho Chhu (Male River) & Mo Chhu (Female River)** – and houses sacred Buddhist relics. We’ll then take a walk along the **Punakha suspension bridge**, Bhutan’s longest, stretching 180 m (590 ft) across the water of the Pho Chhu, before checking into the hotel and resting up for the evening. **DAY 3 :: DEC 31** Today after breakfast and formalities we’ll drive to the **Dochula Pass (3,100m)** and begin the hike to the 18th century **Lungchutse Lhakhang temple (3,565m)**. This uber picturesque route passes through primary forests of rhododendrons, magnolias, birches, and bamboos, and occasionally meadows being used as yak pastures. When we reach the temple we’ll be richly rewarded by views over the **entire span of Bhutan’s Himalayan range** and its majestic, snow covered peaks. We will then make our way downhill for about an hour until we reach Dochula Pass, encountering several landmarks and stupas along the path. In the afternoon we will have an opportunity to witness **rural life in Bhutanese village,** and those who would like to can experience a **traditional** **hot stone bath**. For even richer immersion, there is also the option to spend the night in the village. **Celebration of New Year's Eve Bhutan style!** **DAY 4 :: JAN 01** After breakfast we’ll start our last hike, to the sacred **Taktsang Monastery**, known as **the Tiger’s Nest,** situated at an altitude of 3100m in the Upper Paro Valley. During the hike we’ll keep our strength up with a picnic lunch in the woods with spectacular views. Our ancient destination is the abode of gods and monks, a place of great spiritualty since the 8th century. As per the legend of Taktsang, this was the site of a cave in the sheer cliff face used by mystic Guru Rinpoche for meditation. He assumed a wrathful form, Guru Dorji Drolo, riding a flying tigress to subdue the evil spirits in the area. After many centuries, a religious complex took shape here, clinging to the rock face, with the oldest temple built by a Nyingma Buddhist master around 1508. **DAY 5 :: JAN 02** Departure to Kathmandu at 07:00-08:00. Bye bye Bhutan! Optional city tour in Kathmandu before return flight home. **Level of difficulty:** Easy - short but steep trails. The grade may be perceived as moderate to beginners. **Activities:** hiking, walking, sightseeing and getting amazed! Altitude: 2280–3600m, **Duration:** 5 days. **Accommodation & meals:** Comfy 3\* hotels, double sharing. Single room 250 USD extra. Meals included. **Cost: 7,490 AED incl. flights Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu, until DEC 22nd.** Past this date please inquire about cost and availability. **Connection from Dubai to Kathmandu - excluded.** **Trip starts at Kathmandu airport** on DEC 29th with a flight to Paro. **Specifically included:** * Return flights Kathmandu - Paro - Kathmandu, * Bhutan visa, * All arrangements as per program, **Specifically excluded:** * Connecting flights Dubai - Kathmandu, * Overnight in Kathmandu between the flights, * activities and meals in Kathmandu, * any costs related to visa on arrival to Nepal, * Insurance. **Optional:** * Sightseeing Kathmandu on JAN 02 at 85 USD. **Visas:** **Visa to Bhutan (SDF) is included in trip budget.** [Visa to Nepal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Nepal) available on arrival, if required. See yah in Bhutan x Trekkup Bhutan Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [docs@trekkup.com](info@trekkup.com)

Note: Registration is valid and confirmed only through **: link shared in [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D1cTWNPuq8ABDWjSYE3aVM).** **☕️ Coffee & Connections \| Dubai** *Sip, Mingle & Connect! 🌟* 👉[ ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Iz9NYHMtijFA6BGgBq51r2)**[Join the WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D1cTWNPuq8ABDWjSYE3aVM)** to stay updated on the exact location and weekly Join us for a social coffee meetup where good vibes, friendly faces, and great conversations come together. Unwind after a long day, meet new people, and enjoy a cozy evening in one of Dubai’s nicest café spots. 📍 Dubai \| Business Bay 🕖 7:00 PM Come for the coffee, stay for the connections — let’s sip, mingle, and make new friends! 💬✨

We’re bringing ambitious professionals together for an evening designed to spark meaningful business connections. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup)** It’s where **business owners, leaders, and experts** come together to spark new ideas, discover opportunities, and build connections that matter 🤝💡 ​ ✨ Meet ambitious professionals & entrepreneurs ✨ Grow your business network ✨ Explore collaborations & fresh opportunities ✨ Share ideas that inspire growth ​Each guest arrives not knowing who they’ll meet … Yet leaves with new connections, exciting possibilities, and maybe even their next big collaboration 🚀 Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup)** ​💬 Expect surprising questions. Unexpected conversations. And the kind of business insights that linger long after the evening ends. ☕ Come for the coffee. **👥** Stay for the conversations. 🚀 Leave with opportunities. ​🔥 Think bold conversations. Big energy. Authentic chemistry. Because when you bring open-minded people together in the right space … magic happens ✨ **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Networking 😊

Introduction To Coffee (ITC) - SCA Coffee Courses

Come and join us for friendly football games. Everyday at 9 pm Contact us through WhatsApp for booking 0522955859 We welcome all levels ♥️🫂 Fee are 40 AED

This is an event for deep thinkers who enjoy deep discussions. No prior knowledge of philosophy is required. In the first segment of this event, we shall have a group discussion on randomly selected topics. In the second segment of the event, we shall discuss a short philosophical article after reading it. Please note that this event has a fee of AED 30.

We’re bringing ambitious professionals together for an evening designed to spark meaningful business connections. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup)** It’s where **business owners, leaders, and experts** come together to spark new ideas, discover opportunities, and build connections that matter 🤝💡 ​ ✨ Meet ambitious professionals & entrepreneurs ✨ Grow your business network ✨ Explore collaborations & fresh opportunities ✨ Share ideas that inspire growth ​Each guest arrives not knowing who they’ll meet … Yet leaves with new connections, exciting possibilities, and maybe even their next big collaboration 🚀 Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup)** ​💬 Expect surprising questions. Unexpected conversations. And the kind of business insights that linger long after the evening ends. ☕ Come for the coffee. **👥** Stay for the conversations. 🚀 Leave with opportunities. ​🔥 Think bold conversations. Big energy. Authentic chemistry. Because when you bring open-minded people together in the right space … magic happens ✨ **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Networking 😊

Join us every second Sunday From January 3 to April A biweekly Run Club for Sustainability Professionals — designed for all abilities and all paces. This isn’t about speed. It’s about connection. Our goal is to bring sustainability professionals together to: • Network in a relaxed, non-corporate setting • Move together while discussing ideas that matter • Build meaningful collaborations • Strengthen the sustainability ecosystem in the UAE Whether you walk, jog, or run — you belong here. Let’s move with purpose and build something impactful together

We'll play two board games - a word game and an interesting psychology game. The names of the games are a secret! Please note that the entry fee is AED 30. Note: Treat yourself—food and drinks are 20% off for all event guests!

### 💫 Explore Women-Only Experiences on eSeek View all information at [eseek.app](https://eseek.app). [https://youtu.be/r7jl_B6NVWg](https://youtu.be/r7jl_B6NVWg) 1️⃣ **Discover your neighborhood** 🗺️ Explore a local map and send coffee invites ☕💌 to women who live near you. 2️⃣ **Luxury coffee spots in Dubai** ✨☕ Browse a curated list of Dubai’s most luxurious cafés, complete with YouTube videos 🎥 and distance info and map pin 📍. 3️⃣ **Match over coffee** 💖☕ Like the coffee places you want to visit, and we’ll show you women who liked the same spots—start a DM and plan a coffee meetup 💬✨. 4️⃣ **Weekend coffee experiences** 🗓️☕ Every weekend, we schedule the top 2 most popular picks with date, time, location, and map marker 📍. Join the group chat and enjoy the experience together 🎉👯‍♀️. We are trying cafe meetups for women only - we have introduced facial recognition to ensure women only signups for now. [https://www.instagram.com/p/DRVZDxFDOKu/](https://www.instagram.com/p/DRVZDxFDOKu/) Join the whatsapp group for explanation 🚨 WOMEN ONLY 🚨[https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdjIbmHx2xOAwT29rul521?mode=wwt](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdjIbmHx2xOAwT29rul521?mode=wwt) ***

**Come for Networking. Stay for the Music 🎶** Join us for an unforgettable evening where innovation meets elegance at our exclusive Tech Industry Night. **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile)](https://jo.my/tech-whatsapp-meetup)** Network with fellow tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders in a sophisticated setting before transitioning into a lively afterparty with a live DJ. **🏛️ Elegant Networking** Step into an ambiance of sophistication and style as we gather in a stunning venue designed to inspire. Enjoy the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations and professional connections with some of the brightest minds in the tech industry. **[REGISTRATION HERE IS MANDATORY](https://jo.my/tech-event-meetup)** **🤝 Connection Opportunities** Engage in stimulating discussions, share insights, and exchange ideas with fellow tech community members. Whether you're looking to find potential collaborators, seek advice, or explore new opportunities, this event is tailored to foster valuable relationships. **📸 Photo Opportunities** Capture the essence of the evening with professional photo opportunities set against elegant backdrops. Document your night of networking and celebration with fellow tech enthusiasts. **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile)](https://jo.my/tech-whatsapp-meetup)** **🎧 Afterparty with Live DJ** As the evening progresses, transition seamlessly from professional networking to party mode. Our live DJ will set the stage with an electrifying mix of music, ensuring the dance floor stays vibrant and energetic. Celebrate the connections made and enjoy the night in full swing. **👔👗 Dress Code: Smart Casual** Reflect the event's blend of professionalism and relaxation with smart casual attire. Feel confident and comfortable as you network and dance the night away. **[REGISTRATION HERE IS MANDATORY](https://jo.my/tech-event-meetup)** **Join us for a night where technology, networking, and celebration converge in an elegant setting.** Whether you're looking to expand your network, find inspiration, or simply enjoy a sophisticated evening with fellow tech enthusiasts, Tech Industry Night is the event for you. We look forward to welcoming you to a night of innovation and celebration! **[=== <<< REGISTER NOW >>> ===](https://jo.my/tech-event-meetup)** **How many people attend?** We get 100 people on average in all our events and invite our members on Meetup and other platforms. Members of other groups who RSVP are included as guests to give an idea of expected numbers. **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Complete your registration HERE](https://jo.my/tech-event-meetup) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Networking 😊 📍 **Get location map and parking instructions** [Join our WhatsApp group (Tech Industry Meetup)](https://jo.my/tech-whatsapp-meetup) 👨‍👧‍👦 **Meet community members** [Join our Facebook group (Cocktails & Connections)](https://www.facebook.com/groups/cocktailsnconnections) **Check our events #InstaPhotos** [📷 Follow us on Instagram (@cocktails.connections)](https://www.instagram.com/cocktails.connections/)

We’re kicking off Round Two of the Kite Beach Walks — a high-energy, community-driven morning walk designed to boost wellness, spark new connections, and build real consistency. Expect a steady pace, good vibes, and a supportive group focused on starting the day with purpose. Join us if you’re ready to build momentum and make this weekly walk part of your lifestyle.

Wander through a lush wadi with date palms, running springs, and small pools on a **5 km** loop (about **2 h**). Children and beginners will love the greenery and sound of flowing water. Meet at **06:00 AM** at the trailhead; bring water, snacks, quick‑dry shoes or sandals, and be prepared for some light rock hopping. Join at your own risk. **General guidelines (apply to all events):** * **Arrive by 05:55 AM** to meet the group and depart at 06:00 AM. * Carry **2–3 L of water**, snacks or a light breakfast, a hat, sunscreen, and a small first‑aid kit. * Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip; trekking poles are optional for longer hikes. * Inform a friend or family member of your plans and check weather forecasts (avoid wadis after heavy rain). * This is a **free, peer‑led group**; everyone is responsible for their own safety and participation is at your **own risk**. \*\*Please join the Whatsapp Group for carpooling/coordination (optional)\*\*[https://chat.whatsapp.com/G8dODdCiBMrC5jiholOK6X](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G8dODdCiBMrC5jiholOK6X)

Wild Ones: Annual Native Seed Swap January 10, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am Join Wild Ones Columbus for their annual native seeds swap. If you have native seeds to share, please label them with the Latin name and common name. The seeds don’t need to be removed from the seed head if you aren’t sure how to do it, but remove as much stem as possible. Bringing seeds is not required. Bring bags or envelopes to store seeds. Inniswood Metro Gardens 940 S. Hempstead Rd. Westerville, OH 43081 Phone (614)895-6216 This event will be held in the Greenhouse/Multipurpose Building located near the east end of the parking lot. Click here to see the Inniswood map. If you have native seeds to share, label each species with this information: * Botanical Name * Common Name Species we will accept: * Species native to our ecoregion (8.2.4) - Best * Species native to Ohio and surrounding states - Good * Straight species only - no cultivars. The seeds don’t need to be removed from the seed head if you aren’t sure how to do it, but don’t leave much stem on the seed heads. Please email the list of species to Mary May so we can prepare information for attendees. You can bring the seeds on the day of the swap, or we can arrange to have them picked up beforehand - just let her know in the email. If you don’t have any seeds to bring, no worries. If you are new to native plants or didn't have time to collect seeds, there are ALWAYS plenty from those that do bring them! We love to see "newbies" at our seed exchange! Also, remember to bring something to put seeds in such as envelopes, paper bags or containers.

We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !! Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :) Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson Namaste, Frank Tennyson http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/9/9/600_447824953.jpeg

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

Monday December 29th at 6PM we'll be meeting up dinner at the Pies & Pints at Easton. Feel free to bring guests. Sandwiches run about $15 and large pizzas run $20-30.

This is a time where players of all ages, and skill levels can gather and enjoy a nice Sunday full of Chess!