Cultural Diversity

We will be participating in a trivia night event at 54 restaurant located at the Springfield Town Center mall on Monday. Trivia starts at 7 pm. Parking: There is free mall parking. There is also paid valet parking if you are feeling bougie. There's a maximum of 7 people per team, so please show up by 6:45 pm so that we organize accordingly. We may field multiple teams depending on turnout. Please plan on arriving and staying for the entire trivia event. To ensure you get a spot on a trivia team: * Please arrive by 6:45 PM, or notify the hosts that you are running late by 6:45 PM. If you arrive after 6:45 or don't notify the hosts, you are not guaranteed a spot on a trivia team and may need to form your own, separate team. * Please RSVP so we know to expect you. Don't be like Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn from Wedding Crashers and crash a trivia event (i.e., don't show up without signing up on the attendee list). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have Instagram, you can check out our account at asiandiningandadventuregroup for photos and announcements of group outings!

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Terrors of Irish Fairylore,”** an introduction to Ireland’s strange and unsettling folkloric “Good People,” with Brittany Warman, former instructor at Ohio State University, co-founder of The Carterhaugh School of Folklore and the Fantastic, and co-author of the new book *Fairylore: A Compendium of the Fae Folk.* [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at[ https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-irish-fairlylore]( https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-irish-fairlylore) .] Today it is common to think of fairies as small, childlike, sparkly creatures with glittering wings and dresses made from flower petals. But the fae of traditional Irish folklore were no such things. Amoral, capricious, even malicious when they chose to be, the too-frequently forgotten fairies of times long past would, more often than not, haunt nightmares. Join Brittany Warman, a folklorist who has earned a devoted following among Profs and Pints fans, as she explores the darker side of Irish fairylore. The figures she'll discuss include: The Leanan-Sidhe, a vampiric fairy who gives artistic inspiration in exchange for your mortal spirit. The Dullahan, a fairy with a human spine for a whip and a habit of hurtling across fields in a death coach made from human skin. The Banshee, a mournful fairy whose cry signals a death in the family to which she's attached herself. Dr. Warman also will examine the surprising impact of fairy folklore on two classics of Irish Gothic literature, Oscar Wilde's *The Picture of Dorian Gray* and Bram Stoker's *Dracula.* It’s a talk that will remind you that the relationship between the Irish and the spooky stretches well beyond Halloween. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: “The Banshee Appears,” an 1862 illustration by Robert Prowse (Wicklow Heritage / Public domain).

\*\* Tickets are $71.50 ($65 + tax) and can be purchased [here.](https://www.exploretock.com/barcelona-wine-bar-14th-street/event/594770/terroir-uncorked) \*\* UNCORKED is a walk-around tasting where we open 30 different bottles from our list—a chance to try the cellar of our award-winning wine program. The wines are paired with seasonal paella and passed tapas. Each time we host, we dive into a different theme. This time, we’re uncorking terroir. Terroir is a French term that refers to the natural environment in which a wine is made. This includes everything– but most often focuses on soil, topography and climate, ultimately producing a bottled sense of place. Our 400+ bottle program deeply focuses on terroir, becoming a collection of places that can be experienced through a pour. For this UNCORKED, we’re opening 30 wines that we think are some of the clearest expressions of place out there. We can’t wait to share these truly transportive bottles with you.

Every Monday Night (Rare Execeptions posted on NOVA BG website ) since the late 1980s, we are new to Meetup. https://sites.google.com/site/novabackgammon/ Register at 6:45PM Random Draw 7:00PM sharp. Results Usually Reported on Tuesday - via NOVA BG E-Mail Double-Elimination: Main & Consolation Brackets We follow USBGF Rules and the following options: - Legal Moves. - Use of two dice is Preferred over four dice. - Dice landing on checkers is legal. - Use of clocks is Preferred.

**The Arts of Life with Nancy Burbridge - Discover Yourself through Art!** **You're Invited to 'Arts of Life'** A meditative journey through art with local artist Nancy Burbridge. Join us every third Monday of the month at the Meditation Museum from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM for an afternoon of creativity, relaxation, and self-discovery. In this interactive session, you will learn how to draw, paint, and explore the beauty within, cultivating the best version of yourself in a serene and supportive environment. Come experience the magic of art and meditation as tools for self-expression and inner growth. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore! We can't wait to see you there! Mon., Mar. 16th, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Held at Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/ofyK5](https://shorturl.at/ofyK5)

To attend, register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/embassy-of-austria-viennese-ball-tickets-1983834697985](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/embassy-of-austria-viennese-ball-tickets-1983834697985) ***A Viennese Ball Celebrating the End of Winter COMBINED with a Karneval Celebration!*** A Celebration of 250 Years of American-Austrian Relations! March 20th signifies the end of winter! Celebrate in a multi-faceted evening that combines the elegance of the Austrian Winter Season, including their Viennese Balls, and the festive excitement of the Karneval Season! Tonight’s elegant event features Austrian Food, Open Bar, Ballroom Dancing, Live Music, Late Night DJ, and Dancing, Film and More! VIP Options Available. **PROGRAM:** **PART ONE: VIENNESE BALL** A) **DIPLOMATIC GREETING** Kick off the evening with a greeting by members of the embassy! B) **BALLROOM DANCING** Waltz to the Blue Danube and other classics on Austrian Soil as we celebrate the end of the Winter Ball Season! C) **BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS** Optional ballroom dance lessons will be offered by a master local instructor. D) **THE** "**RADETZKY MARCH”** Experience Strauss’ famous Ballroom March. Together, with our master instructors, you are invited to partake in Austria’s most beloved dances and marches. **PART TWO: KARNEVAL** A) LIVE AUTHENTIC AUSTRIAN KARNEVAL BAND: As if you were dancing in near the Prater’s Roller Coaster in Vienna, or on the Streets of Salzburg, celebrate the season with live musicians! One last chance to experience the Mardi Gras and Fasching Music before Winter Ends. B) KARNEVAL COSTUME CONTEST: If you arrive in masquerade, costume, or otherwise Karneval wear, a special costume contest will be held – with Austrian judges! Prizes awarded! Then, all costumed attendees will take part in a parade through the embassy hall. (Note: Costumes of a salacious, political, historically controversial nature, or any that contain weapons will not be permitted on embassy grounds. If you have concerns or questions, please reach out to [events@thingstodoDC.com](mailto:events@thingstodoDC.com) for pre-approval. **C)** **THE CORONATION OF THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF KARNEVAL** In addition to the Costume Contest, a series of fun challenges will help us determine the ultimate Prince and Princess of Karneval. Prizes Awarded! **PART THREE: LATE NIGHT 21st CENTURY AUSTRIAN NIGHTLIFE** For the last hour of the event, one of Washington’s greatest DJs takes us via music to the hottest nightclubs of Berlin, Munich and Cologne - playing European and U.S. Retro, Modern High Energy, and Top 40 Dance hits! **FOOD:** AUSTRIAN BUFFET (VIP Option Below will Full Menu Options) If you ever strolled through an Austrian marketplace and looked in the store windows you can't help but be tempted by those delectable desserts. We'll have them for you to enjoy tonight as well: Linzer tortes, hazelnut tortes, Viennese apple tarts, Austrian white and dark chocolate Florentines, and bittersweet Austrian chocolate squares dusted with confectioner's sugar. Enjoy an evening buffet of these tantalizing Austrian delights, all as if picked from the best pastry shops in Austria. **VIP OPTION: For a little extra royalty this evening, you will get:** \- Early Admission to the Gala \(7:30 PM\); \- Private Champagne Reception; \- Special Early Austrian Carnival Dinner Menu \(TBA\) NOTE: Any concern or information request on the event MUST be addressed through our organization directly. Please do not contact the embassy with any specific questions. **NOTE**: This event is a lively, active celebration with limited seating. Plan for a lot of dancing, laughter and very active celebration - as they do in Austria To attend, register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/embassy-of-austria-viennese-ball-tickets-1983834697985](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/embassy-of-austria-viennese-ball-tickets-1983834697985)

Zoom Link: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/7051101188?pwd=ZkUFbaR6Og2OUgJ06vEMnScDXN7UyQ.1&omn=88307943498 Join us for a vibrant gathering where we explore the rich traditions of Yoruba culture and language. Whether you are a beginner or a proficient speaker, all levels are welcomed to immerse themselves in the beauty of this West African language. Through interactive activities and engaging discussions, you will have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of Yoruba heritage and its influence on African culture. Don't miss this chance to connect with others who share a passion for language learning and cross-cultural appreciation. Join us and expand your horizons in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

To Attend, Please Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-zimbabwe-tickets-1985245268038](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-zimbabwe-tickets-1985245268038) **BE AMONG THE FIRST TO MEET THE NEW AMBASSADOR AT THE EMBASSY OF ZIMBABWE!** Experience a unique African cultural evening on foreign soil as we travel halfway across the world without ever leaving the DMV. Join us for a special night of Zimbabwe food, drinks, music, cultural dancing, diplomats, film, and more! Dress semi-smart business casual and enjoy this unique party with the Ambassador and his staff at this African treasure. Featuring: A) **African Food with a Zimbabwe Flavor** B) **Bar:** Sample the best and most unique African beverages. C) **Special Native Zimbabwe Musical Presentation:** Enjoy a world-renowned presentation of an authentic Mbira Player. **D) Diplomatic Greeting:** Hear from the HE Ambassador, Ambassador David Douglas Hamadziripi and feel free to schmooze the diplomatic and staff from Zimbabwe **E) Zimbabwe Art:** Throughout the Embassy, they have arranged for the presentation of special African artifacts and paintings unseen to most Americans' eyes. **F) Zimbabwe Cultural Film:** At your leisure, you are invited to watch recurring films showcasing cities, mountains, borders, landscape, people, tribes, animals, safari tours, everyday culture, and much more. Note: The *event is presented as a cultural event organized by us at the Embassy of Zimbabwe. Your registration fee is used by Things to do DC solely to present diverse cultural events to our membership. No part of the admission fee is related in any way to the Embassy of Zimbabwe or staff at the Embassy of Zimbabwe. We appreciate your support of our events!* To Attend, Please Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-zimbabwe-tickets-1985245268038](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-zimbabwe-tickets-1985245268038)

Join the DC Portuguese Conversation Group on the third level of Roofers Union in Adams Morgan (may do the heated rooftop or second floor depending on weather) for an evening filled by practicing Portuguese. Come practice Portuguese over beers while building new connections and broadening your cultural/lusophonic horizons with us! (IF YOU ARE STILL LEARNING THAT IS FINE, ALL LEVELS WELCOME). Whether you are a native Portuguese speaker, an English-speaking expat looking to practice Portuguese, or simply interested in making international friends, this event is perfect for you. Come ready to engage in stimulating conversations and make new friends. Ate ja, tchau!

It is irresistible, to enjoy a Spanish and Portuguese convo with appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com)). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

We thought of one of the interesting things that can be enjoyed at this time of the year. We will be meeting at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for a "Fish Fry" in Marian Hall on Friday, March 27th at 5:00 PM. It might be fun for you to experience what has become a tradition on the Fridays before Easter. They will have fried fish or baked fish, French fries and Cole slaw, as well as beverages, all for $16.00 for adults. They will have other beverages and desserts available for sale, as well. We have never tried this, and sometimes there are quite a few people at these events so we hope that we will be able to find each other easily. I'll try to have signs outside Marian Hall that Identify our group. We hope to have you join us!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Ciao a tutt\*! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the Upper Arlington Library (**Tremont** Branch) in **Meeting Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour. Keeping Monday for consistency but we can discuss if there are better days/times/locations!