Ethnic Food

**The birthplace of voodoo** and pivotal centres of the slave trade for nearly three centuries, Benin, Togo and Ghana have rich and complex histories and fascinating cultural traditions that continue today. We’ll discover this little known corner of West Africa on **an 11-day journey** deep into these countries’ northern reaches and along the Gulf of Guinea coast, to the heart of the regions **where voodoo is still widely practiced** today. We will wander the fetish markets for relics, sail through stilt villages, and discover the mysteries of ancient practices. In **Benin**, formerly known as Dahomey, we will get to know the roots of Voodoo beliefs and practices. The country is also famous for its wonderful local craftsmanship and numerous bustling bazaars. We’ll look through the often-surprising assortment of offerings at a fetish market, visit the **Python temple**, and explore the **Slave Route in Ouidah**, a place where enslaved peoples were sold and forced to bid farewell to their homeland forever. With a population of around 20,000, **Ganvie is the largest lake village in Africa**, standing on stilts in the middle of Lake Nokoue. 500 years later after its founding, the people of Ganvie have developed their own distinctive culture and lifestyle on the lake. Shaky houses, churches, mosques and other structures are built **using red ebony wood,** which is resistant to rotting and hence ideal for the watery conditions. Neighboring **Togo** is a narrow strip of land located to the west of Benin. Another stronghold of Voodoo and animist practices, and a key region of the so-called "Slave Coast" in centuries past, it features picturesque hilltop villages and palm-lined beaches. Togo has suffered under the **colonisation of three different nations**, resulting in a melting pot of influences that linger to this day. Here we will have the opportunity to learn about the customs of local communities, from **mudbrick castle** **architecture** of the Somba people and traditional ceremonies like the **Fire Dance** to animist beliefs reflected at **shrines and fetish markets**. We’ll make our through verdant landscapes and have close encounters with wildlife, visiting the **Valley of the Bats** and spotting rare butterflies in the green hills. **Ghana**, the economic powerhouse of Western Africa, is a place where modernization intertwines with ancient rituals. Home to several very unique traditions, such their **elaborately decorated coffins**, Ghanians are open and welcoming people, and there will be excellent opportunities here to see the true face of Africa. From encounters with Voodoo priests and slithering reptiles to immersion in colorful markets and lush jungles, this trip is a deep dive into the culture and landscapes of Benin, Togo and Ghana. Our journey through this little-known region will surely reveal plenty of surprises, leaving you will memories of a lifetime and a few stories to tell! Take a quick look at what awaits you here: [https://vimeo.com/392949560](https://vimeo.com/392949560) **Let’s go!** **Day 1** :: BEN :: Cotonou **Day 2** :: BEN :: Amazons, snakes and slave port **Day 3** :: BEN :: Stilt village and ancient palaces **Day 4** :: BEN :: Sacred hills and fetish shrines **Day 5** :: BEN-TOG:: Border crossing, mud castles and Fire Dance **Day 6** :: TOG :: Crafts and Bat Valley **Day 7** :: TOG :: Hills of Kouma Konda to capital Lomé **Day 8** :: TOG-GHA :: Border crossing and Volta Region **Day 8** :: GHA :: Akossombo waterfalls **Day 10** :: GHA :: Accra and fantasy coffins / Departure *Full details available to confirmed RSVPs.* **Level of difficulty:** Easy **Activities:** Sightseeing, walking **Accommodation & meals:** Hotels and lodges, double sharing rooms. Meals excluded. **Cost: AED 11,900** **including flights** until MAR 05. Past this date cost will change. **Flights by Ethiopian:** DAY 1 :: DXB-COO DAY 10 :: ACC-DXB **Specifically excluded:** Meals, visas, single supplement. **Visas:** **Benin:** E-visa 60 USD **Togo:** E-visa 40 USD **Ghana:** transit visa on arrival 50-100 USD **Yellow Fever Certificate** is mandatory for this trip. See yah in West Africa x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 0504848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [info@trekkup.com](http://info@trekkup.com/) [Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

registration through WhatsApp only 0522955859 Calling all football enthusiasts in Dubai! Join us for a friendly social football game where skill meets fun! 📅 Date: Everyday ⏰ Time: from 8 pm To 9 pm and 9 pm to 10 pm 📍 Location: Gems new Mellinum Al khail Dubai hills. Format: Casual 9-a-side game Fee: 45 AED All levels are welcome—just bring your love for the game and positive vibes! 📩 RSVP now! Spaces are limited, so confirm your spot today. Contact: Zinou +971522955859 Let’s kick it and make unforgettable memories on the pitch!

Try out this stunning fusion style of smooth sensual moves and funky transitions in an easy-to-follow dance to classic & modern tunes. Kizomba is one of the most popular genres of dance and music originating from Angola, and reshaped in Portugal. It is a derivative of semba, with a mix of Kilapanda and Angolan Merengue. New styles derived from the traditional kizomba were developed in Europe such as urban Kiz and Tarraxinha. Danced to sensual music, happy folklore or electronic trance and fuelled by passion; kizomba is one of the most versatile genres that will help you express your deepest emotions! AED 99 /1 class AED 599 /8 classes (monthly package!) AED 899 /16 classes (monthly package!) Book your spot NOW! 8 classes https://moovnation.zbni.co/u/pabEn 16 classes https://moovnation.zbni.co/u/w7hbw For enquiries call/text 055 803 4003

**REGISTRATION THROUGH WHATSAPP : 0552176382** Looking to kick a ball around and have fun? Join us for a friendly game of football! Whether you're a seasoned player or just getting started, all skill levels are welcome. This event is perfect for players who want to improve their fitness while enjoying a social game of football in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We cater to all types of players, from experienced footballers to beginners who want to learn and have fun. Our group is all about providing a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. Join us on the pitch and let's have some fun together! As always, we will be playing outdoors, so please remember to bring appropriate footwear, comfortable athletic clothing, and water to stay hydrated. Don't miss out on a great opportunity to meet new people, get in some exercise, and indulge your love for the beautiful game. See you on the field!

Try out this stunning fusion style of smooth sensual moves and funky transitions in an easy-to-follow dance exercised to classic & modern tunes. Kizomba is one of the most popular genres of dance and music originating from Angola, reshaped in Portugal & France. It is a derivative of semba, with a mix of Kilapanda and Angolan Merengue. New styles derived from the traditional kizomba were developed in Europe such as urban Kiz and Tarraxinha. Danced to sensual music, happy folklore or electronic trance and fuelled by passion; kizomba is one of the most versatile genres that will help you express your deepest emotions! AED 89 /1 class AED 599 /8 classes (monthly package!) AED 899 /16 classes (monthly package!) Book your spot NOW! 8 classes https://moovnation.zbni.co/u/pabEn 16 classes https://moovnation.zbni.co/u/w7hbw For enquiries call/text 055 803 4003

**REGISTRATION THROUGH WHATSAPP: 0522955859** Looking to kick a ball around and have fun? Join us for a friendly game of football! Whether you're a seasoned player or just getting started, all skill levels are welcome. This event is perfect for players who want to improve their fitness while enjoying a social game of football in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We cater to all types of players, from experienced footballers to beginners who want to learn and have fun. Our group is all about providing a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. Join us on the pitch and let's have some fun together! As always, we will be playing outdoors, so please remember to bring appropriate footwear, comfortable athletic clothing, and water to stay hydrated. Don't miss out on a great opportunity to meet new people, get in some exercise, and indulge your love for the beautiful game. See you on the field!

Chad, officially known as the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked nation in the north-east of Africa. Home to around 12 million inhabitants of different ethnicities, it is a place where cultures converge across three climate zones of the Sudan, Sahel and Sahara regions. **Buried deep in the heart of the Sahara Desert is the** **Ennedi Massif – a UNESCO World Heritage Site** famed for its sandstone mountains and unique rock formations. Spanning 50,000km, the Ennedi Massif continues to provide much needed shelter for the inhabitants, the flora and the fauna of this region – and has done for millennia. **Here natural beauty and biodiversity come together** to form some of the largest sandstone arches on the planet. And hidden among them are natural springs, known as gueltas that house the endangered West African Crocodile, while also serving as a life source for flocks of Barbary Sheep, herds of camels and generations of nomadic people since time immemorial – all while the Barbary falcons swirl overhead above the lofty sand spires. The spectacularly unique landscape of the Ennedi Massif was formed by **millions of years of erosion**, and it is the permanent underground waters of this plateau that sustain such a rich ecosystem. With **thousands of paintings engraved on the rocky surfaces** of its caves and canyons, this region offers up one of the largest rock art collections in the Sahara to tell an ancient story. Experts estimate some of the **oldest rock art in this region dates back to the repopulation of the Sahara at the end of the last ice age – about 10,000 years ago!** And because of the sheer volume of the paintings and engravings in this area, it has been possible to reconstruct, decipher and map out not only the daily lives, cultural and economic values of our Saharan ancestors, but also form a perspective on the main stages of the climate and environmental change that took place here. **The landscape of the Ennedi Massif is, in a word, breathtaking**. The silhouettes of the cliffs, rock formations and tassilis plateaus set against a backdrop of glistening golden sand dunes in some parts, and forest covered valleys in others, offers a symphony of contrasting beauty. With one sweep of the eyes, you are transported from dizzying heights to the depths of narrow gorges, and from immense desert plateaus to refreshing water basins, framed by delicate and imposing natural stone arches. **A sanctuary of calm and beauty, the Ennedi Massif is a magical kingdom** that has stood the test of time. And standing proud as one of the last remaining biodiverse ecosystems in the world’s largest desert, the Ennedi Massif is a testament not only to the existence of our prehistory, but also a real snapshot in time of life during the ‘green Sahara’ era. **Let's go!** **DAY 1: N'Djamena** Meet at the airport for the Ethiopian flight via Addis Ababa to N'Djamena. After the immigration process and police registration, take a quick look at the capital city. Tonight, we will stay at a city hotel. **DAY 2-3: N'Djamena – Moussoro – Road to Kalait** Leave the city toward Moussoro and continue to a desert camp in the village of Kalait. The road leads north across the alluvial plains of Lake Chad, passing small Sahelian settlements with villages, mud huts, and markets that offer a glimpse of simple African life. Make a short stop for supplies before continuing to Massakory, which marks the end of paved roads and the start of true off-road ride. The landscape gradually transforms into the semi-desert of the Kanem region, with acacia trees and sandy tracks along the dry Bahr el Ghazal riverbed. Arrive in Moussoro, a small town serving as a key stop for fuel, surrounded by semi-arid zones where nomadic Arab and Kreda families tend to their camel and cattle herds, a testament to the harsh yet resilient Saharan lifestyle. Pushing onward through sometimes challenging sandy pistes, we head to Bathandjenna, a nomadic meeting point with numerous wells and herds of camels grazing on marginal pastures. If lucky, we will spot wild Dorcas gazelles or fennec foxes. The scenery becomes increasingly arid, with isolated tents replacing villages. Welcome to Kalait, a bustling Saharan crossroads and market hub for the region, where we set up our desert camp amid the emerging sandstone formations signaling the approach to Ennedi. Overnights are in mobile tent camps, with meals prepared by our team under the stars. **DAY 4: Kalait – Guelta Bachikélé – Ennedi** Our first stop in the village of Kalait is a market for last minute supply pickup before heading into the Ennedi mountains. Here, we will spend our time exploring numerous sandstone rock formations carved by wind and erosion to create unreal shapes. We will also visit several rock art sites with works overhead depicting cows, camels, and warriors. If time allows, we will pass by an ancient burial site in the Tubu territory. First, we reach the Ennedi Guelta of Bachikélé, a water source differing from others with clean waters from a permanent spring, surrounded by abundant vegetation, palm trees, and fruits that feed local baboons. Here, we will meet indigenous inhabitants - nomads, passing small groups of tents as we spot them on their way to pasture with their camels or drawing water from wells. **The landscape in this region is truly spectacular, and we will camp in one of the prettiest areas in the Ennedi mountains in the northeast, known for its all shades of red. This is one of Africa’s most unexpected areas, with natural arches and isolated deep gorges.** **DAY 5: Ennedi – Rock Formations and Arches** Today, we head to the Arch of Julia, an imposing and inexplicable structure carved by wind and sand into a magical setting, followed by the enormous Arch of Aloba, one of the world’s largest at 120 meters high and 77 meters wide, where wind creates challenging circuits. Nearby stands the Five Arch, a stunning cluster of five natural bridges. **DAY 6: Ennedi – Labyrinth and Rock Art Exploration** As we delve deeper into Ennedi’s hidden gems, we start with the labyrinth of Oyo, a maze of wadis bordered by sandstone mountains with yet another set of fantastic shapes, as we cross sinuous passages and precarious pinnacles. Next is the rupestre peintes of Terkei, one of the richest Saharan cave art sites featuring Neolithic depictions of animals like giraffes and elephants, shepherds, warriors, and enigmatic "flying" horses. Continue to Wimina, a site with additional prehistoric rock art echoing ancient narratives of daily life and culture. **DAY 7: Guelta d'Archei – Trekking Guelta - Kalait** Today’s highlight is undoubtedly the **Guelta d’Archei, the only permanent waterhole in the region**, **situated amid a dramatic and towering gorge**. Here, we will see possibly up to 600 camels quenching their thirst as their bellowing echoes bounce off the rock walls. The guelta is also home to one of the **last populations of the Saharan crocodile**, which live in small waterholes. Reduced to a population of around only 10, no young Saharan crocodiles have been seen for years, leading to speculation that the population is either entirely male or female and headed for extinction soon. With a bit of luck, we should be able to spot them. As we head out of Ennedi, we stop back in Kalait before heading south. The landscape changes back through a more typically African setting, with settled villages and mud huts replacing the camel hair tents of the Tubu. **DAY 8: Kalait – Moussoro** The drive leads southwest through the Bahr el Ghazal wadi, that drains into Lake Chad during rare floods. This region is part of the Kanem prefecture, where archaeological sites have yielded human remains from 7 million years ago. Passage includes areas with acacia stands and low vegetation supporting wildlife such as jackals and fennec foxes, with Chad's total mammal count at 134 species. Nomad camps of Kreda groups, who form the largest subgroup in Bahr el Gazel, appear along the track, often near wells providing water from aquifers. Arrival in Moussoro, the capital of Bahr el Gazel province, to refuel. **DAY 9: Moussoro – N'Djamena** The final stretch of 230 kilometers head south on a mix of tracks and paved sections through Sahelian zones in the Chari-Baguirmi region, passing sparse settlements. The route borders areas affected by Lake Chad's shrinkage, which has reduced from 25,000 square kilometers in the 1960s to about 1,500 today, impacting local fishing communities. Arrival in N'Djamena in the afternoon will mark the end of our Sahara-Sahelian expedition. Overnight in a hotel. **DAY 10: Return** It is time to bid farewell to Chad and head back to the airport for the return flight home. **Level:** Easy, however it is a journey to the heart and soul of Africa, area with limited facilities. **Activities:** Trekking, off roading, immersion of Saharan and Sahelian cultures, experiencing one of the simplest life on the planet. **Duration:** 10 days **Accommodation & meals:** 2 nights in the hotels in N'djamena - double sharing and mobile camping. Meals included except meals during transfers. **Specifically excluded:** E-visa, restaurant meals on transfers, entry fees if any, insurance. **Cost:** **2350 EURO** + flight approx. 4,950 AED. **Cost valid until FEB 28.** **Requirement:** Comfortable shoes, camping equipment, head lamp, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, sleeping bag, disposable plates and cutlery, gifts for tribes. **Visa:** E-visa for all passports. **Yellow Fever Certificate** is required for entry to Chad. This is a travel to malaria endemic region, prophylactics is compulsory for all participants. **Expect:** **Real, raw Africa!** Limited facilities with shower only every other day, lifetime experience with indigenous African tribes, waking up to sound of villages, stunning landscapes, tons of smiles but also striking poverty - share your t-shirts! Come back home with high appreciation of your life. See yah in Chad xx Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050484823](https://wa.me/971504848238) Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

BRUNCH and Weekend Vibes at Querida Mexican & Friends 🌮 Join us this weekend for a relaxed Mexican-style brunch in the heart of Al Barsha. Location : https://maps.app.goo.gl/i3vLDu4aaRkq5ZGcA Menu: https://qr.emenu.ae/querida/#/en/category/32795 Fresh tacos, classic plates, and cozy vibes 📍 Querida Mexican & Friends , Al Barsha

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

## Exclusive Dine-Out Offers at Querida – Al Barsha 📍 **Querida Restaurant** ### 20% OFF Available for dine-out bookings via: * Talabat * Zomato * Careem * The Entertainer Book through your favorite app and enjoy 20% off your total bill. *** ### 🇦🇪 15% OFF for Fazaa Members Show your **Fazaa** card and enjoy 15% off your dine-in experience. *** 🌮 Authentic Mexican flavors 🌶 Freshly prepared daily 🥑 Guacamole. Tacos. Birria. Pozole. 🍹 Refreshing hibiscus water & mocktails 📍 Al Barsha, Dubai

registration through WhatsApp only 0522955859 Calling all football enthusiasts in Dubai! Join us for a friendly social football game where skill meets fun! 📅 Date: Everyday ⏰ Time: from 8 pm To 9 pm and 9 pm to 10 pm 📍 Location: Gems new Mellinum Al khail Dubai hills. Format: Casual 9-a-side game Fee: 45 AED All levels are welcome—just bring your love for the game and positive vibes! 📩 RSVP now! Spaces are limited, so confirm your spot today. Contact: Zinou +971522955859 Let’s kick it and make unforgettable memories on the pitch!

A social meetup in a beautiful Dubai location for people who love atmosphere, great drinks, new friends, English conversations, and effortless networking.

REGISTRATION THROUGH WHATSAPP: 0552176382 SOCIAL FOOTBALL GAMES FOR ALL LEVELS. FEES ARE 40 AED Cash And 45 AED Online.

Let’s try some Filipino food at a well known Grandview area restaurant, This is the menu: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHByDNxwDA/TO8oxEmjQrBp_PP_mLPUag/view?utm_content=DAHByDNxwDA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h435abfbbb3#1

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!

MCKS PRANIC HEALING® Level I In PRANIC HEALING® Level 1, you learn the basics of working with your energy aura, including learning to "scan," or feel the energy, to "sweep," or clean away congested energy, and to "energize," or supplement areas in your aura that have a pranic deficiency. PRANIC HEALING® has been taught to doctors, nurses, massage therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, shiatsu practitioners, and many others in the healing field. It has allowed them to heal confidently and consistently in the shortest learning time possible. These professionals find PRANIC HEALING® very effective and easy to apply. Other topics covered in PRANIC HEALING® Level 1: Energetic anatomy: You will learn to work with the network of chakras, meridians and auras to accelerate the healing processes of your body. Preventive healing: You will learn to remove the negative energetic patterns of a disease to prevent it from fully manifesting as a physical ailment. Self-Pranic healing: You will learn to apply these healing techniques to accelerate your own healing. Step-by-step techniques for ailments related to your: respiratory system, e.g., asthma,; circulatory system, e.g., heart ailments; gastrointestinal system, e.g., irritable bowel syndrome; musculoskeletal system, e.g., arthritis and back pain; reproductive system, e.g., menstrual problems. You'll also learn how to address common problems as migraines and sinusitis. Additionally, you'll learn to apply distant healing to loved ones who are not present in the room with you. All PRANIC HEALING® courses are "experiential," which means that you learn by actually performing the techniques and exercises in class - on yourself and those around you. During class, all the principles will be explained thoroughly and you will practice the techniques exhaustively so you will be confident in your ability to produce positive results when you finish the course. This is Day 2 of 2 Attendance at day one is required to attend day 2. The Course text book is Choa Kok Sui, "Miracles through Pranic Healing" Please bring this with you to class. PRANIC HEALING® Level 1 is a prerequisite to all other GMCKS courses. For those interested to review the class...Review fee is only $75!! LOOK AT THIS!! Review for FREE when you bring a new student to class with you.

Let’s meet up at this popular sushi restaurant in Gahanna. There are cooked items as sushi. Check out the menu: https://restauranttora.com/columbus-tora-food-menu

Start your week the right way with Manic Mondays. Giving you an enjoyable Bachata lesson with a push of cool moves. The second hour has Beginner/Intermediate Salsa on 1. You must understand basic Salsa skills to participate. 730pm-830pm Bachata Cool Moves 830pm-930pm Salsa On 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) $15 for One Class $20 for Both Free Parking & Plenty of Dance Space.

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 enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

***Okay, call me crazy but you have got to try their chip n dip!*** Club 185 is a true hidden gem in German Village! Seriously, old school, good comfort food and drink. We will try to gather in spaces near the windows. While we'll share Chip n Dip, you'll want to order a sandwich, too. **Where the Chip Began (1817)** Potato chips can be traced back to an English chef, William Kitchiner, who includes ‘crisps’ in his bestselling cookbook, “The Cook’s Oracle.” **Chip and Dip Popularity** The popularity of chip and dip skyrockets at the end of World War II with new entertainment fads and the introduction of Lipton’s new advertising campaign for their famous French Onion Dip. (Club 185 doesn't openly admit it, but I'm pretty sure that's their dip recipe!) **[Club 185](http://club185.com/)**—a true neighborhood bar serving since 1954, when it was known as a local 'speak-easy'. Located in German Village, Club 185 features a menu of quality casual comfort food and full bar. From politicians to lawyers, hardhats to hipsters—all find Club 185 the perfect place to tame their hunger and quench their thirst! **PARKING**: I know, brick street parallel parking can be a pain. Two other choices, metered parking along Livingston heading towards Children's Hospital or across the street in the large church lot (park in spaces farthest away from the church entrance doors, closer to the street). **PRE-EVENT**: **HAPPY HOUR (3-5pm)**: Italian drinks and bites at [Cento's happy hour](https://centogermanvillage.com/menus/), nearby.