Exotic Birds

**AWS Cloud Carnival: Cloud Computing + Hands-on Workshop** ☁️🎡🚀 Welcome to **AWS Cloud Carnival**, a power-packed and exciting cloud event where learning meets real-world technology! If you’ve ever been curious about **AWS, Cloud Computing, or DevOps**, this is the perfect chance to start your journey with a fun and interactive experience. Get ready for an engaging session filled with **live demos, hands-on learning, real cloud concepts, and career guidance** — all designed specially for students and beginners. To attend the event **in person**, it is mandatory to claim your **free ticket** from the link below. **Get your free ticket here:** [https://konfhub.com/aws-cloud-carnival](https://konfhub.com/aws-cloud-carnival) **What’s inside the Carnival?** ✨ Introduction to Cloud Computing & AWS ⚡ Explore AWS Core Services (EC2, S3, IAM, VPC) 🛠️ Hands-on demo sessions and practical learning 🚀 Cloud + DevOps basics (deployment & real use cases) 🎓 Career roadmap + certifications guidance 🤝 Networking with cloud enthusiasts & community members **Featured Speakers:** ***Sagar Khangan*** Principal Software Engineer \| Senior Engineering Manager Stealth Startup (India · Remote) Session: "Starting Your Cloud Journey with AWS" ***Anmoldeep Singh Arora*** Packaged App Development Senior Analyst @**Accenture** Session: Early Explorer's guide to Cost Optimization in AWS **Who should attend?** ✅ Students (Beginner to Intermediate) ✅ Developers & Tech Enthusiasts ✅ Anyone interested in building a career in Cloud & DevOps **Event Details:** 📅 Date: 14 March 2026 (Saturday) ⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 04:00 PM IST 📍 Venue: Seminar Hall, Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University 🎟️ **Limited seats available!** Don’t miss this chance to learn, build, and experience the cloud world with AWS. 🚀 Register now and be a part of the **AWS Cloud Carnival!**

**AWS Cloud Carnival: Cloud Computing + Hands-on Workshop** ☁️🎡🚀 Welcome to **AWS Cloud Carnival**, a power-packed and exciting cloud event where learning meets real-world technology! If you’ve ever been curious about **AWS, Cloud Computing, or DevOps**, this is the perfect chance to start your journey with a fun and interactive experience. Get ready for an engaging session filled with **live demos, hands-on learning, real cloud concepts, and career guidance** — all designed specially for students and beginners. To attend the event **in person**, it is mandatory to claim your **free ticket** from the link below. **Get your free ticket here:** [https://konfhub.com/aws-cloud-carnival](https://konfhub.com/aws-cloud-carnival) **What’s inside the Carnival?** ✨ Introduction to Cloud Computing & AWS ⚡ Explore AWS Core Services (EC2, S3, IAM, VPC) 🛠️ Hands-on demo sessions and practical learning 🚀 Cloud + DevOps basics (deployment & real use cases) 🎓 Career roadmap + certifications guidance 🤝 Networking with cloud enthusiasts & community members **Featured Speakers:** ***Sagar Khangan*** Principal Software Engineer \| Senior Engineering Manager Stealth Startup (India · Remote) Session: "Starting Your Cloud Journey with AWS" ***Anmoldeep Singh Arora*** Packaged App Development Senior Analyst @**Accenture** Session: Early Explorer's guide to Cost Optimization in AWS **Who should attend?** ✅ Students (Beginner to Intermediate) ✅ Developers & Tech Enthusiasts ✅ Anyone interested in building a career in Cloud & DevOps **Event Details:** 📅 Date: 14 March 2026 (Saturday) ⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 04:00 PM IST 📍 Venue: Seminar Hall, Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University 🎟️ **Limited seats available!** Don’t miss this chance to learn, build, and experience the cloud world with AWS. 🚀 Register now and be a part of the **AWS Cloud Carnival!**

Here's a wonderful opportunity to visit the Galapagos Islands and see those huge tortoises, blue-footed boobies (birds) and the great frigate birds whose red pouches from the males get inflated like a balloon when they court! #### Independent Package Includes: * Round trip flights Miami-Quito, Quito-Miami * All intra-flights: Quito-Baltra & Baltra-Quito * 6 nights accommodations * 3 nights Quito * 3 nights Galapagos Islands * Hotel taxes, fees & service charges * All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates† * 9 meals: 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches * Services of English-speaking local guides * Services of English-speaking naturalist guides in the Galapagos * Shore excursions * Tips for porters, wait staff & local guides on included services * Galapagos National Park fee of $200 * Galapagos Transit Control Card fee of $20 **Special Features** * Embark on a journey to the beginning of time in the Galapagos Archipelago of volcanic islands * Tour the Charles Darwin Research Center to learn about their preservation goals * View the iconic Pinnacle Rock, a towering lava structure on Bartolomé Island * Explore areas with blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and sea lions †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates if pre/post accommodations are booked with the tour company. **Not Included:** Optional tours and gratuities (unless otherwise specified). #### Is This Trip Right for You? #### **Uniqueness of Destination:** The Galapagos Islands' power grid is supplied by a mix of diesel generators and renewable sources, which can lead to inconsistent air conditioning during periods of high heat and humidity. #### **Things to Consider:** There are multiple early mornings. Getting to the Galapagos requires a flight from Quito to the Island of Baltra, where you will transfer to the Baltra Seaport and travel by boat to Santa Cruz Island. In the Galapagos, it takes approximately two hours on foot to get to and from the areas populated with wildlife. Small boats require agility to embark and disembark. This tour includes animal-related activities which carry inherent risks, as animal behavior can be unpredictable. You may choose not to participate. This tour visits areas of high elevations in Quito (9,300 feet), which may be a consideration for those who have heart conditions or are otherwise affected by height. If you have any concerns about traveling to higher than your accustomed elevation, please consult your healthcare provider. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking. #### **Transportation:** Modes of travel will include a boat and a panga (dinghy). #### **Pace:** Expect 3-4 hours of walking on included sightseeing days, as well as considerable time standing. #### **Terrain:** On this tour, you may need to walk on rough, rocky trails and challenging terrain, navigate steep steps or slopes, and encounter cobblestone streets. You will experience wet landings in water, on sand, rocks, and dry landings on wooden docks. #### **Travel Style:** **This is an independent program and does not include the services of a tour manager.** **CHECK VISA REQUIREMENTS**: www.cibtvisas.com (You are under no obligation to use this vendor; do your own research; this is just to check to see if a visa is needed) COST: From $2399/pp Land & Air fr. Miami: From $3009/pp; Airfare out of all Washington DC airports are the same price as of today 1/19/26. Single Supplement $450 Non-Refundable Deposit: $300/pp Final Payment Date: 2/8/26 **HOW TO GET BOOKED AS PART OF OUR GROUP:** Email me the following information for each passenger to [Supra1214@aol.com:](http://Supra1214@aol.com/) 1. Your full name as it appears in your passport 2. Your mailing address 3. Your telephone number 4. Your email address 5. Your date of birth 6. Your passport number & expiration dates 7. Your emergency contact info (Name and phone number) 8. Type of cabin needed (single or double; interior, oceanview or balcony). If double, provide the same information for your roommate. 9. Signed credit card authorization (will email upon receipt of items 1-8) **PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT** Participants in this event should note the Liability Waiver in the PAGES section of this Meetup group. Please read it carefully. Members of this group are expected to conduct themselves in a way that is mindful and considerate of the health, safety, and welfare of themselves and other participants in any Active Friends Travel With Friends of the World Meetup activity. It is understood that you have voluntarily chosen to participate in this activity of your own free will. By joining this group and this activity, you agree to the Liability Waiver in the Pages section of this Meetup group.

Members of the public are invited to view the wonders of the universe through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend. Telescopes will be provided by the Smithsonian and pre-approved members of the NOVAC. No other personal telescopes are permitted at the event. The event will take place on the bus parking lot of the museum. **Please park your vehicle at the south end of the main visitors lot and follow signs and red lights to the observing site. As a reminder, parking during the event is free.** Have a cosmic question? One of NOVAC's astronomers or museum staff will be happy to help you. As the sky gets dark, be prepared to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! Don't forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated. Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.

Regularly scheduled walk to see birds and sights.

**Location: Lost Rhino at 21730 Red Rum Dr #142, Ashburn, VA 20147** **5 cent Lucy at Lost Rhino** **If you have no plans for Saturday evening join us for a chit cha, music and possibly some dancing.** **They have all day activities as below in case you prefer to come earlier.** **Lost Rhino's Annual St. Patrick's Celebration! 🍀** * **SATURDAY, MARCH 14th, 2026 -** **Save the date for our annual St. Patrick's Celebration on Saturday, March 14th! 🍀 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM** * **McMunn's Irish Red Lager Beer Release 🍺** * **Irish-Style Menu, breakfast from 9-11:30AM, lunch from 11:30AM-10PM 🥔** * **Howdy Brews Coffee Truck, 9AM-1PM ☕** * **Foley Irish Dance Academy Performance at 12:15PM 👯** * **Live Music: Last Resort from 1-4PM, The Sugar Packets from 4-7PM, and 5 Cent Lucy from 7-10PM 🎶** * **Tilly Goose Trucker Hat Bar from 12-3PM 🧢** * **Naughty Nougat chocolates vendor from 12-4PM 🍫** **Free for all ages! N/A root beer on draft is available for kids and DDs! 🍀 We can't wait to see you there! 🍻**

Does it feel like the world is ending? Stop doomscrolling and try some vigorous outdoor activity! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, March 15 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

Join us on this magical trip to Japan to experience the enchanting allure of spring, where nature paints the landscape with vibrant colors. We chose this season for the unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the country’s most iconic destinations at their best: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, and Osaka. We will also visit the Japanese Alps with stays in Matsumoto and Kanazawa. Each city boasts unique attractions and seasonal charm that will captivate our senses and leave us with unforgettable memories. A true Meetup Experience! What is included: * 3 nights in Tokyo * 1 night in Matsumoto * 2 nights in Kanazawa * 2 nights in Kyoto * 3 nights in Osaka * Arrival and Departure Airport Transfers * Transportation throughout by Coach * English Speaking guide throughout the itinerary * Sightseeing tours with admissions fees per itinerary * Breakfast Daily * 2 lunches, 5 dinners Experience: * Visit to shrines, temples and castles with amazing Spring Blossoms * The Bullet train-Shinkansen * Sushi Making Class * Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony * Maiko Dinner (apprentice geisha) * Samurai Experience What is not included: * International Airfare * Tips for the guide and driver * Meals not listed in the itinerary * Items of personal nature Japan during spring is a feast for the senses, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and urban excitement. We will enjoy it all and this promises to be an unforgettable adventure with our fellow Meetup travelers! **Land Tour cost $5760 per person, double occupancy** **(we match roommates for those wishing to share)** **Solo occupancy additional $1050** **\*\*\*International Airfare not included\*\*\*** The only way to guarantee your spot for this meetup is a **$400 deposit.** **[CLICK HERE](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/TB7SYRJPHPT5A) for secure deposit link:** Upon submitting the deposit, please **[fill out this form](https://forms.gle/toSHuzqVMT92rutL7)** RSVP to the event with your email to receive additional info. **RSVP DOES NOT RESERVE YOUR SPOT.** Deposit is the only way to hold your spot. **[Click Here for secure deposit link.](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/TB7SYRJPHPT5A)** Your deposit is fully refundable up to 90 days before the departure. For airfare and other info on the trip, [click here to message Anna](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) [Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) to fill out our google info request form to receive detailed itinerary. We believe in good decent social. This event is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. [Click Here ](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/events/299222593)for the main location of this event. Still have questions? We do a monthly [Q&A Travel Zoom](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/) on all our events Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet us and other attendees. [Click here for General Policies](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282719353/) and useful info about our international trips. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too. [Click Here to see all our other fun events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events) Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it! SOT 2000318-10