FUN TRAVELING

Calling all Crew Members! 🚢 BBaddies On A Track! We will be meeting at 6am to hit the track. We will do a warm up and then a few drills and sprints on the track! We will also have fun and be in community!

Lunch at Pinstripes Restaurant in N. Bethesda Pike & Rose. Free parking is available in all garages or outdoor lots for up to two hours (street parking not included). Enjoy Buy One Get One Free Tuesday on any item. Share it or take it with you. BOGO bowling is also available if anyone wants to bowl before or after lunch.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/3/f/8/event_160705592.jpeg (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=ZA8SWMLWS7WHA) NOTES 1. The conversation course is continuing education, designed to excel students' Amharic conversation skill. 2. The course runs for 12 weeks. 3. We don't give placement test. The students place themselves and they can switch to a level up or down, after they examine themselves. 4. Class cancelled due to 'Force Majeure', will be recovered at the end of the course. 5. Arriving by Metro: The closest metro stations are Farragut West and Farragut North. 6. Meter parking is also an option. It is about $ 0.25 for 8 minutes. 7. The payment for each class is $ 15.00 per person per hour. It will be $ 20.00 per person per hour for walk-ins. However, it is depending on availability. 8. Students can bring friends and pay $ 20 for 2 persons per hour. But it has to be an advance payment.

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. Join us for winter fun, hiking and ice skating! First time skaters welcome. We will meet next to the Mercury Fountain, which is north of the Ice Rink. From the fountain, we will take the Green Trail to Lake Anne. From there we continue on the Blue Trail and some other paths until we reach Lake Fairfax. We will zigzag through Lake Fairfax Park and we will have a break at Lake Fairfax Park Campground A (excellent facilities). Then we will continue through the Lake Fairfax Park until we make a right turn that will bring us close to the Reston Golf Course. We will hike along the golf course until we hit the W&OD trail at Sallie Mae Drive. Then we will follow the W&OD trail back to Reston, to start part 2 of the fun. The hike is 6 miles with \~400 feet elevation gain. We plan to arrive at the Reston Ice Rink about 11:45am for the ice skating portion of this event, followed by lunch at Makers Union about 1pm. Cost for skating is $11 adults/$9 senior or military plus $8 skate rental. Distance: 6 miles Elevation: 400 ft. Pace: 2.5-3 mph while moving **Coordinates of the meeting place:** 38.958924, -77.356932 **Dogs:** not allowed **Leaders:** Willem Janssen, (202) 280-4397 and Kris N. (618) 623-2484 **Rating:** C **Map for hike:** https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-december-2-2024-9c838d2?u=i&sh=g8n9nn

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

Our monthly meeting: Opportunity to introduce yourself, learn about each other, discuss travel ideas, possibly plan a trip together and make new friends! At this meeting, we will determine our Feb20-22 weekend trip!

Climb to the top of South America for an out-of-this-world Bolivian experience — encounter awe-inspiring geography, cities rich in colonial history, and Indigenous culture. From La Paz, the highest capital city in the world, travel to the crest of the Andes and the middle of nowhere for three days of incredible off-road exploration of the Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounding desert altiplano. Take the road less travelled and meet locals for an immersive cultural experience that few travellers get to know. If you are looking for an authentic experience away from the tourist track, Bolivia is the perfect place for genuine adventure. Tour Start **LA PAZ** Tour End **LA PAZ** Destination BOLIVIA Itinerary Day01 **LA PAZ** Day02 **LA PAZ/SUCRE** Day03 SUCRE Day04 SUCRE Day05 SUCRE/POTOSÍ Day06 POTOSÍ/UYUNI Day07 UYUNI/SALT FLATS Day08 SALT FLATS Day09 SALT FLATS/LA PAZ Day10 LA PAZ Day11 TIWANAKU AND LAKE TITICACA Day12 LA PAZ Price: $3990 (Double Occupancy) $4590 (Single Occupancy) Inclusions Price Includes Hotels (8 nts) at lodge/basic hotels on Salar de Uyuni excursion (2 nts, multi-share), Overnight Sleeper Bus (1 nt). Breakfasts at hotel, 3 lunches, 2 dinners All transportation – Public bus, 4×4 vehicle, Internal plane. Experienced guide/Tour leader Activities as per the itinerary Price Excludes Flights Meals Personal Expenses Optional activities Travel insurance / Visa Tips \*\*\* For detailed itinerary & to reserve your seat, follow the link: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/bolivia-discovery-12-days-uyuni-salt-flats-la-paz-sucre-lake-titicaca/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/bolivia-discovery-12-days-uyuni-salt-flats-la-paz-sucre-lake-titicaca/) Questions? Text / Call / Whatsapp: 2023787696

**NOTE: AN RSVP ON MEETUP DOES NOT SERVE AS A BOOKED SPOT. YOU MUST BOOK VIA LINK BELOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.** **You must book your spot through our website: [[Booking Link Here](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/firearm-safety-2-7-26)]** Lesbifriends Travel is proud to partner with certified firearm instructor Paquita Wiggins to offer a comprehensive, safety-focused gun training tailored for queer Black folks. Whether you’re seeking to obtain your Handgun Qualification License (HQL) or a Concealed Carry Permit, this training will provide you with the education, hands-on experience, and confidence needed to protect yourself and your community responsibly. In a welcoming, affirming space, participants will learn firearm safety, self-defense principles, and legal considerations, all while gaining real experience at the shooting range. **Event Details You Should Know:** 📅 **Class Date:** Saturday, February 7 (Classroom Training) 📅 **Shooting Range Date:** Date scheduled by you **🕖Time:** 9 AM - 11:30 AM (for HQL) & 9 AM - 5:30 PM (for CCP) *Local Time Zone is Eastern Time (ET)* **Class** **Location:** Northwest, Washington, DC **Shooting Range:** Baltimore, MD Area *(Exact addresses shared with confirmed participants and will be shared week of event. While firearm safety and protection training is typically a 16-hour process, our comprehensive approach ensures that participants receive the necessary instruction efficiently.)* **Who This Event Is For:** Queer Black Folks looking to learn about gun safety in an exclusively curated, community-centered environment. ### **Course Options & Pricing:** #### **Option 1: Handgun Qualification License (HQL) - $75** ✅ 2 hours of classroom education **(Arrival/Check-in at 9 AM. Class Time 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM)** ✅ Hour of firearm handling (at the range) ✅ All firearms and ammunition provided ✅ Expert instruction from a certified USCCA instructor ❌ No food & drinks included (Feel free to bring your own) **\*IMPORTANT NOTE: This option includes the required training course and certificate, which you will need to obtain your Handgun Qualification License (HQL) in Maryland. However, fingerprinting and the application submission are not included in the ticket price and must be completed separately.** **Since the state of Maryland is responsible for issuing the HQL, you will not leave the class fully licensed. Instead, you will receive the training certificate, which is a required step in the licensing process.** #### **Option 2: Concealed Carry Permit - $300** ✅ 8 hours of classroom education **(Arrival/Check-in at 9 AM. Class Time 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM)** ✅ Hour of firearm handling (at the range) ✅ All firearms and ammunition provided ✅ Expert instruction from a certified USCCA instructor ❌ No food & drinks included. There will be a 30 min lunch break. (You’re encouraged to bring your own food. There are also places to grab food close to the class location.) **\*IMPORTANT NOTE: While firearm safety and protection training is typically a 16-hour process, our comprehensive approach ensures that participants receive the necessary instruction efficiently.** ### **What to Expect:** 📖 **Day 1: Classroom Training (February 7)** * Firearm safety, responsible ownership, and state gun laws * Self-defense principles & legal considerations * Hands-on firearm handling in a controlled setting 🎯 **Day 2: Shooting Range Practice (TBD)** * Live-fire training & confidence-building exercises * Tactical drills & supervised shooting practice ### **💪🏽Why Train With Us?** ✔ **Led by a Certified Instructor:** Paquita Wiggins is a **licensed USCCA instructor with 15+ years of experience.** ✔ **A Safe & Supportive Environment:** Learn without intimidation in a space designed for queer Black folks. ✔ **Empowerment Through Education:** This isn’t just about firearms—it’s about preparedness, protection, and community strength. **Spaces are limited.** Learn more details and claim your spot here: **[Firearm Safety Training](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/firearm-safety-2-7-26)**! **Booking deadline is January 28, 2026.** **Note:** By attending this event, you agree to being photographed. However, if communicated, we will try our best not to capture you in photos and post you publicly. That request must be communicated ahead of time/at the beginning of the event to photographer and host.

(NOTE: If you feel sick/unwell, stay home, no worries. We'll be around next month. ALSO: This is a new location due to renovations at the Hyatt) WHO: DC-Area Global Nomads/TCKs WHEN: 7pm First Friday of Every Month WHERE: Spotted Zebra at Marriott Metro Center, 775 12th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 WHY: If you grew up abroad as a kid, come on over and meet other folks (ranging in ages of early-20s to late-60s) who know the true meaning of "So where are you from?" If you can't make it this month, no worries, they're generally on the first Friday of every month, with a few exceptions, particularly if it's a holiday weekend (Independence Day, Columbus Day, etc) or if I'm out of town. *Ideas for other possible locations always welcome (preferably ones that are relatively quiet -- good for conversation -- and serve wine/beer/booze).*

Greetings from the capital! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people from all walks of life — students, diplomats, travelers, locals — gather to unwind and connect. [[[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Gf89PPYe3RMAK6Z7SGf5or)]] Our age range is mostly 20s to 30s. If you enjoy discussing culture, politics, travel, or just want to practice a new language, this group is for you. A perfect blend of diversity and dialogue, right in the heart of D.C.

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."

Join us for a CMG Discount Tuesday event to see the hilarious, action-packed and absolutely-bonkers-looking sci-fi-action-comedy, GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE! The film follows a man from the future who recruits diners at an LA restaurant to help combat rogue AI. Here’s a description, trailer and our plan for this event: GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE: A man from the future arrives at a diner in Los Angeles where he must recruit the precise combination of disgruntled patrons to join him on a one-night quest to save the world from the terminal threat of a rogue artificial intelligence. The film is directed by Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean series) and stars Sam Rockwell, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, Zazie Beetz, Asim Chaudhry, Tom Taylor, and Juno Temple. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkFW7BZyqkI EARLY BUZZ AND REVIEWS: Early reviews have been stellar with the film earning a 94% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes! “It offers laughs, thrills, and it’s a thinker; you will not be disappointed.” It’s a “laugh-filled yet incredibly dark and poignant fever dream that pleads for a safer AI tomorrow” and director Gore Verbinski's “command over utter chaos is nothing short of marvelous!” PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:20pm showing and meet in the bar area between 5:45 and 6:00pm! A smaller theater so advance ticket purchase as soon as possible is advised! (If we fill it up, we can sometimes persuade them to move it to a larger theater.) One you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments below. Should be a fun one, Dan

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Paris Baguette](https://parisbaguette.com/locations/oh/columbus/3969-merchants-row/)!

Inspired by the successful events like "Pot Luck in the Park" and "Saturday Mornings @ East Market," this meetup promises a fun and engaging atmosphere where like-minded individuals can connect over a shared love for languages and cultures. Whether you're a language learner, ESL student, or simply passionate about exploring new cultures, this event is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a diverse and welcoming community. Come join us for an enlightening afternoon of language, culture, food, of course, and connections! (Everyone will individually choose from the buffet and pay for their own meal, by weight.)

COLUMBUS RECREATION CENTERS require membership fee to play. Register & Pay at the desk when you arrive. $5 day pass is available. I have some extra pickle ball paddles and balls if you don’t have one. Definitely bring your own paddle if you have one and bring some balls if you have them. Legal Stuff: The event hosts/Organizers are just fellow member volunteers. By participating in any event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in these activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in condition fit to participate. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and rules during your participation in any event.
 Photos & or Video: by attending these events you acknowledge photos and or video may be taken and used on this and other platforms.