Cultural Heritage

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Along the banks of the River Congo on the western side of Central Africa are two capital cities, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kinshasa, and the Republic of Congo’s Brazzaville, both home to dapper Sapeurs, gateways to vibrant tribes of mystical dancers, gorillas, geologic wonders in heart of darkness rainforest jungles, and kingly incarnations among ancient tribal kingdoms. If you haven’t heard the term before, **Sapeurs are followers of a fashion culture** in Brazzaville and Kinshasa, members of the Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People, made up of day labourers, taxi drivers, or even gardeners, but dressed to impress in dapper designer suits and treated like rock-stars in their communities for the joy and colour. We’ll find these Ladies and Gentlemen of the Congo in both capital cities and they’re looking forward to meeting you! Beyond Brazzaville and into the heart of the Republic of Congo we’ll find the **Téké Kingdom and it’s own capital village Mbé** where we’ll meet the modern incarnation of their King Makoko. The village has preserved the vestiges of this once heroic kingdom which once spread across 85,000 square kilometres extended into Congo and the former Zaire. Expect to hear stories from village elders, chieftains painting their faces in bright yellows and reds, and tribal ceremonies to keep you up at night. Our trip would not be completed without meeting **eye to eye with lowland gorillas,** for which one of best spot is on our way in Lesio Louna. Further on into the rainforests is the **Nkila Ntari Caves, a descent of more than a kilometers deep underground** will take us past cave paintings. **Let’s go!!** **Day 1 // Kinshasa Arrival** After arrival and immigration formalities, we’ll have a first look around Kinshasa and take in the high fashion of the Sapeurs before dinner and overnight at hotel. **Day 2 // Kingdom of Kuba** Congo coffee and fufu breakfast before we hit the bumpy road to Kuba Kingdom. The Kuba village we will head to, is one of the remnants of what was once powerful 17th century empire. They are renowned for rich artistic traditions, particularly intricate geometric raffia textiles, and had a complex, centralized political system with a royal army and administration. **Day 3 // Voodoo ceremony** We start the day with traditional voodoo ceremony and continue taking in the best of Kinshasa, including National Museum and artisan galleries. **DAY 4 // Crossing to Brazzaville** In the morning we head to port for boat crossing to Brazzaville! Take in the Sapeurs performance on the other side and wander around town before we check-in to hotel. Enjoy a dinner and toast to our border crossing into the Republic! **Day 5 //** **Lowland Gorillas** **and Teke Kingdom** Departure to Lesio Louna Reserve for encounters with the **Lowland Gorillas.** Then we’re off to Mbé village to meet King Makoko in the capital of the old kingdom of the Tékés! Village elders will tell tales of the old kingdom, chiefs will paint their faces in red and yellow, and we’ll have a chance to talk to the King himself. After our encounters with kings, head to our lodge in Ngabé for dinner and rest. **Day 6 // Queen Ngalifuru and Kebe-Kebe in Ngabe** This morning we meet Queen Ngalifuru and deliver a few gifts as tribute. Be mindful, she has a few magical powers! We have much to explore and people to meet in Ngabé before the mystical dance of the Kébé-Kébé in the evening, a performance not to miss! We’ll spend the night in Ngabé lodge. **Day 7 // Nkila Ntari Caves and Punu Tribe** Very early breakfast before drive to the Nkila Ntari Caves where we’ll have a speleologist-led look around the rock arts and formations of this kilometre-long tunnel. Afterwards continue on to Nkayi to meet and see the Punu tribes’ performances. Overnight in the hotel. **Day 8 // Pointe Noire** Quick look at this coastal city before souvenir shopping and return flight home. **Activities:** Experience raw and authentic Africa, gorilla trekking, participating in local ceremonies, boating, cultural immersion. **Room & Meals:** Lodges and hotels - **double sharing**. Restaurant meals excluded. **Cost: 11,400 AED** excl. flights until JAN 20. **Specifically Excluded:** international flights, restaurant meals, visas. **Visas:** **\- DRC \-** Evisa (455 USD) or LOI for Consulate visa (150 USD LOI + 100 visa stamping) **\- ROC \-** Visa on arrival based on LOI (120 USD LOI + 100 visa stamping) **YELLOW FEVER Vaccination Certificate is mandatory to cross inter-african borders.** This is a travel to malaria endemic region, prophylactics is compulsory for all participants. See yah in Congos x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [info@trekkup.com](http://info@trekkup.com/) [Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

*Canvas & Contemplation: Deep Reflections Through Paintings* **Fee:** AED 30 **Duration:** 2 hours **Format:** Two paintings, one per hour — deep group discussion follows each What happens when philosophy meets paint and canvas? Welcome to **Canvas & Contemplation: Deep Reflections Through Paintings**, a unique gathering where we explore the profound connection between visual art and the human experience. Each session, we’ll sit with two powerful artworks — not to critique them like art historians, but to let them speak to our minds and souls. You'll be surprised by the range of interpretations one painting can evoke — where one person sees despair, another may find hope; where one sees chaos, another finds divine order. This is a space for meaningful, respectful conversation that opens us up to new perspectives and helps us see more — in the art, and in ourselves. Whether you're a philosopher at heart, an artist in spirit, or simply curious about how we see and feel, this event offers a space to slow down, look deeply, and think together. **Come with an open mind, leave with new eyes.**

Welcome to **Syria, home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world** and rich with artistic and cultural heritage. From its ancient roots to its recent political instability and civil war, the country has a complex and turbulent history. The country has many treasures, but this three-day weekender manages to cover a selection of Syria’s highlights that will fascinate, delight, and provide insight into this ancient land and its people. In this historical crossroads, archaeologists have uncovered **human remains dating back 700,000 years** – even before the time of the Neanderthals. The city of Elba, thought to have existed around 3,000 BC, is one of the world’s oldest settlements ever to be excavated, while the famed **Damascus is the** **world’s oldest continuously inhabited capital city**. Even the ancient language of Aramaic is still spoken here! **Invasions and occupations through the ages** resulted in a who’s who of ancient empires making their mark on this land. These include the Egyptians, Hittites, Sumerians, Mitanni, Assyrians, Babylonians, Canaanites, Phoenicians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Mongols, Crusaders…and more! A melting pot for millennia, **today it is home to** **diverse ethnic and religious groups** including Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, Christians, Druze, Alawites, and Shia and Sunni Arabs, the last making up the majority of the Muslim population. There is no escaping the fact that the **Syrian people have suffered greatly in recent decades**, enduring military coups, a 50-year dictatorship, and brutal civil conflict resulting in death and destruction – and more than six million Syrians fleeing the country. The future of the country is still being determined, but visit Syria today and you will find a destination of fascinating ancient landmarks, delicious cuisine, proud heritage and traditions, and welcoming locals who are eager to share their culture. **Let’s go!** **Day 1 // Arrival – Bosra – Damascus** Arrival in Damascus and completion of immigration formalities. Wasting no time, we’ll hop in our van and head to the southern city of **Bosra**, **the first Nabatean city around 2,000 BC**. Later, Bosra became a prosperous provincial capital during the Roman era, flourishing into a metropolis and a major center for food production and coin minting. Bosra is said to have played an **important role in the life of Mohammed**, as described in accounts by the Christian monk Bahira – the Assyrian monk who is said to have foretold to the young Mohammed his future as a prophet. Today, Bosra is regarded as a major archaeological site and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Continue to Damascus for overnight. In the evening, we’ll enjoy the city after dark, savoring delicious Syrian food and perhaps a drink in one of its lively bars. **Day 2 // Ma’aloula – Krak des Chevaliers** After breakfast, we leave Damascus and head to the village of Ma’aloula. Here we will visit the **Greek Orthodox Convent of Saint Thecla** and walk the mountain path that bears the saint’s name. Next is the Church and Monastery of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, one of the oldest such sites in Syria, believed to date back to the 3rd or 4th century. Today, it is one of the only places in the world where **scholars can still study Aramaic**, the ancient language of Christ. We’ll then hit the road again for the two-hour drive to the impressive **Krak des Chevaliers, or "Fortress of the Knights,”** **one of the best-preserved medieval castles** in the world. Crossing the moat, entering the dungeons, and climbing the ramparts, we’ll explore this fascinating remnant of the past, founded in the 11th century and once occupied by Crusader forces. On the way back to Damascus, we’ll stop for dinner in **Homs**, a city made infamous by the three-year siege between the Syrian military and rebel opposition, which resulted in widespread destruction of entire neighborhoods. **Day 3 // Damascus – Departure** **Our trip would not be complete without visiting the oldest continuously inhabited capital city on Earth.** Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, **Damascus’ historic center is surrounded by Roman-era walls** punctuated by seven ancient gates. As we wander the streets of the Old City, it’s easy to imagine a time when Silk Road traders arrived to barter and sell their wares. Our first stop will be **Azem Palace, a masterpiece of traditional Damascene architecture**. Built in 1750 by the Ottoman governor, it is now a cultural and folklore museum where we will learn about Syrian history, customs, clothing, and more. The rest of the day will be spent exploring the city’s major historic and religious landmarks, including the Umayyad Mosque, Straight Street, the House of Saint Ananias, Khan As’ad Pasha Caravanserai, Al-Buzuriyah Souq, and Souq Al-Hamidiyah. We’ll have some free time for souvenir shopping before heading back to Damascus Airport for our flight home. **Grade:** Easy – available for everyone. **Activities:** Cultural immersion, sightseeing. **Cost: 5,350 AED** all incl. flights, until FEB 02. **Accommodation & Meals:** **5 star hotel** \- double sharing\, meals excluded\. **Specifically Excluded:** Visa expenses, meals. **Visa:** Visa on arrival / e-visa for all passports. Several nationalities such as Egypt or Russia require OK to board (excluded). *It is sole responsibility of participant to secure entry to country of destination.* See yah in Syria x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](http://linktr.ee/trekkup)

Weekly Spiritual Reflections Fridays, 7:30 pm Villa 57, Calero Cluster Damac Hills 1 https://maps.google.com/?q=25.018126,55.254131 This is a free Meetup event https://meetu.ps/e/PH7gh/12pVLT/i Come for tea, meet new friends, and join an open conversation about life’s purpose, our responsibility to humanity, diverse religious perspectives, spiritual insights, the interconnectedness of all people, gender equality, and current world issues. It’s a relaxed evening. Feel free to bring a simple potluck dish or any refreshments or food to share. No pressure at all. Let’s keep it simple and easy. Please share the group link with anyone who may be interested https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6uwa5pCCZ3IACEuZpUkQP Follow us here: @spiritual_tea_uae 👉 https://www.instagram.com/p/DSAt1qGAZj5/?igsh=MTdkeG54dnE5OHZnaw==

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

Join us for an enlightening journey through the diverse tapestry of world religions as we delve into their beliefs, practices, and philosophies. In this interactive session hosted by Revealed in God group, we will embark on a respectful exploration of different faith traditions, shedding light on the core tenets that shape the spiritual landscape of our world. From Christianity to Islam, Hinduism to Buddhism, and beyond, we will celebrate the richness and beauty of various beliefs while fostering understanding and unity among diverse cultures. Whether you're a seasoned scholar or a curious seeker, this event welcomes all who are eager to expand their knowledge and embrace the universal wisdom often revealed in the divine essence of humanity.

Meet amazing people, discover new cultures, and have an unforgettable conversations 🎉🥂 Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile)](https://jo.my/wa-language-society)** We’re bringing together curious minds, language lovers, and fun-seekers for a social evening like no other. 💬 Meet new people 🌎 Exchange languages 🎶 Enjoy music & vibes 🥂 Make new friends Let's meet, chat, and sip on their your drinks 🍷🍹 while smooth background music sets the mood. **🎉 What’s happening?** * Social hour 🕒 * Chat, mingle & sip drinks 🍷🍹 * Fun icebreakers 💬 * Practice English, Spanish, Arabic + more 🌍 * Connect with curious, open-minded people 🤝 Think bold conversations 💬, big energy ⚡, and friendships waiting to happen. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile)](https://jo.my/wa-language-society)** 🎉 One magical night. One elegant lounge. Countless connections **🌟 Why join?** ✔ Meet people from all over the world 🌍 ✔ Practice & improve your language skills 💬 ✔ Discover new cultures & perspectives 🌸 ✔ Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with drinks, music & views 🍸🎶 ✔ Leave with new friends, new words, and new memories 💛 **Come practice your favorite language, explore new ones, or simply enjoy great company — you’ll walk away with something special. 💫** 👉 Come alone, leave with friends. 👉 No apps. No pressure. Just real people, real fun. 🎉 Drinks + Conversations + Music = One unforgettable night. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile)](https://jo.my/wa-language-society)** 📅 Save the date & join us for this unforgettable cultural and social evening!

Hearty welcome Cinesouls to our meetup where we... Experience the beauty of diverse cultures, widen our perspectives and deepen our understanding with FUN RPG GAMES. Strengthen communication skills, learn to listen, express, and connect with clarity. Build meaningful networks and friendships, united by the shared language of stories. Draw life lessons and philosophies, translating them into growth, resilience, and purpose. Foster inclusivity and empathy, appreciating voices beyond our own to business networking and everlasting friendships. Free Parking and Boba tea available 😋 also check out the Cosmic meetup after our event Checkout this Meetup with The Cosmic Library of Truth: https://meetu.ps/e/PNK6C/1dkYMH/i

This morning Will be the Training for 8 forms of TaiChi--To achieve the world record: " Most Nationalities Performing Taichi Simultaneously" Dear Friends from Around the World, We warmly invite you to represent your country in a meaningful and inspiring World Record challenge. This extraordinary event is more than a record attempt—it’s a celebration of cultural diversity, unity, peace, and health. Join us as we bring the world together through the graceful movements of Tai Chi. 📜 Event Highlights Make History: Join participants from across the globe and be part of a historic World Record attempt. Exclusive Participant Rewards: All participants will receive: A commemorative Tai Chi uniform Chinese cultural gift An official certificate of participation and honor World Record Recognition: If the challenge is successful, each participant will receive an official certificate. Future Opportunities:Outstanding performers may be invited to China for international cultural exchange performances. 🌍 Participation Requirements: Register using your own name and represent your country of origin (passport or official ID required). Take part in free TaiChi training sessions provided by the organizers. If multiple participants register from the same country, final selection may be based on Tai Chi performance. 📅 Event Details Date: September 28, 2025 Location: Downtown Dubai (Exact venue to be confirmed) Registration Form: https://forms.gle/p47GJ3ZMNyUXZU626 Deadline to Register: September 25, 2025 🌟 Why Participate? Tai Chi is a living symbol of traditional Chinese philosophy—harmony, balance, and coexistence. Through this event, we aim to demonstrate that while we come from different nations, our shared desire for peace and health unites us all."One world, one family."Your presence will be a powerful step toward cross-cultural understanding and global friendship.Let’s come together and express the beauty of our world through the flowing rhythm of Tai Chi! 🧧 Organized by: Dubai Chinese Charity Martial Arts Group 📬 Contact Us: Instagram: @Chinese.Martial.Arts.Dubaihttps://www.instagram.com/chinese.martial.arts.dubai?igsh=MTJtcXA2NzQybzB5NA== 📝 Please Note:Final event details may be subject to change based on World Records' official requirements. The organizers reserve the right of final interpretation. 🔄🌏 Help Spread the Word: Please forward this invitation to friends and communities around the world. The more nationalities represented, the stronger our message of unity! Read less

Receive a discount on your pizza, meet Emirati Poets, socialize with the community, & grow professionally in Arabic and Emirati Culture! [Join our whatsapp community!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/LJsZpnl4d6t5CGfvSTrgct?mode=hqrt2)

THIS IS A NON-PROFIT EVENT It's a free training every Sunday. For sharing TaiChi and culture and a national love to people we meet. Transfer good evengy. Currently we have apply Guinness World record on 28th September, 2025. For most Nationalities doing TaiChi Together. We try to get different nationalities friends to participate Together. Also to send a message to the world that all of us can united as One. Welcome global Citizens to participate Together💪 It's our pleasure to share Chinese Martial Arts with you. ☀️Practice Qigong and Taichi with Chinese Masters on a lovely Sunday morning. Qigong, pronounced “chi gong,” was developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves using exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind, and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining health and well-being. ☯️Tai Chi is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for both its defense training, its health benefits and meditation. It is a fist system based on the dynamic relationship between polarities (Yin and Yang) *Event plan :* 1. Greetings 2.Qigong Breathing exercise 3.Qigong warm up and BaDuanJin practice 4. Yang style of Taichi 24 forms group practice 5. *Beginner Group* : Taichi level 1 *Advance group* : Specific training and practice with weapons 6. Group photo Please bring *water bottle* with you. There is a public water refill station. Feel free to bring snacks for sharing. You can bring a *Yoga mat* for meditation. (If the weather is good enough we are going to practice yoga after Taichi event) Most importantly, Bring a *big smile* 😊 Meeting Point: South Ridge Park https://maps.app.goo.gl/2JXMQxRTtRgdv4ok7 Our group will be seen practicing there, the park is not so big and it will be easy to find us in our Uniforms. In case you cannot find us, send a message in the comments section. *** DISCLAIMER: 1. Photography & Social Media - Group photos may be taken and shared on online social platforms and used for future Meetup event postings. If you have any objections, please refrain from participating/posing in the group photos and inform the organizer IN ADVANCE. 2. Safety & Medical Conditions: This is each person's own responsibility, so please check all safety and medical precautions before you participate in this event. The organizers are NOT liable in case of any mishaps/injuries. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask the Organizers/Masters BEFORE participation in this event. Stay healthy stay safe. Spread love spread passion❤️ Keep exercise keep positive.🤸🏻‍♀‍

Experience a sensational blend of smooth motion and fun expression while creating beautiful moves with easy-to-follow steps. Bachata is a lyrical latin dance style originated in the Dominican Republic, expanded in Spain and grew to become a popular dance style worldwide. Offering an outlet for rhythmic expression and flowing sensual movement, bachata incorporates a number of different styles, techniques and expressions. AED 149 /1 workshop AED 599 /6 workshops (course package) Join us on this new journey of wellness and discovery! Book your spot NOW! https://moovnation.zbni.co/u/pabEn For enquiries Call/Text 055 803 4003

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.)

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."

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Ciao a tutt\*! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the **Columbus Public Library (Northside Branch)** in **Meeting Room 3** to speak in Italian for 1 hour. \*Note the change in location this week due to no space the Upper Arlington library.\* Keeping Monday for consistency but we can discuss if there are better days/times/locations! Perhaps we can do two times a week as well. TBD.

Join us for a vibrant gathering that honors the heart and hustle of local entrepreneurs. It Takes a Village is more than an event it’s a movement to uplift and spotlight small business owners who pour passion into their craft and creativity into our community. From authors and bakers to jewelry makers, t-shirt designers, candle crafters, and beyond. This is your chance to meet the makers, support their work and celebrate the spirit of collaboration. **_Expect_** * Local vendors showcasing handmade goods * Live demos and storytelling from featured creators * Food, music, and community vibes * Opportunities to shop, connect and be inspired * Celebrate the power of small businesses and we all rise

**Caller: Dan Kappus** **Band: Trillium** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!