Cultural Heritage

**03 Mar- Day 1- Welcome to Guatemala** Welcome to Guatemala. On arrival we will take a private transfer to Antigua. Once checked in you can join your guide and fellow group members for dinner. **04 Mar- Day 2: Antigua-UNESCO World Heritage Site** After breakfast we walk round this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Antigua’s well-preserved colonial buildings and cobblestone streets with volcanoes in the backdrop will certainly wow you. We visit the Santa Catalina Arch, La Merced Church, and explore local markets. **05 Mar- Day 3: Antigua-Visit Chichi’s Colourful Market** We will travel to Chichicastenango a small Mayan town in Guatemalan Highlands to visit this stunning craft market, the largest in Central America. Alternatively today- depending on your fitness levels you and choose to hike an active volcano and witness incredible vistas. You must have a high level of fitness to do this. **06 Mar- Day 4: Travel to Stunning Lake Atitlán** Today we will travel to Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous villages. The stunning scenery of one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. You have an optional Sunrise hike to Indian Nose for panoramic views. You need to have good fitness levels to do this and will need to prebook as departs in the early hours of the morning. **07 March -Day 5: Lake Atitlán** Today we will Take a boat tour to visit villages like San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán, two of the villages around this beautiful lake and walk through local markets and workshops in the villages, experiencing the vibrant culture and traditions of the indigenous communities. **08 March- Day 6: Lake Atitlán to Flores** Today we travel to Guatemala City to take a 1-hour flight to Flores, the gateway to Tikal. We will take an evening stroll around the charming island town with a picturesque setting on Lake Petén Itzá. **09 March -Day 7: Tikal National Park** Today we set off on our Full-day exploration of Tikal, one of the largest and most impressive Mayan ruins. Climb Temple IV for panoramic views of the jungle canopy. Feel the wow factor standing atop ancient Mayan temples surrounded by dense jungle. **10 March -Day 8: Tikal to San Ignacio, Belize** Today we Cross the border into Belize and travel to San Ignacio. We will explore the town and visit the Green Iguana Conservation Project. **11 March-Day 9: San Ignacio (Cave Adventure)** Today we will go on an adventurous tour to the ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal), an ancient Mayan archaeological site with ceremonial artifacts and skeletal remains. Exploring a cave that offers a unique combination of natural beauty and ancient history. **12 March-Day 10: San Ignacio to Caye Caulker** Today we travel to Caye Caulker, a relaxed island off the coast of Belize. The laid-back Caribbean vibe and crystal-clear waters. Relax and kick back and enjoy some beach time. **13 March- Day 11: Caye Caulker -Explore the Island** Today you can rent bikes or golf carts to explore the island. Enjoy local seafood, visit The Split, and relax on the beach. Experiencing island life with no cars, just bikes, and golf carts. **14 March 12: Caye Caulker – Free Day** Today is a free day, maybe join a snorkelling tour to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley and see colourful corals, swim with nurse sharks, and spot rays in one of the top marine reserves in the world. **15 March:Day 13: Caye Caulker to Belize City for flight home** Today we take go back to the mainland and head for Belize City for your flight home taking with you beautiful memories of the trip. The cost will be £1999.00 per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Single supplement £399.00. The price is guaranteed for all deposits paid by 01 July 2025. Places will be limited, so reserve your place now to avoid disappointment. If you are interested in reserving a place, click the link below to pay your deposit of £250.00. (Deposits are refundable if the trip gets cancelled due to government advice.)(Travel Insurance is mandatory for all trips. Places will be limited so places will be offered on a first come first serve basis on receipt of deposit. Please also ensure you have 6 months validity on your passport. **\*\*Please do not book your flights until we give the go ahead\*\*** Entry Requirements Guatemala https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/guatemala Entry Requirements Belize https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/belize Deposit Link [https://buy.stripe.com/7sI9AUcsrgp5bVS6uS](https://buy.stripe.com/7sI9AUcsrgp5bVS6uS) **What’s Included?** · Sharing a twin room at 3 and 4-star hotels with breakfast (single supplement £399.00) · All transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles · All sightseeing and entry fees as mentioned · English-speaking local guide · Domestic flight from Guatemala City to Flores · Airport Transfers if arriving on recommended flights

This coming week we'll be exploring the work of **Cândido Portinari** was one of Brazil’s most influential modernist painters, known for portraying the dignity, struggle, and identity of the Brazilian people. Come and learn with us in an informal and friendly environment. All welcome! *If you come after 6.45 ring the door bell.*

Join Tim for a walk round Albertopolis, better know today as South Ken, the world's first artistic quarter. It emerged after the Great exhibition of 1851, the brainchild of Prince Albert, Victoria's consort. He used the profits from the exhibition to purchase and build a district devoted to the arts and education. Today it is home of some of the world’s greatest public institutions such as the Albert Hall, the V&A and Imperial College. At the time it represented perhaps the peak of Victorian self-confidence at a time when Britain was the world's dominant power and London its greatest city. We'll look at the Victorians’ concerns: the links between art and science, technology and design and the power of education to drive progress. In particular we'll look at the weird and wonderful world of Victorian architecture from mock Gothic to mock renaissance, mock Dutch, and mock baroque. You'll never look at the Natural History Museum in the same way again! We meet at the Pret opposite South Kensington Tube at 11. I'll be there waiting for you from 10.45. We'll walk round the neighbourhood looking at the peculiarities of the Victorians and all their different styles of architecture before ending in a pub for a meal and a chat. Fee is £12 payable in cash on the day, by card, through PayPal or bank transfer. Phone number is O7846899156 for emergencies

***WARNING*** *If you are new to our Meet Up or haven't attended any class for months, please, BEFORE signing up to a conversation class, send an email in French to Christian at frenchlondonexperience at gmail dot com ; Anyone -* aforementioned - *signing up to a class before getting an agreement will be removed from the list. Thanks for your cooperation.* You want to improve your fluency, your pronunciation and your French skills? You want to get more vocabulary, knowledge and understanding of French, the French and France? You want to speak on various topics with the support of a French native tutor? Each week, we come up to a different theme. It pushes your conversation skills up. It helps you to speak about many topics and to interact in French in multiple contexts. Regular attendees learn a lot, make improvements and are able to have a chat about numerous topic! The bonus, you will be able to ask questions to an authentic French native! **THE CLASS:** This is a face-to-face conversation class lasting 60 minutes run by a French native & professional tutor (in London since 2016). This is a Conversation Class dedicated to French learners who struggle to have a spontaneous conversation. If you think your French is rusty, if you feel not really comfortable to interact among a group of other French speakers, this class is for you (if not sure, send a message in French to the organiser). The class goes on an adapted pace with a first part dedicated to a chit-chat and then we'll focus on a short text to learn about French culture and the language. We approach the theme, read a short text (you get a copy for the session), speak, learn vocabulary and things about French culture. The theme is always linked to French, the French and France. At the end, we wrap up and keep a few minutes for some miscellaneous questions. After the class, you will get an email with a list of vocabulary (some words / expressions seen along the class). This is a very small group class: maximum of 4 attendees and a minimum of 2. So you will speak directly to the tutor. During the class, the tutor helps you to structure and improve your phrasing, and to develop your understanding. **IMPORTANT** If you are new to our Meet Up, please send ASAP an email at frenchlondonexperience at gmail dot com to introduce yourself, to check your level, to confirm your space and to get the Bank details for payment. **PRICING:** You can pay each time or by block (then you save money) \- £15 per session \(to be paid when signing up by bank transfer \- Bank details on request\) \- £60 for 6 sessions \(to be used within 3 months \- to be paid in advance by bank transfer \- Bank details on request\) People who sign up without paying will be removed from the list. If, after your first attendance, you decide to subscribe to the offer of £60 for 6 classes, you add £45 and then you incorporate your first class in the subscription. The pricing is made to encourage you to attend more regularly as improvements will come with regularity. **TERMS & CONDITIONS** If you are to join, you are more than welcome to sign up. But, please, if you have an unforeseen hitch, up date your status as soon as possible. As spaces are limited, if you don't turn up or if you cancel at the last minute, a space is wasted. Thanks for helping. \- Fees are payable at the booking \- No refund \(exchange for cancellation more than 12 hours before the start of the event\) \- No refund\, no exchange for late cancellation \(less than 12 hours\) or non\-attendance \- People who don't turn may be banned\. If the session is fully booked, please put your name on the waiting list but ONLY if you are sure to be able to attend the session. As soon a space becomes available, even at the very last minute, you will be on the attendance list. Then you will be expected to attend the session and it will be due, even if you don't actually attend. Thanks for your cooperation and thanks for understanding. Follow French London Experience [http://www.facebook.com/frenchlondonexperience/](http://www.facebook.com/frenchlondonexperience/) [https://www.instagram.com/frenchlondonexperience/](https://www.instagram.com/frenchlondonexperience/) [https://twitter.com/FLE_Christian](https://twitter.com/FLE_Christian) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0ZB8-AhXTeqNF9MwEySmeg Website: [www.frenchlondonexperience.com](http://www.frenchlondonexperience.com/)

Yijia is a singer-songwriter from China interested in exploring her cultural identity and diverse traditions through music-making. Yijia attended 'Sing My Song’ at the age of 16 and launched her music career as a singer-songwriter in China after winning the 16th CMA (Chinese Music Awards) for ‘Media’s Choice Album’ and the nomination for ‘Best New Chinese Female Artist’ for the Chinese Media Music Awards. After coming to the UK, Yijia has established a career in traditional Chinese folk singing and Guzheng playing, having performed at WOMAD festival, Victorious Festival, BBC Radio 3, Asia House’s ‘One Voice’ documentary series and Sofar Sounds London. Yijia is endorsed by Arts Council UK as a Global Talent and holds a degree in Music from the University of Oxford and SOAS (University of London). [Listen here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kkMPD744dY&t=235s) for Yijia speaking about her multigenerational musical journey and performing her recently released composition, Yi the Sun. Get your tickets from the [St Ethelburga's website](https://events.stethelburgas.org/events/stethelburgascentreforreconcilliationandpeace/1974373).

Samba de Bamba is a Brazilian samba group that meets once a month to celebrate samba, Brazilian culture, and heritage. We believe that joy is also a political act of resistance, healing, solidarity, subversion, and well-being. Therefore, on International Women's Day, we prepared a space for everyone to celebrate and remember that our struggle is also carried out with joy. For more information about tickets and prices: instagram Samba de Bamba UK or tickets on enjoytix.co.uk or at the local of the event Cash (bar) Cash and card (entrance and food)

Gentle people, It is my pleasure to invite you to Part III of Italian artists at the V&A, and a luscious afternoon of socialisation at the Grand Cafe at the V&A which is absolutely stunning. **Please note that there is no social before the tour, but only after.** I will be giving a guided tour of the Italian artists to the members of LGBT Culture Lovers group, throughout this year in multiple parts. **There's no need to have attended previous sessions as I always recap.** ***In the third event of the series, we will be looking at the sculptures of quattrocento and cinquecento.*** Included are works by **Donatello, Andrea del Verrocchio**, **Michelangelo, Raphael**, & many others. The tour will last around 60 minutes. **And here is the agenda:** * 1:45pm: Meet at the Italian style entrance on Cromwell Gardens (not the brutalist one on Exhibition Road). We will wait for 15 minutes. * 2pm: The tour starts right on the dot. * 3pm: Social at the V&A Grand Cafe! (appreciate a drink😜) I really encourage you to watch the two short videos in the further resources section, if you can. I hope to see there. J x **Further Resources** [Donatello's marble carving technique](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dn8F06y5mc)*,* V&A, video. [Donatello's clay modelling technique](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcoRoP3Abt8), V&A, video. *Due to the high demand of these tours, and the amount of preparation it takes, those with poor or problematic attendance will be moved to the waiting list, to give the space to more committed members.*

Come along on Sunday 8th March to visit the Heath Robinson Museum! **About the museum** The museum in north west London is dedicated to showcasing the work of the artist, illustrator, humorist and social commentator [William Heath Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Heath_Robinson "William Heath Robinson") (1872–1944). The museum opened in 2016 and is located in Pinner Memorial Park. The collection includes about 1000 pieces of original art work together with an archive of letters, association copies and special editions of the books that he illustrated, proof prints, advertising booklets and ephemera. William Heath Robinson was born in London on 31 May 1872 into a family of artists and grew up in Finsbury Park. Both his grandfather, father and his two brothers worked as illustrators. He was an artist who drew whimsically elaborate machines to achieve simple objectives. The visit should last about 1h 30mins and is self-guiding. **Cost** Entry £ per person for Full Members and £ per person for everyone else. Art Fund members are free (payable by cash or credit card on the day). **Become a Full Member** To become a Full Member (£14 a year), either: \- Pay cash at an event \- Pay via Bank Transfer \(\(TSB Bank plc\, Sort code: 77\-66\-65\, Account no: 00030809, Account name: Cultureseekers)) \- Pay via credit card on the day or in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI)) \- Pay via PayPal\, send a payment to general@cultureseekers\.org\, using the ‘Friends & Family’ option Benefits of becoming a Full Member [here...](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/) **Afterwards** After we will head to the museum cafe next door, which is called 'Daisy's in the Park', for a chat over a drink from 3:30pm. If you can make it, please come to the cafe afterwards, as its a great way to meet and get to know others after the visit. Please note, we only wait outside the station for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time, so please be early or on time. If you can't see us outside the station, please text. Look out for the red and blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) ***On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it.*** ***Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.*** *Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing -* ***[https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/)***

THE TRIP IS NOW FULL, IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND, ADD YOURSELF TO THE WAITING LIST AND I WILL CONTACT YOU IF A PLACE BECOMES AVAILABLE. Come along on Saturday 7th March to visit the historic city of Gloucester! **About Gloucester** Gloucester lies close to the Welsh border, on the River Severn and is the county town of Gloucestershire. It was founded in AD97 by the Romans and they named it; *'Colonia Nervia Glevensium'*. After the Romans left in the late 4th century, Gloucester was captured by the Saxons in 577. Its situation on a navigable river, and the foundation in 681 of the abbey of St Peter by Æthelred, favoured the growth of the town. In the early 10th century the remains of Saint Oswald were brought to a small church in Gloucester, bringing many pilgrims to the town. The core street layout is thought to date back to late Saxon times. In 1216 King Henry III, aged only ten years, was crowned with a gilded iron ring in the Chapter House of Gloucester Cathedral. Gloucester is known for its 7th century cathedral (which featured in three Harry Potter films) and its good number of medieval and Tudor period gabled and half timbered houses from the 15th & 16th centuries. **Itinerary** We will be visiting the cathedral for a guided tour and having a guided tour of the city. The cathedral tour is £8 per person and the guided tour of the city is £8 per person. (payable on the day by cash or credit card). Both are optional, you can do one, both or neither and do your own thing. 11:00am - aprox arrival 11:30am - guided tour of the cathedral 12:30pm - lunch break 2:00pm - guided tour of the town 3:30pm/4:00pm - freetime - look around the town, visit Gloucester Docks, the Museum of Gloucester, The Beatrix Potter Museum & Shop, The National Waterways Museum **Coach seating** * If you wish to reserve a seat on the coach in advance, after you pay please look at the seating plan in the photos [here](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/35822423/532613380/) and then email me - [general@cultureseekers.org](http://general@cultureseekers.org), with the seat number/s you wish to reserve. Its first come first served. * The seat you sit on when you board the coach is yours for the day. If you wish to change seats on the coach during the day, you will need to get permission from the individual who is seated there. **Cost** Cost is £27 per person for Full Members and £33 per person for everyone else. After you RSVP: You will need to make payment (its not automatic), so either: \- send a bank transfer: TSB Bank plc\, sort code: 77\-66\-65\, account no: 00030809\, Account name: Cultureseekers \- \- Pay via credit card in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QDOWSSXO](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QDOWSSXO)) \- go to PayPal \- [https://www.paypal.com/uk/](https://www.paypal.com/uk/), ‘send a payment’ to general@cultureseekers.org and click on the ‘Goods & Services’ option and change it to ‘Friends & Family’, as this avoids a charge from PayPal. Once you RSVP and then pay, I will confirm your place. **Become a Full Member** To become a Full Member (£14 a year) either: \- Pay cash at an event \- Pay via Bank Transfer \(email me – general@cultureseekers\.org for details\) \- Pay via credit card on the day or in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI)) \- Pay via PayPal\, send a payment to general@cultureseekers\.org\, using the ‘Friends & Family’ option You have 3 days to make a payment, if no payment is received within 3 days, your place will be offered to the first person on the waiting list. Benefits of becoming a Full Member [here...](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/) **Food & drink** Its up to you whether you wish to bring your own food and drink or purchase items whilst there. If you can't see us on Tothill Street, please text. Please note, we only wait for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time, so please be early or on time. The coach has to leave at a specific time. Look out for the red and blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) or email: [general@cultureseekers.org](general@cultureseekers.org) ***On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it. Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.*** ***Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - [https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/)***

“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.” - *Jason Collins* “…fascinating and super informative, as well as seriously important” - [*Review by Xena Frailing at VoiceMag*](https://www.voicemag.uk/review/16159/queer-britain-bfi-review) Join us on **Sunday 8th March** at **Queer Britain**, the U.K.’s first and only dedicated LGBTQIA+ museum, in Granary Square near Kings Cross. “Journey through queer culture and heritage in our galleries at Queer Britain. Our gallery redevelopment features a takeover from BFI Flare, with early promotion and annual posters celebrating the landmark film festival's 40-year history. The main gallery presents six new themed displays that tell the stories of the Black Lesbian and Gay Centre, AIDS Quilt 23, Justin Fashanu, Women's Liberation Music, Club Kali, and Dora Carrington and Lytton Strachey. In our temporary exhibition space, modern print culture is explored through Queer Britain's own collections in Queer Print.” Read more here: [Queer Britain Website](https://queerbritain.org.uk) **Due to the small footprint of the museum, we’ll be limiting this event to 15 people maximum.** **MEET DETAILS** - Sunday 8th March **From 2:15PM: MEET IN GEOFFREY’S CAFE (optional)** Address: 7 Beaconsfield St, London N1C 4EW **3PM: ENTER QUEER BRITAIN** Address: 2 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH **4PM till late: PUB SOCIAL (optional)** We'll head to a nearby pub for a social chit chat over drinks. *Location TBC 24 hours before event.* **TICKETS** **Please book your ticket for Sunday 8th March [here](https://www.outsavvy.com/event/31711/queer-britain-museum#anchor)**. * General Admission: £10 * Pay What You Can: Minimum £1 If you’ve bought a ticket but can no longer attend, please see the ticket disclaimer at the bottom of this event description. **GETTING THERE** [Click here to see the museum’s visit us website page](https://queerbritain.org.uk/visit) **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** Please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. Link will be posted in the Event Comments 48 hours before the event, for those on the confirmed going list. *NB* *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **PLEASE READ:** LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. This event has an attendee limit as we prefer a smaller, friendlier group. If you RSVP but can no longer attend, please change your RSVP as soon as possible, **otherwise you will be marked as a 'no show'.** We remove members from the group who: * repeatedly sign up for events then 'no show' * repeatedly change their RSVP to 'No' * are on the event waitlist or have not RSVPd but turn up anyway. Please see the [About Us section](https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-for-30s-40s/) for more information about the group and how it works. Thank you for your interest in the group & being part of LoMAZ.
 Image credit: "Queer Britain Window Display" by PinkEM is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this licence, click [here](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/?ref=openverse). **TICKET DISCLAIMER** If you can’t attend for any reason, please change your RSVP to “Not Going”. Regarding your unused ticket, you can either: 1. Ask for a refund from the museum; 2. Ask the museum if the date can be changed so you can attend on a different date that suits you; 3. Sell the ticket on yourself. Please do NOT advertise your ticket on any LoMAZ WhatsApp group; 4. Donate the ticket to us and we will see if someone wants it. Please do NOT advertise that you wish to donate your ticket on any LoMAZ WhatsApp group. Please message Camilla privately on Meetup if you would like to donate your spare ticket. Please note: - as LoMAZ is a volunteer group, we do NOT pay for unused tickets; - if you sell your ticket to someone in LoMAZ, that DOES NOT give them a place at this event. There are attendee limits on LoMAZ events to help our volunteer hosts manage and plan.

Boston Manor House, photo © Copyright [Stefan Czapski](https://www.geograph.org.uk/profile/19114 "View profile") My number is 07815009191. MEET: No. 6 Coffee, 6 Boston Parade, Boston Road, Hanwell W7 2DG. Join me on this walk mostly through green spaces: through Boston Manor Park, along the Grand Union Canal and through the once thriving site of Brentford Dock. We'll even take in an orchard, as we discover the history of Brentford. The town was once the centre of the fruit and veg garden of England with its thousands of acres of market gardens and orchards, the site of two major battles, the place to live with its grand 18th century houses and the 'Golden Mile' of art deco factories. We'll enjoy all this and see the site of probably the greatest crime against heritage of the 20th century. The cost is £12, either cash on the day or to my account sort code 090128 acct number 75471878.

**Do you ever feel the pull to be creative, but don’t know how to start, or even what you want to make?** **Do you ever get a flash of inspiration, but never have the time or energy to follow it through?** **Do you worry that you have to become technically skilled before you have the 'right' to make art?** **If you answered yes to any of the above, then this event is for you!** As children, we create all the time. We sing, draw and write as part of our normal lessons. We make sandcastles, secret dens, friendship bracelets, invent ball games and make up elaborate storylines for dolls and action figures. We don’t fear failure because the point isn’t to succeed, but to express ourselves and have fun. In fact there’s a whole branch of folklore called childlore! But as adults, it can become hard to connect with that creative instinct, whether that’s due to time, energy, cost or self-doubt. So for this event, we’ll be taking time and space to connect with what inspires us and flex our creativity just for the fun of it. Skill and experience levels don’t matter (although those who are skilled or experienced are welcome!)-what matters is remembering what creative inspiration feels like to you personally, and pursuing it to create something authentic to you. To do this, we’ll be emulating artists across millennia in using folklore as inspiration. A collection of folklore genres will be supplied, each containing a collection of prompts, and you will be picking a piece of folklore that speaks to you on that day and creating a piece of art based on your own interpretation of your prompt. This art can be anything, from poetry to sketching, sewing to architecture, make up, set design, tattoo art, songwriting, fashion, game design or event planning-whatever your prompt inspires you to create! You can choose to do several pieces or spend the whole session on one. Paper and pencils will be provided, but please feel free to bring other materials so long as they are not disruptive to the people or environment around us (eg no liquid paints, musical instruments, etc). Please note: this is not a technical lesson! No specific creative skills will be taught, as the aim is connecting with your own personal creative process. But you are welcome to take your pieces home with you to hone your skills. We are currently exploring free spaces to have this event so location and accessibility details will be confirmed closer to the time. (And if you know of a good location, do let us know!) (This is a free event, so we ask that you please keep RSVPs updated to ensure that as many people as possible who want to come are able to. Cancellations with less than three days’ notice may be removed from the group to prevent wasted spaces in future. Many thanks for your understanding!)

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."

Join us for a Japanese Book Fair + Ramen Meetup! We’ll browse the used Japanese Book Fair together at Yokoso Center, then head next door to Tensuke Ramen from 5–6 PM to enjoy ramen and other Japanese dishes. After we eat, we’ll hang out and play a few casual games. Come for books, stay for food and community, open to all!

We will be doing homemade runes with clay. It can take a bit of processing. To let them dry and paint. But I hope every one enjoys them. ^^ ## Rune Making Class **Carve Meaning. Shape Intention. Create Something That Lasts.** Runes are more than symbols. They are an ancient alphabet rooted in early Germanic and Norse traditions, historically used for writing, protection, divination, and marking objects with intention. Each rune carries layered meaning. Strength. Protection. Prosperity. Movement. Transformation. In this Rune Making Class, you will create your own handcrafted rune set while learning what each symbol represents and how it has been used across history. ### What Runes Are Used For Runes have traditionally been used for: • Divination and guidance • Protection markings on tools, weapons, and homes • Meditation and self reflection • Setting intention and personal focus • Symbolic storytelling Whether you approach them from a historical, spiritual, or symbolic perspective, runes are tools for reflection and intention. *** ## Who This Is For This class is for: • Fantasy and history enthusiasts • Writers and world builders • Spiritual practitioners • Makers who enjoy hands on craft • Anyone drawn to ancient symbolism No prior experience is required. *** Runes were once carved into clay, wood, bone, and stone to carry intention into the world. Now you will make your own with clay. Seats are limited. Reserve your place and create something timeless.

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!

Inspired by our successful events like "Saturday Mornings @ East Market" and other "Pot Luck in the Park" lunches, this gathering promises to be a blend of fun conversations, language exchange, and cultural insights, all while sharing wonderful foods with each other. Please bring a dish to share and anything you would like to drink. We will provide plates, plastic silverware and napkins. So, come hungry and ready to chat!

**Caller: Frank Buschelmann** **Band: The Rosenthorns** **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!