Historic Preservation

**Namaste Northern India!** This cross-state adventure takes you through three of the region’s most significant locations, in **a corner of India that has always stood slightly apart**. Set along the country’s northern and eastern edges, **Meghalaya, Darjeeling and Sikkim** are shaped by mountains, mist and borderland histories that have given them identities distinct from the Indian heartland. Culturally and geographically closer to neighbouring regions and countries than to their countrymen to the south, these states reflect **influences from far beyond India’s borders**. Languages, beliefs, architecture, and daily life follow different patterns here, creating places that feel Indian, yet not entirely of India. Longstanding questions of belonging and loyalty linger beneath the surface, shaped by **shifting borders and strong local identities**. Travelling through these regions reveals a shared sense of independence and difference, linking them more closely to each other than to the rest of the country. Together, they form a **connected highland world at India’s edge**, offering a journey into stunning landscapes and rich cultures that challenge expectations and are bound to amaze. **Meghalaya** Bordering Bangladesh, the state of Meghalaya is a **natural** **paradise and a playground for adventure**, its geography shaped by water, altitude and time. Receiving some of the highest rainfall levels in the world, its climate has created a lush landscape of dense forests, cascading waterfalls and raging rivers. Known for its rolling hills, mist-filled valleys, and expansive, breathtaking views, Meghalaya is often referred to as the **“Scotland of the East”** for its cool climate and dramatic highland scenery. One of Meghalaya’s most remarkable cultural and environmental features is its **living root bridges, found only in this region**. Developed by the indigenous Khasi community, this practice involves guiding the aerial roots of the Indian rubber tree across rivers and ravines. Over time, the roots strengthen and interlock, forming durable bridges that continue to grow as the trees mature. Some living root bridges are over 400 years old and can support up to 50 people at once. In certain locations, bridges are built one above the other, creating double-decker structures. Known locally as *Jingkieng Jri*, approximately 100 living root bridges have been identified across 72 villages and are **included on UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage**. Beyond its cultural traditions, **an endless mix of waterfalls, caves and cliffs** awaits us around every corner here. Get ready to be endlessly amazed by the scale and variety of mighty Meghalaya! [https://vimeo.com/1015667082](https://vimeo.com/1015667082) **Darjeeling** Part Victorian hill station, part world-famous tea region, **Darjeeling** sits 2,200 meters up in the eastern Himalayas. More than 70 years after the British departure, traces of colonial life remain clearly visible, and the town continues to attract visitors from across India. Darjeeling’s greatest draw is its **extraordinary mountain setting**. On clear days, Kanchenjunga, India’s highest mountain and the third highest in the world, dominates the northern skyline, joined by a dramatic chain of snow-covered peaks that frame the town and its surrounding hills. Of course, **the name ‘Darjeeling’ is inseparable from tea**, with the area producing some of the finest in the world. Cultivation began nearly 200 years ago, when the British first planted tea here in the mid-1800s. The region’s climate and soil proved ideal, and plantations quickly spread across the hills, with much of the workforce coming from neighbouring Nepal and Sikkim. After Indian independence in 1947, the estates were sold to Indian owners, and Darjeeling tea went on to gain global recognition. Today, **87 tea estates** spread across the seven valleys of the Darjeeling Hills, together producing around **9.6 million kilograms of tea** each year. Once in Darjeeling, the surrounding mountain range draws the eye at every turn. Covering 2,100 square kilometers, the district offers **some of the best trekking routes in the Himalayas**. Longer routes reward hikers with rare **views across four of the world’s five highest peaks**. Get ready for high-altitude walks, sweeping panoramas and mountain views that stay with you long after you leave Darjeeling. **Sikkim** Sandwiched between Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet, **Sikkim is one of India’s smallest states** and one of its most surprising. Tucked away in the eastern Himalayas, this often overlooked area delivers dramatic scenery, a strong cultural identity, and a sense of place that feels distinct from anywhere else in the country. For travellers drawn to **mountain air, open landscapes, and cultural discovery**, Sikkim is for you! Almost 35% of the state is a protected area covered by Khangchendzonga National Park. Glaciers, alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, and sharp Himalayan peaks dominate the terrain, including **the 8,586-meter** **Kangchenjunga**. Winding through these landscapes are paths leading to clifftop Buddhist monasteries such as Pemayangtse, built more than 300 years ago. Sikkim’s **history is as complex as its geography**. Founded as a Buddhist kingdom in the 17th century and ruled by priest-kings known as the Chogyal, it became part of the British Indian Empire in 1890. After Indian independence, Sikkim remained an independent protectorate with its own monarchy, maintaining a degree of separation from the newly formed Indian state. That changed in 1975, when the Sikkim Parliament abolished the monarchy and declared the kingdom an official state of India. The decision was quickly ratified by India’s Parliament but widely protested by the Sikkim people. These **events continue to shape local identity today**, with ideas around independence, belonging and political choice still debated in day-to-day life. Travelling through Sikkim, expect strong opinions and conversations you won’t forget! **Let's go!** **DAY 0 // THU 12 MAR // DEPARTURE** Meet at DXB Terminal 1 for our flight to Guwahati via Delhi, **DAY 1 // FRI 13 MAR // GUWAHATI & POBITERA** Welcome to India! We’ll arrive in Guwahati, the capital of Assam state and the main entry point to Northeast India, located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River. The city is a major administrative and commercial center and is surrounded by hills and river landscapes. We’ll visit Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hill, one of the most important Hindu shrines in India and a key centre of Tantric worship. The temple complex contains historic sculptures and stone inscriptions and attracts pilgrims from across the country. In the afternoon, we drive to Pobitera Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its population of one-horned rhinoceros, with an optional boat or jeep safari before checking into our hotel for the night. **DAY 2 // SAT 14 MAR // POBITERA ELEPHANT SAFARI & DRIVE TO MEGHALAYA** Early start to embark on an **elephant back safari** among the rhinos, with guaranteed close encounters in their natural habitat. After breakfast, we’ll begin the drive to Meghalaya, stopping at Nohkalikai Falls along the way. At 340 meters, it’s the tallest single-drop waterfall in India. We’ll view the falls from above, and conditions permitting, hike down to the pools at its base. Afterwards, we’ll continue on to Shillong, where we spend the night. **DAY 3 // SUN 15 MAR // LIVING BRIDGES OF TYRNA** In the morning, we’ll make the short drive to Tyrna village and start the challenging descent into the valley, involving approximately 3,500 stone steps. It’s all worth it for the stunning scenery, with the trail leading to the UNESCO-recognized Double Decker Living Root Bridge, a well-known natural structure created by training the roots of rubber fig trees. We’ll continue exploring the area to see additional living bridges, then visit the Blue Lagoon for a swim. If conditions allow, we’ll also make a stop at nearby Rainbow Falls. Return to Tyrna in the afternoon. **DAY 4 // MON 16 MAR // MAWSYNRAM RIVER HIKE & SPLIT ROCK** After breakfast we’ll drive to Mawsynram, one of the wettest places on Earth, where we’ll set out on a river hike involving shallow crossings and walking through limestone formations. We’ll arrive at the magnificent Umkhakoi Lake, where we’ll have time to kayak in the serene waters. After lunch, it’s time for our Indiana Jones moment as we walk through Split Rock, a narrow rock passage formed by natural geological processes – quite possibly ruptured by an earthquake. Overnight in guesthouse. **DAY 5 // TUE 17 MAR // LAITLUM CANYON & SACRED FOREST, DRIVE TO GUWAHATI** Today we say goodbye to Meghalaya, hitting the road back to Guwahati. On the way we’ll pass through a sacred forest, and stop at Laitlum Canyon for views over the surrounding valleys. Overnight in Guwahati. **DAY 6 // WED 18 MAR // DARJEELING** Today we have a short morning flight to Bagdogra, and from there drive to Darjeeling. After lunch, we visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate to learn about tea cultivation and processing. We’ll walk through the plantation, sitting a lofty 2,100 meters above sea level, and take in views of the surrounding hills. Later, we’ll enjoy afternoon tea at Glenary’s, one of the oldest tea houses and bakeries in the town. Overnight in Darjeeling. **DAY 7 // THU 19 MAR // TIGER HILL & SIGHTSEEING** If the weather is clear, we’ll have a 4am wake-up call and drive to Tiger Hill (2,560m) to watch the spectacular sunrise over Mt. Kangchenjunga. After breakfast, we’ll hop aboard the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a tiny “toy train” running through the landscape. We’ll disembark at Ghoom to visit Yiga Choeling (Ghoom) Monastery, known for its large statue of the Maitreya Buddha and its stunning mountain views. In the afternoon, we drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, where we spend the night. **DAY 8 // FRI 20 MAR // SIKKIM: WATERFALLS, MOUNTAINS & MONASTERIES** After breakfast, we’ll head to the Lhasa and Bakthang waterfalls located near Gangtok, before continuing on to Tashi Viewpoint to take in the incredible vistas of the Kanchenjunga range. Next we visit Gonjang Monastery, Do-drul Chorten, and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology to learn about Buddhist education, history and art in the region. We’ll stop at Ganesh Tok for views over the city, then head back to Gangtok to visit the Handicraft and Handloom Centre. We’ll end the day with a ride on the Gangtok Ropeway, followed by free time in the evening. **DAY 9 // SAT 21 MAR // CHANGU (TSOMGO) LAKE, BABA MANDIR & NATHU LA** This morning we’re taking it higher! We’ll head to the dizzying elevations of East Sikkim, where we’ll find Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, a glacial lake located approximately 3,800 meters above sea level. We continue to Baba Mandir (3900m), a shrine maintained by the Indian Army. Subject to weather and permits, we’ll proceed to Nathu La Pass (4450m) on the India–China border, a historic trade route between India and Tibet. We’ll return to Gangtok in the afternoon, with the evening free to relax or explore as you choose. ***Note: Access to Baba Mandir and Nathu La Pass is subject to weather conditions and permits. In case of non-availability, we will visit Hanuman Tok temple instead.*** **DAY 10 // SUN 22 MAR // DEPARTURE** After breakfast we’ll say bye-bye to magical Sikkim and hit the road back to Bagdogra Airport, to make it in time for our evening flight home. We’ll be back in Dubai just after midnight. ***Note to travellers:*** *India has beautiful discoveries around every corner…but this amazing country can often test travellers' patience with regards to waiting, delays, changes in procedures and general perceptions of logic! Please note that trips may require adjustments and changes in sequence due to unforeseen circumstances. Be ready to go with the flow.* **Level of Difficulty:** Easy to moderate (day 3 & 7) **Activities:** Trekking, swimming, kayaking, caving, sightseeing, rhino safari on elephants back. **Room & Meals:** hotels, guesthouses and mountain resorts - double sharing, meals excluded. **Cost: 7,250 AED** incl. flights until FEB 28. Past this date cost will change. **Specifically Excluded:** visa, meals, insurance. **Visas:** [[https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html](https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html) ]([[https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html](https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html))-](https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html)-) in particular for evisa. See yah in the North x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 - 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [info@trekkup.com](http://info@trekkup.com/) [Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](http://linktr.ee/trekkup)]([https://linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup))

**Lebanon is that pocket-sized powerhouse** that somehow fits 10,000 years of history, ski slopes, beach clubs, Roman mega-temples, and the world’s best mezze into an area smaller than Qatar. You can literally have breakfast by the Mediterranean, lunch in the mountains, and dinner in a rooftop bar that **feels like Paris and Dubai had a baby**. Buckle up – this place hits different. **They don’t call it the “Switzerland of the Middle East” for nothing**: snow-capped peaks, ancient cedars older than Jesus, and valleys so deep monks built monasteries into the cliffs just to flex. The name “Lebanon” even comes from the ancient word for “white” – yeah, those snowy mountains have been the national brand since forever. History? Phoenicians invented the alphabet here, Romans dropped the most over-the-top temples outside Italy, Crusaders built castles, Ottomans added souks and soap empires. Modern chapter got messy – civil war, heartbreak, rebuild, repeat – but Beirut rose from the ashes like the ultimate comeback kid and reclaimed its title: **“Paris of the East 2.0”.** And the food? **Mezze spreads so good you’ll forget calories exist.** Labneh that slaps harder than your ex, grilled meats dripping with garlic sauce, and enough olive oil to keep the Mediterranean shiny. Ready? Let’s roll. **Day 1 // Thursday :: Touchdown Beirut** Meet at DXB, hop on the direct FZ-159 to BEY. Land, breeze through arrivals, and get whisked to the hotel. Night owls? First taste of Beirut nightlife – the city that never sleeps (and probably invented after-parties). **Day 2 // Friday :: Crusader Castles, Soap Kings & Cliff Monks** Road-trip north to Tripoli, Lebanon’s underrated second city with serious old-school swagger. * Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles – biggest Crusader fortress in the country, panoramic sea views included. * Get steamy (literally) at Hammam Ezzedine, a 14th-century bathhouse still looking fresh. * Dive into the souks: spices, vintage caftans, and soap so legendary it has its own palace (Khan Al Saboun – watch olive-oil soap being born). Afternoon: Qadisha Valley – aka the “Holy Valley.” Think Lord of the Rings scenery with monasteries carved into cliffs like ancient Jedi temples. Easy to moderate hike past hermit caves and cedar groves, ending at Qozhaya Monastery (home to the Middle East’s first printing press, 17th-century flex). Overnight inside the monastery, we’re going full spiritual glow-up. **Day 3 // Saturday :: Waterfalls, Roman Megalomania & Wine O’Clock** Morning magic: Baatara Gorge Sinkhole – a 250 m sinkhole abyss with three natural bridges and a waterfall that drops through like nature’s own stunt show. National Geographic called it one of the world’s most beautiful sinkholes; we just take pics, don't judge. Then: Baalbek (ancient Heliopolis). The Romans showed up and said “hold my wine” – built the largest temple in the entire empire. Six columns of Jupiter’s temple still stand 19 m tall, and the Temple of Bacchus is so perfectly preserved it looks Photoshopped. Bonus: the biggest stone block ever cut (1,650 tons!) still chilling in the nearby quarry like the ancients gave up mid-lift. Evening: Château Ksara – Lebanon’s OG winery since 1857, run by Jesuits who discovered Roman caves and thought, “Wine cellar, obviously.” Tour the creepy-cool tunnels, taste the goods, realize Lebanon makes banger reds. Back to Beirut for the night. **Day 4 // Sunday :: Beirut, Baby**! Capital energy unlocked: * Downtown time travel: Phoenician ruins → Roman baths → Ottoman palaces → bullet-scarred “Holiday Inn” war relic (now iconic). * Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael – street art, indie cafés, bars in stairwells, the works. * Corniche stroll, mandatory Pigeon Rocks selfie, optional boat ride under the cliffs. * Sunset drinks somewhere rooftop, mezze coma, then “keshek el-fouqara” (poor man’s goodbye) as we head to the airport. Four days. One tiny country. Lifetime memories. **Grade:** Easy – available for everyone. **Activities:** Cultural immersion, trekking, sightseeing. **Cost: 3,250 AED** **excluding flights**, **until FEB 12.** **Accommodation & Meals:** **4 star hotel** **&** **monastery** **stay** \- shared rooms\, meals excluded\. **Specifically Excluded:** Visa expenses (if any), meals. **Visa:** Visa on arrival for most passports. See details [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Lebanon). *It is sole responsibility of participant to secure entry to country of destination.* See you in the cedars! 🇱🇧✨ x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](http://linktr.ee/trekkup)

Love stories, but never find the time to read? Always wanted to start reading but don’t know where to begin? **A Few Good Pages** is a weekly short story circle where we slow down, read together, and have thoughtful relaxed conversations. No pressure, No prep! We meet **every Thursday** to read and discuss **one or two short stories**—quick reads that stay with you. Whether you’re a **wannabe reader** looking to get started, a **busy book lover** who wants to rebuild reading habit, or someone who enjoys **sharing perspectives on a great story**, you’ll fit right in. You don't need to prepare anything in advance - Just show up. Over the past year, we've read and discussed over **200+ short stories,** building a warm, reflective community that values attention, curiosity and consistency. Join our WhatsApp Group for updates: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IpIMc6c87W49FJIg1cRDJk?mode=hqrt2 **Cost & Membership** * First session : **Free** * Drop in : AED 30 per session * Membership options available for those who want to build a consistent reading habit. **Location** Hosted at Soul Side Wellness, 2603, The Dome Tower, Cluster N, JLT. Please update the RSVP if there's any change in your plans :-) Come for the stories, stay for the discussions!

Embrace Dubai's Winter in Our Outdoor Yoga Class Find peace in nature and reconnect with yourself amidst the greenery and blooms of Nad Al Hamar Park 1. This is your time to listen to your body and breathe in the fresh outdoor air. Class Highlights: ‍♀️ Gentle yoga flow surrounded by trees and flowers Special 10-minute singing bowl meditation after practice to align your energy with nature A nice winter wellness experience **Details:** **Location:** Nad Al Hamar Park 1 **Days:** Monday to Thursday ⏰ **Time:** 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM **Contribution:** Donation-based **Registration:** **RSVP required** Come as you are — all levels are welcome. Let’s move, breathe, and heal together in the heart of nature. **Spots are limited — please RSVP to join us.** Simply bring your mat and an open heart. *Feel free to share with someone who needs a moment of calm this winter.*

Get ready for an epic adventure! Join us for a legendary Dungeons & Dragons session that’s bound to be the highlight of your weekend. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or new to the game, everyone’s welcome to roll the dice and create unforgettable stories together. We'll kick things off with a pre-game party vibe that sets the scene for an afternoon of fun and fantasy. Gather your friends, bring your A-game, and prepare for a quest filled with twists, turns, and treasure. See you there for a legendary quest!

Across the West and East, rich and poor, bold urban life and lush forest wilderness, chimpanzees, waterfalls, and indigenous peoples, the equatorial line in Africa draws an interesting border not only across climate zones but also the history, culture and fate of its inhabitants. This time, we invite you to discover some of the least travelled destinations, known for the greatest contrasts on the planet. Very rich in content, these three countries together will give you insight into the past, present, and future of the continent and their people, living often some of the toughest lives on the planet. **Let’s go!** **CAR** In the heart of the African continent lies the Central African Republic, still known to some as the Empire of Central Africa, which suffered under a corrupt government for decades. However, the situation is gradually changing, making the country increasingly safer and attractive on a travel map. Bangui, the capital of the CAR, and biggest city with population of 400,000 is one of the bustling centres of the region. The most important lifeline of Bangui is the Ubangi River, the second largest tributary of the Congo. Although houses are made here of unfired bricks, with roofs covered in metal (in wealthier areas) or thatch (in villages), dominate the country's architecture, capital influences of French architecture are still visible - wide boulevards and avenues almost all lead to the Place de la Republique… **Cameroon** The cities of Cameroon are a blend of many African cultures, as well as having both a strong French and British influence, being at the melting pot of Central Africa. The diversity of this country, both people and geology of active volcanoes, white-sandy beaches, lush rainforests and peculiar rock formations, makes for stunning scenery and unique culture in the Soul of Africa! Chimpanzees live here in groups on two separate islands along the Sanage River, which can only be accessed by boat. You will have the opportunity to interact with these wonderful and protected mammals, so close to us genetically you’ll feel like you’re visiting family! Native to the forests and savannas of Africa and covered in coarse black hair but with bare face, fingers and toes, the similarities to our own species are remarkable. Bakola pygmies split their time between village and forest, continuing to face struggle with persecution in the city and loss of territory in the forest. Both women and men hunt every day using traditional nets and spears, with the main food source being the blue duiker, a forest antelope. We will have most unique opportunity to meet these amazing people and witness their way of life... **Equatorial Guinea** Equatorial Guinea has a fascinating hand-changing colonial history, having been under Portuguese rule for 300 years before becoming a Spanish possession in 1778. The islands of Bioko and Annobon were initially colonized by the Portuguese, who established plantations and introduced Angolan inhabitants. After a period of British influence, Spain solidified control over the islands but faced resistance from the local Bubi and Fang populations, who opposed forced labor on plantations. The struggle for independence gained momentum during World War II, culminating in the declaration of independence in 1968, following a series of reforms and increased attention from Spain. Today it is a perfect place to relax, away from the crowds of tourists. This lesser-known country, located in the heart of West Africa, offers pristine beaches, dense rainforests, and unique nature. Simply perfect destination for those seeking to escape the ordinary and immerse themselves in a completely new world. **Let’s go!** **Day 1 // CAR :: Bangui** **Day 2 // CAR :: Boali waterfalls** **Day 3 // CAR :: Pygmies** **Day 4 // Cameroon :: Duala** **Day 5 // Cameroon :: Chimpanzee Sanctuary** **Day 6 // Cameroon :: Waterfall and ocean** **Day 7 // Equatorial Guinea :: Malabo** **Day 8 // EG :: Bioko East Coast** **Day 9 // EG :: Bioko West Coast** **Day 10 // Departure** *All details available to confirmed RSVPs.* **Level of Difficulty:** Easy, raw Africa with limited facilities at places. **Duration:** 10 days, Friday to Sunday. **Activities:** Trekking, boating, canoeing, swimming, sightseeing, wildlife and indigenous tribes encounter. **Rooms:** African upmarket standards – double sharing, single at extra cost subject of availability. **Meals:** Restaurant meals excluded. Breakfasts included. **COST: 20,950 incl. flights until MAR 05.** Past this date cost will change. **Requirements:** Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate, **malaria prophylactics compulsory.** **Visas:** **CAR:** Pre-arranged visa 220 EUR **Cameroon:** E-visa 153 EUR **EG:** E-visa 75 USD **YELLOW FEVER Vaccination Certificate** is mandatory for crossing inter-african borders. See yah in Equatorial Africa x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 00971 50 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [info@trekkup.com](http://info@trekkup.com/) [Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

Harboring the spirits of ancient Khmer warriors, vine covered temples deep in the jungles of Cambodia draw ghost seekers near and far, with whispers around every bas-relief and spooky shadows under moonlight silhouettes of centuries old towers of stone. **The largest religious monument in the world** is sure to hold secret tales of ghosts and ghouls with a few spectral sightings for those who know where to look! **We’ll dive deep into the jungles on bikes** with the mud splashing on our way to forgotten temples and Buddha’s face peeking out from overgrown vines, trees, roots and bushes. With monkeys howling hello along the way and waterfall swimming to wash off the dirt, we’ll reach our jungle-camp amongst the forgotten temples filled and ancient ghosts of a lost civilization. Built over 35 years with the aid of over **6,000 elephants and 300,000 laborers**, Angkor Wat is the most spectacular temple structure in the world, a symbol dear to Cambodia and a pilgrimage site for Buddhists all over the globe! Larger than the Vatican, older than the Taj Mahal, more stones used to construct than the Pyramids of Giza, and the backdrop for the **most stunning sunset, moonrise and sunrise you’ll ever see!** [https://vimeo.com/234219041](https://vimeo.com/234219041) **Let's go!** **Day 0 // MAR 15 :: Departure** Departure from Dubai via Bangkok. **Day 01 // MAR 16 :: Welcome to Siem Raep!** After traditional Khmer welcome ceremony, we’ll check-in to hotel, take rest and test drive our bikes to see sunset at Bakheng Mountain with a short hike to visit the temple atop for a sunset. Dinner tonight will be accompanied with classical Apsara dancers depicting scenes from Khmer mythology. Cycling 20 Km **Day 02 // MAR 17 :: Floating Village and Tonle Sap** After breakfast, we will ride to the enchanting temple of Banteay Srei, which is usually everyone's favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its remarkable state of preservation, small size, and excellent decorations. Next we will continue the ride to Kampong Khleng floating village to take the boat to the main lake of Tonle Sap Lake, then return to the our village built on stilts for an overnight. **Happy Cobra Soup will be served for dinner tonight!** Cycling 70 Km **Day 03 // MAR 18 :: Bang Mealea – Siem Raep** In the morning we wave goodbye to the house owner, then take the boat back to the mainland. Ride to visit the **Kampong Kdei Bridge, which is the longest centuries-old bridge** in the province. Then ride to visit Banteay Mealea Temple, which was built in the middle of the 12th century. Afterwards continue to have lunch at a local restaurant. Further on, we continue back to the city to prepare for **the optional** **night visit in Angkor Watt!** Enjoy speechless ambience, hear the whispers around every bas-relief and spooky shadows under moonlight silhouettes of centuries old towers of stone. *Do note optional visit of Angkor at night is a subject of special permit at extra cost.* Cycling 70 Km **Day 04 // MAR 19 :: Angkor & Neighbourhoods** After late breakfast we start a ride to Angkor Wat temple during the day light, for you to have fresh comparison. Continue to Bayon Temple, renowned for its unique and intricate stone carvings, especially the large stone faces that decorate many of its towers. Then we head to Ta Prohm, recognized for its beautiful bas-reliefs and carvings, partially collapsed and overgrown with fig trees. You will feel the sense of mystery and adventure, as we wander through the ancient stone structures intertwined with tree roots. The evening is free for leisure however you can **crash the traditional Khmer wedding** (optional). Cycling 30km **Day 05 // MAR 20 :: Koh Ker Group Temple** After breakfast we ride to Koh Ker, which was once an ancient capital of Cambodia. The Koh Ker complex is 35 meters high and its design resembles a seven-stepped stupa. The temple faces west towards Angkor city and was built to worship the god of happiness. We will stop for lunch along the way and in the afternoon, we will ride back to Siem Reap for a farewell dinner. Cycling 70 Km **Day 06 // MAR 21 :: Departure** In the morning after having breakfast, leisure or souvenir shopping until departure transfer. Bye, bye Cambodia! **Level of difficulty:** Easy to moderate **Activities:** cycling hiking sightseeing **Duration:** 6 days **Accommodation & meals:** 4\* hotel double sharing, 1 night homestay. Dinners excluded except arrival day and floating village. **Cost: 3,950 AED** excluding flights until MAR 05. **Flights:** [Emirates approx. 4200 AED](https://www.skyscanner.ae/transport/flights/dxba/sai/260315/260321/config/11182-2603152235--32348-1-27061-2603161240%7C27061-2603212350--32348-1-11182-2603220645?adultsv2=1&childrenv2=&cabinclass=economy&rtn=1&outboundaltsenabled=false&inboundaltsenabled=false&stops=!direct,!twoPlusStops). **Specifically included:** Support truck + mechanic, bottled water, snacks on the road, all sightseeing entrance fees, mountain bike and helmet. **Specifically excluded:** flights, visa cost, insurance, dinners, broken spares are subject to additional charge. Angkor at Night, subject of local government approval and fee of 150 USD. **Scooter option:** available at extra cost: you need to be a driver with at least driving license B. Scooters are automatic and take different route to bikes, covering the same destinations. Day 1 - 20km, D2 - 100 Km, D3 - 150km, D4 - 50km, D5 - 150 km. **Visas:** E-visa ([https://www.evisa.gov.kh/](https://www.evisa.gov.kh/)) Trekkup Crew [Whastapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [info@trekkup.com](http://info@trekkup.com/) [Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

Join Dubai Offroaders for an unforgettable weekend of camping, off-roading, and Jeep adventure in the Dubai desert! This event is perfect for off-road enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to advanced drivers. Get ready to explore the stunning desert landscape, tackle challenging terrains, and have fun with like-minded adventurers. Experience the thrill of driving your 4x4 through the sandy dunes, enjoy a BBQ under the starlit sky, and connect with fellow expats in Dubai who share your passion for off-road activities. Whether you're a seasoned off-roader or a newbie looking to learn, this weekend trip promises an exciting blend of off-road driving, camping under the stars, and making unforgettable memories in the great outdoors. Don't miss out on this ultimate Dubai Offroaders experience!

PLEASE REGISTER HERE, TO JOIN THIS EVENT, https://dubaioffroaders.com/web/ Checklist: a) Fully functional 4x4 vehicle with full tank of fuel. b) Air compressor in working condition. c) Recovery rope / strap. d) Compatible radio pre-programmed to DO frequencies. e) Refreshments for you and your passengers (if you have them). f) Offroad flag attached to vehicle. Etiquette: 1) Registering and not coming along may stop others from joining and is easily avoidable - so please be courteous and withdraw if you can't make it. 2) Be punctual. 3) Avoid bringing along unregistered participants without prior permission. Thank you for taking the time to read this and prepare properly - see you on the sand!

Love stories, but never find the time to read? Always wanted to start reading but don’t know where to begin? **A Few Good Pages** is a weekly short story circle where we slow down, read together, and have thoughtful relaxed discussions. No pressure, No prep! We meet **every Saturday** to read and discuss **one or two short stories**—quick reads that stay with you. Whether you’re a **wannabe reader** looking to get started, a **busy book lover** who wants to rebuild reading habit, or someone who enjoys **sharing perspectives on a great story**, you’ll fit right in. You don't need to prepare anything in advance - Just show up. Over the past year, we've read and discussed over **200+ short stories,** building a warm, reflective community that values attention, curiosity and consistency. Join our WhatsApp Group for updates: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IpIMc6c87W49FJIg1cRDJk?mode=hqrt2 **Cost & Membership** * First session : **Free** * Drop in : AED 30 per session * Membership options available for those who want to build a consistent reading habit. **Location** Location : L'eto Cafe, 1st floor, Mall of Emirates (D7 is the closest parking Entrance) Please update the RSVP if there's any change in your plans :-) Come for the stories, stay for the discussions!

Sierre Leone and Freetown, Liberia and Monrovia - **freedom country and freedom town** \- two destinations where slavery and emancipation take on a whole new meaning\, with one being the site of **African resettlement from Europe and the other from America**, these are lands of searing heritage. Sierre Leone’s Freetown, with its vast beaches along the peninsula, lively surfing culture, chimpanzee sanctuary among the rainforests, and nearby islands with decaying slave fortresses, or another with butterfly colonies and pygmy hippos! **Bunce Island**, where trading in gold, ivory, cane wood, and slaves in the tens of thousands was launched from a fortress all the way across the Atlantic to the Americas, where the vast majority of the slaves of the Antebellum south came from. Today it’s a ruin of old stone and rusty cannons but the memories of this place continue to haunt. Just a little bit American and kind of West African, **Liberia is unlike anywhere** you’ve been before, with mountains to climb, world’s most beautiful beaches to surf and swim, vast parks full of untouched wildlife, city scenes out of the American south, and founded as the homeland of freed American slaves, it’s a step off the map into Africa’s last frontier! Monrovia is a scene of stately ruins, like the **Hotel Ducor and it’s famous swimming pool**, or the Masonic Temple’s peeling paint, broad streets of plantation-style mansions and Antebellum architecture, a marked contrast to Freetown’s Portuguese influence. You’ll even find a few speakers of “Pidgin” English, if you listen carefully! **Let’s go!!** **Day 1 :: Arrival + Firestone, The Rubber Tree Forests** Liberia is the only country that has **never been either a colony or a protectorate**; it was founded by Krio, freed slaves who returned to Africa from the US, hence the name "**Liberia: the country of freemen"**. Krio make up 5% of the population and control a large part of the economy and politics; they are considered the creators of the nation and the modern economy. 80% of the population speaks the Krio language, which is a form of "Pidgin" English. Immigration clearance and proceed to on a rough road through a spectacular **rubber plantation forest called Firestone**, the largest contiguous rubber plantation in the world, located in Harbel, Liberia, which first opened in 1926. In the mid-1990s, former Liberian President Charles Taylor's soldiers, many of whom were children, raided the Firestone plantation for fuel and supplies. Firestone pulled its executives out and left the plantation, and many of the company's Liberian workers were later killed. After the civil war, the company revived its operations and is now back on track. After a tour of the plantation and the surroundings, head to our ecolodge for overnight stay. **Day 2 :: Libassa + Monrovia** Leisure morning in tropical idyll setting. For curious, exploration of the site in a **search for Pangolins** \- live a dream of Liberia's wild and unspoilt nature\. Later in a day\, its time to head to Monrovia city\. Check in to hotel, start exploring Monrovia, we’ll pass by many curiosities including the **Temple of Masonic Lodge**, the most significant symbol of the Krio culture and the abandoned **Ducor Palace Hotel** (or what remains of it), a former luxurious hotel with a swimming pool overlooking the ocean. We ll also learn about the Mende people and the Bundu Mask in the forests outside the city. Head back to our hotel in the evening for dinner and rest. **Day 3 :: Crossing to Sierra + Tiwai or Gola NP** Check out from hotel and head to Sierra Leone on slightly better roads towards the border. **Bye bye Liberia!** Further on the boats to Tiwai Island for some **monkey jumping, bird calls, and maybe a crocodile** or two. If we’re really lucky, we’ll spot the elusive Pygmy Hippo! \*On this day we may opt for Gola Rainforest National Park instead. **Day 4 :: Tacugama via Bo** After binch beans and some coffee, we’ll head out to the second capital of Sierre Leone, the bustling Bo before moving on to **Tacugama Chimp Sanctuary**, home to many chimpanzees who have become injured and need help returning to the wild. We’ll drive into the hills for a panorama of the city and charming sunset. **Day 5 :: Bunce and Tasso Island** Bunce Island, made famous for being the last stop on the slave trade before being sent off to the Americas. The island was declared a national monument in 1948. A major European commercial fort was built here during the slave trading era, serving as a meeting place for European traders and African merchants. Over 50,000 slaves—women, children, and aged men—were transited to the Americas. The trading of slaves, gold, ivory, and cane wood was prevalent during the 1800s, and many slaves sent to South Carolina and Georgia were traded on this island. See and feel the island by touching the history yourself. **Day 6 :: Banana island + Freetown City Tour** Morning set out towards Kent for Banana Island, where we spend half day **swimming and getting to know the local community**, explore the Portuguese influence, and learn the ways of the Krios peoples of this former slave island. After lunch, return to the city, start with visiting the National Museum and the Big Market, which operates daily. It is a covered market selling a range of crafts, bric-a-brac, traditional medicines, and mystical items. **Day 7 :: Crossing to Conakry** **Bye-bye Sierra Leone!** Early in the morning crossing to Guinea Conakry, check in to hotel, city tour. **Day 8 :: Isles de Los** We will end up our trip with idyllic escape to Iles de Los, tropical paradise of 3 islands, for some swimming, relaxing or just playing beach football with the kids. **Day 9 :: Departure back to Dubai** Its time to head to airport for return flight home, Bye Bye West Africa! **Grade:** Easy - available for everyone. **Activities:** Trekking, boating, swimming, sightseeing. **Accommodation & meals:** hotels and eco lodges - double sharing, meals excluded. **Cost: 8,900 AED** excl. flights. Cost valid until MAR 05. **Flights, approx. 5000 AED:** Day 1 DXB-ROB Ethiopian Day 9 CKY-DXB Emirates **Specifically excluded:** flights, visas, restaurant meals, single room supplement. **Visas:** **Sierra Leone:** E-visa 85 USD **Liberia:** Pre-arranged visa 110 USD **Guinea Conakry:** E-visa 85 USD See yah in West Africa x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

**No app, all web, 2 seconds to make your instagram searchable! Note instagram is optional. Women can DM you on the site.** [https://eseek.app/register/](https://eseek.app/register/) => no gmail login required 📝 **Guys** create detailed, full-page text description about themselves. 🔍 **Ladies** search for what they’re looking for using simple prompts. Women stay anonymous, its designed for women search and review male profiles and **women DM men** if they think its a good match. * 🙈 Hide your bio and Instagram from your profile. * ✏️ Update or change your first name. * 🖼️ Switch up your profile picture thumbnail. * 🤖 AI explains to women why your profile is a great match for what they’re looking for. * 📝 Men write detailed descriptions that are searchable 🔍 but remain hidden from public view. * 🎉 Men create and host events to attract attention and connect with more people. **You can list your account as social, business, dating.** People can search and discover your instagram and message you. It's up to you what you want to share. We simply ask for gmail login. If you want to provide instagram handle and description optional. **Follow us at** [https://www.instagram.com/eseek_travel_app/](https://www.instagram.com/eseek_travel_app/) **whatsapp group** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdjIbmHx2xOAwT29rul521?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdjIbmHx2xOAwT29rul521?mode=gi_t)

*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.**

Free at Bexley Library Adventures in Ecological Horticulture with Rebecca McMackin Wednesday, March 18 1:00pm - 2:30pm Gone are the days when a garden could be ornamental alone. We now recognize the impact that our land care practices have on the ecosystems around us, and can see the importance of encouraging biodiversity. Thankfully, we do not need to sacrifice beauty when we invite butterflies and songbirds into our gardens. Rebecca McMackin has cultivated gorgeous landscapes in the toughest environments possible: urban parks, school playgrounds, and the sidewalks of New York City. She will take lessons from her work at Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Brooklyn Museum, and decades of research to share how those of us who are fortunate enough to care for land, can do it beautifully and ecologically. Rebecca McMackin is an ecologically obsessed horticulturist and garden designer. She writes, lectures, and teaches on ecological landscape management and pollination ecology, as well as designs the rare public garden. She is currently Lead Horticulturist for the American Horticultural Society, an Associate with the Harvard Divinity School’s Thinking with Plants and Fungi Initiative, and Consulting Arboretum Curator for Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, NY. Rebecca spent a decade as Director of Horticulture of Brooklyn Bridge Park, where she managed 85 acres of diverse parkland organically. Their research into cultivating urban biodiversity and ethical management strategies has influenced thousands of people and entire urban parks systems to adopt similar approaches. She has been published by and featured in the New York Times, Gardens Illustrated, on NPR and PBS. Her garden for the Brooklyn Museum recently won the PPA’s Award of Excellence and her TED Talk has been viewed over a million times. She holds M.Sc. from Columbia University and University of Victoria in landscape design and biology and recently completed the Loeb Fellowship at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. This program is presented in partnership with Rooted in Bexley and generously funded by the Bexley Community Foundation and Bexley Community Author Series Fund.

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.

Hosted by Wild Ones Columbus How to Install a Bog Garden, with David Marsolo Saturday, March 14th, 2026 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Eastern Time) Innis House (Inniswoods Metro Park) , 940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking A bog can serve the same functions as a traditional rain garden but has the advantages of being low maintenance, climate resilient and attractive for a much longer part of the year. David Marsolo is a long time Wild Ones member. He has been maintaining artificial bogs at his suburban Westerville home for about 20 years. He will describe how to install a bog and fill it with many interesting native plants including pollinator and host plants https://columbus.wildones.org/calendar-of-events-and-programs/?wo_event_id=11160

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. We meet in the bar in the room on the right (the cigar shop). You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant. *** Did you know that there are atheists everywhere?!?! You may not know it, but we are! We're in your schools, diners, police force, military, government, and some are even still in your churches! So come and join us and meet other local atheists, along with agnostics, heathens, humanists, skeptics, and anyone else who's 'hell bound'! Vision: a Central Ohio that accepts atheism as a viable alternative in all areas of public and private life. Mission: grow, support, and provide community for atheists in Central Ohio. Social meetings held most Tuesdays at a local pub/restaurant at 7:00 PM (and often into the wee hours). Attendees call themselves agnostics, skeptics, humanists, non-theists, deists or even theists. All attendees are welcome but should support our vision. Atheists of Columbus (AoC) is part of Omnipresent Atheists (OA). AoC members are invited to join this OA meetup and/or OA Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/omnipresentatheists/ ) but are free to continue conversations on the AoC Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/columbusatheists/ ). AoC was founded in 2012 as a networking, social group for Central Ohio area humanists, skeptics, atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers, freethinkers, and the curious. It was a member of Columbus CoR and held weekly meetings, mostly on Fridays, for several years but then operated as an online only group for some time. In November 2018, Omnipresent Atheists (OA), a group that routinely meets on Tuesdays, invited AoC to merge. Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason (ColumbusCoR.org). Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason ( http://www.ColumbusCoR.org ). Omnipresent Atheists endorses the mission of the Secular Coalition for America ( http://secular.org ).

Looking for a creative night out that isn’t boring or corporate? Come hang out at **The Arcane Foundry** for an open candle bar and a 3D print paint and sip! Choose something from our 3D-printed shelf — *think ceramic paint-and-sip, but way cooler and with custom models we print in-house.* Or head to the candle bar and pick your fragrances to pour your own **pillar candle or container candle**. Sip complimentary tea, enjoy bakery snacks, and **BYOB wine or beer** while you paint, pour, and make whatever the hell you feel like making. No experience needed — this is all vibes, fun, and meeting new people while creating something you’ll actually want to take home. Starting at a very low price of $10 and up for paint and sip (Includes use of community paints, paint pallet, paint brushes) PLA Models starting at $10 and up 75mm Resin Fantasy Models $25 32mm Table-Top Miniatures $10 **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $60 (Limited Edition!) \[www\.thearcanefoundry\.com\]\(The Arcane Foundry\) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Cash * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL * PayPal: daclaudlee@gmail.com

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.