Local Activities

Come finish the week with drinks, banter, and make some friends ☺️ **This event does not have a host.** If nobody shows up, check out the Kiwi bar next door ☺️ Join our [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FzcNhtOUm5EAC41XQ7tJgO) group. Feel free to organise or advertise events, or ask for advice\. Please be respectful to everyone and avoid topics likely to lead to conflict \(e\.g\. politics\) 😊 **_We're always looking for proactive members and hosts. If you show initiative - we'll support the effort 🤗 Let's make Riga a better place to live! 🇱🇻_**

**The topic for January is toxic people, toxic relationships, and narcissism.** If you enjoy self-exploration and self-improvement, our welcoming community invites you to share your journey! During our sessions, we all share our views on the day’s topic, unpacking it in ways that may be helpful for our future selves. Everyone is welcome to contribute or simply listen. If time allows at the end, we may also touch on other subjects, such as key experiences from the past week or month. Basic information: * We meet at a cosy place in Riga’s city centre about once a month. * The language of the event is English. * Age limit: 18 and over. * Photos of participants may be taken at the event and shared publicly on social media, including but not limited to meetup.com. By joining the event, you accept this condition. * Prices: the event itself is free of charge, but please purchase a drink or a meal at the bar. Event-related announcements are made on meetup.com, so please check posts and messages regularly. If you have any questions, please contact me — I’ll be happy to help. *Background photo: [Renāte Šnore, Unsplash](https://x.gd/pLJwE) taken at Viesatas upesloku takas, Irlavas pagasts, Latvia.*

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** http://foundersrc.com/chats **Stay updated**: Instagram http://instagram.com/foundersrc/ Podcast http://podcast.foundersrc.com/ LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/ Strava http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC Website http://foundersrc.com/

## Breakfast with Girls & Metaphorical Cards **A gentle start of the day through psychology & connection** Let’s begin the morning in a warm, supportive atmosphere — with breakfast, meaningful conversation, and **metaphorical associative cards**. This breakfast meeting is designed as a **soft psychological experience** where we slow down, tune into ourselves, and connect with each other in a natural and respectful way. ### What will happen at the meeting? * We will get to know each other and cards will help us * We will work with **metaphorical associative cards** — a **projective technique used in psychology** * We will use this process to **set the tone for the day**, clarify inner intentions, and create a feeling of grounding * Through images, symbols, and guided questions, you’ll gain gentle insights into your current state, intentions, and inner focus * The cards help bypass rational thinking and connect with intuition, emotions, and inner resources No prior experience with psychology or MAC cards is needed. ### Metaphorical cards are not about “prediction” or “fortune-telling.” They are a **projective psychological tool** that helps: * access inner meanings * express thoughts and feelings safely * gain clarity through personal associations * open deeper, more authentic dialogue Each interpretation is personal — there are no right or wrong answers. ### ✨ Atmosphere & Connection This is also a space to: * enjoy breakfast together * gently get to know each other * share (only if you want) * feel supported and relaxed Everything happens in a **safe, respectful, and kind environment**.

Join us for Pongal celebration as we come together to honor tradition, gratitude, and community! Inspired by South Indian traditions, **Chennai Hoppers** embodies authentic flavor profiles from the traditional kitchens of Tamil Nadu. Their contemporary interpretation of rustic South Indian cuisine blends refined creativity with deep-rooted culinary heritage—offering exotic dishes that remain true to their origins while exceeding expectations. Adding to its acclaim, **Chennai Hoppers has been featured in major regional publications**, including recognition by **The Washington Post** as one of the best Indian restaurants in the greater D.C. area, along with coverage in local food and culture magazines highlighting its authentic yet innovative approach to South Indian cuisine. ✨ **What to expect**: •Authentic South Indian cuisine with a modern touch •Festive Pongal vibes and cultural connection •A relaxed, welcoming space to meet new people 📌 **Please note**: •Attendees will order and pay individually •Limited spots available—please RSVP early **Festive attire is welcome but optional.** Come with an open heart and festive spirit—we look forward to celebrating Pongal with you! 🌾💛

**Movie Watch Party: Border 2 + Lunch Hangout** 📅 Date: Saturday, January 24 📍 Location: Theater (TBD) + Lunch spot nearby ⏰ Time: Late morning / early afternoon (final time after showtimes are out) Join us for a movie watch party to catch Border 2, followed by a relaxed group lunch to hang out, discuss the movie, and enjoy good food together. **🎥 About the Movie** Border 2 is an upcoming sequel to the blockbuster of its time, Border, which continues the legacy of powerful storytelling centered on courage, sacrifice, and camaraderie. **🗓️ Tentative Plan** 🎥 Movie: Border 2 (theater and showtime to be finalized closer to the date) 🍽️ Lunch: Casual sit-down restaurant nearby (options shared once headcount is confirmed) ℹ️ **Good to Know** * Please RSVP so we can coordinate tickets and lunch reservations * Movie tickets and lunch are self-paid * Come solo or bring a friend—everyone is welcome ✨ A great weekend plan if you enjoy Indian cinema, meaningful conversations, and community vibes. RSVP to save your spot — details coming soon!

Our local amphibians and reptiles are both susceptible to habitat destruction and pollutants and can often be victims of being misunderstood. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for an introductory look at our local amphibians and reptiles, what our citizens can do to help protect their habitats, and what related programs are available through Loudoun Wildlife to help monitor populations and increase community awareness of these often overlooked and fragile species. This presentation takes place at Rust Library and is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. *Registration requested (https://loudounwildlife.org/event/amphibian-monitoring-kickoff/).*

Birds of prey numbers increase dramatically each winter in the county as our resident birds are joined by many others. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy to search for winter raptors. We will drive the back roads of Loudoun until dusk with frequent stops to find and identify the many hawks, hopefully an owl or two, and any other birds that overwinter here. Bring binoculars if you have them. *Limit 16.* ***Registration required.*** Registration for Searching for Birds of Prey Field Trip **https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birds-of-prey-field-trip/** ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*, if **registration is full,** ask to be added to the waitlist by emailing . Please include the event name and date in your email. You’ll be notified if space becomes available. My car can fit 3 additional people & I have spare binoculars. Or we can go separately. ###

This meetup is for Japanese learners who want to practice speaking in a relaxed, supportive environment without pressure or perfection. It's also a great place to meet people with similar interests! If you’ve studied vocabulary or grammar but freeze when it’s time to speak, this session is designed to help you bridge that gap. **What we'll do:** * Simple self-introductions in Japanese * Guided speaking prompts (you won’t be put on the spot) * Light pair or small-group practice * Optional review games or activities to support speaking Mistakes are expected and encouraged. You’re welcome to use notes, look things up, or listen more than you speak. **Who this is for:** * Beginner to early-intermediate learners * People who want to practice speaking without pressure * Anyone who feels like they “know the material” but struggles to use it No high-level Japanese required. Just come as you are.

Per Collective: Ooooh party people. LISTEN UP: we're doing something fun yet again. It's the only way we know how! On Friday Jan 23 Collective is holding a "Dark of Night" event at Rai's Rendezvous. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN!?!?!? Come in black - your fanciest, your most emo, your most badass black leather...it ALL goes. And we're pulling a bunch of older Collective songs out of the shadows and putting them back on stage for ONE NIGHT ONLY. We can't wait to see you!