Nature

Picture a setting sun tinging the **sky with hues of red, purple, and orange, the mighty baobab striking a squat pose against the sky,** its plump trunk leading up to a few delicate flinger-like branches, making for one mystical sight. One Arabian legend says the devil plucked up the baobab, thrust its branches into the Earth, and left its roots in the air. A tree so distinctive they named it twice! Easily recognized by their swollen base at the trunk which gives the tree a bottle-like appearance. They can be **as short as 5 meters to as tall as 12 meters with the bottle-trunk up to 5 meters in diameter**. With blooms in the spring of large white flowers which only open at night, these ancient trees have many tales to tell, given **their estimated age up to 2,000 years!** **Few places on Earth offer such an intense kaleidoscope of nature** as Madagascar, from fertile hills cascading with terraced rice paddies, forests of every kind from wet & rainy to dry and spiny, and a laterite-rich soil which gives the country it’s nickname of “Red Island”. With thousands of kilometres of coastline, the sea is never very far, turquoise and idyllic, dangerous and mysterious, big adventure on the world’s fourth largest island. There is no other place on Earth where you’ll find more **lemurs because they’re only found in Madagascar!** Endemic to the island and evolved from monkeys and apes, they once were as large as the male gorilla! **There are now over 100 species of lemurs**, in all shapes and sizes, from the pygmy mouse lemur to the long-tailed Indri. And while the signature animal of Madagascar is the Lemur, there are many weird and wonderful creatures, from the eerie-looking **fossa-fossa (a cat-dog crossover)**, **colourful and camouflaged chameleons**, oddly shaped insects, vivid frogs, graceful rays and turtles, several species of sharks, and humpback whales during the winter months. **Madagascar, from East to West, from Lemur to Boabab, on the road, the river, and the sea!** [https://vimeo.com/292618272](https://vimeo.com/292618272) [https://vimeo.com/194405246](https://vimeo.com/194405246) [https://vimeo.com/224965822](https://vimeo.com/224965822) **Let’s bao!!** **Day 1 // Tana - Antsirabe** After arrival we head to Antsirabe wile enjoying the views of highlands, rice terraces, vegetable plantations, and traditional Malagasy houses of the high plateau. **Day 2 // On the Road to Miandrivazo** Visit Antsirabe city by rickshaw. Continue drive to Miandrivazo. We’ll make a few stops at local villages and viewpoints along the way, a roadside lunch of local specialties. **Day 3 // Miandrivazo – River trip** Today we start our all-aboard adventure on the boat, enjoying peaceful day at river banks. We’ll meet some local tribes along the riverbank, catch sight of some endemic birds and chameleons, and along the river till we reach a gorge with Lemurs in their natural habitat. We’ll hop off the boat and into nearby waterfall for refresh and camp along the river for the night. At night a local party: traditional dance of West Mada. **Day 4 // Kirindy Forest at Night** We’ll head down the river and check-out from our boat, take a quick car-ferry ride before reaching Kirindy. Short rest in the hotel. Towards later afternoon we'll get ready for a night walk in search of Lemurs and other nocturnal creatures! **Day 5 // Boabab at Sunset in Morondava** This morning we head back to the Kirindy forest for trek through the forest in the daylight, to search for the dancing lemurs, Sifaka and red fronted brown. We'll certainly see lots of reptiles and birds nearby the giant sacred baobab. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and head to most awaited sunset in famous **valley of baobabs, set against magical red and purple sky.** **Day 6 // Relax at the beach** We’ll settle into a peaceful beachfront spot just outside the city lights, with hammocks, shaded loungers, and the gentle sound of waves on the Mozambique Channel. Swim or wade in the shallows until west-coast orange sunset covers the golden sands. **Day 7 // Tana** Today we catch a local flight to Tana where we’ll check-out capitol's Royal Tombs and Pink Palace. Few last selfies with lemurs and their wet-noses. Enjoy a little souvenir shopping at the local market, wander many streets of wooden houses. **Day 8 // Departure** Transfer to airport for return flight home. Bye, bye Mada x **Level of difficulty:** Easy and relaxing **Activities:** trekking, sightseeing, cruising, camping. **Accommo & meals:** breakfasts included, accommodation in **comfy lodges** and hotels, double sharing. 1 nights camping. Single room is subject of extra cost and availability. **Cost: AED 6,600 excl. flight** **Cost valid until MAR 05.** **Specifically excluded**: Lunches and dinners in local restaurants. **Visas**: **Any passport can obtain a visa on arrival** valid for 90 days. See yah in Mada x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [info@trekkup.com](http://info@trekkup.com/)

Discover the Harmonizing Power of Sound: In the gentle embrace of sacred sound, find deep restoration and harmony. Our bespoke Singing Bowl and Crystal Bowl Healing sessions offer a private sanctuary for profound transformation, tailored specifically to your unique needs. **Available Healing Focus Areas:** - **Couples Healing:** Reconnect and restore harmony through shared vibrational resonance - **Parent-Child Healing:** Strengthen bonds and create peaceful emotional connections - **Personal Healing:** A dedicated journey inward for self-discovery and inner peace - **Emotional Healing:** Release stress, anxiety, grief, or emotional blockages - **Pathological Support Healing:** Complementary sonic support for physical well-being - **Energy Enhancement Healing:** Cleanse, balance, and amplify your energetic field **Session Details:** - **Format:** Private & Customized (for individuals, couples, or small family groups) - **Schedule:** Available every Friday, 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM - **Booking:** Advance appointment required **Step into a space of pure resonance.** Allow the sound to wash over you, recalibrate your energy, and guide you back to your center. Contact to book your private sound healing journey.

Don't have a group, completely fine. badminton sessions for all levels.. Aed 45 for two hours, aed 28 for one hour come and play with us. teams will beade on levels to have exciting matched contact no +971 50 6658 933 join below WhatsApp group for regular updates. [https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5XeBmwIJ33GNRli4CF7Bc](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5XeBmwIJ33GNRli4CF7Bc)

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)

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

This is an event for deep thinkers who enjoy deep discussions. No prior knowledge of philosophy is required. In the first segment of this event, we shall have a group discussion on randomly selected topics. In the second segment of the event, we shall discuss a short philosophical article after reading it. Please note that this event has a fee of AED 30.

**Who this is for** Founders, operators, and builders who want sharper thinking, real feedback, and investor-grade preparation. This is not a sales meet. Service sellers and cold outreach hunters will not be accepted. **[🎥 Our Last Event](https://vimeo.com/1125246894?fl=tl&fe=ec)** **What to expect** * A small, curated mastermind of 8 to 12 founders * Each founder focuses on one specific problem or decision they need to move forward this month — the kind of issue that, if solved, would *genuinely move the needle* for their business * Structured hot seats designed for actionable feedback and clear next steps * A practical, no-fluff format that values contribution, insight, and accountability **Format** * 9:45 – Arrival and registration * 10:00 – Host welcome * 10:05 – Value-packed guest speaker * 10:20 – Mastermind session begins **Bring** One well-defined problem or decision you want to move forward this month. This is your focus for the session and the starting point for meaningful progress. **What past founders said** [🎥 Founder Testimonial 1](https://vimeo.com/1125243760?fl=tl&fe=ec) [🎥 Founder Testimonial 2](https://vimeo.com/1125243680?fl=tl&fe=ec) [🎥 Founder Testimonial 3](https://vimeo.com/1125243616?fl=tl&fe=ec) **Payment** AED 75 (approx. $20) — this small fee helps maintain the quality and consistency of the room. **How to join** Apply on this page and answer the short set of questions. The host will review your application and confirm attendance via WhatsApp. **Location and timing** Details will be shared directly only with confirmed participants.

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)

**Play x ESeek presents** **THE BIGGEST‎ SATURDAY PARTY : With Offers 🎉** **EVERY SATURDAY : 11PM-3AM+** **Offers 💥** ⚜️‎ Free‎ Entry for‎‎ Ladies & Couples All Night ⚜️‎ Free‎ Drinks for‎‎ Ladies till 1AM ⚜️‎ Men Offer : AED 99/ 2 Drinks Free ⚜️ Bollywood x Techno ⚜️‎ VIP‎ Tables Available\*(T&C) **Please Reserve** **0543231214** **📍‎ Location : Oud‎ Metha** **Host Details** **Your Fabulous Luxury Bollywood Party is Here! This is a hosted event with a female host that will greet you on the night.** Our host Dona Gilbert will be there to make your night amazing, she's waiting for you to ask questions on our community board in-app and event group chat, so hope onto eSeek to find them and discuss the event. **Most Important** **👉 Download the Seek app and introduce yourself today & make new friends all around Dubai** **[https://eseek.app](https://eseek.app/)**

**We ask a lot from our bodies and minds every single week.** Deadlines. Screens. Noise. Holding it all together. This Sunday morning, let’s take an hour for ourselves — outdoors, in good weather, among trees, joggers, families, and the gentle buzz of life around us. We’ll move consciously and gently, letting breath guide each pose. We’ll work through stiffness, release built-up stress, and allow emotions to soften and settle. And we’ll finish grounded and relaxed — learning how to find calm even when the world doesn’t pause. If this feels like something you need, you’re already halfway there 🙂 👉 **Join the WhatsApp group for updates & to RSVP:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BoOK6ejVkPEEzjIbasXccL](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BoOK6ejVkPEEzjIbasXccL) 🗓 **Sunday \| 7:30 AM** 📍 **Barsha Pond Park** — under the trees, surrounded by morning life 💳 **Event fee: AED 50** **Bring:** • Your yoga mat • A bottle of water • Your restless mind (this is a great place to practice with it Let’s meet on the mat and practice calm — not away from life, but right inside it.

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!

**Jaw dropping moments** await travelers who reach the Northeast province of Cao Bang in Vietnam. **Jagged mountains, endless limestone karts, winding rivers and massive cascading waterfalls** will be the well-earned award for those who conquer the **windy, zig-zagged roads** and wobbly hanging bridges on scooter. The lush landscape will surprise you at every turn, but then… you feast your eyes on lush waterfalls the colour of emerald and jade. This is not a trip for the faint hearted or the comfort seeking. **This is raw, unfiltered, off the grid Vietnam,** where the roads are as untamed as the landscape they carve through. Sheer drops plummet hundreds of metres, hairpin bends that demand total respect, and suspension bridges that sway like acrobats over raging rivers. The Ha Giang – Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark and the remote borderlands of Cao Bang are some of **the wildest, least touristed mountain regions in Southeast Asia**. Here, the asphalt is often broken, gravel sections appear without warning, and the weather can flip from blazing sun to thick fog in minutes. **You will ride where Google Maps fears to tread**, through territory still dominated by H’mong, Tay, Dao and Nung villages that see more **buffalo carts than foreign scooters.** Renowned for **vast lakes and chalky karsts**, towering over the rugged landscapes of Cao Bang, the Ba Be National Park’s is a sumptuous valley carved from the flow of the Quay Son River. The serenity is dramatically broken when the **river reaches a 300 meter-wide limestone ledge**, and drops sharply down several terraces, creating the Ban Gioc Waterfall – one of Vietnam’s most impressive natural sights. **Ban Gioc breaks records** the world over for not only being the **largest waterfall in Asia**, but the fourth largest to run along a national border with a **width of over 250 meters and three cascade drops of 70 meters.** Separated into three falls by rocks and trees, Ban Gioc’s thunderous roar of the water hitting the cliffs **can be heard kilometers away.** Whether you pick a spot on a pebbly beach, a grassy bank, decide to perch on a boulder in a stream or lay in the curved trunk of a tropical tree –you will no doubt be moved by one of the **most romantic views Vietnam has to offer**. For those feeling extra adventurous we can even wander further up the side of the falls for even more spectacular views from the top of the cascades. It may sound like a dream, but it is in fact one of the **most picturesque parts of Asia**, and we can’t wait to see you there! **Lets go!** **Day 1: Arrival to Hanoi** Arrival, immigration procedure, transfer to hotel. Trip briefing, overnight. Optional sneak peek on local night life. **Day 2: Hanoi – Ha Giang - Quan Ba – Dong Van** Transfer to pick up our scooters. Following an orientation and safety briefing we begin our ride uphill to Quan Ba. As we ride we’ll soak in spectacular views of mountains and villages until we reach the ‘heaven gate’ in Tam Son. Hike around Quan Ba visiting the Twins Hill and the Nam Dam ethnic village of Dao, followed by lunch in Yen Minh – known for its local organic food. We then continue our ride uphill towards the Rocky Highland and Karst Plateau on the way to Dong Van, followed by a visit to the historic Vuong King’s Palace. **Day 3: Dong Van- Meo Vac** After breakfast we head out for a ride to Lung Cu Flagpole on the Chinese border. Road winds through multiple switchbacks climbing the backbone of a limestone ridge right on the Chinese frontier. You’ll ride past ancient stone forests, H’mong hill tribe hamlets with hemp fields, and the northernmost point of Vietnam marked by the Lung Cu flag tower, in complete silence except for your engine and the wind howling through the karsts. We then continue to ride through zig-zagged roads towards the Ma Pi Leng pass, where we stop for a unique 360° panorama of the river Nho Que between cliffs. Often called “Sky Path” it is actually a narrow ribbon of road chiselled into a vertical 1600 m cliff face above the turquoise Nho Que River. Locals call it “the place where even the horses tremble.” We then move on to the lively market town of Meo Vac. Tonight, we stay in a guest house. **Day 4: Meo Vac – Bao Lac** Exciting day ahead as although today’s road may be short, it’s windy and rugged. We’ll be going slow to ensure everyone’s safety. Drive to Ma Pi Leng Pass for some selfies with oh and ahh from the panoramic peak. The road from Meo Vac to Bao Lac is a forgotten masterpiece of the old “Happiness Road” (the hand-built cliff highway constructed by 1,300 young volunteers in the 1960s). Expect broken asphalt, loose gravel, blind corners, sheer drops, and stretches so narrow that two scooters can barely pass. We deliberately ride slow and in tight formation – safety first! After the pass, the road plunges into a hidden limestone canyon almost nobody talks about. Towering rock needles, wild corn fields clinging to 70-degree slopes, and tiny Lolo and H’mong villages that still use wooden water wheels. This stretch feels like riding through Jurassic Park on two wheels. Continue riding until we arrive at Bao Lac, where we’ll check into a comfy hotel. Late afternoon is free to explore the colourful local market or just kick back with a sunset drink overlooking the Gam River. After dark we hit Bao Lac’s surprisingly lively “people’s square,” think karaoke, 10-cent draught bevies, and locals who will insist on toasting every foreigner who rides in on a scooter. **Day 5: Bao Lac – Ban Gioc Waterfall** Today’s another long one, with a 130 km ride from Bao Lac to Cao Bang – renowned for its gorgeous landscapes and fresh cool air. A 40 km descent that runs through 27 numbered turns. The road hugs the Vietnam – China border so closely that at one point you’re literally riding with one wheel in each country. Emerging from the mist at the bottom reveals Ban Gioc in full roar, an explosive reward that feels earned with every twist of the wrist. **Day 6: Ban Gioc Waterfall – Hanoi** Ban Gioc waterfall is simply jaw-dropping... Welcome to Asia’s largest waterfall! We hop on traditional bamboo rafts piloted by local Tay families and drift to the foot of the cascades, metres from where Vietnam meets China. Feel the mist explode over you as 30-metre walls of turquoise water crash down. You can also can grab a kayak or simply strip down and swim in the natural pools right beneath the falls. The water is surprisingly warm, the current is strong, and the roar is deafening. In fact, **this is one of the very few places on earth where you can legally swim on an international border.** A short but steep trail leads to the upper ledge on the Vietnamese side for the ultimate postcard panorama: the full 300-metre width of the falls framed by jungle-clad karsts. After a late lakeside lunch of grilled fish and fresh herbs, we say goodbye to the borderlands. The scooters get loaded onto the support truck and transfer back to Hanoi in a van with several stops on the way. **Day 7:** **Hanoi** Well deserved rest - free time at leisure, late check out. Airport transfer for flight home after midnight **(on Day 8)**. Bye bye Vietnam! **Activities:** Riding, trekking, swimming, boating, sightseeing. **Accommodation & meals:** Local meals included during the ride, shared rooms in 3-star hotels and guest houses. Restaurant meals on transfers and in Hanoi excluded. **Scooters:** Automatic scooter bikes (Yamaha Nouvo Automatic 125CC or similar), truck support. **Van option**: available for non-riders. **Cost: 4600 AED riders, 4990 AED non-riders** until MAR 05. **Specifically excluded:** Flights, compulsory travel + medical insurance, visas, meals in Hanoi and meals on transfers, single supplement. **Flights:** Flights are not included in trip budget. Emirates EK 394 / EK 395 at 4300 AED. **Visas:** E-visa or visa upon arrival. Visa support available. See you in Cao x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 00971 50 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [docs@trekkup.com](http://info@trekkup.com/) Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](http://linktr.ee/trekkup)

**_Sip. Paint. Play. Reconnect. _** **Description:** Step into a calming, creative space where art becomes more than just paint on a canvas—it becomes a form of play, release, and self-expression. This Sip n Paint session gently weaves in elements inspired by art therapy, inviting you to slow down, tune in, and express what words often can’t. Through intuitive painting, free exploration of colors, shapes, and patterns, you’ll experience the restorative benefits of creative play—reducing stress, quieting the mind, and reconnecting with your natural sense of curiosity and joy. There’s no right or wrong outcome here; the process matters more than the result. As you paint, you’ll also share the space with like-minded creatives—socializing, laughing, and enjoying a beverage in a warm, supportive atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, emotional release, or simply a fun and meaningful way to connect, this session offers a gentle reset for both mind and spirit. Come as you are. Play freely. Leave lighter, inspired, and creatively nourished. ✨ Fee - Aed 25 Payment linked below: https://pay.ziina.com/annuevents/nhB088PBp[Payment link ](https://pay.ziina.com/annuevents/nhB088PBp)

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.

Join us for the Spring edition of [Nature Loving Fest](https://www.facebook.com/events/895148649812928), a small, thoughtfully curated outdoor gathering celebrating vegan eats, handmade goods, and the beauty of the season. Formerly known as our Vegan Pop-Up, this new chapter reflects what the event has always been — a space rooted in nature, community, and intentional living. Expect around 20 local vendors offering seasonal vegan eats, small-batch bakes, handcrafted goods, and earth-conscious products. Come support local makers, share good food, and celebrate the beginning of a new season with us. Admission is Free.

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

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

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."