Paleontology

**New participants are required to contact WhatsApp at 0501497147 before signing up for the event to confirm their slot.** Friday Badminton @ Sprigdale School Al Quoz 7-9 PM Badminton Active group plying every Friday at 7-9 pm Cleopatra sports academy Al quoz 4.( Springdale School ) Cost will be AED 40/- Per person including court rent , premium feather shuttle and average 8 games will get every plyers. New plyers confirm your slots through WhatsApp ( Rensin +971501497147) Payment is applicable once confirmed the slot and no cancellation on game day. Join WhatsApp Group ; https://chat.whatsapp.com/GUlBTloYtkrGVLb2ljK1ZV

**Are you ready to spend your weekend away Indiana Jones style and pocket the memories of a lifetime?** Here comes another chance to visit Petra with a plunge into super salty Dead Sea, but thats just the beginning! We will also take a look at the highlights of Amman, do the short hike across the gorgeous wadi with year flowing stream, and follow steps of Lawrence of Arabia in Wadi Rum. Little known 2 hours trail will lead us to the famous pink rock complex from the backside, making our way to the one of Worlds 7 Wonders directly to its highest point - Monastery. Standing alone towards ancient facades, will make you feel like Indiana Jones!! Lets go! **Petra is famous complex of rock-cut architecture**, established in 312 BC as a capitol of Nabataeans Empire. It was only possible to create a city in a dessert by building a water supply system but that's not all, the area was flash flooded regularly so the system of dams was built around it too. The whole area obviously found its way to UNESCO Heritage list. [https://vimeo.com/209766786](https://vimeo.com/209766786) **Dead Sea is the lowest point on the planet** at -429mtrs below sea level, its also one of the worlds saltiest bodies of water together with Lake Assal in Djibouti. This salinity makes for a harsh environment in which animals cannot flourish, but nothing will stop us to take a floating swim in it! Activities: sightseeing, short 3 hrs hiking and getting amazed with Nabatean City! **Grade:** easy, available for everyone. **Accommodation and meals:** included - dbl sharing, 3 star hotel and Bedouin camp. Single occupancy at 295 AED extra. **Cost: AED 2410 excl. flights, until DEC 17.** **RSVP:** Please make sure to include your email address and WhatsApp number in the related field when you join the event. This is to assure we can contact and send you all documents. **Excluded:** * Jordan Pass (entrance fees) jordanpass.jo - one day pass at 70 JOD. **Lets go!!** **Day 1 // Friday** Meeting at airport at 5.30pm for a direct flight at 7.20pm. Arrive at Amman 21.15, transfer to north Amman, check in to the hotel. **Day 2 // Saturday** After an early breakfast, quick look at Amman highlights - Citadel, Ummayyad Palace and Roman Amphitheatre before we hit the road to Dead Sea. At the Beach Resort we’ll have lunch and time for a swim in this incredibly salty lake before travelling further south to Petra. On the way, we stop by Wadi Numira or Dana Nature Reserve to stretch the legs before head down south. We will arrive to Little Petra at about 6-7pm, in time for sunset and dinner at luxury Bedouin Camp, which is a wonder on its own. **Day 3 // Sunday** Half day in Petra. An early start at 6.30am, then jeeps take us at 6.30am through the desert to the start of the backway trail to the Monastery. This is ‘the backdoor’ to Petra, with fantastic views over Wadi Araba, and few steps, it’s the perfect way to enter Petra. Once we’ve reached the Monastery – the largest of Petra’s temples, we will go down the stairs and walk through the Roman area, visit the Royal Tombs and stop for picnic lunch. Next it’s past the Street of Facades and finally arriving at The Treasury – the most famous of Petra’s sights. A walk through the Siq takes us to the entrance where we will jump on the bus and head to Wadi Rum before drive back to airport. [https://vimeo.com/217694073](https://vimeo.com/217694073) See yah in Petra x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [info@trekkup.com](info@trekkup.com) [Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

\# 🎯 Welcome to Badminton Lovers Dubai\! **The World's Highest-rated badminton community** from the heart of Dubai \(⭐ 4\.9 ★ \| 3700\+ reviews\) – where fun\, fitness\, and friendship come together on court\! Whether you’re a **beginner eager to learn** or an **advanced player seeking competitive rallies**, you’ll enjoy: ✔ 2 hours of structured, mix-and-match Doubles games ✔ Professional world-class courts at **Xtra Sports Club Al Qouz** ✔ A friendly, welcoming community of players of all levels \*\*\* \#\# ⭐ Why Join Us? ✔ Dubai’s **#1 rated sports & social group** ✔ Play with 5-6 players per court → **minimum waiting time** ✔ Separate courts for **advanced competitive matches** ✔ Beginner-friendly – guidance & support provided ✔ **Feather shuttles included** + limited rackets (first-come, first-serve) ✔ Exclusive **discounts at leading sports stores in Dubai** ✔ Social, fun, and a great way to meet new friends \*\*\* \#\# 📍 Event Details * ⏳ **Duration:** 2 hours of exciting badminton games * 🏸 **Venue:** Xtra Sports Club Al Qouz * 💵 **Fee:** 45 AED (includes feather shuttles) * 💳 **Payment:** Online (CareemPay/Bank Transfer – **Rauf 0555236521**). *Cash is only for approved regulars (+5 AED surcharge).* * 🔄 **System:** Mix-and-match doubles for maximum variety \*\*\* ## 📱 New Players – Important At the time of RSVP, please WhatsApp the organiser: **Rauf 055523652**1 (Event HOST) https://wa.me/971555236521 📲 0509001406 \| 0502480751 \(Waqsi\) ## 💰 Payment & Cancellation Policy * **RSVP = Commitment** * Your RSVP is your commitment to attend. Please honour it. * Your RSVP blocks a spot, and you are responsible for payment unless you cancel on time. **Payment** * Payment is required **immediately at the time of RSVP** to secure your spot. * If you RSVP but do not pay **and** do not cancel within the allowed time, you are still liable for the session fee. **Cancellation by Players** * ✅ Cancel **12+ hours before the event:** No charge. If already paid, the amount is credited towards a future session. * ❌ Cancel **less than 12 hours before** OR **No-show:** Full payment required, even if you have not yet paid. No credit/refund. **Unpaid RSVPs** * Unpaid RSVPs may be removed by organisers **before the 12-hour window.** * Within 12 hours of the event, all RSVPs (paid or unpaid) are treated as confirmed and subject to the cancellation/no-show policy. **Event Cancelled by Organisers** * If we cancel, you will receive a **full refund** or a **session credit** (your choice). **Non-Payment Consequences** * Players who fail to honour payment after a late cancellation or no-show may be restricted from RSVPing for future sessions until dues are cleared. \*\*\* \#\# 📸 Social Media Policy * Photos/videos may be used to promote badminton & our community * You can request removal in writing for future events * Past media cannot be deleted \*\*\* \#\# 👥 Guest Policy * Guests must be registered with **name & level** * RSVP holder is responsible for guest payment & cancellations \*\*\* \#\# ✅ Ready to Play? Click RSVP, send us a WhatsApp to confirm, and get ready to smash your way into Dubai’s most exciting badminton community!

A chill hangout for deep thinkers, curious minds, and lovers of raw, real conversations—with or without a drink in hand. No strict rules, no set topics—just a bunch of interesting people talking about life, beliefs, and everything in between. 💵 Fee: AED 30 - pay by [clicking here](https://pay.ziina.com/dsh/e73sWOArW) 📲 Join our WhatsApp group for updates: [Group Link!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Cs4MOv0NvlNHR3ZrZAcCyC) Or message us at +971 50 355 1536 **Who shows up?** Open-minded folks from all walks of life—no racists, no sexists, no judgmental vibes. Expect friendly debates, weird tangents, occasional cranks, and surprisingly smart convos. **Quick etiquette tip:** Disagree freely, but respectfully. We’re here to learn from each other—not win arguments.

ALL WEEKENDS FAMILY SPORTS AND FITNESS TIME AT JK ULTIMATE FAMILY SPORTS. Entry Fee : Free for Members. 30 to 50AED per family for Non Members Time : 10AM to 12PM or 6PM to 8PM Transportation: Free transport is available for Members. 20 to 30AED for Non members from nearest Metro or Bus stops.

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** 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! **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 lodges - double sharing, meals excluded. **Cost: 9,200 AED** excl. flights. Cost valid until DEC 10th. **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)

Mavis 350 shuttles will be provided by the court. Please bring your own equipment (racket, shoes, water bottle). 2 courts , 2 hours game The games will include doubles and mixed doubles. A coach will be present to host the games and correct mistakes during play. Fee: AED 25 per person

**Under the stary night!** Escape the city and endless scrolling on the phone, lose yourself in the mountains for an unforgettable outdoor experience. Gather under open skies for a night of camping, crackling bonfires, sizzling barbeque, flowing drinks, and music that keeps you dancing till dawn. Surrounded by peaks, stars, and good vibes, this is where nature meets celebration and enjoy lighthearted games that bring out the childlike joy in all of us. A full list of activities will be shared in the WhatsApp group. We’ll officially start around 5 PM. Camp location: Will be announced in the whatsapp group **📝Register by filling out the [form here](https://forms.fillout.com/t/wsyg6Y6wq8us)** Come dressed casually And do bring a cozy sweater…the desert night has a way of getting cool enough to make the fire feel even more enchanting. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us on: [+971 50 355 1536](https://wa.me/+971503551536)

Feather shuttles used. Cost will be around 25/- per hour. For 2 hours 50/-. Please message on 0566717024 for any queries

Next Sunday expect a unique blend of hiking adventure and nature exploration in Kalba! 🗺️ Activities Hike: Short, scenic, Easy to Moderate trail from Hafiaya Lake to Kalba Dam Wildlife Visit: Guided tour in the Mountain Conservation Center to see indigenous mountain animals 💰 Fee & Logistics Fee: 180 AED (Includes Hiking Guide, Light Snacks, Group Coordination & Conservation Center Tour) Bring: Hiking shoes, 2 L water, hat, sunscreen ➡️ Join the event WhatsApp group for details and RSVP https://chat.whatsapp.com/GS92K6bK6v0FFjvT42mZIw Yalla!

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

We will be having an open discussion of the book "the Soul of an Octopus" by Sy Montgomery. [this is the amazon link for this book](https://a.co/d/1bRn8h4)

# **Band: Firefly Trace, caller Kenny Greer** Beginner lesson at 7:30, regular dancing begins at 8:00 **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

Monday December 29th at 6PM we'll be meeting up dinner at the Pies & Pints at Easton. Feel free to bring guests. Sandwiches run about $15 and large pizzas run $20-30.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!