Safari

Escape the city with NikouVibes After a busy week in London, sometimes the best thing you can do is escape to the sea. Fresh air, open skies, movement, and good people — honestly, there’s no better therapy. We’re heading to the coast for a feel-good hike from Ramsgate to Margate, with the option of a refreshing swim at Botany Bay and plenty of good NikouVibes along the way. Whether you want to meet new people, breathe in salty sea air, or just clear your head and reset, this coastal adventure is the perfect excuse to step away from the noise of the city. *London, we love you — but sometimes we really need a break.’* **The Plan:** * Ramsgate → Margate via Broadstairs * \~9-mile coastal walk, with a lunch stop at the iconic Botany Bay * Easy train from/to London (under 2 hours) * Relaxed pace, friendly and welcoming group vibes * Optional sea swim for those who fancy it **Optional Nikou-Style Finish:** After the hike, you’re very welcome to: * Grab a drink at a local pub together * Enjoy classic fish & chips by the sea * Hit the arcade and reliver your childhood for a bit \*Totally optional - join for as much or as little as you like. **A few things to know before you book:** * **Tickets:** Non-refundable, but if you can’t make it, you’re welcome to pass your spot on to someone else. A full refund will be issued if the hike is cancelled by the organiser. * **Getting there:** Trains to Ramsgate are usually around £28 return (off-peak) we will buy group ticket on a day. * **Meeting points:** Two options — travel together from London, Kings X, or meet us directly at Ramsgate train station if you’re coming from elsewhere. 😊 * **Weather:** The hike goes ahead rain or shine, so bring layers and be ready for all conditions. * **The route:** We’ll be walking along coastal paths near the cliffs. The scenery is incredible, but some sections are exposed — sturdy footwear is a must, and please follow the guide’s instructions throughout. **Not included:** * Food & Refreshments * Transport (network railcard is recommended or group ticket bought on the day) * Anything else not listed above **⚠️ Health & Safety ⚠️** * Participants take part at their own risk. * The guide (professional event organiser) is not responsible for personal injury, loss, or accidents. * Please ensure you are fit enough for the hike and follow safety instructions on the trail.

SAFO Music Group hosts monthly Networking Evenings on the first Monday of every month. This is an amazing opportunity for artists and music industry professionals to build their network of contacts as well as learn invaluable industry advice. SAFO Music Group HQ is based in Crouch Hill, London and our team have worked with the likes of Sam Smith, Pixie Lott, The 1975, Becky Hill, Samantha Harvey, Ella Eyre and many more. Our meet up groups run from 18:00 - 21:00 and entry is completely free. Part of the evening includes speed listening sessions where artists and producers will have the opportunity to play one song (USB, Phone or Weblinks) to gain some valuable feedback. Do check out our video so you get a little taste of the evening: https://youtu.be/1CzfgY78CXQ We'll look forward to meeting you soon! The SAFO Music Group www.safomusicgroup.com 0207 683 3333

SAFO Music Group hosts monthly Networking Evenings on the first Monday of every month. This is an amazing opportunity for artists and music industry professionals to build their network of contacts as well as learn invaluable industry advice. SAFO Music Group HQ is based in Crouch Hill, London and our team have worked with the likes of Sam Smith, Pixie Lott, The 1975, Becky Hill, Samantha Harvey, Ella Eyre and many more. Our meet up groups run from 18:00 - 21:00 and entry is completely free. Part of the evening includes speed listening sessions where artists and producers will have the opportunity to play one song (USB, Phone or Weblinks) to gain some valuable feedback. Do check out our video so you get a little taste of the evening: https://youtu.be/1CzfgY78CXQ We'll look forward to meeting you soon! The SAFO Music Group www.safomusicgroup.com 0207 683 3333

We're fed up of boring, monotonous exercise - let's play ourselves fit! **TO BOOK**: It's essential that you book onto sessions via our website, using the link below; due to restrictions on games and preparation times we cannot accept walk-ins, or late arrivals. [https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/) Use the code **FREEPLAY** to get your first game free! *** Rabble is a fitness club with a difference: * Every 1 hour session is a mixture of team games, such as Capture the Flag, Frisbee or Kickball - no two sessions are alike! * We are SUPER friendly and often host socials after the game * All abilities are welcomed * Our aim is to have **FUN**, make **FRIENDS**, and get **FIT** without even noticing * Bring your friends along! Please come in comfortable sports clothing and bring a bottle of water and hand sanitizer. Trail shoes or studs (weather dependent) are recommended, or a good pair of trainers. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the session to allow us to start on time. We play every: * Monday in Highbury & Islington (19:00 - 20:00) * Tuesday in Shoreditch / Haggerston (19:00 - 20:00) * Wednesday in Elephant & Castle (19:00-20:00) * Saturday in Southwark Park (10:30 - 11:30) * Saturday in Finsbury Park (11:00 - 12:00) * Sunday in Clapham Common (12:00-13:00) We hope to see you playing soon! PS. We have a group of dedicated regulars, so numbers are usually much higher than Meetup might suggest. Book your place here: [https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/) **Love Rabble**

This is an Earth-centred spirituality event for those who find the divine in the natural world. We will turn the Wheel of the Year and celebrate the festival of Imbolc marking the first signs of Spring with ritual, poetry, meditation and music. Led by Kate and Alison. Suggested donation: £5 Don't let this be a barrier - contact Kateboo if you can't afford to contribute in this way. Heartspaces at Essex Hall is a vibrant and welcoming Unitarian community hub in central London, open to spiritual seekers, existing Unitarians and curious newcomers. The Heartspaces programme is a series of weekly spiritual gatherings led by Unitarian ministers and volunteers across London. From the monthly Wednesday lunchtime session to the events every Thursday evening, Heartspaces encourages people to gather, share and discover together. Whether you’re a seasoned Unitarian, a spiritual searcher or simply curious, find your space to grow. *Image by Csaber Talaber on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/fr/photos/fleurs-blanches-sur-sol-noir-tldCrUd18io "https://unsplash.com/fr/photos/le-soleil-brille-a-travers-les-arbres-dans-la-neige-4WwV8mIQc6M")*

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/44206 **Game Description:** Come and join a casual mixed football game in Stratford 😎 **Directions:** 🚶‍♂️5 minute walk from Stratford International DLR Station 📍 Pitch 3 - In the small 6 aside cages NOT the big 11 aside pitch. **Rules** Classic 6 aside rules, can be explained at the start of the session. Please be encouraging and positive to all players 🧡

**Time to escape winter and catch up with blue skies and sunshine by the sea! Scenic, welcoming and hospitable Morocco** is definitely the place to be! We will be based in Agadir, its premier seaside resort, known for its extensive Atlantic coastline and approximately 300 days of annual sunshine. Let's make the most of about 5 of them! To explore & discover picturesque landscapes, indulge in delicious local food, be active, socialise, recharge and enjoy life! **Come by your self or you can bring your friends along and travel in a friendly group setting, enjoying going places all together, creating experiences, making memories, investing in a perfect way of enjoying your holidays and time away! You may also choose to take some quality ' me' time and catch up later for dinner!** **Indicative itinerary :** (kindly allow a little bit of flexibility for an optimal experience when there) **Saturday, 07th Feb** : Arrival & getting to know our travel companions while enjoying the beautiful hotel premises with a local style. We are being introduced to the city during **the walking tour with our local guide**. Discover perhaps the largest market in Africa, featuring over 6,000 stalls selling everything from spices and argan oil to local handicrafts. Leisurely walk at the **Marina,** modern, upscale area at the northern end of the beach featuring luxury apartments, designer boutiques, bars and restaurants. **Sunday, 08th Feb** : An optional **day trip to Paradise Valley & Atlas** **Mountain,** a beautiful oasis with natural rock pools, that we could even potentially swim in. Indulge in a local bedouin lunch! **Monday, 09th Feb :** An optional visit to a specialised wildlife park home to hundreds of Nile crocodiles and botanical gardens in the morning. **Optional sandboarding in the desert dunes & sunset camel ride with optional BBQ with the bedouins** in the evening under the starry night sky **Tuesday, 10th Feb :** An optional **day trip to Essaouira** a city full of art from music to handcraft, to painting. Have a free walk through the colourful streets and marketplaces. showcasing some of Morocco’s handmade artisanal gems. **Wednesday, 11th Feb** : An optional half day trip to Taghazout, to stroll through the charming, colourful and trendy town known for its bohemian and surf vibes, small cafes, and shops, before departure if time allows before departure. You may choose to stay for one more night, and enjoy at leasure a day by the ocean and the traditional Moroccan rooftops. ***Your investment of £469 includes:*** *(please note this is a special offer and may increase nearer the time)* **-4 nights in a well presented and very centrally located 4\* SPA hotel in a double room, for SINGLE OCCUPANCY (you have your own bedroom)** **-Rich breakfast buffet each morning with local specialties.** **-Sumptuous Dinner buffet each evening in the hotel.** **-A Moroccan mint tea treat in an authentic local tea house** **\- A free\, tip based walking tour in Agadir with a local guide\.** **-Organisation, hosting & meet-up fees.** **-Eleni escorting the group ensuring a smooth experience throughout** It is highly recommended to stay for one more night and enjoy the scenery at leisure, if you can have the time, your stay can be extended for as long as you prefer, you can even 'work from home' if you will and still enjoy your time in Agadir for a day or two. Eleni will be leaving on the 12th Feb. Arrangements can be made so you can stay in the same hotel room all the way! If you wish to *bring your plus one and share a room, be promptly in touch for the exact price.* ***PLEASE NOTE THAT FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE, YOU NEED TO BOOK YOUR OWN FLIGHTS TO AGADIR, MOROCCO (the airport code is AGA)*** Recommended flights with Ryanair, BE PROMPT as they are very affordable so far or feel free to choose what suits you best: If you need assistance to book, please be in touch. **The trip is confirmed and is going ahead.** ***Check for* availability first with the organiser before you book flights.** By attending this meet-up trip you are fully responsible for your own safety. **YOU MUST MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR YOUR OWN TRAVEL INSURANCE AND ENSURE YOUR PASSPORT ALLOWS TRAVEL TO MOROCCO** Time to top up in vitamin D & ... sea at the end of winter!

Improve your Mandarin and English while making new friends! Join [Manhattan Mandarin](ManhattanMandarin.co.uk) at the [Jackalope](https://jackalopelondon.com/) in Marylebone - appropriately situated above a Chinese restaurant, [Liu Xiao Mian](https://www.liu-xiaomian.com/). All levels welcome - these are **very casual** meetups where you're welcome to mingle until finding suitable language partners Pop down for noodles or stay outside in the lovely mews, but whatever you do, come ready to chat, make great new connections, and push your language learning forward 🤗🤗🤗 Feel free to bring anything you think will help facilitate language exchange! (games, flashcards) We often provide ice-breaker question sheets just in case you need some help 🤗🤗🤗 Let us know if you need some help mingling You're welcome to try our HSK Classes in Marylebone: [https://www.manhattanmandarin.co.uk/hskclasses](https://www.manhattanmandarin.co.uk/hskclasses) or our Saturday online HSK classes: [https://www.manhattanmandarin.co.uk/onlineclasses](https://www.manhattanmandarin.co.uk/onlineclasses) For more information please contact Harry@ManhattanMandarin.com, 07767260207) Since 2012, with a fantastic team of over 200 native and non-native Mandarin teachers in the US and UK, [Manhattan Mandarin](ManhattanMandarin.com) knows what makes for fun and engaging communication between English and Chinese speakers!

**Time to escape winter and catch up with blue skies and sunshine by the sea! Scenic, welcoming and hospitable Morocco** is definitely the place to be! We will be based in Agadir, its premier seaside resort, known for its extensive Atlantic coastline and approximately 300 days of annual sunshine. Let's make the most of about 5 of them! To explore & discover picturesque landscapes, indulge in delicious local food, be active, socialise, recharge and enjoy life! **Come by your self or you can bring your friends along and travel in a friendly group setting, enjoying going places all together, creating experiences, making memories, investing in a perfect way of enjoying your holidays and time away! You may also choose to take some quality ' me' time and catch up later for dinner!** **Indicative itinerary :** (kindly allow a little bit of flexibility for an optimal experience when there) **Saturday, 07th Feb** : Arrival & getting to know our travel companions while enjoying the beautiful hotel premises with a local style. We are being introduced to the city during **the walking tour with our local guide**. Discover perhaps the largest market in Africa, featuring over 6,000 stalls selling everything from spices and argan oil to local handicrafts. Leisurely walk at the **Marina,** modern, upscale area at the northern end of the beach featuring luxury apartments, designer boutiques, bars and restaurants. **Sunday, 08th Feb** : An optional **day trip to Paradise Valley & Atlas** **Mountain,** a beautiful oasis with natural rock pools, that we could even potentially swim in. Indulge in a local bedouin lunch! **Monday, 09th Feb :** An optional visit to a specialised wildlife park home to hundreds of Nile crocodiles and botanical gardens in the morning. **Optional sandboarding in the desert dunes & sunset camel ride with optional BBQ with the bedouins** in the evening under the starry night sky **Tuesday, 10th Feb :** An optional **day trip to Essaouira** a city full of art from music to handcraft, to painting. Have a free walk through the colourful streets and marketplaces. showcasing some of Morocco’s handmade artisanal gems. **Wednesday, 11th Feb** : An optional half day trip to Taghazout, to stroll through the charming, colourful and trendy town known for its bohemian and surf vibes, small cafes, and shops, before departure if time allows before departure. You may choose to stay for one more night, and enjoy at leasure a day by the ocean and the traditional Moroccan rooftops. ***Your investment of £469 includes:*** *(please note this is a special offer and may increase nearer the time)* **-4 nights in a very beautiful, well presented and very centrally located 4\* SPA hotel in a double room, for SINGLE OCCUPANCY (you have your own bedroom)** **-Rich breakfast buffet each morning with local specialties.** **-Sumptuous Dinner buffet each evening in the hotel.** **\- A free\, tip based walking tour in Agadir with a local guide\.** **-A Moroccan mint tea treat in an authentic local tea house** **-Organisation, hosting & meet-up fees.** **-Eleni escorting the group ensuring a smooth experience throughout** It is highly recommended to stay for one more night and enjoy the scenery at leisure, if you can have the time, your stay can be extended for as long as you prefer, you can even 'work from home' if you will and still enjoy your time in Agadir for a day or two. Eleni will be leaving on the 12th Feb. Arrangements can be made so you can stay in the same hotel room all the way! If you wish to *bring your plus one and share a room, be promptly in touch for the exact price.* ***PLEASE NOTE THAT FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE, YOU NEED TO BOOK YOUR OWN FLIGHTS TO AGADIR, MOROCCO (the airport code is AGA)*** Recommended flights with Ryanair which are very affordable at the moment or feel free to choose what suits you best. If you need assistance to book, please be in touch. **The trip is confirmed and is going ahead.** ***Check for* availability first with the organiser before you book flights.** By attending this meet-up trip you are fully responsible for your own safety. **YOU MUST MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR YOUR OWN TRAVEL INSURANCE AND ENSURE YOUR PASSPORT ALLOWS TRAVEL TO MOROCCO** Time to top up in vitamin D & ... sea at the end of winter!

Join us in the upstairs cafe of Foyles bookshop on Charings Cross Road for relaxed coffee and chat about all things charity and otherwise.

################# **Explore Britain’s most stunning trails in a small group of up to 15, travelling together by private minibus to beautiful, remote locations not easily reached by public transport.** **We’ve created a list of [FAQs](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e4VGmwhurmCng2cY3ZJHOS4j9ZlWKaX1/view?usp=sharing) to help answer your questions.** ################# We’re off to Norfolk! The seals in Norfolk are truly one of Britain's most special sights. Without any doubt, they're an incredible WOW factor and one that you must see! On this day hike, we'll walk along the top of the sand dunes and enjoy stunning panoramic views across the North Sea. On our way, we'll pass the much-loved grey seal colony at Horsey Beach, which draws thousands of visitors each year, **particularly between November and March**, when the seals come ashore to breed. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of seals and their pups stretching for as far as the eye can see! The whole walk is in the Broads National Park – one of fifteen national parks in the UK. You'll discover its iconic windmills, navigable waterways and broads (man-made, shallow lakes). With over 125 miles of lock-free waterways, the Norfolk Broads have more miles of waterway than Venice or Amsterdam, and are an extremely popular boating holiday destination! Locals like to call the Broads “the Venice of the East”. 💪 This walk is **suitable for all abilities** – it is almost entirely flat and done at a very gentle pace to allow us enjoy the nature and take plenty of pictures. **HIKE HIGHLIGHTS** * Watch seals and their young from a close distance at Horsey Gap, home to one of the biggest colonies of grey seals in Britain. * Take a gentle stroll over the vast open expanse of the golden sand dunes of Winterton Beach – a Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest. The area is a veritable haven for birds and all kinds of wildlife and is widely regarded as having the best sand dunes in Norfolk. * See the spectacular Horsey Windpump – the youngest and largest windpump in the Norfolk Broads. It was built in 1912 to pump water out from the surrounding land so that it could be used for farming. * Discover Horsey Mere, often regarded as one of the most beautiful of the northern broads and famous for its internationally important wildlife. * Walk the newly opened stretch of the England Coast Path – a new National Trail around all of England's coast, which once completed will be the longest coastal walking route in the world (4,500 kilometres in length!). **DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY** Distance: 6 miles (10km). Ascent: 50m. Difficulty: [Easy](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BMjvqhAAdSeCdyzLPHs0z04_e2TiKdci/view). **ITINERARY** **07:45** Meet outside ibis London City – Shoreditch Hotel, 5 Commercial St, E1 6BF (near Aldgate East Station) **08:00** Sharp departure **11:15** Horsey Windpump to Hemsby hike via Winterton-on-Sea for a lunch stop **16:30** Departure **19:30** London, we'll drop you off next to Bow Road Underground Station **TRANSPORT** As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus. **SAFETY** This hike is led by an experienced, Outdoor First Aid qualified hike leader. **BOOKING** To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£7 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Seals). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours. Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited Sort Code: 20-17-20 Account Number: 63116514 We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the [attendees list](https://www.meetup.com/londonsocialhiking/events/312929114/attendees) of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue. **THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES** * Transport throughout the trip * Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver * Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader * Professional event organisation * Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders * Admin fee * 20% VAT **THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** * Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance) **HOW TO CONTACT US** For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours. Your guide will be Anna (07596844467, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip. **WHAT TO BRING** * Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support * Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers or a poncho (if there is a chance of rain) * Gloves/hat/cap * Water (min 1L) * Packed lunch **REVIEWS ⭐** We have hosted over 600 events on Meetup and received an incredible number of positive reviews from our community. We’re proud to have achieved an **average event rating of 4.8 out of 5**. Please keep sharing your feedback – it helps us continue to improve and make every trip even better! **JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA** This is where we share pictures from our events. Feel free to use for inspiration on where to go next! [Facebook group link](https://www.facebook.com/groups/220802492121957) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/london_social_hiking/) **REFUND POLICY** You can check our refund policy [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ny-b2NmMzBlpCiKjzkqC2vJEisxlORpn/view?usp=drive_link).

⛰️ A slice of the Kent countryside and passing through and by the Knole deer park, Knole House and Ightham Mote (pronounced "I-tam"). 🟠 **HIKE:** 📏20km (12.4 miles) 🏔️ Elev. Gain: 470m 💓 Av. Pace: 5.2km/h 🚥 [View Walking/Hiking Levels Here](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPRjEOPjW8B/) ✊ *Note: Active Muslims is equally about focusing on the actual activity, in this case, it is a paced walk/hike (and not a stroll), therefore it is advised to approach and attend these events with that mindset, intention and [purpose](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBhPWpdIMKq/?igsh=MWVjdnZrdGZwd3dmYw%3D%3D).* 🔄 Starts/Ends: **Sevenoaks Station** 📍 **Charing Cross Station** (near platforms display) ⌚Meet from 8:41am, our train departs at **9:01am** *[arrives at 9:59]. Return train estimate 4:29pm* 🚉🚗 All regular walks/hikes are free and you are welcome to purchase your own ticket/make your way to the destination station. It is best to purchase tickets on the day as an open return ideally with a Network Rail card or with a group discount. ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 🎟️ **If you would like me to help purchase your group ticket** (3+ must travel together). **On the condition you aim to arrive before the platform is announced.** 💳 **TBC** (by Thursday/\~£12 with group) *PLEASE MAKE SURE NO FEE IS CHARGED (Send as Friends & Family / otherwise ask for bank details).* Deadline: Friday: 9:01pm **Confirm via below once you've made the payment with your Meetup Name:** 📱 [My WhatsApp](https://wa.me/+447799438148). *ℹ️ I cannot issue refunds once I've purchased your ticket.* ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 🚻 Charing cross, on train, Sevenoaks station and Igtham Mote cafe. 🧎 Prayer: If you are praying, please have/keep wudu (make it within other breaks) and be prepared to join at short notice. 🎒 What to bring: appropriate clothing/shoes, packed lunch, water bottle (1.5-2L) & snacks to keep you going. 👕 Advisable to have layers. 🥾 Hiking boots recommended. 🧦 Hiking socks/double socks advised (reduces chance of blisters) 🔦 Headlight (winter) 📱 Fully charged mobile + portable charger 🔔 Emergency Whistle 🗂️ "No shows" for previous events may be moved to the waitlist to prioritise reliable attendees / new joiners - ***when there is a waiting list, priority is given by attendance records / new joiners.*** 📊 [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)] ⛑️ *Disclaimer: You are solely responsible for your own safety on these events and have the fitness level required for it. That you do not require special attention, medication or additional care. You are also responsible for your belonging at all times.* 🌐 **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)** *(Follow for latest events updates)* 🚦 **[Walk/Hike Levels:](https://www.instagram.com/share/reel/BBxV4zomeZ)** 🟢 Easy 🟡 Average 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ⚫ Very Challenging 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳 Seven trees, or their ancestors, had stood in the town for centuries and had given Sevenoaks its name since perhaps 800AD. The trees surrounded one side of what is today a cricket ground called the Vine: it was thus named because the Archbishop of Canterbury had a vineyard there Back in October 1987, the broadcaster uttered the infamous words that there was no hurricane on its way to the country. Within hours the Great Storm wreaked havoc across the country. Kent was among the worst hit with Sevenoaks losing six of its seven oaks.

Hike! Save the

Join members of the local UX and Digital Design community for a casual monthly breakfast. There _might_ be a little snow, but there _will_ be effectively infinite serve-yourself coffee, so it evens out if you ask me. Just a reminder, while the other locations are great too, we’re at the Lane Ave one this time.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Paris Baguette](https://parisbaguette.com/locations/oh/columbus/3969-merchants-row/)!

**Our February novel is: Julia by Sandra Newman** **This month is a classic, dystopian, fiction, literary fiction, women’s fiction, and science fiction novel. The book is 394 pages in print and 14 hours and 20 minutes on audiobook.** **An imaginative, feminist, and brilliantly relevant-to-today retelling of Orwell’s 1984, from the point of view of Winston Smith’s lover, Julia, by critically acclaimed novelist Sandra Newman.** Julia Worthing is a mechanic, working in the Fiction Department at the Ministry of Truth. It’s 1984, and Britain (now called Airstrip One) has long been absorbed into the larger trans-Atlantic nation of Oceania. Oceania has been at war for as long as anyone can remember, and is ruled by an ultra-totalitarian Party, whose leader is a quasi-mythical figure called Big Brother. In short, everything about this world is as it is in Orwell’s 1984. All her life, Julia has known only Oceania, and, until she meets Winston Smith, she has never imagined anything else. She is an ideal citizen: cheerfully cynical, always ready with a bribe, piously repeating every political slogan while believing in nothing. She routinely breaks the rules, but also collaborates with the regime when necessary. Everyone likes Julia. Then one day she finds herself walking toward Winston Smith in a corridor and impulsively slips him a note, setting in motion the devastating, unforgettable events of the classic story. Julia takes us on a surprising journey through Orwell’s now-iconic dystopia, with twists that reveal unexpected sides not only to Julia, but to other familiar figures in the 1984 universe. This unique perspective lays bare our own world in haunting and provocative ways, just as the original did almost seventy-five years ago.

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. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. 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."