Scrambling

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)

**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)

Wrap up warm and get ready to experience a true **winter wonderland**! There’s nowhere better to celebrate and capture the spirit of the festive season than snowy, mountainous **Kyrgyzstan**. We will put on our mittens and scarves before starting our cross-country adventure, exploring these untouched landscapes **on horseback and by sleigh**. We’ll traverse beautiful, powder-covered hills and valleys **where nomads roam**, hearing the crunch of hooves on fresh fallen snow and the jingle of reigns from our winter sleigh – an experience made for unforgettable holiday pictures! In this idyllic winter-scape of pure air and clear, starry skies, we’ll **celebrate the holidays** in style, rounding off the trip with a festive feast before retiring to our **cozy yurts**. So pack your winter wear – plus coal and carrot sticks for snowmen – and let TREKKUP whisk you away to your yurt in the snow! **Let's go!** **Day 0 // Friday** Meet at **DXB T3** at 20:30 for our flight at 22:45. **Day 1 // Saturday** Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! We’ll arrive at Manas Airport in the early hours. Once we’ve cleared immigration, we’ll grab some breakfast before making the 2- to 3-hour drive to **Chong-Kemin Valley**, spending time visiting nomadic villages and immersing ourselves in the rhythm of rural life. This beautiful, forested river valley stretches more than 100 km from east to west, and incorporates the **Chong-Kemin State Nature Park**, home to animals such as alpine ibex, ermines, snow leopards, deer, golden eagles, saker falcons, and bearded vultures. It’s the perfect place to get out and explore the great outdoors, and in the afternoon we’ll **mount our horses**, making our way through snowy pastures (*jailoos*) and taking in the breathtaking wintry panorama. Tonight we’ll enjoy a **festive meal** and spend the night in our warm and cozy yurts. **Day 2 // Sunday** We’ll begin our day with a typical nomad breakfast, and start our **horse sleigh party**! We’ll dress warm and pile on the blankets for an unforgettable ride through this magical landscape, surrounded by dense forest and white mountain peaks. We’ll take a break to build a **roaring campfire**, warming our hands while our guides prepare a delicious **alfresco barbecue**. Later, we’ll have more scenic vistas as we wind through the magnificent **Tchu Valley**, in the northern part of the Tian Shan mountain range, on the way back to Bishkek. Once in the capital, we’ll pass by a market for some souvenir shopping. After dinner we’ll get a few hours of sleep at our hotel before heading to the airport. **Day 3 // Monday** Early morning transfer to the airport and return flight home, arriving at DXB at 08:20. **Level of difficulty**: easy, no previous horse riding experience necessary. **Activities:** experiencing real winter of Central Asia, horse riding in the snow, sleighing, sightseeing and few surprises!! **Duration:** Weekend, fly out on Friday 22.40, back home 08.30 AM on Monday. **Accommodation & meals:** included - homestay in yurt and hotel - sharing, local festive foods. **Requirement:** winter clothing, daypack, pullover or fleece jacket, windbreaker, scarf / muffler, winter shoes, gloves, toiletry & towel, wipes, power bank, sunglasses, warm cap. **Cost: AED 2350 excluding flights** until DEC 15. **Excluded:** any cost related to visas, insurance. **Visas:** Many passports get visa free entry, for the rest [e-visa](https://wa.me/971504848238). **UAE RESIDENTS can obtain visa on arrival**, if they are holders of following passports: Algeria, Egypt, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Tunisia, Sri Lanka. See yah at Christmassy Jailoo x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [info@trekkup.com](http://info@trekkup.com/) [Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

**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

The goal of this event is to foster mathematical thinking and generate the next generation of independent mathematicians. This event is divided into two segments: The first segment is a warm-up round in which we shall solve high school maths problems. Feel free to bring your own problems and books! You may also want to bring a scientific calculator. The second segment is an introduction to mathematical logic and proof-writing. The problems solved in this segment will be of a different nature. An online group will also be created for mathematical discussions and to keep a record of whatever was covered. This is essential as mathematics is a discipline that continually builds upon the knowledge accumulated so far. Make sure to bring pens and a notebook (or plenty of A4 paper, whichever you prefer).

This is a group for those interested in improving and testing their English language skills. The exams are intended to be fun and CHALLENGING. The exam shall test your reading, writing and listening skills, and the interesting post-exam discussion shall test your speaking skills. The answer key shall be shared after the exam, and the exam results shall be announced the following week. The highest scorer shall get a prize if his grade is above 90%. Please note that this event has a fee of AED 30. Also, please arrive on time. Due to the nature of this event, it is not possible to provide additional time to latecomers.

[Join our whatsapp community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Gf5MZoCgMOa0we1RAc6Eld?mode=ac_t) (Free Meetup) If you new to Dubai or there for a while ..still don't have friends or feel lonely this is perfect place to meetup people like you from your area...meet new people, make friends, connect , chit chat be happy 😊 Specially from Mankool Karama area 😎 Its a free meetup. (Once you join the group you can join various get togethers we having Live Music & Sheesha, Clubbing, Travelling, Cricket ,Festivals and many more get together ❤️) Sent message on whtsapp for any query..not on the meetup group chat as we r in meetup and cant check the app everytime)

This is your chance to get all your questions answered in 30 minutes for AED 50. First come, first served. Each one of you will be given a different time. Please arrive at the time given to you. Those on the waiting list can get a private 30-minute online session for AED 100. If you RSVP but don't show up, you will be banned from the group.

🎅🎄\*\*Ho Ho Ho! Get Ready for Dubai's Most Festive Pub Crawl!\*\*🎄✨ **Christmas Crawl – Saturday, December 20th, 2025** Join us for an unforgettable Christmas night out as we take over Dubai’s top nightlife spots on **Saturday, December 20th**! Whether you’re a Dubai local or visiting for the holidays, this is **THE Christmas celebration** you can’t miss. *** **What Makes This Crawl Special** 🎁 **Christmas Props & Gifts** Festive accessories and holiday surprises to keep the Christmas spirit high. 🍻 **4 Venues** We’ll visit four of Dubai’s top bars and clubs for one epic Christmas night out. 🥃 **Complimentary Shots** Welcome shots in every venue. 🎵 **DJs & Live Entertainment** Great music, great vibes, and non-stop holiday energy. 🚌 **Private Karaoke Bus** Sing your way between venues on our Christmas party bus. 🎉 **Fun Party Guides** Our energetic hosts keep the night smooth and exciting. 📸 **Photos & Videos** We capture all the best moments so you can enjoy the night. 🌍 **International Crowd** Meet fun people from all around the world. 🚐 **Final Drop-Off:** *Business Bay / Downtown area* Book your tickets here: [https://pubcrawldubai.com/events/](https://pubcrawldubai.com/events/) 📍 **Meeting Point:** The 44 Rooftop Bar – Hilton Al Habtoor City @ Business Bay 🚐 **Final Drop-Off Venue:** Business Bay / Downtown area 🎅 **Dress Code:** Christmas-themed outfits encouraged! Limited spots available - come jingle and mingle with us!

All booking links will be provided in the community group. You can join using this link: [https://ktactive.fillout.com/t/f4HFmuqrYWus](https://ktactive.fillout.com/t/f4HFmuqrYWus)

This is a paid event for deep discussions, but it's ABSOLUTELY NOT for the faint of heart. Topics range from philosophy and psychology to relationship issues, spirituality and other mysterious stuff that is rarely discussed in public. Expect the discussions to be deep, dark, wild and mysterious but also thought-provoking and life-transforming! Also expect something unexpected and fun every event! Please note the following rules that exist to ensure that the group fits its description as accurately as possible: 1\. We do NOT discuss politics or religion as we respect the laws of this country\. 2\. There is an event fee of AED 60 that must be paid at the start of the event\. 3\. This group takes RSVPs seriously\. People who RSVP but do not show up are banned from the group immediately without warning\. 4\. You are NOT welcome if you have not RSVP'd\. 5\. You may bring up to two guests\, but they MUST be included in the RSVP\. 6\. Not ordering anything from the cafe/restaurant also results in a ban\. 7\. You may be unwelcome for no apparent reason \(but there is always a hidden reason\)\. For instance\, 'fainthearted' people will be banned immediately\. 8\. The event is exciting\, so be prepared for anything\! Note: Yes, I am fully aware of the crazy time. This group IS intended to be weird and mysterious.

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

**Calling all queer crochet enthusiasts;** I am a visual artist located in Columbus that is searching for people who may want to gather while also participating in creating a piece of artwork. My goal is to spend time enjoying one another’s company while making a work of art that will be displayed within our community. I plan to teach people to crochet (if unfamiliar) while also inviting current fiber artists to join us for some much-needed social interaction. There are no expectations from those who attend, materials will be included, and any amount of participation is welcome! If you have a favorite crochet hook or current project you are welcome to bring that along too! The primary goal is to foster a safe space for our community to chat, create and be. For further information please email [landerknits@outlook.com.](http://landerknits@outlook.com.) \*This will be our first meeting, bring friends and make new ones. Come as you are and make along side other like-minded folks.

Bring your work or your hobby, hang out, and code with us. Follow @buckeyecocoa for more information.

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

**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!