South African Expats

Samba with Educarte at Samba de Sarau Sunday January 18. Come out and join the fun with live music, lots of smiles and community 😊 check out Educarte's Instagram for more details.

New year ✨️ try a new dance! The world famous instructor from Brazil Leticia Castro is here in DC to share her Lambada passion. This class will enchant you. Suitable for beginners and for folks familiar with other Brazilian dances. Leticia expertly leads this class to introduce you to Lambada! $15 Comfortable shoes suggested

This event is organized and hosted by Veronica. Please direct any questions to Veronica: 914-330-0236 - 🌟 **Miss Vee is hosting a...SPADES POP UP EVENT!!!** 🌟 Join us for food, fun, and lots of Spades. Spend your holiday weekend playing cards with friends. 🥳 Posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd. 🗓 SUNDAY, JANUARY 18 📍 Mercury Lounge 9433 Georgia Ave Silver Spring, MD 🕑 3pm to 9pm 🚗 Free parking on Sundays **Here's what you get:** 🎶 A Live DJ 🍗 Food Deals 🍷 Drink Specials **NO WORK ON MONDAY!** Have questions? Contact Vee: 914-330-0236 See photo section for more details.

Let's Go Pats Fans! Now is the time. **Please RSVP** and join us watching your beloved **Patriots** vs. Texans in the NFL Playoffs, Divisional Round. We'll Meetup on **Sunday, January 18th at 2:30 PM** and the game starts at 3:00 PM. We'll meetup at Nighthawk Brewery & Pizza, very conveniently located right across the street from the Pentagon City Metro Station's food court. Nighthawk is a great sports bar with good food, drinks and service. We'll have reserved seats in their 'back room' in front of a large 130" projector screen, with game audio. Please feel free to bring friends or attend alone. Either way you'll have fun with other wicked Pats fans. Stay tuned for updates regarding Drinks and Food Specials! Please RSVP now. It should be a wicked good time!

Higher Grounds – Del Ray is part of a growing network of gatherings where we create space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Del Ray who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

This is our 3rd Sunday of the month meetup at Restaurant Rus Uz in Arlington. Russian speakers can gather for Russian and Uzbek food, friendship, and conversation two Sundays every month--the first and third. Please join us and bring your Russian speaking friends. Everyone is welcome, but please keep conversation in Russian only, no English. For many of us, this is our only chance to practice our Russian PLEASE RSVP if you are coming - we have to make a reservation. Please do not RSVP and then not come. However usually there are more people than the number that RSVP. So don't think there will be too few people. спасибо

This event is organized and hosted by Veronica. Please direct any questions to Veronica: 914-330-0236 - 🌟 **Miss Vee is hosting a...SPADES POP UP EVENT!!!** 🌟 Join us for food, fun, and lots of Spades. Spend your holiday weekend playing cards with friends. 🗓 SUNDAY, JANUARY 18 📍 Mercury Lounge 9433 Georgia Ave Silver Spring, MD 🕑 3pm to 9pm 🚗 Free parking on Sundays **Here's what you get:** 🎶 A Live DJ 🍗 Food Deals 🍷 Drink Specials **NO WORK ON MONDAY!** Have questions? Contact Vee: 914-330-0236 See photo section for more details.

Ausarian Tantra Yoga is a practice that infuses the spirit and power of enlightenment through synchronizing breath, movement, meditation, and silent affirmation. Ausarian Tantra Yoga incorporates postures that reflect some of the principles of the Kemetic culture. It is a practice wherein gradual and deliberate movement allows moments for the mind, body, and spirit to connect and express oneness. **Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com**. The session is offered both InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St. Discount is available to seniors, teachers, students, emergency responders, and military. All can save by purchasing class packs.

Join us for a laid-back Sunday Brunch. The Brunch is All-You-Can-Eat buffet and a bottle of Champagne (750 ml) with Orange Juice. You make your own mimosa. Just only for $ 35.00 per person without tax & gratuity! It includes French toast, pancakes, waffles, omelettes made to order, Pasta, Salads, Roast Beef, Pork Ribs, oyster bar, cheese bar and Salmon, plenty of fresh fruit, yogurt, cakes, cookies, and pudding....mmmm! After brunch, we mingle and socialize. http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/8/e/8/600_400350952.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/c/e/e/600_400351982.jpeg

Come on out for a social gathering of Alexandria locals who are looking to make other local friends. I have one resolution this year, that is to make 5 new friends who live in Alexandria. I hope you all are excited about meeting people in person with the specific purpose of getting to know new friends. Bring yourself and best hope of making a new local friend.

Reserve a spot for free on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979193134945?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count. Make new friends and meaningful new connections. Join us for the coffee shop gathering at **[as you are](https://asyouaredc.com/)**, a wonderful safe space in DC! Look for the Go Gay DC sign on one of the tables. We will be wearing name tags. This is a good event to attend if you like facilitated conversation. When you arrive, obtain a name tag, order on your own from the [menu](https://order.online/store/26244426?utm_source=sdk&visitorId=b5386c19b7fdf41e5742da7&pickup=true&redirected=true) if you wish and gather with about 10 LGBTQ+ folk around the sofa for relaxed conversation. Feel free to invite your friends to join you. **Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. Metro rides are capped at $2.50 on weekends, regardless of distance travelled. Eastern Market Metro (Blue/Orange/Silver lines) is only a few blocks away. The venue is where the Banana Cafe used to be. The area is generally considered safe. There is also **free street parking in DC on Sundays**. There is a free parking lot underneath the freeway overpass adjacent to the Marine Corps barracks. This event is being boosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com)**[,](https://www.gogaydc.com) Metro Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com) At this event you'll even get to meet **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)**, Go Gay DC's founder. This event is a safe space for everyone under the rainbow. Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Threads [https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6DYjIHThPY00YK0dJfs6boxWhgU1OyzCNzCCt0uW6sjzSp6kJpEXoyvf5j6g_aem_3gSjPJmvC57T8kdbkMU1sw) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6DYjIHThPY00YK0dJfs6boxWhgU1OyzCNzCCt0uW6sjzSp6kJpEXoyvf5j6g_aem_3gSjPJmvC57T8kdbkMU1sw) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR765Xxf5t8wFzbCac74QNX3p0Bs2oT0drXZoOmLV63J8cURMl3ta5b8iP3ztg_aem_nSdndpxd5-hXJ8myNF2_vQ) Search tags: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI lesbian gay bisexual transgender queer nonbinary non-binary intersex

Let’s kick off **2026** the fun way—with Thai food, laughter, and great company! 🎉🥢Join us for a gals-only lunch meetup where good vibes, flavorful dishes, and easy conversation come together. No pressure, no awkwardness—just friendly chats, smiles, and a fresh start to the year. Come hungry, come happy, and let’s make this our first feel-good lunch of 2026! ✨🍜 Menu: [Thai Tanium Restaurant | thai-tanium](https://www.thaitaniumrestaurant.com/menus)

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy the weather! We meet Saturdays at 10am, halfway between the Reston *Container Store* and *Not Your Average Joes* (by the metal benches), leaving no later than 10:05. Every week, rain or shine, we start by walking along the Green Trail to reach Lake Anne Community Center. Once there, we pause for water/bio (often staying a few minutes extra from April-November, due to the local Farmer's Market), and then we circle Lake Anne and head back to our starting point. It's roughly 3-4 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to *Not Your Average Joes* or another local restaurant for a quick drink/meal before tackling the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels. Dogs are welcome, and we recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll walk rain or shine. Also, feel free to bring a friend! By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“How Africans Fought Slavery,”** on the hidden history of resistance to the Transatlantic Slave Trade among those targeted by it, with Richard Bell, professor of history at the University of Maryland, College Park. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/africans-fought-slavery](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/africans-fought-slavery) .] The Transatlantic Slave Trade was the largest forced migration in human history. In all, more than 12 million African men, women, and children were kidnapped and made to board European ships destined for the New World. Generally left out of our history books is the fact that African people fought the Transatlantic Slave Trade from the moment raiders approached their villages throughout every stage of the deadly Middle Passage. Join Profs and Pints fan favorite Richard Bell for a talk that turns the slave trade’s history inside out by examining the huge varieties of African resistance to this 400-year-long nightmare. He’ll discuss how African people fought capture through fortified villages, armed flight, and deception awareness. Their struggle to stay free involved rebellions inside African coastal forts, hundreds of shipboard mutinies, hunger strikes, and mass drownings. You’ll learn how African suicides and revolts, as well as the constant threat of captive rebellion, forced European traders to spend enormous sums on weaponry, guards, surveillance, and ship redesign. Such costs, historians now calculate, saved more than a million Africans from ever being trafficked across the Atlantic. Far from being helpless victims of an unstoppable system, African captives proved relentlessly defiant, leaving a record that reshapes our understanding of the trade and the roots of African American resistance. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: The slave ship La Amistad, site of a famous mutiny by the slaves on board. (Artist unknown / Wikimedia Commons.)

You need to buy a ticket for this event, not only RSVP ! 🎟️Register here : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yoga-and-sound-bath-tickets-1979627608467?aff=oddtdtcreator 🎟 Free for FACC Members 💵 $25 for Non-Members **Jump start the new year by prioritizing yourself.** Join us on January 29, 2026 from 6-7:30pm for a nourishing gentle yoga class accompanied by a deeply restorative sound bath. Yoga offers far more benefits than just stress relief. It is a powerful practice for whole-body well-being, especially for women as we move through different life stages. Gentle yoga supports hormonal balance, improves sleep, strengthens the body, enhances flexibility, boosts our mood, and helps reduce inflammation. It also allows us to cultivate greater awareness of our bodies, empowering more intentional self-care and supporting the management of chronic health conditions. This class is accessible, supportive, and welcoming to all levels. Whether you are a new or practiced yogi or yogini, come as you are and leave feeling grounded, restored, and renewed. Be sure to register early as space is limited to 20 yogis! **Event Details** * **Date:** Thursday, January 29, 2026 * **Time:** 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM * **Venue:** 4401 East-West Hwy Suite 303, Bethesda, MD 20814 **Featured Instructors** **Julia Gaspar-Bates** is a certified hatha yoga instructor and a Board member of the FACC Women in Leadership committee. A yoga practitioner for nearly 30 years and a teacher for 18 years, Julia’s classes are designed to incorporate a deep awareness of breath control with careful attention to the physical alignment and benefits of each pose. An intercultural consultant in her non-yogic world, Julia integrates mindfulness practices in her work to enhance self-awareness and help develop cultural intelligence. **Juan Hernandez Gonzalez –** Originally from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Juan has lived in the DC area since 2007. A visual artist and self-taught musician, Juan started to play gongs and singing bowls as part of his personal meditation and spiritual practice. The abstract, enveloping sounds of these instruments invite him to transcend, and he finds joy and fulfillment in sharing this experience with others. Juan has performed at his congregation as part of centering activities and during yoga classes. **About the 1440 Health Collective** 1440 Health Collective was founded in 2017 in Bethesda, MD as a space for true healing transformation, not just treatment. The name was inspired by the 1,440 minutes in each day—a reminder that wellness isn't a luxury or a destination but is woven into every moment of life, a reminder to nurture oneself. Founded by Jessica Luke with one room in a chiropractor’s office, today 1440 Health Collective a thriving wellness center—a collaborative community of independent practitioners who provide care for one’s whole being. [https://1440health.com/](https://1440health.com/ "https://1440health.com/") The **Women in Leadership Committee (WIL)** of the **French-American Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.**empowers and connects women across the French-American professional landscape through events, advocacy, and leadership development. WIL works to spotlight and support women leaders in the United States and beyond.

Bonsoir à tous! Venez nombreux pour causer autour d'un repas ou d'un verre chez La Madeleine. On n'a que deux règles: (1) qu'on y parle exclusivement le français et (2) qu'on achète quelque chose à boire ou à manger (c'est La Madeleine qui le demande). Merci et à bientôt!