Travel Blogging

Conquer Spain's most stunning heights on our unforgettable 7-day hiking adventure! Explore the vast beauty of the Pyrenees Mountains and other expansive Spanish ranges with daily guided excursions. REGISTRATION IS HERE: https://www.destinationhike.com/events/spain-hiking-trip. Full trip information, details, costs, and more can be found through the Spain Hiking Trip link. This unforgettable Destination Hike® adventure takes you deep into the heart of the Spanish and French Mountain Ranges using the sovereign microstate of Andorra as our home base. This trip offers a unique blend of challenging hikes, cultural immersion, and stunning scenery. Prepare for a week of challenging and rewarding hikes set against stunning alpine scenery, complemented by authentic local culture and cuisine. This is an immersive mountain experience designed for hikers. **Please Note:** Our itinerary is built around hiking locations and may not include specific popular signature landmarks or destinations outside of the mountain trails. If there are other places you wish to see, we encourage you to book extra time before or after the trip to visit those locations independently. **Trip Locations:** * **Garrotxa Volcanic Park:** Hike through the lush, emerald landscape of the Garrotxa Volcanic Park in Catalonia, Spain. There are over 40 dormant, forest-covered volcanic cones. We have a 4- hour hiking adventure planned at this location and it will take us through the best-preserved volcanic landscape in the Iberian Peninsula. * **Andorra Mountains:** Hike the high-altitude trails of the Andorra Mountains, a stunning Pyrenean microstate renowned for its rugged peaks, glacial lakes, and extensive network of challenging multi-day treks, offering a unique blend of Catalan culture and dramatic alpine scenery * **Spanish Pyrenees Mountains :**Explore the vast wilderness of the Spanish Pyrenees, characterized by deep canyons, the dramatic limestone cirques of the Ordesa National Park, and the granite spires and shimmering lakes of Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. This region offers remote, high-mountain trekking with rich historical and cultural stops * **French Pyrenees Mountains:** Discover the green, often gentler slopes of the French Pyrenees, a region famous for the spectacular Cirque de Gavarnie—a massive natural amphitheater—and its high-altitude thermal towns. Hiking here provides lush meadows, beautiful waterfalls, and easier access to glacial remnants. * **Caldea Spa:** Take time to relax and recover after 4 days of demanding hiking. Enjoy a free day at the largest thermal spa in Eastern Europe, a vast complex set beneath a striking glass pyramid. Inside, you'll find multiple experiences: large indoor and outdoor lagoons (where you can enjoy the crisp mountain air while soaking), Turkish baths, revitalizing jacuzzis, and unique experiences like the Icelandic bath or Sirocco bath. **Our adventure in Spain begins Wednesday, June 17, 2026 and ends Tuesday, June 23, 2026.** **Travel Arrangements:** Participants will depart from their respective locations in the United States on Tuesday, June 16 and **arrive** in Barcelona, Spain on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. ***Please plan to have your flight arrive before 3:00pm Barcelona Time. Our hotel is 1.5 hours from the airport and all participants will need to arrive prior to 3:00pm for our private transport from the Airport to the Hotel.*** You can anticipate spending between $500 and $700 for a economy-class ticket on your international flight. Higher flight levels will cost more. **Spain International Hiking Trip Adventure** Adventure Package Includes: * 1 Day Hotel Stay in Girona, Spain * 4 Day Hotel Stay in Andorra Mountains * Free Day Admission to Caldea Spa [https://www.caldea.com/en/](https://www.caldea.com/en/) * Guided Hiking Tour in Garrotxa Volcanic Park - Half Day Hike (4 hours) * Guided Hiking Tour in Andorra Mountains - Half Day Hike (4 hours) * Guided Hiking Tour in Spanish Pyrenees Mountains - Full Day Hike (7-8 hours) * Guided Hiking Tour in French Pyrenees Mountains- Full Day Hike (7-8 hours) **Transportation** Ground transportation includes o Transportation from Barcelona Airport o Transportation to all hiking trails o Transportation to Hotels o Bus Transportation from Girona to Andorra Hotel **Meals** 6 Days of Breakfast Included - Peruvian style continental breakfast included June 18 - June 23 5 Days of Lunch Included - Lunch provided on hiking days June 18- June 22 Visit https://www.destinationhike.com/events/spain-hiking-trip for the rest of the details.

10 mile loop no drops maybe bite to eat and drink after. If weather is poor you can assume ride is canceled.

This group was originally started by Chad Keith who created and hosts a podcast by the same name in Charlotte, NC. I am hoping to continue his legacy here in NoVa as I recently moved to this area. This group is all about finding community around self-improvement and exchanging ideas on how to be your best self and get the most out of life. This group is for anyone who is interested in overcoming average in all areas - career, ambitions, relationships, hobbies, health, everything. I am so excited to meet driven individuals in the NoVa area so please reach out if you have any questions at all. EVERYONE is welcome so please sign up for an upcoming meetup!

It looks like a dive, and it is, but the food is incredible. The best Chinese dishes in town! The name is deceiving because they have so much more than noodle dishes. Here's their menu: [NoodleKingMenu](https://www.noodlekingrestaurant.com/NoodleKingMenu.pdf) I love their walnut shrimp, Hong Kong Fish and French Kew Beef and broccoli. Order your favorite Chinese dish and be surprised how good it is! They have beer and wine as well. Please pay $2 via Venmo to @DIANNEE-GODAR for this event or I will have to remove you from the guest list. Thank you All aboard mates!

It's time for another luncheon get together. If you have got a passport full of stamps, a bucket list a mile or block long, or just a love of or passion of exploring the world, come on out and join us for lunch. We will exchange travel stories, dream destinations and hidden gem recommendations with fellow travel enthusiasts. Check out the menu here: [Arlington, VA | Ruthie's All Day | Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant in Arlington, VA](https://www.ruthiesallday.com/arlington-va/) Ruthies All Day 3411 5th Street Arlington, VA 22204 703-888-2841

The Group gathers in the parking lot between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM to catch the sunrise over the Potomac River. Google Maps: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/hCUuoxUPKhRbLLZn9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hCUuoxUPKhRbLLZn9) Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is known as a top regional birding spot; over **300 species** have been recorded here, including nesting bald eagles and ospreys. Bring your longest telephoto lens and binoculars. I can help you with camera settings so you can capture sharper images of both perched birds and birds in flight. It is thrilling to capture the amazing orange and red colors that are only available at that time in the morning. Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. Bring water, comfortable shoes, a tripod, fully charged batteries, and empty memory cards... Park Facts: Entrance Fee: Free Allow Dogs on a leash: Yes Bathroom: On the north side of the Marina is a building for restrooms National Park Service Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve: www.nps.gov/gwmp Friends of Dyke Marsh (www.fodm.org) By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations (where applicable) of the event location, and I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

This one is for the soul. Let's visit Saint Anselm's Abbey and spend some time exploring a living Benedictine monastery. This is not a guided tour or a typical social meetup. The idea is simply to experience this, spend time on our own: walking quietly, sitting, reflecting, and taking in the atmosphere. Please respect any signs, restricted areas, services in progress, and the privacy of the monastic community Saint Anselm's is home to a community of Benedictine monks who follow a rhythm of prayer, work, study, and community life rooted in the Rule of St. Benedict, written nearly 1,500 years ago. Visiting offers a glimpse into a tradition that has endured across centuries and continues today. Things you may appreciate: : The abbey church and its atmosphere of silence and prayer. : The opportunity to hear the monks chant or participate in the liturgy, if one is taking place. : The contrast between the monastery's quiet setting and the surrounding city. : The simplicity, beauty, and contemplative spirit of monastic life. Format : We will keep the group small (around 10 people), but we wont be walking together, or talking. : Please explore independently and maintain a respectful, quiet presence. : This is not a group tour, discussion circle, or networking event. : I will be there, but I won't be leading the visit or guiding anyone through the grounds. : Afterward, those who wish can gather outside the monastery or at a nearby café to discuss what they noticed and experienced. : The intention is simply to create space to slow down, observe, and encounter a place devoted to prayer, contemplation, and community life.

We'll check out 29th Parallel Coffee in Fairfax Station. We plan to grab a coffee and head to Burke Lake Park and walk around the lake (weather permitting). There are a couple of parking areas at the park. I marked the parking we're planning to meet at the park. We hope to start the walk around 11:30AM. If you're a Fairfax County resident (with an ID), parking is free, otherwise they charge for parking. Please have a picture profile so we can recognize you in the meetup.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

Do you want more motivation and confidence to build Lasting Relationships? This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Grandview Grind](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534163841)!

Join us for this free, in person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Do you want more motivation and confidence to build lasting relationships? Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Who else is ready to sit outside? Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!