Travel Writing

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We’re kicking off Round Two of the Kite Beach Walks — a high-energy, community-driven morning walk designed to boost wellness, spark new connections, and build real consistency. Expect a steady pace, good vibes, and a supportive group focused on starting the day with purpose. Join us if you’re ready to build momentum and make this weekly walk part of your lifestyle.

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Join us for adventure in Socotra, place like no other, where the **Dragon Bloods sway and the blue waters spray**. Lying in turquoise seas between Arabia and Africa hundreds of kilometers off the coast of Yemen is one of the **world’s most untouched archipelagos,** the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, a treasure trove of biodiversity found nowhere else on Earth! From the umbrella-like Dragon Blood trees to the freshwater crabs scurrying across white sandy beaches, even the small population going about their lives unaffected by the world around them, you’ll think you’ve discovered a lost world on another planet. Used since antiquity as a medicinal cure-all, the crimson-red resin of the **Dragon Blood tree** earned its name through legends of battles between dragons and elephants and withstood millennia on this island paradise since the dawn of humankind. Recognized for its strange appearance, like an upside-down umbrella, it’s found only on Socotra and cannot survive anywhere else on Earth. Besides the Dragon Blood tree, Socotra is home to more than 300 species of flora and fauna endemic to the island, from tiny Socotri scorpions and terrestrial reptiles to countless birds, ghost crabs, bats, and chunky, pink-flowered bottle trees, **the entire island is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site!** Life evolves on Socotra uninterrupted from the modern world, before the airport was built in 1999, the only way to see the island was on a cargo ship! When such paradise is in our own neighborhood, making extended weekend possible to a place where such beauty is not long for this world to the **Island of Happiness**. **Let's go!!** **Day 1 :: Qalansiya / Detwah Lagoon / Shuab Beach** After arrival and immigration clearance we kick start our expedition with heading westbound. Our first stop is Qalansiya, a **traditional fishing village**. From here, we will take a boat to Shuab Beach, where we might see **spinner dolphins and beautiful rock formations.** At Shuab, you can swim, relax, and explore the white sand with rock formations and crystal clear water. After returning to Qalansiya, we head to **Detwah Lagoon, a protected area known for its amazing scenery.** You can also swim in the lagoon or just relax on the beach. Dinner and overnight at Detwah campsite. **Day 2 :: Dixsam Plateau / Derhur Canyon / Fermhin Forest** After breakfast, we will drive towards Dixsam Plateau via Shebahon viewpoint, at elevation of 700m, for the first views of the famous Dragon’s Blood trees. **These umbrella-shaped species are the symbol of Socotra, and their red sap, called “Dragon’s Blood”** is used for medicine and cosmetics. We will continue into Derhur Canyon, lined with palm trees, where we will swim in clear natural pools. Next is Fermhin Forest, known for the **largest concentration of Dragon’s Blood trees.** Dinner and overnight at Fermhin Forest campsite. **Day 3 :: Aomq Beach / Dagub Cave / Hayf and Zahaq Dunes** Wake up early to enjoy serene walk in Fermhin Forest before breakfast. Today we head to the southern coast of Socotra, where to see the **turquoise-blue Indian Ocean and endless white sand beaches.** In the evening, we will visit the Hayf and Zahaq sand dunes, beautiful and peaceful spots perfect for photos, especially at sunset. Time allows, we will visit **Dagub Cave**. Inside the cave you will find stalactites, stalagmites, and a small stream of fresh water, a rare sight on the dry south coast. Lunch, dinner, and overnight at Aomq campsite. **Day 4 :: Wadi Defarhu / Dihamri** Today we will travel from the south to the north of the island, crossing Wadi Defarhu. Along the way, we will cross the **traditional villages, date palms, freshwater pools, and desert rose trees** on the canyon walls. After lunch, we will visit the Dihamri Marine Protected Area, which has one of the **richest coral reefs in Socotra with 70 endemic coral species.** Dinner and overnight at Dihamri campsite. **Day 5 :: Hoq Cave / Arher Beach and Freshwater Creek** After an early breakfast, we will drive to Terbak village to visit **Hoq Cave, also known as Treasure Cave.** Archaeologists found ancient Aramaic writings here dating back to 258 AD. We will hike about 1.5 hours to the cave entrance and spend about 1 hour inside exploring stalactites, stalagmites, and underground water pools. Then we will continue to **Arher Beach, where white sand dunes meet the blue ocean**. Next to Ras Erisel, the eastern tip of the island, **where the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean meet**. Dinner and overnight camping at Arher Beach. **Day 6 :: Departure** If you wake up early, you can take a final climb up the dune and bathe in the freshwater stream at Arher. After breakfast at 7:30 AM, we will leave at 8:30 AM for Socotra Airport. On the way, we will stop at a heritage and **souvenir shop run by Socotri women**, which helps support local families. Bye, bye Socotra! **Level of Difficulty:** Moderate with limited facilities ahead. **Activities:** Trekking/swimming/caving/camping. **Duration:** 5 days **Trip Start & End:** Direct flights ABU DHABI **Accommodation & Meals:** Camping, all meals included. You'll need light sleeping bag, tents and mattresses provided. **Cost: AED 10,900 all incl. flights and visa, until DEC 18th.** **Past deadline we do not guarantee availability or the cost.** **Flights:** AUH – SCT 8:00-09:30 Report at check-in at 05:30AM SCT – AUH 11:00-14:15 **Visa:** included in trip budget. **Specifically Excluded:** Insurance. See yah in Socotra x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [info@trekkup.com](http://info@trekkup.com/)

Memory is not the story — it’s the material. This session explores how writers transform lived experience into meaning on the page. We’ll look at distance, selection, and perspective. Leave with sharper tools, not emotional homework.

**Imagine a place where the sun rises over mist-wrapped mountains, the ocean glows electric turquoise**, and the only thing crowding the beach is a curious sea turtle. Welcome to Timor-Leste, the secret half-island paradise that time and mass tourism forgot. Located 600 km north of Australia, this is **Southeast Asia’s wildest, youngest country**. The world’s newest democracy, born in 2002 after centuries of Portuguese spice traders, revolutionary spirit, and a hard-won fight for freedom. The scars of the past are still healing, but that only makes the beauty feel more raw, more real, more alive. Here, Catholicism dances with ancient animist beliefs, Portuguese fades into melodic Tetum, and every smile feels like it’s been waiting just for you. Roads wind through coffee plantations and jungle-shrouded hills, then suddenly drop to idyllic white sand beaches where dolphins play just offshore. Only 30 km across glittering straits lies **Atauro Island, a laidback jewel** with 9,000 souls, zero traffic lights, and some of the healthiest coral reefs on earth. Snorkel straight off the beach, hike volcanic ridges at sunrise, then kick back with a cold one while fishermen grill the day’s catch under the palms. And that’s just the warm-up. On this Trekkup New Year adventure, we’ll **chase sunrise from the summit of Mount Ramelau (the highest peak in Timor), wander forgotten coastal villages, swim in hidden lagoons**, and toast 2026 in places most travelers will never see. No crowds. No resorts. Just pure, uncut tropical freedom and the friendliest welcome in Asia. Ready? **Leste GO!** **Day 1 :: Dili** Arrive in Dili, complete immigration formalities, and check in at the hotel followed by a welcome lunch. In the afternoon we visit the vibrant Tais Market, then head to the impressive Cristo Rei statue (third tallest in the world) and the nearby 6-metre statue of Pope John Paul II. For a taste of local culture we can stop at a traditional cockfight. We end the day with sundowners and relaxed beach time at Areia Branca before dinner. **DAY 2: HATUBUILICO – MAUBISSE** After breakfast and hotel check-out, we depart for the highlands with panoramic views over Dili, the bay, and Atauro Island on the horizon. We pause at the serene WWII Memorial, then continue to the historic town of Aileu for lunch at a scenic vanilla farm. The drive continues through rolling green hills and coffee plantations until we reach charming Maubisse. In the evening a traditional welcome ceremony awaits, complete with warm local hospitality. **DAY 3: MT. RAMELAU** Early wake-up, and depart to the trailhead of Mount Ramelau (2,963 m), Timor-Leste’s highest peak. The steady 2 hr ascent brings us to the summit in time for a spectacular sunrise. Cheer up the sunrise with few selfies, descent and reaching the base by mid morning. Return to the guesthouse for breakfast and a quick refresh, then drive back toward Dili with a refreshing stop at Dokomali Falls – a hidden gem where clear mountain water cascades into a natural pool surrounded by lush jungle, perfect for a cool swim, and a light picnic before continuing to the capital. Overnight in Dili. **DAY 4: ATAURO** Morning transfer to the port and a scenic ride to Atauro Island. After settling in, we spend the day snorkelling over vibrant coral reefs and exploring the laid-back main village. Fresh seafood lunch, relaxed beach time, and the gentle rhythm of island life take over. **DAY 5: ATAURO** Breakfast at leisure, followed by a boat trip along the untouched western coast to snorkel at Atekry, Adara, and Iliana are some of the healthiest reefs in the region. Swim with tropical fish and possibly sea turtles, enjoy lunch on a quiet beach, and soak in the serene surroundings. Return in the late afternoon to prepare for the evening. New Year’s Eve celebration Atauro-style: beachside bonfire, fresh grilled seafood, local music, and welcoming 2026 under an endless starry sky. **DAY 6: DILI** Morning boat back to the capital. Ease into the day with authentic Timorese coffee, warm sweet breads, and sasoru grilled corn. Free time for final souvenir shopping at the markets or one last swim. Final overnight in Dili. a relaxed evening or hit the streets and continue celebrations. **DAY 7: DEPARTURE TO BALI** Breakfast and transfer to Dili airport for the short flight back to Bali and onward connections home. You may find yourself already planning your return before the plane even takes off. **Level of difficulty:** Easy and relaxing. **Activities:** Trekking, boating, swimming, sightseeing, snorkelling, optional diving. **Cost:** **7690 AED** excl. flights to JAKARTA / BALI, **incl. connecting flights Bali - Timor**, **until DEC 20.** **On this date we will close the list.** **Accommodation & meals:** 4 star hotel and beach resort - double sharing. Meals excluded. **Visas:** **Visa free or on arrival for all passports!** **Trip starts:** BALI Airport DPS DEC 27 at 08.30 **Trip ends:** BALI Airport DPS JAN 02 at 10.00 See yah in Timor 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)

**500 km west of Senegal lies Cape Verde**, the island chain of vertigo-inducing mountains, green valleys of flowers and sugar cane, crystal blue waters and white sandy beaches. Here, the music and rhythms of Creole West Africa are heard across quaint seaside villages, towering peaks and sparkling bays. This island paradise was uninhabited until the 1500s, when it was discovered by Portuguese explorers who took advantage of its strategic location for cross-Atlantic trade. Cape Verde has remained something of a well-kept secret since; though centuries have passed, the **majority Creole population (European and West African descent)** has rarely exceeded 500,000 people. The geologic origins of the island chain are **a volcanic hot spot deep in the Atlantic**, which over millennia created an otherworldly archipelago of steep craggy mountains and lush green landscapes. A stunning highlight is the **dizzying vertical island of Santo Antão**, **ruptured with canyons, deep gorges and valleys** home to sugar cane plantations and tropical flora and fauna. **This time, we invite you to join us on an extended journey**. After NYE celebrations in Cape Verde, we will continue to the mainland of Mama Africa **to explore yet another hidden corner: Guinea-Bissau.** This tiny West African country lies sandwiched between its larger neighbors Senegal and Guinea, on the wild Atlantic coast. This little-known treasure has it all – like **a microcosm of Africa**, it boasts tropical landscapes, white-sand beaches, an ethnically diverse population and abundant wildlife. Visitors will discover a nation where ancient traditions are kept alive, and the locals love a party. Once part of the kingdom of Kaabu in the 16th and 17th centuries, **Portuguese colonial rule** took hold and spread its way across the country, until the land was formally colonised as Portuguese Guinea in the 19th century. After independence was declared in 1973, Guinea Bissau was hailed as a potential model for African development. Today, however, the country is struggling. Its vital cashew nut crop provides a modest living for most farmers – in fact, the nation is **one of the world’s top five cashew producers**. But decades of political unrest have led to of Guinea Bissau being ranked **one of the poorest countries in the world**. The **capital city of Bissau** reflects the many years of Portuguese colonial rule, with a **vibrant and colorful Old Town** full of crumbling European-style architecture. After taking in landmarks such as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelária and the Presidential Palace, a visit to the chaotic Bandim Market is the perfect way to get a feel for day-to-day local life. The country’s crown jewel is the forested, sparsely populated **Bijagós Archipelago, a collection of 88 islands** located about 50 km off the mainland coast. Powdery beaches and turquoise waters beckon in **“the Polynesia of West Africa”**, and this protected biosphere reserve features thriving communities of saltwater hippos, monkeys, chimps, buffaloes, crocodiles, and sea turtles, as well as hundreds of species of birds. These islands are known for their **unique blend of African and Portuguese cultures**, and are home to **the Bijagos people**, an ethnic group with distinct customs and language. Colorful traditional festivals and rituals include the Bafata Dance, a celebration of fertility and the harvest. **Let’s go!** **Day 1 // Connecting flight from Dakar to Praia** Meeting at Dakar airport at 17:30 for connecting flight to Praia 19:30-20:30. Immigration clearance, overnight. **Day 2 // Santiago - Cidade Velha & Praia City** After breakfast transfer to Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first European colonial outpost in the tropics. Walk through the historic Rua Banana, visit the Royal Fortress of São Filipe, and learn about the town’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. Famous visitors include Vasco da Gama, Columbus and Magellan, as well as numerous pirates who continually plundered the place. We will enjoy a walk around the small town, visit the museum at the fort and take a seafood lunch in a small bar on the beach. Dinner at a restaurant at Prainha Beach in the evening. Possibility for a night walk to the Farol de Maria Lia lighthouse. **DAY 3 // Sao Vicente - Mindelo** After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to São Vicente Island. Upon arrival, we’ll head directly to Mindelo, the island’s cultural heart. Check in the hotel in the charming colonial-style city, then set out to explore its colorful streets, bustling markets, art galleries, and music bars. Walk along the waterfront, visit the replica of Lisbon’s Belém Tower, and relax on Laginha Beach. Enjoy the rhythms of Cape Verdean music and savor delicious local dishes in the evening. **DAY 4 // Santo Antão - Porto Novo to Paul** Today begins with a scenic ferry ride to the lush and mountainous island of Santo Antão. After arriving in Porto Novo, we will drive along the dramatic Corda Road, one of the most beautiful roads in the country, offering panoramic views of deep valleys and towering peaks. We’ll make several photo stops, including a visit to the breathtaking Cova Crater, a dormant volcano now filled with farmland. The journey continues to the verdant Paul Valley, considered the greenest and most fertile valley in Cabo Verde. Settle into our hotel and enjoy the peaceful rural ambiance. **DAY 5 // Santo Antão - Paul Valley** Wake up to the fresh mountain air and set out for a hike in the Paul Valley, a nature paradise. As we walk along cobbled paths and terraced fields, pass through traditional villages where locals still live in harmony with nature. We will get introduce to the flora and fauna of the region, and we'll see how locals cultivate sugarcane, coffee, and tropical fruits. Enjoy spectacular views of towering peaks, waterfalls, and lush greenery. We’ll also have the chance to visit a local distillery and taste the famous grogue, a traditional sugarcane liquor. **DAY 6 // Santo Antão - São Vicente - Santiago** After breakfast, we say goodbye to Santo Antão and transfer back to Porto Novo for the ferry ride to São Vicente. Upon arrival in Mindelo, enjoy some final free time for shopping or relaxing before heading to the airport for your flight back to Santiago Island. Take in the last aerial views of the islands as you transition from the mountainous beauty of Santo Antão back to the vibrant rhythm of Santiago. **DAY 7 // Guinea Bissau** Airport transfer for a flight to Guinea Bissau 01:45-04:20 (or return flight to Dakar 15:20-18:20), After breakfast, we set sail for Bolama Island, once the proud colonial capital of Portuguese Guinea. From 1879 until 1941, Bolama served as the administrative heart of the colony, before the capital was relocated to Bissau. Later, in 1951, the territory was officially reclassified as an “overseas province” of Portugal, remaining under colonial rule until Guinea-Bissau’s hard-fought independence in 1974. Today, Bolama is a place where history lingers in silence. The town, once bustling with officials and traders, is now a quiet shadow of its former self. Its faded colonial architecture, old government buildings, wide avenues lined with mango trees, and decaying neoclassical façades that tell stories of grandeur that never quite matched the harsh realities of island life. The scarcity of fresh water made the administration’s ambitions fragile, and with time, nature reclaimed the streets and plazas. Strolling through Bolama feels like stepping into a forgotten museum beneath the open sky, where walls crumble gracefully under the tropical sun. We will enjoy lunch in one of Bolama’s local restaurants, savoring freshly caught fish and seafood. In the afternoon, we sail onward to Rubane Island, part of the Bijagós Archipelago, where the rhythm of life is dictated by the sea and wind. Upon arrival, we check into the lodge, a serene retreat surrounded by palm trees and the gentle sound of waves. Buffet dinner and an overnight stay in this tropical paradise. **Day 8 // Sacred Hippos of Orango National Park** In the morning we set off for an excursion to Orango Island, one of the natural treasures of the Bijagós. The highlight of our visit is the chance to explore the saltwater lagoons, where we may encounter the rare West African saltwater hippos. Revered as sacred animals by the local Bijagós communities, these hippos connect the deep spiritual bond between people and nature. Beyond the hippos, Orango is alive with biodiversity: monkeys darting between trees, gentle manatees gliding through the waters, and a vibrant bird population filling the skies with color and song. It is not only a sanctuary for wildlife but also a cultural landscape. The Bijagós people live in a unique matriarchal society, where women often lead villages and play central roles in community decision-making. Learning about their customs offers insight into one of West Africa’s most distinctive cultures. Lunch will be served as part of the excursion, often prepared by local hosts or enjoyed as a picnic amidst nature. By afternoon, we return to Ponta Anchaca, where the rest of the evening is free to relax by the ocean and reflect on the day’s encounters. **Day 9 // Relax in Bijagós and Return to Bissau** Our final morning in the Bijagós is dedicated to relaxation. You can choose to lounge on the golden sands, enjoy optional activities such as kayaking or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters, or take a walk to visit a nearby village. Later, we sail back toward the mainland, returning to Bissau, the capital city. Upon arrival, we’ll hit the streets to historic old quarter, where narrow streets are framed by colonial-era buildings, worn yet full of character. Bissau is a city where Africa and Portugal’s legacies intertwine and tropical vibrancy meets faded European façades. Presidential Palace, the grand yet timeworn Cathedral of Bissau, and the Fort of São José da Amura, are stronghold whose origins date back to the early Portuguese colonial era. We also visit Che Guevara Square and the Monument to Independence, a structure built in the 20th century by the Portuguese. Remarkably, after independence it remained the only Portuguese monument left standing. Renamed the “Monument of the Heroes of Independence,” it was crowned with a star, symbolizing a new national identity. Today, the square is a popular gathering place for locals, a vibrant meeting ground that connects past and present. Overnight in Bissau. **Day 10 // Dakar and departure** Transfer to airport for our early flight to Dakar, Senegal. Optionally you can take a short glimpse into the lively metropolis of Dakar, a city known for its bustling markets and vibrant music scene. Bye bye Africa! **Level:** Easy available for everyone. **Accommodation and meals:** double sharing: Cape Verde - 4\*hotels, Bissau – beach side lodge and 3\* hotel. Meals excluded. **Cost: 15,300 AED** incl. connecting flights; excl. international flights (4,500 AED) until **NOV 23rd.** **Specifically excluded:** international flights to Dakar, meals, visas, any activity in Senegal. **Specifically included:** domestic and connecting flights from/to Dakar. **Trip starts and ends** with connecting flights (included): Dakar-Praia DEC 28 19:30-20:30 Bissau-Dakar JAN 06 06:30-07:30 **Visas:** · Cape Verde- visa free or visa on arrival for all passports, · Guinea Bissau – consulate visa, visa support available, · Senegal – most of passports visa free or on arrival. See yah far off the map x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238)

If you’re looking for an alternative and truly authentic adventure, you’ve just come to the right place. Papua is often described as the **final frontier of travel, a land where wilderness still rules** and where the Himalayas, by comparison, could feel like a luxury holiday. This journey combines jungle trekking with immersive encounters among stone age tribes, offering not just an expedition but the chance to live among people who preserve traditions thousands of years old. [https://vimeo.com/206644919](https://vimeo.com/206644919) [https://vimeo.com/210776442](https://vimeo.com/210776442) Papua lies **between Australia and the equator in the vast Pacific Ocean**, approximately 10,600 km from Dubai. It forms the easternmost part of the Indonesian archipelago and is the second largest island in the world. Remote, rugged, and breathtaking, Papua remains one of the most isolated places on Earth. **Our exploration takes us to the Baliem Valley, a lush gorge** approximately 70 km long and 20 km wide, resting at 1,800 m above sea level and surrounded by peaks rising up to 4,500 m. Remarkably, this valley was unknown to the outside world until the 1940s, when aerial surveys revealed its hidden communities. **Nestled in the Jayawijaya Mountains, the Baliem Valley is a vibrant patchwork of rivers, forests, and farmland**. It has been inhabited for over 9,000 years and is home to more than 400 distinct tribes, including the renowned Dani, Yali, and Lani people. These tribes still maintain their ancestral way of life, living in round thatched huts called honai, cultivating sweet potatoes and pigs, and practicing rituals that seem to leap directly from the pages of prehistory. Visitors often witness customs that are both fascinating and deeply symbolic such as tribal war dance performed to resolve disputes or celebrate victories. Men adorned with penis gourds (koteka) and women wearing grass skirts, reflecting a heritage untouched by modern fashion. Body ornaments, scarification, and age-old rites still mark important stages of life. **For about a week, we will live their life:** trekking between villages, sleeping in tribal houses, sharing meals, and discovering an entirely different rhythm of existence. **This is not a packaged holiday, it’s an immersion into one of the last authentic adventures on Earth.** Papua challenges and quickly rewards you. It is raw, untamed, and profoundly human. **Dare only if you are wild at heart!** **Day 01 // Wamena - Sogokmo - Kilise Village (5 hrs trek)** Arrival at Wamena Airport, meet our team and enjoy a short refreshment. Transfer by car (approx. 40 minutes) to Sogokmo, the starting point of the trek. The trail leads through plantations and lush forested valleys, offering the first encounter with the Dani tribe’s traditional lifestyle. Arrive at Kilise village in the afternoon. Explore the community while our cook prepares dinner. Overnight: Tribal house in Kilise village. **Day 02 // Kilise - Ibiroma - Syokosimo (6 hrs trek)** After breakfast, descend a steep trail to a traditional hanging bridge across the Baliem River. The path is narrow and slippery, with highlights including a small waterfall stop for refreshment and lunch served by the cook. Continue trekking through challenging terrain and cross another rustic bridge before reaching Syokosimo village. Overnight: Tribal house in Syokosimo village. **Day 03 // Syokosimo - Hitugi (4 hrs trek)** Today’s hike is shorter and more relaxed (about 4 hours). The route passes scenic landscapes and small villages before reaching Hitugi village by noon. Spend the afternoon discovering local life and traditions. Overnight: Tribal house in Hitugi village. **Day 04 // Hitugi - Kurima - Wamena (4 hrs trek + transfer)** After breakfast, begin the return trek toward Sogokmo via Kurima village. Though this is the longest walk of the trip, the terrain is relatively gentle. Upon arrival at Sogokmo, transfer back to Wamena by car. Overnight: hotel in Wamena. **Day 05 // Yuarima - Obia War Dance - Wamena** Breakfast at the hotel, then visit Obia village, home to the Dani tribe, where traditions such as the penis gourd, grass skirts, and honai (round houses) are still preserved. Witness a staged tribal war dance, an ancient cultural expression once triggered by disputes over women or land. After the performance, experience a traditional stone-cooking feast that may last up to 3 hours. Continue to Anemoigi and Sumpaima villages to see a **250-year-old mummy** in a traditional house. End the day with a short visit to a natural limestone cave at Wosilimo village. Overnight: hotel in Wamena. **Day 06 // Wamena - Jayapura - Susuna Kissi Beach** Morning flight to Jayapura, followed by a 2-hour drive to the secluded Susuna Kissi Beach. Spend the day exploring pristine shores, turquoise waters, and postcard-worthy scenery. Overnight: hotel in Jayapura. **Day 07 // Jayapura - Jakarta** After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your 09:00 flight to Jakarta. **Level of difficulty:** Moderate - this is a travel in the area with limited facilities. **Activities:** trekking, encounter indigenous tribes. **Duration:** 7 days * Trip starts at Jakarta CGK domestic terminal DEC 27 at 22:30 (flight at 00:45) * Trip ends at Jakarta CGK domestic terminal on JAN 03 at 12:15 We recommend minimum of 4 hrs minimum layover between international flights. **Accommodation & meals:** included - hotels (double sharing) and tribal houses. **Basic facilities ahead.** **Portering:** included upto 10kg. **Requirements:** daypack, weatherproof clothes, trekking shoes, head torch, hat, sunscreen, sleeping bag, mattress. **Cost:** **10300 AED including 4 local flights**, excl. flight to Jakarta (approx. 3400 AED). **Cost valid until DEC 15.** **Specifically excluded:** * visa, * international flights to JAKARTA - you can chose any flight at your convenience, * restaurant meals (outside trek), * entrance fees - if any. * extra luggage allowance on local flights above 10kg (approx. 3 USD per extra kg). G2 gallery from our first trip back in 2016: [https://www.meetup.com/trekkup/photos/26785858/](https://www.meetup.com/trekkup/photos/26785858/) See yah in Papua x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 0504848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [info@trekkup.com](http://info@trekkup.com/)

Ethiopia, a land of natural contrasts, from the tops of the rugged Simien Mountains to the depths of the Danakil Depression, at 120 meters below sea level one of the lowest dry land points on earth surely will never fail to amaze. **Lalibela** is located in the heart of Abyssinian Highlands, on the side of mountain range culminating at 4284 mtrs. The world recognized glory of the city comes from the churches curved in monolithic rocks, concept similar to Petra or Ellora gained Lalibela a spot not only on UNESCO World Heritage list but also on many travel connoisseurs bucket lists. [https://vimeo.com/297861237](https://vimeo.com/297861237) [https://vimeo.com/329506645](https://vimeo.com/329506645) Although date of churches creation is speculated to be around 12th to 13th century, it has been widely attributed to King Lalibela 24 years' project, at the time when city was called Roha. The legend says the **King was born surrounded by the bees** – Lalibela origin in ancient Amharic means **“The one who eats honey”**. Our plan is to visit this **soaked with history UNESCO** site but also spend some time outside to stretch the legs. **Danakil Depression,** located at the meeting point of 3 tectonic plates, with some of the **greatest geological pressures on earth**, the Danakil Depression is **extremely active** and scattered with a large number of volcanoes, including the Erta Ale, while the landscape is covered with lava flows almost everywhere you go. [https://vimeo.com/765781751](https://vimeo.com/765781751) [https://vimeo.com/303054724](https://vimeo.com/303054724) [https://vimeo.com/257364344](https://vimeo.com/257364344) **Danakil**, also known as "**Afar Depression**" is also one of the hottest and the lowest places on the planet, with an average temperature of 34C, day and night. This is the harshest microclimate in Ethiopia, questioning every single life form around for the choice of habitat. **You will feel Mother Nature deadliest phenomena at your feet**, where you will cross the rim and enter the smoking hot lava lake, at night, just a step away. **Lets go!!** **DAY 1 // Lalibela** Meeting at Dubai Terminal 1 for a flight to Addis and connecting flight to Lalibela. Check in to our comfy lodge, spend a day discovering 3 church complexes: the most famous group of George, Royal and Ecclesiastical. In the evening check on the local nightlife! **DAY 2 // Ashetom Maryam + Yemrehana Kristos** Given the local authorities allow, we will drive to yet another spooky location - church built within basaltic cave. It contains skeletons remaining of over 500 pilgrims. In the afternoon short hike to a church located on a cliff with spectacular 360 degree view of the city and the sunset. **DAY 3 // Lalibela + Mekele** Early morning glimpse at markets and souvenir shopping. Flight to Addis and connecting flight to Mekele. Later on we’ll head to local restaurant with “little party never killed nobody” themed evening. Overnight Mekele. **Day 4 // Mekele + SKY CHAPPEL Abuna Yemata Guh** Breakfast and hit the road to Tigray. We will start with the **legendary Abuna Yemata Guh climb** to discover this unique cave church (and its keeper), located at vertical cliff of 250 mtrs. Basic climbing with harness here for just few meters will make it memorable experience for everyone. \*\*[Watch this ](https://fb.watch/llH1OkyoXj/)\*\* **DAY 5 // ERTA ALE: Lava lake crater** After gathering supplies and meeting local team, we head out in 4x4s across the rugged volcanic plain. First stop: Lake Afdera, a **saltwater lake shimmering under the desert sun**, where locals still harvest salt by hand. Here you ll have a chance to wade into its mineral-rich hot springs before lakeside lunch. As the heat fades, we continue past scattered Afar villages and stark lava fields toward Dodom, at the base of Erta Ale volcano. Early dinner under the stars. At the summit, witness a rare spectacle: a live lava lake, bubbling and roaring inside the crater. Sleep at makeshift camp on the rim (or descent to camp if activity requires). **DAY 6 // SUNRISE DESCENT, SALT BARS & MIRROR LAKE** Sunrise over Erta Ale’s rim, an eerie and unforgettable light show. Breakfast and continue drive through shifting landscapes: from basalt flows to endless white Afar salt flats. We stop at potassium lakes and visible salt faults, the evidence that the flats are an enormous salt deposit resting atop an ancient lakebed. We head deeper toward Hamed Ela, a desert outpost. Here, ancestral salt extraction lives on. Watch salt miners chipping blocks by hand, loading them onto camel caravans bound for distant markets. By late afternoon, we arrive at the shores of Lake Asale, where the still surface reflects the sunset in white and gold. Overnight at camp under the open sky or local homestay. **Day 7 // DALLOL SULFUR SPRINGS + RETURN TO CITY** Early departure to Dallol, located 116 meters below sea level. You’re standing at one of the world’s lowest and hottest places. However, this surreal landscape is in fact a cinder cone volcano, and the surface is alive: neon-green acid pools, rainbow-colored sulfur springs, crystallized salt chimneys, and briny phreatic eruptions. It feels as if you’ve stepped onto an alien planet: raw, wild, and ancient. We visit nearby salt pits, where traditional mining continues, and wander through what may be the most alien landscape on Earth. After lunch, we begin the return drive across shifting terrain of the Danakil. Arrive to city late afternoon, shower off the desert dust in the hotel before return flight to Addis and further back home. **Activities:** Striking sightseeing, trekking, encounters of lava fields. **Accomo & meals:** Lodges, hotels (dbl sharing) and camps, incl. overnight at the rim of volcano. Local meals, except meals on transfers (in Addis). **Cost:** **AED** **6950 excl. flights.** **AED 12,100 all incl. int and domestic flights.** **Costs valid until DEC 18th.** **Visas:** Most of nationalities are entitled for evisa. See yah at Lava Lake x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238)

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

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."

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [5 Bean Coffee](https://5beancoffee.com/)!

Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Stauf’s German Village! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends! Afterwards, we’ll visit The Book Loft (next door) and stroll the shelves.