Travel Writing

Embrace Dubai's Winter in Our Outdoor Yoga Class Find peace in nature and reconnect with yourself amidst the greenery and blooms of Nad Al Hamar Park 1. This is your time to listen to your body and breathe in the fresh outdoor air. Class Highlights: 🧘‍♀️ Gentle yoga flow surrounded by trees and flowers 🔔 Special 10-minute singing bowl meditation after practice to align your energy with nature 🌿 A nice winter wellness experience **Details:** 📍 **Location:** Nad Al Hamar Park 1 🗓 **Days:** Monday to Thursday ⏰ **Time:** 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM 💵 **Contribution:** Donation-based 📋 **Registration:** **RSVP required** Come as you are — all levels are welcome. Let’s move, breathe, and heal together in the heart of nature. **Spots are limited — please RSVP to join us.** Simply bring your mat and an open heart. 🌸 *Feel free to share with someone who needs a moment of calm this winter.*

A small, safe space for comedy in progress. Come listen to untested jokes, try out your own material, exchange honest feedback, and support fellow comics in Dubai. This is not about polished sets — it’s about experimentation, learning, and community. We’re keeping it intimate with limited spots so everyone gets a fair chance to perform, listen, and engage. The Casa Collective, Al Quoz – Interchange 3 Ample parking available Metro: Get down at Equiti (cab) or Onpassive (Bus 110) Free entry- Limited seats Come curious. Come kind. Come support the scene.

**To attend this practice and for more enq please connect directly on WhatsApp at +971 545367991** **\|\| Our session includes \|\|** 🤗 Breathwork 🧘 Meditation 🤸 Stretching Asanas (Postures) 🫶 Connecting with the Divine within 🌅 Shavasana (Relaxation) 🎯 Mindfulness Activities Games 💚 Additional features and yogic practices will be included. We will meet at 5:00 PM at Kite Beach, beginning the practice by the sea. The exact location will be shared privately on WhatsApp after confirming your attendance, as this is a selective group for committed practitioners. **Session Overview:** Join us for a refreshing evening of Stretch Yoga and meditation, crafted to energize your day. This class combines gentle stretching, strength-building poses, and mindful breathing to enhance flexibility, balance, and mental clarity. Perfect for all levels, you’ll leave feeling revitalized and centered. **What to Bring:** \*Yoga mat \*Water bottle \*Towel \*Positive energy 🚧 **Important**: Participation is at your own risk. Please ensure you are aware of any health conditions and take necessary precautions. The organizers are not liable for any injuries or accidents. If you have concerns or health issues, contact the organizer before attending. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We look forward to sharing this peaceful practice with you. Namaste 🙏

Note: Registration is valid and confirmed only through **: link shared in [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D1cTWNPuq8ABDWjSYE3aVM).** **☕️ Coffee & Connections \| Dubai** *Sip, Mingle & Connect! 🌟* 👉[ ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Iz9NYHMtijFA6BGgBq51r2)**[Join the WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D1cTWNPuq8ABDWjSYE3aVM)** to stay updated on the exact location and weekly Join us for a social coffee meetup where good vibes, friendly faces, and great conversations come together. Unwind after a long day, meet new people, and enjoy a cozy evening in one of Dubai’s nicest café spots. 📍 Dubai \| Business Bay 🕖 7:00 PM Come for the coffee, stay for the connections — let’s sip, mingle, and make new friends! 💬✨

Hi, I'm Frank, 47 years old from the UK. This is for anyone that is a decent swimmer and fancies creating a community of like minded sea creatures. Have swam all over the world and have never enjoyed anythying as much as swimming on this stretch watching the sun rise over the Burj Khalifa! I swim for about an hour and get 6 laps in over that time (just under 3km). Aiming to go further pver the coming weeks...

**Important rules:** **Event is free.** BUT: **15AED Fine on next event** \- If you have made reservation and didn't come and didn't cancel\. You can cancel your registration in our whatsapp chat\. **15AED** if you come without reservation or stay in waitlist. Since the event is free It's very important **to make order for some drink** or food and pay for it before you leave cafe. If you stay in waitlist and want to attend to event for free write me in whatsapp +971 58 8859650 **Topiс for event:** Ussualy we do not have any special topic for conversation. But sometimes it good idea to speak on defined topic. You need choose from site **[http://iteslj.org/questions/](http://iteslj.org/questions/)** topic of Conversation Questions and will be ready to answer on several question. **General information.** I know, You are afraid that you speak slowly and not so good. If you want to speak fluent, you need to speak every day. You need to listen conversations every day. You need to watch english movies every day. How long did you learn go by foot? But now it's easy. You need to speak. I tell you my little secret. I speak so so. And I want to speak fluent. And I created this event and this group for new english speakers:) Because I know there is complicated to find such meetings for making every day conversation.

**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 3,290 incl. flights, until FEB 21.** * single room **360 AED** **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)

🌟 Fellow travelers dreaming of riding **Sled Dogs** and see **the Northern Lights** in SWEDEN! 🚗🏔️ This 6-day journey offers a **digital detox** and practical dog mushing skills as you embark on a **4-day sled dog tour** through Sweden’s breathtaking wilderness. If the weather permits, we can even **capture our adventure with a drone!** 🐕🏞️🔥 We’ll explore Stockholm’s historic streets, enjoy a **scenic road trip** to the Wilderness Lodge, and glide through serene valleys of **Fulufjäll National Park**. At the lodge, you’ll meet your very **own** **team of sled dogs** and learn the essentials of mushing. Each participant will drive their own team of 3–4 dogs, with clear instructions and materials provided by the organizers to ensure you’re fully prepared. 🐕 Nights are spent in **cozy wilderness huts**, savoring traditional Swedish meals by the fire, with the chance to spot northern lights or reindeer. End your days warming up in a rustic **wood-heated sauna**. 🌌🔥 This extraordinary Nordic experience led by **one of the world’s top sled dog handlers**, featuring pure-bred **Alaskan Malamutes** and **Greenland dogs.** These powerful dogs have a special charisma, personality, and philanthropy, making your experience even more memorable. 🐾✨ ITINERARY: **Day 1 (Feb 25) – Arrival in Stockholm 🇸🇪** We’ll explore Stockholm’s sights, enjoy a hot dinner, and rest in cozy accommodation. **Day 2 (Feb 26) – Road Trip to Wilderness Lodge 🚗** We’ll drive north, stopping at charming towns. At the lodge, we’ll meet our sled dogs and enjoy a welcoming dinner by the fire before settling into a rustic hut or Swedish log cabin. **Day 3 (Feb 27) – Into the Wilderness 🏞️** Our sled dog adventure begins as we traverse mountain valleys and pristine landscapes. Tonight, we’ll stay in a remote wilderness hut. **Day 4 (Feb 28) – Sledding & Sauna 🌌** We’ll spend the day sledding through snowfields, ending with Swedish cuisine by the fire and a relaxing wilderness sauna. **Day 5 (Mar 1) – Return Journey 🚗** After saying goodbye to the sled dogs, we’ll start the scenic drive back, with an option to overnight in a picturesque town. **Day 6 (Mar 2) – Farewell Sweden ✈️** We’ll pack up, return the car, and board our flights home. 💰 PRICE: AED 6350 / EUR 1565 **WHAT'S INCLUDED?** * Accommodation (Hostel, Wilderness Lodge) * Tour: Multi-Day Dog Sledding (Guided) * Car (Rental, Deposit, Insurance, Drive) * Food & Guides During The Sled Dog Tour * Use Of The Wilderness Sauna WHAT'S EXCLUDED? * International Flights * Insurance * Food & Gas before/after husky tour **ABOUT ACCOMMODATION:** * Stockholm (2 nights) - 2-bed or 4-bed rooms, shared bathroom. * Wilderness Lodge (2 nights) - traditional Swedish house. * Mountain Hut (1 night) – No electricity or running water. Alternatively, we can stay in an Indian tent heated by an oven. To enjoy the cozy warmth of the stove, we’ll need to chop wood first. If you’re up for it, so am I! ⏰ Time's ticking! We have less than three months until this epic adventure unfolds. Secure your spot now with an early bird discount and let's create lasting memories. See you on the road! 🤙🚗🗺️🌠

**South Sudan where cattle population is higher than population of people**, recently hosted a pope and despite being officially newest country on the world map, still struggles for international recognition. Juba, the capitol, is a home to one of the worst traffic organizations in Africa. Central round about can proudly compete with Dhaka rush hours. Nearby streets are filled with entrepreneurs’ outlets, on Custom Road you will find **Fast Food Rolex, Dubai Mall, Doha stores**, amongst many others. **Among the tallest people in the world**, towering over the cows and bulls of their cattle camps, the **Mundari are one of the most fascinating tribes on the planet**, their way-of-life far removed from the modern world. The fertile region of South Sudan, home to wildlife migrations, raiding tribes and warriors, and everyday rituals sure to shock you out of the ordinary! **The Mundari are a small ethnic group of South Sudan** and one of the Nilotic peoples, indigenous to the Nile Valley, and composed of cattle-herders and farmers. Like much of South Sudan, the land they occupy is low-lying area prone to flooding, providing very fertile basis for cattle grazing. The Mundari people have close connection to their cattle, from giving them names and having them take part in their rituals and practices. The most treasured cattle among the Mundari are the Ankole-Watusi, the “Cattle of Kings”, with the most impressive having **horns that can reach over 2 meters long**. The cattle themselves have heritage dating back thousands of years, from the combination of the Egyptian Longhorn of Africa and the Zebu Longhorn of India. Relying on the herding of cattle, sheep and goats to obtain milk, blood, meat and leather, the tribe also have a reputation for being fierce warriors, **where status and wealth are measured in cattle** and loaded weapons. Low-level warfare to rustle and raid cattle is not uncommon. South Sudan is a place for the true explorer, with expedition into this remote and unknown part of the world for those wishing to see what few others can! **Let's go!** **Day 1 // Arrival + sunset at Mundari** Morning flight, followed by Immigration adventure. Local lunch and hit the road for one of the best sunsets you can have in Africa – orange horizon between Mundaris, ocean of curved horns cattle and the smoke, used as repellent from mosquitos. Head back to city for dinner and overnight in the hotel. **Day 2 // Mundari morning, Juba + wrestling** Early wakeup call and drive for sunrise and Mundari morning ceremony. Come back for breakfast and hit the city. Between the cathedral and mosque, we will surely find time to visit Konyo Konyo – the biggest market, where ladies can order Mundari dress for the afternoon wrestling show. Lunch at the bank of the river, before we move to the wrestling ground, followed by local dance show. After dinner, we will have possibility of checking the night life, rooftop bars and perhaps the casino, where Chinese expats bet high with locals. Overnight in the hotel or optional wedding crashing, subject of availability. **Day 3 // Nile boat trip** Breakfast and check out from the hotel. Morning boat trip on a Nile, refreshing sneak peek on how the riverbanks prepare for Sunday mass in the church. Afternoon time airport drop off and return flight back home. Bye, bye Juba! **Level:** Easy. **Activities:** Tribe encounters, sightseeing, boating. **Room & Meals:** Hotels, double sharing. Meals excluded except breakfasts. **Cost: AED 4000** excl. flights until **FEB 20th.** Past this date cost will change. Flights: 3400 AED (Ethiopian). **Specifically Excluded:** Meals, any cost related to visa on arrival, photography permits for professional cameras. **Visa:** Based on entry permit, cost excluded from trip budget, 130 USD. **Yellow fever** certificate mandatory to enter South Sudan. **Photography:** Expect 150-200 USD for “photography permit” if you are bringing professional camera equipment. See yah in South Sudan 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)

**Trip**: *Iftar & Holi Celebration Meetup* \- Overnight Camping @ Desert **When**: Saturday, February 28, 2026, Time: 3:00 PM onwards **Where**: Al Quadra Desert **Trip Details**: Lets enjoy the nice weather with an overnight camping not far from Dubai. **Contribution:** Free for all attendees. **Plan**: -Leave Dubai late afternoon and reach the meeting point by 3.00 PM. meeting point is about 1 hour drive from Dubai. -Drive short distance to the sand dunes and settle down for a fun evening under the stars. non 4x4 cars would be able to reach the camping spot. **Necessary Stuff to Carry:** · **Iftar Needs:** Water, dates, snacks, and a main meal to share for you and your group · **Holi Essentials:** Organic Holi colours, water guns, and a change of clothes. · **Camping Gear:** Tent, camping chairs, mats, sleeping bags. · **Comfort:** Warm jackets or hoodies (it gets cold at night), and a prayer mat. · **Miscellaneous:** Firewood for the bonfire, Trash bags (keep the desert clean), power bank, flashlight/lantern, and a first aid kit. **Disclaimer**: Standard AE disclaimer and terms of membership apply. Neither Adventure Emarat/Adventure Eagles nor any of its event leaders/members take any responsibility or indemnify the participants against any injury, loss or damage suffered by any participant during the event. Therefore, please assess the fitness & capability of yourself, your team & your vehicle before you join any AE event. Please understand and remember that YOU are the best person to safeguard your well being and safety. Hence YOU have to take full responsibility for the same.

This time we invite you to join us for a journey across **most mysterious and the least explored** of Central Asia stans, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, combined into one trip. We will discover both of them over a week travel across their deserted lands by plane, train and 4WDs. **Turkmenistan** has been at the crossroads of civilizations for centuries. In medieval times, Merv was one of the great cities of the Islamic world and an important stop on the Silk Road, a caravan route used for trade with China until the mid-15th century. Annexed by the Russian Empire in 1881, Turkmenistan later figured prominently in the anti-Bolshevik movement in Central Asia. In 1924, Turkmenistan became a constituent republic of the Soviet Union, Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic became independent in 1991. **Uzbekistan** The region’s cradle of culture for more than two millennia, Uzbekistan is the proud home to a spellbinding arsenal of architecture and ancient cities, all deeply infused with the bloody, fascinating history of the Silk Road. In terms of sights alone, Uzbekistan is Central Asia's biggest draw and most impressive showstopper. **In a brief:** \- Direct flight to Turkmenistan\, \- Ashgabat\, \- Darvaza \- Doors to hell\, \- Domestic flight to Turkmenabat \- Farab/Alat border\, **\- Border crossing to Uzbekistan** \- Bukhara\, \- train Bukhara \- Samarkand\, \- Samarkand\, \- Return flight to Dubai\. **Let's go!** **DAY 1 :: Arrival in Ashgabat – Darvaza** Early morning arrival in Ashgabat. Immigration procedure, check in to our lavish, white marble hotel and short rest. Foreign passport registration procedure. Quick look at majestic statues of Ashgabat and few other landmarks of the city. In the evening departure to Darvaza. On the way stop at two other craters with water and sulfur mud, both seeping with gas from the underground."A little party never killed nobody" themed BBQ dinner near the main crater. Unforgettable sunset over the gas burning spectacle (camping). **DAY 2 :: Darvaza – Ashgabat** After picnic breakfast we will return to Ashgabat and to visit the city sites not visited the previous day, including Visit UNESCO site Old Nissa, Turkmenbashi Ruhy mosque, Independence square and statues of famous national heroes. Overnight in the hotel. **DAY 3 :: Ashgabat – Turkmenabat – Farab/Alat border** Morning flight from Ashgabat to Turkmenabat. On arrival transfer 40 km to the Farab/Alat border and cross to Uzbekistan. **Bye bye Turkmenistan, welcome to Uzbekistan!** After crossing the border transfer to hotel in Bukhara for overnight. **Day 4 :: Bukhara** After breakfast start discovery of magical monastery-city - place of education and pilgrimage, called often a living museum. Stroll along the Lyabi Khauz Place – one of the most famous places of Bukhara; trading domes; Abdul-Azizkhan and Ulugbek madrassahs. Further to Poi-Kalyan place, with its Kalyan minaret, the main symbol of Bukhara, serving in former times as a lighthouse for caravanneers. Ismail Samani mausoleum – the oldest building in the Central Asia. Our Uzbekistan experience would not be completed without a ride on a bullet train Afrosiyob to Samarkand. Overnight in Samarkand. **Day 5 :: Samarkand** In the morning sightseeing in the capital of Tamerlane’s powerful empire: Gur-Emir mausoleum – the burial place of the Tamerlane and his dynasty (XIV-XV c). Start with Registan Square, Ulugbem Observatory, free time in the afternoon. Registan Square – the heart of Samarkand with its three madrassahs – representatives of the great past of this city; Samarkand secrets: ancient observatory, paper factory and uzbek local life. Optional visit in local hammam. **Day 6 :: Return** Bye bye Silk Road, early morning flight back to Dubai, **Activities:** trekking, swimming, sightseeing, getting amazed with burning gas crater, cultural immersion. **Accommodation & meals:** atmospheric 4 star hotels double sharing + 1 night camping. **Cost: 7,800 AED incl. flights until JAN 30th.** **Specifically excluded:** visa or any border fees, payable individually on arrivals, restaurant meals. **Visa:** Turkmenistan - based on pre-approval. Approx. 100 USD, min. 3 weeks. Uzbekistan - most of passports and UAE residents visa free, otherwise E-visa. See yah at Silk Road x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](http://linktr.ee/trekkup)

**[Manaslu Circuit Trek](https://www.treknepalhimalayas.com/trip/manaslu-circuit-trek/)**[ ](https://www.treknepalhimalayas.com/trip/manaslu-circuit-trek/)is a raw Himalayan adventure that circles Nepal’s eighth-highest peak, offering quieter trails than the popular Everest and Annapurna routes. The journey from the lush Budhi Gandaki Valley rises through terraced hillsides, rhododendron forests, and Tibetan-style villages before cresting the dramatic 5,106-meter **[Larkya La pass.](https://www.treknepalhimalayas.com/larke-pass/)** Along the way, you experience vivid cultural exchanges, glacier views, and chances to spot blue sheep soaring at high altitudes. Trip Highlights ## Highlights of [Manaslu Circuit Trek](https://www.treknepalhimalayas.com/trip/manaslu-circuit-trek/) * **Suspension-Bridge Thrills over the Budhi Gandaki**: steel spans vaulting rainforest gorges and turquoise rapids, delivering dramatic first-week vistas and seamless village links. * **Authentic Nubri Culture**: Water-driven prayer wheels in Namrung, crimson Ribung Gompa in Lho, and yak-herding families greeting trekkers beside kilometer-long mani walls. * **Syala’s 360° Sunrise Arena (3,480 m**): Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Ngadi Chuli blaze pink in one sweep of the eye, widely considered the circuit’s finest panorama. * **High-Value Acclimatisation Excursions:** Pungyen Gompa (4,000 m) beneath Manaslu’s south face and glacier-fed Birendra Lake offer textbook “climb high, sleep low” conditioning amid superb scenery. * **Frontier Life in Samdo (3,865 m):** last permanent hamlet before Tibet, famous for yak caravans, salt-for-barley trade lore, and commanding views of Samdo Peak. * **The trek’s ultimate achievement is Larkya La Summit Crossing (5,106 m)**: Pre-dawn snowfield ascent to a prayer-flag col revealing Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, and distant Annapurnas. * **Epic Descent to Bimtang (3,590 m)**: One-day transition from glacial desert past Ponkar Lake to rhododendron forest and yak pastures, rewarding lungs with thicker air and trekkers with verdant sanctuary.

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!

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."

Coffee and conversation at [Stauf's Coffee Roasters](https://www.staufs.com/) in German Village. Street parking is free on Sundays.

**Summary** For this event, we will do the [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at [The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/), a ten-thousand acre conservation center in Muskingum County. It is the largest such center in North America and one of the largest in the entire world. During this tour, we'll visit The Wilds' rhino herd in their state-of-the-art heated barns and learn how The Wilds' animal management team takes care of one of the largest herds of rhinos outside of Africa and Asia. **The date and time of this tour** We will be doing the 1:00 p.m. [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) on Saturday, February 28. The tour is scheduled to last 90 minutes. **What you need to do to attend** Signing up here on Meetup will not get you into The Wilds for the tour. You must go out to The Wilds' [website](https://www.thewilds.org/) and [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour). Please [purchase your ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour), then sign up here on Meetup so I know how many to expect. **Attendance cap** There are only eight total slots/tickets available for this tour. As I obviously have already bought one of the tickets, that leaves seven spaces for everyone else. If you are interested in this event, I urge you to [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at The Wilds' website as soon as possible. Since their website is obviously public, nothing prevents other people having nothing to do with *GOhio!* from buying their own tickets, thereby potentially taking an available slot away from you. **Additional notes on attendance** I have now run several events at The Wilds. While the location of The Wilds and the pricing of the tickets generally leads to small turnouts, the people who have gone have all enjoyed it and were glad they went. If you've never been to The Wilds and you like zoos or animals at all, you are likely to find any tour at The Wilds to be a rewarding experience. **Tickets and pricing** [Tickets](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) for this tour are $95, or $76 if you're a Wilds' member. I've posted screen shots, below, to help you be sure you're buying tickets for the correct event. Wilds' memberships pay for themselves if you go to The Wilds at least twice a year, and [Columbus Zoo members](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership) get a discount on memberships to The Wilds. I will always run at least two events a year at The Wilds. Tickets for all Wilds' tours must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance of the actual tour. **Cancellations and refunds** Per The Wilds' [Cancellation Policy](https://www.thewilds.org/policies): *In order to be eligible for refund and accrue no rescheduling fees, cancellations must be made at least 14 days in advance of reservation. Cancellations made within 14 days of reservation will not receive a refund.* You may [contact The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/contact) at (740) 638-5030 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or you can email them at information@thewilds.org. **Waiver of liability** After you purchase your ticket, you will likely be asked to fill out a waiver of liability. This is a very short document and should take you no more than two minutes to complete. **Where we'll meet** We will meet at The Wilds, whose actual address is [14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732](https://www.google.com/maps/place/14000+International+Rd,+Cumberland,+OH+43732/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837dae07a595557:0xa1ceca93325a8bd1?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111). Please try to be there by 12:30 p.m. For most Wilds' tours, a shuttle bus will take you to the actual spot of the tour. So think of this as though you're going to the airport to catch a flight. It helps to be on time. The Wilds generally asks that people arrive at least thirty minutes because the scheduled start time of their tour. **GPS / Getting to The Wilds** The Wilds is in a very rural area, but I've never had a problem getting there with my GPS (I have Verizon). I've also uploaded a JPG map, below, of Muskingum County. Sometimes, though, it's hard to get a signal when you're at The Wilds and getting ready to leave. So you might want to consider downloading an offline map in Google Maps. Your cell phone should pick up a signal, however, within a few minutes after you leave. The Wilds' Visitor Center does have free Wi-Fi. **Carpooling?** If you want to carpool, I recommend discussing this in the comments, below, to this event. While I don't myself carpool, I will do what I can to help you arrange something if I can. **The weather** Dress for the weather. Just because the barn is heated doesn't mean it will be warm. And wear closed-toed shoes. Wilds' tours typically run no matter what the weather is. **After the tour** Once we're done with the rhinos, we'll head over to the very highly rated [Y-Bridge Brewing Company](https://ybridgebrewing.com/). The brewery is about thirty minutes from The Wilds, and it will be on the way back to Columbus for most, if not all, of us. The brewery's actual address is [1417 Linden Ave Ste D, Zanesville, OH 43701](https://www.google.com/maps/place/1417+Linden+Ave+d,+Zanesville,+OH+43701/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837edd6cc50824f:0xe3a0af1ccb2aefbf?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111). Y-Bridge Brewing does not serve food; however, they have several [food options](https://ybridgebrewing.com/food-options). I encourage you to check these out ahead of time on their website for yourself. However, here are a few of them: *Within walking distance -- 120 feet away* * [Angry Bull Saloon](https://www.facebook.com/AngryBullSaloonZanesville/) (pizza & subs) * The Corner Pub Sports Bar and Grill (classic bar food) *Delivery options -- [Door Dash](https://www.doordash.com/)* * [4 Star Pizza](https://fourstarpizza.com/), (740) 452-9300 * [Donatos](https://www.donatos.com/), (740) 452-7900 * [Pizza Cottage](https://www.pizza-cottage.com/), (740) 455-6000 * [Dominos](https://www.dominos.com/), (740) 455-3126 * [Papa John's](https://www.papajohns.com/), (740) 450-4100 If you live in the area or can't make The Wilds but still want to meet us at the brewery, that's fine too.