Travel Writing

Greetings from the capital! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people from all walks of life — students, diplomats, travelers, locals — gather to unwind and connect. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JFESzopY1OgJ5z4r3RINfL)] Our age range is mostly 20s to 30s. If you enjoy discussing culture, politics, travel, or just want to practice a new language, this group is for you. A perfect blend of diversity and dialogue, right in the heart of D.C.

In previous years, the rangers said they try to get to the park and open the gate by 7:45 AM. From the website: [https://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm](https://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm) Waterlilies are bountiful all over the park! Our volunteers moved the tropical lilies from the hothouses to the display ponds, and they are vibrant. Bird enthusiasts have been enjoying watching the 3 young fledgling red-shouldered hawks, nesting orchard orioles, and kingbirds. Turtles have been laying eggs, and tadpoles and frogs are abundant in the ponds. Every year, we visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens on July 4th. The lotus flowers start blooming in early June and will be plentiful by the end of the month. The best time to visit is in the morning, as the temperatures are cooler and the flowers close up in the heat of the day, usually around 1:30 pm. I know it is outside of the Virginia Beltway, but it is not far. It is a very unique place in Washington, DC. I will be there in my grey pickup and rain or shine (hopefully shine)! Bring: Tripod Comfortable shoes Water Fully charged batteries Empty memory cards Rain poncho and plastic bags for the camera and lens in case of rain. Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. Park Facts Entrance Fee: Free Allow Dogs with lease: No Bathroom: Restroom in the Visitor Center Address: 1550 Anacostia Ave, NE, Washington D.C. 20019 Lat, Long: 38.913003, -76.940142 - Parking Lot Plus Code: W375+6W Washington, District of Columbia Website: https://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm I generally schedule this meetup on the Fourth of July, as I would have the day off. They are open on July 4th, but one year we waited until 9:00 AM until a ranger showed up to unlock the gate, and it wasn’t a holiday. I also want to mention security, as in the past, a photographer in my group was at the gardens and saw someone’s car being broken into in the parking lot. From the parking lot, walk towards the gardens down the path. I usually stay to the left and head into the lotus fields. Please be careful, as there are just dirt paths between the fields, and if there has been a lot of rain, there can be ruts, and I almost twisted my ankle. You actually need a fairly long lens, as the lotus flowers are tall and can be some distance away. A wide angle is only good for some overall shots, and a good-sized macro works as well. Another thing folks do not realize is that the flowers do bloom into September, but have many full blooms. This is one park where you do not have to worry about mosquitoes, as they are eaten by pond beetles, dragonflies, and damselfly larvae, and also by frogs and birds. There is a boardwalk at the back of the flower fields that goes out to a marsh area. I have seen many types of birds and dragonflies in that area. Being there makes it hard to believe that you are in Washington, DC. On the way out, allow some time to check out the small ponds with different lotus and lilies that also attract frogs and dragonflies. Why you will not see any mosquitoes in the park: https://www.nps.gov/keaq/learn/nature/insects.htm By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, 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.

is is an In-Person Writing Event at Three This is an In-Person Writing Event at Kaldi's Social House in Clarendon! Please join us. This is not a critique session or discussion event. If you're interested in attending one of our regular meetings to discuss the art and craft of writing or to review another's work, please join us for a regular meeting on Wednesdays from 7p-9p.

Social Sips & Bites is setting sail in style! 🚢✨ Join us for an unforgettable escape filled with ocean views, elegant evenings, and island indulgence. The Bermuda await. Exciting updates coming soon—keep an eye out!

Start and end in Kochi (Cochin)! With the In-depth Cultural tour The Magical Kerala Tour, you have a 8 days tour package taking you through Kochi (Cochin), India and 4 other destinations in India. The Magical Kerala Tour includes accommodation, an expert guide, meals, transport and more. Tour Start Kochi Tour End Kochi Destination India Flights • Arrival: Day01 before 4pm • Return: Day08 after 2pm Airport: Cochin Intl. airport (India) Meeting Point * The group meets at the arrival airport or at the hotel on Day01. * More details will be provided via group chat on WhatsApp Itinerary Day01 ARRIVAL IN COCHIN Day02 COCHIN SIGHTSEEING Day03 COCHIN - MUNNAR (140 KMS / APPROX 04 HRS. DRIVE) Day04 MUNNAR - THEKKADY (95 KMS / APPROX 04 HRS. DRIVE) Day05 THEKKADY SIGHTSEEING Day06 THEKKADY - KUMARAKOM (135 KMS / APPROX 04 HRS. DRIVE) Day07 KUMARAKOM - ALLEPPEY (35 KMS / APPROX 01 HRS. DRIVE) Day08 ALLEPPEY - COCHIN DEPARTURE —————————————————————— For a detailed itinerary and to reserve your seat, follow the link below: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/india-the-magical-kerala-tour/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/india-the-magical-kerala-tour/) Cost: $2,990 pp Inclusions Price Includes * Accommodation with breakfast for 06 nights. * Accommodation in the houseboat with all meals for 01 night. * English speaking guide for sightseeing. * All breakfasts as well as 1 lunch and 1 dinner * Kathakali Dance Show in Cochin. * Spice Plantation Tour in Periyar. * A Bottle of water per person, every day during your Tour. * All sightseeing and transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle as per the itinerary * All Assistance by our representatives on arrival & departure. * All applicable government tax, toll tax, parking, interstate tax etc. * Transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle as per the itinerary Price Excludes * Flights * Meals other than mentioned above * Entrance Fees to monuments/sightseeing places. * Personal Expenses * Optional activities * Travel insurance / Visa * Tips Questions? Text / Call: 2023787696 - Himanshu - Organizer

Get checked your Bucket List by joining this eastern route of USA. Start your tour in the capital Washington DC and end in New York City while exploring the upstate New York by visiting Watkins Glen, Niagara Falls and many more highlights on this 8 days sightseeing tour of the lifetime. Highlights Visited Places: * Washington, D.C. * Watkins Glen * Niagara Falls * New York City Travel Experience: * City sightseeing * Local cuisine * Parks * Waterfall Tour Start WASHINGTON, D.C. Tour End NEW YORK CITY Destination USA Itinerary Day01 ARRIVAL - RIVER CRUISE & GUIDED GEORGETOWN WALKING TOUR Day02 WASHINGTON DC WITH MOUNT VERNON & OLD ALEXANDRIA Day03 WASHINGTON, D.C. – NEW YORK Day04 NYC - NIAGARA FALLS Day05 NIAGARA FALLS - NYC Day06 NYC: HARLEM, BRONX, QUEENS, BROOKLYN & CONEY ISLAND Day07 NEW YORK CITY SIGHTSEEING Day08 DEPART NEW YORK CITY Price: $3290 (Double Occupancy) $3990 (Single Occupancy) Inclusions Price Includes * 7 nights hotel stay * Breakfasts at hotel * All transportation by road (Bus / Mini Van) * Guided day tours * Activities as per the itinerary Price Excludes * Flights * Airport transfers * Meals * Personal Expenses * Optional activities * Travel insurance / Visa * Tips \*\*\* For detailed itinerary & to reserve your seat, follow the link: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/usa-8-day-eastern-highlights-washington-dc-new-york-niagara-falls/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/usa-8-day-eastern-highlights-washington-dc-new-york-niagara-falls/) Questions? Text / Call / Whatsapp: 2023787696

Hey everyone! Let's try to get this group more active! Local events can be anything -- A walk in the park, movie, happy hour, camping, and so on! So if you want to host a local event, leave a comment below or message me and I'll contact you to help you get it up in the group!

This is the sign you've been waiting for. Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

Guys, we need to do this slow. Mishki gets overheated, so we take breaks from time to time, plus there may be other folks who walk slow. To make everyone feel included in the group experience, we walk slow, we wait and are kind. **Meeting Spot**: We gather at the main parking lot close to the park entrance, under the trees. **Lake Artemesia Walk – College Park** Join us for a relaxed, easy-paced walk around beautiful Lake Artemesia. A chance to unwind, enjoy nature, and connect with others in a calm, welcoming setting. We’ll walk the scenic loop, take in the lake views, and enjoy light conversation along the way. All fitness levels are welcome. **Main parking lot: 55th Ave & Berwyn Rd,** College Park, MD 20740 Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. Keep it easygoing. RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By being a member of this Group, RSVPing to any Activity, or participating in any Activity, You accept and agree to the terms and conditions described below: 1. You acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to yourself, including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. 2. You agree that You will at all times be responsible for Yourself and Your own safety. 3. You release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, this group's leadership and members for the hikes that you participate in. 4. You acknowledge and agree that this Group is merely a collection of friends or potential friends who enjoy doing activities, and that in no event does any Organizer or Other Member assume any responsibility or liability for You. 5\. You agree not to sue and to release\, discharge\, waive and hold harmless all organizers and other members from and against all liabilities\, claims\, demands\, losses\, damages\, suits and proceedings\, for negligence\, carelessness or any other cause which you may have or that hereafter may accrue arising\, resulting from or related to your membership in this group or participation in any activity\.

TRADING THE DANCE FLOOR FOR THE TRAILS The disco lights are taking a breather, but Social Sips & Bites is keeping the high energy alive in the great outdoors. We are hitting the trails, and the timing couldn't be better. National Park Service is waiving its usual vehicle entrance fees for Free Entry Day, so we’re bringing the whole DMV community together for an epic morning of fresh air, jaw-dropping views, and massive group vibes. Whether you’re recovering from the last party or prepping for the next one, this is the perfect excuse to get outside, move your feet, and meet some incredible people. From the rushing waters of the Potomac to the winding, shaded dirt paths, this isn't just a walk in the park. It’s a chance to unplug, swap stories with familiar faces, and explore one of the absolute best natural wonders right in our backyard. No RSVP cap, no exclusive guest list. Just good people, great views, and unmatched Sunday energy. See you on the trail! 🙌

Start in Livingstone and end in Victoria Falls! With the Safari tour you have a 8 days tour package taking you through Livingstone, Zambia and 3 other destinations in Africa that includes accommodation, an expert guide, meals, transport. Tour Start livingstone Tour End Victoria Falls Destination Zambia, Nambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe Itinerary Day01 Big 5 Mukuni Village Tour and Rhino Safari Day 2-3 Victoria Falls Tour Day 4-5 Boat and Game drive Safari Day 6-8 Victoria falls magic, Dine at the edge of the gorge Price: $3590 (Double Occupancy) $3990 (Single Occupancy) Inclusions Price Includes Room and tent accommodation with restaurant on site Profesional guide avaliable for the entrie trip 8 x breakfast 5 x lunch 5 x dinners All transfers Price Excludes Flights Meals Personal Expenses Optional activities Travel insurance / Visa Tips $100 Park fees \*\*\* For detailed itinerary & to reserve your seat, follow the link: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/zambia-nambia-botswana-zimbabwe-8-days-4-countries-adventure-and-safari/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/zambia-nambia-botswana-zimbabwe-8-days-4-countries-adventure-and-safari/) Questions? Text / Call / Whatsapp: 2023787696

[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45899232](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45899232) 26.1 miles. Lunch is at the Great Falls overlook 18.2 miles into the ride. There are toilets at Great Falls and Fletchers' Boathouse. We will e-bike from Glen Echo Park in Maryland to the majestic Great Falls. We will be biking on the Capital Crescent Trail, the C&O Canal pathway, and McArthur Blvd with separate biking lanes. This tour captures the essence of adventure and natural beauty. We will be meandering alongside the serene Potomac River and the C&O Canal, offering E-bike Lovers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the lush landscapes that define this region. Glen Echo Park, with its rich tapestry of cultural and artistic heritage, serves as the perfect prologue to a journey that gradually unfolds into the wild, untamed beauty of the Great Falls. The route is just over 26 miles on gravel and asphalt. The gravel is compact. If you don't like the gravel on the C&O Canal pathway, this is not your route. Entrance to the Great Falls National Park is for free as we enter from the C&O Canal. We park at the large parking lot off Oxford Street, NOT at the smaller lot at McArthur Blvd. Please bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water. FYI: Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers Club membership is now for free as [www.ebikelovers.com](http://www.ebikelovers.com/) generates sufficient income from ads to cover the costs. Here is the link to activate your free membership: [https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN](https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN) The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. **REMEMBER:** This is a self-guided event. This event empowers each participant to take the lead, as there are no designated bike leaders within E-bike Lovers. We all embrace the role of leaders in this self-guided experience. Please RSVP only if you are coming so we know how many E-bike Lovers will participate. We enjoy a nearly 100% RSVP success rate. Thank you so much for your help! As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome. DISCLAIMER LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, RICHARD CAMER TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS. See for the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer

USA 250--George Washington & American Revolution, Alexandria, VA, July 4 2026! To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, take a walk through historic Alexandria’s core, to examine the epochal life of "The Father of His Country." Old Town Alexandria has an astonishing dense array of famous persons and noted events related to George Washington's life and times. Especially those involving the American Revolution, in what was George Washington's home away from home, just miles from Mt. Vernon. Accompanied by a historian/author, immerse yourself in this special tour on a special day, taking place in one of America’s most fascinating towns. MEET outside the The Lyceum: Alexandria's History Museum 201 South Washington Street · Alexandria, VA About 2 hours in length. Fireworks on the waterfront afterwards. Fee: Prices start at $24. Pre-register and Pre-pay-- Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/george-washington-american-revolution-alexandria-va-july-4-2026-tickets-1964530877739?aff=oddtdtcreator Or: PayPal, sending $25 to savvyveteran@gmail.com [https://www.paypal.com/us/home](https://www.paypal.com/us/home) Or pay $24 at the start of the tour. Our packed itinerary will select from: • George Washington, Old Town surveyor • Lafayette's triumphant reunion tour to America, and his stay in Alexandria • The noted architects behind the city’s stunning architecture • Martha Washington's school • The Alexandria houses and taverns where GW stayed • John Adams, George Mason, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and other Founders in town • Lafayette, first abolitionist • The site of the first six Presidential inaugural balls • The nation’s narrowest houses • Where GW passed by on the way to the battle of Yorktown • Where the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were hatched • What did the Founding Fathers do for fun? Violent horse races & crazed drinking bouts from back in the day. • A World War Two munitions factory, and spy nest • How GW started a world war • The horrific attack on a Revolutionary War hero • "Give me liberty or give me death!" • The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier--of the American Revolution • The sea battle of Alexandria, 1776 • The real “Father” of his country • GW's fistfight And more! Your guide is a former “Tonight Show” writer, an ex-Presidential speechwriter, & author of a crime thriller set in Alexandria that draws on its rich history: https://www.amazon.com/OLD-TOWN-HORROR-Americas-Historic-ebook/dp/B0BX27RWYG His book on D.C.’s history, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood: Crime, Scandal & Intrigue in the History of Lafayette Square: [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-white-houses-unruly-neighborhood-edward-p-moser/1131103788](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-white-houses-unruly-neighborhood-edward-p-moser/1131103788) And his latest, a spy thriller set in Georgetown: https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 Plenty of excellent restaurants in the area for afterwards before the July 4 fireworks on the riverfront at sundown. Your host's tours are rated more highly than the Eiffel Tower or the Great Wall of China!: [https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html) MEET outside the The Lyceum: Alexandria's History Museum 201 South Washington Street · Alexandria, VA Every 250 years, let's celebrate America's Independence!

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. 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."

Let’s meet and discuss John Updike's Rabbit, Run, the first in his series of four novels following the life, hopes, and disappointments of former local basketball star, Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, as he fitfully confronts and evades adulthood.

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 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. 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:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. 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! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.