Travel Writing

Come by for an hour of evening writing with fellow creative folks. Everyone works on their own thing, no obligation to share — just show up and make any kind of words happen. If you're spending too much time thinking about writing, join us for an hour of focused writing. Guidelines: * While some discussion is encouraged to get to know one another, strive for silent, focused writing from 6:45 PM - 7:45 PM. * Generally avoid disruptive sensory input/behaviors, such as repeated or unpleasant noises, smells, physical movements, etc. (if you have health-related reasons, or some other aspect out of your control due to which this could become an issue, show up anyway and explain that potential disruptions are not intentional.) * Repeated breaking of the above rules without a valid reason may result in dismissal from the group at any point during a session. **Why is Shut Up & Write(!) so effective?** [http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/](http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/) **LOCATION:** Gaithersburg Library, Study Room 2 (if we aren't in 2, check 1!) **SCHEDULE:** 6:30 \| Pre\-session check\-in \- What will you work on? 6:45 \| Shut up and write for 1 hour\! 7:45 \| Post\-session check\-in \- How did it go? Feel free to keep writing and finish your lingering thoughts past this point, but know that the library closes at 8 PM! **BRING:** Whatever you need to be able to write! ***If you are interested in a more collaborative and discussion-focused writing group, the Gaithersburg Library hosts such a group on Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM! Ask Chris or the library staff for more details.***

**Advance reservations required. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx) ### Even if you've never danced before, learn to dance the Viennese Waltz as it is danced in Vienna, in time for our Austrian Embassy Viennese Ball. A partner or prior dance experience are not needed to sign up so join us on your own or with friends. Whether you plan to attend our Viennese Ball at Austrian Embassy or would simply like to learn how to dance the Viennese Waltz, don't miss this rare opportunity to learn to dance one of the most elegant and romantic dances of all time. The lessons will be taught on a wooden dance floor at the Austrian Embassy, one of the most magnificent embassies in Washington DC. During the lessons Austrian wine will be available for purchase at the cash bar. **Advance reservations required. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx) Join us on your own or with friends for Viennese Waltz lessons in time for our magical Viennese Ball. You are cordially invited to join us at the Embassy of Austria to indulge in an evening of Viennese Waltz lessons and learn to dance one of the most elegant and romantic dances of the world! The lessons are well-attended by both singles and couple alike so you are welcome to attend on your own or with friends. Prior dance experience is not needed to attend. Meet and socialize with diplomats, distinguished guests, and diverse professionals from DC and around the world. **Advance reservations required. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx) Please visit the **Viennese Ball Gala Webpage** for detailed information about the Viennese Ball: [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/specialevents/Viennese-Ball-washington-dc/Viennese-Ball.aspx](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/specialevents/Viennese-Ball-washington-dc/Viennese-Ball.aspx) Please visit the **Viennese Waltz Lessons Webpage** for detailed information about Viennese Waltz lessons presented on the day prior to the Viennese Ball at the Embassy of Austria: [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx) **Agenda** **6-8PM Viennese Waltz Session:** Arrive and check in at the Austrian Embassy at 6:00 PM and enjoy Austrian wine at the cash bar. Meet other attendees and prepare for the Viennese Waltz lesson that will start shortly after 6:15 PM. After the lesson practice dancing the Viennese Waltz to recorded music until 8PM. Event concludes at 8PM for the 6-8PM Session attendees. **7:30 PM to 10:00 PM Viennese Waltz Session:** Arrive and check in at the Austrian Embassy at 7:30 PM and enjoy Austrian wine at the cash bar. Meet other attendees and prepare for the Viennese Waltz lesson that will start shortly after 8:00 PM. After the lesson practice dancing the Viennese Waltz to recorded music until 10PM. Event concludes at 10PM for the 8-10PM Session attendees. **Advance reservations required. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/SpecialEvents/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons/Viennese-Waltz-Lessons.aspx)

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

**NOTE: AN RSVP ON MEETUP DOES NOT SERVE AS A BOOKED SPOT. YOU MUST BOOK VIA LINK BELOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.** **You must book your spot through our website: [[Booking Link Here](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/deep-creek-2026)]** **Trip Overview:** Our Annual Winter Trip in Deep Creek, MD is a warm, heart-centered tradition that brings Black, queer women and non-binary folks together for a Galentine's Day weekend full of deep rest, real connection, and soulful celebration. This cozy retreat offers a mix of reflection, play, activities, and community meals, all in a gorgeous setting. Whether you're returning or joining for the first time, this is your chance to be held, seen, and celebrated in winter’s embrace. **Trip Summary:** **Dates** – February 12 -15, 2026 **Cost Per Person** – Starting at $750 **Payments** – $100 Deposit + Affordable Payment Plan **Arrival Check-In** – February 12, 2026 @ 4:00 PM **Departure Check-Out** – February 15, 2026 @ 10:00 AM **Booking Deadline** – January 15, 2026 To book, visit [**[Booking Link Here](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/deep-creek-2026)**]. All trip details can be found on our website. Email us at hello@lesbifriendstravel.com if you have any questions.

Please join DMV Wine Explorers on Thursday February 12th at Total Wine Ballston at 6:30PM for a wine and chocolate pairing class. \*\* Tickets are $20 and can be purchased [here](https://www.totalwine.com/class/wine-and-chocolate-a-perfect-pair/ballston/virginia/e/ec714779) \*\* Some things really are better together. Wine and chocolate! Pairing the right wine with the right chocolate creates new and unexpected tastes to delight the senses. Featuring premiere chocolate from a world-famous maker, this is a delish class for wine lovers with a sweet tooth!

Zorba's Cafe on Thursdays! We will be on the 2nd floor, or if the weather allows, we will be sitting outside at a table in the street. If you don't see anyone on the 2nd floor and the weather is favorable, it means we're sitting at the table in the street. Уважаемые участники группы! Информация для тех, кто еще не посещал наши встречи - обычно подписывается меньше людей, чем приходит на встречу, "старожилы" привыкли к тому, что записываться необязательно, и просто приходят в любое удобное для них время с 5:30 до 8 часов. Так что не стесняйтесь, записывайтесь на встречу! Welcome to the old venue! Old - since we used to get together at Zorba's Cafe for many years. Come to the 2nd floor. 1612 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 This is very close to Metro Dupont Circle station. This is the same place where we got together every Thursday evening for many years before 2015. Everyone is welcome, but please keep conversation in Russian only. For many of us, this is our only chance to practice our Russian. There are happy hour prices available. Timing: Someone is usually there by 5:30, but it sometimes takes the organizers till 5:45 or so. If you get there first, please wait - we will be there! And people are usually there till at least 8. So if you can't make it right at the beginning, that is perfectly fine to arrive late! RSVP's: I encourage you to RSVP. But please know that many people don't RSVP. So it may seem like only 3 people are planning to attend, but have no fear, we usually have a good-sized fun group! (And we almost always have newcomers. So if you are planning on coming for the first time, you most likely won't be the only one.) Also, when the weather is nice we are frequently sitting outdoors. So if nobody is on the second floor, just look for the group speaking Russian at tables out on the street. And to say again - we have often had only 3 or 4 people RSVP but have 15 or so show up. So don't worry about that. See you there! Questions? Check our FAQ (http://www.meetup.com/russki-razgovor-dc/pages/Frequently_Asked_Questions/) page.

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. Note: Street parking may be limited due to piled snow. There is a parking garage under the Board Room (Garfield Park Garage, 925 N. Garfield St) a short walk from Kaldi's that costs $6 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)

This is an In-Person Writing Event at Three Whistle's Cafe in Clarendon! Please join us. \*\*Three Whistles Cafe has kindly requested that we do not bring outside food and drink into their restaurant.\*\* 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.

Approx. 5 or 7 miles mostly on sidewalks. This (almost annual) hike will approximate the route that President Lincoln took from the White House to his summer “cottage” on the grounds of the Old Soldier’s Home, with a few detours to recreate something of the greener routes that Lincoln rode 100+ years ago. We’ll also visit the Adams Memorial in Rock Creek Church cemetery. The Cottage offers an informative guided tour which I encourage participants to take at 1pm. There is also now an option to do a “landscape tour” of Lincoln’s Wild Home, a self -guided app-based tour of 1.5 miles around the grounds. There are fees for both. The Cottage tour is $15. The walking tour is $10 unless you also buy the guided Cottage tour, when it is $7. Advance registration is available through the website: [https://www.lincolncottage.org/visit/](https://www.lincolncottage.org/visit/) I suggest that anyone considering this outing go to the website. There is also a very informative small Museum in the Visitors Center. I will lead us from a new start area on the north side of Lafayette Park across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House. There will be stops for commentary along the way. Going north we will go past the Cottage and on to Rock Creek Church Cemetery and the Adams Memorial. \*\*\*We then return to the Visitor Center at the Cottage where the official hike will end. \*\*\*This will allow those who want to tour the Cottage to do so and/or to take the “Lincoln’s Wild Home” walk. It should not be difficult for hikers to retrace their steps to return to the White House area primarily using Georgia Avenue. You can also go to the Georgia-Petworth Green line Metro (.75 miles) to return downtown or can go a bit further to connect with the Red line at Ft. Totten. I suggest that hikers bring a brown bag lunch or snacks to eat near the Cottage or consider a local restaurant. *Bring a photo ID*, which may be needed for entry to the Visitor’s Center and also to take the walking tour. Always have water, comfortable clothing and shoes. Given the amount of snow/sleet/water the ground has been enduring, I strongly suggest waterproof shoes and maybe even a hiking stick. A $2/person voluntary donation is requested. Your donation funds SCPRO leader training and administrative costs. Donate in cash (exact change) at the trailhead. The meeting time and place (to accommodate the wider perimeter for the President’s security) is: **9:45 a.m. at the northeast corner of Lafayette Park at H Street NW and Madison/15th St. near the Thaddeus Kosciusko National Memorial.** Lafayette Park is sometimes cordoned off; sometimes not. Though not necessary to participate, if you wish to become a Sierra Club member to help save our world, click “join” on the Virginia Sierra Club website: [[http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia)

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!

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 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!

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon