Travel Writing

Join us for an unforgettable women’s journey through Portugal, where you’ll explore historic cities, taste incredible wines, and experience the country’s vibrant culture. From the charming streets of Lisbon to the scenic beauty of the Douro River Valley, this trip offers a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and connection. Enjoy hands-on experiences like a tile workshop in Lisbon and savor delicious local cuisine along the way. This **exclusive trip for women** promises to create lifelong memories and new friendships in one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations. ### Tour Pricing Includes * Airport Transfers (arrival and departure) * 4-star accommodations throughout the trip * Lisbon: 4 nights * Porto: 4 nights * Daily Breakfast * Private Guided Walking Tour of Lisbon * Hands-on Tile Workshop in Lisbon * Day trip to Évora with guided tour * Wine Tasting Experience at a local winery in Évora * Guided Tour of Sintra including Pena Palace * Transfer to Porto with stops in Óbidos and Nazaré * Lunch in Nazaré (included) * Guided Walking Food Tour in Porto * Douro River Valley Day Trip * Two wine tastings * Lunch (included) * Boat ride along the Douro River * Free Day in Porto to explore on your own * Private Transfers for all tours and activities * Farewell Airport Transfer on departure day ### Not Included In The Price * Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour that's not listed * Hotel fees paid directly to the hotel upon check out * Tips for tours and taxis * Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary * Any personal expenses or expenditures * Any pre- or post- tour arrangements * Any gratuities for the SG tour leader * Travel Insurance ### Payment Dates and Cancellation Penalty Amounts * A guaranteed deposit of $1000.00 per person is required at the time of booking. $300.00 is a non refundable deposit. Cancellations received prior to final payment will incur a loss of the non refundable deposit, plus any fees subject to the booking. **[SIGN ME UP](https://traveljoy.com/groups/dNnGaRCCVXG8mzT396eepS6f/forms/EofsJp9vX5ujkPAq9if1P7pM)**[ ](https://traveljoy.com/groups/dNnGaRCCVXG8mzT396eepS6f/forms/EofsJp9vX5ujkPAq9if1P7pM)

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.***

Giao, one of our avid travelers is inviting you to join her on this amazing 12 days tour of Uzbekistan. Tour includes: Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed Round trip flights New York-Tashkent, Tashkent-New York Other departure cities available at additional cost. Intra-flight: Tashkent-Urgench 10 nights accommodations 3 nights Tashkent 2 nights Khiva 3 nights Bukhara 2 nights Samarkand Hotel taxes, fees & service charges Hotel porterage All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates† 26 meals: 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary Active itinerary with unique cultural features Tour Highlights Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals. In Tashkent, tour Khazrati Imam Complex, home to exquisite mosques, monuments, and madrasas Visit Muyi Muborak Madrasa and view one of the oldest copies of the Koran Travel to Toprak Kala, an ancient settlement on the edge of the Kyzylkum Desert Tour the walled city of Khiva, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site Visit the revered Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum in Khiva, built in honor of the legendary poet Discover the beauty of Bukhara, one of the most important ancient cities in Uzbekistan Watch a cooking demonstration of pilav, a traditional rice dish, followed by a home hosted dinner Tour the cultural heritage monument of Chor Minor, part of Bukhara's World Heritage Center Explore Samarkand, brimming with history, the most romantic of the Silk Road cities Walk to iconic Registan Square with its colorful mosaics, blue domes and lofty arches Visit the Ulugbek Observatory, once the finest and most advanced in the Islamic world Tour Shah-i-Zinda, a necropolis of sparkling blue mausoleums grouped along medieval streets †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates. **CHECK VISA REQUIREMENTS:** [Uzbekistan Visa Requirements for American citizens in 2025](https://visarequirements.info/countries/united-states/uzbekistan/) **COST:** Land tour only: From $2199/pp Land and Air from NYC: From $3509/pp Single supplement $500 Deposit: Land Only $300/pp Final Payment Date: 1/22/2026 Email me asap at supra1214@aol.com if interested in getting booked and taking advantage of this sale. **HOW TO GET BOOKED AS PART OF OUR GROUP:** Email the following information to me at [Supra1214@aol.com](http://Supra1214@aol.com/) 1. Your full name as it appears in your passport 2. Mailing Address & Email Address 3. Phone Number 4. Date of Birth 5. Passport number and expiration date (must be valid for at least six months from departure date) 6. Type of room needed (single or double). If double, provide same info for your roommate as both must be booked at the same time 7. Your Emergency Contact Info (Name and phone number) 8. Signed credit card authorization (will email to you when I receive items 1-7) **PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT** Participants in this event should note the Liability Waiver in the PAGES section of this Meetup group. Please read it carefully. Members of this group are expected to conduct themselves in a way that is mindful and considerate of the health, safety, and welfare of themselves and other participants in any Active Friends Travel With Friends of the World Meetup activity. It is understood that you have voluntarily chosen to participate in this activity of your own free will. By joining this group and this activity, you agree to the Liability Waiver in the Pages section of this Meetup group.

Let’s visit some of the fancy houses in Georgetown. Milage: 4 mi Start Location: Rosslyn Metro Station End Location: Foggy Bottom Metro Station Approximate Time: 6pm - 8pm Map (Approx.): https://maps.app.goo.gl/mNg6Yiav2tL9SakPA Terrain: This will be mostly on roads with some climbs \-\-\- We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early, because we will leave without you. We're always looking for new leaders who can showcase their neighborhood or any cool places they know, so please reach out either at an event or on meetup if you are interested. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

Join our monthly writer meetup to share ideas, socialize, kick off your creativity, and write something! To find us, either take the stairs or elevator to the fourth floor, following the signs for the conference center. We'll be in room 401-A. All writer levels are welcome; we're all about building community and confidence. If you have any questions, please email us! (writingheptagon@gmail.com)

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)

D.C.'s tourist buses ply a small, predictable circle around the monumental downtown. D.C.'s Metrobuses, on the other hand, make a dramatic sweep around the whole city. Join us for the better of the two rides! We'll start at beautiful transit hub Union Station, take the D80 up to Tenleytown in Upper Northwest; then the crosstown C81 across the park to Ft. Totten; and finally the D30 down North Capitol street to return to Union Station. We'll have lunch in the station's food court. Bonus: travel bingo cards will be distributed for those who want even more from their transit outing! Hope you all can make it!

**Founded as D.C.’s neighborhood for the wealthy, and long the sites of foreign embassies and espionage, Embassy Row and Dupont Circle are a center of architecture, statesmanship—and intrigue. Take a walk into the exciting past and alluring present of this world-renowned locale!** **We'll explore the sites featured in our Embassy Row-based spy thriller, Femme Fatalité, and tell many other astonishing tales:** **[https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0](https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalit%C3%A9-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExc3VRSmRVM3QxbHVZSzZsbgEemjNuhGEciLMi7f7uOHXsj3Ncsd15ldSDt61f_uXmEvTBkmkQkqsnQHp89YQ_aem_TARtU1K3sAdVb3iGsqpMPQ)** **MEET at the Dupont Circle fountain, 21 Dupont Cir NW Washington, DC 20036.** **When: Friday, April 24, 5:30 pm!** **Length: c. 2 hours.** **Fee: Starts at $22.** **Pre-Register and Pre-Pay at—** **Eventbrite:** **https://www.eventbrite.com/e/secrets-of-embassy-row-mysteries-behind-the-mansions-tickets-1987774399739?aff=oddtdtcreator** **Or PayPal, sending $23 to: paypal.me/EMoser460** **Or pay $22 in cash at the start of the tour.** **Nearest metro stop: Dupont Circle.** **We’ll draw from this action-packed itinerary!:** **· How American agents stole intel from an enemy embassy** **· Vanished, and preserved, mansions of the Gilded Age** **· The site of the worst terrorist attack in D.C. history** **· The first steamboat voyage—in Rock Creek Park!** **· The home of a cursed diamond** **· The architect of Dupont Circle, and the Lincoln Memorial** **· A new spy novel set along Embassy Row and Georgetown** **· Dueling statues of a great imperialist and a great anti-imperialist** **· The first airplane pilot** **· The murderer who impersonated an Iraqi general** **· The inventor who revolutionized farming** **· Where the Attorney General, and a future President, were nearly bombed to death** **· The site of the murder of a ranking foreign diplomat** **· The astonishing influence of the DuPont family on American history** **· Cavalry duel--General Sheridan vs General Stuart** **· The traitorous spy of a valued ally** **· The secret espionage tunnel** **· George Washington’s private club** **· And Washington, D.C.’s even more exclusive club** **· Dupont Circle’s craziest house** **· The lady mogul of the media** **· The Confederacy’s retirement home** **· Statues of famed leaders from Turkey, Czech Republic, India….** **· America’s greatest hero—and villain** **· The suicide that spun off from a great tragedy** **· A President’s ghost** **· Museum of a brewer who outlasted Prohibition** **· The most qualified man to be President--who was never elected** **· And more!** **Your guide is a former writer for the “Tonight Show”, and ex-White House speechwriter, and author of the new historical novel, based on actual World War II espionage in Embassy Row and Georgetown, Femme Fatalité:** **[https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel/dp/B0F5NPSKDS/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FFemme-Fatalit%C3%A9-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel%2Fdp%2FB0F5NPSKDS%2Fref%3Dtmm_pap_swatch_0%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExc3VRSmRVM3QxbHVZSzZsbgEemjNuhGEciLMi7f7uOHXsj3Ncsd15ldSDt61f_uXmEvTBkmkQkqsnQHp89YQ_aem_TARtU1K3sAdVb3iGsqpMPQ&h=AT2L7wAmbpyO2oYeR7L25R66iqrMEoNcjbe1HB4NmqpZxLDETLwlvKC-QDSPHnGzkr2hP_CEgrAZaNEOMRQ_9yIHmOcXQT8Alka4mnS5bNj4Ix5odYjSC-_XPmHj6MFEXa7YwABcxFtMZYymNQ&__tn__=-UK-R&c%5b0%5d=AT1W3otwwvr3TLuWfMCqkXwwAxzbs2I9hmM15ZMK529m4JwnLSFGikFNVBYpOrbQPLhTZnERyTuIKlKseh5L3i0k9Qy7QhVx3Y4TA5lQxojL565xUXKXUfeioYniYqXXxCJUzG71w8brEYFWjyFj1eH7cgReZhrI5nrbdSxC6CuWGBO3K5_sLqCp-jpKIpotAYKyV7lLMIX8mBG2AtKf3cWJV7InEzMf)** **He is also author of the book The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood:** **[https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette-ebook/dp/B082ZVDCD7/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0](https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette-ebook/dp/B082ZVDCD7/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0)** **And a forthcoming book on the history of Georgetown.** **MEET at the Dupont Circle fountain, 21 Dupont Cir NW Washington, DC 20036.** **The Dupont Circle metro is nearby.** **Think history is boring? Not on this tour!** **Join us on the tour of a neighborhood steeped in history, beautiful buildings, and foreign intrigue!**

*We can only take 13 women on this trip.* **The details...** Immerse yourself in the wild splendor of Scotland on this exclusive **women’s 8-day hiking** adventure. Misty moors, heather-clad hillsides, verdant glens, and ancient castles steeped in folklore will fill your camera roll by the end of this trip. ***Learn more about this all women journey here: [Highlands](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** **A guided adventure:** Guided by experienced locals, explore the untamed hills of Glencoe and the Cairngorms during invigorating day hikes. Each evening, unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences, forging friendships and savoring Highland hospitality. This is more than a hiking trip. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich history and traditions. Learn about women-led crofts and take a loch plunge while wild swimming (followed by a steamy sauna). **What to expect...** * Hike in Scotland’s rugged Highlands and experience green Glencoe. * Visit a medieval castles and historic stone villages. * Soak up the history of Edinburgh’s city center. * Indulge in delicious and plentiful Scottish cuisine, including fresh seafood, local beer, and hearty breakfasts. * Traverse heather-clad landscapes while giving your body a good workout. (You must train for this trip.) * Enjoy restorative stays at beautiful hotels. **Wait, there's more...** * Bask in the beauty of the Cairngorms. * Hike with other Bold Spirit women who love to travel as much as you do. * Learn about rewilding and women-led crofting. * Shop along the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh. * Take the plunge into a loch for wild swimming and a shoreline sauna experience. * Stretch both your mind and hamstrings on this special journey. The best part? Our team **takes care of the logistics** so you can focus on enjoying a much needed vacation in beautiful Scotland. Are you ready to meet other women who love to hike and travel, plus see Scotland with professional guides? ***Learn more about this all women tour here: [2026 Hiking the Highlands Journey](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** * Ask us questions here: [Tell me more about this trip](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact) * Learn about Bold Spirit Travel [here](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/about). * Rates start at $6195

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 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!

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

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 meet Saturday morning for coffee and a treat. La Chatelaine French Bakery & Bistro in Worthington, Ohio, is a family-owned, authentic French restaurant and bakery located at 627 High St. Established in 1992, it offers scratch-made French pastries, breads, and classic bistro dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a rustic, Parisian-style setting.