Ultra-Marathon

Join us this Friday for an English–Arabic Language Exchange event at our venue in the heart of Dubai. We don’t teach in a boring way. We make language real and practical. You will practice speaking through real conversations, culture, business topics, and everyday situations. In this event, you will: • Practice public speaking • Improve your English and Arabic • Learn Business English and Business Arabic • Understand local culture better • Practice professional networking • Join small groups with personal support This is a friendly and comfortable environment. Everyone gets a chance to speak and build confidence. Seats are limited to keep it interactive. Coffee and Dates are on us Join us this Friday and improve your speaking skills. No Teachers Allowed! [Join our Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/LJsZpnl4d6t5CGfvSTrgct?mode=hq1tcli)

Sierre Leone and Freetown, Liberia and Monrovia - **freedom country and freedom town** \- two destinations where slavery and emancipation take on a whole new meaning\, with one being the site of **African resettlement from Europe and the other from America**, these are lands of searing heritage. Sierre Leone’s Freetown, with its vast beaches along the peninsula, lively surfing culture, chimpanzee sanctuary among the rainforests, and nearby islands with decaying slave fortresses, or another with butterfly colonies and pygmy hippos! **Bunce Island**, where trading in gold, ivory, cane wood, and slaves in the tens of thousands was launched from a fortress all the way across the Atlantic to the Americas, where the vast majority of the slaves of the Antebellum south came from. Today it’s a ruin of old stone and rusty cannons but the memories of this place continue to haunt. Just a little bit American and kind of West African, **Liberia is unlike anywhere** you’ve been before, with mountains to climb, world’s most beautiful beaches to surf and swim, vast parks full of untouched wildlife, city scenes out of the American south, and founded as the homeland of freed American slaves, it’s a step off the map into Africa’s last frontier! Monrovia is a scene of stately ruins, like the **Hotel Ducor and it’s famous swimming pool**, or the Masonic Temple’s peeling paint, broad streets of plantation-style mansions and Antebellum architecture, a marked contrast to Freetown’s Portuguese influence. You’ll even find a few speakers of “Pidgin” English, if you listen carefully! **Let’s go!!** **Day 1 :: Arrival + Firestone, The Rubber Tree Forests** Liberia is the only country that has **never been either a colony or a protectorate**; it was founded by Krio, freed slaves who returned to Africa from the US, hence the name "**Liberia: the country of freemen"**. Krio make up 5% of the population and control a large part of the economy and politics; they are considered the creators of the nation and the modern economy. 80% of the population speaks the Krio language, which is a form of "Pidgin" English. Immigration clearance and proceed to on a rough road through a spectacular **rubber plantation forest called Firestone**, the largest contiguous rubber plantation in the world, located in Harbel, Liberia, which first opened in 1926. In the mid-1990s, former Liberian President Charles Taylor's soldiers, many of whom were children, raided the Firestone plantation for fuel and supplies. Firestone pulled its executives out and left the plantation, and many of the company's Liberian workers were later killed. After the civil war, the company revived its operations and is now back on track. After a tour of the plantation and the surroundings, head to our ecolodge for overnight stay. **Day 2 :: Libassa + Monrovia** Leisure morning in tropical idyll setting. For curious, exploration of the site in a **search for Pangolins** \- live a dream of Liberia's wild and unspoilt nature\. Later in a day\, its time to head to Monrovia city\. Check in to hotel, start exploring Monrovia, we’ll pass by many curiosities including the **Temple of Masonic Lodge**, the most significant symbol of the Krio culture and the abandoned **Ducor Palace Hotel** (or what remains of it), a former luxurious hotel with a swimming pool overlooking the ocean. We ll also learn about the Mende people and the Bundu Mask in the forests outside the city. Head back to our hotel in the evening for dinner and rest. **Day 3 :: Crossing to Sierra + Tiwai or Gola NP** Check out from hotel and head to Sierra Leone on slightly better roads towards the border. **Bye bye Liberia!** Further on the boats to Tiwai Island for some **monkey jumping, bird calls, and maybe a crocodile** or two. If we’re really lucky, we’ll spot the elusive Pygmy Hippo! \*On this day we may opt for Gola Rainforest National Park instead. **Day 4 :: Tacugama via Bo** After binch beans and some coffee, we’ll head out to the second capital of Sierre Leone, the bustling Bo before moving on to **Tacugama Chimp Sanctuary**, home to many chimpanzees who have become injured and need help returning to the wild. We’ll drive into the hills for a panorama of the city and charming sunset. **Day 5 :: Bunce and Tasso Island** Bunce Island, made famous for being the last stop on the slave trade before being sent off to the Americas. The island was declared a national monument in 1948. A major European commercial fort was built here during the slave trading era, serving as a meeting place for European traders and African merchants. Over 50,000 slaves—women, children, and aged men—were transited to the Americas. The trading of slaves, gold, ivory, and cane wood was prevalent during the 1800s, and many slaves sent to South Carolina and Georgia were traded on this island. See and feel the island by touching the history yourself. **Day 6 :: Banana island + Freetown City Tour** Morning set out towards Kent for Banana Island, where we spend half day **swimming and getting to know the local community**, explore the Portuguese influence, and learn the ways of the Krios peoples of this former slave island. After lunch, return to the city, start with visiting the National Museum and the Big Market, which operates daily. It is a covered market selling a range of crafts, bric-a-brac, traditional medicines, and mystical items. **Day 7 :: Crossing to Conakry** **Bye-bye Sierra Leone!** Early in the morning crossing to Guinea Conakry, check in to hotel, city tour. **Day 8 :: Isles de Los** We will end up our trip with idyllic escape to Iles de Los, tropical paradise of 3 islands, for some swimming, relaxing or just playing beach football with the kids. **Day 9 :: Departure back to Dubai** Its time to head to airport for return flight home, Bye Bye West Africa! **Grade:** Easy - available for everyone. **Activities:** Trekking, boating, swimming, sightseeing. **Accommodation & meals:** hotels and eco lodges - double sharing, meals excluded. **Cost: 8,900 AED** excl. flights. Cost valid until MAR 05. **Flights, approx. 5000 AED:** Day 1 DXB-ROB Ethiopian Day 9 CKY-DXB Emirates **Specifically excluded:** flights, visas, restaurant meals, single room supplement. **Visas:** **Sierra Leone:** E-visa 85 USD **Liberia:** Pre-arranged visa 110 USD **Guinea Conakry:** E-visa 85 USD See yah in West Africa x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

Sip & Paint Fridays in Dubai | Portræt Soirée Portræt Soirée Fridays is a relaxed, social Sip & Paint night set on the stunning terrace at Vida Emirates Hills, right by the pool. Every Friday at 7 PM, enjoy a unique art experience with live music, delicious bites, and all art materials provided. This isn’t a formal class — it’s a fun, social, creative evening where you can unwind, connect with others, and explore a new art theme every week. We mix it up with different formats, including games, challenges, and interactive art experiences, so no two Fridays are the same! 🎨 What’s included • All art materials • Guided but flexible portrait & creative art sessions • Delicious bites to enjoy during the session • Live music on the terrace • Interactive art games and weekly themes 🥂 Who it’s for • Beginners and experienced creatives alike • Anyone looking for a fun, social Friday activity in Dubai • Couples, friends, or anyone wanting a creative night out 📍 Location & Time Where: Vida Emirates Hills, terrace by the pool When: Fridays at 7 PM Duration: ~2 hours 💳 Pricing & Booking Price: AED 275 per person Special pricing for groups of 2+ RSVP required - spots are limited to keep the experience intimate. Join us for a weekly night of creativity, laughter, and expression - every Friday is a new adventure at Portræt Soirée!

Picture a setting sun tinging the **sky with hues of red, purple, and orange, the mighty baobab striking a squat pose against the sky,** its plump trunk leading up to a few delicate flinger-like branches, making for one mystical sight. One Arabian legend says the devil plucked up the baobab, thrust its branches into the Earth, and left its roots in the air. A tree so distinctive they named it twice! Easily recognized by their swollen base at the trunk which gives the tree a bottle-like appearance. They can be **as short as 5 meters to as tall as 12 meters with the bottle-trunk up to 5 meters in diameter**. With blooms in the spring of large white flowers which only open at night, these ancient trees have many tales to tell, given **their estimated age up to 2,000 years!** **Few places on Earth offer such an intense kaleidoscope of nature** as Madagascar, from fertile hills cascading with terraced rice paddies, forests of every kind from wet & rainy to dry and spiny, and a laterite-rich soil which gives the country it’s nickname of “Red Island”. With thousands of kilometres of coastline, the sea is never very far, turquoise and idyllic, dangerous and mysterious, big adventure on the world’s fourth largest island. There is no other place on Earth where you’ll find more **lemurs because they’re only found in Madagascar!** Endemic to the island and evolved from monkeys and apes, they once were as large as the male gorilla! **There are now over 100 species of lemurs**, in all shapes and sizes, from the pygmy mouse lemur to the long-tailed Indri. And while the signature animal of Madagascar is the Lemur, there are many weird and wonderful creatures, from the eerie-looking **fossa-fossa (a cat-dog crossover)**, **colourful and camouflaged chameleons**, oddly shaped insects, vivid frogs, graceful rays and turtles, several species of sharks, and humpback whales during the winter months. **Madagascar, from East to West, from Lemur to Boabab, on the road, the river, and the sea!** [https://vimeo.com/292618272](https://vimeo.com/292618272) [https://vimeo.com/194405246](https://vimeo.com/194405246) [https://vimeo.com/224965822](https://vimeo.com/224965822) **Let’s bao!!** **Day 1 // Tana - Antsirabe** After arrival we head to Antsirabe wile enjoying the views of highlands, rice terraces, vegetable plantations, and traditional Malagasy houses of the high plateau. **Day 2 // On the Road to Miandrivazo** Visit Antsirabe city by rickshaw. Continue drive to Miandrivazo. We’ll make a few stops at local villages and viewpoints along the way, a roadside lunch of local specialties. **Day 3 // Miandrivazo – River trip** Today we start our all-aboard adventure on the boat, enjoying peaceful day at river banks. We’ll meet some local tribes along the riverbank, catch sight of some endemic birds and chameleons, and along the river till we reach a gorge with Lemurs in their natural habitat. We’ll hop off the boat and into nearby waterfall for refresh and camp along the river for the night. At night a local party: traditional dance of West Mada. **Day 4 // Kirindy Forest at Night** We’ll head down the river and check-out from our boat, take a quick car-ferry ride before reaching Kirindy. Short rest in the hotel. Towards later afternoon we'll get ready for a night walk in search of Lemurs and other nocturnal creatures! **Day 5 // Boabab at Sunset in Morondava** This morning we head back to the Kirindy forest for trek through the forest in the daylight, to search for the dancing lemurs, Sifaka and red fronted brown. We'll certainly see lots of reptiles and birds nearby the giant sacred baobab. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and head to most awaited sunset in famous **valley of baobabs, set against magical red and purple sky.** **Day 6 // Relax at the beach** We’ll settle into a peaceful beachfront spot just outside the city lights, with hammocks, shaded loungers, and the gentle sound of waves on the Mozambique Channel. Swim or wade in the shallows until west-coast orange sunset covers the golden sands. **Day 7 // Tana** Today we catch a local flight to Tana where we’ll check-out capitol's Royal Tombs and Pink Palace. Few last selfies with lemurs and their wet-noses. Enjoy a little souvenir shopping at the local market, wander many streets of wooden houses. **Day 8 // Departure** Transfer to airport for return flight home. Bye, bye Mada x **Level of difficulty:** Easy and relaxing **Activities:** trekking, sightseeing, cruising, camping. **Accommo & meals:** breakfasts included, accommodation in **comfy lodges** and hotels, double sharing. 1 nights camping. Single room is subject of extra cost and availability. **Cost: AED 6,600 excl. flight** **Cost valid until MAR 05.** **Specifically excluded**: Lunches and dinners in local restaurants. **Visas**: **Any passport can obtain a visa on arrival** valid for 90 days. See yah in Mada x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [info@trekkup.com](http://info@trekkup.com/)

JOIN US FOR LEARNING AND GROWING IN BADMINTON SKILLS WITH ADVANCED PLAYERS AND PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS. Contact - 0563749353 Fees : Court + Shuttle Cost + Training Transportation Support is available.

Outdoor hiit workout

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) **Stay updated**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

Harboring the spirits of ancient Khmer warriors, vine covered temples deep in the jungles of Cambodia draw ghost seekers near and far, with whispers around every bas-relief and spooky shadows under moonlight silhouettes of centuries old towers of stone. **The largest religious monument in the world** is sure to hold secret tales of ghosts and ghouls with a few spectral sightings for those who know where to look! **We’ll dive deep into the jungles on bikes** with the mud splashing on our way to forgotten temples and Buddha’s face peeking out from overgrown vines, trees, roots and bushes. With monkeys howling hello along the way and waterfall swimming to wash off the dirt, we’ll reach our jungle-camp amongst the forgotten temples filled and ancient ghosts of a lost civilization. Built over 35 years with the aid of over **6,000 elephants and 300,000 laborers**, Angkor Wat is the most spectacular temple structure in the world, a symbol dear to Cambodia and a pilgrimage site for Buddhists all over the globe! Larger than the Vatican, older than the Taj Mahal, more stones used to construct than the Pyramids of Giza, and the backdrop for the **most stunning sunset, moonrise and sunrise you’ll ever see!** [https://vimeo.com/234219041](https://vimeo.com/234219041) **Let's go!** **Day 0 // MAR 15 :: Departure** Departure from Dubai via Bangkok. **Day 01 // MAR 16 :: Welcome to Siem Raep!** After traditional Khmer welcome ceremony, we’ll check-in to hotel, take rest and test drive our bikes to see sunset at Bakheng Mountain with a short hike to visit the temple atop for a sunset. Dinner tonight will be accompanied with classical Apsara dancers depicting scenes from Khmer mythology. Cycling 20 Km **Day 02 // MAR 17 :: Floating Village and Tonle Sap** After breakfast, we will ride to the enchanting temple of Banteay Srei, which is usually everyone's favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its remarkable state of preservation, small size, and excellent decorations. Next we will continue the ride to Kampong Khleng floating village to take the boat to the main lake of Tonle Sap Lake, then return to the our village built on stilts for an overnight. **Happy Cobra Soup will be served for dinner tonight!** Cycling 70 Km **Day 03 // MAR 18 :: Bang Mealea – Siem Raep** In the morning we wave goodbye to the house owner, then take the boat back to the mainland. Ride to visit the **Kampong Kdei Bridge, which is the longest centuries-old bridge** in the province. Then ride to visit Banteay Mealea Temple, which was built in the middle of the 12th century. Afterwards continue to have lunch at a local restaurant. Further on, we continue back to the city to prepare for **the optional** **night visit in Angkor Watt!** Enjoy speechless ambience, hear the whispers around every bas-relief and spooky shadows under moonlight silhouettes of centuries old towers of stone. *Do note optional visit of Angkor at night is a subject of special permit at extra cost.* Cycling 70 Km **Day 04 // MAR 19 :: Angkor & Neighbourhoods** After late breakfast we start a ride to Angkor Wat temple during the day light, for you to have fresh comparison. Continue to Bayon Temple, renowned for its unique and intricate stone carvings, especially the large stone faces that decorate many of its towers. Then we head to Ta Prohm, recognized for its beautiful bas-reliefs and carvings, partially collapsed and overgrown with fig trees. You will feel the sense of mystery and adventure, as we wander through the ancient stone structures intertwined with tree roots. The evening is free for leisure however you can **crash the traditional Khmer wedding** (optional). Cycling 30km **Day 05 // MAR 20 :: Koh Ker Group Temple** After breakfast we ride to Koh Ker, which was once an ancient capital of Cambodia. The Koh Ker complex is 35 meters high and its design resembles a seven-stepped stupa. The temple faces west towards Angkor city and was built to worship the god of happiness. We will stop for lunch along the way and in the afternoon, we will ride back to Siem Reap for a farewell dinner. Cycling 70 Km **Day 06 // MAR 21 :: Departure** In the morning after having breakfast, leisure or souvenir shopping until departure transfer. Bye, bye Cambodia! **Level of difficulty:** Easy to moderate **Activities:** cycling hiking sightseeing **Duration:** 6 days **Accommodation & meals:** 4\* hotel double sharing, 1 night homestay. Dinners excluded except arrival day and floating village. **Cost: 3,950 AED** excluding flights until MAR 05. **Flights:** [Emirates approx. 4200 AED](https://www.skyscanner.ae/transport/flights/dxba/sai/260315/260321/config/11182-2603152235--32348-1-27061-2603161240%7C27061-2603212350--32348-1-11182-2603220645?adultsv2=1&childrenv2=&cabinclass=economy&rtn=1&outboundaltsenabled=false&inboundaltsenabled=false&stops=!direct,!twoPlusStops). **Specifically included:** Support truck + mechanic, bottled water, snacks on the road, all sightseeing entrance fees, mountain bike and helmet. **Specifically excluded:** flights, visa cost, insurance, dinners, broken spares are subject to additional charge. Angkor at Night, subject of local government approval and fee of 150 USD. **Scooter option:** available at extra cost: you need to be a driver with at least driving license B. Scooters are automatic and take different route to bikes, covering the same destinations. Day 1 - 20km, D2 - 100 Km, D3 - 150km, D4 - 50km, D5 - 150 km. **Visas:** E-visa ([https://www.evisa.gov.kh/](https://www.evisa.gov.kh/)) Trekkup Crew [Whastapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [info@trekkup.com](http://info@trekkup.com/) [Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

Meet Emirati Poets, socialize with the community, & grow professionally in Arabic and Emirati Culture! [Join our whatsapp community!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/LJsZpnl4d6t5CGfvSTrgct?mode=hqrt2) Those who register will receive pizza, water, and dates. They can register for only 21 AED through the link below: [https://pay.ziina.com/aboelcare/2i0D66mID](https://pay.ziina.com/aboelcare/2i0D66mID)

Come for Networking. Stay for the Music 🎶 Step into the spotlight at this Marketing Industry Night, a networking event for marketing leaders. Register and get more details! **[Join our WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/marketing-whatsapp-meetup)** Connect with fellow marketing leaders, industry experts and influencers, and marketing mavens in a friendly and fun environment 🤝🏻 **🤝 Networking Opportunities** Join us for an evening of sophistication and connection, where professionals will have the exclusive opportunity to network, meet fellow marketing leaders, and forge invaluable connections that drive marketing innovation and excellence. Whether you're seeking new career opportunities, strategic partnerships, or simply looking to exchange insights and best practices, this event provides the perfect platform to make valuable connections that drive success. Register and get more details! **[Join our WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/marketing-whatsapp-meetup)** **🌟 Marketing Insights** Gain exclusive insights and inspiration to the latest trends, strategies, and innovations shaping the future of marketing, and learn how to leverage these insights to stay ahead of the curve and drive growth in your organization. **Join an evening where nobody left behind, stand on the side or feels lonely.** Have a friendly chat while sipping your favorite drink, and still make meaningful business connections. Dress your best for a fun evening at the best venues in Dubai and get ready to pose for an #instaphoto 📷 Register and get more details! **[Join our WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/marketing-whatsapp-meetup)** **Marketing Industry Night is a great platform, where you can:** * Expand your professional network by connecting with industry leaders and fellow marketing professionals. * Discover new strategies, trends, and innovations shaping the future of marketing. * Capture valuable memories and build lasting relationships through curated networking opportunities and social activities. **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/marketing-whatsapp-meetup) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Networking 😊

**New Dojo Location!** **Draft Day Columbus** 1130 Dublin Road Columbus, OH 43215 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for topic suggestions and people interested in presenting at our monthly meetings. To this end we've set up a survey form at [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc)

# **Band and caller TBA** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. If trail conditions are poor, we will use the Multipurpose Path.

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.