Activities San Francisco

Meetup on Orient Express - Visit Paris Venice Prague Vienna Budapest Istanbul!!

The Orient Express. . . you heard about it many times. The romance, the mystery, the adventure! Of course - the opulence too! ***While the original Orient Express train is now part of history, our journey revives its spirit—crossing Europe from Paris to Istanbul, echoing the legendary route that once defined luxury rail travel.*** This experience brings back the magic of the rails—without the inflated cost of old-world extravagance. Instead, we focus on service, comfort, and contemporary refinement, blending iconic train travel with thoughtfully curated experiences. We retrace the route of the original Orient Express using a mix of **modern night trains, high-speed day trains, and select short flights**, creating a seamless and unforgettable journey. Our route takes us to: Paris → Venice → Vienna → Prague → Budapest → Istanbul Included: * Train transportation between 4 cities. * 2 nights on an actual night train with sleeping compartment * Air transportation Paris / Venice and Budapest / Istanbul * 11 nights in First Class hotels with best central locations * Daily breakfast + select lunches and dinners * All transfers (hotels, train stations, airports) * Guided tours in every city * Entrances to many museums. * And more thoughtful touches throughout the journey We travel as a group, and also have the flexibility of hop-on, hop-off tours and museum passes with "skip the line" so you can enjoy complete independence. The trip is designed for curious, like-minded travelers who value both freedom and shared experiences. It is all included in the price! You are free to do your own thing, cater to your special interests, visit other sights and locations in the cities, while still being guided and helped with all the arrangements. A balance of independence when you want it and being included in all group activities when you prefer it. The idea is: come alone, meet new like-minded people and make lifelong memories . . . without being stuck with the "one size fits all" tour formula. Here is a basic thumbnail: · **Paris – 3 nights** Evening flight to Venice · **Venice – 1 night** Night train to Vienna · **Vienna – 1 night** Evening train to Prague · **Prague – 2 nights** Night train to Budapest · **Budapest – 1 night** Evening flight to Istanbul · **Istanbul – 3 nights**. Sleeper Cabins on the trains and First Class centrally located hotels in each city. ***What was The Orient Express?*** *It was long-distance passenger train service that began in 1883 with the original endpoints being Paris to Istanbul. The original name became synonymous with intrigue and was a showcase of luxury with comfort at a time when traveling was still rough and dangerous.* *In Istanbul the Pera Palace Hotel, built in 1892, was the accommodation at the terminus. And we are staying in it!* ***The original Orient Express ceased operation in 1977 and we are not using the original old train. It no longer exists.*** EVERY aspect of this trip is epic. * Visit picturesque and storied cities. * Enjoy trains and experience the enchantment of the rails. * In the end you will have visited 6 countries: France, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary and Turkey! **The tour starts in Paris on Sep 20 and ends in Istanbul on Oct 03.** ***$5490 total cost per person, double occupancy.*** ***$7090 total cost for solo occupancy.*** PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE AIRFARE. This allows for your flexibility and convenience. We are happy to give you an airfare quote. **To attend: $500 deposit. [CLICK HERE for a Secure Deposit Link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/FXWZ8KNQ95EFJ)** Your Deposit is Fully refundable to 90 days before the event (less any PayPal fees). Final payment due 60 days before departure. [CLICK HERE](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) To receive detailed itinerary and inclusions. [CLICK HERE ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/281542406/)for the main link for this event RSVP there to get notice on any conversations or discussions. AND/OR if you have questions? [CLICK HERE](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) to Direct Message to Anna [CLICK HERE](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881) to Direct Message to Marc AND/OR We do a[ ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/284794370/)**[Zoom Q & A ( CLICK HERE to RSVP on the Q& A zoom)](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/287318466/).** Come to the zoom, ask any questions and meet other attendees. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister groups we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too. [CLICK HERE](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/events/)[ ](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/)to see all our other fun and social meetup events. SOT 200318-10 ***Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!***

SAN FRANCISCO: Double Banner Drop for Save the Dogs and Factory Farm Watch

Please join us right after the Genentech protest to do a double banner drop on Thursday, September 10th meeting at 5:45pm. We will be there for an hour. We will be at the 23rd St overpass over US 101 Bayshore Freeway between Kansas St and Vermont St in San Francisco. We will be doing a double banner drop for Save the Dogs and also to promote [FactoryFarmWatch.org](http://factoryfarmwatch.org/?fbclid=IwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBFbVA4d2tXb3NrNlNyNk1Tc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp7Y3bKvrqJqZlgB6CaN_NSJUrqLC7HJCBiyPN9O8Wx6-hhmgrd7uO2wtC6Z_aem_gyqRNTt6vcKfW9Dm7zNndQ)! We'll have two huge banners to hold. Please come if you can, we need a lot of hands! Parking is available. \-\-\- **WHEN:** Thursday, September 10th at 5:45pm **WHERE:** Meet at the 23rd St overpass over US 101 Bayshore Freeway between Kansas St and Vermont St, San Francisco **WEAR:** Anything you like, weather appropriate **WHO:** Everyone is welcome! \-\-\- Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) is a grassroots network of animal rights activists. Through open rescue, demonstration, and disruption, we help build a world where every animal is safe, happy and free. DxE cultivates a welcoming and supportive community. We ask that all those who attend our events (online and offline) respect our Code of Conduct which can be reviewed at [dxe.io/conduct](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdxe.io%2Fconduct%3Ffbclid%3DIwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBFbVA4d2tXb3NrNlNyNk1Tc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHr-QOEw7oXlE331F0rhnVm1PA5paW5Vqrgwmv9bXVDU9-eo_vuLYfruYRcAU_aem_sAHtOxRQG55Hu4BRUNFk9Q&h=AUChMPTmk96W6w9NtlsjgNIazHhr_ZGqBR7fCGS9cfLl7UmNoXyhDmmJ_qbno7Qt4zfhmOTF-sOz8qyvoc0l0OyP7LFb847goOriTIjGiWi9cEIwBeXnTE8Bc9MAwb1yLFg83SHFC023biNsFv23iNFI0w0Z9haj&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AUBvw9Fi_M1pft2XF2Ik0GnDh74o9qkyDD2jTizpBCpcEC9CkQ4wVvQ7xlNtVA3Ow7Y8AVuKnIWogThMsjvq_axMojpGbbdKOsEvHF5cHaYRkzxbHfoGDpAQhO1t9OBiX_p8oYk77MOIHVXAYvJoJIDH3P9EzPkrLJ8). To learn about our vision, goals, strategy and more check out the San Francisco Bay Area chapter Activist Handbook here: [dxe.io/handbook](http://dxe.io/handbook?fbclid=IwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBFbVA4d2tXb3NrNlNyNk1Tc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp7Y3bKvrqJqZlgB6CaN_NSJUrqLC7HJCBiyPN9O8Wx6-hhmgrd7uO2wtC6Z_aem_gyqRNTt6vcKfW9Dm7zNndQ)

💚Green Exercise Easy 5 Miles 🥾Hike SF Golden Gate Park🏞️

**Hello Golden Gate Park Lovers,** Let's meet up go for a Wellness Walk/Hike, come explore the wonders of San Francisco Golden Gate Park! For our physical health and mental well-being😇 Meeting new friends and get a good workout together. Discover Golden Gate Park The rumors are true. Golden Gate Park is as fantastic as they say. Explore this iconic park’s 1,017 acres, from bucolic lakes and meadows to vibrant activity destinations. Golden Gate Park has something for everyone. **Meet time: 1:30pm** and **Hike/Walk time: 2pm** Great Highway & John F Kennedy Drive, San Francisco, CA 94121 across from the Beach Chalet Brewery at beach side parking lot GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/QUFRePaoDCEFWBYL8 Route: Golden Gate Park Loop Parking: Free Level: Easy to Moderate Length: 5 miles+ Elevation gain: 350ft+ Route type: Loop Dog: No **Bring Smiles for Miles!** Water, Snacks... Wear Hiking/Walking shoes, Layers, Sunscreens.. Encouraging carpooling if you know each other well for everyone's safety. Please contact each other in a private message not on the message board. Thank you! https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/qfyv8x Optional Social dinner after Hike: Thai food Place coming soon... 💚 Support Our Group! Thanks for joining our wellness club event, it does take time and money to make it happen. Thank you for being prepared and supportive 🌿 Our hikes, dinners, and events run thanks to member support. A small contribution is appreciated to help keep our wellness community active and fun! Thank you for helping us make every event special! **\*Requested contribution** suggested amount $5-$20 to keep the club going! **​Dr. Heidi will ask for the contribution during event check-in.** Accepted in person. Your support helps cover the many behind-the-scenes efforts that make these events possible, including route scouting, Meetup platform fees, permits, communication with park staff and members, and planning hikes, dinners, and road trips. This community exists because of the support and kindness of its members. **The organizer reserves the right to ask a participant to depart!** If they refuse to contribute or follow event guidelines. This ensures our community remains a positive and respectful space for everyone. Thank you for helping keep our wellness community positive, respectful, and active. 🌿 Our meetup events have a very positive impact on people's lives, people meet, fall in love💘 meet new friends, HAPPY, better health, less stress, anxiety, depression, isolate being alone and got extra bonus for LOVE ​💞 ⚠️ Please Read Before Joining: These hikes and group dinners are hosted voluntarily and with love for the outdoors and community. Participation is completely voluntary, and everyone joins at their own risk and responsibility. 👉 We kindly ask you to review the event details carefully — including directions, trail descriptions, and dinner spots — before joining. Trails are part of nature and may not match everyone’s preferences. Dinner venues are selected based on group size, availability, and location. We do our best but can’t guarantee personal favorites. 🧡 Most importantly, come with an open heart, positive energy, and kindness. Let’s enjoy what we can control — good company, fresh air, and meaningful connections. **\*DO NOT ATTEND** if you're experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, have a compromised immune system. **\*Hike/Walk at YOUR OWN RISK.** Open trails aren't necessarily free of hazards--by entering the wilderness, you assume responsibility for your safety and must use good judgment. **\*Participation in this event is strictly voluntary**! The event host/organizer assumes no responsibility for any injury, damage, or loss you may incur. You join and hike entirely at your own risk. \*We are an intermediate hike group. Please be ready to keep up hiking with us from 5-8 miles without any health issues. **\*LIABILITY WAIVER:** By signing up for the wellness walking/hiking event, you hereby release its organizers, hosts, and participants from any and all liability, claims, demands or causes of action that you now have, or may have in the future, for illness, injuries, damages, and/or economic loss of any kind or nature, arising in whole or in part out of the activities, advice, or information contained herein. You agree to full responsibility for your own health issues. **\*DISCLAIMER:** By participating in this wellness hiking event, you understand that Meetup event Host/Organizer assumes ABSOLUTELY NO responsibility and you have to assume all at your own risk of injury, damage, and economic loss, without limitation, and release host/Organizer of all liability. If anyone wishes to join our hike team, please answer the RSVP question every time for everyone's safety in the group. If you are unable to send me a message confirming that you are in good health and you are able to hike 5-8 miles without health issues we CANNOT approve you come to the hiking event. \*Please don't just walk in. Thank you for your cooperation! I'm looking forward to meeting, hiking with you and making good memories together. Yours in good health! Dr. Heidi💝 ❤️American Heart Association BLS-CPR, Heartsaver CPR, First Aid Courses -Learn and Live!❤️ \*Three courses available upon request: [https://visibook.com/ahacprfirstaid](https://visibook.com/ahacprfirstaid) \*By taking this course, you're contributing to the safety and well-being of those around you. \*These skills are crucial for everyone to know, as they can help save the lives of loved ones, friends, or even strangers in the community.

Native plant habitat restoration at Grandview Park

Please join us this week as we continue work at the amazing, scenic, (and windy) Grandview Park! We've made great progress with restoring swaths of the hillside for native plants and we look forward to reclaiming even more territory. \*\*[Here ](https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Grandview_Park)\*\*is a fascinating local San Francisco history article about this week's location: Grandview Park. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific while helping preserve this dune plant community. **Meet at the stairs on Noriega Street near 748 Noriega St.** **Please register with SF Rec and Park [here](https://sfrpd.my.salesforce-sites.com/SFRPDJob?sShiftId=a09Pi00000AdGWz)**[ ](https://sfrpd.my.salesforce-sites.com/SFRPDJob?sShiftId=a09Pi00000AdGWz)if you are not yet a regular Wednesday CNPS volunteer. SF Rec & Park will provide gloves and tools (or bring your own if you prefer). Wear long pants and closed toed shoes. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen. Questions? Contact Cathy Lewis at [cathyyerbabuena@gmail.com](cathyyerbabuena@gmail.com)

Discover SF -- Road to Autumn Moon Festival, Chinatown

**"海上生明月，天涯共此时"** === **"As the bright moon rises above the ocean, we share this very moment from all corners."** === \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- There is a way to **marvel** at the beauty of the city, and that of life. There is a way to turn a group of strangers, into a group that have sweated and laughed with you **together**, sharing the bread. We started this "**Road to**" format in North Beach festival, improved it for the Japantown Nihonmachi (thanks Tony), now we are doing it again for the Autumn Moon Festival, Chinatown, on Sat. Sep 19th. It involves a walk through city landmarks, then visit the festival in small groups, then regather for a group coffee/tea/dinner together. Autumn Moon Festival is the Chinese **Thanksgiving**, a time for family gatherings. Its iconic food is the moon cake. It would be celebrated for two days in Chinatown, starting with a parade at 11am Sat.. https://www.moonfestival.org/ Chinatown sits in a bowl underneath two of the best hills in San Francisco. So we're not going to show up at the Moon Festival. We're going to walk down into it from above. We start with coffee on Polk. We climb a hidden wooden lane that most people who live in this city have never found. Twenty minutes later you're standing on a terrace looking at Coit Tower, Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge — and straight below you, the rooftops of Chinatown. That's the destination. You get to look at it before you walk into it. Then we cross the ridge to Nob Hill, stop at the winding house where the actual cable car cables turn, cut through Grace Cathedral's courtyard, and come out at the corner where California Street drops away toward the bay with cable cars grinding up it. We descend into Chinatown, stop inside a church built in 1854 by Chinese laborers out of granite shipped across the Pacific, and then walk under the Dragon Gate into a street closed to cars, packed with lion dancers, mooncakes, and several thousand people. By the time we get there you'll know the people standing next to you. That's the actual product. The festival is the reward. And needless to say, that Chinatown itself is a district rich in culture and SF history. *** ## The arc **11:30 — Fueling Station Cafe, 2436 Polk St** (Polk & Union). Coffee, introductions, nobody left standing alone at the counter. Grab something — we're on our feet for a while. **12:00 — Step off.** Ten minutes of real climb east up Union. **12:15 — Macondray Lane.** A hidden wooden-plank lane between the buildings. Single file, so you talk to whoever's next to you. **12:35 — Ina Coolbrith Park.** The view, and our Friend Circle — a short structured round on the terrace so you leave knowing the people you walked with, not just their faces. Group photo. Then we point at Chinatown down below and go get it. **1:00 — Cable Car Museum.** Free, indoors, and genuinely great. The machines that run the whole system are right there spinning. **1:15 — Huntington Park & Grace Cathedral.** Nob Hill's front lawn. Second join point lands here. **1:40 — Mason & California.** The postcard corner. Look east and the whole city drops toward the Bay Bridge. **2:05 — Old St. Mary's.** Cool, quiet, and older than almost everything around it. **2:15 — The Dragon Gate.** We gather under it, take the photo, and walk in together. **2:25 — Grant Avenue.** Lion dancing, mooncakes, food stalls, six blocks of closed street. **3:45 — Regroup at Portsmouth Square**, one block off the noise. **4:00 — The alleys.** Waverly Place, the temple balconies, Ross Alley and the fortune cookie factory. Ninety seconds off Grant and it's a completely different city. **4:30 — Dinner in Chinatown.** Big round tables. Optional but strongly encouraged — this is where the day actually lands. *** ## Three ways to join You can't be late to this event. You can only be early for the next door. 1. **The Full Road** — 11:30 AM, Fueling Station Cafe, 2436 Polk St. The whole arc: the lane, the terrace, both hills, the descent, the gate. 2. **Mid-Join** — 1:15 PM, Huntington Park (California & Taylor, by the fountain). Skip the climb, catch the second half and the walk into Chinatown. Look for the TownFlame marker. 3. **The Gate** — 2:15 PM, the Dragon Gate at Grant & Bush. Join for the festival, the alleys, and dinner. Each door has a hard clock. We move on time. *** ## What you're actually getting Every TownFlame event comes with three things, and this one is no exception: * **A welcome buddy.** Someone whose job that day is you. If you're coming alone and you don't know anyone, you will not be standing by yourself. * **Friend Circle.** A short structured round partway through, so the walk produces names and stories instead of six strangers looking at a view. * **A social after, and a crew chat.** Dinner in Chinatown, and a group chat spun up afterward so the day doesn't evaporate on Sunday morning. *** ## The honest part About 2.2 miles with two real hill climbs, including roughly 130 steps on the Russian Hill segment. Good shoes. This is a hike, not a stroll, and the views are the reason it's worth it. If that's not your day, the 1:15 mid-join at Huntington Park skips every stair and drops you straight into the good part. No apology needed, no explanation required — that's why the door exists. Layers. It's warm on Polk and cold on the ridge, always. *** ## Getting there **To the 11:30 staging cafe (Polk & Union):** the 45 Union-Stockton runs from Caltrain up through Chinatown and along Union Street — get off at Union & Polk and you're at the door. From Civic Center BART, the 19 Polk goes straight up Polk. **To the 1:15 mid-join (Huntington Park):** the 1 California bus or the California Street cable car stops at the corner. **To the 2:15 gate:** five minutes' walk uphill from Powell Street BART. Driving is a bad idea. Grant Avenue is closed between California and Broadway all day and the whole neighborhood is a parking dead zone. If you must, the Portsmouth Square Garage at 733 Kearny is the closest option. We are **growing**, talk with our hosts, if you are interested in being a walk captain, or regional anchor, of our Golden Hour Sunset walks. **Join [TownFlame](http://www.townflame.org/), Make Life Happen.** **Liability Waiver:** Participation in TownFlame events is voluntary and involves social interaction in public spaces. Activities are designed to be inclusive and respectful. Participants assume all risks and release TownFlame, its organizers, volunteers, and affiliates from liability for injury, illness, or damages, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. By attending, participants acknowledge that photographs, audio, and video recordings may be taken during events, and grant TownFlame the right to use such media for promotional and marketing purposes, in any format or platform, without further consent or compensation.

Protest Petco to Stop Selling Animals

Join us in demanding that Petco stop selling animals! Animals are NOT merchandise. Animals sold in Petco, Petsmart, and other pet stores come from horrifically cruel breeding mills and some species are even kidnapped from their habitats in the wild. Shockingly, the majority of animals bred and shipped to pet stores die before they even reach the store shelf. Selling animals is costing millions of them their lives and it’s time for Petco to stop selling them! **When:** Saturday, September 5th, 2pm **Where:** Meet at Franklin Square at the corner of 16th St and Bryant St, San Francisco. We will walk to Petco together **Accessibility:** We will walk a short distance from the meeting location to the store where we will mostly be standing for about an hour If you would like to learn more about this campaign and get involved in the Bay Area to help end the retail sale of animals in pet stores please sign up at [dxe.io/adoptdontshop](http://dxe.io/adoptdontshop?fbclid=IwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQNExud2ZCZmRBQkRCYXJFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtrAjAEk5MbhMvXxVVeb8UDNGH5OOltCaqnBHB9nBO11qAvF4RvGaXoXpYhG_aem_1EWAQfIz5VyO7Wb5FivC1g) and take action at [dxe.io/actionsteps](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdxe.io%2Factionsteps%3Ffbclid%3DIwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQNExud2ZCZmRBQkRCYXJFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhhVWzBXx1PuO9vC2ZYAs4oiUHNWj0a--u4hm-kFmj6vms-4QKcdzY--sZZd_aem_eCJGdyJ3UR9Hn1ZBeOovQg&h=AUAWxakAZGHGxacP5NNrwx2vh1ybGV7oLrmAyuwGqlwwTgmNpS9M4FQmDrmZzX3V_WbhwD0dsqdYABRrv-wYd-uNodAUIqxxW9ssE0-NJOMTTGtdrFxJP-DSHOzIfKaFgH5IYI28AeoGYiUxnz5EYU5O9Pu2OwgF&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AUB9cyT-sA-VBxftMLKI3FvOmpKi2tl8NJueWql5aAj6mc-YN4LI4sD7n18Mh89ywVauPyjgRM2X1e62aK8GzqDXXIFqVF9WD1zCNoRdclg8Q3jD0IleYd82xB3wI3ykb6BlyxcZDwmmFR3a_fO2uTRM1Cb1aXMSzfM) \-\-\- Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) is a grassroots network of animal rights activists. Through open rescue, demonstration, and disruption, we help build a world where every animal is safe, happy and free. DxE cultivates a welcoming and supportive community. We ask that all those who attend our events (online and offline) respect our Code of Conduct which can be reviewed at [dxe.io/conduct](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdxe.io%2Fconduct%3Ffbclid%3DIwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQNExud2ZCZmRBQkRCYXJFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHq43iYhXE6D7HJZC_GNEQuILbhNxKUVFdtOdt-NhshiX7-i5KRowOqC5S1Ca_aem_jye5pP0T2FAqY13hXbDGhg&h=AUAtC0AHIgJL7lbHiZQ-Y3kguJS0TBHq_Se1IOOnEiosGiFLmlMAMx8pYUO7yDnvAArV9o4nj3p9C23w2LZtAuTqTyHBR8eImc58avakL-zeNSZgJ1avt-jQPAs8fVJpMAdVRrocAILhqGBbefVm8LotACNyZu3c&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AUB9cyT-sA-VBxftMLKI3FvOmpKi2tl8NJueWql5aAj6mc-YN4LI4sD7n18Mh89ywVauPyjgRM2X1e62aK8GzqDXXIFqVF9WD1zCNoRdclg8Q3jD0IleYd82xB3wI3ykb6BlyxcZDwmmFR3a_fO2uTRM1Cb1aXMSzfM). To learn about our vision, goals, strategy and more check out the San Francisco Bay Area chapter Activist Handbook here: [dxe.io/handbook](http://dxe.io/handbook?fbclid=IwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQNExud2ZCZmRBQkRCYXJFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHn36Wpk4d012ezIw6cH1ikGasAkErqH98-fCSS0S9r1TICtu6U7psbVS-pBl_aem_NS41SByoiy09SAXHMMeYLQ)

Botanical Garden Coffee Walk - starting at Saint Frank!

**RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/SxtWK1tnc6pVUogEIoTR **Early Bird Discounts | More $ Later** Hey coffee lovers, Grab your favorite iced drink and join me for a relaxed afternoon wandering through the lush, shaded paths of the Botanical Garden. We will kick things off with about an hour of app-paired chats to get to know each other, and then head out in small groups to explore the greenery together. Let's spend the first part of the afternoon chatting one-on-one with other neighborhood locals who appreciate a good roast and a leisurely stroll. The Gist IRL app takes the guesswork out of mingling by pairing you up directly, so you always know who you are talking to next and can just focus on the conversation. After we break the ice, you get to choose the people you vibed with the most to keep the afternoon going. By the time the rounds wrap up, you will be strolling through the botanical garden with a crew of 4-6 people you just met and clicked with. Whether this turns into your regular weekend walking crew or just a beautiful afternoon enjoying the blooms in good company, it is going to be a great time. The Plan: - 2:00PM: Check-In. Follow the link to set up your quick profile on your phone. - 2:05PM - 3:25PM: One-on-One Rounds. The app pairs you for focused chats. Find out who shares your favorite local roasters, neighborhood spots, and weekend routines. - 3:25PM+: Form Groups. Reconnect with your favorite matches, form groups of 4-6, and head into the Botanical Garden together to walk and relax — your group leaves together this afternoon. Instead of just swapping favorite cafe recommendations but never hanging out again, we are actually going to walk through the botanical garden today. My hope is that you find the people you will invite on future garden walks and park strolls to explore together. Plus, the app makes it incredibly easy to keep the momentum going. You can stay in touch with everyone you met today right through the platform, without ever needing to swap phone numbers. I cannot wait to soak up the afternoon sun and explore the gardens with you all. **RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/SxtWK1tnc6pVUogEIoTR **Early Bird Discounts | More $ Later**

FRANCE CULINARY EXPLORER - Food, Wine, Cheese. Cooking Lessons, Tastings & MORE.

Join us on this gourmet gastronomic holiday as we rendezvous with the cuisine & culture of France. This is a foodie’s dream. Around every corner we will find open-air markets, artisanal chocolatiers, macaroon shops, boulangeries, cheesemongers, local butcher shops with the finest cured sausages and hams . . . and YES - world-class wine shops where we can savor the flavors! We will start in Paris, home of some of the world’s most prestigious museums, including the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Pompidou, Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and so much more. Of course, we get to visit some of them...BUT French cuisine is such a huge part of this country's culture and history! Learning about it and experiencing it, is the main goal of this tour. In Paris, we will savor the culinary artistry of Michelin-starred chefs and indulge in the city's iconic pastries. We will journey to Normandy, where lush landscapes yield exquisite cheeses and apple-infused delights. We will follow the Loire River to discover the vineyards and châteaux of the Loire Valley, where fine wines and gourmet experiences await. Let the flavors of France enchant our palate as we explore these culinary treasures! Cooking classes, gourmet food tastings, wine tours, and enough free time to explore to our heart’s desire with centrally-located first class accommodations. ***The Itinerary in brief:*** **Day 1 Paris** arrival and Welcome Dinner with Corsican Cuisine **Day 2 Paris** sightseeing tour, Seine river cruise,French bread making class **Day 3 Paris** Museum Day. Dinner along Canal Saint-Martin **Day 4 Paris-Auvers Sur Oise Auver.** Pay homage to Van Gogh and the many famous painters who lived there. Paint our own masterpiece! On to Giverny for a visit to the Gardens of Monet. Overnight in Rouen. **Day 5 Rouen - Camembert - Caen.** Cheese tasting **Day 6 Caen - Mont St Michel.** Stop in Calvados. Apple brandy, anybody? **Day 7 Mont St Michel - Rennes - Nantes.** Cooking Class **Day 8 Nantes - Tours** with stops at 3 Chateaux Vineyards for wine and chocolate tastings **Day 9 Tours - Orleans.** Stops at Château of Clos Lucé, Leonardo Da Vinci's home. Visit an underground cave for farming mushrooms. And yes, some mushroom tastings! **Day 10 Orleans - Paris** On the way, a stop at an artisan chocolatier and more wineries **Day 11 Paris.** Visit the famous Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen (the flea market) for some amazing shopping. Farewell Dinner in the Montmartre Area Join us for an unforgettable feast for the senses! For a detailed Day By Day itinerary: **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) **Price per person, double occupancy: $5320** (we match roommates for those willing to share and save) **Price for single room: $6720** Limited capacity of 24 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly. RSVP does not hold your space. **The only way to secure your spot is a $500 deposit.** **[Click here for Secure Deposit Link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/V6PKYK8VEWPHJ)** Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees). *[Click Here](https://forms.gle/Qxx6eSy9tbjezXYg6)*[ and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit](https://forms.gle/Qxx6eSy9tbjezXYg6) **\*\*\*Airfare from/to the US is not included\*\*\*** ***[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)***[ to Message Direct to Anna with any questions including airfare quotes.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions. We do a monthly Zoom with Q & A on all our overseas events. [https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/) Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet us and other attendees. [Click here for General Policies](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282719353/) and useful info about our international trips. The MAIN Meetup post for this event is here: **[France Culinary Explorer](https://www.meetup.com/fork-n-cork/events/298965454/)** (RSVP there for any conversation and comments) We believe in good decent social. This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too. [Click Here to see all our other fun events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events) Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it! SOT 2000318-10

Angel Island Adventure: Hiking & Biking Escape 🏝️🚲

Walking to Explore Berkeley Big Rock Formations🌳 🪨 ☀️

Bollywood Nights - Salesforce Park - Free

**Bollywood Nights at Salesforce Park 🎉** Join Rang De Bollywood for some high-energy, outdoor, bollywood fun! This event is sure to leave you feeling loved, lighter, and delighted in excitement after every session. 🌈 Open to all ages, all levels, all backgrounds. ✨ Come casual or dressed, no pressure! 🎁 Free to attend – just bring your joy, your people, and your dancing feet! 🚶🏼‍♂️‍➡️Register for free so we can prepare at rang.eventbrite.com 🕔 5:30 – 7:00 PM – we’ll start with a beginner friendly dance lesson, followed by an open dance party! 💫 This is a repeating event, happening every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, May through October and you can register for as many dates as you like. Register now: [rang.eventbrite.com](http://rang.eventbrite.com) **About Rang De Bollywood** Hailing from the dream dance city of Mumbai and Amritsar, which is also home to Bollywood and Holy Vibes, our energetic, charismatic, and fun dance instructors-performers-entertainers, Manpreet (Certified in Indian Folk by India's Best and also an author) and Amit (percussionist, actor, dancer), have spread Indian dance music and moves across the length and breadth of India, USA, and Europe. Their recent performances were at National Center of Performing Arts in Mumbai and Herbst Theater in San Francisco. **Important Notes:** * Enter through transit center building and take the elevator to rooftop. We will be close to the elevator. * No solicitors allowed. * Classes might be video taped for marketing purposes. * All choreographies are Copyrighted and Original Works of Manpreet Komal/Rang De Bollywood. *"I recently had the pleasure of attending Manpreet’s Bollywood dance class, and I must say, it was an absolute blast! Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced dancer, this class caters to everyone's skill level. The highlight of the class was undoubtedly her teaching style. With a knack for breaking down complex steps into manageable chunks, even the most intricate routines felt attainable. The pacing was just right, ensuring that beginners didn't feel overwhelmed while keeping experts engaged. Highly recommend!" — Kavneet Bindra* **We can't wait to dance together, see you soon!**

Garden Piano Walk At Golden Gate Park

**RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/5AbgwIYdOvm6pSGLxI3F **Early Bird Discounts | More $ Later** Hey music lovers, The 11th annual Flower Piano festival returns to the San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park. Flower Piano is an 11-day outdoor festival that places 12 pianos across the 55-acre San Francisco Botanical Garden. It blends professional performances across multiple musical genres with open-play opportunities where anyone in the public can sit down and play. Come spend a beautiful afternoon with me walking under the giant shade trees and discovering hidden live music throughout the blooming botanical gardens. We'll kick things off with about an hour of app-guided chats to break the ice, while being immersed by the tunes. We'll start the afternoon getting to know each other through quick, one-on-one rounds where the Gist IRL app matches you up so the conversation flows easily. It's a really laid-back way to meet new friends. Once we finish chatting, you'll select the folks you clicked with the most and go explore the rest of the beautiful gardens and grab some food. The Plan: - 4:30 PM: Check-In. Follow the link to set up your quick profile on your phone. - 4:35 PM - 5:55 PM: One-on-One Rounds. The app pairs you up for focused chats. We'll find out who shares your favorite green spaces, music genres, and festival vibes. - 5:55 PM+: Form Groups. Reconnect with your favorite matches, form groups of 4-6, and head into the botanical garden to and grab a drink at the meadow lounge together. Your group leaves together for the afternoon. The goal here isn't just to add names to your phone—it's to actually form connections. Plus, if you want to keep the momentum going after the music stops, you can easily message your new friends through the app without ever needing to swap personal phone numbers. I really can't wait to share a relaxing afternoon of melodies and greenery with you. ** Admission: Tickets are free for San Francisco residents (with proof of residency). Gneral admission is required for non-residents. A few favorite spots nearby: Celebration Garden - This space hosts the Flower Piano Lounge, where you can buy drinks from premium bars and enjoy exclusive headliner performances. Redwood Grove - Towering century-old trees create a majestic, shaded canopy that offers a peaceful, acoustic sanctuary for hidden piano music. Garden of Fragrance - This aromatic, sensory-rich garden provides a deeply intimate setting for experiencing live acoustic piano performances. Zellerbach Garden - A beautifully paved courtyard surrounded by lush perennials, this spot is ideal for sitting back and enjoying featured musical acts. Great Meadow - This wide, sunny lawn is the perfect place to spread out a blanket and enjoy a mix of community play and scheduled concerts. **RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/5AbgwIYdOvm6pSGLxI3F **Early Bird Discounts | More $ Later**