New Friends and New Adventures Wanted

The last time we planned to do this was May 2020. But the world had closed for Covid, and the idea of being in a steel box with strangers became verboten.

Yes . . . that's right . . . the last time we did this was over 6 years ago.

This was a rare event that has now become even more rare!!

This will be a Mothers Day To Die For!! A murder mystery train ride from LA to San Diego and back.

And for those wondering . . . TOTALLY DIFFERENT STORY FROM THE Valentines Strangers On A Train Murder Mystery Event

Those who sign up for the Strangers on a Train Murder Mystery will be an active sleuths in solving the mystery.

A unique drama will unfold in, among and around us. Different scenes will happen in two or three separate train cars simultaneously.
So you will only see the part of the plot that unfolds in front of you in your train car.

It will ALSO be a full and fun day where we will:

• Go Round Trip from LA to San Diego
• Including TWO Hours in San Diego
• One Hour in Oceanside
• AND
• A Murder Mystery on the way down to SD IN THE AISLES OF THE MOVING TRAIN.

All this for $86 per person CLICK HERE for secure Payment Link https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/YALSVSJT3537A

If you are X2 or have +1 . . . . just do the link a 2nd or third time.
(note: you do not need a paypal account to use the link. Just click the "use any credit or debit card" button on the 2nd or 3rd screen and continue as guest)
I
We will start out as Strangers on a Train.
And end as some new and old friends.
And have quite a ride of a Murder Mystery along the way.

You will interact with the other participants in the other coaches in San Diego and on the return, and piece together the other parts to figure out your guess of Whodunnit And Whydunnit.

If you guess BOTH correct you will win a FREE ticket to the next mystery train

Let me say this again: Vignettes will occur simultaneously in multiple cars. It is possible to comprehend the whole story only if you communicate with other participants and collaborate info.

After all, . . . it's a meetup!!! So of course there is a way to meet the other people. And THIS is the vehicle to do it.

This has been done several times on group before (in 2020, 2019, etc) and it sold out!!.

Here is the itinerary:

• 8:40am-10:48am is LA to Oceanside. First Acts. (2 hr)
• 10:48am-12:16pm is Intermission ( and change trains)
• 12:16pm-1:17pm is Oceanside to SD Final scenes/vignettes (1 hr)
• 1:17pm-3:20pm is Lunch and fun in San Diego (2 hr)
• 3:20pm-4:22pm Return towards LA (1 hr)
• 4:22pm-5:23pm Stop in Oceanside (1 hr)
• 5:23pm-7:38pm Oceanside to LA (2 hr)

How much is all this fabulousness?

All this for $86 per person CLICK HERE for secure Payment Link https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/YALSVSJT3537A

INCLUDED IN THE COST:

• Your train tickets.
• Fantastic Murder Mystery
• Breakfast pastries and coffee served on LA to San Diego portion.
• 2 hrs to roam and explore Downtown San Diego
• 1 hr in Oceanside at the pier/Beach/Sunset (Sunset is at 5:33 PM)
• More fun than you can shake a stick at.

Not Included:

• Whatever you do in San Diego is for you to decide to spend. Drinks, lunch, drinks, food, drinks, museum entries, drinks, baubles etc.
• Whatever you buy in Oceanside for the 1 hour we are there.

Refunds given if notice is 1 week prior to departure. Less than 1 week notice and a credit can be given for future events.

There will be NO tickets sold Day Of Event.

Want to be in the cast? This is an immersive experience. Message about being in the cast. https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881
Cast members still fully participate and guess who did it, you will still only know your portion of the plot. There is NO rehearsal time needed.
YES!!! YOU can be in the cast. Just message me!!

Last notes for ALL attendees:

• This will be a Mother's Day themed tale.
• Come dressed to theme. The story takes place at a wedding. Wear your best fancy clothes as you can . .. OR dress as you would to attend a wedding.
• Come on your own and leave with friends.

Some questions people ask:

Question: When do I need to decide by or when is the last day to pay?
Answer: This event is limited in numbers due to space. AND the event will fill. When it fills payment links are disabled. So there is no set last day. When it fills . . . . that's the last day. Don't want too long. When you circle back links may be disabled. This is a polite way of saying . . . Don't wait.

Question: So if I pay now and can't go. Can I get a refund?
Answer: Refunds given if notice is 1 week or more prior to departure date/time. So it's OK to commit now and if plans change

Question: I see 100 people signed up. Is there still space?
AND
I don't see anybody else signed up. Is anybody going? Is the event happening?
Answer: When was the last time you saw 100 RSVP'd and that is how many are at the event? If the payment link is active there is still space. The event is cross posted to several groups. Some groups have many RSVP's, others with fewer. The number of RSVP's is not important. The number of folks who take the time and effort to make a payment are important. When it fills the payment link is disabled. And our events do always fill!!
AND
Answer: The event is cross posted to several groups. The event will fill . . . it always does . . . with many folks upset and saying "but I was just about to send payment." The event is happening. We will have a wild ride to San Diego and back with even more fun and good decent social.

Come join us!!

Still wondering if this is that fun? Here are pix from our Valentines To Die For: Strangers On A Train https://photos.app.goo.gl/bK5Uti9Uox1yPuh47

Message me with any questions: https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881

This event is happening Saturday AND Sunday. TWO DIFFERENT EVENTS
you have THE OPTION OF CHOOSING SATURDAY OR SUNDAY.

Main Saturday Event Link https://www.meetup.com/sevenarts/events/306042366/
Saturday Payment Link
https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/YALSVSJT3537A

Main Sunday Event Link
https://www.meetup.com/sevenarts/events/306042366/
Sunday Payment Link
https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/YBG7ZAALFMG5L

A note to everybody . . . come. It will be a blast.

*****The group for this event (May 2025) is filled. International travel takes a lot of planning and it is a little late to join this trip . . . but do not fret! We are doing it again in Sep 2026. CLICK HERE to go to the event*****

Speaking of planning . . .
Here are our other upcoming more elaborate/complex meetup events so you can plan to join us.

Aug 10-20, 2025 EPIC MACHU PICCHU! vis Short Inca Trail or Train!!
Aug 10-20, 2025 The Salkantay Trek EPIC MACHU PICCHU!
Sep 15-24, 2025 Bali & Singapore Journey: From Monkey and Elephant Sanctuaries to Urban Elegance
Oct 12-23, 2025 Jordan: Dana to Petra Trek with bonus of Wadi Rum
Oct 19-31, 2025: Petra to the Pyramids. Dead Sea, Sphinx & Nile Cruise
Feb 08-18, 2026 Northern Lights. A Scandinavian Odyssey!
Feb 28-Mar 11, 2026 India's Golden Triangle with HOLI and Dubai Extension
Mar 29-Apr 09, 2026 Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Jun 18-27, 2026 Mt Kilimanjaro Trek! One of the 7 Summits
Jun 27-Jul 06, 2026 Serengeti Photo Safari! "Africa’s Best Wildlife Show"
Sep 09-20, 2026 France Culinary Explorer! Food, Wine, Cheese. Cooking Lessons, Tastings AND MORE
Sep 20-Oct 03, 2026 Meetup on the Orient Express
Mar 06-16, 2027 Galapagos Islands Expedition

For detailed day-by-day itinerary and more info on any of these trips, fill out our form. You can check-box several events that way.
https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8

OR

We do a monthly Q & A Zoom on all our overseas events.
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.

OR

Click Here to Message Direct to Anna with any questions.

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 of total attendees. In this case the trip is full.

We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events.

Click Here to see and join in on all our other fun events

SOT 200318-10

Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!

Come and meet new friends on this adventure of a lifetime!
Dine at the oldest restaurant in the world, visit iconic museums such as Prado and Guggenheim, be amazed at Gaudi's architecture, taste pinxtos, sip good Spanish wine and view the Running of the Bulls from your own private balcony! To top this off...visit Portugal with its rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking views!

This is just a little taste of what awaits us on this awesome culinary and cultural adventure!

Spain is truly a magical and fascinating country - full of history, culture and oh...so much good food and fun time!!! Portugal's history is intertwined with Spain's, so it makes perfect sense to combine these two destinations and be amazed at the similarities and the differences.
We get to travel as locals, mostly by trains between the cities AND at the best time of year to be able to experience in person The Running Of The Bulls in Pamplona.

CLICK HERE to see the photos from our 2022/2023 amazing adventures!

We visit:

• Lisbon (with Sintra an Unesco World Heritage)
• Porto
• Madrid
• Bilbao
• Pamplona RUNNING OF THE BULLS
• Barcelona

Guided tours in each city, breakfast daily and several dinners, museum entrances, tasting menus, Running of the Bulls w/balcony view, transportation throughout the trip and much more!

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 enjoy a complete independence. You can take our organized tours or do your own thing, cater to your special interests, visit other sites and locations in the cities, while still being guided and aided with arrangements. You can do it independently, or you can join new friends traveling with you, and do it together. The idea is come alone, meet new like-minded people and make lifelong memories, without the "one size fits all" tour formula.

Price per person, double occupancy: $4850
(we match roommates for those wishing to share)
Price for single room: $6450

Included:

• 13 nights in first class hotels with central locations
• Breakfast daily
• Dinner at Casa Botín in Madrid, founded in 1725, is the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records https://botin.es/
• Authentic Basque Foodie Tour in Bilbao
• Transportation between the 6 cities
• Arrival and departure transfers from airport to hotels and train stations
• City Sightseeing tours in Lisbon, Madrid and Barcelona
• Entrance tickets and guided tours at Sintra, Prado and Guggenheim museums, La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and more
• Front Row Private Balcony to view (safely from above) the Running Of The Bulls in Pamplona

In addition to the services listed above, what's included mostly comes down to creating an awesome trip at a great value and balanced logistics, making new friends and lifelong memories.

Not Included:
x Transatlantic Airfare (we can help you arrange that)
x Meals not listed above
x Tips and any personal and accidental expenses

The only way to secure your spot is a $500 deposit
Click Here for Secure Deposit Link
Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).
Click Here and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit
Click Here to fill out our google info request form and receive detailed itinerary and inclusions.
Limited capacity of 24 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly.

We have designed this to include all the "must see" locations.
Click Here to Message Direct to Anna with any questions.
She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions.
Click Here to see all our other fun events

SOT 2000318-10

Discover the awe-inspiring journey to Machu Picchu with one of our three distinct options, each offering its own charm and adventure. As a Meetup, we travel as a group and still are able to tailor your Machu Picchu experience according to your preferences and interests.

This post is for those interested in the easier options to get to Machu Picchu, compared to the 5-day hiking trip via the Salkantay Trek.

We are taking The Short Inca Trail. It's a one full day of hiking in the second half of the classic Inca Trek, followed by a full day spent at Machu Picchu. This is the shorter and less difficult alternative to the Salkantay Trek. It is a memorable trip with stunning views of rainforest canopy and ancient historic sights!

The Train version is intended for people with less mobility or those wishing to glamp it a bit. The itinerary matches the Inca Trail group, except the hiking day is substituted by a comfortable train ride.

The third alternative is The Salkantay Trek. This is a 5-Day hike on the ancient and remote footpath located in the same region as the Inca Trail where massive snow-capped mountains collide with lush tropical rainforests. Those who are interested in this option, CLICK HERE for the Meetup event.

ALL THREE groups begin together with a few days in Lima and Cusco but will reach Machu Picchu - the culmination, in different ways!

As a special bonus for the Inca/Train group, we have included a 4-day excursion to the Amazon Rainforest! We will explore Tambopata National Reserve alongside our expert naturalist guides, immersing ourselves in lush rainforest landscapes teeming with exotic flora and fauna. Breathtaking vistas of the mighty river and vibrant sunsets await us to make this journey an experience of a lifetime!

Machu Picchu via 2-day Inca Trail and the Amazon Rainforest
Price per person, Double Occupancy $2950
We offer roommate matching for those willing to share.
Single Supplement $550
Secure Deposit Link for 2-Day Inca Trail and Amazon Rainforest $252

Machu Picchu by TRAIN and the Amazon Rainforest
Price per person, Double Occupancy $2850
We offer roommate matching for those willing to share.
Single Supplement $550
Secure Deposit Link for Train Option and Amazon Rainforest $253

***Airfare is not included***

RSVP to receive detailed Day-by-Day itinerary. If you wish to attend, deposit is the only way to secure your spot. Upon paying the deposit, please fill out this Participant's Form.

The land deposit is refundable up to 90 day before departure.

INCLUDED

• Hotels in Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes and the Rainforest
• Emergency Insurance during hiking and Amazon portion
• Guided Sightseeing Tours in Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Amazon Rainforest
• Breakfast Daily
• Welcome Dinner in Cusco
• Dinner in Aguas Calientes after Machu Picchu
• All meals during the Amazon Jungle Adventure
• Hotel/Airport Transfers
• Professional English speaking guides and naturalists

Not Included

• International and domestic airfare
• Any other meals not stated
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Travel Insurance (we can give you a quote for that)

This event is posted to several groups. The number of RSVP does not reflect the actual number of participants. CLICK HERE for the main/central post.

If you need information on this or any of our other international events**FILL OUT OUR GOOGLE FORM **

Got Questions?
Message Marc (screen name Oddie) https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881
Or Anna
https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062

OR . . . .
We do a monthly Travel Q&A Zoom. CLICK HERE to RSVP for our monthly A & A Zoom
Come to the zoom, ask questions, meet others attending, be social.
CLICK HERE to join in and see all our other events

SOT 2000318-10