What we’re about
This meetup is a collective of creative and curious souls who want to be inspired by the world and each other. Whether it’s a visit to a Museum in New York, a concert in Princeton or watching the sunset on a junk in Ha Long Bay, we can share the wonders together.
A little about me…. I’ve been a professional photographer for over 18 years. I’ve actually been designated a Master photographer by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). I am one of the few women to have this distinction. I’m also a lover of travel, food, art, music, theater and great conversation! This group should satisfy my many pleasures. I presently also facilitate Princeton Fine Dining also. Whether you are a painter, a writer, a photographer, a musician, a gourmet, an architect or just someone who enjoys all the wonders and culture of the world, please join me. You may reside in Princeton or San Francisco; it really doesn’t matter. This group is about travel, beauty, culture and camaraderie.
Join me for the adventure.
Your RSVP and attendance on our meetups is a release of liability for the organizer and Meetup.com.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Just in Time on Broadway SOLD OUTCircle in the Square, New York, NY
I know I'm always complaining about juke box musicals, but here is one I actually want to see. Johnathan Groff is such a mega talent of musical theater. I'd love to hear him sing all those romantic songs of the 50's and 60's for 2 hours.
Tony Award® winner Jonathan Groff (Merrily We Roll Along, Hamilton) returns to Broadway this spring as Bobby Darin, the legendary singer whose short but remarkable life took him from teen idol to global sensation. Developed and directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge), Just In Time is an exhilarating new musical that immerses audiences in an intimate, swinging nightclub complete with a live band, a stellar ensemble cast, and iconic Bobby Darin hits including “Beyond the Sea,” “Mack the Knife,” “Splish Splash,” and “Dream Lover.” Discover the man behind the music – a once-in-a-lifetime talent who knew his time was limited and was determined to make a splash before it was too late. You can view a little video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bABDyBnwvqI
TICKETS: The prime orchestra group discount tickets are $52.00 Sometimes people cannot attend and need to sell their tickets. Please put yourself on the waitlist and I'll let you know if any tickets become available.
LUNCH: I thought we could try the Palm Restaurant for lunch. It's a classic time honored New York restaurant that been around since the 1920's. Always wanted to try it. It's only a block away from the theater also. I'll make a noon reservation for our group. Just let me know if you would like to join us. reservation. You can check out their menu here: The Palm Menu
- Good Night, and Good Luck. SOLD OUTThe Winter Garden Theater, New York, NY
I've had a lot of requests to see the production with George Clooney. Tickets are very pricy because he's in it but I was able to snag some rear orchestra group tickets for 1/2 price. I think this is a very timely piece for today!
In a landmark theatrical event, two-time Academy Award® winner George Clooney makes his Broadway debut in Good Night, and Good Luck, an electrifying stage adaptation of the critically acclaimed film.Tune in to the golden age of broadcast journalism and Edward R. Murrow’s (Clooney) legendary, history-altering, on-air showdown with Senator Joseph McCarthy. As McCarthyism casts a shadow over America, Murrow and his team at CBS choose to confront the growing tide of paranoia and propaganda, even if it means turning the federal government and a worried nation against them.
Under the direction of Tony Award®-winner David Cromer, from the original screenwriters Clooney and Grant Heslov, Good Night, and Good Luck chronicles a time in American history when truth and journalistic integrity stood up to fearmongering and disinformation - and won.
TICKETS: The rear side** orchestra seats are for $164.00 are out
LUNCH: I thought for lunch we could have an easy time at **Juniors Restaurant (**Broadway & 49th) It's just a few steps away from the theater. You can check out their menu here: Junior's Menu
- Renée Fleming at the Princeton FestivalMorven Museum & Garden, Princeton, NJ
The Princeton Festival has a real treat in store for us this year. Renée Fleming will be performing in our own back yard. Hear one of the most acclaimed singers of our time perform live with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra. The 5-time Grammy® Award-winning soprano sings her favorite arias and songs during one unforgettable evening at this year's Festival.
“Fleming’s soprano – another exemplar of legendary beauty – soars with the force of an uncontainable soul.” – The New York Times
TICKETS: They are not offering group discount tickets for this performance. It is Renée Fleming after all. There are not many spots available. They had a presale. The cost of the center orchestra seats are $160.00. I would recommend you purchase your ticket ASAP as the concert is almost sold out. You can send me your $160.00 via PayPal at mlabbancz@gmail.com or via Zelle at marie@artoflove.com. You will first go on the "waitlist" and once I receive your payment I will move you over to "going".
- Barcelona and Spain’s Balearic Islands: Menorca & MallorcaNeeds location
Details
Let's summer like a celebrity! They all visit these lush islands off the coast of Spain every summer. Why don't we If you know you want to go please leave your deposit!!! Only 9 spots remaining.When it comes to island vacations in Europe, Greece gets a whole lot of attention—and for good reason. But for travelers who want to experience island life off the beaten path, Spain’s Balearic Islands are the answer. On this guided tour, get a taste of Spain’s own unique brand of island living, and find out why sleepy Menorca and bustling Mallorca perfectly complement each other. Along the way, take in the islands’ sunny beaches, coastal villages, succulent seafood, and laid-back way of life. The tour also includes a stay in one of my all time favorite European cities, Barcelona!
Included Highlights- Sagrada Família
- Talayot de Trepuco
- Ciutadella
- Cuevas del Drach boat ride
- Palma de Mallorca
- Sóller tramway ride lauren
- Carthusian Monastery of Valldemossa
You can read up more about our tour at https://www.grouptoursite.com/tours/spi-marie-labbancz
The COST:
9 day tour price: $4,119.00 (land only, double accommodations) Because our group is a small group tour there is a bus fee of $260 that will be reduced if we get 20 travelers)
If you would like a single room the cost of a Single supplement is $870.00There is a 2 day extension to the beautiful city of Valencia that includes the internal flights. The cost of the extension is $679.00
The cost of round-trip airfare through the tour company is $1,540.00 and includes your hotel transfers. The airfare seems a bit high and the United nonstops out of Newark to Barcelona are under $800. We might want to all book your own flights closer to the date. I’ll help you.
Deposit: To secure your spot you will need to leave a deposit of $450.00
SPECIAL DISCOUNTS:
- $75.00 discount August discount.
- $100 Club Go Discount for returning travelers!
- $100 multi-tour discount for those currently enrolled on another Go Ahead tour
HOW TO SIGN UP?
You can no longer sign up through the Go Ahead website link. Because I couldn't initially get the 14 travelers needed for a private tour, I switched it to a public. Seven of us have signed up for the public tour and it is now FULL! BUT DON'T FRET! I only need seven more members commit to joining our tour I can switch our tour over to a private tour. This would mean a relaxing tour with only 14 of us and only members from the Art of Wander!
If you know you want to join this tour all you need to do is send me a deposit of $300 via PayPal at mlabbancz@gmail.com or via Zelle at marie@artoflove.com You also need to call me with your contact information along with a Credit Card. You can call me at 609-426-1240. Once we have a minimum of 7 more travelers I will switch our tour over to a private one. At that time I will refund your $300 and the tour company will charge your Credit Card a deposit. If we never reach the 7 additional travelers for the private tour I will also refund your $300. There is absolutely no risk! Come join us for some fun in the sun next summer!TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS AND FINDING A ROOMMATE:
It's always more fun when we know the people we are traveling with. For those in New Jersey we will have meetups every 4 months at restaurants prior to our trip (exclusive to our travelers) so members can get to know one another. I think it's one of the very special benefits of a meetup travel tour. It will also be an opportunity for you to meet other travelers who are traveling single and might want to share a room. It's a wonderful way to find that perfect roommate! On all my past tours, everyone who wanted a roommate found a roommate!WHY AM I ON THE WAITING LIST?
Everyone who signs up for the tour will be first put on the waiting list. As soon as you contact the company and leave your deposit you need to email me at mlabbancz@gmail.com and let me know you left your deposit and I will switch you to going. There is a limited amount of spots available on this small group tour and being on the waiting list does not guarantee a spot. Please only join the wait list if you are planning on leaving a deposit in the next day or two. Don't join the wait list because you think it sounds like a fun trip you will NOT be doing.
Once again, you can view the itinerary and sign up for the tour
https://www.grouptoursite.com/tours/spi-marie-labbanczYou can email me with any questions at mlabbancz@gmail.com
