Children's Books

Spend time in the company of other writers putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard. Work on your current project or start something new. If you are fresh out of inspiration a member of the Wordcraft Collective will be ready with a prompt to get you going. You can use that to unlock your creative brain before moving back to your own project or run with it. Who knows where the story will take you? Arrive when you like, leave when you like, or join us for a drink in the bar downstairs afterwards. Location: Pianofabriek, Rue du Fort 35, 1060 Saint-Gilles.

**We'll be discussing the book “One, none and a Hundred Thousand” by Luigi Pirandello and choosing the next book.**

Join us for a fun and social **day trip to Parc Astérix**, one of France’s most famous theme parks, just outside Paris This is not just an amusement park visit — it’s also a dive into a **legendary part of French and Belgian culture**. -- ## 🏛️ What is Astérix & Obélix Astérix and Obélix are iconic comic book characters created in 1959 by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. 👉 The story: a small Gaulish village resisting the Roman Empire thanks to a magic potion 👉 Themes: humor, friendship, satire of European culture 👉 Status: one of the most famous comics in Europe (especially France & Belgium) For many locals, this is **childhood nostalgia + cultural reference + humor all in one** Visiting Parc Astérix is like stepping inside that world. -- ## 🎢 What to expect • Thrilling roller coasters (like OzIris & Toutatis 🎢 • Fun water rides) • Live shows & themed village • A mix of adrenaline + chill + social vibe We’ll go as a group but keep flexibility inside the park so everyone can enjoy at their own pace. -- ## 🚆 Logistic **Departure:** Brussels (exact meeting point shared in WhatsApp group) **Destination:** Parc Astérix **Travel:** Train + shuttle or carpool (to be confirmed depending on group) **Return:** Same day in the evening. 👉 A WhatsApp group will be created for coordination -- ## 💰 Cost • 🎟️ Park ticket: approx. €55–€65 (depending on availability / group rate) • 🚆 Transport: approx. €30–€80 (train or carpool share) • 🍔 Food & drinks inside park: optional (~€15–€25 • 👥 Sunday Vacations organizing fee: 5€ -- ## 👥 Who is this for • Expats curious about local culture • Theme park lovers • Social explorers who enjoy group trip • Anyone who wants a fun, easy day escape from Brussel -- ## ✅ Important • This is a **members-only event** 👉 Membership starts from €5/year: [https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) • Please confirm your spot via the link (to be shared) • Ambassador & Voyager members can use their code to waive the organizing fee. -- ## ⚠️ Disclaimer Sunday Vacations / UJAMAA ASBL acts as a **community organizer only** Participants organize their transport and tickets individually -- ## ✨ Why join Because this is more than a theme park It’s a chance to • understand a key part of local culture • meet amazing people • and just have a fun day -- If you’ve been in Belgium or France for a while and never heard of Astérix, 👉 this is your moment.

PLEASE NOTE: this session will exceptionally begin at 14h and end at 17h What comes to mind when we hear the word "dream"? 1) Experiences we undergo while sleeping? 2) Hopes, desires and goals we cherish for the future? 3) Daydreaming? 4) Imagining, thought-experimenting, inventing? 5) ...? How are all these various forms of dreaming connected to our waking, here-and-now lives? What life experiences have you had that noticeably influenced your dreams? What dreams have you had that especially affected, possibly changing or even transforming, your life? How can we maximize the value of our dreams? How can we maximize the value our waking/here-and-now experiences have on our dreams? What can dreams teach us about consciousness? [Jef, might you want to add Jung and Freud to the BINGO cards? 😉😅] How do dreaming and non-dreaming affect self-identity, and vice-versa? Should we categorically aim to avoid all nightmares (or not)? Does free will exist in dreams? Do all dreams carry messages? (What) can we learn (something) from the "logic" of dreams? Can dreams predict the future? (How) can we know whether we are dreaming or not dreaming? If our waking consciousness would turn out to be all a dream after all, how might "waking consciousness lucid dreaming" manifest itself to us? "Life, as I experience it, is an ongoing quest to search for, collect and process "dream material": scenes, sounds and events during waking life that will inevitably return later (sometimes much later) during dream sleep, (dis)guised in all various forms and permutations ... only to resurface, rematerialize and recur in new configurations and in new contexts during future waking life. Like the ongoing cycle of breathing, a continual exchange of "dream material" is constantly occurring, oscillating back and forth between waking and sleeping, between consciousness and the unconscious, between past and future." — Alnata Karuna This session will be an opportunity to talk about and to share our dreams - in whatever forms or contents - and to explore together their possible roles and significance in our lives. [https://www.sleepfoundation.org/dreams](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/dreams) [https://allaboutpsychology.substack.com/p/the-psychology-of-daydreaming](https://allaboutpsychology.substack.com/p/the-psychology-of-daydreaming) [https://youtu.be/oiAQlDBJ88U?is=XGS_yOiQ_quk9N4f](https://youtu.be/oiAQlDBJ88U?is=XGS_yOiQ_quk9N4f) [https://youtu.be/gemBa8L7jQo?is=DsTTxyu0vwddr76f](https://youtu.be/gemBa8L7jQo?is=DsTTxyu0vwddr76f) [https://youtu.be/5cCW2a8kT3Q?is=ERhHppMUhtwG0wdt](https://youtu.be/5cCW2a8kT3Q?is=ERhHppMUhtwG0wdt)

Hi everyone! Let’s take a walk along the Belgian coast to enjoy some fresh salty air and gaze at the horizon. We’re planning a walk of around 3 hours starting east of Ostende (Oosterover) passing De Haan and finishing in Wenduine or whenever we collectively decide to go back to the van by tram😊 Meeting point: Tournay-Solvaypark Entrance (Boitsfort Train Station) 💶 Contribution: €20 per person, which covers fuel, parking, as well as snacks and drinks along the way. Kindly complete your registration before signing up. Thank you. Yifei Yang BE12363234512492 Communication: your name+ event Group size: small and cozy — limited to 6 people ( 7 seats in the van) If you prefer to drive your own car or come by train/bus, you’re very welcome to join us as well (No need for payment) In this case, please contact the organizers.

**This event is free for Sunday Vacations members. Membership starts at €5/year.** 👉 Join here: https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership *Please RSVP only if you are reasonably sure you can attend and update your RSVP if your plans change.* Escape the city bustle and join us for a magical evening walk from the royal gardens of Tervuren, through the ancient Sonian Forest, ending at the picturesque Rouge Cloître. This hike is perfect for anyone looking to unwind, breathe some fresh forest air, and enjoy the golden hour colors. 🗺️ The Route We will start at the Tervuren Station (terminus of Tram 44). We’ll begin by walking through the formal gardens and ponds of Tervuren Park, enjoying the open views and the sunset light reflecting on the water. From there, we will dive into the Sonian Forest (Fôret de Soignes), walking under the canopy of the majestic beech cathedrals. We will walk through the magnificent Arboretum that boasts centennial trees and majestic Giant Sequoias. The path will lead us gently downhill towards the historic Rouge Cloître (Red Closter), a 14th-century Augustinian priory nestled on the edge of the forest where we will stop for a well deserved drink. 🕒 The Plan * Meeting Time: 14:50 * Meeting Point: Just outside the Tervuren Station (Terminus of Tram 44). * The Walk: We depart at 15:00 sharp. * The End: We aim to arrive at Rouge Cloître around 18:00 - 18:30. * Après-Walk: We usually grab a drink at the beautiful Maison du Prieur in Rouge Cloître. 📋 Practical Details * Distance: Approximately 12 km. * Duration: \~3.5 hours walking time. * Pace: Casual to moderate. We wait for everyone, but please be comfortable walking this distance. * Terrain: Mostly flat/downhill with some unpaved forest paths. 🎒 What to Bring * Comfortable Shoes: Walking shoes or sneakers (trail runners are great if it has rained recently). * Water: Stay hydrated! * Layers: Evenings can get chilly in the forest. 🚇 Getting Home The walk ends at Rouge Cloître. From there, it is a short 10-15 minute walk to Herrmann-Debroux metro station (Line 5), buses and tram 8 which connect you easily back to the city center. Note: This event is free of charge. Participation is at your own risk. Please **RSVP only** if you intend to come so we don't leave anyone behind! See you on the trail! 🌳✨

Ce samedi 18 avril 2026, au GECKO, WAVRE PLACE TO BE... **LA BELLE EPOQUE \| 80’s – 90’s\- 2000’s 🎉 Les Belges Jeuness \| ENTREE GRATUITE x Gecko** On te propose un voyage dans le temps \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- FREE ENTRANCE / ENTREE GRATUITE TOUTE LA NUIT \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 1. TON ENTREE GRATUITE > [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15745](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15745) 2. FB: [https://fb.me/e/6T1SZlyAb](https://fb.me/e/6T1SZlyAb) \>Le temps d'un soir et sur un thème musicale de la Belle époque avec de la musique qu'on aime écouter\, réécouter dans l'ambiance de ces années qu'on regarde derrière nous avec nostalgie\, nous vous ferons passer une soirée inoubliable au Gecko\. \>Nostalgique des années 80\,90 et 2000? \>Revivez cette période musicale légendaire avec nous le samedi 18 avril en compagnie des LBJ \(Les belges Jeunesses\) \>Rejoignez\-nous pour un voyage dans le temps direction les boys bands\, la pop et le R&B\! Préparez vous à danser sur des HITS de Nelly Furtado\, des Back Street Boys et Avril Lavigne \>N’oubliez pas votre tenue la plus stylée de LA BELLE EPOQUE époque et revivez les moments les plus marquants de votre jeunesse \! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Au programme: \- 17h à 22h \> Restaurant et bar à tapas \- 22h \- 03h00 \>The BIG PARTY\>Que les meilleurs HITS 80\-90\-2000 \- Tenue correcte exigée \- reservations / info@legecko\.bar / \+32 10 84 61 34 On vous attend nombreux pour cette soirée exceptionnelle, n’hésitez pas à confirmer votre présence et inviter vos amis \>Instagram : @lesbelgesjeunesses \>Facebook : https://www\.facebook\.com/belgesjeunesses \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- GECKO / https://www.facebook.com/geckobarwavre Chaussée des Collines 104, Wavre, Belgium

♟️ **Rejoignez l’aventure Knight Clubbers !** ♟️ Venez vivre une soirée où l’échiquier devient un champ de bataille, entre bonne humeur et esprit de compétition. 🔗 **Inscription gratuite** : [S'inscrire](https://knightclubbers.com/meetup/663758?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=social) ✨ **Des parties pour tous les niveaux** Débutant curieux ou stratège aguerri, chaque partie est l’occasion parfaite pour progresser et rencontrer d’autres passionné.e.s. 🕒 **Liberté totale – Jouez à votre rythme** Participez aux duels ou observez dans une ambiance conviviale. 🏆 **Défiez vos adversaires et grimpez au classement** Accumulez les victoires pour tenter de devenir Roi ou Reine de l’Arène. 👑 **Prêts pour le défi ?** Rejoignez Knight Clubbers et entrez dans la légende !

Hey lovely people, Join us for another gathering of the **Queer Reads Collective**. Since we have been reading some quite heavy books lately, we decided to do a round of something lighter for the spring. Our April read will be the famous bestseller, *The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo* by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job. Summoned to Evelyn's luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the '80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love.

Once a year, something special happens near Brussels… The forest of Hallerbos transforms into a purple-blue carpet of wild bluebells 🌸 , one of the most beautiful natural sights in Belgium. We’ll explore this magical forest together, enjoy a relaxed social walk, and take time to connect, take photos, and just enjoy the moment. 👉 Perfect mix of nature + good vibes + international community 🥾 The Plan - Meet 12:30 for brunch at Midi Station (Time Off) - Train departing from Midi station to Halle at 14:14 - Arrival Halle at 14:24 where we'll take a shuttle bus to the bluebell forest - Scenic walk through the bluebell forest - Distance: \~7–9 km (easy pace) - Duration: \~2.5–3 hours (with stops) - Photo stops & chill moments included 📸 - Optional drink or snack after the walk 🧡 No rush, no pressure — we walk together 🚆 Meeting Point & Transport We’ll go together from Brussels: 📍 Meeting point: (e.g. Brussels Central Station – exact spot shared before event) ⏰ Departure time: (to be confirmed) OR 📍 Direct meeting at Hallerbos (details shared in WhatsApp group) 🌍 Who’s This For? - Expats & locals - Nature lovers 🌿 - People who enjoy social walks - Solo attendees welcome 🙌 👉 You don’t need to know anyone — that’s the whole point 💸 Participation To join, you must be a Sunday Vacations member: - Explorer: (€5/year) - Voyager (€50/year) - Ambassador (€150/year) 👉 Membership: [https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) ⚠️ Important Notes - Bluebells are fragile → please stay on paths - Bring comfortable shoes (can be muddy) - Weather-appropriate clothing \*Respect nature 🌿 📲 WhatsApp Group A WhatsApp group will be created before the event for: - Live updates - Meeting point confirmation - Easy coordination 🌟 Why Join? Because moments like this are rare… And they’re even better when shared with the right people. [www.sundayvacations.com](www.sundayvacations.com)

What's up Friends! 👋 If the weather behaves🤞let’s head out for a walk in nature together.🌳✨ If it looks rainy, we’ll have to call it off - so let’s hope the sun🌤️shows up! 🏞️ Where: This time we are off to explore the magical Halle forest🪻🌳! 📍Meeting Points: (check map on the event page) • Point H: 10:20 Halle Train Station (not shown on the map): from here, you can hop on the free shuttle or rent a bike to get to Point B. • Point A: 11:00 Parking 1a (Hogebermweg – 1500 Halle) - best spot if you're coming by car. • Point B: 11:00 Parking 2 (⚠️ Not accessible by car) Bosmuseum (Vlasmarktdreef 4, Halle) - best spot if you take the shuttle from the train station Point AB: around 12:00-12:30 - perfect spot to catch up with the group if you started the walk elsewhere • Point C: around 13:00-14:00 - picnic area: our recharge station. ‼️The main group will start from point A. Check the event page the day before just in case there are any changes! ⏱Timing Be at point A around 5-10 minutes in advance. We will be on the move at 11:00 sharp. And if you get there later… well, good luck finding us! 👀😜 We will picnic at point C around 13:00. 💡 The idea We will walk for about 2-3 km and enjoy the views and the fresh air. We'll hang around point AB for some time to allow others to join the main group. Once we reach the picnic area we will take a longer break and recharge with some snacks. 👉What to bring? Enough food 🥪 to keep your soul happy (snacks 🍪 to share with the group are of course welcome). Don't forget your comfy clothes 🧥, walking shoes 👟, and most impotantly enough water 💦 to stay hydrated. ☝️Good to Know: About the venue: https://www.hallerbos.be/en/ 📝Practical info: https://www.hallerbos.be/en/visitors-info/ 🤑 Access to the forest is free. Getting there: 🚘 By car: https://www.hallerbos.be/en/visitors-info/car/ 🅿️ Free parking is available however spots can be tough to get at peak hours. To be on the safe side, you can also park for free in Halle (Welkomstlaan) and take the free shuttle (see below). Parking 2 is not accessible by car. 🚌 Free shuttle bus, available on the day of the event (every 30 min) can take you from Halle station (Stationsplein) to Parking 2 (point B) 🚂 For other (paid) public transport options from Halle station check here 🔗 https://www.hallerbos.be/en/visitors-info/public-transport/ 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️ Bike rentals available at Halle station (about 5 km from the forest). 🔗 https://www.blue-bike.be/en/location-details/station-halle-e-lock-/ 🚦If you find yourself on the waiting list but you absolutely want to join or if you have any other question - feel free to contact me directly via the chat. 📢 Further details may be shared via the group chat or via DM 💬. Make sure to check 👀 the event page at least on the day before the event to avoid missing any critical 🙄 announcements. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code:
👉Respect nature 🚯♻️ & forest rules: https://www.hallerbos.be/en/visitors-info/bluebell-festival-2025/ 👉No formalities - just chill 😎
👉Respect and positive vibes, if not 💥🥊 👉Can’t make it? Cancel so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot 🙏 👉 Don't show up if you are on the waitlist See you there folks😉

**This weekend’s hike takes us through the heart of Haspengouw at the peak of the blossom season.**Expect gently rolling landscapes filled with **flowering apple, pear and cherry trees** turning the region into a sea of white and soft pink. We start our hike in **Alken**, walking through the nature reserve **De Grote Beemd**, following the river **Herk** and passing the historic **Graetmolen**. From there the route leads us straight into the ***orchards where the blossom landscape changes*** with every turn. Along the way we may even come across a **pop‑up bar between the orchards** — the perfect place to pause, enjoy the moment and soak in the spring atmosphere. We’ll have our lunch break near the elegant **Mariagaarde Castle** before continuing mostly along the **GR 128 (Vlaanderenroute)** towards **Sint‑Truiden** on quiet paths with wide views over blooming Haspengouw. After our hike we can continue our good habit, of taking a nice beer/pancake/snack in a local pub in Sint-Truiden before returning to Brussels. ***Don't forget to pay Maikel a drink :-)*** We will walk both ***on paved and unpaved roads***. I’ve ***never walked this road before*** so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning. **●●Meeting point** We meet at ***08h20 in front of the Starbucks in Brussels Central***. The train ( IC1507 Hasselt) leaves from ***platform 3 at 08h41***. We arrive at our ***destination Alken at 09h49*** and start our hike to Sint-Truiden. **●● Train tickets** ***\- single ticket Brussels to Alken \(11\,40 € weekend / 6\,80 € with train card\+\)*** ***\- single ticket Sint\-Truiden to Brussels \(10\,20 € weekend / 6\,10 € with train card\+\)*** **●● Trains back to Brussels:** There is a ***direct train train every hour*** from Sint-Truiden to Brussels at ***XX:19 from platform 1.*** ***LAST TRAIN = 22h19*** **●● Specifics** distance: \~ 27 km elevation gain: \~ 101 m net walking time: \~ 6h00 level: ***easy – open to everyone*** ***In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So, it is important to have access to either the Meetup.com website and/or your emails.*** ●● ***What to bring*** \- warm comfortable hiking clothes – ***waterproof hiking shoes*** \- extra socks to change \+ compeed for blisters \- enough water \(min 2 l\) and food for lunch/breaks \- sun protection oil\, a hat and sunglasses OR a raincoat (please consult the weather forecast on [www.meteo.be](http://www.meteo.be/)) **\- some money to pay Maikel a drink ;\-\)** ●● ***Basic rules*** Please RSVP only if you ***really intend to come***. And if your plans change ***update your RSVP latest 1 day before the hike*** so other people still have the possibility to join. This is basic courtesy towards others. ***People who cancel at the last day or don’t show up for the hike will be blacklisted for future hikes.*** Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the roster (i.e. Yes RSVP - but not Wait Listed) **●● *Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability*** **By signing up for this event you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.**

What's up Friends! 👋 Let’s catch up over a cup of ☕️ (or whatever drink 🍵 or bite 🍪🍰🥐 inspires you in the moment). Where: Leopold PDN. This café may be a bit of a challenge to find on rainy days 🌧️☔️, but that's how adventures begin, right? 😂 Well, don't wait until you get hopelessly lost - text me here before you start cursing google maps 🗺️. The idea: Join the table once you've grabbed your order - mandatory! We'll kick-off with a light intro and move over to topics like activities, travel, music... At some point, if we are feeling it, we may also play some games. We will speak mostly English and French. Any other language is a bonus: 🌍🎭💃🎶🎷🤹🏻🤖 🎲 Games: No giant boards that end up in coffee spills please. Only light, short and fun games (generally card games like uno or exploding kittens💥🐱 will fit). I will bring a game or two myself, however feel free to bring along any of your own favorites. ⏱Timing: We start at 15:00, and you’re welcome to join at any time and for as long as you want. Joining later? Just let me know in advance in the chat so we keep a seat available for you 😊 🚦If you find yourself on the waiting list but you absolutely want to join or if you have any other question - feel free to contact me directly via the chat. 📢 Further details may be shared via the group chat or via DM 💬. Make sure to check your messages 👀 at least on the day before the event to avoid missing critical 🙄 announcements. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code:
👉No formalities - just chill 😎
👉Respect and positive vibes, if not 💥🥊 👉Can’t make it? Cancel so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot 🙏 👉 Don't show up (or show up at your own risk:) if you are on the waiting list. There may be no space for extra players and you risk to get disappointed. See you folks 😉

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * Feel free to come whether or not you’ve started or finished the book ◡̈ * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

This month we’ll be reading Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

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

Let’s get together for a relaxed Saturday brunch! This will be the very first event for our group. Whether you’re looking to meet new friends, get out more, or just enjoy good conversation over brunch, this is the perfect place to start. We’ll be meeting at The Goat Gahanna for great food, drinks, and a welcoming, no-pressure atmosphere.