Outdoors and Adventure

Ahoy! [Leuven's sailing community](https://www.sailingcommunity.be/) organizes together with IHL an indoor evening all about sailing. Do you lay awake at night wondering what makes Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Very Tasty? Are you dying to know the difference between lazy jacks, lazy lines and jackstays? Does your heart race at the sight of a green can buoy, but you don't quite know why? Basic Sailing Theory has your back! Join us for five thrilling Monday evenings (7–9 pm) where we’ll bravely tackle some issues relating to weather, navigation, seamanship, rules of the road, chart work, safety at sea, and more. If you wish to be a bit less confused on your first sailing trip — drop by on the following dates: March 9 & 23 April 13 & 20 May 4 Location: IHL, Tiensevest 60, Leuven Price: Free!! You can attend any one session, a few of them, or all of them, but there will be a bit of a build-up and we'll start each lesson from where we left off, so it is advisable to go all-in. The IMO won't come knocking on your door if you don't, though. Registration is mandatory. Prior knowledge is absolutely not. There will be homework. This group is led by some friendly international sailors, that want to share their passion and connect people with similar interests. Don't hesitate to come and learn or even add your own expertise! About the volunteer for this series: **Maija** will be the lead of the Basic Sailing Theory series. Born and raised in Siberia, in the heart of the world's largest landmass, about 2000 km from the nearest ocean, she dreamed of sailing ever since she learned that countries have laws and oceans are not countries. Drawn to what felt like the last wild and lawless frontier, she started sailing three years ago. After covering several thousand miles at sea, she has learned that water demands more constraint, discipline and respect for rules than land ever did. This is her first experimental attempt at sharing some of those rules.

**Tango Classes Every Monday at Tangobar El Lunes!** Embark on a tango journey with our weekly classes guided by passionate and experienced instructors, Sandrina Dh and Daniele Galiazzo. * **Beginners Class (18:00-19:10):** Perfect for those intrigued by tango and eager to take their first steps into this beautiful dance form. * **Intermediate & Advanced Class (19:20-20:30):** Ideal for dancers seeking to perfect their movements, embellishments, and learn new sequences to enhance their dance. *Important:* Always arrive 10 minutes in advance for registration. *Pricing:* * Single lesson: €15 * 10 lessons (membership card\*): €125 (valid for 3 months), with a €10 discount on your next pass purchase (must be prior to the expiration of your current pass). Feel free to share this invitation with anyone interested in the authentic tango experience, Tango Rioplatense! See you in class on Monday night! *\*\*\*Join us at Tango Bar El Lunes, located at Dublin 13, 1050 Bruxelles.For more information, please contact us at info@detangosetrata.com or* *WhatsApp Sandrina +32 473 503405* *We look forward to seeing you at our Monday night milonga and tango classes!*

Rejoins-nous pour découvrir le Touch Rugby sous le signe du sport, du fun et de la convivialité ! 🏉 Que tu sois débutant·e curieux·se, joueur·se occasionnel·le ou habitué·e des terrains, ce rendez-vous est ouvert à toutes et tous. Le touch rugby est un sport en plein essor sans plaquage, accessible, dynamique mais aussi inclusif et fun sur et en dehors des terrains. 💙 ✨ Au programme : * Échauffement collectif * Exercices et jeux * Développement de la condition physique * Bonne humeur, esprit d’équipe et fair-play 🎯 Venez bouger, vous amuser et partager un bon moment ensemble ! 👉 Ramène ta tenue de sport, de l’eau, et surtout ta motivation. On s’occupe du reste 💪 À très vite sur le terrain !

Drinking & Networking in Brussels. For newcomers, temporary in town - couch surfers and regulars to meet & socialize. What a better day to start the week than drinking & socializing starting on Monday evening?

De Odoo Academy zijn reeksen gratis eendaagse opleidingen waarbij deelnemers rechtstreeks kunnen leren van onze ervaren experts. Bent u op zoek naar manieren om het beheer van uw medewerkers te optimaliseren, van hun rekrutering tot hun professionele ontwikkeling? Wilt u al uw HR-processen centraliseren op één platform? Dan is deze opleiding iets voor u! Schrijf u gratis in via: [https://www.odoo.com/r/Kr5](https://www.odoo.com/r/Kr5) —---------------------------------------------------------------------- Praktische informatie: Waar? Odoo Antwerpen – Roderveldlaan 3 – 2600 Antwerpen Wanneer? 20 april 2026 van 9:00 tot 17:00 Inschrijving? [https://www.odoo.com/r/Kr5](https://www.odoo.com/r/Kr5) Prijs? Gratis! We kijken ernaar uit u talrijk te verwelkomen en u te ontmoeten!

Join me and our small group of yogis for a Monday evening reset at Santosha Yoga Studio (Meiser)! 🧘‍♀️ Every Monday from 20:00–21:00 we move through a gentle flow designed to release tension after a long day, especially if you spend hours sitting at a desk. We begin with an energizing sequence to wake up the body, add a small playful challenge to build strength and confidence, and then slow down into calming stretches and guided relaxation. The class is open to all levels, and you’re invited to move at your own pace and make the practice truly yours. Come as you are and leave feeling lighter, calmer, and ready for whatever the week brings. The class is taught in English. Mats and blocks are available at the studio. More information: [https://santosha.be/profs/tereza-topkova](https://santosha.be/profs/tereza-topkova)

VERY IMPORTANT: Payment MUST be done in advance: [https://japansetuin.hasselt.be/nl/kamishibai-festival](https://japansetuin.hasselt.be/nl/kamishibai-festival) Click “tickets kamishibai” Then change the date in the form to 26/4 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Let’s take a small break from the noise and step into something calmer. We’ll meet in the main hall of are centrale, and go together for a relaxed walk through one of the largest Japanese gardens in Europe. Expect quiet paths, water, bridges, seasonal colors, and a very different pace. This is not a “guided tour” or a workout. Just a simple moment to slow down, walk, breathe, and connect—with the place and with each other. You’re welcome to come alone or with guests, meet new people, and just enjoy the atmosphere if that’s what you need. 👉 We’ll move slowly, stop when it feels right, maybe sit for a bit, or do some Qigong and maybe share a tea/coffee after **Practical:** * Meeting point: Gare centrale Bruxelles, train departs 9.12 to Hasselt. * Duration: You're free to leave whenever you feel like it * Bring: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing * Optional: water, tea, or something small to share No pressure, no performance. Just a good moment. Stephan The Happy Body

Join us for one of the **most beautiful and underrated hikes in Belgium** — a stunning adventure through the **Furfooz Nature Reserve and the Lesse Valley**, starting directly from the train station. This is a **perfect nature escape from Brussels — no car needed 🚆** ## 🥾 The Experience We’ll follow a **~14–15 km loop hike (4–5 hours) **through: - 🌿 The** Furfooz Natural Park **(protected reserve) - 🪨 Limestone cliffs with panoramic views over the Lesse - 🕳️ Prehistoric caves and unique rock formations - 🏰 The spectacular** Walzin Castle**, perched dramatically on a cliff - 🌳 Forest trails, riverside paths & scenic viewpoints 👉 The route is** moderate (332m elevation) **— expect some climbs, but very rewarding views. ## 🚆 Easy Access (No Car Needed) We’ll take the train from Brussels to: 📍** Gendron-Celles station** 👉 From there, the hike starts directly — we’ll follow the Lesse river and head toward Furfooz and Walzin. 💡 The route is well marked and follows a mix of forest paths and scenic trails along the river. A** WhatsApp group **will be created to coordinate: - Train timing - Meeting point at the station - Live updates on the day ## 🍻 Optional stop If timing allows, we may stop for: - 🍺 A drink along the way - Or after the hike in the area (Depending on group pace and timing) ## 💰 Costs - 🌿 Entrance to Furfooz Reserve:** €6 **(paid directly on-site) - 🧭 Sunday Vacations organising fee: - Explorer:** €5** - Voyager / Ambassador:** FREE **(use your code) - 🚆 Train ticket: at your own expense ## ⚠️ Important - ❌ Dogs not allowed in the reserve - 🥾 Good hiking shoes required - ⚠️ Moderate level — not suitable for very low fitness - ⏱️ We keep a group pace (not a race, not too slow) ## 📍 Logistics - Departure: morning from Brussels - Meeting point:** Shuman Train Station** - Return: late afternoon / early evening 👉 Full details shared in the** WhatsApp group** ## 🎟️ Participation Most Sunday Vacations events are** members-only**. 👉 Join here: [https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) Membership starts at** €5/year** ## ✨ Why join? Because this is one of those places where people say: “I had no idea Belgium had landscapes like this.”

A once-in-a-lifetime trek through rhododendron forests, mountain villages and Himalayan giants-ending at Annapurna Base Camp. Join a small team of motivated trekkers and make your steps count. **What this is** From **April 23 (in _Kathmandu_!) to May 3 2026** (we’re gathering a small group of fellow adventurers for an unforgettable Himalayan trek to Annapurna Base Camp (3,900m) - a classic route that blends jaw-dropping mountain scenery with warm local culture, hearty teahouse nights, and that unbeatable feeling of earning every view. This isn’t a race. It’s a shared adventure: early starts, crisp mountain air, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and days spent walking beneath some of the world’s most majestic peaks. **Dates**: 23 April - 3 May 2026 **Start/Finish**: Kathmandu → Pokhara → Trek → Pokhara → Kathmandu **Trek level**: Moderate+ (good fitness required) **Distance/Altitude**: ~65 km trekking, up to 3,900m **Why you’ll love it** Picture this: Sunrise spilling over snow-covered ridges Stone steps winding through terraced hillsides Suspension bridges above rushing rivers Teahouses glowing with warmth at night The dramatic amphitheatre of Annapurna towering above you at base camp Nepal has a way of making the world feel bigger—and your worries smaller. **The route** (high level itinerary) Day 1 – Kathmandu: arrive + visit a Sense International project We begin in Kathmandu and, importantly, visit a local project connected to the charity we’re fundraising for. Day 2 – Kathmandu → Pokhara Travel to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara—gateway to the Annapurnas. Day 3 – Start trekking: Nayapul → Ghandruk (1,950m) A strong opening day through villages and mountain trails, finishing in the charming Gurung village of Ghandruk. Day 4 – Ghandruk → Chomrong (2,040m) A classic Annapurna day: forest paths, stone steps, and our first big mountain panoramas. Day 5 – Chomrong → Bamboo (2,310m) We head deeper into the valley as the scenery becomes more rugged and dramatic. Day 6 – Bamboo → Himalayan Hotel (2,920m) A steady climb into higher terrain—cooler air, bigger peaks, and that growing “we’re really doing this” feeling. Day 7 – Himalayan Hotel → Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3,700m) We reach MBC beneath the iconic “Fishtail” peak—thin air, huge views, big excitement. Day 8 – Machhapuchhare BC → Annapurna Base Camp (3,900m) + descend to Bamboo Summit day (in trekking terms): we reach Annapurna Base Camp, soaking in the towering south face of Annapurna and surrounding giants—then start descending. Day 9 – Bamboo → Jhinu Danda (1,780m) (hot springs optional!) We drop to warmer altitudes and, time permitting, reward ourselves with a soak in the natural hot springs. Day 10 – Jhinu Danda → Pokhara + celebration dinner Return to Pokhara, shower like champions, and celebrate. Day 11 – Pokhara → Kathmandu Back to Kathmandu for the final night. **Who should join** You love hiking and want a real adventure with a supportive group You’re happy with multi-day trekking and teahouse living You can train a bit beforehand (weekend hikes, stairs, cardio) together with the rest of the group You want your travel to mean something beyond the photos Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a motivated first-time Himalayan trekker, you’ll fit right in if you bring a good attitude and a willingness to be challenged. **The purpose (and why it matters)** This trek is also a fundraising challenge for Sense International, which supports deafblind children in Nepal—helping them access communication, education, and support so they can thrive rather than be isolated. We’ll be raising funds alongside the trek, and every step we take is dedicated to building a better future for children who face a far greater daily challenge than any mountain trail. If you’re in: come for the Himalayas, the team spirit, and the chance to turn an unforgettable adventure into a concrete impact. **Interested? **Hit Join and drop a comment with: your hiking background (even if it’s “enthusiastic beginner”) what excites you most about Nepal whether you’re open to supporting the fundraising goal as part of the adventure Let’s earn our views—and make them count.

Let’s shake off the Thursday blues with some easy kilometers. This is a no-drop social run designed to keep the heart rate down and the vibes high. 📍 The Details Meetup: 18:55 (for a quick briefing) Start Time: 19:00 sharp Meeting Point: Under the Arch 🏛️ 👟 Target Pace: 6:30 – 7:00 min/km Distance: 5.0 km Effort Level: Conversational. If you can't speak in full sentences, we're going too fast! 📝 Note Please ensure you have "active" lights or reflective gear, as it’ll be dark by the time we finish. No Bag/Sweater Drop

We do cycles of 4-6 weeks, with a progressive intensity, and the last session is lighter. Program: 15’ warm up **To be defined** Cool down to get back to the starting point… or more S=All out sprint RF = Run fast, at MAS (Maximum aerobic speed) CF = Run comfortably fast (1h threshold) J = Jog, recuperation Notes: It should take about one hour in total, as the cool down will end when we reach back to the meeting point. It's NOT required to have an activity tracker or smart watch to be able to follow the program, as I'll be giving signals with a whistle. For the "run" part, you can follow your own pace and we'll be regrouping in the "jog" part. Intervals training is not advised for total beginners. To have an idea, the average pace at the warm up is around 5'45"/km-6'/km so this pace should feel very comfortable ***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.

Join Sunday Vacations for a cozy Saturday brunch at **Aksum Coffee House**, one of Brussels’ most beautiful cafés, where rich Ethiopian coffee, fresh Moroccan crêpes, and vibrant international vibes meet in perfect harmony. This is more than just brunch, it’s a relaxed way to start your weekend, meet new people, and enjoy a soulful spot full of stories and flavors. ### 📍 Where? **Aksum Coffee House – Galeries Sainte Hubert (Just a few steps from Grand Place) ### 🕚 When? **Saturday at 11:30 AM** Come hungry, curious, and ready to mingle! ### 🍽️ What’s on the menu? ☕ Fresh-roasted Ethiopian coffee 🥞 Moroccan-style crêpes & artisan pastries 🥚 Tasty brunch dishes (vegetarian options too) 🧾 Everyone pays their own order at the counter. ### 👋 Who’s joining? Expect a mix of international professionals, friendly locals, and Sunday Vacations regulars. Solo? New in town? Come anyway, this is the perfect place to connect. --- 🧡 **Limited spots** – RSVP early to secure your place at the table. By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

Shake off the workday and train with a welcoming crew of internationals and Brussels professionals. This is a **co-hosted session with F45 Brussels**—fast, fun, and coached circuit training that fits perfectly after work. **Why join?** * **Community vibe:** Friendly, social, in English. * **All levels welcome:** Coaches demo every move with **easier/harder options**. * **Time-smart:** 45 minutes, full-body, high energy, great music. * **Accountability:** Come with the group, leave with endorphins. **What we’ll do** 1. Quick intro & warm-up 2. **F45 functional circuits** (intervals that mix strength + cardio) 3. Team finisher & cool down 4. Optional post workout social drink/rooftop bowling nearby (meet new people, not just new burpees 😉) **Good to know** * **When:** Thursday, **6:30 PM start** (arrive 6:15 to check in) * **Where:** **F45 Brussels** (Brussels Central Station) Galeries Ravenstein * **Bring:** Clean trainers, towel, water bottle * **Fitness level:** Beginner to advanced (scalable stations) * **Capacity:** Limited spots — **RSVP required** * **Price:** Free weekly tryout **Who this is for** * New in Brussels and want a **friendly fitness + social** routine * Busy professional looking for a **structured, coached** workout * Sunday Vacations regulars who want to stay fit for hikes & trips **About F45** F45 = **Functional 45-minute training**: coach-led, station-based, results-driven. Expect variety, technique tips, and a positive team atmosphere. See you on the floor at 6:30! 💪🏽✨ By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Hike approx 4.0 miles at approx. 17 minute mile pace. Meet in front of the Nature Center.

Let’s walk the gardens and enjoy what has spring has on display.

Hike approx 4.0 miles at approx. 18 minute mile pace. Meet in front of the Nature Center.

We will hike the Ridge Trail and Meadows Trail twice, for a total of 3.8 miles. There are some pretty good inclines so plan on getting a cardio workout :). This is a loop which is pretty easy to follow; thus faster walkers can take the lead and the rest (like me) will bring up the rear at a slightly slower pace. You could also just do the loop once for 1.9 miles. No one left behind. Optional lunch to follow in Canal Winchester. I'm working through the metro parks - this is the third one!