Wilderness Hiking

Do you want to become a confident public speaker? To communicate better and connect? And have fun? Come and join the Atomium Toastmasters of Brussels. You'll find a supportive learn-by-doing environment. It doesn't matter if you are an experienced speaker or if you are a guest. We are there to support you, to make you feel good about yourself and to help you learn in a way that's fun. We have lovely Table Topic sessions (impromptu speeches) and 3 to 4 prepared speeches. Through practice, peer evaluation and educational tools, we learn how to present our messages effectively, concisely and professionally. And.. we are excited to welcome you on Monday. Entrance free on the first Monday of the month. Atomic Team

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 !

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)

Do you want to become a confident public speaker? To communicate better and connect? And have fun? Join **Dacia Toastmasters** for an inspiring evening of speeches, impromptu challenges and helpful feedback – all in a warm, international atmosphere. We are a supportive Toastmasters club where communication and leadership skills grow together – through practice, encouragement and community. Next meeting: 📅 First & Third Monday of the month 🕗 19:00 – 21:00 (doors open at 18:45) 📍 Marriott Courtyard Brussels EU Rue Joseph II / Jozef-II straat, 1000 Brussels (Conveniently located near metro Arts-Loi / Kunst-Wet) Why join **Dacia Toastmasters**? ✔️ Practise public speaking with prepared speeches and quick-thinking exercises ✔️ Improve your communication and leadership skills ✔️ Receive constructive feedback in a positive setting ✔️ Meet a vibrant, multilingual community Our meetings are in English with a taste of Romanian and open to everyone. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll find a place to grow. Guests are always welcome. Just bring your curiosity. 📩 RSVP now and join us for a memorable evening!

**LIMITED SEATS!!!** **🎶💃 Get Ready to Move, Groove & Feel Alive! 🕺🔥** **✨ Join Our LIVE workshop in Brussels on Bhangra Vaisakhi Special Edition – For All Ages! ✨** Feeling tired after work or school? Need a burst of energy and fun in your day? Our high-energy Bhangra dance classes are the perfect escape — full of music, movement, and pure joy, right from your home! **🌟 Why Join Me?** ✅ Easy-to-follow sessions ✅ Perfect for **kids, teens, and adults** ✅ Great way to stay **active, fit, and stress-free** ✅ Dance like a star – no experience needed! ✅ Learn iconic moves and upbeat routines Whether you're a student, a working professional, or a parent looking for a fun break — this class is for YOU! Let’s dance, laugh, and light up your day — **Bhangra style! 💥** ***P.S. - Planning a wedding or party?*** *If you're looking to **learn Indian dance for a special event**—be it a **wedding performance, sangeet choreography, or a fun group dance for a party**—we’ve got you covered! We offer tailored sessions to help you shine on your big day and create memories that last a lifetime.*

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?

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.

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)

🏃‍♂️ Sunday Vacations | Train Together, Finish Together Thinking about joining the **20km of Brussels on May 31st**… but don’t want to train alone? 👉 Join our **after-work training group** and prepare together in a fun, social, and motivating atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or already running regularly — **you’re welcome.** ## 🏳️ Follow Your Flag (Pace Groups) To keep things simple, we use the official **20km Brussels pacemaker system**: - 🟠 **Beginner (≈ 2h15)** Run/walk friendly — just aim to finish *🟣 **Steady (≈ 2h00)** Comfortable and regular pace - 🟢 **Intermediate (≈ 1h45)** Faster group for those who want a challenge 👉 Not sure? Start easy — you can switch anytime. ## 📊 Long Run Progression (Thursdays) We gradually build up to the race: 6 km → 8 km → 10 km → 12 km → 14 km → 16 km → 18 km 🔥 *lighter week before the race ## 🏁 Goal 📅 Sunday 31 May 2026 🎯 Run the 20km of Brussels — together ## 💡 What to expect - Friendly, international group 🌍 - No one left behind - Natural pace groups - Motivating and social vibe 👉 We start together, run in groups, and finish together. ## ☕ After the run Optional drink or snack — because it’s also about **meeting people and having fun** ## ⚠️ Practical info - Bring water - Wear proper running shoes - Join at your own responsibility - Beginners welcome ## 🌍 About Sunday Vacations We are a **Brussels-based community** organizing social activities, hikes, and trips. 👉 This training is part of our mission: **bringing people together through shared experiences** 🔥 Don’t train alone — join us and enjoy the journey to the 20km!

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

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 50+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) **Instagram** [https://www.instagram.com/frc_brussels](https://www.instagram.com/frc_brussels) **Global FRC**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

We will be walking through the forest for a little over 1 1/2 hours, silently, just noticing the world around us and inside us. The idea is to experience the magic of a different type of walking, The invitation is to slow down and notice what is going on inside you and around you. Very often people experience a closer connection with nature and with self, with sometimes surprising insights. *Please make sure you are fit enough to go the 4.5 km distance. We will be walking slowly, but we will not take any breaks.* We will be meeting at the Hermann Debroux Metro at **14h**. (Exit straight ahead after leaving the platform--on the Loxam side). If you RSVP as coming, please be on time. We will be starting our walk from there 5 min. after the hour sharp. There is the renovated Maison de Prieur at the exit of the forest where we could gather for a drink or a meal after our walk, depending on what you feel like. Looking forward to an inward adventure? Come and join us on **Saturday, April 25, at 14h** My phone number is 0472 92 11 76, in case you need to communicate with me.

**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.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

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!

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles so please wear your shoe of choice. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

Join us for one of our favorite hikes this Tuesday (4/21/26) at 6:30 pm as we hike the Hoover Dam Scenic Trail, starting at the west end of the dam. This hike includes some paved paths/roads along with some dirt trails, with a few beautiful views of the reservoir. Join us for this 2 mile hike, finding us in the parking lot at the corner of Sunbury and Smoke Burr.