Book Swap

**In Italy, language is learned at the table.** We speak while we cook. We correct while we taste. We share while we eat. **The Language Cooking Lab is an immersive evening where complete beginners learn the fundamentals of Italian while preparing an authentic Italian dish; tonight will be Pasta alla Carbonara — guided by an Italian professional chef with a background in language teaching.** This is not a lecture. This is not a demonstration. It is hands-on, voice-on, pan-on. *** ## **La Carbonara — The Roman Way** We prepare Carbonara as it is done in Rome: * Guanciale * Eggs * Pecorino Romano * Freshly cracked black pepper * Pasta **No cream. No shortcuts.** You will learn: * Proper timing and temperature control * How to create the creamy texture without scrambling * The cultural story behind the dish **Carbonara is simple.** **Simplicity requires precision.** *** ## **What You Will Learn** Designed for complete beginners. You will practice: * **Italian pronunciation basics** * **Essential greetings and introductions** * **Core kitchen vocabulary** * **Action verbs in real time** * **Simple useful sentences** You will not memorize long lists. You will speak while stirring. Movement builds memory. *** ## **Structure of the Evening** **1\. Foundations \(15 minutes\)** Pronunciation and key phrases. **2\. Cook & Speak \(60 minutes\)** Step-by-step cooking with integrated vocabulary and guided repetition. **3\. Tavola Italiana \(30 minutes\)** Structured conversation at the table, with guided Italian-only moments. Because Italian is rhythm, tone, and presence. *** ## **The Host** An Italian professional chef with formal culinary training and experience teaching languages. You receive: * Authentic technique * Clear pedagogical structure * Proper pronunciation * Real cultural insight You are learning from someone who understands both craft and communication. *** ## **Location** **The session takes place in a private house.** The exact address is shared after confirmation inside our WhatsApp group. Please introduce yourself, request to join here and rsvp here= **https://chat.whatsapp.com/F2hTxZ4TT3hHICiihX1Efy** A home setting ensures: * A real kitchen environment * Limited group size * Intimacy and comfort This is a curated cultural gathering, not a rented event space. *** ## **Participant Selection** Participants are screened before confirmation. We prioritize: * Respectful individuals * Genuine learners * People comfortable in a private-home setting Disruptive or inappropriate behavior is not tolerated. **Hospitality is sacred.** **Respect is expected.** *** ## **Contribution** A €10 contribution per person will be collected at the event to expenses Accepted payment methods: * Payconiq * Revolut * Wise Cash if absolutely necessary. *** ## **Important Notes** This dish contains: * Pork * Eggs * Dairy Food allergies must be declared in advance. Cooking involves hot pans and sharp utensils. Participants are responsible for their own actions. You leave with: * Foundations in Italian * A properly executed Carbonara * A shared table experience * **Learn Italian.** **Cook Italian.** **Enjoy Together.**

Let's continue the tradition and play UNO, everybody is welcome :) If you're on the waitlist please check your messages, especially on Sunday. If people drop off last minute I tend to message people on the waitlist to see who can come. We'll be playing at the lobby of Radisson RED, Brussels. The address of the hotel is: Rue d'Idalie 35, 1050 Bruxelles My number is 0471 45 55 02. Feel free to call if you cannot solve a physics question, cannot find the place or simply need a hug. I have quickly written a set of rules on how we play. It is assumed that the reader has a basic concept of the game. *** Setup: * Each player starts with 6 or 7 cards each (depending on total number of players) * A card is shown in play in the middle of everyone, this is known as the top card. Goal: * The goal of the game for each player is to get rid of all cards in your hand Rules: * Whenever you go from two cards to one card, you have to say "UNO". * Each player takes his turn one by one, initially going in the clock-wise direction * A card may be played if it matches the same colour or same number or same type as the top card in play * The two black cards (Draw 4 and Wild) can be played regardless of the top card in play. * Interruption rule: You may interrupt the general flow of the game (clockwise or counter-clockwise) if you have the EXACT same card as the top card in play. If you manage to play the card prior to the person whose turn it's supposed to be, then the game continues on from you in the same direction it was previously. (Unless the reverse card was interrupted, then the direction changes). * Draw2 or Draw4 cards can be played in accordance to the interruption rule. The following person after the interrupt has to take the accumulated number of cards. If however, cards have already been drawn AND seen by the person who was supposed to take the cards, then only the remainder of cards has to be drawn. * Once someone has no cards remaining in his hand, play stops and we start counting points. Points: * Number cards have the face value as the number of points. i.e. number 6 is worth 6 points, number 0 is worth 0 points, number 4 is worth 4 points. * Skip, reverse and Draw2 are worth 20 points each * Wild and draw4 are worth 50 points each

Do you want to become a confident public speaker? To connect and communicate better with others? And have fun? Come and join the 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 beginner. We are there to support you, to make you feel good about yourself and to help you learn in a way that's fun. Every event 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. After the meeting, we usually sit together and socialise at the hotel bar.

**Got boxes of common cards piling up?** **Looking for that one rare reverse holo to complete your set?** Come to our very first **Pokémon Bulk Card Swap** – a relaxed, friendly afternoon where we trade, talk, and turn our duplicates into new treasures. No pressure, no sales tables, just fans helping fans. *** ### 🔁 How it works 1. **Bring your bulk** – common, uncommon, reverse holos, energy cards, even code cards. *(Keep your expensive stuff at home – this is for trading, not selling.)* 2. **Spread them out** 3. **Swap fair and square** – take what you need, leave something of equal value behind. *(We trust you. This runs on honesty and good vibes.)* 4. **Hang out** – chat about your collections, your pulls, and your favourite Pokémon memories. ### 👥 Who can join? Everyone! Whether you've got 50 cards or 5000. Whether you're a competitive player, a casual collector, or just getting started – you're welcome here. ### ⚠️ A few ground rules * No selling – trading only. * No stealing – we're here to build community, not drama. * Keep it friendly – if a trade feels uneven, just say "no thanks" and move on. *** ### 💬 Questions? Drop a comment below or DM me directly. Let's make some space in our binders and find new homes for cards that deserve to be seen. **Let's swap, chat, and celebrate Pokémon together.** ✨

6th April is a holiday ! So why not having a full afternoon of gaming there on that day ? If you feel likewise, then join this event! Unlike most of our events, this is a more improvised one : some attendees bring their games, and we decide on the spot what we'll play. You may also post your ideas of what you want to bring/play in the comments, to gauge interest among the participants. Outpost opens at 11:30, so you may come from that time, but you can also come a bit later if you wish. No real ending time, you may leave whenever you feel like to ! **Please RSVP to this event if you wish to come**. Do not come without having done so. It makes it easier to plan that way. Although you can arrive at any time, **please post your estimated time of arrival in the comments**. It will make it easier to organise the tables that way. **Don't forget to unsubscribe from the event if you aren't able to come.** Someone else might take your place in that case. Don't block it if you don't come.

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 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!

A late posting but for those who are still free on Monday let's go for a hike from **Testelt to Aarschot** (\~21km, 160m elevation). We will return to the wetlands in the north-east of Vlaams-Brabant, not too far from Brussels, and explore an area we didn't visit for some time. At the end, we will hopefully find somewhere for an (optional) drink in Aarschot before taking the train back to Brussels. **The weather forecast is sunny and 14C, but prepared for a shower just in case. The path may be muddy and slippery in places so wear good shoes, preferably walking boots.** **We will walk at an average speed of 5km/h. This is quite fast.** We will walk both on paved and unpaved roads. I’ve never walked this route before, so it’s possible there are some mistakes in the planning. **You can find the GPX track here:** [https://mapy.com/s/relasemepa](https://mapy.com/s/relasemepa) (I may still update the route a bit) **Meeting point and train** We will meet outside Starbucks in **Brussels Central station at 09:00**. The train **T18022 (Bierges-Walibi & Ottignies)** leaves from **platform 3 at 9:12** (you can also join this train at Brussels Zuid at 9:07 or Brussels Noord at 9:18). We arrive in Leuven at **9:35** change on to the **IC 2608 (Aarschot & Genk),** leaving from platform 8 at 9:43. It arrives in Aarschot at 10:06. **Train tickets** \- Single Brussels to Testelt\, € 8 or € 4\.80 with Train\+ \- Single Aarschot to Brussels\, € 6\.90 or € 4\.20 with Train\+ You probably want to buy the Train+ card for the price of € 6 (1 month) or € 48 (12 months). It can be bought in the SNCB/NMBS app or at ticket machines. **Train back to Brussels** There are connections at xx:14 and xx:36 from Aarchot to Brussels, changing in Leuven and taking \~42 minutes to Central station. **Specifics** Distance: \~21 km Elevation gain: \~160 m Net walking time: \~5h Level: ***Easy*** **In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even a few hours before the event. If this happens, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out a message to those registered. So, it is important to have access to either the [Meetup.com](http://Meetup.com) website and/or your email.** **What to bring** **\- lunch \- we will *not* stop at a cafe/restaurant for lunch** \- comfortable hiking clothes – waterproof hiking shoes \- extra socks to change \+ compeed for blisters \- water \(min 2l\) and enough food for the breaks \- sun protection oil\, a head and sunglasses OR a raincoat (please consult the weather forecast on [www.meteo.be](http://www.meteo.be/)) \- mosquito/tick repellent \- some money for drinks/snacks/etc **Basic rules** The number of participants is limited, so make sure that you RSVP only if you really intend to come. If your plans change, update your RSVP asap. This is basic courtesy towards others. Last day cancellations, no-shows and Internet warriors are not appreciated. Only people whose name appears on the main list may come to the hike. **Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability** You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you choose to take part. As participation in this event 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. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability.

Dear attendees, the chosen book is "My sister, the serial killer" by Oyinkan Braithwaite. Some rules: 1\. the book discussion takes place in English\. 2\. the number of participants will be limited\, so please keep your RSVP updated\. This is important and respectful for the people that may be on the waiting list\. Participation cost: 1€ to cover Premium membership of the MeetUp platform

Need some quiet time for reading? Want to share the experience with others? Join us at the charming venue of The Sister Café to read in the company of others. It’s alone, but also together, get it? We read for an hour and a half, then chat over a drink. This is a free activity except for the price of the drinks you're consuming.

Would you like to improve your language skills and networking in a casual atmosphere? This event is for you! All languages welcome! Everyone is welcome! The aim is to speak with native/fluent speakers of your target language(s). You'll be around all types of people throughout the whole event. We will be in a private area. A great atmosphere is guaranteed! You'll have to order a drink to attend the event 😀 Don't hesitate to contact us for any further information

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

Welcome, everyone, to a delectable foodie meetup where you'll embark on a journey to master the art of crafting authentic Indian dishes, tailored to your dietary preferences—be it **vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free.** Immerse yourself in the rich aroma of Indian herbs as we guide you through these culinary adventures. Our cooking workshops promise to transport your taste buds across India's diverse regions—North, East, West, and South—bringing to your kitchen the vibrant flavours that define each corner of our country. No longer will you need to venture out to savour the exquisite tastes of India; now, you can recreate them in the comfort of your own home. As the age-old Indian proverb attests, "The finest Indian food is crafted within one's own kitchen." While patience is a virtue in the culinary world, fear not, for patience is precisely what we'll impart here. Over the course of 2 to 2.5 hours, you'll gain mastery over a variety of Indian culinary delights. And to conclude, you'll have the delightful opportunity to share your creations with your loved ones, taking the essence of India's culinary heritage beyond our meetup. Join us for an unforgettable experience where you'll not only learn to cook but also unravel the secrets of Indian cuisine. Your culinary journey starts here! **Let's Embrace Eco-Friendliness** In our commitment to the environment, we have a small favor to ask. While we do offer takeaway containers for your culinary creations, we also invite you to contribute to our sustainability efforts. If you're able, consider bringing along your own 200-250 ml container for the takeaway portion. By doing so, we can collectively take a step towards reducing plastic usage and minimizing our ecological footprint. **FAQ:** * **What does this workshop covers?** At our culinary gatherings, this workshop is designed as a complete meal experience. It features one main dish accompanied by either Indian Chai (tea), bread, rice, or chutney. * **What's on the Menu?** The excitement lies in the surprise! We reveal the dish you'll be cooking 24 hours before the scheduled workshop. This allows us to take note of any food allergies or preferences you might have, ensuring a personalised and memorable experience. Our commitment to variety means we'll never repeat a dish for our loyal participants. * **What to Bring?** All you need to bring is your enthusiasm! Your presence is what truly counts and adds flavour to the workshop. * **How to make the Payment?** Our approach to payment is rooted in building relationships. We value your experience and trust. At the heart of our ethos is your satisfaction, and we're delighted to offer you these payment choices after each workshop. You have three convenient options for making your payment: * Bancontact (QR Code Scan) * Bank Transfer * Cash **Parking:** * Don't worry, it's free parking on the street. **Price Per Person:** * **Single Workshop - € 28** * **6 workshops (\~9 % discount): € 153** (Effective **€ 25,5 per workshop**) - **Valid for 4 months** * **12 workshops (\~20 % discount): € 269** (Effective **€ 22,5 per workshop**) - **Valid for 8 months** **Follow/Visit us:** * [Sanjha Rasoi Website](https://www.sanjharasoi.com/) * [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sanjharasoi/) * [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sanjharasoi/) (hashtag: #sanjharasoi) * [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@sanjharasoi) * [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjharasoi/) * [Google Search](https://www.google.com/search?q=sanjha+rasoi) Please do like or comment once you have experienced our services. **Terms and Conditions:** We provide full professional guidance/assistance to help you prepare the food. However, please do read the following terms on cooking and also, by giving an RSVP, you adhere to following terms and conditions: * Any food allergy must be declared by the member before starting/collecting the workshop/take away box. We are not liable if not declared. * A workshop can involve cooking with hot oil/utensils and we can only provide guidance on how to be careful. * Some workshop may involve knives for cutting vegetables/ingredients and we can only provide guidance on how to be careful. * Members will be liable for their own actions. **Cancellation Policy:** * Free cancellation is possible up to 48 hours (for individual) and 72 hours (for private or group) before the scheduled workshop. * Cancellation between 48 hours and 24 hours will be charged at 33 % of the cost. * Cancellation in less than 24 hours will be charged at 50 % of the cost. * No refund on "NO-SHOW".

Would you like to improve your language skills and networking in a casual atmosphere? This event is for you! All languages welcome! Everyone is welcome! The aim is to speak with native/fluent speakers of your target language(s). You'll be around all types of people throughout the whole event. We will be in a private area. A great atmosphere is guaranteed! You'll have to order a drink to attend the event 😀 Don't hesitate to contact us for any further information

Do you enjoy reading and looking at cookbooks? Do you also happen to own a few? Then bring a book (or two) and join us at Fika Lab for a fun informal discussion about our favourite cookbooks and what makes them special. This is also a fun opportunity to look at cookbooks from different countries and learn about other cultures! Feel free to bring English-language or any other language cookbooks. ***Please note:*** *As this event is at Fika Lab, we ask that you purchase a drink or something to eat :)* This event can host a maximum of 12 people. This event is organized by Leuven Cooking Club, a social group for cooking enthusiasts, with support from the International House Leuven.

This Month's Book: *On A Sunbeam* by Tillie Walden Join us for discussion at the Granville Public Library from 6 to 7pm. Follow us on Instagram: @granvillepridebookclub

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

Let's bedazzle some books while we discuss our April pick: Bloodguard by Cecy Robson! Book description: One hundred years. Tens of thousands of gladiators. And today, only one will rise… Everything in the Kingdom of Arrow is a lie. Leith of Grey thought coming to this new land and volunteering to fight in the gladiator arena—vicious, bloodthirsty tournaments where only the strongest survive—would earn him enough gold to save his dying sister. He thought there was nothing left to lose. He was wrong—and they took everything. His hope. His freedom. His very humanity. All Leith has left is his battle-scarred body, fueled by rage and hardened from years of fighting for the right to live another day. Then Leith meets Maeve, an elven royal who is everything he despises. Everything he should hate. Until the alluring princess offers him the one thing he needs most: a chance to win the coveted title of Bloodguard—and his freedom. But in a kingdom built on secrets and lies, hope doesn’t come cheap. Nor will his ultimate revenge… Event: Please bring your own book, journal, bookmarks, etc to bedazzle. If you have bedazzling supplies, please bring them as well. I will supply gems, glue, and picker tools, but if you have certain colors in mind, you may want to bring your own.

* 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.

Join us for our April Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Stop Me if You've Heard This One](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/stopmeifyouveheardthisone)* by [Kristen Arnett](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/about) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

We’ll be having a game night! Bring a game, snack, drink or just yourself!

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*