Cultures et langues slaves

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.

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

Brussels is Europe’s heart, and our meetup is its friendly beat. [[ Whatsapp groupchat link to join ]](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G3WOUobqXjW1KWB65McSJi) Join us Saturdays at 7:30 PM for a language and culture exchange like no other. With attendees in their 20s and 30s from across the globe, it’s where ideas and friendships flourish. Let’s connect over words and waffles.

FOREST PLAY (11h-13h) The Forest Play - sessions are inclusive, nurturing and natural reconnecting events, focussing on restoring or replenishing energy, the sense of joy and personal perspective by interacting (and playing) with nature's healing elements. Combining tension-releasing stretches, easy flow-restoring exercises (using trees, branches, logs, stones, hills...), doing silent or touch meditations and playful authentic relating games, we're able to get in touch with our inner-child and start to feel free, open-hearted, unassuming and adventurous again, bringing back the joy and vitality we all carry deeply within, but often believed to have been lost. Our hearts gradually open and start reconnecting again. The 2h-sessions focus on gradually increasing physical resilience, but include emotional and energetic aspects as well to restore general holistic balance in body, mind and spirit. There is no competitive stake to it, there are no extremes or high-intensity actions involved. But we do play gently with our personal comfort zones, sliding in and out, at times challenging our personal beliefs, convictions and limitations. These edges are where the real learning takes place, so take note. The sessions have powerful therapeutic value. They are developed, customised and guided by specialised trauma therapist Ken Christiaens. All exercises, while feeling light and fun, have a foundation in trauma and tension-releasing therapies, with elements of inner child work, constellations, reiki, NLP, somatic work, role/game play and meditation. Nature's increased healing potential (forest bathing) is fully being harnessed here. For more info on the therapeutic practice of Ken, please visit: www.nieuwegrond.be PRACTICAL The Forest Play-session starts at 11h sharp and ends at 13h. It costs 18e to participate. Meeting and end-point is always Parking Forest Playground Everzwijnbad, Weertsedreef 8-10, Oud-Heverlee (please read location description well, Google Maps can be a bit tricky). You actually might get a bit dirty and sweaty at some point, please prepare for outdoor nature workout: sporty shoes with ribs, sporty clothes, maybe a small towel (feet might get dirty or wet) or anything you feel comfortable with. Regarding the payment: You will be asked to transfer 18e to Ken's account beforehand or bring it on the day itself. Your participation is only confirmed if you have confirmed the payment as well. The event will be cancelled only when the weather really doesn't allow it. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask via personal message. We hope to see and connect with you there!

**International House Leuven** organizes a coffee morning for those of you who like to chat and meet some friendly (new) faces. It's also a good place to ask questions, get answers and find out about what’s happening in Leuven. Our coffee morning is what you make it. So pop in and out whenever you like, see who is there, and say hi! Other than meeting on Friday mornings every two weeks at the IHL house, for this edition we will meet on a **Saturday every two weeks**, so that those who work during the week have a chance to come! Who's "we"? Well it varies a bit, but this time it will be volunteers from the IH, Zeba and/or Georgi! ​ The practicalities: \- the coffee morning goes for 2 hours\, for the exact time check the event details\. Feel free to pop in and out at any point\, no need to stay the entire time if that doesn't suit your own timing\. \- The location is stated in the event details\. Any changes will be communicated via MeetUp and the WhatsApp group on the day of\.\.\.\. \- ask the event volunteer at the event to be added to the Whatsapp group for future updates \- We will **limit the group size** because the cafe has limited seating, so please register so we know how many people are coming (and please respect your reservation, AKA cancel if you can no longer come :) ) Be aware that we cannot make a group reservation, so we may have to split up between a few tables. Hope to see you at this special coffee morning weekend edition!

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)

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.

Glad to organise a film meetup for this tender astonishing heart breaking yet at peace documentary by the Belgian director Caroline Guimbal. An extract from her description: « My mother Nathalie will die in two years. My son will be born in nine months. From the past remains a spiral of violence and precarity we still have to decipher. But also the strength of my mother, and the poetry in her way of being in the world. By filming her, I learn to see through her eyes. » This is in French with English subtitles. Let’s meet in front of the ticket office, inside though I recommend you buy the tickets online. Afterwards, let’s go for a drink to recover from the film :)

For our first event, we’re going to make the most out of this beautiful weather and gather in the heart of the Forêt de Soignes. We’ll meet at the Quatre Bras (Vier Armen) tram stop and walk together towards a bench in the forest (about a 45-minute walk). The walk is part of the experience, a chance to slow down, breathe, and let the forest help us unwind before we begin. Once we arrive, we’ll start the meeting. I’ll share a selection of photos with the group (and you’re very welcome to bring one of your own). The photos are simply there to gently spark memories and stories that may be waiting to be expressed. From there, we’ll move into a session of speaking and active listening, with no interruptions. I’ll explain the structure more clearly once we’re together. For now, here are the main things to keep in mind: ● Please listen to others without interrupting. Let’s create a space that feels kind and respectful. ● Come with an open heart and a willingness to share something you’ve experienced, even if you’re not quite sure what that is yet (that’s what the photos are for). Your story doesn’t have to be deep, this isn’t a storytelling performance. What matters most is that you’re genuine. And if something deep wants to be shared, that’s very welcome too. ● If at any point you feel uncomfortable, you don’t have to speak. There’s no pressure. ● You’re welcome to bring something to drink, but no food please, this helps us keep a calm and attentive atmosphere while others are sharing. ● Please try to be on time, as we won’t be able to wait once we start walking. If you’re running late, just send me a message via Meetup and I’ll share the exact location of the bench so you can join us there. ● This is our first event, so we’re doing our best to keep it organized while still allowing space for spontaneity. Looking forward to sharing this first gathering with you. Hopefully, this will be a time of real human connection! I'll be glad to answer any questions you might have :)

✨ Atelier — Votre Huile Majestueuse Et si votre parfum vous révélait à vous-même ? Dans cet atelier, vous créerez de vos mains votre propre huile parfumée — une formule vivante et personnelle, guidée par une lecture olfactive de votre féminité sacrée. Car les huiles essentielles ont ce pouvoir rare : elles ne font pas que dire qui nous sommes, elles nous ramènent à nous-mêmes. Par leur action subtile et profonde, elles rééquilibrent ce qui a été bousculé, et invitent l’âme à retrouver sa paix et son harmonie. C’est bien plus qu’un atelier de fabrication — c’est un rendez-vous avec vous-même, intime, sensible, et magique ✨ Prix : 30€

*🎟️ Ticket required to participate (QR code check-in)* Once a year… and only for a short moment… **Hallerbos turns into a surreal purple-blue carpet of wild flowers.** This is **one of the most beautiful natural sights in Belgium** — and we’re going to experience it together. 👉 Expect: nature, good vibes, great people, and a relaxed social atmosphere ⚠️ **This event happens only a few weeks per year and spots always fill fast** ## 🥾 The Plan - **12:30** – Optional brunch at *Time Off (Midi Station)* - **14:14** – Train from Brussels Midi - **14:24** – Arrival Halle + shuttle to Hallerbos - **Walk:** 7–9 km (easy & social pace) - **Duration:** ~2.5–3 hours (with photo & chill stops 📸) - Optional drink after 🍻 👉 You can also join directly at Hallerbos (details in WhatsApp group) ## 🌍 Who Joins? Our events bring together: - Expats 🌍 - Locals 🇧🇪 - Solo joiners (most people come alone!) 👉 **You don’t need to know anyone — you’ll meet people naturally** ## 💸 Participation **Not a member yet?** €10 Or join Sunday Vacations and save: - Explorer (starting at €5/year) → event price: €5 - Voyager (starting at €50/year) → Free - Ambassador (starting at €150/year) → Free 👉 Join here: [https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) ## ⚠️ Important - Stay on paths (bluebells are fragile 🌸) - Shoes may get muddy - Dress for Belgian weather 😄 ## 📲 WhatsApp Group Created before the event for: - live updates - exact meeting points - smooth coordination ## 🔥 Why You Should Join Because this is not just a walk. It’s one of those **“wow, I’m glad I came” moments** you remember… and the kind of people you meet make it even better. 👉 **Spots are limited — RSVP early to secure your place** **Sunday Vacations** Living the moment ✨

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.

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 !

Story Night is back with a new group of talented storytellers will share their stories to make you think, laugh and cry! **Story Night Brussels: an evening of connection and community through personal stories** Looking for a different kind of Saturday night? Join us for the one and only Story Night of Storytelling Brussels! Storytelling Brussels aims to create a space where we pause, connect, and experience our shared humanity through the power of stories. A space where everyday experiences become well-crafted narratives with meaning and impact. Stories that will make you laugh, cry, reflect, feel. Come with an open mind and leave with a full heart. **Event Details:** * Each storyteller has prepared a short (around 8 minutes) personal story. * **Venue**: the Bridge Theatre Studio; Chau. de Forest 83, St. Gilles * **Doors open 19:30.** Show starts at 20:00 (sharp!). More than just a show, we want to create a community around storytelling, so **we encourage you to come early**, socialize, and maybe meet new people! There will be music and drinks available at the bar. We are starting again at 8 pm to allow for more storytellers and not end too late! Please note that the **front door of the venue might be closed once the show starts**, as it’s a private space, so you might not be able to enter if you are too late! * Attention! We will be collecting **donations upon check-in at the door.** We recommend a donation of **10€/person**, but if you can't pay this at the moment, feel free to make a donation of your choice. All the earnings will go to compensate the performers (some of whom will be traveling long distances for this event) and organise more of these in the future. **Please bring cash**. * All stories will be told in **English** * We kindly ask you to be present and listen actively to the stories. But don't fear, we will also have time to have fun and chat in between, and some breaks to enjoy the bar! **Reservations**: it helps us a lot if you [RSVP through here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-night-connecting-through-personal-stories-tickets-1986118609225?lid=mhwkwiitinr1&utm_source=braze&utm_medium=ebml&utm_campaign=clpo_ceex_lcm_fad_mec_mc_mum_0_0_eventpublished&utm_term=Main_EventPublishedSubFree_HeroSummary_other%20feature%20usage&utm_content=e412e73b-f3c5-463c-af88-9aa6b8e94267__69c7948f688bf81f67b04ace587e740e__2cc6065c-8d9a-424d-a326-56cd04fcd4b9). Space is limited, so secure your spot by booking today! If in the end you cannot make it, please cancel your reservation so someone else might take your spot. Please note that if you haven’t arrived by the time the show starts, your spot might be given to someone else. **What is storytelling?** Sharing stories in front of an audience may well be the oldest form of art. This ancient oral tradition is experiencing a modern revival through organizations like The Moth in New York, the Mezrab in Amsterdam, or The Bear in Berlin. Now, it is Brussels’ turn! Though deeply connected to many other disciplines, storytelling is an artform on its own. It might make you laugh, but it's not stand-up comedy. It might make you think, but it's not a TED talk. It make help you heal, but it's not therapy. Ultimately, it's about connecting with each other, sharing and celebrating life. **Want to tell a story?** We believe everyone has a story to tell, and we welcome everyone who wants to dare! Previous performance experience is a plus, but **not necessarily required.** We simply ask you to fill up the form below and commit to respect the format (you will have priority if you have come to our shows before). Depending on the volume of applications we will contact you only when we find a spot for you, thank you for your understanding! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEI9BtS4uNOWhBtvV2nEtbjy8Y6POs2PWPbYvFX5cTGy7n8A/viewform?usp=dialog **Want to be updated about our events?** If you don't want to miss our next shows and keep up to date with our activities, **find us** **on Instagram @storytellingbrussels** Tired of social media? Sign up to our mailing list here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHgK8mRpp_3GiXO4l6bIugqGqe6l7bHGnjLJXEHyEEjYvOTw/viewform?usp=preview We kindly ask you to not take videos of the performers. Please note however that photos and videos may be taken by the organisation at the event to be used in promotion materials. If you do not wish to be included in photographs, please let us know on the day itself.

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism") Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war). Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia