Nerd Culture

'HOMEGOING' by Yaa Gyasi 'Two sisters with two very different destinies. One sold into slavery; one a slave trader's wife. The consequences of their fate reverberate through the generations that follow. Taking us from the Gold Coast of Africa to the cotton-picking plantations of Mississippi; from the missionary schools of Ghana to the dive bars of Harlem, spanning three continents and seven generations, Yaa Gyasi has written a miraculous novel - the intimate, gripping story of a brilliantly vivid cast of characters and through their lives the very story of America itself. Epic in its canvas and intimate in its portraits, Homegoing is a searing and profound debut from a masterly new writer.' ***Please read the book and join us for a lively discussion (in English) about the contents during our afternoon book club meeting.*** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **PLEASE NOTE:** This is an IN-PERSON event in Amersfoort, The Netherlands. Please cancel your attendance in advance if you are unable to join, so that those on the waitlist can participate. Looking forward to seeing you all IN REAL LIFE then! Best regards, Sandra

🇳🇱➡️🇧🇪 Brugge Day Tour from Amsterdam \| Discover the Venice of the North Join us for a magical day trip from Amsterdam to the fairy-tale city of Brugge, Belgium — famous for its medieval charm, canals, cobblestone streets, chocolate shops, and beautiful historic architecture. Explore Brugge at a relaxed pace with plenty of free time to wander through the picturesque old town, enjoy Belgian waffles and fries, shop for handmade chocolates and lace, or simply soak in the romantic atmosphere along the canals. ✨ Tour Highlights: • Comfortable round-trip transport from Amsterdam • Visit the UNESCO-listed historic center of Brugge • Scenic canals, medieval squares & charming streets • Free time for shopping, food & photography • Small-group experience with friendly atmosphere Perfect for travelers, expats, photographers, and anyone looking to experience one of Europe’s most beautiful cities in a day. Price: €129 pp incl. returned trip in a private Mercedes minivan, guided tour. 📍 Departure: Amsterdam (Utrecht pick up is available for three or more participants) ⏰ Full-day tour 🎟 Come explore Belgium with us and make unforgettable memories in Brugge!

Do you love books, or have you been wanting to get into reading more? Then this might just be the event for you! At this book swap everyone brings one or a few books they no longer need. We put them all out on the table and from there it's up to you, see if something catches your eye and take home whatever you'd like to read next. Any language is welcome, so bring whatever is sitting on your shelf! At the end of the meetup you can take back the books you brought that weren't picked up, or leave them with the organiser who will donate them to a local secondhand shop. ⚠️ If you're unsure whether you can make it, please free up your spot for someone else.

During this open day, you’ll learn all about the many exciting aspects of a coaching training program and find out if this career path is the right fit for you. Special thanks to our friends at the Academy for Coaching and Counselling (ACC) for hosting this event. **ACC in a Nutshell** * **30 Years of Experience:** Since 1996, the ACC has trained thousands of successful coaches and counsellors. Most of them still hold a thriving practice, work as a teacher in the profession or have excelled in their professional careers. * **Comprehensive Training:** Develop your coaching and counselling skills from foundational techniques to advanced specializations with the ACC’s flexible two-year English training program, tailored to support your unique learning path. * **National and International Recognition:** Exemplary recognition for its institute and educational programs. * **Flexible Learning Options:** The ACC training programs take place in various cities in the Netherlands or in a live online setting, accessible worldwide. **Join the open day in Utrecht** Are you an international professional ready to take the next step in your career? Strong coaching and counselling skills help you communicate more effectively, support others through change, and create meaningful impact in your work. These skills are valuable across many professional roles – and can also form the foundation for a new career as an independent coach or counsellor. Many of the participants use the program to strengthen their professional effectiveness, while others successfully transition into a new career path. **Join the free Open Day on Saturday June 6th to discover how you can:** * Develop advanced listening and questioning skills. * Communicate with clarity, empathy and confidence. * Support people through professional and personal challenges. * Strengthen your impact in your current role. * Build a solid foundation for a career as an independent coach or counsellor. The ACC’s internationally recognized programs combine personal development with practical professional skills that you can apply immediately. Participation is free of charge. **Location:** Marekerk Zandweg 126 3454 JZ Utrecht view in [Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/4TfpEKQhrnYq7M1HA) **During this open day you will:** * Receive information about how to become a coach or counsellor in The Netherlands. * Discover the ACC’s training programs and what can be achieved with them. * Meet teachers, staff, and former students. * Get informed about the ACC’s accreditations and recognitions. * View course materials. * Receive advice on which training program suits you best. **Register** [FREE](https://tinyurl.com/ACC-June6th-OpenDay) **About ACC** The Academy for Coaching and Counselling (ACC) has offered training programs in the field of coaching and counselling since 1996. We stand for a personal approach with a focus on our students’ unique life paths. At the ACC, we attach great importance to quality. This is also reflected by our various accreditations, certifications and quality marks. We offer training programs in which people discover and develop their own talents, and learn to guide others in their process. In Year 1, you’ll learn the fundamentals of coaching and counselling. After completing this first year, you can deepen your skills and choose to specialize further – for example, by continuing with Year 2 or enrolling in our Addiction and Recovery specialization. Both Year 1 and Year 2 programs are available either in-person (classroom) or Live Online (via Zoom). The online program gives you the possibility to be guided by a teacher and practice with your fellow students onscreen from anywhere in the world.

Join us for some fun and games at our local community center! What to Expect: * Free entrance for everyone! * Bring your favorite games * Meet new friends and gaming enthusiasts * A night of exciting challenges and friendly competition * Bring your own snacks and refreshments Whether you're a board game aficionado or a video game guru, this event is for you. Don't miss the chance to connect with fellow gamers in our community! This event is part of an ongoing series organized through our Discord server [[discord.gg/utrecht](http://discord.gg/utrecht)], where we've had the pleasure of hosting quite a couple of gatherings in the past. Whether you're a seasoned regular at our events or someone new to the scene, we're excited to welcome you.

**☀️ Weekly Anime Night - Summer Season ☀️** Your friendly neighbourhood anime club is there to get you excited about the summer season! We are going to watch the movie **Blue Giant (2023)**. **📅 Event Series Details** **Dates: June 7th** **Time: 19:00–21:00** **Location:** Buurtcentrum De Speler, Thorbeckelaan 18, 3551 BR, Utrecht **🎬 What’s the Plan This Week?** 1. Before we start watching, enjoy chats with other joiners, meet new people and get comfortable to start the show! 2. **Blue Giant (2023)** 3. Closing & Hangout – Let’s talk reactions, highlights, opinions, hot takes, and everything in between! **🎒 What Should You Bring?** Your favorite snacks and drinks (not provided) Your love for anime Friends, or just your awesome self – all are welcome! **🎟️ Free & Open to All!** This is a non-commercial, community-driven event created by fans, for fans. Whether you’re new to anime or a seasoned otaku, there’s a seat on the couch for you. **🎌 About Utrecht Anime Club** U.A.C. is an ever-growing group of collaborative and diverse people. Our goal is to bring people together from all across Utrecht (and beyond!), to create cozy and inclusive events in which we share our love of anime. **🔍 Questions?** Drop them in the event chat – we’re happy to help! Come for the anime, stay for the laughs, finale vibes, and great people. See you there! ✨🎥🍿

**Modern and Authentic kintsugi workshop in Utrecht.** Choose from three options: * 1-Day Modern Kintsugi workshop-€60 * 2-Day Modern Kintsugi workshop-€96 * 4-Day Authentic Kintsugi workshop -€180 For all details, please visit my website. [https://japanworkshopnet.com/upcoming-workshops/](https://japanworkshopnet.com/upcoming-workshops/) Location: **CLAY TO PLATE** [Biltstraat 55, 3572 AG, Utrecht](https://www.claytoplate.com/) **Booking is essential**. Please contact me if you would like to participate in the workshop. Email: info@japanworkshopnet.com Mobile:0616059840

Maki-e is a traditional Japanese lacquer decoration technique. Techiniques are involved drawing pictures, patterns, and letters on the surface of lacquerware using lacquer, and then sprinkling and fixing metal powder, such as gold or silver, onto the surface. In our workshop, you have the opportunity to create maki-e designs using traditional Japanese patterns (wagara) or your own original designs. Then your canvas can be a glass cup or a glass picture frame. Join us for this unique Japanese art workshop in Utrecht. * Place: CLAY TO PLATE Biltstraat 55, 3572 AG, Utrecht * Price: three options you can choose from €56 pp(for a glass cup) €60 pp (for a glass picture frame) €76 pp (for a lacquerwares) Limited seats available. **Booking is essential for adequate preparations. If you've enrolled/registered on the Meetup app, we'll contact you through the app message. Kindly communicate with us accordingly, and refrain from showing up without prior contact. We appreciate your understanding** Website:[https://japanworkshopnet.com/ ](https://japanworkshopnet.com/) [MAKI-E workshop info](https://japanworkshopnet.com/maki-e-workshops/) Email: info@japanworkshopnet.com Mobile:0616059840

* We **start at 11:10** in front of Hotel Restaurant de Loenermark: Eerbeekseweg 4, Loenen https://maps.app.goo.gl/4W6e27ij3aqjQnFg6 * Length: \~16 km (4 - 5 hr hiking) * What to bring: lunch, water, snack. * For whom: As always, sporty folks that like to combine social event with being active in nature. **Getting there by bus:** * Bus stop: Loenen, Bruisbeek https://maps.app.goo.gl/863vGKfe8nqBvZfw7 **Getting there by Car:** * Free parking opposite of Groenendaalseweg 15, Loenen https://maps.app.goo.gl/W6213M7LwEQv8PMg6 or Free parking in the streets, close to: Eerbeekseweg 4, Loenen https://maps.app.goo.gl/awWbkpVZJVzxmX859 **Note:** * Please **pay a small fee (3 euro)** to help us cover the (increased) yearly Meetup contribution of 240 euro. We'll ask you to pay before the start of the hike (can be on the day itself). No refunds, but in the unlikely event that hike would be cancelled and you already paid, you don't need to pay for your next hike. Thank you so much! Use the **safe link** here: https://betaalverzoek.rabobank.nl/betaalverzoek/?id=eSkpxZf7TymaoFsvJkBCKQ * Keep in mind that the hike can be canceled when the weather is very bad (**always check the event before you go**). * If you RSVP 'yes' we expect you to show-up. Please do not cancel less than 24 hours before the hike. **No-shows** will lead to your removal from the group. Thanks for the understanding. * 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.

**We have limited space at the café, so if you've RSVPd and can't make it, please cancel as early as possible so another person can join!** Join in for a morning of crafting & chatting over a drink. Just bring your own project and payment for drinks. Meet fellow crafting enthusiasts, whether it's knitting, crocheting, stitching, origami, or something more unique! We talk about our projects, exchange tipps, but also just get to know each other and enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning in good company. We now also have a WhatsApp group, where we organise get-togethers and other events. Ask one of the organisers at the next Meetup you join for more information and access.

**When did you last do something just for fun** — with no goal, no productivity, no outcome? For many of us, play slowly disappears as life becomes more serious. Work, responsibilities, expectations… and somewhere along the way, “play” starts to feel unimportant — even a bit guilty. But what if play isn’t a luxury? In *Play*, Stuart Brown argues that play is not childish or trivial — it’s a **core part of being human**, as essential as sleep or rest. It shapes how we think, connect, create, and even how resilient we are in life. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4997659-play?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=fzFXhcGY46&rank=1 *** ## **What we’ll explore together** This will be a lighter, more energising session focused on curiosity and reflection: * What actually counts as “play” in adult life? * Why do we stop playing as we grow older? * What happens when life becomes too serious? * Different “types” of play (creative, physical, social, imaginative) * How play influences creativity, relationships, and well-being * How to reintroduce play without it feeling forced or childish *** ## **What to expect** * A relaxed, low-pressure conversation * Light reflection exercises (nothing heavy or personal unless you want to share) * A chance to reconnect with curiosity, fun, and spontaneity * A slightly more playful atmosphere than previous sessions 🙂 This is not a lecture or therapy session — just a group of people exploring what it means to feel a bit more alive and engaged. *** ## **Who is this for?** * Anyone who feels life has become a bit too serious * Anyone curious about creativity, joy, and balance * Anyone who wants a lighter, more uplifting discussion No need to have read the book. *** ## **Tone** Curious. Light. Relatable You can participate as much or as little as you like. *** ## **Closing** > “We don’t stop playing because we grow old — we grow old because we stop playing.”

Zin in een avond vol leuke gesprekken, nieuwe gezichten en misschien wel een geslaagde match? Kom dan naar onze man-man speeddate in hartje Utrecht! Tijdens deze speeddate heb je ongeveer 20 dates van 4 minuten. Iedere ronde schuif je aan bij een andere single man. Klinkt de bel? Tijd om door te schuiven naar je volgende gesprekspartner! Na elk gesprek vul je op je datekaart in of je verder met de ander in contact wilt komen: ja of nee? Binnen een dag na de speeddate ontvang je van ons een e-mail met de voornaam en het e-mailadres van de singles met wie je een match hebt. Heb je bij alle deelnemers ‘nee’ ingevuld? Dan ontvang je een volgende speeddate [gratis](https://aboutlove.nl/geen-klik-volgende-speeddate-gratis/)! Date je mee? >> [https://aboutlove.nl/doelgroep/homo/](https://aboutlove.nl/doelgroep/homo/)

🎳 **Summer Fun Starts on the Lanes! 20% off for NEW bowlers!** The 6-week summer social bowling league is here - cold drinks, fun times, and new friends await on the lanes! Whether you're looking to meet new people, unwind after work, or just have a fun weekly outing, this league is for everyone. Social vibes, happy hour energy, and plenty of chances to connect with others. No matter your skill level, this league is all about having fun and meeting awesome people. ;) **🗓 Thursday nights \|📍 AMF Sawmill Lanes \| 💵 $74 *(while Early Bird is active)*** **🚨New to the league?** Use discount code (**MUSU26**) for 20% off - $59.20 *during **Early Bird*** **💻 League Info & Registration**: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling **Why Join?** 🎉 It’s only 6 weeks - perfect for a low-commitment social plan 🍻 Great mix of people in their 20s, 30s, & 40s, plus post-game hangs at the bar 🎳 Zero pressure - gutter balls totally welcome! 👕 Free league shirt if you sign up early 🧠 Weekly trivia w/ prizes 💬 Super social - join solo or w/ friends! **Want in?** Join our Meetup team Gutter Dusters 👉 **Click here to join** https://tinyurl.com/2d5y52vq Or start a team of your own with a few friends - we’ll all be hanging out either way! 📅 League Dates (Thursday nights): June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30 ***(The MeetUp event date is deadline to register for the league.)*** **Cost & What’s Included:** ✔ $74 **Early Bird** registration - **New bowler? Get 20% off w/ code: MUSU26** ✔ 6 weeks of bowling (1–3 games/week) ✔ Shoe rentals & full league setup ✔ Trivia, prizes, and great people 👉 **Sign up now:** 💻League Info & Registration: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling 🤑New bowlers use code MUSU26 to save 20% 📸 Follow the fun on Instagram: https://bit.ly/BowlingLeague-IG 📩 Questions? Contact the league: http://bit.ly/2nKHno7 Spots are filling fast – don’t miss out on the fun times!

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 enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Come join CORGSCON the Columbus, Ohio retro gaming expo at the Bricker Building – Ohio Expo Center June 6th-7th Saturday: 11am-6pm Saturday After Party: 6PM – 10PM Sunday: 11am-4pm PLEASE NOTE: RSVP for this event does NOT give you access to the event. Please buy tickets for the event on the website here or onsite at the event: [https://www.corgscon.com/tickets/](https://www.corgscon.com/tickets/) We'll have COGG game developers there showcasing their games alongside the [GDEX game expo](https://www.thegdex.com/) also happening later this year. Find out more here: [https://www.corgscon.com/](https://www.corgscon.com/)