Celtic Culture

#This meetup is around a third-party organizer (Focus Filmtheater): you can either purchase your ticket online or right before the session# **Title**: The Secret Agent **Language**: Portuguese **Subtitles**: English **Length**: 158 min **Director**: Kleber Mendonça Filho **More info**: https://www.focusarnhem.nl/agenda/english-subs-the-secret-agent/ **Ticket link**: https://www.focusarnhem.nl/tickets/141175/ **Synopsis**: *The Secret Agent* is a tense political thriller from director Kleber Mendonça Filho (Bacurau, Aquarius), who brings a tumultuous period in Brazilian history to life in his latest work. Through various storylines, he depicts a country entangled in violence, corruption, and vendettas, a turbulent 1970s carefully constructed from his own memories, family histories, and archival material. Brazil, 1977. Marcelo, a technology expert and widower, is on the run. As the military dictatorship continues to enforce increasingly cruel measures on the population, he arrives in Recife, where he hopes to reunite with his young son. There, during carnival week, he finds shelter with a group of like-minded people and assumes a false identity. But Marcelo’s situation is trickier than he realizes: he soon discovers that the city is far from the peaceful refuge he is looking for. With a mix of film styles—suspense, humor, and even a touch of horror—*The Secret Agent* isn’t just a gripping movie, but also a snapshot of our times, in which the highly acclaimed Mendonça Filho offers a keen analysis of Brazil’s past and present. The international film community also recognises that *The Secret Agent* gets under your skin: it was the most awarded film at Cannes (Best Director, Best Actor), ended up on many ‘best of’ lists and is still in the running for several Oscar categories, partly because of the phenomenal acting of lead actor Wagner Moura. **How it works**: I will be at Focus around 18:30, where we can meet before the movie starts. You can message me to find us. Screening starts at 19:00. After the movie, we can have a drink together. Hope to see you soon!

Hi all! 🙂 On Wednesdays we welcome you to practice languages! If you want to practice a specific (uncommon) language, please send us a message so we can find some conversation partners for you on our mailing list! We hope to see you in Café Marktzicht! In the last year we had tables for the following languages: * Dutch * English * French * Italian * Spanish * Turkish\* * German\* * Portuguese\* * Danish\* * Norwegian\* * Russian\* * Arabic\* * Chinese\*\* * Japanese\*\* * Indonesian\*\* * * Most likely, but not every week present. \*\* - Rather rare ;-) If your language is not in this list, please let us know! We have a large database of Language Cafe visitors speaking 56 different languages! We might be able to connect you with a person that does speak the language you want to practice. In case you are not in our database yet, please use this form: http://goo.gl/forms/oSCn9Dn8m8

***Are you an adult looking to learn how to swim or improve your basic swimming skills?*** Dive into a fun water workout session designed specifically for adults in ***Utrecht De Kwakel!*** Whether you are a beginner looking to improve your swimming skills or a fitness enthusiast wanting to engage in recreational water sports, this event is perfect for you. Join us for an exciting session filled with swimming lessons, exercises, and social interactions. Meet like-minded individuals who share a passion for fitness, exercise, and water activities. Our experienced instructors will guide and support you, ensuring you have a great time in a safe and friendly environment. Don't miss this opportunity to stay active, meet new people, and have a blast in the water. Sign up now for a refreshing experience and fun times with our Swimming Lessons for Adults group! ***Please RSVP to secure your spot as spaces are limited. We look forward to helping you gain confidence and skills in the water!***

**Welkom bij Coding Wednesday!** Samen duiken we in de creatieve wereld van programmeren. **Wat gaan we maken?** * Het legendarische spel Pong. Dit gaan we maken in de programmeertaal Python. **Heb ik voorkennis nodig?** Het is handig als je al wat programmeerervaring hebt en weet wat for-loops en if-else statements zijn. Zo niet, kijk vooral mee om iets op te steken. Of werk met iemand samen! Uiteraard kan je je voorbereiden met online tutorials zoals [deze](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uQrJ0TkZlc). **Wat heb je nodig?** * Je eigen laptop met WiFi aansluiting * Installeer een **code editor**. Novi studenten kunnen PyCharm gebruiken. Anders is [VSCode](https://code.visualstudio.com/download) een prima editor * Installeer Python op je laptop. Dit kan via hun [website](www.python.org/downloads/) **Is er een minimum aantal aanmeldingen?** Deze Coding Wednesday gaat door als er 5 aanmeldingen zijn of meer. Dus vergeet vooral niet om je aan te melden :) Mocht het niet doorgaan, laten we dit hier weten voor 17 februari 12:00 uur! Details: 📅 Wanneer: Woensdag 18 februari 2026, 14:00 uur (tot uiterlijk 17:00) 📍 Waar: Op locatie! Newtonlaan 247, Utrecht (4e etage)

Hi there! Tonight we'll have fun over a nice game of pool🪄🎱. From clueless to amateur, all levels are welcome - the important thing is to enjoy and socialize in our beautiful rainbow community 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️. The Meetup will start at 21:00h and is expected to finish around 23:00h, but the duration can be extended if we wish to. ✨️ Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram: @utrecht.lgbt ✨️ Looking forward to seeing you all you soon! * 🤍🩵🩷❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤

Join in for a some drinks (and food, if you want) after work at **The 5th \| Utrecht**. Bring your own project and payment for drinks. As evenings tend to be a bit busier, we'll reserve a table. This means: **Only sign up if you are sure you will come!** And if there's no space left on the event, please don't join spontaneously. \-\-\-\-\- As always, we talk about our projects, exchange tipps, but also just get to know each other and enjoy a drink after a long day in good company. Whether it's knitting, crocheting, stitching, origami, or something more unique, we're looking forward to seeing you!

> The location is Landhuis in de Stad, Utrecht Want to expand on a game design idea? Talk about a game feature that isn't just ready yet? Are you looking for playtesters or do you want to brainstorm on a new board game design with others and get their feedback? Find out what goes into making board games or just meet like-minded board game enthusiasts? Then the Amsterdam Board Game Design session is for you! Join us on [Discord](https://discord.gg/eDfmkyCyVX) for more information about what we do and upcoming events!

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

Hi mina-san, Let's practice our conversational skills together! Please note that at Cobra Café we’re currently limited to 15 people, but we’re looking into ways to welcome more people at our future events. See you there, Eva **[About the Japanese Language Club]** It’s a weekly Japanese-themed event hosted by different organisers with a variety of games, conversations and grammar practices. We warmly welcome anyone who shares an interest in Japan, including those who are: – interested in the Japanese language and how to use it, regardless of their level. – keen to share stories about living in or travelling to Japan. – curious about exploring both traditional and modern aspects of Japanese culture. – especially those from Japan who want to maintain or improve their English by talking about familiar cultural topics. We truly hope everyone in the group finds joy and inspiration through these cultural adventures with the “ichigo ichie” spirit. Best regards, Goro, the founder **【この日本語クラブについて】** このレギュラーイベントでは、週替わりのホストが提案するさまざまなスタイルの日本語会話の練習やゲームなどを、リラックスした雰囲気のなかで楽しんでいます。 ・レベルに関わらず、日本語に興味をもっている方。 ・日本での生活や旅行の経験を誰かとシェアしてみたい方。 ・新旧問わず日本文化に関する知識を交換したい方。 ・そして特に日本出身の方には、馴染みの深い自国文化をテーマに英会話力を維持、向上させたい方。 この様な方々ならどなたでも歓迎します。 「一期一会」の精神で思いやりのある温かいコミュニティを作りましょう。私たちのイベントを通して、皆さんがこのグループでそれぞれの楽しみをみつけてくれることを心から願っています。 グループファウンダーのゴローより

# **A new chapter is opening ... literally.** Dutch Testing is gathering momentum again, and the MoT Netherlands Chapter is ready for its next meetup‑turned‑Chapter moment. As the Ministry of Testing shifts from Meetup to the MoTaverse, we’re embracing the new format with the same spirit: community first, quality always. For our second Chapter event, we’re going back to the essentials: the craft, the conversations, the curiosity. Because strong foundations aren’t old‑school; they’re what make everything else possible. Join in, connect, share, learn and help shape the future of Dutch testing as we step fully into the Chapter era. **PROGRAM:** **17:00 – Arrival & Dinner** *Join us for a warm welcome and a bite to eat as we kick off the evening.* **18:15 – Opening Remarks** *Let's get this party started.* ***18:20 – Talk 1: Linda van de Vooren*** *Dashboard or Management P\*rn?* ***18:50 – Talk 2: Remco Ridder*** *Performance Testing as a Pipeline Essential* ***19:20 – Break*** *Grab a drink, stretch your legs, or catch a breath before the next speakers.* ***19:40 – Talk 3: Tom Broekmans*** *A Quest for Code Quality* *– A Short Star Wars Story* ***20:10 – Talk 4: Martijn Goossens*** *Maximum Quality with Minimum Manual Testers* **20:40** **– Closing & Lightning Talks** *A chance for attendees to share quick insights, pitches, or questions with the group.* **Followed by – Networking Drinks** *Unwind, connect, and continue the conversation over drinks. No fixed end time* – *stay as long as the energy lasts or the alarm system warns us to leave.*

¡Compartamos juntos con el grupo de personas más divertido de la ciudad!... ¡en español! No necesitas ser un hablante fluido o nativo.... ¡Solo atrévete a compartir! Te esperamos a las 20hrs.... ¡Entrada gratuita! ¡Nos vemos! ¡Hasta entonces! 😃 Let's share together with the funniest group of people in town!... in Spanish! You don't need to be a fluent or native speaker.... Just dare to share! We wait for you at 20hrs ....Free entry! Nos vemos! Tot dan! 😃 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/habladores/ Meetup Link: https://www.meetup.com/nl-NL/los-habladores/ Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/los_habladores_utrecht/ Los Habladores!

Join us for a beautiful hike on the Amerongse Berg * We **start at 12:00:** P+R Veenendaal West Dichterslaan, 3906 EN Veenendaal https://maps.app.goo.gl/VVjPTE2c6HsmLqQi6 * 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 Train:** * To train station: Veenendaal West https://maps.app.goo.gl/H7LyWsb8KRdenzWT6 **Getting there by Car:** * Free car parking at P+R Veenendaal West Dichterslaan, 3906 EN Veenendaal https://maps.app.goo.gl/VVjPTE2c6HsmLqQi6 **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=vezo1ouZS0yORJXINF58jA * 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’re heading into the heart of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug for a beautiful loop hike starting and ending at station Driebergen Zeist. From the station we quickly enter the wide open heather fields of Groote Heidestein, with heather fields, sandy paths, and a wonderfull spacious feeling. We follow these open landscapes all the way to the forests surrounding the Pyramid of Austerlitz. After about 10 kilometers we take a well deserved break at the pyramid. You can grab a snack or drink there, or enjoy your own packed lunch. This is the area where the famous wolf Bram once roamed and made the news. The situation has since settled, so the coast is clear again, but it adds a touch of wild history to the landscape. From here we loop back towards Driebergen Zeist through landgoed Heidestein. This section is full of surprises, including narrow passages and small tunnels that make the walk feel playful and slightly adventurous. We finish back at station Driebergen Zeist, completing a varied and scenic hike through one of the most beautiful parts of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. **📍When and where to meet?** We’ll meet at 10h30 under the tracks of train station Driebergen Zeist. https://maps.app.goo.gl/JdRccArNqxzvFb6U8 ⏰ We **start walking a few minutes after meeting up** — we don’t wait for latecomers, as the forest calls and daylight is short this time of year. **🚗 Coming by car?** You can park here but please also do your own research: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WSMa4XaaP7U5awwf8 **⏸️ Planned Breaks** After 10 km: Lunch break at Pyramid of Austerlitz (Speeltuin & Restaurant) https://maps.app.goo.gl/XKazfvaa24VvWrq66 **💸 Payment** Please pay as soon as you sign up: To keep things fair for everyone, if we don’t receive your payment within 48 hours, we will need to remove you from the participant list. If there’s a waiting list, this will happen sooner (in less than 48 hours). If that happens, no worries — you’re always welcome to sign up again if there’s space. 🌟 Early Bird Deal! Join now for just €4 — available for 3 days (72h). After that, the price will be €5. The event is full, so the payment link has been removed. **👟 Good to know** * Refund policy: Cancellations are fully refundable up to 1 week before the event (This is Friday 13 January at 23h59). After this period, the fee becomes non-refundable. * Hike difficulty: Our hikes are moderately challenging. Please only join if you’re confident you can keep up with the group’s pace (5 km/ h)— it’s more fun for everyone when we can walk together without long waits. * If the pace is too challenging: We may kindly suggest you continue at your own pace. We’ll give you clear directions to the nearest bus or train so you can return comfortably. * At your own risk: You participate at your own risk, so please make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage for outdoor activities. * Payment note: With Tikkie we only see initials (e.g., J. Doe instead of John Doe). Please include your Meetup name in the payment note so we can match it easily. * Friends joining: If you bring a friend, make sure they also register and pay. * What to bring: Snacks, lunch, and water/ or hot thee/ coffee. * Stay connected: Join our WhatsApp group to be the first to hear about future hikes — ask for the QR code during the hike. * T-shirts: Fairwear-certified organic cotton, eco-friendly inks — €25. Sustainable, odor-resistant, and perfect for hiking. Let us know your size and we’ll bring one for you.

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. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. 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."

# **Band: Old Possum's Menagerie; Caller: Richard Ades** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

The topic for February is "Transitions" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

**Caller: Frank Buschelmann** **Band: The Rosenthorns** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!