Expat French

(English below / Engels onderaan) 🥳 We gaan afspreken, gewoon, voor de gezelligheid! [update] Het is toch een beetje ongewoon. We hebben een echte koude ijzige sneeuwrijke winter! Er is geen programma. Bepaal voor jezelf of je komt! 📅 Op 8 januari treffen we elkaar bij Danel Utrecht 👉🏿 Geen presentaties of programma. Laten we het een borrel noemen, maar voel je niet verplicht om alcohol te drinken. (En voor de duidelijkheid: consumpties voor eigen rekening. We hebben niks afgehuurd of iets dergelijks.) We komen samen met een groep gelijkgestemden en hebben de ruimte om lief en leed te delen. Starttijd 16:00 maar kom erbij wanneer het uitkomt: na je werk, na je avondeten, eet mee of niet, het maakt allemaal niet uit. We hebben de tijd! 🦠 Maskers zijn absoluut welkom. We hopen dat iedereen met COVID-gerelateerde klachten en/of een positieve test thuis wil blijven. Liever het zekere voor het onzekere. 🥂 Hopelijk tot snel! Ben je er niet bij en/of wil je mensen digitaal spreken? Kom bij ons [slack-kanaal](https://join.slack.com/t/idea11y/shared_invite/zt-8sp4de5x-i6RbV4GflD2uKHEszvb3nQ)! (English/Engels) 🥳 We're going to meet up, because we can, for social reasons! [update] Maybe we can't. We've got a real cold icey snowy winter! There's no programm. Decide for yourself if you're coming! 📅 We'll meet on January the 8th at Danel in Utrecht. 👉🏿 No presentations or agenda. It's more of a cocktail party, but don't feel like you're required to drink alcohol. (And just to be clear: everything is at your own expense. We didn't rent a space or anything alike) We'll come together with a group of likeminded people and have the opportunity to share our ups and downs. You're welcome at 16:00, or but join whenever suits you: after work, after dinner, join for a meal or don't, it doesn't matter. We're flexible! 🦠 Masks are absolutely welcome. We hope that everybody with COVID-related symptoms and/or a positive test will stay home. Rather be safe than sorry! 🥂 Looking forward to meeting up soon! If you're not present and/or want to have some digital conversation: join our [slack-channel](https://join.slack.com/t/idea11y/shared_invite/zt-8sp4de5x-i6RbV4GflD2uKHEszvb3nQ)!

**+++ IMPORTANT: Because of the weather conditions, the meetup will only be remote today: [https://meet.google.com/unm-veco-dxh](https://meet.google.com/unm-veco-dxh) +++** **Dear AWS users,** our January event will happen soon! Thanks to **Aclue** for providing us the space, drinks and food for this AWS User Group Meetup. **Agenda & Talks**: * 18:00 Warm-up * 18:30 - 19:15 **No Lambda, No Problem**: Building Functionless Serverless Workflows by Vincent Martens, Principal Consultant, Aclue * 19:30 - 20:15 **AWS re:Invent re:Cap** by Alexey Vidanov, Senior Consultant, Storm Reply * 20:15 - 21:00 Wrap up & Networking **No Lambda, No Problem: Building Functionless Serverless Workflows** While serverless frees us from managing servers, we still have to take care of application code, dependencies, and integrations. So why not go all in on managed services and embrace service‑to‑service communication? In this talk, we’ll explore how to build serverless workflows without any Lambda functions at all: which native cloud services you can combine, common integration patterns, and how to design “functionless” architectures. We’ll also look at the hard edges: where this approach breaks down, which trade‑offs you’re making in terms of vendor lock‑in, and when you really do need a function again. **AWS re:Invent re:Cap** AWS re:Invent once again delivered what everyone expects from the event: major announcements, fast keynotes, and a large volume of new services and features that are hard to process during the week itself. This year also included something unexpected. Werner Vogels’ final keynote appearance gave the conference a different tone and emotional weight. In this re:Cap session, we will quickly walk through the most relevant announcements from re:Invent, focus on what actually matters in practice, and share personal observations from the event, including why this re:Invent felt different from previous years.

Cada primer jueves del mes: café español (! atención ! : nos mudamos a Mariapaviljoen, en frente al shopping Arena) en el centro de Den Bosch, ¡bienvenid@s a tod@s! \*\*\* Para todos los amantes del español: cada primer jueves del mes nos juntamos para hablar el idioma de Frida Kahlo, Mercedes Sosa y Penélope Cruz ;). Un encuentro informal para conocer a otros hispanohablantes y compartir risas, experiencias y buenas vibras. ¡Bienvenid@s! (entrada libre y gratuita) Voor alle liefhebbers van de Spaanse taal: elke eerste donderdag van de maand komen we samen om de taal van Frida Kahlo, Mercedes Sosa en Penélope Cruz te spreken ;) Een informele bijeenkomst om andere Spaanstaligen te leren kennen, samen te lachen en ervaringen uit te wisselen. Wees welkom! (gratis entree) (Organizadora: evelyne montens > si tienes alguna pregunta, no dudes en contactarme por messenger)

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at Factor-ij Amsterdam on Thursday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 11: 15 AM - Quick introductions 11: 30 AM - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 12: 30 PM - The End: chat, take off, or keep writing OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 12:30 pm after the writing is wrapped. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you at Factor-ij! What Should I Bring? Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s overhead music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Please come with your devices pre-charged, since we probably won't be always sitting somewhere with charging possibilities. Other Important Details: Travel by public transportation: 1. Take Tram 26 from the central station Amsterdam, and step out by the last stop. 2. Take bus 66 from the Amsterdam Bijlmer station, step out by Pieter Oosterhuisstraat, and further walk in the direction of the bus till the corner. FREE Wifi. Compulsory consumption is not required, but please do order a drink to honor our generous host.

If you are living in The Netherlands, by now, you may well have noticed the amount of open water. If you enjoy cycling in the city, you may wish to feel safer as you navigate the bridges and canals. And you may also want to get ready for visiting the beach, pools or the many lakes this summer. Learning how to swim takes approx 1 year and it all starts with the very first lesson. New comers enroll via our website and pay € 30,50, this is the first lesson and a goody bag. After the class you agree with the personal swim coach how to continue to obtain your final objectives. Enrolling is only possible via [www.your-personal-swim-coach.nl ](https://www.your-personal-swim-coach.nl/)hence a rvsp via meetup is not enough.

### Come dream with us! ✨ Join our cozy community of dreamers exploring the fascinating realm of lucid dreams — where you know you are dreaming and can shape your dreamscape. Whether you're a **curious beginner** or an **experienced lucid dreamer**, our group offers a welcoming space to learn, grow, and unlock the limitless possibilities of your dream world. #### Enjoy Tea Connect over calming tea in a relaxed, peaceful environment. #### Exchange Tips Learn techniques to deepen your lucid dreaming practice. #### Practice Together Master proven methods to enhance dream awareness and control.

**There is an assumption in product development that there must be some form of product discovery and/or preparation before “work” goes to teams. Hence, the assumed need for product discovery vs delivery processes. E.g. double diamond discovery process and division between so-called product folks and engineering.** **In this talk, I will show you why the double diamond and the related division between discovery and delivery is harmful, and with stories and practical advice give alternatives.** Check google for the venue, make sure you chose the 1 right entrance: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/3bxBB79PJbx6ZGqq8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/3bxBB79PJbx6ZGqq8) Food and Drink will be there! Venue: Verandert Gewoon Parking: Can be at the side of the street

## 🎨**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!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

**Strangers to Friends, 15th event! Friday evening January 9th.** Happy new year! Let's cheers together! I'm excited to host the 15th edition of *Strangers to Friends*! Every event so far has been warm, fun and full of great connections. So we’re doing it again! Curious about our previous events? Check out our photo albums (only visible on the laptop version of Meetup). **What to expect** * A safe, relaxed environment to meet both locals and expats, whether you want to meet new people, experience an international atmosphere or talk about business, it’s all possible. * Start the evening with a few rounds of conversation cards: pair up with someone you don’t know, answer meaningful questions and rotate every 10 minutes. Within just one hour, you’ll get to know several people really well and enjoy meaningful conversations. * Everyone comes on their own, so it’s easy to connect. **Practical details** * Doors open at 20:00, after 30 minutes we start with conversation cards * Venue: Boekencafé Libertas, Klarendalseweg 477-1, Arnhem * 20 min walk from Arnhem Central * 7 min walk from Arnhem Velperpoort * You’ll receive 2 drink tokens for (beer/wine/soft drinks) and snacks all night! * Find us on the right side of the café at the bar, by the window and garden Bring a smile and join us for an evening where friendships grow, business ideas spark and real-life connections happen. Back to basics, away from screens, meeting face-to-face. Warm regards, Julia

**Meetup & Mad Cow Comedy Show (please purchase a ticket in advance for the show [here](https://shop.weeztix.com/7644a480-d5a7-4264-a27a-ed697bb17fc9/events?shop_code=3qjd24qv))** 🎟️ TICKETS: https://bit.ly/Expats_Utr_Comedy 🕒 Show starts at 15:00 \| Doors open at 14:00 🍺🥨 Grab a drink or snack from Kartoffel’s tasty menu **From 14:00 – Join the Meetup!** Before the show kicks off, come by early for our pre-show Meetup from 14:00. It's a relaxed and friendly way to meet other internationals living in Utrecht, especially if you're new in town or just looking to connect. Our lovely host **Gisele** will be there to welcome you and introduce you to a few friendly faces. Whether you come solo or with friends, you're guaranteed a warm vibe and some easy laughs before the comedy even starts! 🐮 **From 15:00 - The Show!** Mad Cow Comedy hosts an afternoon of stand-up comedy performed by various international acts, all performing in English. Utrecht-based comedian, Rachel Morton-Young, introduces a different mix of comedians every 2 weeks, so no two shows are ever the same. **Kartoffel:** Our show now takes place in the Biergarten at Kartoffel, a German-themed restaurant along the historic Oudegracht (only a 10 minutes walk from Utrecht Central Station). The venue has great, affordable food, so considering coming early for lunch, or staying for a bite after the show. 🐮 **Hosted by Rachel Morton-Young** Rachel brings the energy, warmth and cheeky charm Mad Cow Comedy is known for. She’s a British comic living in Utrecht and the mastermind behind these monthly mayhem-filled shows. **Line-ups 11th January:** * **Adam Bloom** – UK comedy legend, TV favourite (*Mock The Week*, *Never Mind The Buzzcocks*), and master of sharp, clever stand-up. * **Nik Coppin** – award-winning globetrotting comedian and crowd-pleasing MC, bringing high-energy laughs from around the world. * **Frank Buytendijk** – sweet-looking but strikingly sharp, Frank blends life experience and wit for comedy that’s surprising and thoughtful. * **Alice Raffegeau** – French newcomer with a fun, chatty style and clever observational humour. Hosted by **Rachel Morton-Young**, Utrecht-based comedian and Mad Cow Comedy founder. **Upcoming Dates:** * 11th January 2026 * 25th January 2026 * 8th February 2026 * 22nd February 2026 * 8th March 2026 * 22nd March 2026 * 5th April 2026 * 19th April 2026 * 3rd May 2026 * 17th May 2026 (Season finale!) **What Customers Say about Mad Cow Comedy (from Tripadvisor):** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\*"The highlight of my visit to Utrecht!! I had tears laughing, the absolute perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Very professional show, lovely community vibe, cosy venue and fab food and drinks."\* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\*"Great mix of comedians. Rachel the host is energetic and brings a different mix of stand up acts every two weeks. I have been a few times now and it's always a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon."\* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\*"Amazing line up of comedians. A fun afternoon. The best 3 hrs full of laughter. Great line, witty people, well organised"\* 🐮 See you there?

Come over to the Ducosim game fair in Amersfoort. For a small fee (or become a member) many publishers are ready to demo their published games. Next to that you can meet up and network with game designers, playtest their games and bring what you are working on and put it on the table. More details: https://www.ducosim.nl/

Welcome to the event page for the city trip to Tilburg, held on Sunday January 11th, 2026. This event has a meetup at Arnhem Centraal (11:40) and Tilburg station (13:00), so you can easily join us from anywhere in the Netherlands. This is a social event open to everyone to meet new people in a friendly environment while exploring a city together! ***Summarized overview:*** 11:40 Arnhem Station meetup, near Burger King 11:53 Departure Arnhem: 63 minute train ride 13:00 Tilburg Station meetup, near Starbucks\* 13:10 Group city walk 14:25 Choice: Free time or continue walk With a coffee break at a café if there’s enough interest 17:00 End U&R event… But at 17:00 the Sterrentocht starts from Willemsplein! Sign up by RSVP on Meetup, OR via [Google Forms](https://forms.gle/C6JCCUH68X7QbQtV7). Travel by your own OV-chipkaart. Contribution: €3,- pp (to help maintain our Meetup page). \**Train delays and cancellations could affect the meetup time in Tilburg. If this is the case, it will be announced in the discussion chat of this event page.* *** **City walk, Free time & Sterrentocht** This event consists partly of a group walk in the city center of Tilburg and partly of offering free time. The group walk is at a slow pace so you can connect with others, while enjoying the scenery of the city and taking photos along the way. In case of bad weather: bring an umbrella! After about 75 minutes, free time starts: we’ll check in if people like to continue our group walk or if there are other ideas to do in the city. For instance going to a museum, a café, do photography or anything else. If we continue our walk it will be at the same pace, we’ll go to new areas and if there’s enough interest we’ll go for a coffee in between. At 17:00 we’ll stop hosting the event, but on this day the Sterrentocht is organized in Tilburg, starting at 17:00 @Willemsplein. This is a real recommendation if you like light, arts and Dutch cultural events. **Meetup in Arnhem & Tilburg** This event has a meetup in Arnhem (11:40) and Tilburg (13:00), as described above. If you're joining us in Arnhem, you have to use your own OV-chipkaart. Tip: check [ns.nl/reisplanner](http://ns.nl/reisplanner) on the day itself to be in time at either meetup spot! For car users, I suggest checking the official municipality website to find parking spaces and what fares apply. U&R is originally based in Arnhem, but invites people from anywhere to join our travels. **Sign-up: RSVP on Meetup or Google Forms** Sign up for this event by RSVP here on Meetup or sign up via Forms: [https://forms.gle/C6JCCUH68X7QbQtV7](https://forms.gle/C6JCCUH68X7QbQtV7). Everyone is asked to pay a 3 euro contribution to help us maintain our costs on Meetup. This is refundable if U&R cancels the event or reschedules it to a different day, or if you cancel 72 hours before the meetup. Hope to see you in Tilburg!

Gegroet watertandende weerwolven, Op vrijdag 9 januari gaan we weer het spel Weerwolven van Wakkerdam spelen! Vul de RSVP in, zodat we weten dat we op je kunnen rekenen. Nog niet eerder het spel Weerwolven van Wakkerdam gespeeld? Dat is geen enkel probleem, nieuwe spelers zijn altijd welkom. Ook leggen we de regels van Weerwolven nog een keer uit! Neem allemaal wat lekkers te snacken 🍪 en te drinken 🧃 mee, zodat we niet verhongeren of omkomen van de dorst! De vragen die je hebt kan je altijd stellen door een berichtje te sturen of te bellen / smsen / whatsappen naar Gideon op nummer 06-209 818 49 of door hieronder een bericht achter te laten. Kom je ook? Groetjes, Gideon, Rosanne, Iris & Marijn het Weerwolven van Nijmegen team p.s. Lukt het niet meer om te komen? Geen probleem, maar laat het dan a.u.b. wel even weten. **F.A.Q.** *Do you guys play in English?* * **No,** we play the game in Dutch. *Is het event echt gratis?* * **Ja**, we spelen bij iemand thuis en spelers nemen zelf drinken en snacks mee. Hierdoor blijft het gratis en laagdrempelig *Help, welke snacks kan ik meebrengen?* * Goede vraag, hier volgen een paar **tips** als je **inspiratie** nodig hebt: 1. Stokbrood met smeersels (kruidenboter, hummus, aioli) 2. Gezonde frisse snacks (snoeptomaatjes, komkommer, druiven, mandarijntjes, wortel) 3. Chips, koekjes, brownies 4. Of duik de keuken in en bak je favoriete baksel. 5. Neem vooral iets mee wat je zelf ook lekker vindt. ;) *Mag ik iemand meenemen?* * Ja, geef dit aan met een +1 bij het aanmelden. Wil je meerdere mensen meenemen? Stuur ze dit event dan even door en laat ze zichzelf aanmelden voor dit event.

Hey Everyone! Let's meet at Paris Baguette on Lane Avenue. There is lots of free parking and easy access to the cafe and many shops and restaurants as well. This is a great way to meet new and old friends while chatting about life and practicing English language speaking skills. All are welcome and encouraged to join us anytime between 11am and 1pm. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

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 :)

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.

Experience the breathtaking theatrical presentation of Rodgers & Hammerstein's® iconic musical film The Sound of Music. Meticulously restored and remastered in 4K for its 60th anniversary, the beloved classic is more brilliant than ever with pristine picture and sound. In this true-life story, Julie Andrews lights up the screen as Maria, a spirited young woman who leaves the convent and becomes a governess to the seven unruly children of Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer). Her warmth, charm and songs soon win the hearts of the children and their father. But when the threat of war rises, Maria is forced to attempt a daring escape with her new family. One of the most successful movie musicals of all time, The Sound of Music features unforgettable treasures like “Edelweiss,” “My Favorite Things,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and “Do-Re-Mi.”

Inspired by the successful events like "Pot Luck in the Park" and "Saturday Mornings @ East Market," this meetup promises a fun and engaging atmosphere where like-minded individuals can connect over a shared love for languages and cultures. Whether you're a language learner, ESL student, or simply passionate about exploring new cultures, this event is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a diverse and welcoming community. Come join us for an enlightening evening of language, culture, food, of course, and connections! (Everyone will choose from the menu and pay individually)

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."

Come and join our lively Japanese language meetup, where Japanese language learners and native speakers come together to learn, play, and connect. We’ll practice through fun games and interactive conversation in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you’re just starting out, more advanced, or a native speaker who enjoys helping others, everyone is encouraged to join and participate. After the library we'll take a leisurely walk together to get food/drinks. There are many options around including North Market Bridge Park. It's a perfect opportunity to continue our conversations and enjoy each other's company over a meal.