Animals

Let's read and discuss non-fiction together. In **March** we will be discussing "Your Inner Fish: a Journey into the 3.5-Billion-Year History of the Human Body" by Neil Shubin. For more information about the book check out goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1662160.Your_Inner_Fish How it works: - 10-15min Introduction round - 1 - 1,5h Free discussion around the book - 10min selection of the next book. (We will vote between three possible books. I bring two suggestions and we select a third one from the group. So if there is a book you like to discuss feel free to put it forward.) Don't worry if you cannot finish it in time. Just join us for a coffee or tea and a good conversation. :) Happy reading!

Please [register yourself on the website ](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/7QLiiTnqLMxNg6Bdm5Bm)to receive the details of how to join. This powerful healing technique removes the negative energies and blockages to then nbe replaced by life energy or prana. Organized by Juliana Cruz, a Pranic Healing practitioner for over 10 years. These donation-based sessions are in a group session, done by different practitioners who have learned Pranic Healing. The sessions take from 20 to 30 minutes. * **Sunday** **From 11:30 to 12:50** 20 - 30 min session per person First-come, first-served. This practice comes after a meditation (from 10:30 to 11:30) to receive and share energies of loving-kindness to the entire Earth. You can join by [registering yourself here](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/j5YTbU6YaGLgGOXyvMNn). With love, Juliana

Weather being what it is, we will probably be sitting inside :) . After several walks and activities together, it felt like a good idea to simply **meet and spend some relaxed time together**. So this is a very simple gathering: we meet on the **terrace of the Maison du Prieur at Rouge-Cloître**, have a drink, talk, and get to know each other. No formal activity, no structure — just a moment to connect with other members of the **Happy Body community**. If the weather is nice, Rouge-Cloître is one of the most beautiful natural spots in Brussels, with forests, ponds and quiet paths. Feel free to come for **10 minutes or stay longer**.

**Claddagh Toastmasters of Brussels Social & ‘Write a Limerick’ Soirée** As part of the Brussels Saint Patrick’s Day Parade of the Nations & Regions celebrations, the city of Limerick on the Shannon river in the Midwest of Ireland is honoured with the presentation of the Limerick Shamrock Bowl to the City of Brussels during the Brussels Saint Patrick’s Day Parade of the Nations & Regions. After the Parade there is Irish & Limerick evening at Les Halles Saint Géry with a Trad Irish & Folk session. Claddagh Toastmasters of Brussels as part of this evening organise a social evening & ‘Write a Limerick’ Soirée from 6pm. Prior to this there is a lively Jazz Session from 5pm. Everyone Welcome, Admission Free. A Limerick is a humorous poem consisting of five lines with a specific rhythm and rhyme scheme. To write a Limerick, start with the first, second, and fifth lines rhyming with each other, while the third and fourth lines form a shorter rhyming pair. Typically, the syllable pattern is 8-8-5-5-8, which gives the poem its distinctive bouncy feel. Begin by thinking of a funny or unexpected topic, then craft your lines to fit the AABBA rhyme scheme. Use playful language, and don’t be afraid to be a bit silly—Limericks often feature clever wordplay and light-hearted content. Once you’ve drafted your poem, read it aloud to ensure the rhythm flows smoothly and the rhymes work together. If you cannot attend the event, you can submit your Limerick to Claddagh Toastmasters of Brussels claddagh.toastmasters\*\*(at)\*\*gmail.com. It will then be read out a the Claddagh Event. No profanities, offensive language entries will not be accepted or read. You must state it is an original work and your own creation and or without human co—writers, You must state if if is AI Generated. Topics could be Brussels,living in Belgium or some current topic affair. Bar and self-service restaurant at venue. Some examples of Limericks below . In Brussels, the streets turn to green, Saint Patrick’s Day brings quite the scene. With flags waving high, The parade marches by, And laughter and joy fill the sheen. In Brussels, where Guinness flows fast, Claddagh Toastmasters stand unsurpassed. With Irish charm they speak, Public speaking at its peak, The best club in town—unsurpassed! There once was a grand Irish parade, Where nations and regions displayed, In Brussels they danced, With flags all entranced, Saint Patrick’s green proudly portrayed. Claddagh Toastmasters helps you to develop your skills in public speaking, planning, leadership training, and managing your time. They aim is to provide a fun and social environment in which to practice your skills. You are invited to Claddagh Toastmasters, guests are most welcome and bring a friend if you wish. Meet on the 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month. Admission Free. You need also to register by email, as seats are limited. See email registration details below. Welcome coffee at 6.45 pm. Meeting starts at 7pm sharp. You ring the Claddagh designated bell to gain entry. We meet on the ground floor. Please note our venue: The Mug Co-working & Meeting Rooms Centre, Rue Charles Martel 8, Brussels 1000,

This week it’s Igor who will be leading the hike 😊Weather announced sunny and spring-like on Sunday, we shall be walking approximately 12.5 km and ending our walk with a beer in Brouwerij de Kroon 🍺 Meeting point: Parking donkerstraat 1 Huldenberg https://maps.app.goo.gl/F6gf4btm9hKEzD5p8?g_st=ic Igor: 0475/801026

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

## 🌍 About the experience This Sunday we travel to the Belgian coast to explore one of the most fascinating historical sites in Belgium: **Atlantikwall Raversyde**. Hidden in the dunes near **Ostend**, this open-air museum preserves more than **60 bunkers, trenches and underground passages** from the German Atlantic Wall built during **World War II**. Unlike many other sites, the complex remained buried in sand after the war, which helped preserve it almost intact. Walking through the trenches and bunkers gives a powerful glimpse into the reality of the coastal defenses of the time. After the visit, we will enjoy a **relaxing walk along the North Sea coast**, explore the dunes, and finish the afternoon with **drinks or food in Ostend**. As always with Sunday Vacations, the idea is simple: **discover places, meet interesting people, and enjoy the moment together.** --- ## 🗺️ Plan for the day • Meet at **Brussels central train station and travel to Oostende** • Coastal tram to Raversyde • Visit of **Atlantikwall Raversyde museum** • Walk through the dunes and along the beach • Optional food or drinks in Ostend before returning Walking distance: ~6–8 km (easy pace) --- ## 🎟️ Entrance Museum ticket: approx **€10** --- ## 🚆 Getting there Train from **Brussels → Ostend** (about 1h15). Many participants usually take the same train from Brussels. Exact suggestions will be posted in the comments closer to the event. --- ## 👥 Who is this event for? Sunday Vacations events bring together **international professionals, expats and curious locals** who enjoy discovering places and meeting new people in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Expect a welcoming and open-minded group 🌍 --- ## 💛 Participation As a reminder, participation requires either the **organizing fee** or a **membership**: 🔹 **Explorer members** → €5 organizing fee 🔹 **Voyager & Ambassador members** → organizing fee included 🔹 **Not yet a member?** → please complete the **€5 yearly membership** 👉 Your **first activity is free**, so no organizing fee once you join. Membership helps us run the community, ensure safety and organize quality events. --- ## ⚠️ Important • Please register only if you really plan to attend. • Bring comfortable shoes (part of the visit is outdoors). • Weather on the coast can change quickly — bring a jacket. --- ## 🌟 About Sunday Vacations **Sunday Vacations** is an international community bringing together global professionals through shared adventures. Our motto: **Living the moment.**

This Sunday, we'll be off for a loop from Aywaille, with a little stop at a brewery on the way. We start from Aywaille going south and up into the hills. The path will first take us first through some forest before the landscape opens up and we will pass fields and some villages on the way. After about two hours, we will reach the manor house where the Misery Beer Co is located (https://www.miserybeerco.be). If they are nice people and let us have our sandwiches there, we will use this as our lunch break spot (possibility to buy drinks). We continue the hike through Harze with its impressive chateau before finally descending back into Aywaille, where we will find a bar for our final drink. Please note that trains back are only every two hours. I expect to be in Aywaille in time for the 17.23 train, but no guarantee, and I will not break into a run to make that train. So please do not sign up if you need to be back at a specific time, or unless you are prepared to break from the group and rush ahead by yourself. As the number of participants is limited, it is important that you manage your registration responsibly: only sign up if you really intend to come and cancel as soon as you know you can’t (this also goes for people on the waiting list!). We will try to keep close to an average speed of about 4.5 km/h. We will walk mainly on unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning (i.e. it may become longer ;-). ●●You can find the gpx track here: **Wikilocs:** https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/wanderung-nach-misery-beer-company-253702625 **Komoot**: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2514955856?share_token=arLuZVmmkV1kzNNR4jHlohEhhLyVIZLLMwMTJdx5tlq9DFJOTB&ref=wtd ●●Meeting point: We meet at 8h45 in the main hall of Gare Central, in front of Starbucks. Our train (IC507 to Eupen) leaves at 9.01. We change train in Liege (10.07 IC5310 to Troisviege) and arrive in Aywaille at 10.40. ●● Train tickets: BXL-Aywaille 14.90€/9.00€ with train+ each way ●● Back to Brussels: From Aywaille there are trains only every two hours. I will aim to get the one at 17.23, but no guarantees! The next would be 19.23. ●● Specifics: Distance: ca 25 km Elevation gain: around 500m Net walking time: ca 6 h Weather forecast: undecided, but not horrible In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So it is important to have access to either the Meetup.com website and/or your emails. ●● What to bring: * Comfortable hiking clothes &shoes * rain gear (just in case) * water and drink for the breaks * Compeed for blisters * some small money for drinks ●● Basic rules: Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP asap, even hours before the walk. This is basic courtesy towards others. Repeated late cancellations are not well considered (at all). No-shows are even worse. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the “going” list. ●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability: You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you want to take part. As the participation in the events is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability.

Karin's hike for Sunday has a long waitlist, so I am organizing an alternative hike in Limburg. We will start from Kiewit and walk towards Bokrijk, which is known for its open air museum about the lifestyle of 19th century people. However, we will only walk through the part that doesn't require an entrance ticket. The area features a lot of walking trails in a peaceful environment. At the end of the walk we will pass by the former mining area of Winterslag. The trail ends in Genk, where we will look for an open bar. As the number of participants is limited, it is important that you manage your registration responsibly: only sign up if you really intend to come and cancel as soon as you know you can’t (this also goes for people on the waiting list!). We will try to keep close to an average speed of about 5 km/h. We will walk mainly on unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning. ●●You can find the track here: https://loc.wiki/u/8622751?wa=uc ●●Meeting point: We meet at 10h06 in Kiewit. From Brussels you have a direct train (IC 1507 direction Genk). If you start from Brussels-Central, the train leaves at 8h41. I am coming from Ghent, so I will be on that train already. You can find me in the first car of the train. ●● Train tickets: Return ticket Brussels-Genk should be fine. ●● Back to Brussels: In Genk there is one direct train per hour back to Brussels. ●● Specifics: Distance: ca 25km Elevation gain: 100 Net walking time: ca 5-6h Weather forecast: Looks ok for the moment. In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So it is important to have access to either the meetup website or your emails. ●● What to bring: * Comfortable hiking clothes &shoes * rain gear (just in case) * water + food for the breaks * sun cream * Compeed for blisters * some small money for drinks ●● Basic rules: Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP asap, even hours before the walk. This is basic courtesy towards others. Repeated late cancellations are not well considered (at all). No-shows are even worse. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the “going” list. People with the "go-with-the-flow" label are only moved from the waitlist 24 hours before the hike. I give you the label "go-with-the-flow" if you did not show up in one of my hikes before, or if you canceled for one of these hikes less than 24 hours in advance without a good reason. ●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability: You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you want to take part. As the participation in the events is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability. Moreover, the organisers aren't tour operators, so they don't feel obliged to answer to every text message or email!

Hey Brussels Sprouts!! **Our Language Exchange Event is coming up!! 🌍** We will have five language tables: **French, Dutch, English, Spanish, and Italian.** Each table will host around **2–5 participants**, **Participants rotate every 15–30 minutes** and you are welcome to move freely between tables to practice different languages. Native speakers are especially encouraged to join and share their language and culture! **Contribution to Our Events** Starting this year, we kindly ask participants to contribute in one of the following ways: **€5** per event, or **€40** annual membership fee If you feel like supporting us beyond this, to help people who can’t afford it, you are very welcome to do so 💛 If the contribution is a concern for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly 😉 **These contributions will help us:** * Cover the annual Meetup platform fee * Encourage everyone to respect RSVPs (We experienced a high number of no-shows at several events last year, which made organization more difficult.) * We will donate 10% collected fees to support Queer oriented organisations in the end of the year. Bank details: Yifei Yang BE12363234512492 Communication: your name+ event/membership **To make sure your spot is reserved, please complete your registration once you sign up.** We will prioritize those who have completed the registration process. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation. **Cheers!** 🥂 Brussels Sprouts 🇧🇪🥬💚

🏃‍♂️ Sunday Run: Woluwe & Etterbeek Loop Join the Brussels Runners for a scenic Sunday morning trek through the heart of the city’s greenest communes. 📍 The Meetup We are kicking things off at MUSKI COMICS CAFE (Rue Froissart 13, 1040 Etterbeek). Located right near Place Jourdan, this spot has a fantastic, quirky ambience that’s hard to beat. It’s the perfect backdrop for our pre-run stretch and our well-deserved post-run recovery. 📋 What to Expect **Distance:** Approximately 15 km **Pace:** 6:00–6:15 min/km (steady and social) **Terrain:** A dynamic mix of road sections and off-road trails. **Bag Drop:** Available on-site. If you need to store a jacket or bag, please arrive by 9:40 AM so we can start on time. **The Vibes:** Run with a great crew of like-minded people and stick around after for coffee and refreshments in the comic-clad comfort of Muski. ⚖️ Responsibility & Liability By signing up for this event, you acknowledge that participation is strictly voluntary. You agree to release the organizers from any responsibility or liability regarding claims. It is the responsibility of each participant to ensure they are physically fit for a 15 km run and possess adequate insurance coverage for their own protection.

🌟 Hello Yogis and Future Yogis! 🌟 -> New Year = Time to get back on the mat ! :) 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️ Whether you're a seasoned Yogi or a complete beginner, come and join us every **SUNDAY MORNING - from 11:00 to 12:15 - for Queer Yoga in Brussels :)** No need to worry if you've never tried Yoga before – everyone is welcome! 🌈 Just bring yourself in some comfy clothes (mats are provided) and let the magic happen :-). 🌿 **Class Details:** * This is an "open event" - for everyone, LGBTQ people and their friends no matter their **gender, age, race, sexual orientation or level of fitness / practice**. * Classes take place [Merci Wellness - Place Dillens 1, 1060 Saint-Gilles](https://www.merci-wellness.be/plan-acces.php). Very easy to get there, either by bike or metro (Hotel des Monnaies). * Ring bell "MERCI WELLNESS" - third floor ! * ⏰ 11:00 to 12:15 (doors close at 10:55 as **class starts at 11:00 sharp** \- it is not possible to join late\)\. 💸 **Cost:** * First class: 10 euros 🌟 * Single class: 15 euros 🧘‍♂️ * 5-class pass: 65 euros (valid for 3 months - a great deal for regular yogis! 🎉) You can pay your class on site either in CASH or through PAYCONIC. **Come and this great group of Sunday Morning Yogis** \- to spend a moment in a nice atmosphere and discover the benefits of Yoga\, from increased flexibility\, better posture\, a stronger body to a calmer mind\. See you on the mat! 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️✨ Edson P.S. Also, make sure to check out our new class **"Yoga for Men"** \- every Wednesday at 18:30 in the same location \- you can find the class list on our Meetup main page \!

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

What's up Friends! 👋 Let’s catch up over a cup of ☕️ (or whatever drink 🍵 or bite 🍪🍰🥐 inspires you in the moment). Where: Leopold PDN. This café may be a bit of a challenge to find on rainy days 🌧️☔️, but that's how adventures begin, right? 😂 Well, don't wait until you get hopelessly lost - text me here before you start cursing google maps 🗺️. The idea: Join the table once you've grabbed your order - mandatory! We'll kick-off with a light intro and move over to topics like activities, travel, music... At some point, if we are feeling it, we may also play some games. We will speak mostly English and French. Any other language is a bonus: 🌍🎭💃🎶🎷🤹🏻🤖 🎲 Games: No giant boards that end up in coffee spills please. Only light, short and fun games (generally card games like uno or exploding kittens💥🐱 will fit). I will bring a game or two myself, however feel free to bring along any of your own favorites. ⏱Timing: We start at 15:00, and you’re welcome to join at any time and for as long as you want. Joining later? Just let me know in advance in the chat so we keep a seat available for you 😊 🚦If you find yourself on the waiting list but you absolutely want to join or if you have any other question - feel free to contact me directly via the chat. 📢 Further details may be shared via the group chat or via DM 💬. Make sure to check your messages 👀 at least on the day before the event to avoid missing critical 🙄 announcements. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code:
👉No formalities - just chill 😎
👉Respect and positive vibes, if not 💥🥊 👉Can’t make it? Cancel so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot 🙏 👉 Don't show up if you are on the waiting list. See you folks! 😉

Meeting Room 2b, Main Library 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. We desirere to cultivate a space where all questions are welcome and all members are treated with compassion and respect. All backgrounds are welcome.

Join us for the Spring edition of [Nature Loving Fest](https://www.facebook.com/events/895148649812928), a small, thoughtfully curated outdoor gathering celebrating vegan eats, handmade goods, and the beauty of the season. Formerly known as our Vegan Pop-Up, this new chapter reflects what the event has always been — a space rooted in nature, community, and intentional living. Expect around 20 local vendors offering seasonal vegan eats, small-batch bakes, handcrafted goods, and earth-conscious products. Come support local makers, share good food, and celebrate the beginning of a new season with us. Admission is Free.

We thought of one of the interesting things that can be enjoyed at this time of the year. We will be meeting at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for a "Fish Fry" in Marian Hall on Friday, March 27th at 5:00 PM. It might be fun for you to experience what has become a tradition on the Fridays before Easter. They will have fried fish or baked fish, French fries and Cole slaw, as well as beverages, all for $16.00 for adults. They will have other beverages and desserts available for sale, as well. We have never tried this, and sometimes there are quite a few people at these events so we hope that we will be able to find each other easily. I'll try to have signs outside Marian Hall that Identify our group. We hope to have you join us!