Hikers and Campers

Rejoins-nous pour découvrir le Touch Rugby sous le signe du sport, du fun et de la convivialité ! 🏉 Que tu sois débutant·e curieux·se, joueur·se occasionnel·le ou habitué·e des terrains, ce rendez-vous est ouvert à toutes et tous. Le touch rugby est un sport en plein essor sans plaquage, accessible, dynamique mais aussi inclusif et fun sur et en dehors des terrains. 💙 ✨ Au programme : * Échauffement collectif * Exercices et jeux * Développement de la condition physique * Bonne humeur, esprit d’équipe et fair-play 🎯 Venez bouger, vous amuser et partager un bon moment ensemble ! 👉 Ramène ta tenue de sport, de l’eau, et surtout ta motivation. On s’occupe du reste 💪 À très vite sur le terrain !

**First time comers** Please make sure to read the rules and contact the organizer before! Otherwise you will be moved to waiting list. Apologies for inconvenience but we have to do it to avoid no-shows. **Games format.** 95% are double games (unless someone needs a break), typically 4 people play together 2 sets and then mix with players from other fields. We play with plastic shuttles - Yonex Mavis 2000 (which are provided). **Registration** If it's your first time, please send a private message to the host to confirm. No-shows are taken quite seriously because they unbalance the games a lot. Also once you register please keep an eye on you private messages, in case we need to contact you. **Players level** Having players with much less experience often unbalances the game making it much less interesting for more experienced players. We still try to be welcoming. As a rule of thumb, if you know what a "clear" is, you are welcome to join. (Note that on Sundays the attitude is a bit more relaxed than on Wednesdays, it's the weekend after all ;) ) Otherwise, feel free to get in touch with me (Timur) and we can see if we can arrange so you and existing players can have good experience playing. **Price and payments** The price of participation is EUR 8.95. Payment is on-site in cash, or via payconiq. Info provided during or shortly after the event. **Cancelations and no-shows** * Switches and cancellations are free of charge if done more than 50 hours before the start of the matches * If you cancel within the 50-hour window before the event starts, you will be placed on the wait-list for the next week's event, whether or not a replacement is found. If no replacement is secured, you'll still need to cover your share of the costs.

https://www.strava.com/clubs/socialrunning SYNC is a weekly social run in Brussels. Every Wednesday at 6PM Parc du Cinquantenaire \| meeting point under the main arch\. 8KM at a conversational pace. No pressure. No racing. Just movement and meaningful connections. Whether you’re new in Brussels or have lived here for years, SYNC is about running together and building community. All levels welcome. Just show up. Let’s sync.

The topic of this event has been heavily inspired by [Blast](https://www.blast-info.fr)'s video on the subject matter: [FREE PARTY : LE CAUCHEMAR OBSESSIONNEL DU GOUVERNEMENT](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSvVvq3KxfI) The history of free party events dates back to the Thatcher era. In 1987, her government passed legislation that effectively forced many bars and clubs to close at 2 a.m. As a result, groups of people began occupying abandoned factories on the outskirts of cities in order to keep the party going. While some gangs and groups attempted to take over these gatherings for profit, most remained true to the punk and squatter ethos from which they emerged. A further pushback from the UK government came in 1994 with the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, which, in a rather absurd manner, prohibited gatherings of more than 10 people listening to music characterized by "a succession of repetitive beats." Many free party groups, such as Spiral Tribe, Bedlam, and DiY Sound System, left the UK and settled in France, where the movement found fertile ground. These parties can be recognized by their distinctive music and aesthetics. However, they are much more than that. They are organized in a highly horizontal manner, where even the musicians are almost part of the public, and attendees are free to branch out and play their own music with few clear boundaries, not even temporal ones. This creates an atmosphere of intense emotions, spontaneity, and very limited oversight. People from outside these circles often claim that these gatherings are places of lawlessness, with little respect for private property, where participants seek a state of trance through music, drugs, or both. Recently, RIPOST, a legislative proposal aimed at cracking down on free parties, passed the Senate, the upper chamber of the French Parliament. It proposes criminalizing the organization of such events, with penalties of up to two years in prison and a €30,000 fine. It would also criminalize participation in these parties, with penalties of up to six months in prison and a €7,500 fine. While many participants consider these parties to be fully apolitical and simply an escape from the hardships of modern life and the realities they experience, others, including many observers and experts, see a deeply political dimension in these gatherings through their rejection of governmental control and conventional social structures. One particularly haunting quote, often associated with participants in the movement during the 1990s, captures this sentiment: *"We are dancing on the ruins of the West."* How should we, as a society, view such organizations? Could they be regulated in a way that would not backfire? Or are they a litmus test, a canary in the coal mine whose repression signals a drift toward authoritarianism? Picture source: [https://www.hyfae.com/magazine/spiral-tribe-rave-culture-the-number-23](https://www.hyfae.com/magazine/spiral-tribe-rave-culture-the-number-23) This debate will follow a British Parliamentary format with eight debaters split into **four teams of two.** Participants who wish to speak are highly encouraged to bring a paper and pen. You are welcome to participate even if you have no prior debating experience. We aim for debates that are respectful, constructive, and welcoming: * **Respect ideas and people** Listen actively, stay quiet while others speak, and debate arguments, not identities or beliefs. * **Be concise and civil** Keep questions short and relevant; avoid hostility, hate speech, or discrimination. * **Respect boundaries and time** No unwanted advances or suggestive behavior; arrive on time to avoid disrupting the debate. * **Follow moderators** They guide the discussion and ensure fairness.

Small curated movie nights in a hidden garden in Ixelles, next to Place Flagey. A mix of: * **cult classics** * **recent movies** * **international cinema** * **comedy nights** * **karaoke & dubbing chaos nights** * **comfort food and summer vibes** **This is not a giant public Meetup** where 40 strangers stand awkwardly around overpriced drinks pretending networking is fun. Humanity already suffered enough. Our idea is simple: we gather in a private home and transform the courtyard into a small outdoor cinema. Sometimes we cook together before the movie: Italian, Thai, Lebanese, Japanese, Balkan, Greek, Latin American street food etc. Sometimes people simply grab pizza from the excellent pizzeria next door and join the screening. Food is intentionally relaxed: bowls, finger food, street food, popcorn, snacks, comfort food. **Some nights are more gourmet.** Some are glorified pizza-and-movie nights. Both are valid forms of civilization **;-)** ## **What makes this different** The group is i**ntentionally small**: usually 6 to 8 people maximum. **People are introduced properly.** Nobody gets abandoned in a corner. The atmosphere stays human, social and safe. **No heavy drinking.** **No creepy behavior.** No random people showing up uninvited. Smoking is allowed because is outside in the courtyard and occasionally we may have **hookah nights** depending on the movie/theme. ## **Typical evenings** * Wong Kar-wai + Asian comfort food * Spaghetti western + Italian street food * Anime + sushi night * Greek cinema + mezze * Balkan chaos cinema + burek * Cult movie dubbing nights where people voice scenes live karaoke-style Yes, this is a real thing now apparently. ## **Important** Because Meetups and public internet are full of bots, spam accounts and socially radioactive individuals, **we do NOT post the exact address publicly.** To join: scan the QR code on the image and request access to the private WhatsApp group or send me a DM. From there: * we announce movies * vote on menus * organize cooking nights * coordinate places **If you are new in Brussels, introverted, traveling, recently arrived, or simply tired of giant impersonal events, this may be your thing.**

Walk Through Roman History, Hidden Catacombs & the Hills of Limburg Escape Brussels for a full-day community adventure to the charming medieval town of Valkenburg — where Roman history, scenic landscapes, underground tunnels, and meaningful social connection come together. Together, we’ll explore one of the Netherlands’ oldest tourist towns through a unique 9.5 km immersive walking experience inspired by the ancient Via Belgica, the Roman road connecting the French coast to the German Rhineland. Along the way, we’ll discover the story of Magistrate Titus Tertinius Cornutus, walk through Valkenburg’s historic streets and green hills, enjoy a relaxed group lunch, and visit the fascinating Roman Catacombs hidden beneath the town. Whether you’re joining solo or with friends, this experience is designed for people who enjoy culture, nature, slow travel, and meeting open-minded international people. People increasingly seek experiences that create belonging, shared memories, and real-world connection — especially around outdoor and social activities. --- ## 🌍 Event Type **Community Event** --- ## ✨ Highlights *Scenic 9.5 km guided audio walk through Valkenburg * Roman storytelling experience inspired by the Via Belgica *Visit to the famous Roman Catacombs * Medieval streets, castle views & Limburg landscapes *Relaxed social atmosphere for internationals & locals * Group lunch in a local restaurant *Easy train escape from Brussels * Ideal for solo joiners --- ## 🏛 Experience Overview Valkenburg is unlike anywhere else in the Netherlands. Built around marlstone hills and crossed by the Geul River, the town combines Roman heritage, underground passageways, medieval architecture, and a relaxed countryside atmosphere. During this immersive experience, we’ll follow a special Roman-themed audio route inspired by real archaeological discoveries found in the region, including Roman villas, watchtowers, and artefacts connected to the Via Belgica. The walk combines storytelling, nature, culture, and social connection — the kind of intentional travel experiences people increasingly value today. We’ll also descend into the mysterious Roman Catacombs, a fascinating underground reconstruction inspired by ancient Roman burial chambers and early Christian catacombs. --- ## 🗓️ Plan / Itinerary ### Morning *Meet at Brussels Central Station * Train departure around 9:00 AM *Relaxed journey to Valkenburg * Introduction & community welcome ### Midday *Start Roman audio walking route * Explore Valkenburg’s medieval centre *Scenic viewpoints & historical stops * Group lunch at a local restaurant ### Afternoon *Continue the Via Belgica experience * Visit the Roman Catacombs *Free time for coffee, photos, or local exploration ### Evening * Return by train to Brussels *Estimated arrival around 9:00 PM *If the group reaches 30+ participants, a private coach may be organised instead of train travel.* --- ## 📍 Meeting Point ### Brussels Central Station Exact meeting instructions and WhatsApp group details will be shared with participants before departure. --- ## 💶 Price / Contribution ### Sunday Vacations Community Contribution * **Explorer Members:** €5 ***Voyager Members: **Free ** *Ambassador Members: **Free ### Additional Costs Participants cover their own: *Train ticket (unless coach is organised) * Food & drinks *Roman Catacombs entrance ticket If a private coach is organised, an additional transport contribution will apply. VAT not applicable – small business exemption scheme, Article 56bis Belgian VAT Code. --- ## 🌟 Membership ### Sunday Vacations Memberships * Explorer — starting at €5/year *Voyager — starting at €50/year * Ambassador — starting at €150/year Voyager and Ambassador members enjoy free access to selected community events like this one. Sunday Vacations is built around meaningful social experiences, cultural discovery, and community connection for internationals and locals in Belgium. Expats consistently rank social connection and ease of building friendships among the most important parts of life abroad. --- ## 👥 Who This Is For This experience is perfect for: *International professionals * Expats & locals in Brussels *Solo joiners * Nature & culture lovers *History enthusiasts * Curious explorers *People looking for meaningful social experiences No hiking experience required — just a reasonable fitness level for a 9.5 km walk with some gentle hills. --- ## 🎒 What To Bring * Comfortable walking shoes *Water bottle * Weather-appropriate clothing *Earphones for the audio experience * Power bank recommended *Passport or ID * Good energy & curiosity --- ## ⚠️ Important Notes *The route is approximately 9.5 km * Some areas may include uneven surfaces or hills *Train schedules may slightly affect timing * Participants are responsible for arriving on time *The audio experience works best with earphones * Coach transport depends on minimum participation numbers --- ## ⚖️ Legal Disclaimer Sunday Vacations / UJAMAA ASBL acts as a community organiser and not as a travel agency. Transport, restaurants, venues, and attractions may be operated by independent third-party providers. Participants remain responsible for their own travel documents, personal insurance, health coverage, and personal belongings. Activities are organised by volunteers and covered under the Belgian legal volunteer insurance framework. --- ## ❤️ Call To Action Join us for a unique day where Roman history, hidden underground worlds, nature, and international community come together just a short journey from Brussels. Come solo. Leave connected. Limited spots available.

The weather forecast for Saturday is dry but quite hot again. I suggest a forest hike that I also organized last year, because this hike has a lot of shade. We start in Pepinster and the track will lead us to the ruins of the Franchimomt castle after 8km. Afterwards we walk to the village Polleur, where we will cross an ancient bridge. The last part of the hike is through the Chawion nature reserve, before starting the descent to Spa, where we finish the hike with a beer (or two). We intend to finish not too late in Spa. Those who wish can stay longer and visit the thermal baths afterwards (It is quite expensive for what it is, I must say). Don't forget to bring a swim suit and a towel in case you want to visit the thermal baths. 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 ;-). **Important: this will be a challenging hike due to hot weather and a lot of elevation gain. So, only join if you are fit enough for this. Bring a lot of water!** ●●You can find the gpx track here: https://www.komoot.com/nl-nl/tour/521670853#previewMap ●●Link to the thermal baths center: https://thermesdespa.com/home/ ●●Meeting point: We meet at 9h46 in Pepinster (in front of the railway station). If you start from Brussels-Central, you should take train IC 506 towards Eupen at 08h01. I am starting from Ghent, so I will be on that train already. You can find me in the first carriage of the train. In Liege-Guillemins you need to change to train S41 5009 into the direction of Aachen Hbf at 9h19. ●● Train tickets: I think that you need two separate tickets, because Pepinster and Spa are not on the same railway line. ●● Back to Brussels: From Spa you have a train every hour back to Brussels (with a change in Verviers). ●● Specifics: Distance: ca 22km Elevation gain: 600 Net walking time: ca 6h Weather forecast: More than 27 degrees but dry! 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 and/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. 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!

**Afterwork vibes. Sunset views. Great people.** Join us this Thursday for a relaxed rooftop evening above the EU district — the perfect way to unwind after work, meet like-minded internationals, and enjoy Brussels from a different perspective. This is a **small, curated gathering** to keep things social, easy, and high quality. *** ## ✨ What to expect * 🌇 Beautiful **sunset views over Brussels** * 🍹 Stylish rooftop bar (cocktails, wine, softs available) * 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Friendly group of people * 🎶 Chill, classy atmosphere (not a loud party) *** ## 📍 Practical info * **Location:** Sofitel Brussels Europe * **Meeting point:** Rooftop (enter Sofitel and take the lift) * **Time:** After work (see event time) * **Group size:** **Max. 15 participants** *** ## 🎟️ Reservation required (important) To ensure a smooth experience and avoid overcrowding, **a reservation is required**. * **Explorer members:** €5 to secure your spot * **Voyager & Ambassador members:** Included (free reservation) 👉 **Spots without reservation are not guaranteed** *** ## ⚠️ Good to know * Drinks are **paid individually at the bar** * Limitedty → first come, first served * This is a **social rooftop evening**, not a party *** ## 🌍 About Sunday Vacations A community of internationals in Brussels connecting through experiences, travel & good vibes. *** **Come for one drink… stay for the people ✨**

Join Sunday Vacations for a cozy Saturday brunch at **Aksum Coffee House**, one of Brussels’ most beautiful cafés, where rich Ethiopian coffee, fresh Moroccan crêpes, and vibrant international vibes meet in perfect harmony. This is more than just brunch, it’s a relaxed way to start your weekend, meet new people, and enjoy a soulful spot full of stories and flavors. ### 📍 Where? **Aksum Coffee House – Galeries Sainte Hubert (Just a few steps from Grand Place) ### 🕚 When? **Saturday at 11:30 AM** Come hungry, curious, and ready to mingle! ### 🍽️ What’s on the menu? ☕ Fresh-roasted Ethiopian coffee 🥞 Moroccan-style crêpes & artisan pastries 🥚 Tasty brunch dishes (vegetarian options too) 🧾 Everyone pays their own order at the counter. ### 👋 Who’s joining? Expect a mix of international professionals, friendly locals, and Sunday Vacations regulars. Solo? New in town? Come anyway, this is the perfect place to connect. --- 🧡 **Limited spots** – RSVP early to secure your place at the table. By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Brussels.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

Our journey takes us once more under the towering beech cathedral of the Forêt de Soignes. We’ll begin our transition from city to nature at the threshold where Brussels meets the wild, gathering right by Woodpecker (Le Kiosque) in the heart of Bois de la Cambre. After meeting near the kiosk, we’ll head past the ponds and disappear into the deep greens and dappled light of the ancient woodland. 🏃‍♂️ What to Expect Distance: \~15 km Pace: 6:00–6:15 min/km Terrain: Light trails and firm forest paths. Trail shoes aren't a strict necessity but are highly advisable. (Note: The route may be adapted depending on weather conditions). Good Company: Run with like-minded individuals and make new friends along the way. Post-Run Coffee: An optional gathering at Woodpecker for well-deserved coffee and refreshments. 🎒 Important Logistics Bag Drop: 🚫 Not available. Please arrive ready to run. Hydration: Because we are hitting a full 15km stretch without a base camp, please bring a hydration pack, handheld flask, or running belt to carry your own water. See you at the kiosk. Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers 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 will continue our footpath from last week, this time going south from Lustin, mostly on the GR 126. The route starts with a climb to a viewpoint over the Meuse, then winds through the rugged Meuse Valley, passing by the Abbaye de Leffe, and finally descending into Dinant with panoramic views of the Citadel, and a well-deserved stop for a drink or ice-cream, depending on the train schedule. The number of participants is limited to 12, so please 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 moving speed of 5km/h. We will walk both on paved and 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: [https://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/user.do?id=2756021](https://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/user.do?id=2756021) ●●Meeting point: We meet at 9.10 in Brussels Schuman station at Platform 2. Our train (IC 2509 to Dinant) leaves at 09.23. and arrives to Lustin at 10.30. ●● Trains back to Brussels: direct trains from Dinant are every hour at XX.13. ●● Train ticket: One way ticket to Lustin is 9.60€ or 5.80€ with train+. One way ticket from Dinant is 11.40€ or 6.80€ with train+. Return ticket to Dinant should also be ok. ●● Specifics: Distance: ± 25 km Elevation gain: 670 m Net walking time: ± 6 h Weather forecast: sunny and warm. In the unlikely case of too bad weather, I may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, I 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 and/or your emails. ●● What to bring: *Plenty of water + pack your own lunch/snacks - Comfortable hiking shoes and clothes *Sun and bug protection (Sunscreen, hat, tick repellent, etc) - Raingear (just in case) *Small money for drinks/ice-cream ●● 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.

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar