Celtic Culture

Join our small-group countryside getaway from the Netherlands to Germany’s most magical castles! Explore the fairy-tale streets of Cochem and the breathtaking Burg Eltz hidden in the forest hills. 📍 **Date:** 16 & 17 May (Saturday & Sunday) **Pick up:** Amsterdam & Utrecht **Price:** €298 (€149 per day per person incl. hotel twin-shared with breakfast) Excl. entrance fees to castles, visiting outside is free, meals and personal expenses. ✨ Small group experience – maximum 6 participants 🚐 Comfortable minivan with driver-guide 📸 Scenic stops & local insights 🍷 Moselle Valley views and charming villages, wine tasting in the prestigious wine region in Germany. A relaxed and personal journey perfect for castle lovers, photographers, and explorers. Limited spaces available! WhatsApp +31616121051 now to join us — we look forward to a fairy-tale weekend with you! 🌿🏰

A fun evening full of oooohh's and aaahhh’s and this is why: https://youtu.be/9Usnkt4mEvM It’s all about having fun, so don’t worry if this is your first or second time playing. We will help you and we always cheer every player to victory so everyone has a great experience. Pls be aware - paid event - read all information! I reserved 4 lanes for 1,5 hrs, so we play from 20.00 - 21.30 Since I have to pay in advance I ask anyone that joins to pay their part as well in advance. If you join the list for this event, please transfer 15 euros immediately or make someone on the waiting list happy by giving your spot to him or her. I will sent a tikkie or publish it in the comments. Your spot is only confirmed after payment. No pay. No play. Please note that there is no refund for cancellation, since I have reserved bowlinglanes and have to pay full price wheter we are with 10 people or 3 people. In case you can't make it, I suggest you find someone to take your spot and he or she pays you the money back. If someone on the waiting list takes your spot then a refund is possible. If someone takes your place, pls let me know in advance. Pls be on time. We start bowling at 8 pm sharp. So be there at least 15 minutes early since u need to change shoes and maybe want to get a drink at the bar. After the bowling we usually go to a café in the city for drinks but if u feel like going home this is ofcourse also okay.

We’re heading out for a beautiful cross border hike through forest, heathland, open landscapes, and a very special midpoint stop: **De Achelse Kluis**, a historic abbey on the border between the Netherlands and Belgium. The hike starts in the Netherlands and takes us through the peaceful **Leenderbos**, one of the most atmospheric forest areas in North Brabant. Expect woodland paths, sandy tracks, heath, open views, and that lovely Veluwe style feeling of moving between forest and open landscape. As we continue south, we make our way toward the Belgian border and our main break location: **De Achelse Kluis**. This unique abbey complex lies between **Hamont Achel** and **Leende**. With roots going back to the 17th century, and later known as a Trappist abbey, it offers a beautiful neogothic setting with a brasserie, abbey shop, and a calm historic atmosphere. After several kilometers of forest and heathland walking, arriving at the abbey will feel like a real reward. We’ll take our longer break here, with the option to enjoy the brasserie, have a coffee, try Limburgse vlaai, taste an abbey beer, or simply relax around the grounds. After the break, we cross back into the Dutch side and return through the Leenderbos, completing a full loop through forest, heathland, and quiet countryside. A hike with forest energy, abbey atmosphere, monks’ history, and a touch of Belgium. 📲 **WhatsApp group** I’ll open a temporary WhatsApp group for everyone signed up before the hike, so we can coordinate carpooling, final break arrangements, and any last minute updates. **📍When and where to meet?** We’ll meet at 11h15 at Busstop "Leende, Valkenswaardseweg/A2"" https://maps.app.goo.gl/Uij4AmfEos2foDbQ8 ⏰ **We start walking a few minutes after meeting up** We don’t wait for latecomers, as we have a long route ahead and want to enjoy the full day properly. **🚗 Coming by car?** Please check your parking options beforehand so you arrive on time. **⏸️ Planned Breaks** After around **10 km:** 60 minute break at **De Achelse Kluis** I still need to confirm the practical arrangements with the brasserie, including whether we can just have drinks or whether we need to order food as well. I’ll share the update in the WhatsApp group once confirmed. **💸 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. Please pay here: https://tikkie.me/pay/ute915nnuvqfl74002hh **👟 Good to know** * Refund policy: Cancellations are fully refundable up to 1 week before the event (This is Friday 8 May 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 and water. * 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.

[Reserve your spot here](https://ccu.stager.co/shop/livecodingweekend/events/111653422?utm_campaign=live-coding-101&utm_source=meetup) Learn to make live coded music and visuals from scratch! Whether you're a complete beginner, or already have live coding foundations, this weekend will offer you a chance to experiment with your creativity. Learn programming visuals from Niki Scheijen with the Hydra Video Synth, and programming music from Wilbert Vogel with the Mercury Playground. On Saturday evening, we'll host a From-Scratch session together with the Netherlands Coding Live community, where you can enjoy improvised performances by others, or show off your newly acquired skills. On Sunday evening, we will host a small showcase for course members! **Programme** Saturday 16 May 13:00 - 18:00 - Workshops Day 1 Saturday 16 May 19:30 - 22:00 - NL_CL From Scratch Session Sunday 17 May 13:00 - 16:00 - Workshops Day 2 Sunday 17 May 16:00 - 18:00 - Showcase [More info and tickets](https://ccu.stager.co/shop/livecodingweekend/events/111653422?utm_campaign=live-coding-101&utm_source=meetup)

🎶Calling all music lovers, players, and listeners!🎶 Do you play an instrument, love listening to live spontaneous jam sessions or just want to meet new people? Come join us for a musical evening at Cafe Domkop! 🎸🎹🥁Feel free to bring your own instrument if you have. There will be one keyboard, one guitar, cajón and two mics on site already. From beginners to pros, everyone is welcome to join. 👋 **Meetup hosts will be there from 17:00 to 19:00** \- you’re welcome to join anytime\. 🎶 **Jam session is from 17:00 to 20:00** \- stay as long as you like and enjoy the vibe!

Picknick Concerts zijn kleinschalige muzikale ervaringen op bijzondere buitenlocaties in ’t Gooi. Geen festivaldrukte, maar een gedeeld moment van rust, natuur en live muziek van hoog niveau. Tijdens deze editie speelt celliste Camille Bergsma een gevarieerd en verhalend soloprogramma met muziek uit verschillende stijlen en tradities. Van barok en gearrangeerde klassiekers tot moderne grooves en een Venetiaans traditioneel lied. Het concert vindt plaats in de historische kasteeltuin van Sypesteyn in Loosdrecht. Bezoekers nemen plaats op een picknickkleed en genieten van een ontspannen middag in de buitenlucht. Meer info: lucasjansen.art/picknickconcerts

Whether you are a veteran board gamer, or it is your first time playing board games, time to roll some dice, play some cards and flip the table!!! :P You can bring your own games or play those brought by others. There are also dozens of games available for us at Het Lab. No need to know the rules to a game beforehand. Usually people are happy to explain the rules. Feel free to drop a comment in the event's comments section to look for players for a specific game. - You can bring your own food or have it delivered. There are plenty of restaurants and food venues are around Het Lab. You can buy soft drinks at Het Lab. - As usual, voluntary contribution of €5 per person is more than welcome to pay for the costs of the venue and this meetup group. - All participants get 10% discount on all games purchases on the day of the meetup. Hope to see you all there, happy gaming in the meantime!

## 🎨**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!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

It is games time again! We will be bringing small Japanese card games. \* Spoiler alert!! \* Asami just got back from her trip to Japan and she will bring a few new games ;-) If you would like to bring your own Japanese games, please bring them! The actual max attendee number is around **20\~25**. we'll be manually adding people from the wait list, so that we have a nice balance of familiar and new faces. From March 2026, by default we'll organize the Japanese Language Club **on Sundays from 12:30 at a new location** \- in Amstelveen Library\, just across the street from the previous location :\) This new location has more space for us, so we can also have a bit more attendees, and we can use the study books from the library :) ❗Please note: * **Food is not allowed** in the library (but we'll go grab a lunch after the event - this is optional). * Drinks are allowed, you can bring your own, and there are also tea and coffee machines, paid by card. * You can arrive a bit earlier (from 12:15), but try to be there by 12:30, that's the official start time. * Toilets are not free, but they are pretty cheap (0.50€), paid by card. * We don't need to worry about making noise, as long as we keep it reasonable (so no yelling or loud music). 📍**How to find us**: enter via the Venstra Cafe entrance, then continue straight and take stairs up one level to enter the Amstelveen Library. Then on the left side, with a bunch of round tables under the "Taalhuis" sign, is where we gather. *This session we'll practice vocabulary, in groups of 3-4 people, depending on the amount of native speakers.* Note: the actual max attendee number is around 20. I'll be adding more people from the wait list, so that we have a nice balance of various levels and of familiar and new faces :) So feel free to add yourself to the wait list (you can do it as a free user, just click the, somewhat hidden, "continue with free plan" link when asked to get a subscription). **[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

Gran Fondo Rosa is a must ride in the Netherlands, and since years we are riding under the ATAC flag! 3 distances available: 80, 120 and 170km. It’s a sportive so not a race, you choose your pace and we enjoy the race ride. Roads are closed and there are food and drink stops along the way. When signing up, select FRIEND TEAM and then type ATAC as the team. We will have our own table at the pasta party. Sign up here: https://www.nltourrides.nl/gran-fondo-rosa/#inschrijving Cheers !

Join us for some casual pickup in Museumplein. All levels and ages are welcome. You don't need anything but we recommend decent shoes and a water bottle. Don't worry about the low attendance on Meetup – we almost always have enough to play, they are just too lazy to RSVP. Our schedule is something like this, though late starts are common: * 15.00 ­to 15.30 – People start trickling in and doing warmup tossing * 15.30 to 16.00 – Start playing * 17.30 to 18.30 – We stop playing; some head to a nearby bar

Update!! Because too cold (and maybe rainy), we move this event to an indoor venue. Still BYO food/drinks! And think maybe boardgames? _________ With warm & good weather on the horizon again, it's time again to get more picnic-y & outdoors-y 🌄 For this new season, let's revisit the old picnic gathering formula, but add into the night vibe & spicy dance theme (in this case tango, because other dances are oversaturated with events 😊) The premise: A picnic gathering starting from 15:30 & ending 20:00 Since it's evening vibes, BYO food/drinks/games still applies but think time appropriate (don't go big on alcohol though!) Dancing aspect, music starts 16:00 & ends 20:00 sharp! Exact location in Griftpark: To be concluded, but assume close to where the meetup event location currently is set at Additional notes for the tango aspect: *you're very much welcome to join in & dance, even with no experience. I can show you a thing or two so you can get a taste & give it a go 😊 Depending on how many, either via a quick group tryout or I help you out individually - The tango aspect of the event is through the Utrecht Tango Cafe Milonga community (also organized by Constantinos) More info --> [https://www.utrechtcafemilonga.com](https://www.utrechtcafemilonga.com) If you have any further questions, feel free to message the host Depending on the time & weather, and whether people are up for it, follow-up drinks can always follow later that day. To those interested, I hope to see you there! 😄

**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:** **22nd February 2026** ✨ **Diederik Zuurmond** – dry, playful observations from a British-born Amsterdammer ✨ **Ghieslaine Guardiola** – dynamic, multi-talented performer blending storytelling with big stage energy ✨ **Pieter Jouke** – seasoned international comedian with sharp, intelligent humour ✨ **Kyle Lucey** – high-energy Canadian headliner with punchy, no-nonsense comedy **Upcoming Dates:** * 22nd March 2026 * 5th April 2026 * 19th April 2026 * 3rd May 2026 * 17th May 2026 (Season finale!) * We'll be back in September! **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?

*Since the event will be in Dutch, this description is too.* Ben je benieuwd naar wat het Tibetaans boeddhisme inhoudt en zoek je een plek waar je op een ontspannen en toegankelijke manier kunt kennismaken? Of ben je gewoon op zoek naar een moment van rust, meditatie en reflectie? Dan ben je van harte welkom bij *Heart of Compassion*, een reeks zondagochtendbijeenkomsten waarin compassie het centrale thema vormt. Aan deze activiteit kun je per keer meedoen. Tijdens deze ochtenden beginnen we met een gezamenlijke meditatie. Daarna volgt een korte inleiding op een boeddhistisch thema, zoals de [Vier Edele Waarheden](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vier_edele_waarheden), compassie voor jezelf en voor anderen. We nemen vervolgens de tijd om samen stil te staan bij het onderwerp, in de vorm van een gesprek of een geleide meditatie die uitnodigt tot reflectie. **Voor wie?** Of je nu net begint met het verkennen van boeddhisme of gewoon op zoek bent naar een moment van rust, iedereen is welkom. Ervaar de kracht van compassie in een toegankelijke en rustige sfeer. **Praktische informatie** -Begeleiding: Eline Rinchen Dorjee-Weiman -Ontvangst: vanaf 10:15 uur en na de bijeenkomst is er tijd voor een kopje thee -Plaats: [Jewel Heart, Hatertseveldweg 284, 6532 XX Nijmegen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4FzqLbkaqs2JNDG8). Loop de oprit op en dan zit de ingang aan je rechterzijde -Kosten: Aan deze bijeenkomsten zijn geen kosten verbonden -Aanmelding is niet nodig Kijk ook naar onze andere [open activiteiten](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/open-activiteiten/) en [cursussen](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/cursussen-overzicht/)

# **Saturday, May 16, 2026** **Beginners’ Session 1:30 to 2:00 PM** **Dancing 2:00 to 4:30 PM** **Please note that this is an afternoon dance!** **You are invited to join us for dinner at Olive and Lime (in the church’s back parking lot) after the dance.** **Kim Thompson, from Athens, will take the mic and we’ll dance to the music of Roscommon Sessions. Kim will lead us through a variety of old and new dances that welcome newbies and delight experienced dancers.** **Roscommon Sessions, a traditional Irish music quartet from Columbus, Ohio, began their musical journey centered around the energy and spontaneity of Irish sessions. They are excited to bring their lively jigs and reels, a couple of flowing waltzes, and the occasional musical surprise to the All Soles contra dancers!** **Roscommon Sessions is Steve Steele (guitar), Jim Lindroth (percussion), Carol Metheny (fiddle) and Sarah Sigmon (fiddle).** **We hope to see you dancing!** **Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Road, Columbus, OH 43214.** **Cost is $10 for adults, $5 ages 12-25.** **New to dancing? A beginners’ session, from 1:30 to 2:00 PM, will get you started. You will learn some basic figures that will be repeated in the afternoon’s dances. All dances will be taught and no partner is needed. Dancing is from 2:00 to 4:30 PM.** **Please bring your own refillable water bottle.** **All Soles Dance upcoming dance dates are, as follows:** **June 20, 2026** **Tentative:** **July 25, 2026–Summer Potluck and Dance** **No August Dance** **September 26, 2026** **October 17, 2026** **November 21, 2026** **December 19, 2026** **Visit our website at: https://firstuucolumbus.org/connection/all-soles/**

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** TBD **YouTube Link** TBD

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!