Decision Making

Maki-e is a traditional Japanese lacquer decoration technique. Techiniques are involved drawing pictures, patterns, and letters on the surface of lacquerware using lacquer, and then sprinkling and fixing metal powder, such as gold or silver, onto the surface. In our workshop, you have the opportunity to create maki-e designs using traditional Japanese patterns (wagara) or your own original designs. Then your canvas can be a glass cup or a glass picture frame. Join us for this unique Japanese art workshop in Utrecht. * Place: CLAY TO PLATE Biltstraat 55, 3572 AG, Utrecht * Price: three options you can choose from €56 pp(for a glass cup) €60 pp (for a glass picture frame) €76 pp (for a lacquerwares) Limited seats available. **Booking is essential for adequate preparations. If you've enrolled/registered on the Meetup app, we'll contact you through the app message. Kindly communicate with us accordingly, and refrain from showing up without prior contact. We appreciate your understanding** Website:[https://japanworkshopnet.com/ ](https://japanworkshopnet.com/) [MAKI-E workshop info](https://japanworkshopnet.com/maki-e-workshops/) Email: info@japanworkshopnet.com Mobile:0616059840

**Modern and Authentic kintsugi workshop in Utrecht.** Choose from three options: * 1-Day Modern Kintsugi workshop-€60 * 2-Day Modern Kintsugi workshop-€96 * 4-Day Authentic Kintsugi workshop -€180 For all details, please visit my website. [https://japanworkshopnet.com/upcoming-workshops/](https://japanworkshopnet.com/upcoming-workshops/) Location: **CLAY TO PLATE** [Biltstraat 55, 3572 AG, Utrecht](https://www.claytoplate.com/) **Booking is essential**. Please contact me if you would like to participate in the workshop. Email: info@japanworkshopnet.com Mobile:0616059840

*Since this 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/)

You’re invited to join a relaxed bicycle trip combined with an exciting (board) game. We’ll start in Utrecht and let the game guide our route. Where we end up is part of the game and will be decided along the way, but the distance will not be more than 50-60 km :) During the bicycle ride, we’ll pause for puzzles and activities such as charades, singing, dancing, and other challenges! This is not a race, we’ll cycle at an easy pace and focus on enjoying the journey together. **What to bring:** * A bicycle * Warm clothing * A good mood :) We will get some lunch on the way, hope you can come along for a cycle adventure where the journey is more important than the destination :)

Join in for a morning of crafting & chatting over a drink. Just bring your own project and payment for drinks. Meet fellow crafting enthusiasts, whether it's knitting, crocheting, stitching, origami, or something more unique! We talk about our projects, exchange tipps, but also just get to know each other and enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning in good company. All ages, levels and crafts welcome! And don't be shy, we have newcomers most weeks! **We have limited space at the café, so if you've RSVPd and can't make it, please cancel as early as possible so another person can join!** We now also have a WhatsApp group, where we want to organise get-togethers and other events. Ask one of the organisers at the next Meetup you join for more information and access.

**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:** **7th September 2025** Triple Headliner show with Ollie Horn, Andrew Silverwood and John Robertson (a.k.a. Mr Dark Room), supported by Sharon Em **21st September 2025** Special Fundraiser for War Child - get tickets here: [https://warchildfundraiser2025.eventbrite.nl](https://warchildfundraiser2025.eventbrite.nl/ "https://warchildfundraiser2025.eventbrite.nl") **5th October 2025** Juliette Burton, Pernille Haaland, Mike Sheer, Jim Williams, Fedor **19th October 2025** Raul Kohli, Kyle Legacy, Rosie Wilby, Soula Notos **2nd November 2025** Martin Angolo, Ger Staunton, David Gamble, Zoe Ntonta **16th November 2025** Leslie Gold, Jade Esteban Estrada, support acts tbc. **Upcoming Dates:** * 30th November 2025 * 14th December 2025 * 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?

🍂 **Weekly Anime Night Autumn Season 🍂** It’s time… we’re wrapping up **Let’s Play**! This week we’ll be watching the final stretch together – a cozy triple-episode session to see how it all comes together. *** **📅 Event Series Details** **Date: February 1st** **Time: 19:00–21:00** **Location:** Buurtcentrum De Speler, Thorbeckelaan 18, 3551 BR, Utrecht A spacious space to share and watch our favorite anime. *** 🎬 **What’s the Plan This Week?** Check-in & Meet & Greet – New faces and returning fans, let’s connect! **Let’s Play – Episode 10** Break – Grab a drink, chat, and stretch those legs. **Let’s Play – Episode 11** Short break **Let’s Play – Episode 12 (Finale!)** Closing & Hangout – Let’s talk reactions, highlights, opinions, hot takes, and everything in between! *** 🎒 **What Should You Bring?** * Your favorite snacks and drinks (not provided) * Your love for anime * Friends, or just your awesome self – all are welcome! *** 🎟️ **Free & Open to All!** This is a **non-commercial, community-driven event** created by fans, for fans. Whether you’re new to anime or a seasoned otaku, there’s a seat on the couch for you. *** 🔍 **Questions?** Drop them in the event chat – we’re happy to help! Come for the anime, stay for the laughs, finale vibes, and great people. See you there! ✨🎥🍿

Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** WiFi name/password: [PLEASE INCLUDE DETAILS] Travel / Parking info: [PLEASE INCLUDE DETAILS]

Join us for a beautiful hike on the Mookerheide * We **start at 12:00** Parking at train station Mook-Molenhoek Bovensteweg 6585, 6585 KS Mook https://maps.app.goo.gl/C1vhc1UcdyE8C9XP8 * Length: \~16 km (4 - 5 hr hiking) * What to bring: lunch, water, snack. * For whom: As always, sporty folks that like to combine social event with being active in nature. **Getting there by Train:** * To train station: Mook-Molenhoek https://maps.app.goo.gl/kMr4CeeyqiJGgbbE7 **Getting there by Car:** * Free car parking at station Mook-Molenhoek Bovensteweg 6585, 6585 KS Mook https://maps.app.goo.gl/qZrkKCgegaADuvzN9 **Note:** * Please **pay a small fee (3 euro)** to help us cover the (increased) yearly Meetup contribution of 240 euro. We'll ask you to pay before the start of the hike (can be on the day itself). No refunds, but in the unlikely event that hike would be cancelled and you already paid, you don't need to pay for your next hike. Thank you so much! Use the **safe link** here: https://betaalverzoek.rabobank.nl/betaalverzoek/?id=vezo1ouZS0yORJXINF58jA * Keep in mind that the hike can be canceled when the weather is very bad (**always check the event before you go**). * If you RSVP 'yes' we expect you to show-up. Please do not cancel less than 24 hours before the hike. **No-shows** will lead to your removal from the group. Thanks for the understanding. * By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

Please join us every other Sunday. What you can expect: We will have coffee, tea and snacks ready for you. As we settle into the practice we will sit and become comfortable in our chairs or cushions. I will ease us into a guided meditation progressively working from the base of our spine, our root chakra to your crown. Once we have completed the chakra wash we will sit for an additional 5-10 minutes. The full meditation will last between 25-35 minutes. After we will be brought out of the meditative state and there will be time to reflect, share, connect, or sit silently. **About the photo: I asked participants if it was okay if I took the picture - everyone was aware and gave consent <3**

Hi everyone! If you’re curious about Japanese tea like Hojicha, don’t miss this opportunity 🍵 We’re hosting a small and intimate Japanese tea tasting experience in Amsterdam this February with Mao from Uji, Kyoto, one of Japan’s most famous tea regions. 👉 Register here (only 10 spots): [https://forms.gle/7NmMm932mMBGBSRz5] You’ll taste and learn about Japanese teas beyond matcha, such as sencha, hojicha, genmaicha and a secret tea, while hearing real stories from a tea producer’s hometown. ✨ Bonus: Bring a friend and receive a surprise gift from us! 📅 Feb 8 & Feb 28 🕑 14:00–15:30 📍 OurDomain SouthEast, Amsterdam (Exact location will be shared later) 💶 €25 Perfect if you’d like to experience authentic Japanese tea culture in a calm, small-group setting ✨

Attention all sword-fighters and adventurers, from budding enthusiasts to seasoned practitioners! Are you seeking to embark on an exhilarating journey that will transport you back to epic medieval battles? Look no further! Come and gather for a session of theory and practice, where you can meet like-minded individuals who share a love for the artistry and discipline of this age-old arcanum. It will be a great opportunity to delve into the intricacies of the sport; from basic footwork to advanced counter-strikes, this event will equip you with the tools you need to dominate the battlefield. But theory alone is not enough! Prepare yourself for a bout of hands-on sparring, where you'll get to put your knowledge into action, and practice dodging, parrying, and striking with lightning efficiency. Solid-core foam-padded boffers will be provided, keeping the experience fun and safe for everyone. Engage in gauntlets against your contemporaries, hone your reflexes, enhance your combat prowess, and get a great work-out at the same time!

I update the booking as early as Thursday; 5.5 euro is charged. Pay and in Please make sure you can make it then sign up. Please do not cancel the last day.

**Agenda :** * 4.30 to 4.45 PM ET: Food and Networking * 4.45 to 5.30 PM ET: "Practical Applications of Model Context Protocol (MCP) (Feb 2026 Edition)" Hello Everyone! Please join us for our Feb 10th edition of the AI-ML MeetUp. **Please note this is an in-person meeting and light refreshments/food will be provided.** **Title:** Practical Applications of Model Context Protocol (MCP) (Feb 2026 Edition) **Description:** This session explores how the Model Context Protocol (MCP) can be used to connect AI models with real-world tools and data. Attendees will learn practical patterns for implementing MCP in production workflows and applications. Through examples and use cases, the session highlights how MCP enables more capable, context-aware AI systems. **Location:** The meeting will be hosted in the Applied Information Sciences ( AIS ) office in Reston, at 11440 Commerce Park Dr # 600 · Reston, VA. The location is also right off the Silver Line metro's Wiehle-Reston Metro Station. **Parking:** Parking is paid and can be validated at the AIS office reception. We will meet in Room Lake Anne. We hope to see you all there!!!!

Regular boba tea meetup for people to meet, make new friends, or enjoy general conversations. Great for those who are new in town or find new activities to do!

This training is designed for real estate agents who want to learn how to play the Agent Investor game. The goal of this training is to help you flip your income into ownership. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Investors move fast. Most agents don’t.** If you can’t evaluate a deal quickly and confidently, you lose credibility—and the opportunity disappears. Deal or Disaster teaches a simple, repeatable framework to determine in minutes whether a deal prints money or burns it. In this session, you’ll learn a 5-minute investment evaluation system that works across flips, rentals, BRRRRs, wholetails, and creative deals. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s speed, clarity, and credibility. We’ll break down: * How to identify the investor’s true goal before running numbers * A fast, reliable method to estimate ARV with confidence * How to calculate the real all-in acquisition cost * Simple heuristics to ballpark rehab and improvement costs * The key metrics that reveal whether a deal works—or should be killed You’ll also learn the most common red flags that signal bad deals, thin margins, and hidden risk, so you know when to pause or walk away. When you can analyze deals in minutes, you earn authority, build trust, and become indispensable to investors. Speed creates opportunity—and opportunity creates repeat business. If you want to move from real estate generalist to trusted investment strategist, this session gives you the framework to do it. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Did you miss it?** [Watch all GRID Reston event playback on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOTh5kxLLJI1G3VH6Pqhlhu0uTA8yrdpi) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Join the GRID Facebook Community** [Join the online GRID community here](https://www.facebook.com/groups/gridinvestor) to post deals, ask questions, and connect with other investors across the globe.

**This Valentine’s season whether you’re embracing self-love, celebrating with your partner, or enjoying a fun Galentine's gathering with friends, this event is for you. Join us for a delightful Pre-Valentine's Special with Coffee, Tarot Readings and Turkish Coffee Readings at Trade Roots Coffee Shop.** **What to Expect:** -Delicious Coffee and Friendly staff at Trade Roots Coffee Shop. \- Heart to Heart Tarot Readings with Jenny in a Curanderismot Tarot Experience\. Tarot readings offer insight and guidance to make empower decisions in matters of love\, family\, career and your life path\. -Turkish Coffee Readings with Babs: Experience the rich tradition of Coffee grounds reading with Babs, who will unveil the stories and information hidden in your cup. **Event Details:** Date: Thursday, February 12 Time: 1:00 PM - 5:30 PM Energy Exchange:Tarot Readings with Jenny $15 for 10 minutes Coffee readings with Babs $15 cash only, must buy a Turkish Coffee at Trade Roots for the reading. Location: Trade Roots Coffee Shop 5852 Washington Blvd, Arlington VA 22205. In the event of weather conditions not allowing us to be outdoors we will move the event upstairs to Curanderas Heart Mindfulness and Wellness unit 5. **Come for the brews, stay for the wisdom! We can’t wait to share this special day with you!** \*\*\*Tarot card readings and Coffee readings are not to take the place of professional legal, medical or financial advice\*\*\*

**Title**: Powering AI Through Data Modernization: Modernizing ETL with Databricks & Unity Catalog In this session, we will discuss how enterprises are modernizing their data platforms by migrating from legacy ETL tools (such as Informatica and traditional data warehouses) to Databricks Lakehouse architecture, and how Unity Catalog enables enterprise-grade governance, security, and discoverability across data and AI assets. We will start with food and drinks at 6pm and then move into the presentation at 6:30pm. The session will cover: * Why traditional ETL platforms are becoming a bottleneck for scale, cost, and AI adoption * How Databricks changes the data engineering and analytics operating mode * The role of Unity Catalog in centralized governance * How this foundation enables AI and Gene.AI use cases on trusted data * Q&A Our speaker for this event is **Hirenkumar Dholariya**. Hirenkumar Dholariya is a Senior Data Engineering Architect with 18+ years of experience modernizing enterprise data platforms for global Fortune 500 organizations, delivering up to 40% system performance improvement and 20–35% infrastructure cost reduction through large-scale migration from legacy ETL platforms to cloud-native Lakehouse architectures. He specializes in Databricks-based data engineering, Unity Catalog–driven governance, and building scalable, secure, and real-time analytics platforms. He has led multiple enterprise-wide transformations from tools such as Informatica and traditional data warehouses to Databricks, establishing governed data foundations using Unity Catalog and enabling advanced analytics and AI use cases on top of trusted data platforms. His leadership focuses on architecting durable data platforms, enabling teams to move faster with confidence, and translating data and AI investments into measurable business outcomes. *

We will be meeting at Starbucks to learn together. Come with an online class you're already going through or an interest and we will try to connect you with a course where you can learn it. Already have a skill you want to contribute to a Kaggle Datascience competition? We will work on these too! Laptop required :)