Country Walks

Looking for a cozy and fun way to spend your time in Brussels? Join our **Board Game Meetup**, where we play a mix of strategy, party, and cooperative games. Whether you’re new to board games or an experienced player, you’re welcome! Come alone or with friends — you’ll quickly find a table to join. **Free entrance. Friendly atmosphere. Great people.**

**Beyond Relocation: Integrating and Belonging in Belgium** By Helena Andre Brussels, 25 February 2026 Please register here: https://www.imaginationclub.org/brussels/beyond_relocation.php Relocating to Belgium is more than an administrative transition, it is an emotional, cultural and identity journey. This 90-minute interactive workshop invites experienced expatriates to reflect on their integration path, better understand the different phases of adaptation, and reconnect with their personal intention for being here. Through guided reflection, small-group discussions and practical insights, participants will gain clarity on where they stand today, and how to consciously shape the next chapter of their life in Belgium. **What you can expect to explore and take away from this workshop:** \* A clear understanding of the Expat Curve. \* Insight into how habits, community choices and social environments influence integration. \* Reflection on identity, belonging and the balance between home culture and host culture. \* Practical strategies to build meaningful connections (language, local networks, routine, home environment). \* Personal tools to move forward intentionally from their current stage of integration Participants will leave with renewed perspective, practical integration tools, and a deeper awareness of how to create a life in Belgium that feels aligned, grounded and authentic. **About Helena** Helena Andre is a PhD researcher, career coach, facilitator, and well-being practitioner, specialising in emotional resilience, intercultural communication, and supporting expatriates through career transitions and identity shifts. **Practical Information** **When** Wednesday, 25 February 2026 from 18h45-21h00 **Where?** **Timesmore** Boulevard St Michel 47, 1040 Brussels **How much?** €15 to cover expenses including materials, drinks, snacks, etc. - payable at the door. Register here: https://www.imaginationclub.org/brussels/beyond_relocation.php **Please Share** If you feel your friends, family and/or colleagues may be interested in this workshop, please share it with them. The Imagination Club relies on new participants to cover our operational costs and maintain a diverse, perceptive and intelligent audience (in other words, people like you) for our events. Might you be interested to give a workshop at the Imagination Club? Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned professional, you are welcome to try out your workshop ideas at the club. We have dates available for this spring and summer

**This week’s discussion looks at Iran without tropes, slogans, or predictable moral positioning.** **Iran** today is at a geopolitical inflection point — facing deep economic strain, widespread domestic unrest, stalled diplomacy with the United States, a significant regional role, and renewed power alignments with Russia and China. We are not here to repeat talking points, defend geopolitical orthodoxies, or feel morally validated. **We are here to understand power, interests, history, law, incentives, and consequences as they actually are — not as they are marketed.** **Topics We Will Examine** 1. **Sanctions, Economy, and Domestic Pressure** Why continued sanctions have shaped Iran’s internal politics and economic crisis, how inflation and public dissatisfaction interact with state legitimacy, and what domestic pressures mean for strategic posture. 2. **Nuclear Negotiations and Strategic Posture** What the current talks reveal about incentives on both sides, where they are stuck, and how nuclear policy functions as leverage rather than merely a weapons issue. 3. **Regional Security and Proxy Strategy** Iran’s role in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and its deterrence strategy; how regional proxies fit into Tehran’s broader objectives and how Western, Gulf, and Israeli policies interact with these dynamics. 4. **Great Power Dynamics: Russia, China, and the West** How Iran’s strategic ties with Russia and China alter balance-of-power calculations in West Asia, and how Europe and the U.S. are adjusting policy in response. 5. **Geopolitical Signals vs Reality** U.S. military posture in the Gulf, Iranian military exercises near chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, and what these movements signal about escalation risks versus diplomatic incentives. **What Makes This Discussion Different** – We focus on **sovereignty, incentives, and strategic consequence** — not left-right moral theater – We prioritize **nuance over noise** and **context over tribal narratives** – We welcome participants with lived experience and language strengths (including Farsi) – We challenge received wisdom whether it comes from Western media groupthink or simplistic anti-West tropes *This is not pro-Iran or anti-Iran. This is about understanding **why actors behave as they do and how global order is shaped in practice**.* **Boundaries** Speak to ideas, history, strategy, and law — not personalities or identity. Critique systems, not individuals. Expect strong disagreement; intellectual laziness will be called out. Languages: English and French by default. Farsi, Dutch, Spanish, Arabic and Italian are supported. **Location & RSVP** Ixelles, public bar; exact venue shared with confirmed attendees via WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LX7UkWGZ3UdLQWLBvNdezN Accountability and rigorous discussion are the point — not performance or talking points.

EN (FR en bas): We're still accepting people in our classes. Join us!​ -step 1: Book here! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html) -step 2: Show up! Schedule: [Monday to Thursday](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#schedule) Fees : [All info on trials, packs, subscriptions here](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#fees) Locations: -Rue Brialmont 7, Brussels Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1: From base to the dancefloor! When you come for the first time we go over the base & rhythm with you. Then you are included in the group and everybody learns the same new steps for which you just need the base. Practice makes perfect: just relax and enjoy Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop and/or Forró! Our group is very welcoming and looking forward to meet new dancers! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2: Ready to go deeper on Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop &/or Forró? Let's go! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3: Looking for #SalsaChallenge? Already familiar with Forró Root? We've got your back! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates) More info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be](https://www.danceproject.be) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project) \-\-\-\-\- FR: Nous acceptons encore de nouvelles personnes dans nos cours. Rejoins-nous ! -1ère pas : Fait ta réservation ! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html) -2ème pas : Vient danser ! Horaire : [lundi à jeudi](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#horaire) Les prix : [Toutes les infos sur les essais, packs, abonnements ici](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#prix) Endroits : -Rue Brialmont 7, Bruxelles Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1 : De la base à la piste de danse ! Lorsque tu nous rejoins on voit la base et le rythme avec toi. Ensuite, tu es inclus dans le groupe et tout le monde apprend les mêmes pas pour lesquelles tu as juste besoin de la base. C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron : détend-toi et profite la Salsa, de la Bachata, du Lindy Hop et/ou du Forró ! Notre groupe est très accueillant et a hâte de rencontrer de nouveaux danseurs ! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2 : Prêt à approfondir la Salsa, la Bachata, le Lindy Hop &/ou le Forró ? Allons-y! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3 : Tu cherches #DefiSalsa ? Tu connais déjà Forró Roots ? Nous sommes là pour toi ! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires) Plus d’info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html](https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project)

🎲 **Board Game Night – Everyone Welcome!** Join us in the heart of Antwerp for a fun-filled evening at our board game café! With over 600 board games, drinks on hand, and a welcoming crowd, it's the perfect place to meet new people, learn a game or two, and simply have a great time. Just walk in, grab a drink, pick a game and let the fun begin! 6 euro admission fee. IG: @theplaygroundgames

Hallo Freunde der deutschen Sprache, wir laden alle, die gern ihr Deutsch üben wollen und in Brüssel geblieben sind, zum nächsten Treffen ein! Falls Ihr angemeldet seid, aber nicht kommen könnt, wären wir dankbar für Eure Abmeldung (WhatsApp - Mike: +32 475 60 88 68). Wir freuen uns auf den Austausch mit Euch!

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS – ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE BRUSSELS 2026 We meet to allow persons working in the EU Quarter to come along after work and learn how they can help with the Parade Organisation. Volunteers from all nationalities are welcome. More Volunteer Meetings will be organised in the coming weeks.. We meet at the Meeting Point ( nearest metro Schuman or Maelbeek) Come along and briefed and see how you can help. The 18th Brussels Saint Patrick’s Day Parade of the Nations & Regions takes place on Sunday 15th March 2026. We are looking for stewards, musicians, social media helpers and community volunteers to help bring next year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade to life. The parade celebrates the Irish national holiday and the global story of Irish people who have made their homes around the world. Here in Brussels, it is a chance to share Irish art, music, and culture with the wider community and to welcome everyone, Irish or not, into the spirit of inclusion and openness. The event also shines a light on Brussels as a diverse and international capital. It brings together people from many nations and regions, highlights the city’s architecture and heritage, and shows how Belgium and Ireland share long and surprising links stretching back to the 6th century. By joining the volunteer team, you will help create a lively, family-friendly day in the heart of the city. Your support helps us grow a parade that reflects the best of Brussels and strengthens the bonds between our communities. If you would like to get involved, message us here or contact 📧 patricks.day.parade(at)gmail.com

A relaxed walk. No pressure: you can chat, stay quiet, or simply enjoy the walk. Une balade tranquille. Pas de pression : tu peux parler, rester silencieux·se ou juste profiter de la marche.

Dear WW, This Sunday we will walk in the Scheldevalley National Park. We can enjoy spring vibes around the water and greenery. Weather forecast looks brilliant, hopefully it will keep it this way. It will be an easy walk on flat terrain, though mud is possible. ;) Hence please wear proper hiking shoes and clothes. Our meeting point is at the parking lot at Domein Nieuwedonk (see link with the location). From there we will walk in the area ending up at the Brasserie Cherie on the lake. Perhaps we could sit outside, enjoy sun, drinks and some food for those interested. Here is the link to our après walk: [https://brasserie-cherie.be/nieuwdonk](https://brasserie-cherie.be/nieuwdonk) We start at 10:00AM, if you are late, please follow the map to catch up with us. If there are any problems, you can WhatsApp me at 0483 358 397. Our walk would look like that: https://mapy.com/s/jenuvapesu Hopefully see you on Sunday. Cheers! Honorata

Join us bowling and drinks at Crosly Bowling. We'll kick off the night with a few rounds of bowling on one of their 25 lanes, offering both classic and disco-themed experiences. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or a first-timer, it's all about fun and making friends. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind, socialize, and take an evening drink with other people. The cost of the event is **10 euro**, which includes one game. It is possible to pay at the event, with cash or bank app. Any additional game, drink or snack will be at personal expenses. Please note that for respect of the participants, we are asking to be **on time** to the event. People that arrive late might not be able to play. **Additional Information:** - Crosly Bowling is located just 500 meters from Brussels Central Station, making it easily accessible by public transport. - Feel free to invite friends or colleagues; the more, the merrier! We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of fun, relaxation, and spectacular views!

♟️ **Rejoignez l’aventure Knight Clubbers !** ♟️ Venez vivre une soirée où l’échiquier devient un champ de bataille, entre bonne humeur et esprit de compétition. 🔗 **Inscription gratuite** : [S'inscrire](https://knightclubbers.com/meetup/660839?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=social) ✨ **Des parties pour tous les niveaux** Débutant curieux ou stratège aguerri, chaque partie est l’occasion parfaite pour progresser et rencontrer d’autres passionné.e.s. 🕒 **Liberté totale – Jouez à votre rythme** Participez aux duels ou observez dans une ambiance conviviale. 🏆 **Défiez vos adversaires et grimpez au classement** Accumulez les victoires pour tenter de devenir Roi ou Reine de l’Arène. 👑 **Prêts pour le défi ?** Rejoignez Knight Clubbers et entrez dans la légende !

## 🏃‍♂️ Sunday Run : The Green Lungs of Uccle (16km) **Kick off your Sunday with the Brussels Runners!** Whether you’re a long-time regular or this is your very first time joining, come find your rhythm with us. This week, we’re leaving the cobblestones behind to explore the hidden valleys and leafy heights of Uccle. ### 📍 The Route: From Pavilions to Plateaus We’ll start at the **historic white Pavilions** (Bois de la Cambre) and head south into a side of Brussels. Our journey is a "greatest hits" of Uccle’s nature reserves: * The rolling greens of **Parc de Wolvendael** * The wilder paths of **Keyenbempt & Kinsendael** * The sweeping views of the **Engeland Plateau** * The tranquil **Parc de la Sauvagère** We’ll loop back through the Bois de la Cambre to finish a beautiful **16km circuit** on a mix of pavement and soft park paths. ### 📋 The Essentials * **Distance:** \~16 km * **Pace:** Strictly **6:15 min/km**. This is a steady, social effort—perfect for building endurance without the burn. * **Meeting Point:** At the **2 white Pavilions** (Entrance to Bois de la Cambre). * **Bag Drop:** Available on-site—run light! * **Post-Run:** Join us for a post-run "rehydration" (coffee or something colder) at **Café de la Presse** to swap stories and weekend plans. ### 👟 Why join? This is a **no-drop social run**. We’re here for the community, the conversation, and the consistent miles. It’s the ultimate way to discover Brussels’ "green lungs". **Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability.** 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. Questions and comments are welcome.

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 50+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) **Instagram** [https://www.instagram.com/frc_brussels](https://www.instagram.com/frc_brussels) **Global FRC**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

Join us for a magical **spring getaway** to one of the most romantic spots near the Belgian border in France- a journey through **majestic ruins**, an **enchanting castle**, and a **storybook village**. We’ll wander through **ancient ruins and a chapel** surrounded by forests, share a **friendly picnic by a lakeside**, and visit the stunning **Château de Pierrefonds** - whose entrance is free on the first Sunday of the month! The day will end with an **apéro among new friends**, the perfect close to the first spring day of the year ### 🌅 **Program Highlights** ☀️ Picnic by a serene lakeside (bring your own lunch) 🏰 Visit of **Château de Pierrefonds** 🏛️ Visit the Louvre Lens museum (The Louvre-Lens is a minimalist, glass-walled satellite of the Paris Louvre near the Belgian border that displays world-class masterpieces chronologically in a single, vast "Gallery of Time.")

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

Save the Date 🌱 The Licking County Master Gardener Volunteers invite you to the annual gardening conference, open to everyone who enjoys growing plants. 📅 Saturday, March 14, 2026 📍 OSU Newark Campus - Reese center 🎟️ Tickets go on sale in January and this event fills fast, sells out every year 🌿 2026 Theme: Unusual Gardens in Your Backyard You will hear practical ideas that help you rethink small spaces and try new approaches at home. This conference also arrives at the perfect time of year. It helps soothe the urge to get outside while winter is still around. Central Ohio gardeners wait until late May to plant outdoors, so this day helps you plan and daydream about spring projects. Speakers • Joseph Tychonievich, author of Rock Gardening: Reimagining a Classic Style • Debra Knapke, The Garden Sage • Denise Schreiber, author of Eat Your Roses You will find vendors, a silent raffle, and friendly conversations with other gardeners. Registration • Register by January 31 to pay 50 dollars • Starting February 1, the fee is 60 dollars • Tickets at the door are 75 dollars • Boxed lunch, coffee and pastries are included MGV website: [https://fourseasonsofgardening.org/2026-spring-conference](https://fourseasonsofgardening.org/2026-spring-conference)

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.