Daytrips to the Mountains

**Welcome to The Club.** A **curated** social community in Brussels for people who want real connections, memorable experiences, and **better energy than the usual random meetup chaos**. Most of our events happen in **private homes**, gardens, hidden places around Brussels, or unusual locations outside the city. The goal is simple: create the kind of atmosphere where people actually talk, laugh, connect, and want to come back. We organize things like: • gourmet lunches & dinners • picnics & roadtrips • cooking nights • walks around Brussels • karaoke & movie nights • debates & discussions • card and social games • occasional “chaperoned” social evenings where people can meet naturally in a safe environment The difference is that we personally curate and vet new members. The host actively introduces newcomers, helps people integrate into the group, and keeps the atmosphere respectful and relaxed. We have zero tolerance for creepy behavior, unwanted pressure, spam, random uninvited people, or drama. *Unfortunately, posting too many details publicly on Meetup or on the internet in general quickly attracts bots, scammers, fake profiles, crypto weirdos, and people who completely ruin the vibe for everyone else.* That’s why most of our real coordination happens privately through our ***vetted WhatsApp community***. To join, simply scan the QR code in the image. If you are on your phone and cannot scan it directly: • take a screenshot of the image • open the screenshot in your photo gallery • most phones can automatically detect QR codes from photos by long pressing or using Google Lens / iPhone scan feature Then request access to the group and introduce yourself briefly. See you soon

**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.

Join us every Wednesday for an authentic Korean experience in the heart of Brussels! 🇰🇷✨ Let’s share Soju, delicious Korean food, fun karaoke sessions, and plenty of good vibes. Don’t miss our photo booth moments and the chance to meet amazing new people from all over the world! 🎉 Free entry, just order at least one drink to support the venue. 📍 Gyosang, Rue Sainte-Catherine 8, Brussels 🕢 Every Wednesday, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Come for the language exchange, stay for the laughter, food, and Soju! 🍶🎤

🎲 **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

You can now join us for some friendly Badminton games on Wednesdays too! All levels welcome! IMPORTANT: in order to secure your place you’ll need to both book a spot on Meetup AND pay €8 by Sunday 18h00. This is to make sure we can cancel courts if demand isn’t there, and make sure we’re being fair to people on the waiting list. Refunds will only be possible after Monday AM if another player is definitely able to take your spot Always worth joining our Whatsapp group as well for faster, often better, updates: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FTipqtyIwcZLThbw8KpQtZ?mode=gi_t

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.

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)

**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/)

**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 ✨**

We spend so much of the week keeping up. With work, with people, with the version of ourselves we're supposed to be. Saturday morning can be different. 🌿 Come and join for an honest conversation and a mindful walk with people who also get it. No pressure to share anything you're not ready to share. You can talk as much or as little as you like; sometimes, just being outside in nature with good people is enough. *This is part of a series of regular walks for the [Mental Fitness Collective](https://www.meetup.com/mental-fitness-collective/) — a simple, free morning to step outside, move at a gentle pace, and be around people who aren't performing either.* **📍Meeting point:** Stella - Coffee Food Bakery (in front of the tram stop Legrand), where you can buy a drink of your choice (optional). 🗓️ **Agenda:** We'll take a relaxed walk through Bois de la Cambre and a full loop around the lake, about 4-5 km, at a pace where conversation feels comfortable. We'll finish at the roundabout at the end of Av. Louise. **Small housekeeping rule:** What happens in the group stays in the group. Whatever is shared between participants during our time together stays between us. It is to make sure this feels like a safe place to be honest. I'll be there to welcome everyone. Come as you are. 🌿 Free to join, RSVP to save your spot! ‼️Altough this is a free event, I would like to ask you to try to respect each other’s time: In case you won’t be able to make it or change your mind, please cancel your attendance by **8 PM, 3 July** the latest, so others might be able to take your place. Thank you! I look forward to seeing you! *The event is weather-dependent.* *This walk will run every other Saturday. Each one is standalone, so come whenever it works for you. Join our group, [Mental Fitness Collective](https://www.meetup.com/mental-fitness-collective/) and get notified of our events.*

**Welcome film lovers and culture enthusiasts!** Join us for a magical summer night under the stars at Parc de Bruxelles for a free outdoor screening of the visually stunning masterpiece, *The Assassin* (聶隱娘). This event is part of the L’Heure d’Été festival, celebrating Taiwanese cinema! ### 📅 **Event Details** * **Date:** Thursday, 2 July * **Time:** 22:00 (We recommend arriving a bit earlier to grab a good spot!) * **Location:** VAUX HALL - Parc de Bruxelles * **Price:** Free (No reservation required) * **Language:** Mandarin (ZH) with French and Dutch subtitles ### 🎞️ **About the Film: The Assassin (2015)** *Directed by Hou Hsiao-Hsien (Best Director, Cannes Film Festival 2015)* *Starring Shu Qi, Chen Chang, Yun Zhou* In 9th-century China, Nie Yinniang, a formidable assassin trained since childhood, is tasked with killing a powerful military governor... who happens to be none other than her former fiancé. Torn between duty and her feelings, she must choose her destiny. It is a breathtakingly beautiful film that redefines the martial arts genre with poetic elegance. ### 🇹🇼 **About the Festival: L’Heure d’Été – TAIPEI** For its 15th anniversary, Cinéma Galeries invites you to travel to Taipei—a city of millions of neon lights, drifting seamlessly between tradition and modernity. Taipei embodies a complex, hybrid identity shaped by Han, Japanese, Indigenous, and Chinese cultures. This year's festival brings the legendary figures of the Taiwanese New Wave (such as Hou Hsiao-hsien, Edward Yang, and Ang Lee) into dialogue with a new generation of filmmakers. Together, their films explore the deep connections between tradition and modernity, memory and identity, turning everyday Taiwanese life into cinematic poetry. ### 💡 **What to bring / Good to know:** * Since this is a *Plein Air* (outdoor) event at night, we highly recommend bringing a light jacket, a cozy blanket, or a sweater as it can get chilly in Brussels after sunset. **Let’s meet up, enjoy some world-class cinema, and experience the cultural heartbeat of Taipei together. See you there!**

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!

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

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.

**Hike the Scioto Audubon trail. All paved and flat!** **Plan on 3-4 miles. Hike at your own pace, no one left behind.** **Lunch after at Nocterra for those who wish.**

## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle **SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free! Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest. While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for. Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/) *** ### What to Expect: * Guided candle making experience * Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance * 100% soy wax candles * Optional drinks and snacks * Time to relax while your candle cools *** ### Important Notes: * Please arrive on time so we can start together * Candles will need time to set before taking home * This is a beginner-friendly event *** ### RSVP Required Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat. **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Credit Card * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL