Fiction

**Are you ready for the Milano–Cortina Winter Olympics? We’re not.** **That’s why we’ve created our very own Ostello Bello "Olympic" Games: a glorious display of questionable athletic skills and high-level nonsense.** While the "other" guys are busy with the official **Milano-Cortina 2026** ceremonies, we’re bringing the real "action" to the streets of Milan. From February 6th, we aren't gathering to break world records; we’re gathering to break the laws of physics. This isn’t about the podium; it’s about the survival of the chillest. Get your "winter" gear ready, because we’re about to prove that being an elite athlete is 10% talent and 90% just showing up for the vibes. **The Incentive:** Every participant gets a **shot**. The "legends" who actually win take home an **Ostello Bello T-shirt or a Drink**. ## The Disciplines: Official "Technical" Standards Every day from **7 PM to 9 PM**, our "athletes" will face a rotating schedule of these elite winter disciplines: ### 1\. Air Hockey: The Wrist\-Flick Battle A high-speed duel where the only thing frozen is your gaze on the puck. * **The Goal:** Smash the plastic disc into the hole. * **Requirement:** Move your hand faster than your brain can process and celebrate every point like you’ve just secured a gold medal. ### 2\. Boxing\-Glove Beer Pong: The Clumsy Champion Challenge We took a classic and made it impossible by adding the "Yeti factor." * **The Twist:** You have to play wearing massive, padded boxing gloves. * **The Challenge:** Gripping a tiny ball with giant hands is the ultimate test of patience. Success here is statistically unlikely and basically a miracle. ### 3\. DIY Curling: The Professional Slide The most serious-looking sport in our program. We’ve replaced expensive stones with pots and ice with felt pads, but the tension is real. * **The Setup:** A "House" (target) taped on the floor and a "Hog Line" for the release. * **The Action:** Launch the pot while your teammates run alongside it with brooms, screaming *"Hurry! Hard!"* just like in the real tournaments. * **The Score:** Closest pot to the center wins. Clean floors are a bonus. ### BONUS DAY: The "Wildcard" Game The discipline is a mystery. Our local legends will choose the challenge. Expect the unexpected: and probably more shots. **AND REPEAT.**

Per inaugurare il nostro Tea Time Club, due meravigliose tradizioni vittoriane si incontrano: San Valentino e il tè. Nel XIX secolo, preparare e regalare i biglietti di San Valentino non era un'operazione casuale e dell'ultimo minuto. Gli auguri scambiati nel "Giorno dell'Amore" erano accuratamente preparati a mano per ogni membro della famiglia (oltre a quella persona speciale...). Creeremo sinceri auguri con ritagli di carta colorati, centrini, nastri e strisce di stoffa. Una tazza di tè caldo e una torta a forma di cuore saranno, come allora, un naturale accompagnamento a tali festeggiamenti. To inaugurate our Tea Time Club, two wonderful Victorian traditions meet: Valentine's Day and tea. In the 19th century, preparing and giving Valentine's Day cards wasn't a casual, last-minute affair. Greetings exchanged on the "Day of Love" were carefully handcrafted for each family member (besides that special someone...). We'll create heartfelt greetings with colorful paper scraps, doilies, ribbons, and strips of fabric. A cup of hot tea and a heart-shaped cake will, as they always were, be a natural accompaniment to these celebrations.

Ritiro speciale di San Valentino per esplorare le relazioni, l’amore e la guarigione emotiva **Non è necessario partecipare in coppia** per prendere parte a questo ritiro. Venire in coppia può essere un dono, ma non è un requisito. Ogni persona vive il proprio processo in modo unico e individuale, in ascolto profondo di sé. **La felicità attraverso le relazioni è un mito o una possibilità reale?** Desideriamo relazioni d’amore, affetto e comprensione, ma spesso qualcosa si blocca. Paure, schemi antichi e ferite invisibili emergono come barriere interiori, impedendoci di vivere il tipo di legame che il cuore desidera. Ci ritroviamo in tensioni e incomprensioni che nascono da piccoli dettagli, senza capire da dove arrivino né come trasformarle. **Cosa esploreremo:** In questo ritiro esploreremo il complesso mondo dei legami umani: * **La coppia:** con i suoi contratti impliciti e il bisogno di libertà * **Sessualità e intimità:** come vie di conoscenza e verità * **Famiglia e genitori:** dove nascono i nostri modelli affettivi * **Amare ed essere amati:** come possibilità autentica Le relazioni riflettono i condizionamenti che ci governano. Solo riconoscendoli possiamo liberarci e aprirci a un amore più consapevole. **Il lavoro con le piante maestre:** In questo incontro lavoreremo con le **piante maestre** in modo sottile e profondo. Non saranno al centro, ma al servizio di un campo di coscienza creato dall’intenzione di comprendere e guarire. Un invito a guardare le relazioni non come un bisogno, ma come un cammino verso l’amore reale. **La prenotazione include:** * **Alloggio e pensione completa**, con opzione vegana o vegetariana * Partecipazione ai **laboratori di approfondimento** con i facilitatori, che servono anche come preparazione prima della sessione notturna * **Integrazioni di gruppo del mattino** per condividere l’esperienza o ampliare la comprensione di ciò che sta accadendo nel tuo processo * Una **sessione con strumenti ancestrali** ogni notte di ritiro (se vuoi farne più di una durante il giorno di ritiro, si considera come una sessione aggiuntiva) con l’accompagnamento dell’equipe di facilitatori * **Appoggio prima, durante e dopo il ritiro** * **Sessione integrativa online** post ritiro **Informazioni in breve:** Per info sull’evento per favore contattaci direttamente ai riferimenti qui sotto 🙏 * **Data dell’evento:** 12-15 febbraio 2026 * **Struttura ospitante:** Da comunicare * **Città:** Milano, Lombardia * **Indirizzo:** Location da confermare 📞 **Contatti:** +39 327 540 8329 (WhatsApp) * **Altre informazioni:** Ritiro di 4 giorni a Milano. Non è necessario partecipare in coppia. Include alloggio e pensione completa (opzioni vegane/vegetariane), laboratori di approfondimento, sessioni notturne con strumenti ancestrali, integrazioni di gruppo e sessione integrativa online post ritiro. Per costi e prenotazioni contattare su WhatsApp

✨Cosa faremo insieme? 🌷Useremo i fiori come linguaggio per raccontarci in modo creativo 🌷Sceglieremo un fiore che ci rappresenta, come se fosse un piccolo biglietto da visita 🌷Parleremo di cosa sono e come funzionano le emozioni in modo semplice e concreto 🌷Faremo piccole attività guidate per osservare ciò che sentiamo 💗Non si racconteranno esperienze personali o intime, ma chi desiderà potrà condividere liberamente le riflessioni che emergono in un clima informale, senza giudizio 🌿Ti porterai a casa nuovi spunti per prenderti cura di te... un po’ come faresti con un fiore 👥Posti limitati (ancora pochi posti disponibili!) 🗓 Giovedì 12 febbraio, ore 16 📍Concept store Rêve, via Discliplini 4, Milano 📞per info, prezzi e iscrizioni: 348-3653816 (Roberta) @revemilano

A playful creative workshop where paper, scissors, and a little imagination come together. Starting from a simple sheet of paper, we’ll cut, fold, and glue our way into fun pop-up Valentine cards that literally pop with love. Tiny surprises, bold colors, and sweet details jump out of the page—because love should never stay flat. Get ready to craft, laugh, and make something that pops just in time for Valentine’s Day. **Les Amis** is a women-only community of friendly souls. We provide access to hundreds of experiences that explore your passions and connect you with other event participants. **Check our website to learn more, and apply to join our community and events**: [lesamis.cc/apply](https://www.lesamis.cc/apply)

🍻 **Join Us for Tech Startups in the Pub - Milan Edition!** 🍻 Hey there! 🌟 We'd love for you to join us for our next edition of *Tech Startups in the Pub,* this time in Milan, Italy! The event is scheduled for **6:30 PM local Italian time**. The platform does not allow us to change the time zone, so we can only create events with the GMT time, thus you will see the invitation for 7:30 PM, but you definitely want to come earlier. It's a relaxed evening at The O'Connell Irish Pub, and run by Volodymyr. We have been running for 3.5 years in London and we are excited to now run our monthly events in Milan as well, welcoming new folks to the community. Whether you're a tech founder, an enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, or simply curious about the tech scene, you'll fit right in. This isn't about panels or pitching, just good old-fashioned networking with like-minded people over a drink on a Thursday evening. Important information about the location and time. **It is in the ZTL zone**, so please do not come by car. Please use public transport or walk. **House Rules:** * Find Volodymyr to introduce yourself so we can welcome you properly. The pub knows we are coming, so you should be able to find us easily. * No hard selling or heavy pitching. This is a chill, friendly after-work get-together. * Not drinking? No worries! You're more than welcome to come hang out and enjoy the conversation. Mark your calendar and come down for some fun tech talk. See you there!

Welcome to the Thursday English Aperitivo! The perfect place to speak in English and meet some interesting people from all over the world. Everyone is welcome to come and join in some conversation whilst enjoying a drink and a bite to eat in a friendly, easy going atmosphere. Don't worry about your level of English, the most important thing is to have fun! My name is Diana and I'm from England I'll be there to help you with your English and make you feel at home. I have been an English teacher in Milan for many years. Just come to Pacino Cafe on Thursday and ask for Diana or the English Aperitivo. I can't wait to meet you! Drink and aperitivo 11 euro

**Urban Readings #1 — If Venice Dies by Salvatore Settis** Urban Readings is a monthly book club in Milan exploring cities through different lenses - design, architecture, sociology, politics, history, technology and many others. For our first meeting, we will discuss **"If Venice Dies" by Salvatore Settis**, an art historian, who provided reflections on the crisis of historic cities under the pressures of mass tourism, real estate speculation, and cultural commodification **Duration:** 1,5 hour **Who can join:** anyone interested in cities and urban life **Language:** English

🔥 **¡ESPAÑOL, QUÉ PASIÓN!** 🔥 **Domenica 15 febbraio 2026 | ore 19.00** I nostri aperitivi linguistici dal gusto latino tornano a pieno ritmo! 🌍🎶🎺✨ Vieni a cenare con noi con una *ricca cena a buffet*, pratica **spagnolo, inglese e italiano** e poi lasciati travolgere dalla **migliore musica latinoamericana**: salsa, bachata e tanto, tantissimo ritmo! 💃🕺🔥 🍹 *2 cocktail inclusi*, perché balleremo fino a notte fonda! 👉 All’ingresso comunica: **“Tavolo Tara”** 📍 **55 Milano** – Via Piero della Francesca, 55 – 20154 Milano 📲 Info: Tara +39 375 651 3712 ✉️info@missionlanguages.com ✨ Una serata di **energia latina, lingue e nuove connessioni**. *Non mancare!* 🗓️ Prenota subito!

The Longevity Kitchen Milano INAUGURAZIONE 🥂🥂🥂 SAN VALENTINO ❤️❤️ Sabato 14 febbraio Un locale moderno alla moda con piatti sani gustosi e di qualità , ispirato a zone blu, come Sardegna, Grecia, Giappone, California e Costa Rica, dove le persone vivono molto a lungo. L'atmosfera è quella di un bistrot molto semplice, elegante. CENA SERVITA 25€ antipasto, primo, acqua, drink e caffè. Start musica: 22:30 Dj set Dress code: Elegante 😍 Prenotazione TAV ELIO Milano Via Francesco Melzi d’Eril 34 ( zona arco della pace) Come arrivarci? premi qui sotto. https://maps.app.goo.gl/vjQQ1XbVixJKuKB56?g_st=ic Se non hai l’auto scaricati, WAYLA e registrati. Un trasporto economico milanese per tutta la notte. https://apps.apple.com/it/app/wayla/id6479307130

Un nuovo appuntamento di Yoga in studio, insieme a **Grazia**, insegnante di Hatha e Vinyasa Yoga. 💫 **​** 📍**Dove**: Corso Italia 🗓 **Quando**: **15 febbraio**, ore 16.45 - la pratica avrà la durata di circa un'ora 🧘‍♀️ Aperto a tutti i livelli – l'insegnante adatterà la lezione e il workout in base al livello delle partecipanti (tappetino per la lezione incluso) ​ 🫰🏼**Quanto:** **12,00 euro** * **​**[​](https://paypal.me/beatricepalacco)**[PayPal](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/beatricepalacco?country.x=IT&locale.x=it_IT)**[​](https://paypal.me/beatricepalacco) (seleziona “Amici e familiari” senza commissioni) * **​[Satispay](https://www.satispay.com/it-it/)**[​](https://www.satispay.com/it-it/) al numero 3394436054 **Causale pagamento**: *Tua email + data evento* *​***esempio: *sara@gmail.com 14.12*** ***​*** ***​***✨ **Adatto a tutti i livelli**​ ✨ **Movimenti per forza e flessibilità**​ ✨ **Un momento di benessere solo per te** ​

**Dom 15 Feb 2026** **TREK NEL TRIANGOLO LARIANO. MONTE SAN PRIMO da Il Dosso 1630 m (CO)** \- Lunghezza: 13 km \- Dislivello: 650 m \- Difficoltà: Facile \- Pranzo al sacco\. Il trek è in prov. di Como, a 75 km da Milano. Iscrizione [https://t.me/TrekMI/80812](https://t.me/TrekMI/80812) Youtube https://youtu.be/MP_yLaj-GEg **LUOGO DI RITROVO** Per sapere il luogo di ritrovo, cliccare sul link Iscrizione. Si apre una chat Telegram che contiene tutte le informazioni. **GRATUITÀ** Tutti i trek sono gratuiti **CHI SIAMO** Ogni weekend portiamo in montagna 100 persone. Siamo la più grande associazione escursionista d'Italia [https://t.me/TrekMI](https://t.me/TrekMI) **COME RAGGIUNGERE LA FELICITÀ** con la filosofia TTP [https://t.me/TrekMI/79617](https://t.me/TrekMI/79617) .

venerdì sera ci troviamo in questo bellissimo locale invernale dove gustare un ottimo buffet in compagnia al prezzo di 17€ comprensivo anche della prima consumazione. Avremo il nostro tavolo riservato dove poter conoscerci chiacchierare e fare amicizia. Dalle 22,30 chi vuole può rimanere a ballare la migliore musica dagli anni 70 ai giorni nostri. Evento consigliato a un pubblico over 35/40. Gradita la conferma via whatsapp ai nostri numeri: Enrico 3930134920 melissa 3755058482

**Torre Branca Experience, Aperitivo & DJ Set** **Saturday, February 14** A **social, vibrant, and panoramic night** designed for people who love meeting new faces, sharing experiences, and enjoying Milan at one of its most iconic moments — on the road to the Winter Games. This is not just an event, it’s a **flowing experience** that moves from skyline views to aperitivo vibes, and ends on the dancefloor. *** ### 🌆 Start from the top: **Torre Branca** The evening kicks off with a **panoramic ascent** to Torre Branca, in the heart of Parco Sempione. From above, Milan opens up in all its beauty — and on this special night, you’ll also enjoy a **privileged view of the Olympic cauldron**. Every hour, from **7:30 PM to 11:00 PM**, the cauldron lights up with a **3–5 minute light show**. A powerful mix of lights, music, and emotion, enhanced by the **original soundtrack by Roberto Cacciapaglia** and the light installations curated by the **Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation**. *** ### 🍸 Aperitivo, vibes & connections at **JustMe Milano** After the tower experience, the night continues at **JustMe Milano**, a stylish venue overlooking Parco Sempione — perfect for **socializing, chatting, and relaxing** with a drink in hand. Expect: * A **curated aperitivo** * A lively, international crowd * Music setting the mood for the rest of the night And thanks to our partner **Fernet-Branca**, all guests will enjoy a **complimentary tasting** of one of Milan’s most iconic brands. *** ### 🎧 From aperitivo to party As the night goes on, the energy rises. From **11:00 PM**, the venue transforms into a full **clubbing experience**, with: * **International guest DJ** * Dancefloor vibes until **5:00 AM** * A seamless mix of locals and international guests *** ## 💫 Event Package – Exclusive Eventi Milano Guest List **Limited availability** **€15 per person** (entry from 7:45 PM), including: * 🍹 1 drink * 🍽 Royal buffet * 🌿 1 Fernet-Branca tasting * 🗼 1 complimentary ticket to **Torre Branca** 🕘 **Aperitivo until 10:00 PM** 🎟 **Tower access until 11:30 PM** *Please note: Torre Branca may close in case of strong wind or adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons.* *** ### 🕒 Schedule at a glance * **7:30 PM – 10:00 PM** Aperitivo & tasting at JustMe Milano * **7:30 PM – 11:30 PM** Panoramic ascent to Torre Branca * **11:00 PM – 5:00 AM** Night party with international DJ

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation as we discuss ***Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About It* by Cory Doctorow** Here's the summary: **Explaining the process of the “enshittification” of digital platforms over time and what to do about it.** Cory Doctorow's *Enshittification* takes a witty yet incisive look at the tech landscape, where platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Google start off great—before they inevitably turn terrible. In this contemporary moment of digital decline, Doctorow explores how tech giants lure users in with convenience and then degrade their services over time, squeezing profit at the cost of user experience. With a mix of sharp humor and deep insight, he unveils the slow creep of "enshittification," turning the online world into a worse place, one algorithm at a time. **Let’s meet at Caboose Commons in Fairfax to enjoy some good discussion and meet new friends.**

Please join us as we discuss **SOMEONE YOU CAN BUILD A NEST IN**, by John Wiswell. This queer romance novel won the Nebula and Locus Awards and was a Hugo nominee, and is a relatively short read, at about 363 pages. Please keep your RSVP updated and accurate! Space is limited for this event. We are intentionally holding some RSVP slots for new members specifically, so if you’re new and the event is full, please get on the waitlist ASAP! You may bring your own food/drinks (no alcohol, please) or you may pick something up in Mosaic or at the farmers market before the meetup. We do ask that you pack your trash out with you. * **[KINDLE](https://a.co/d/52iAE17)** * **[PAPERBACK](https://a.co/d/hYo70W5)** * **[AUDIBLE](https://www.audible.com/pd/Someone-You-Can-Build-a-Nest-In-Audiobook/B0CX7C9FQM)** **BOOK DESCRIPTION:** ***Shesheshen has made a mistake fatal to all monsters: she's fallen in love.*** Shesheshen is a shapeshifter, who happily resides as an amorphous lump at the bottom of a ruined manor. When her rest is interrupted by impolite monster hunters, she constructs a body from the remains of past meals: a metal chain for a backbone, borrowed bones for limbs, and a bear trap as an extra mouth. Badly hurt by the hunters, Shesheshen’s nursed back to health by Homily, a warm-hearted human. Homily is kind and would make a great co-parent: an ideal place to lay Shesheshen’s eggs so their young can devour Homily from the inside out. But as they grow close, Shesheshen realizes that eating her girlfriend isn’t an option. Just as Shesheshen’s about to confess her identity, Homily reveals something else: she’s hunting a shapeshifting monster that supposedly cursed her family. Has Shesheshen seen it anywhere? Shesheshen didn’t curse anyone, so now she has to figure out why Homily’s twisted family thinks she did. As Shesheshen’s hunt for the monster becomes increasingly deadly, the bigger challenge remains: learning how to build a life with, rather than in, the woman she loves. *\*Since missing one of these meetups is taking a spot away from someone else who wants to go, we'll need to have a stricter attendance policy than normal. For book discussions, 3 no-shows in a rolling 3-month period will prohibit you from attending any other book discussion for 2 months after your last no-show. In order to avoid a no-show, please update your RSVP no later than 10pm two nights before a discussion. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation! If you need to drop off because of Covid symptoms or exposure or a positive test or any other illness, there will be no penalty to no-showing or dropping late.*

Join our partners Watermark Woods Native Plants, Loudoun County Public Library (LCPL), and Birch Tree Bookstore for the Read! Plant! Grow! Book Club, which focuses on native plants, sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and LCPL. At this meeting we’ll discuss the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Both memoir and journalistic investigation, this book explores how the Kingsolver family took on a new challenge: to spend a year on a locally -produced diet, paying close attention to the provenance of all they consume. Concerned about the environmental, social, and physical costs of American food culture, they hoped to recover what Kingsolver considers our nation’’s lost appreciation for farms and the natural processes of food production. You can either buy the book from Birch Tree Bookstore or contact Allison Forbes at [Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov](mailto:Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov) to borrow a copy of the book at the library. There are two ways to participate: attend the event online via the library website or [sign up to participate in person at Birch Tree Bookstore](https://www.birchtreebookstore.com/event-details/read-plant-grow-2026-02-24-18-30). ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.

North Bethesda Fiction Readers, put your hold on this book NOW if you get your books from a public library. It's still in demand. It was a finalist for the National Book Critics Award for Fiction in 2023. The novel tells the story of a single house in New England over centuries. While on its face, it is a work of historical fiction, [Kirkus Reviews](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/daniel-mason/north-woods-mason/) calls it "magical." We will meet in the common area of a condominium association that is called The Gallery at White Flint. The organizer will greet everyone at the entrance. If the seating at the fireplace across from the main entrance is not appealing, we will convene in the organizer's unit. Look for a message a week before the date of discussion for more details on how to find us. There is metered parking across the street. Because February 16 is a national holiday, you don't have to feed the meter.

We will meet in the Janney parlor.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Love and Monsters,”** on the inescapable bond between romance and horror, with Joshua Barton, scholar of horror and lecturer in English at Virginia Commonwealth University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-love-monsters](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-love-monsters) .] Romance and horror might seem like opposite genres, but they share a deep emotional core, and the combination of them has captivated audiences across time and culture. Put even your worst Valentine’s Day in perspective by hearing this strange relationship discussed by Joshua Barton, who has earned a big following among Profs and Pints fans with his past talks on cryptids, American horror, and Christmas ghosts. He’ll explore the undeniable and unsettling intersection of romance and horror and examine how and why love and fear intensify each other and combined to create tension, drive narratives, and explore human vulnerability. We’ll look at works that have blended passion and terror, including Gothic literature like the vampire novella *Carmilla* and modern films like *Spring* and *Crimson Peak*. We’ll study the fine line between obsession and adoration running through Stephen King’s “I Know What You Need,” Adrian Lyne’s *Fatal Attraction*, and the timeless *The Phantom of the Opera.* We’ll discuss the seeds of monstrous love that were planted with *Beauty and the Beast* and *Creature from the Black Lagoon* and bloom ferociously in works like *Twilight* and *The Shape of Water*. Through it all, we’ll find the threads of otherness and the taboo that intertwine horror, love, and reflections on identity. Join us for a journey through storytelling that combines the grotesque and the scintillating as we uncover why romance and horror are a match made in the dark. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From the original 1954 advertising poster for *Creature from the Black Lagoon* (Artist: Reynold Brown / Public Domain).