Hillwalking

**S'ancrer dans la sagesse des pierres pour inventer l'avenir** **Et si, pour ne pas sombrer dans le tumulte du monde, il fallait apprendre à regarder en nous ce qui ne change pas ?** **Une conférence de Fernand Figares** **Philosophe, Géologue, co-fondateur de New Acropolis Belgium** Dans le cadre de la journée internationale de la Terre Nous courons après l'avenir, mais avons-nous pris le temps d'écouter ce que le sol sous nos pieds a à nous dire ? La pierre n'est pas inerte : elle est la mémoire du monde, une architecture de patience et de stabilité. Nous vous invitons à nous rejoindre pour une conférence qui fait le pont entre les **sciences de la Terre** et la **philosophie pratique**. Nous explorerons comment la structure minérale du vivant peut nous enseigner une nouvelle forme de présence. En apprenant à « penser comme une montagne », nous ne regardons pas le passé : nous forgeons les racines nécessaires pour inventer un futur solide. **Un voyage intérieur pour découvrir :** * Ce que la géologie et le cycle des pierres nous enseignent sur notre propre résilience. * Comment l'ancrage philosophique permet de rester debout face aux incertitudes de l'époque. * L'art de transformer notre vision du temps pour agir avec la force du vivant. **Vous ne viendrez pas pour apprendre une théorie, mais pour vivre un changement d'échelle : celui où l'on cesse de subir le temps pour enfin l'habiter.** **PAF : 10 €** 15 € pour les deux conférences données dans le cadre de la journée internationale de la Terre

🏃‍♂️ Sunday Vacations | Train Together, Finish Together --- Thinking about joining the **20km of Brussels on May 31st**… but don’t want to train alone? 👉 Join our **after-work training group** and prepare together in a fun, social, and motivating atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or already running regularly — **you’re welcome.** --- ## 📆 Weekly Runs (April → May) We train **twice a week after work**: ### 🔵 Once per week – Easy Social Run 👉 Perfect to build consistency and meet the group --- ### 🟣 Once per week – Long Run (Main Session) * Distance increases every week * Structured pace groups 👉 This is the **key session** to prepare for the 20km --- ## 🏳️ Follow Your Flag (Pace Groups) To keep things simple, we use the official **20km Brussels pacemaker system**: * 🟠 **Beginner (≈ 2h15)** Run/walk friendly — just aim to finish * 🟣 **Steady (≈ 2h00)** Comfortable and regular pace * 🟢 **Intermediate (≈ 1h45)** Faster group for those who want a challenge 👉 Not sure? Start easy — you can switch anytime. --- ## 📊 Long Run Progression We gradually build up to the race: 6 km → 8 km → 10 km → 12 km → 14 km → 16 km → 18 km 🔥 * lighter week before the race --- ## 🏁 Goal 📅 Sunday 31 May 2026 🎯 Run the 20km of Brussels — together --- ## 💡 What to expect * Friendly, international group 🌍 * No one left behind * Natural pace groups * Motivating and social vibe 👉 We start together, run in groups, and finish together. --- ## ☕ After the run Optional drink or snack — because it’s also about **meeting people and having fun** --- ## ⚠️ Practical info * Bring water * Wear proper running shoes * Join at your own responsibility * Beginners welcome --- ## 🌍 About Sunday Vacations We are a **Brussels-based community** organizing social activities, hikes, and trips. 👉 This training is part of our mission: **bringing people together through shared experiences** --- ## 🔗 Participation To join, a **Sunday Vacations membership** is required: * Explorer (€5/year) → + €5 organizing fee * Voyager (€50/year) → no organizing fee * Ambassador (€150/year) → no organizing fee + perks 👉 Details: [www.sundayvacations.com/membership](http://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) --- 🔥 Don’t train alone — join us and enjoy the journey to the 20km!

**At [Isabel Group](https://www.isabel.eu/en), the conviction was clear: certain processes could be accelerated with the help of AI. What they needed was support on two fronts, identifying which processes had the most potential, and a partner to help implement the solutions.** Through a Start AI trajectory with **[Ixor](www.ixor.be)**, they zeroed in on supporting services, procurement, HR, and customer service, deliberately leaving IT Ops & Dev out of scope. The process started with conversations: talking to everyone involved, understanding what they actually spent their time on, and mapping where the friction was. From there, thanks to the structured approach of the Start AI trajectory, each process was scored on feasibility and impact. Three clear priorities emerged. **[Roel Liers](https://www.linkedin.com/in/roel-l-b594631/)** (Head of Digitalisation at Isabel Group) and **[Martijn Leplae](https://www.linkedin.com/in/martijn-leplae-2258341a5/)** (AI engineer at Ixor) share how that journey went: * **Finding the right processes.** Scoring workflows across supporting services on feasibility and impact, surfacing the overlooked ones, not just the obvious candidates. * **Making processes AI-ready.** Restructuring and rethinking workflows before building anything, because the quality of the automation depends on the quality of the process underneath. **Date** Wednesday 22/04/26 **Location** [Ixor, Schuttersvest 75, 2800 Mechelen](https://www.google.com/maps?sca_esv=3d16839f334d68f5&rlz=1C5CHFA_enBE1133BE1133&sxsrf=ANbL-n41HRp_bji2meG1ikVLAPIz93Cunw:1769513461367&kgmid=/g/1pxwt4kls&shem=bdsle,ptotple,shrtsdl&shndl=30&kgs=61800e9c5aeb0c1b&um=1&ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=be&sa=X&geocode=KcOEjoHS5cNHMa9y5riKRn8U&daddr=Schuttersvest+75,+2800+Mechelen) **Timing** *Doors* \- 18:00 *TechTalk* \- 18:30 until 19:30\, followed by networking & drinks *End -* 21:00

Rejoins-nous pour découvrir le Touch Rugby sous le signe du sport, du fun et de la convivialité ! 🏉 Que tu sois débutant·e curieux·se, joueur·se occasionnel·le ou habitué·e des terrains, ce rendez-vous est ouvert à toutes et tous. Le touch rugby est un sport en plein essor sans plaquage, accessible, dynamique mais aussi inclusif et fun sur et en dehors des terrains. 💙 ✨ Au programme : * Échauffement collectif * Exercices et jeux * Développement de la condition physique * Bonne humeur, esprit d’équipe et fair-play 🎯 Venez bouger, vous amuser et partager un bon moment ensemble ! 👉 Ramène ta tenue de sport, de l’eau, et surtout ta motivation. On s’occupe du reste 💪 À très vite sur le terrain !

🌟 Hello Yogis and Future Yogis! 🌟 Come and join us on the mat for this new series of "Yoga For Men" ! It doesn't matter if you're Gay, Bi, trans, ally, curious -> if you identify as male and have friendly vibes - come and join us ! Ladies, unfortunately you'll have to skip this one - but you're more than welcome at our Sunday morning sessions ! 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️ Class takes place every **Wednesday evening - from 18:30 to 19:45 :) Please arrive a few minutes before class to give you the time to set-up...** No need to worry if you've never tried Yoga before – everyone is welcome, beginners included! 🌈 Just bring yourself in some comfy clothes and let the magic happen :-). 🌿 **Class Details:** * Classes take place [Merci Wellness - Place Dillens 1, 1060 Saint-Gilles](https://www.merci-wellness.be/plan-acces.php). Very easy to get there, either by bike or metro (Hotel des Monnaies). * ⏰ 18:30 to 19:45 (doors will open at 18:15 - **class starts at 18:30 sharp** \- not possible to join after that **as the door will be closed**). 💸 **Cost:** * First class: 10 euros 🌟 * Single class: 15 euros 🧘‍♂️ * 5-class pass: 65 euros (valid for 3 months - a great deal for regular yogis! 🎉) * 10 class pass: 125 euros - valid for 5 months. You can pay your class on site either in CASH or through PAYCONIC. For more info - follow us on [Instagram.com/queeryogabrussels](http://www.instagram.com/queeryogabrussels) **Come and try it !** Spend a moment in a nice atmosphere and discover the benefits of Yoga, from increased flexibility, better posture, a stronger body to a calmer mind. See you on the mat! 🧘‍♀️✨ Edson P.S. We also have a "mixed gender" class on Sunday mornings from 11:00 to 12:15 - make sure to check it out on Meetup !

PhysEd Run Club is here! The weather is getting better and it's time to get outside. Run Club is your chance to actually learn how to run. No more stumbling down the street cursing and complaining about how much you knees hurt. You'll learn technique, how to pace, how to enjoy it (again). This week we kick off our bi-weekly run club with a Tempo Run. We’ll start together with a warm-up, then we run a 3K at a pace that feels challenging *but doable*—no pressure to be fast, just to give it a solid effort. From your time, we’ll figure out a pace that suits *you* and you’ll get a simple, personalized plan to help you build up your distance, feel more confident, and gradually get faster. We'll meet in front of PhysEd - Rue des Veterinaires 47, 1070. Everything kicks off at 18:00, led by super fast dude Stefan Kikyazov. Check us out on STRAVA too! https://www.strava.com/clubs/2076984/group_events/3480220840130507642 See you there!

Dear WWs, On this Sunday we will walk in the area of three natural areas. Our meeting point is close to Chalet du Laerbeek where we can enjoy after our walk. We will start at 10:00AM, if you are late, please contact me in order to catch up with us. If there are any problems, you can call or WhatsApp Jing at 0486484016 Please wear proper hiking shoes and clothes depending on the weather condition. It might be muddy at some parts. Meeting point: 50.8841920, 4.3025140 if you have any problem. Please update your RSVP as earlier as possible in case there are people in the waiting list. This hike is a public transport accessible event.

Join us for a laid-back **2-hour evening walk** along the **Canal and the River Zenne**, the historic lifeline of Brussels. This scenic route offers a peaceful escape as the sun sets over the water, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Expect a **social, easy-paced stroll** with good company, relaxed vibes, and plenty of time to chat. We'll follow the canal paths and trace the River Zenne, discovering how these waterways shaped the heart of the city. 🕗 **When:** Evening 🚶 **Duration:** About 2 hours 🥤 **Bring your own drink** – something refreshing to enjoy as we walk 💬 **Open to all** – solo walkers, locals, and newcomers alike Let’s walk, relax, and connect—Brussels-style.

On this hike we discover the many beautiful ***unpaved roads of Flemish Brabant***. We pass through the **Haachts Broek nature reserve**, walk through the quiet village of Wakkerzeel and continue past the ***historic Rotselaar mill***. Along the way we follow field paths framed by the ***characteristic “Dijle” landscapes.*** The route takes us through a diverse and scenic environment with a ***pleasant mix of small forests and green meadows.*** We then head towards the elevated ***Sint-Gertrudisbos***. After a steady climb we reach the ***Kesselberg – known as the roof of Leuven*** – where we are rewarded with panoramic views of Leuven’s skyline. After the hike we will continue our **good habit of taking a nice beer/ice cream/snack in a local pub in Leuven** before we return to Brussels. **Please don't forget to pay Maikel a drink :-)** ***We will walk at an average speed of 5km/h.*** We will walk both on paved and unpaved roads. ***I’ve never walked this road before***, so it’s possible there are some mistakes in the planning. **●●Meeting point** We meet at ***09h45 in front of Starbucks in Brussels Central***. The train (IC3109 – Antwerpen) leaves from ***platform 3 at 10h04***. We arrive at ***Mechelen at 10h29 on platform 3*** where we change to a **replacement bus (704110- Leuven)** \- they're working on the rails \- ***who leaves at 10h40 in front of the station*** . We arrive at our ***destination Wespelaar - at 11h16*** and start our hike to Leuven. ***●● Train tickets*** ***\- single ticket Brussels to Wespelaar \(5\,10 € weekend / 3\,10 € with train card\+\)*** ***\- single ticket Leuven to Brussels \(4\,80 € weekend / 2\,90 € with train card\+\)*** ***●● Trains back to Brussels*** There are ***4 direct trains every hour*** from Leuven to Brussels at ***XX:07, XX:25, XX:32 and XX:54*** ***LAST TRAIN = 23h59*** **●● Specifics** distance: \~ 21 km elevation gain: \~ 128 m net walking time: \~ 4h00 level: ***easy – open for everyone*** ***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.com website and/or your emails.*** ●● ***What to bring*** \- warm comfortable hiking clothes – ***waterproof hiking shoes*** \- extra socks to change \+ compeed for blisters \- enough water and food for lunch/breaks \- sun protection oil\, a hat and sunglasses OR a raincoat (please consult the weather forecast on [www.meteo.be](http://www.meteo.be/)) **\- some money to pay Maikel a drink ;\-\)** ●● ***Basic rules*** Please RSVP only if you ***really intend to come***. And if your plans change ***update your RSVP latest 1 day before the hike*** so other people still have the possibility to join. This is basic courtesy towards others. ***People who cancel at the last day (24h) or don’t show up for the hike will be blacklisted for future hikes.*** Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the roster (i.e. Yes RSVP - but not Wait Listed) **●● *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.**

Come and join this 15+ km hike in the Forest de Soigne. The walk will give us a true (!) forest spring experience 😊 with young leafs, anemone and hyacinths. 💮🪻 Participants can use either bicycle, car or train to get to the assembly point Parking PLEK Restaurant & Coworking, Duboislaan 1, 1560 Hoeilaart. A train will stop at 10:22 at station Groenendaal, from where it takes 15 minutes to the car park. This train stops at many stations in Brussels, i.e. Central 09:52, Schuman 10:06, Bosvoorde 10:18. We will leave at 10:45 from the car park. The circuit allows us to have a nice drink on the terrace before returning to our transport. There's only one train per hour back to Brussels, so either 14:32 or 15:32. During the hike we will stop for a bring-your-own-lunch and there is the promise of passing by some undergrowth beautifully covered by hyacinths. and that is an understatement. 😊 Come along for this talk and walk!

VERY IMPORTANT: Payment MUST be done in advance: [https://japansetuin.hasselt.be/nl/kamishibai-festival](https://japansetuin.hasselt.be/nl/kamishibai-festival) Click “tickets kamishibai” Then change the date in the form to 26/4 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Let’s take a small break from the noise and step into something calmer. We’ll meet in the main hall of are centrale, and go together for a relaxed walk through one of the largest Japanese gardens in Europe. Expect quiet paths, water, bridges, seasonal colors, and a very different pace. This is not a “guided tour” or a workout. Just a simple moment to slow down, walk, breathe, and connect—with the place and with each other. You’re welcome to come alone or with guests, meet new people, and just enjoy the atmosphere if that’s what you need. 👉 We’ll move slowly, stop when it feels right, maybe sit for a bit, or do some Qigong and maybe share a tea/coffee after **Practical:** * Meeting point: Gare centrale Bruxelles, train departs 9.12 to Hasselt. * Duration: You're free to leave whenever you feel like it * Bring: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing * Optional: water, tea, or something small to share No pressure, no performance. Just a good moment. Stephan The Happy Body

The south of Limburg is well known for seeing blossoms in April, but did you know that they can also be seen in West-Flanders? Since this year the town of Dentergem is actively promoting blossom hikes on its territory. The weather for Saturday looks great, so let's check it out! The hike will start in Deinze, a small city on the Scheldt that has a very good train connection to Brussels. In the first part of the hike we will walk along several canals till we reach Dentergem. Once there we will do part of the newly-created blossom trail. Several farms on the way actively promote the trail, so we might have the option to buy some local products. The trail ends in Markegem, where we have a beer in a bar in the middle of the fields. Afterwards we take a De Lijn bus to Waregem, where you have connecting trains to Brussels, with a change in Ghent or Kortrijk. Important: 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 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. ●●You can find the track here: https://loc.wiki/t/260606946?wa=sc ●●Meeting point: We meet at 10h08 in Deinze (back side of the station). If you start from Brussels-South, you should take train IC 3631 direction Aalst & De Panne at 8h53. This is a direct train. If you miss this train, you can take another train ten minutes later, but then you have to switch in Ghent-Sint-Pieters. I live in Ghent, so I will jump on the train there. Let's try to meet in the first car of the train. ●● Train tickets: Return ticket to Waregem should be ok, or two separate tickets Brussels-Deinze and Waregem-Brussels. ●● Back to Brussels: In Dentergem we first take a De Lijn bus to Waregem. There is only one bus every two hours. We aim to make it for the 15h45 or 17h45 bus. On the bus you can buy a ticket with a debit card. The return journey to Brussels takes approx. 1h30 minutes. ●● Specifics: Distance: ca 25km Elevation gain: 14m Net walking time: ca 5-6h Weather forecast: Looks great for the moment. 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 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. Repeated 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!

Join us for one of the **most beautiful and underrated hikes in Belgium** — a stunning adventure through the **Furfooz Nature Reserve and the Lesse Valley**, starting directly from the train station. This is a **perfect nature escape from Brussels — no car needed 🚆** ## 🥾 The Experience We’ll follow a **~14–15 km loop hike (4–5 hours) **through: - 🌿 The** Furfooz Natural Park **(protected reserve) - 🪨 Limestone cliffs with panoramic views over the Lesse - 🕳️ Prehistoric caves and unique rock formations - 🏰 The spectacular** Walzin Castle**, perched dramatically on a cliff - 🌳 Forest trails, riverside paths & scenic viewpoints 👉 The route is** moderate (332m elevation) **— expect some climbs, but very rewarding views. ## 🚆 Easy Access (No Car Needed) We’ll take the train from Brussels to: 📍** Gendron-Celles station** 👉 From there, the hike starts directly — we’ll follow the Lesse river and head toward Furfooz and Walzin. 💡 The route is well marked and follows a mix of forest paths and scenic trails along the river. A** WhatsApp group **will be created to coordinate: - Train timing - Meeting point at the station - Live updates on the day ## 🍻 Optional stop If timing allows, we may stop for: - 🍺 A drink along the way - Or after the hike in the area (Depending on group pace and timing) ## 💰 Costs - 🌿 Entrance to Furfooz Reserve:** €6 **(paid directly on-site) - 🧭 Sunday Vacations organising fee: - Explorer:** €5** - Voyager / Ambassador:** FREE **(use your code) - 🚆 Train ticket: at your own expense ## ⚠️ Important - ❌ Dogs not allowed in the reserve - 🥾 Good hiking shoes required - ⚠️ Moderate level — not suitable for very low fitness - ⏱️ We keep a group pace (not a race, not too slow) ## 📍 Logistics - Departure: morning from Brussels - Meeting point:** Shuman Train Station** - Return: late afternoon / early evening 👉 Full details shared in the** WhatsApp group** ## 🎟️ Participation Most Sunday Vacations events are** members-only**. 👉 Join here: [https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) Membership starts at** €5/year** ## ✨ Why join? Because this is one of those places where people say: “I had no idea Belgium had landscapes like this.”

Before the comedy crawl, we’re starting Tuesday with **Two for Tuesdays**: a casual **social walk** designed to get people off the couch, **out of the house,** and actually doing something. This is a relaxed group walk at a **social pace,** covering roughly **2–3 miles**. Nothing intense. No pressure. Just good conversation, a little movement, and a **better way to spend your Tuesday** than sitting at home **scrolling your phone.** Then **after the walk,** we roll right into the **comedy crawl.** This is what makes the night better: you don’t just show up for one event, awkwardly stand around, then leave. You actually get time to **meet people,** loosen up, and **feel part of something** before the comedy even starts. If you’re tired of wasting your weeknights at home, this is your sign. **Spots are limited.** **A paid ticket** helps us plan accurately, keep the group intentional, and make sure the people who RSVP actually show up. Please use **ticket Link in comments** Preferred Two for Tuesdays Walk **$2** Walk + Comedy Crawl **$5** **Ticket Link preferred.** As an option Venmo/Paypal @WiseUnlimitedLLC CashApp $WiseUnlimitedLLC

**Over time I'm hoping to organize a hike to all the Franklin County Metro Parks. This is the first one so if you're interested jump in!** **We'll start with the Canopy Walk, a cool feature of this park. Climb 100 stairs to the top - or take the elevator if stairs aren't your thing. At the top there are a bunch of things to play on - a rope bridge, a fireman pole that we can slide down - and more! About fifteen minutes there and we'll head to the natural trail, Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail for 2.2 miles then do a 1.7 mile loop on the paved Greenway Trail. We'll be passing our cars as we transition if you only want to do the first loop, or the second loop. Pace of around 3.5 mph but no one left behind.** **If there is an interest we can grab lunch nearby afterward at Prost Beer and Wine Cafe. Www.prostcafe.com**

**We'll hike 3.4 miles on the Killdeer and Yellowlegs Trails - both out and back gravel trails. If we want more mileage we can repeat an out and back. Pace of around 3.5 mph, no one left behind and those who want to go faster sure can!** **As always optional lunch after.** **This is the second Metro Park in the lineup - with 21 to go (plus more are being added).** **Also I have a conflict and am not available so have asked Karin to lead!**