Language Exchange

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at Factor-ij Amsterdam on Thursday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 11: 15 AM - Quick introductions 11: 30 AM - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 12: 30 PM - The End: chat, take off, or keep writing OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 12:30 pm after the writing is wrapped. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you at Factor-ij! What Should I Bring? Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s overhead music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Please come with your devices pre-charged, since we probably won't be always sitting somewhere with charging possibilities. Other Important Details: Travel by public transportation: 1. Take Tram 26 from the central station Amsterdam, and step out by the last stop. 2. Take bus 66 from the Amsterdam Bijlmer station, step out by Pieter Oosterhuisstraat, and further walk in the direction of the bus till the corner. FREE Wifi. Compulsory consumption is not required, but please do order a drink to honor our generous host.

If you are living in The Netherlands, by now, you may well have noticed the amount of open water. If you enjoy cycling in the city, you may wish to feel safer as you navigate the bridges and canals. And you may also want to get ready for visiting the beach, pools or the many lakes this summer. Learning how to swim takes approx 1 year and it all starts with the very first lesson. New comers enroll via our website and pay € 30,50, this is the first lesson and a goody bag. After the class you agree with the personal swim coach how to continue to obtain your final objectives. Enrolling is only possible via [www.your-personal-swim-coach.nl ](https://www.your-personal-swim-coach.nl/)hence a rvsp via meetup is not enough.

🎨 **Crealab – Connect & Create!** 🧵 Looking for a cozy space to get creative and meet others who enjoy making things with their hands? Whether you’re into drawing, painting, jewelry making, collage, handcrafts or clay — **bring your own project or come as you are and get inspired!** Everyone works on whatever they feel like, in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. We encourage each other, share ideas, and enjoy the creative flow together. ✨ A creative facilitator is there to offer tips, support, or a little spark if you need one. **We’ll have some basic materials available to get you started — but if you want to work on a specific project or product, feel free to bring your own supplies.** 💬 No pressure, no experience needed — just curiosity and the joy of creating. 🗓 **Every Thursday, 12:00 – 15:00** 📍 **Dynamo Atelier 77, Vechtstraat 77A, 1079 JA Amsterdam** 🎟 **€1 (cash only)** Come get inspired, make something with your hands, and connect through creativity. 🎨

Dive into the world of swimming at the ***Historic Oost Pool***, one of the oldest and most nostalgic pools in town. Our exclusive shallow water pool is reserved just for our students, providing a perfect environment for adult beginners to learn and build confidence in the water. **Event Highlights:** * ***Historic Venue:*** Enjoy the charm of one of the town's oldest swimming pools. * ***Exclusive Access*:** No other visitors allowed; the pool is dedicated to our students only. * ***Beginner-Friendly*:** Tailored for adult beginners, ensuring a comfortable and supportive learning experience. * ***Progression Opportunities:*** Once you’re confident in the shallow water, you can move up to our deep water locations at Friendship, AGO-Diemen, or Zuiderbad. * ***Convenient Location*:** Easily accessible by bike and public tram from all over town. * ***Parking*:** Underground parking garage available for those driving. **Who Should Attend:** * Adult beginners looking to learn swimming in a supportive and exclusive environment. * Individuals seeking to overcome their fear of water. * Anyone interested in experiencing a historic and nostalgic swimming pool. **How to Get There:** * ***By Bike*:** Convenient bike paths leading directly to the pool. * ***By Tram:*** Easily accessible via multiple tram lines. * ***By Car*:** Underground parking garage available. Spaces are limited to ensure personalized attention for all participants. ***For any questions, you can also schedule a free call with us *[https://calendly.com/yourpersonalswimcoach/15min](https://calendly.com/yourpersonalswimcoach/15min)**

We meet every week in different locations to fellowship, pray, be taught in the Word of God, and do life together! Homecells are a great place to connect with new people, find support and purpose in a life of faith in God.

**Fijne Feestdagen! Christmas Day Special Deal! €98 per person!** Escaping to the countryside to the authentic windmills in Zaanse Schans and a village with no main road, the most beautiful village with a 'fairy-tale' lifestyle in Giethoorn all in one day. **Experience driving your own electric boat cruising around the canals in Giethoorn.** ♥♥♥♥ ***Special Itinerary*** ♥♥♥♥ **09:30** Pick up from Hotel NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace main entrance. **10:00-11:45** Zaanse Schans windmill village clogs factory with demonstration of making wooden shoes, cheese factory with demonstration of Dutch cheese and free tasting. **13:30-14:30** Group lunch for networking (\*optional, at own cost), 1-hour small boat trip cruising around Giethoorn (drive your own boat for a real local experience), free time. **15:30-16:30** Walking tour or free time. **17:00** Leave Giethoorn **18:30** Back in Amsterdam Centraal Station **Including** guided tour and entrances for clogs factory, diamond museum, cheese factory and tasting, 1-hour English guided boat trip (small electric boat drive your own boat cruising around canals in Giethoorn), private tour coach or minivan with driver & / guide. To join us, pls connect on WhatsApp +31616121051 for payment with Tikkie or credit card (\*fee applies). We look forward to a great weekend day tour with you!

Let us meet, have a coffee and code together, or just discuss :)! This Meetup is everyone that considers himself "Techie", in the broad sense and wants to socialize :). Join us and chat, ask your questions, or work on your own projects. The choice is yours! There is no agenda, this is simply a gathering of interested folks :). We're searching for places that are very accessible from Utrecht Centraal so at the moment we meet at Lebkov, right inside the station. We're typically sitting at the large table. Search for the folks with the laptops in the back! You are very welcome to join whether you are an experienced developer, or simply interested and want to chat!

#This meetup is around a third-party organizer (Lux Nijmegen): you can either purchase your ticket online or right before the session# **Title**: Little Amélie or the Character of Rain **Language**: French **Subtitles**: English **Genre:** Animation, Drama **Length**: 1u 17m **Director**: Maïlys Vallade, Liane-Cho Han **More info**: [English Subs: Little Amélie or the Character of Rain - LUX Nijmegen](https://www.lux-nijmegen.nl/programma/english-subs-little-amelie-or-the-character-of-rain/) **Ticket link**: [https://webshop.lux-nijmegen.nl/nl-NL/Show/Details/ES-Little-Am-lie-or-the-Character-of-Rain-27-dec-828145?step=seatMap](https://webshop.lux-nijmegen.nl/nl-NL/Show/Details/ES-Little-Am-lie-or-the-Character-of-Rain-27-dec-828145?step=seatMap) ## About Little Amélie or the Character of Rain **Young Amélie’s life is one big adventure: as she discovers the beauty of life and encounters tragedy, a tender and moving story unfolds in a film that visually enchants and surprises.** The world is a confusing, peaceful mystery for Amélie, until a miraculous encounter with chocolate ignites her wild curiosity. As she develops a deep bond with her family’s housekeeper, Nishio-san, Amélie discovers the wonders of nature and the emotional truths hidden beneath the surface of her family’s idyllic life as foreigners in postwar Japan in the 1960s. Based on the book of the same name by Amélie Nothomb. **How it works**: I will be at Lux at 13:00 where we can meet before the movie starts. You can message me to find us. Screening starts at 13:30. After the movie, we can have a drink at Lux or a nearby cafe. Hope to see you soon!

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

**For the non-readers among us:** * **Please include the code of your dinner choice in your Tikkie payment message.** * **I’ll provide candles, LED candles, candle holders, and fluorescent rods. Please bring as many colorful lights as you can wear — the more light, the better. It keeps us safe in traffic, and no wolf will mistake you for dinner.** \-\-\- As the year winds down, join us for a special evening hike filled with light, reflection, and a touch of adventure. Guided by candlelit lanterns, we combine the magic of walking in the dark with a cozy two course dinner at Beekdalhoeve Restaurant. The **€58 fee** includes a fancy 2 course dinner with multiple menu options, a guided night hike, and all candles, holders, and fluorescent light rods. We start at Oosterbeek train station at dusk and reach the "Heavenly Mountain" (Hemelse Berg), pausing briefly to reflect on the year. From there we descend to the "Origination Creek" (Oorsprongsbeek) and its mini waterfall, where we light our candles and symbolically let go of the past before walking under the waterfall for a beautiful moment. The trail continues quietly along the Nederrijn, passing the moonlit Doorwerth Castle. After 12 kilometres we arrive at De Beekdalhoeve for a warm and inviting dinner. Lanterns lit once more, we follow the river plains and the Wageningse Berg to Wageningen bus station, where the hike ends. From there it is easy to travel home (This is not a loop hike). https://maps.app.goo.gl/DUjuWW2yGp3C69fm7 **When and Where to Meet?** We'll meet at 17h at Oosterbeek train station! Please come on time as we won’t be waiting for latecomers. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zvyx7x9AQCDYktnH6 **Restaurant break?** We will enjoy a delicious dinner at De Beekdalhoeve Restaurant around 7:45 PM. The two course meal is included in the price, while drinks can be ordered separately at your own cost. This is the two course choice menu for autumn 2025: 1\. Picatta crispy chicken fillet 2\. Beef steak with pepper sauce 3\. Fish of the day 4\. Marinated spinach in puff pastry XXX A. Mousse of the day B. Fruit sorbet C. Pistachio tiramisu **Please include your Meetup profile name and the code of your dinner choice in your Tikkie payment message. For example: *My choice would be: Hicham Daoudi 1.C.*** **How to pay?** **💸 Payment:** [https://tikkie.me/pay/89jn1sk0pjgbnbitot7k](https://tikkie.me/pay/89jn1sk0pjgbnbitot7k) Please pay latest 24 december in the evening. If you join later then that we can try to get a reservation for you too but not guaranteed. **Special Notifications:** * A lantern, two candles, two LED candles, and a handful of fluorescent rods will be provided for you. You’re welcome to take them home afterward if you like. * Bring matches or a lighter to nurture your candle along the way. * Consider wearing creative lights to enhance the atmosphere and improve visibility for traffic. * Please wear reflective clothing for added safety. * Bring a lighter to light your candle. * We must stay together as one group at all times. It’s safer for handling traffic. * Bring a torch as a backup, just in case. * The drinks are paid separately, directly at the venue. **Good to know** * Refund policy: Cancellations are fully refundable up to 1 week before the event (This is Friday 19 December at 23h59). After this period, the fee becomes non-refundable. * Hike difficulty: Our hikes are moderately challenging. Please only join if you’re confident you can keep up with the group’s pace (5 km/ h)— it’s more fun for everyone when we can walk together without long waits. * If the pace is too challenging: We may kindly suggest you continue at your own pace. We’ll give you clear directions to the nearest bus or train so you can return comfortably. * At your own risk: You participate at your own risk, so please make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage for outdoor activities. * Payment note: With Tikkie we only see initials (e.g., J. Doe instead of John Doe). Please include your Meetup name in the payment note so we can match it easily. * Bring some water to hydrate. * Stay connected: Join our WhatsApp group to be the first to hear about future hikes — ask for the QR code during the hike. * T-shirts: Fairwear-certified organic cotton, eco-friendly inks — €25. Sustainable, odor-resistant, and perfect for hiking. Let us know your size and we’ll bring one for you.

**No pressure, no plan—just new friends** ✨ Whether you’re visiting Amsterdam for the first time, recently relocated, or simply love connecting with curious people, this weekly meetup is the perfect way to share stories, make friends, and go explore, as a group, the magic that Amsterdam has to offer 🇳🇱 **What to expect?** • **Casual & hostless**: no formal host, no schedule: just show up, be yourself, meet fellow solo travellers & expats and decide as a group where you feel like going • **Central meeting point**: it is surrounded by cultural landmarks, cafes, and restaurants, making it a convenient and safe starting point. • **Open to everyone**: whether you are a local, an expat or just passing through for a few days, you are welcome to join. (English is the primary language, but feel free to switch of course) **How to talk with strangers?** (and create meaningful connections) To help you get started, I curated a little game of **[ridiculously good questions](https://www.pierrebonvalot.com/theblog?p=285a9711d7df80d5ac25dd4ef8fe5394&pm=c)** you can ask to break the ice, shift the conversation from dull to intriguing and fun, and eventually create meaningful connection quickly. I hope this helps! **The only things you need to do are…** • Leave a message in the comment section to let the others know that you will actually be there (I don’t want you to end up alone there :) • If you can’t make it anymore, no problem! But please update your RSVP to let the others know • Please be gentle and patient with each other. We all want to make good friends here. **Why join?** • Meet open-minded travellers and locals who are keen to connect, learn and have fun together. • Experience Amsterdam... as a group. • Be part of a global community that celebrates solo travelling and meaningful connections between foreign and locals. **How does it works?** 1\. Arrive at the meeting spot at the scheduled time\. 2\. Look for other joiners—friendly faces and curious explorers\. 3\. Introduce yourself\, connect with others\, and decide as a group where to go\. **When & where?** • Day: every Sunday • Time: 4:00 PM (meetup sometimes displays a different time zone: but it’s always 4pm local time) • Location: near Leidseplein, under "Boomzagertje", a statue up a tree: look up. **Hostless**: I am setting up the event for you all to meet, but I won't be there myself this time :) **Hi my names is Pierre** I created this Meetup group because I want to see more human connection happen in the real world. I feel many of us want this, but don't exactly know how to go about it. I hope this helps a little bit. I also work as a transformational coach: I help people who feel stuck in their life to reconnect with themselves, create real change and ultimately live more fulfilling lives. 🔗 bento.me/pierrebonvalot

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Utrecht.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over coffee. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

Between Christmas and New Year let’s get out for some fresh air and exercise. In this walk, we stick near the city centre but walk along the various bridges over the Waal and (hopefully if the weather is good) get some great views of Nijmegen and the surrounding countryside. Along the way we encounter a number of artefacts from the city’s rich history. We’ll start where it all began, in the Valkhof/Hunnerpark, where the first settlements were built by the Batavian tribe around 15AD. We’ll cross the Waalbrug which was an important battleground in WWII and over to the area now known as Lent, which became an important strategic area in the ensuing Cold War. We’ll come back over the Lentloper bridge for an obligatory look/photo opportunity at the Face of Nijmegen and then walk westwards towards the relatively new Overstreek bridge that takes us back to the south riverside and then back into Nijmegen. We then can (if anyone wants) find somewhere to sit down, relax and get coffee/food/beer. The walk is almost all on good paths but sturdy footwear is advised, especially if the weather is harsh. Remember to bring some water and maybe snacks. The walk should take about 2.5 – 3 hours. Meeting point: Statue of Petrus Canisius - details and photo below...

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

Come and join our lively Japanese language meetup, where Japanese language learners and native speakers come together to learn, play, and connect. We’ll practice through fun games and interactive conversation in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you’re just starting out, more advanced, or a native speaker who enjoys helping others, everyone is encouraged to join and participate. After the library we'll take a leisurely walk together to get food/drinks. There are many options around including North Market Bridge Park. It's a perfect opportunity to continue our conversations and enjoy each other's company over a meal.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Welcome, readers! ❄️ Our December read is **_A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella._** A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella is a tender, character-driven novel that follows three people in a small Pennsylvania town as they each cope with loss and seek connection. Chuck, a widower, struggles to find meaning after his wife’s death; Ella, a young woman, faces the heartbreak of her missing daughter; and Kirsten, a veterinary technician, grieves her father while contemplating her future. Their stories intertwine gently, revealing how grief and hope coexist—and how even small acts of kindness can help people rediscover purpose and peace in the aftermath of tragedy. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! At this meeting, our third annual White Elephant book exchange will take place! If you'd like to participate, bring a gift-wrapped book that you already own. On the gift wrap, write the genre of the book. We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

While some are still meeting online, this is an in person event. Please note that we have attendees of all levels of speaking, including some native speakers. All are welcome! Also, as we meet at the same time and place each week, many don’t RSVP on the app, so we will likely have more attendees than noted here. Note: if you are asked to pay and upgrade the Meetup app, this is not necessary. You can ignore this and still attend our meetings.