Literature

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

Once a month we get together to discuss a book written by a woman author. We will read all kinds of literary genres. We choose any published work provided that it discusses gender issues and that it is written by a woman author. We want to discuss books that empower us to be ourselves and bring change to the world. During the discussion, we will answer the following questions: \- what resonated with me? \- what did I learn? \- what can I apply? **The book for this February is "I gave you eyes and you looked toward darkness" by Irene Solà.** The book is available in several languages, feel free to choose your preferred one. Our discussion will be in English. At the end of the event, we choose the book to be read on the following event based on the suggestions of the participants. **Who is this book club for?** The reading club is open to everyone, not only women! The discussion will be in English, but locals and internationals alike are welcome! We will limit the group to 12 people to ensure that everyone has the chance to speak and encourage discussion. The meeting will serve as a discussion, so don't forget to read the book beforehand ;) **About the volunteers:** Viviana has been living in Leuven for 12 years. She loves reading and loves to share this passion with other people. She is one of the volunteers and founder of the regular IHL book club Written by Women. Vanessa is originally from Puerto Rico and has been living near Leuven for the last 3 years. She is very curious and loves reading (especially books that surprise her) and seeing other's perspectives through stories.

Given the current state of affairs, one can wonder which step world leaders will take next, and which means they will use to do so. Technological and scientific progress can be in part attributed to the military, as can historical changes. Civilisations evolve, but having an army remains a constant. Is it a necessary evil ? Can we do without it ? If not, why not ? Tonight, we will be discussing the societal role of the military. Please join us with some humour, some paper and a pen. Looking forward to seeing you all.

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

IMPORTANT: This Wednesday's session will be held at the Brussels Beer Project. **Rue Antoine Dansaert 188, 1000 Bruxelles** Please take a moment to read the information and rules for the sessions. **Overview:** Improv sessions in English accepting all levels. We play short and long-form improv comedy, which includes theater-style scenes, guessing, and group games. **Topics:** * Timing * Location * Participation (Attendees list) * RSVP rules * Improv session format * Who is it for? (Participation requirement) *** * **Timing** Being on time will help you and everyone. **18h15** \- Doors open *Please take this time to order your drinks/food and settle in.* **18h30** \- Start of the session **Are you late?** Please inform the event host or comment on the event page. If you arrive late and the session is already in progress, please wait on the side till the game/scene is finished. Wait for the session moderator to indicate when you can start participating. * **Location** We have two locations: Monday Sessions: The session takes place on the first floor of The Sister Cafe. Stairs next to the bar. It's the room with a curtain at the door. Wednesday Sessions: At Brussels Beer Poject Rue Antoine Dansaert 188, 1000 Bruxelles * **Participation (Attendee list)** The session is limited to **12 attendees**. This ensures the session is manageable and everybody gets enough chances to participate. Therefore, only the people on the "attendee list" can participate in the session. **Waiting list**: People on the waiting list should keep an eye on the updates in case someone from the attendees' list drops and you get their spot. It's important for the people on the waiting list also to update their RSVP status if they already know they won't be joining the session. **Do you just want to observe?** In the regular session, we do not have an audience, only participants. Please do not join the session if you do not plan to participate in the games/scenes. If you are unsure about something, please contact the event host. *People on the attendee list are expected to take part.* * **RSVP Rules** * Please update your RSVP status in a timely manner if you can't make it to the session. This applies to people on the **attendee list AND waiting list.** * If you are on the waiting list and know you won't be able to join in case someone from the main list drops, please update your RSVP to "not going". This will give the next person on the waiting list a chance. * Emergencies aside, please update your RSVP status on time. Canceling at the last minute or just 1 hour before isn't helpful. * If we see a pattern from someone not showing up after confirming or last-minute cancellations, we reserve the right to prohibit session access. * Please write a comment if you cancel and your spot becomes available. With this, others will get an extra notification. **Improv Session Format** The session is held in English. The session has three sections: Warm-up, Scene games, and Cool down. **Warmup:** Quick group games are played to break the ice and get the creative juices flowing. **Scenes:** Then we move on to scene games. These are mostly from short-form improv, which can include different games with various gimmicks, like story building, character work, guessing, etc **Cool down:** One or two short group games to end the session. The rules are explained by the moderator before each game. There is no obligation to participate in games you are uncomfortable with. There can be feedback after a game is played. This is so we learn from each other and gain skills and insights. **Tip**: If you are new, pay attention to the regular players when they are performing and notice small details, like how a stage is cleared before a scene, how to enter a scene, and how to collaborate with each other. * **Who is it for?** Anyone interested in improv! We accept participants at all levels, beginners and advanced. This is a great place to start if you are new to improv. The basics will be explained. We only require the "Yes, and...!" spirit! If you are an advanced player and have ideas and games to share and work on, please do let us know. We look forward to welcoming you and doing improv!

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! 🍶🎤

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

[This is a paid workshop and sign-up via the website is obligatory.](https://www.wordcraft-collective.eu/courses/holding-it-all-together%3A-structure-in-fiction-writing) Whether you’re writing your first novel or just thinking about it, this workshop will help you get to grips with the nuts and bolts of structure. Discover how timeline, perspective, different narrative forms and setting can be used to provide the best framework for your story. Join Clare O’Dea, author of Before the Leaves Fall and Voting Day, to explore the possibilities. 📅Date and time: Saturday 28 February, 11:00-13:00 📍Venue: Pianofabriek, Rue du Fort 35, 1060 Saint-Gilles 💰Price: €25 Eur (non-member) €20 Eur (Member)

We'll be discussing The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Wouden and choosing the next book.

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

Join us on **Thursday, February 26** for a very special **Valentine’s Edition** of the Brussels Film Club! This time, we’re embracing the love (and the laughs) as we dive into **two romantic movies**: * The Philadelphia Story (George Cukor - 1940) * Saving Face (Alice Wu - 2004) To set the mood, everyone will kick things off by sharing their **all-time favorite romantic comedy** as part of the introductions. As always the meetup will be held **in English** and will take place on the **first floor of Café Merlo**. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic, a rom-com skeptic, or just here for the good company, this one’s for you 💞 See you there!

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

THIS SATURDAY 28.02.2026 - Bxl Main Event ROOFTOP PARTY \| International Party by Just A Night \| Saturday 28\.02\.2026 Indoor & outdoor facilities + the fantastic winter COVERED terrace will be open GREAT NEWS // No need to worry about the weather, our Party is 100% Weatherproof, indoor & outdoor facilities \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- FACEBOOK : [https://fb.me/e/6tcqjGrAm](https://fb.me/e/6tcqjGrAm) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Skip the line & Garanty Pass : [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/14983](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/14983) With us, the fantastic covered terrace will be open with a special lounge and great atmosphere ! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Powered by Just A Night x Les Belges Jeunesses x Euro Village x eXpats In Brussels Unique, mysterious and exclusif located on the fabled Boulevard de la Toison d’Or \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- WHAT TO EXPECT? Hottest Rooftop party in Brussels & expect the best DJs, most gorgeous crowd, loud music, good vibes, breathtaking views across the city and tastiest drinks. MUSIC powered by BEXS \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- A party you can not miss... So : COME DANCE // JOIN US // BRING FRIENDS //DRESS TO IMPRESS // ARRIVE EARLY // SPREAD THE WORD // INVITE FRIENDS \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \* Doors open 22:30 \* Music By BEXS \* Party with Disco, 80’s, 90’s, world music \* Life is a Party \* Dress code : Summer chic with a touch \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- FACEBOOK : [https://fb.me/e/6tcqjGrAm](https://fb.me/e/6tcqjGrAm) => COCO BRUSSELS - Rue Capitaine Crespel 1 - 1050 Ixelles

**SAMEDI 28\.02\.2026 \> ✨ 𝐋𝐀 𝐒𝐎𝐈𝐑𝐄́𝐄 30\+ \| 𝐍𝐔𝐌𝐄́𝐑𝐎 𝟏 𝐄𝐍 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐆𝐈𝐐𝐔𝐄 ✨** **BAGHEERA PARTY \- Soirée Rencontres en Live 30\+ \| Samedi 28 février \| Bagheera x Coeur à Coeur** **🔥 Cœur à Cœur débarque chez Bagheera 🔥** **FB : [https://fb.me/e/43BIzA0Vh](https://fb.me/e/43BIzA0Vh)** **Skip the Line : [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15094](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15094)** **________________________________________** **📅 Samedi 28 février 2026 🕒 21h00** **📍 Bagheera - Chaussée de Waterloo 782, Uccle, Belgique** **🎶 DJ set Quentin Margery \| Ambiance disco\, 80’s\, 90’s & 2000’s\, Slow's** **💃 Dress code : Chic** **________________________________________** **✨ Une soirée unique pour les 30+ !** **🌟 Un cadre élégant & festif : Bagheera, au cœur de la Chaussée de Waterloo, vous accueille pour une soirée pleine de glamour et de rencontres.** **🎧 Ambiance musicale assurée : 6 heures des meilleurs tubes pour danser jusqu’au bout de la nuit.** **💌 Venez rencontrer, échanger et vous amuser dans une ambiance chic et décontractée.** **📢 Ne manquez pas cette occasion de vivre une expérience inoubliable !** **________________________________________** **🔥 RÉSERVEZ VOTRE PLACE ! 🔥** **🎟️ Préventes : Évitez la file et garantissez votre participation** **💰vente flash : 5€ \| 10€** **Ou possibilité de prendre votre place le soir même au Tarif de 15€** **🎫 Réservez sur Partyfinder 👉 Lien ici : [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15094](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15094)** **________________________________________** **🎉OPTION SPEED DATING (50 HOMMES – 50 FEMMES)** **EN PREMIERE PARTIE DE SOIREE** **Inscription obligatoire pour la partie Speed Dating > RENDEZ-VOUS à 19h00** **[https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15129](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15129)** **________________________________________** **🔗 Suivez-nous & restez connectés !** **📱 Instagram : @coeuracoeur.be** **🌍 Site web : [www.coeuracoeur.be](https://www.coeuracoeur.be)** **📌 Confirmez votre présence sur Facebook & invitez vos amis !** **🎊 Que la fête continue... et plus si affinité ! 💃🕺** **________________________________________** **📍Bagheera : Chaussée de Waterloo 782, Uccle, Belgique**

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do 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 10AM on Saturday 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: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. 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! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do 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 noon on Sundays. 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: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. 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. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

This meeting will be an open discussion about the book "an Immense World" by Ed Yong

Welcome, readers! Our February read is **_1984 by George Orwell._** In 1984, George Orwell imagines a world where the government watches everyone, rewrites reality, and punishes even private thoughts. Winston Smith dares to question this system, believing that truth and love might still exist. His rebellion draws him into a chilling struggle against a power that knows him better than he knows himself. The novel leaves readers asking whether freedom is possible when reality itself can be controlled. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! 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! 📖

Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3262835](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3262835) Location: [Knotty Pine Brewing](https://www.knottypinebrewing.net/) [Menu, scroll to the bottom](https://www.knottypinebrewing.net/menus-1) Book summary: Adunni is a fourteen-year-old Nigerian girl who knows what she wants: an education. This, her mother has told her, is the only way to get a "louding voice" -- the ability to speak for herself and decide her own future. But instead, Adunni's father sells her to be the third wife of a local man who is eager for her to bear him a son and heir. When Adunni runs away to the city, hoping to make a better life, she finds that the only other option before her is servitude to a wealthy family. As a yielding daughter, a subservient wife, and a powerless slave, Adunni is told, by words and deeds, that she is nothing. But while misfortunes might muffle her voice for a time, they cannot mute it. And when she realizes that she must stand up not only for herself, but for other girls, for the ones who came before her and were lost, and for the next girls, who will inevitably follow, she finds the resolve to speak, however she can--in a whisper, in song, in broken English--until she is heard

A classic Italian road comedy that was so good the film ministry recognized it as "culturally significant." Starring Vittorio Gassman and Jean-Louis Trintignant, the film shows that for young men in love the rules of the road are only suggestions. And the rules for love? Hey, this is an Italian picture! Oh to be young and filled with joie de vivre or la dolce vita. A french/italian fun filled movie with a surprising twist at the end. Do you have a fun memory from your youth? Location TBD, but it will be in person for sure!