Literature

Want to feel more confident when speaking in public – in any language? Do you live in Brussels and speak Spanish, but often find yourself switching to English or French at work? **Armada Toastmasters** is the perfect place to practise expressing yourself clearly and confidently – whatever the language. We are a bilingual Toastmasters club where communication and leadership skills grow together – in a fun, supportive setting. Next meeting: Second Monday of the month 19:30 – 21:00 Elzenhof, Kroonlaan / Avenue de la Couronne 12, Elsene / Ixelles (Room 2.1) Why join Armada Toastmasters? ✔️ Practise public speaking with prepared speeches and impromptu exercises ✔️ Improve your communication and leadership skills ✔️ Receive constructive feedback in a positive environment ✔️ Meet a vibrant, multicultural community – many of us speak Spanish too! Meetings are in English – but we celebrate linguistic diversity. Whether you’re new to Toastmasters or a seasoned speaker, you’ll find space to grow at your own pace. Guests are always welcome – no pressure, just participation. Interested? RSVP on Meetup and come experience Toastmasters for yourself! **ESPAÑOL** ¿Hablas español y vives en Bruselas? ¿Te gustaría mejorar tu forma de hablar en público, también en inglés? En **Armada Toastmasters** te ayudamos a ganar confianza al hablar, ya sea para una reunión de trabajo, una entrevista o una presentación. Somos un club bilingüe donde podrás practicar habilidades de comunicación y liderazgo en un ambiente amistoso y multicultural. ¡Muchos de nosotros también hablamos español! Próxima reunión: segundo lunes del mes 19:30 – 21:00 Elzenhof, Kroonlaan / Avenue de la Couronne 12, Elsene / Ixelles ¿Por qué unirte a Armada Toastmasters? ✔️ Practica discursos preparados y ejercicios improvisados ✔️ Mejora tu expresión oral y tu capacidad de liderazgo ✔️ Recibe feedback constructivo y motivador ✔️ Conoce personas internacionales que, como tú, quieren crecer Las reuniones son en inglés, pero celebramos la diversidad lingüística. No importa si eres principiante o ya tienes experiencia: aquí puedes avanzar a tu ritmo. La entrada es gratuita para los invitados. ¿Te interesa? Apúntate en Meetup y acompáñanos en una próxima reunión.

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)

**In Italy, language is learned at the table.** We speak while we cook. We correct while we taste. We share while we eat. **The Language Cooking Lab is an immersive evening where complete beginners learn the fundamentals of Italian while preparing an authentic Italian dish; tonight will be Pasta alla Carbonara — guided by an Italian professional chef with a background in language teaching.** This is not a lecture. This is not a demonstration. It is hands-on, voice-on, pan-on. *** ## **La Carbonara — The Roman Way** We prepare Carbonara as it is done in Rome: * Guanciale * Eggs * Pecorino Romano * Freshly cracked black pepper * Pasta **No cream. No shortcuts.** You will learn: * Proper timing and temperature control * How to create the creamy texture without scrambling * The cultural story behind the dish **Carbonara is simple.** **Simplicity requires precision.** *** ## **What You Will Learn** Designed for complete beginners. You will practice: * **Italian pronunciation basics** * **Essential greetings and introductions** * **Core kitchen vocabulary** * **Action verbs in real time** * **Simple useful sentences** You will not memorize long lists. You will speak while stirring. Movement builds memory. *** ## **Structure of the Evening** **1\. Foundations \(15 minutes\)** Pronunciation and key phrases. **2\. Cook & Speak \(60 minutes\)** Step-by-step cooking with integrated vocabulary and guided repetition. **3\. Tavola Italiana \(30 minutes\)** Structured conversation at the table, with guided Italian-only moments. Because Italian is rhythm, tone, and presence. *** ## **The Host** An Italian professional chef with formal culinary training and experience teaching languages. You receive: * Authentic technique * Clear pedagogical structure * Proper pronunciation * Real cultural insight You are learning from someone who understands both craft and communication. *** ## **Location** **The session takes place in a private house.** The exact address is shared after confirmation inside our WhatsApp group. Please introduce yourself, request to join here and rsvp here= **https://chat.whatsapp.com/F2hTxZ4TT3hHICiihX1Efy** A home setting ensures: * A real kitchen environment * Limited group size * Intimacy and comfort This is a curated cultural gathering, not a rented event space. *** ## **Participant Selection** Participants are screened before confirmation. We prioritize: * Respectful individuals * Genuine learners * People comfortable in a private-home setting Disruptive or inappropriate behavior is not tolerated. **Hospitality is sacred.** **Respect is expected.** *** ## **Contribution** A €10 contribution per person will be collected at the event to expenses Accepted payment methods: * Payconiq * Revolut * Wise Cash if absolutely necessary. *** ## **Important Notes** This dish contains: * Pork * Eggs * Dairy Food allergies must be declared in advance. Cooking involves hot pans and sharp utensils. Participants are responsible for their own actions. You leave with: * Foundations in Italian * A properly executed Carbonara * A shared table experience * **Learn Italian.** **Cook Italian.** **Enjoy Together.**

Architecture isn’t a job title—it’s a way of thinking and making decisions. 🧠 In this meetup, you’ll discover how you (from junior to senior) can grow architectural skills and create lasting impact. As Mendix developers, we’re trained to move fast and deliver value. 🚀 But Mendix has evolved into a mature enterprise platform, used for increasingly complex and business-critical solutions. As applications grow into landscapes—with more teams, integrations, security requirements, and quality expectations—delivery alone isn’t enough. That’s where architectural thinking comes in: • making trade-offs explicit • designing for change • creating guardrails that keep teams productive This meetup explores the path toward becoming a Mendix architect from two complementary perspectives. 🔹 **Zooming in:** What architecture really means in practice, how the architect role differs from senior development, and how you can start creating architectural impact—regardless of your current level. 🔹 **Zooming out:** How Mendix is positioned compared to buying off-the-shelf software, traditional development, and other low-code platforms like PowerApps. We’ll also look ahead at how Mendix fits into the future of software development, including its role in Agentic AI and how it compares to AI-generated code. You’ll leave with: • a clearer architectural mindset • a shared vocabulary • practical examples • strategic context you can immediately apply in refinements, design sessions, or technical reviews 🎯 *** **What you’ll learn** • What architecture is (and isn’t): mindset, responsibilities, and outcomes • The progression from junior → medior → senior → architect • Making better decisions in Mendix: modularization, integration strategy, security-by-design, performance • How architects enable teams through principles, guardrails, and governance—without slowing delivery • How Mendix is positioned as an enterprise platform versus traditional code, packaged software, and other low-code options • How Mendix fits into the future of AI-driven development, including Agentic AI and AI-generated code • Practical takeaways: review checklists and a next-steps roadmap you can start tomorrow 🛠️ *** **Audience** Anyone building Mendix solutions—from curious juniors to experienced seniors and tech leads. 👥 *** **Agenda** • 18:00 – 19:00 🍽️ Dinner (for in-person attendees only—don’t forget to RSVP with your dietary requirements!) • 19:00 – 20:00 🎙️ Presentations by the speakers, followed by Q&A • 20:00 – 21:00 🍻 Drinks & Networking *** **Speakers** 🎤 Zefanja Kleuters – Sopra Steria Mendix Expert with a broad range of experience in both development and architecture. 🎤 Andreas Lennevi – Mendix Mendix Lead Architect, sharing the broader enterprise positioning of Mendix and its role in the future of software development. *** **About this event** This is an in-person event hosted at the Sopra Steria office in Machelen. 🏢 A recording will be made available for those who can’t attend live. Mendix Meetups are all about community, learning, and real-world experience—no sales pitches, no recruiting, just valuable insights and knowledge sharing. 🤝 *** **Any questions about this meetup?** Contact community@mendix.com, matthias.strauven@soprasteria.com, or jeroen.desmedt@soprasteria.com for more details.

Drinking & Networking in Brussels. For newcomers, temporary in town - couch surfers and regulars to meet & socialize. What a better day to start the week than drinking & socializing starting on Monday evening?

🇬🇧 BOUNCE BACK BREAKFAST – The Rebound Breakfast Series ✨ Every 2nd Monday of the month, Baob Brussels organizes a Bounce Back Breakfast: an inspiring moment to reconnect, learn, and grow together. Each session includes: ✔️ A specific monthly theme ✔️ A guest expert speaker ✔️ Experience sharing ✔️ Practical and actionable tools to help you bounce back after life challenges. 📍 Monday, March 9 With Melissa, expert in Social Media & LinkedIn 👉 How can you communicate effectively on LinkedIn, increase your visibility, and confidently strengthen your positioning? These breakfasts are designed for entrepreneurs, professionals, as well to people impacted by long-term illness, particularly after cancer, as well as and caregivers seeking clarity, resilience, and strategy. 💛 All proceeds from the breakfasts directly support the mission of Baob Brussels: accompanying people affected by long-term illness after cancer, breaking isolation, and creating spaces for resources and empowerment. \*\*\*\* Les petits-déjeuners du rebond ✨ Tous les 2ᵉ lundis du mois, l’ASBL Baob Brussels organise un Bounce Back Breakfast : un moment inspirant pour se reconnecter, apprendre et rebondir ensemble. Chaque rencontre s’articule autour : ✔️ d’une thématique spécifique ✔️ d’un·e expert·e invité·e ✔️ d’un partage d’expériences ✔️ d’outils concrets et actionnables pour rebondir après une épreuve 📍 Lundi 9 mars Avec Melissa, experte en réseaux sociaux & LinkedIn 👉 Comment communiquer efficacement sur LinkedIn, développer sa visibilité et affirmer son positionnement ? Ces petits-déjeuners s’adressent aux entrepreneurs, professionnels ainsi que auprès des personnes en situation de maladie de longue durée, notamment après un cancer, mais aussi aux aidants proches qui souhaitent avancer avec plus de clarté et de stratégie. 💛 Les bénéfices des petits-déjeuners sont entièrement réinvestis pour soutenir la mission de Baob Brussels : accompagner les personnes impactées par une maladie de longue durée suite au cancer, briser l’isolement et créer des espaces de ressources et de résilience. 🎟️ Réservez votre place dès maintenant ! https://asbl-baob-brussels.s2.yapla.com/fr/event-105894

**Tango Classes Every Monday at Tangobar El Lunes!** Embark on a tango journey with our weekly classes guided by passionate and experienced instructors, Sandrina Dh and Daniele Galiazzo. * **Beginners Class (18:00-19:10):** Perfect for those intrigued by tango and eager to take their first steps into this beautiful dance form. * **Intermediate & Advanced Class (19:20-20:30):** Ideal for dancers seeking to perfect their movements, embellishments, and learn new sequences to enhance their dance. *Important:* Always arrive 10 minutes in advance for registration. *Pricing:* * Single lesson: €15 * 10 lessons (membership card\*): €125 (valid for 3 months), with a €10 discount on your next pass purchase (must be prior to the expiration of your current pass). Feel free to share this invitation with anyone interested in the authentic tango experience, Tango Rioplatense! See you in class on Monday night! *\*\*\*Join us at Tango Bar El Lunes, located at Dublin 13, 1050 Bruxelles.For more information, please contact us at info@detangosetrata.com or* *WhatsApp Sandrina +32 473 503405* *We look forward to seeing you at our Monday night milonga and tango classes!*

Dear attendees, the chosen book is "The eight mountains" by P. Cognetti. Some rules: 1\. the book discussion takes place in English\. 2\. the number of participants will be limited\, so please keep your RSVP updated\. This is important and respectful for the people that may be on the waiting list\. Participation cost: 1€ to cover Premium membership of the MeetUp platform

Let's meet to write! Schedule : 18:00 - 18:30: Arrival & introduction tour. Share briefly with the group your project and the "goal of the day". 18:30 - 20:00 : Let's write! 20:00 : Closing tour. Did you achieve the "goal of the day" ? See you soon !

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 !

Let's read and discuss non-fiction together. In **March** we will be discussing "Your Inner Fish: a Journey into the 3.5-Billion-Year History of the Human Body" by Neil Shubin. For more information about the book check out goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1662160.Your_Inner_Fish How it works: - 10-15min Introduction round - 1 - 1,5h Free discussion around the book - 10min selection of the next book. (We will vote between three possible books. I bring two suggestions and we select a third one from the group. So if there is a book you like to discuss feel free to put it forward.) Don't worry if you cannot finish it in time. Just join us for a coffee or tea and a good conversation. :) Happy reading!

[This is a paid event and sign-up via the website is obligatory.](https://www.wordcraft-collective.eu/courses/queer-on-the-page) What makes a character queer? And how do you create a queer character who feels alive, truthful, and real rather than stereotypical or tokenistic? In this workshop we’ll explore what queerness can mean on the page, and how it can shape character, desire, conflict, and point of view. ❓What: fiction writing 📅Date and time: Saturday 14 March; 15:00 to 17:30 📍Venue: Pianofabriek, Rue du Fort 35, 1060 Saint-Gilles 💰Price: €25 Eur (non-member) €20 Eur (member) You’ll leave with practical tools and increased confidence to write queer characters with depth and nuance, and to approach (queer) storytelling with greater care and creative freedom. We’ll combine discussion, short examples, and guided writing exercises that help you challenge assumptions, generate new material, and test ideas quickly on the page. No prior experience or specialist knowledge is needed. Open to (fiction) writers of all backgrounds and levels. You definitely don’t need to identify as queer to take part, but you do need to bring curiosity, openness, and respect. The workshop will be in English.

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.

It is no secret that throughout the history of the (western) world, the individual has played more and more of a central role. When it comes to morality for example, we rarely talk about virtue, duty or the cosmic order, but mostly about pleasure, pain, human rights, … things that pertain to individual persons. During this meetup we'll discuss what came along for the ride: an idolization of authenticity. Why is “Be yourself” such an attractive slogan and what does it mean? Is being authentic always better or can it be dangerous? Are populists and extremists not the most authentic politicians? If we then consider the rise of synthetic materials, plastic surgery, virtual reality and artificial intelligence, is authenticity doomed? Is the popularity of "Reality TV" and online influencers not a sign that authenticity can be gamed? What is the difference between something/someone seeming authentic and actually being authentic? Or was authenticity an illusion all along? What (in)forms this self we need to be true to? How can we trust our own interpretation of ourselves? Come and join this philosophical conversation as you are - and try to arrive on time so you can get a drink before we start :) Cover photo: Echo and Narcissus by John William Waterhouse

Join us for our March Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *The Manor of Dreams* by Christina Li in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

**Our March pick is *God of the Woods* by Liz Moore.** **This month’s novel is an award-winning literary mystery that blends family drama with psychological suspense. It explores women’s voices and relationships while delivering an exciting, eerie, and deeply suspenseful story. The book is 576 pages in print or 14 hours and 35 minutes on audiobook.** Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.

Join the CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group for a dynamic afternoon of B2B networking! This event is perfect for professionals looking to expand their business connections, share insights, and foster collaboration within the community. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow your network in a supportive environment. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business network and take your career to the next level with CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group! We meet the 4th Monday of every month from 11am-1pm. Welcome and general networking from 11am - 11:30am with core meeting 11;30 - 12:30 and a final round of networking from 12:30 - 1pm.

Let’s meet and discuss this fun but moving collection of wildly creative short stories. (Photo credit: TimesNowNews.com)

This month we’ll be ready The Fifth Season by NK Jemisin. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the bookk!