Literature

Nine years ago, I created this project with a simple idea in mind: bringing people together 🤝. What started as a small gathering slowly grew into something very special. Through this event, I’ve met extraordinary people, built beautiful connections, and shared unforgettable moments with thousands of participants from all around the world 🌍. This project has truly changed my life. Seeing strangers become friends, hearing different languages around the same table 🗣️, and witnessing genuine human connections has been one of the most rewarding experiences. After a two-year break, I’m very happy to say that we are back 🎉. And I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone again — old faces and new ones — and continuing this journey together. This meetup was created with the intention of connecting people, and it remains a safe and welcoming space where every opinion matters and inclusivity is the pillar of the event 🤗. Whatever your reason for coming — curiosity, practicing a language, meeting new people, hanging out, disconnecting from work, or simply nostalgia — you will be warmly welcomed in a respectful and open environment. ⭐ **Golden Rules** Respect everyone – Every opinion and culture matters 🌎 Be inclusive – Make space for everyone at the table 🤝 Listen as much as you speak – Real connections come from sharing 👂 No discrimination or harassment – This is a safe space 🛡️ Stay curious and open-minded – You never know who you’ll meet ✨ Entry: **No fee, just grab a drink 🍹** **“International accents, real connections” 🌍🗣️**

Are you the kind of person who happily spends the evening recharging at home with a book? Or the one who somehow leaves a party with three new friends and a plan for brunch next weekend? Introverts and extroverts often approach the world, and their relationships, in very different ways. Some people value quiet moments, deep conversations, and a small circle of trusted friends. Others thrive on social energy, group adventures, and the joy of bringing people together (sometimes adopting strangers along the way). But when it comes to friendship, do these differences actually matter? Join us for a lively and good-humoured debate as we explore the strengths, stereotypes, and surprising qualities associated with introverts and extroverts. Whether you recharge in solitude, in a crowd, or somewhere in between, come share your perspective! This debate will follow a British Parliamentary format with eight debaters split into four teams of two. Participants who wish to speak are highly encouraged to bring a paper and pen. You are welcome to participate even if you have no prior debating experience. ⚠️ Disclaimer: We aim for debates that are respectful, constructive, and welcoming. • Respect ideas and people: Listen actively, stay quiet while others speak, and debate arguments, not identities or beliefs. • Be concise and civil: Keep questions short and relevant; avoid hostility, hate speech, or discrimination. • Respect boundaries and time: No unwanted advances or suggestive behavior; arrive on time to avoid disrupting the debate. • Follow moderators: They guide the discussion and ensure fairness. Looking forward to seeing you there 😊

Wil je sterker leren spreken voor een groep? Meer zelfvertrouwen krijgen tijdens presentaties, vergaderingen of sociale situaties? Welkom bij de eerste bijeenkomst van **De Sprekersclub Brussel** – de enige volledig Nederlandstalige Toastmastersclub in Brussel. Dit is geen cursus met theorie, maar een praktische en interactieve bijeenkomst waar je leert door te oefenen, te observeren en feedback te krijgen in een veilige en positieve omgeving. *** ## Wat kan je verwachten? Tijdens deze bijeenkomst ervaar je hoe mensen hun communicatievaardigheden ontwikkelen door: • korte voorbereide speeches • spontane spreekmomenten (vrijblijvend) • constructieve feedback • een gestructureerde maar ontspannen sfeer • kennismaking met het Toastmasters-concept Je hoeft geen ervaring te hebben. Veel gasten komen gewoon kijken tijdens hun eerste bezoek. *** ## Wat is Toastmasters? Toastmasters is een wereldwijd netwerk dat mensen helpt groeien in **publiek spreken, presentatievaardigheden en leiderschap**. Door regelmatig te oefenen en feedback te krijgen, bouwen leden stap voor stap meer zelfvertrouwen op. Meer dan een opleiding is het een leercommunity waarin iedereen elkaar vooruithelpt. *** ## Voor wie is dit? Deze bijeenkomst is ideaal als je: ✔ beter wil leren presenteren ✔ zelfverzekerder wil spreken in het Nederlands ✔ spreekangst wil overwinnen ✔ communicatievaardigheden wil verbeteren ✔ persoonlijke of professionele groei zoekt Introvert of extravert? Iedereen is welkom. *** ## Praktische info 📍 Locatie: GC Op-Weule, Sint-Lambertusstraat 91, Brussel 🕒 Start: 19u (kom gerust iets vroeger voor kennismaking) 💶 Deelname: gratis en vrijblijvend Je mag deelnemen wanneer je wil, maar observeren is perfect oké. *** ## Nieuwsgierig? Klik op **“Inschrijven”** en ontdek hoe oefenen in een ondersteunende omgeving het verschil maakt. Misschien is dit wel de plek waar spreken plots natuurlijk begint te voelen.

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)

Hallo Freunde der deutschen Sprache, der nächste Stammtisch findet am Mittwoch 18. März statt. Alle, die gern deutsch sprechen möchten, sind herzlich willkommen, aber bitte meldet Euch nur an, wenn ihr wirklich teilnehmen wollt! Wir freuen uns auf nette Gespräche. | | | --- | |

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! 🍶🎤

What's up Friends! 👋 Let's break the ice again! 😂 ! 🧊✨ This time let's try after work when the rink should be less busy🤞 📍 Time & place: Feel free to join at any time. For the ones who can make it at 18:30 we'll meet inside the Posseidon ice rink in the skate rental room. ❄️ The idea: Skate as long as you like (rink closes at 10pm). For the ones who get tired (of falling) we can meet at the cafeteria around 19:30 to recharge with some drinks and snacks. 🤑 Entry fee (cash or card): 13 EUR with skate rental 9 EUR if you bring your own skates 💁‍♂️ good to know: Consider arriving 15 mins earlier - getting a ticket takes time when there’s a line! ⏳ Bring a 50 cent coin for a locker if you need one (non-refundable) Picture ID is required for skate rental. Bring your handgloves🧤- you will need 'em! More info: https://www.skate-poseidon.be/ ⚠️⚠️⚠️ Skating is fun, but safety comes first! When the rink is very crowded (Fridays, weekend) stay extra alert! Enjoy responsibly! 👀 Keep an eye on last-minute details in the chat. 💬 See you there😉

Hello, readers ! In March we are reading On The Calculation Of Volume by Solvej Balle. Please note that several volumes in this series have been published so far, but for this meeting we will just discuss Volume 1 (although you're welcome to read the others too if you want, of course). ***Please note our new venue - Maison de Quartier Malibran, Rue de la Digue 10, 1050 Ixelles - and our new start time of 11am.*** **Please keep your RSVP up to date** and happy reading!

Hey lovely people, Join us for another gathering of the **Queer Reads Collective**. This session will focus on literature from South America, with **Camila Sosa Villada's "Bad Girls"** (sometimes translated as "The Queens of Sarmiento Park"). This novel follows a young trans woman in Cordoba, Argentina, who finds belonging among a fierce, complicated community of trans sex workers who gather in Sarmiento Park. It moves between magical and brutal realism, with moments of tenderness and joy, showing both the violence they face and the deep love and chosen family they build. It’s raw, funny at times, and intense.

We'll be discussing the book “The Emperor of Gladness” by Ocean Vuong 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 !

Spend time in the company of other writers putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard. Work on your current project or start something new. If you are fresh out of inspiration a member of the Wordcraft Collective will be ready with a prompt to get you going. You can use that to unlock your creative brain before moving back to your own project or run with it. Who knows where the story will take you? Arrive when you like, leave when you like, or join us for a drink in the bar downstairs afterwards. Location: Pianofabriek, Rue du Fort 35, 1060 Saint-Gilles.

## Beauty and Ugliness in the Renaissance Beauty and ugliness have always fascinated people, yet their meanings shift over time. *Bellezza e Bruttezza* explores how artists from Italy and Northern Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries depicted these extremes, from refined ideals to deliberate grotesques. A rare opportunity to see extraordinary works, some appearing in Belgium for the first and only time. The exhibition traces how the standards of beauty and ugliness evolved from the last quarter of the 15th century to the end of the 16th century—key transitional periods—by juxtaposing in a rich and compelling confrontation the ways in which these two subjects were interpreted by the greatest Italian artists and their counterparts from Northern Europe. Beauty became an increasingly important social concern at this time, as shown by the rising number of 16th-century publications offering “recipes for looking beautiful” and advice on cosmetics and care. Meanwhile, ugliness also grew in prominence in art, appearing in a widening range of forms throughout the same period. Discover remarkable works by renowned artists such as **Botticelli**, **Titian**, **Tintoretto**, **Leonardo da Vinci​​​​​​​, Michelangelo,** **Cranach the Elder**, **Massys**, and many others. After the event: drinks for those who want to keep the conversation going 🍷✨ \>Please sign up only if you plan to join; this will prevent us from waiting for you\. Thank you ;\) Ticket: it's safer to buy your ticket in advance. Ticket price: -If you have the Museum Pass/ICOMBrussels card: one free entry per day to one of a selection of exhibitions -standard price = 18€ -<26 = 13€ **Location:** **Train** The Centre of Fine Arts is close to the Brussels Central Train Station. It's just a 5 minutes walk. Find more informations on NMBS. **Metro** Metrostations Central Station and Park (line 1 and 5). **Tram** Tram lines 92 en 93 stop at the Palais / Paleizen tram station. **Bus** Several bus lines (27 - 29 - 34 - 38 - 63 - 65 - 66 - 71 - 71N - 95) stop at the Bozar bus station.

THIS SATURDAY 21.03 – BRUSSELS MAIN EVENT **The INTERNATIONAL PARTY \[OLD SCHOOL MUSIC 80s 90s 2000s\] \| Saturday 21\.03 \| JUST A NIGHT x CACTUS** \> Skip the line & Garanty Pass : [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15591](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15591) \> Facebook : [https://fb.me/e/aRpShNlLA](https://fb.me/e/aRpShNlLA) 🔥 THE INTERNATIONAL PARTY @ CACTUS CLUB 🔥 JUST A NIGHT goes to CACTUS CLUB 📅 Saturday – 21 March 2026 ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ 📍 Cactus Club – Brussels ✨OLD SCHOOL PARTY 80s 90s 2000s ✨ Get ready for an unforgettable summer night in one of Brussels’ most iconic party spots! 🌴 SPRING VIBES – INTERNATIONAL CROWD – BAR DANCING 🎧 Music by: G-FROY + Special Guests ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ 🌍 INTERNATIONAL PARTY CONCEPT The Just A Night label is one of the most iconic and mobile party concepts in Brussels, created by nightlife lovers who have been energizing the city for more than 10 years. Expect a cosmopolitan atmosphere where you’ll meet: ✨ Belgian & international artists ✨ DJs & nightlife personalities ✨ Models & influencers ✨ Entrepreneurs & expats ✨ Party lovers from all over the world A place where Brussels’ nightlife meets international vibes. ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ 🎉 WHAT TO EXPECT 🔥 Incredible summer atmosphere 💃 Bar dancing 🌎 International crowd 🎶 Top DJs & party music 🍹 Amazing venue & summer vibes Life is a Party – Join Us! ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ 👗 DRESS CODE Ladies: Jeans shorts, boots, summer flowers… or simply Be Yourself! Gents: Jeans & stylish shirt Dress to impress. ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ⏰ DOORS OPEN 🕥 10:30 PM Be ready for a wild, crazy and unforgettable party night. ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ 🍾 TABLE BOOKINGS 📧 info@justanight.net 📞 +32 478 58 60 39 🚗 Free parking all night 🚇 Easy access by bus, metro, taxi & Uber 🔥 COME DANCE – JOIN US – BRING FRIENDS – SPREAD THE WORD ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ #SpringbreakParty #InternationalParty #JustANight #CactusClub #PartyInBrussels 📍 LOCATION Cactus Club - Boulevard du Souverain 147 1160 Auderghem – Brussels

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!

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.

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)

**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 us as we get together for an Arthouse Movie Friday event to see the A24 dark comedy /romance / psychological-thriller, THE DRAMA! The film stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as a happily engaged couple whose relationship is challenged when one discovers unsettling truths about the other. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a happily engaged couple whose relationship is put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails. The film comes from A24, is written/directed by Kristoffer Borgli stars Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Mamoudou Athie, Alana Haim, Hailey Gates and Zoë Winters. QUICK WORD OF WARNING: The film hasn’t screened for critics yet and most of the details are being kept tightly under wraps. But, early buzz (possibly promotional) says the film is a brilliant psychological thriller/romance but also provocative, twisty and some contains occasional uncomfortable viewing! I love the cast and trailer, so look forward to seeing for ourselves! ZENDAYA-PATTINSON TRIFECTA CHALLENGE: Robert Pattinson and Zendaya will star in THREE movies together this year, including THE DRAMA, Christopher Nolan’s THE ODYSSEY this Summer and Denis Villeneuve’s DUNE: PART THREE at Christmas! TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmKcUa4Xxk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmKcUa4Xxk) PLAN: We’ll plan for 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 30 minutes before showtime! Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but early arrival is advised. Possibly post-movie get-together at the nearby Rusty Bucket! Complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Take care and look forward to seeing you there, Dan