Lord of the Rings

Hi all! 🙂 **Christmas Eve - there won't be LCU this week or the next one.** **Please come back in 2 weeks!** \-\-\-\- On Wednesdays we welcome you to practice languages! If you want to practice a specific (uncommon) language, please send us a message so we can find some conversation partners for you on our mailing list! We hope to see you in Café Marktzicht! In the last year we had tables for the following languages: * Dutch * English * French * Italian * Spanish * Turkish\* * German\* * Portuguese\* * Danish\* * Norwegian\* * Russian\* * Arabic\* * Chinese\*\* * Japanese\*\* * Indonesian\*\* * * Most likely, but not every week present. \*\* - Rather rare ;-) If your language is not in this list, please let us know! We have a large database of Language Cafe visitors speaking 56 different languages! We might be able to connect you with a person that does speak the language you want to practice. In case you are not in our database yet, please use this form: http://goo.gl/forms/oSCn9Dn8m8

**@ Utrecht Internationals** \- Yearly X\-mas dinner in the city\! ⭐️🎅🎄 Staying in Utrecht for Xmas? Join us for an informal dinner night & meet great people!⭐️🎅🎄 ⭐️ We will all use the ALL YOU CAN EAT TAPAS + ALL DRINKS + 1 FREE GLASS PROSECCO ⭐️ **Arrangement (prepaid): €46,50 p.p. includes:** \- all tapas & desserts from the menu \- all regular drinks : wine\, beer\, sangria\, soft drinks \*not included: cocktails, special beers, extra prosecco/other specials **Payment (important)** Advance payment for the menu. 🎄Dinner ticket, incl.reservations 46,50 use the link [ [HERE](https://betaalverzoek.rabobank.nl/betaalverzoek/?id=Z2lDTqI4RrmMQA9fM-1EXQ) ] 🎄or BANK to: R Rijnders IBAN NL47RABO 0334224349 XMAS DINNER (or PM for PayPal) NOTE: **1\. PM us your last name** after payment (otherwise we can’t match it) 2\. Tickets are non\-refundable\, but you may send someone in your place\. . **⭐️ MEETING SPOT** **📍 Location:** Tapasbar La Cubanita, Oudkerkhof 44, 3512 GL Utrecht **⏰ Meet outside:** 19:00 (no waiting space inside) **🍽️ Reserved tables:** 19:15–19:30 🎅Organisers will be outside at La Cubanita from 19.00! . **FIRST-TIME JOINING A MEETUP ?** The first time joining a meetup is always a bit exciting! You don't know anyone yet but that will soon change. Plenty of people to meet tonight! Tonight is all about having fun and catching up with people, people you've seen before and new people to meet. Come find us organisers if you have any questions - we're looking forward meeting you! **WHAT WE DO** Here you meet friends, make new friends, hear what's going on in the city, maybe make plans with the people you meet - to go for dinner or going out in the city later this evening, when available visit other meetups, talk about work or sports or movies or activities that you like or share your travel adventures, talk about anything else that comes to mind. Most of all, don't be shy to come alone, most of us arrive alone and meet everybody here at the cafe, some might have seen each other before and some haven't, for some it is their first time meetup ever, another might just have arrived in Utrecht and is very new in town some come from out of town, like Amersfoort, Arnhem or Amsterdam or Hilversum all is possible.

⭐️🎅🎄 JOIN FOR A FUN XMAS DINNER night! ⭐️🎅🎄 If you don't have the chance to go back home or if you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere away from the family spheres to celebrate Xmas evening COME & JOIN US for a fun evening & meet some great people! *\*The evening is informal and all about having a fun XMAS dinner!* **please RSVP via our Utrecht Internationals group page** https://www.meetup.com/utrechtinternationals/events/312050596

***Are you an adult looking to learn how to swim or improve your basic swimming skills?*** Dive into a fun water workout session designed specifically for adults in ***Utrecht De Kwakel!*** Whether you are a beginner looking to improve your swimming skills or a fitness enthusiast wanting to engage in recreational water sports, this event is perfect for you. Join us for an exciting session filled with swimming lessons, exercises, and social interactions. Meet like-minded individuals who share a passion for fitness, exercise, and water activities. Our experienced instructors will guide and support you, ensuring you have a great time in a safe and friendly environment. Don't miss this opportunity to stay active, meet new people, and have a blast in the water. Sign up now for a refreshing experience and fun times with our Swimming Lessons for Adults group! ***Please RSVP to secure your spot as spaces are limited. We look forward to helping you gain confidence and skills in the water!***

Screening \| A Christmas Carol \(1984\) Christmas Eve, Wednesday December 24th @ 17:00 Food Lab Studio \| Room 20 \| Lokaal 432 #### **About the Film** A classic television adaptation of Charles Dickens' beloved story, starring George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by three spirits who guide him through his past, present, and future, delivering a powerful lesson about compassion, generosity, and redemption. We've got the essentials covered: popcorn 🍿, candy 🍬, and drinks. This Christmas Eve screening is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with a timeless tale of transformation and joy!

Screening \| It's a Wonderful Life Christmas Eve \| Wednesday \| December 24th @ 19:00 Food Lab Studio \| Room 20 \| Lokaal 432 #### About the Film Directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart, "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) is a timeless holiday classic. On Christmas Eve, George Bailey, despairing over his life, is shown by an angel what the world would be like without him. It's an uplifting story about hope, kindness, and the immeasurable value of every single life. We've got the essentials covered: popcorn 🍿, candy 🍬, and drinks. Join us for this heartwarming tale that reminds us all about the true spirit of Christmas!

*Since this event will be in Dutch, this description is too.* Ben je benieuwd naar wat het Tibetaans boeddhisme inhoudt en zoek je een plek waar je op een ontspannen en toegankelijke manier kunt kennismaken? Of ben je gewoon op zoek naar een moment van rust, meditatie en reflectie? Dan ben je van harte welkom bij *Heart of Compassion*, een reeks zondagochtendbijeenkomsten waarin compassie het centrale thema vormt. Aan deze activiteit kun je per keer meedoen. Tijdens deze ochtenden beginnen we met een gezamenlijke meditatie. Daarna volgt een korte inleiding op een boeddhistisch thema, zoals de [Vier Edele Waarheden](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vier_edele_waarheden), compassie voor jezelf en voor anderen. We nemen vervolgens de tijd om samen stil te staan bij het onderwerp, in de vorm van een gesprek of een geleide meditatie die uitnodigt tot reflectie. **Voor wie?** Of je nu net begint met het verkennen van boeddhisme of gewoon op zoek bent naar een moment van rust, iedereen is welkom. Ervaar de kracht van compassie in een toegankelijke en rustige sfeer. **Praktische informatie** -Begeleiding: Eline Rinchen Dorjee-Weiman -Ontvangst: vanaf 10:15 uur en na de bijeenkomst is er tijd voor een kopje thee -Plaats: [Jewel Heart, Hatertseveldweg 284, 6532 XX Nijmegen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4FzqLbkaqs2JNDG8). Loop de oprit op en dan zit de ingang aan je rechterzijde -Kosten: Aan deze bijeenkomsten zijn geen kosten verbonden -Aanmelding is niet nodig Kijk ook naar onze andere [open activiteiten](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/open-activiteiten/) en [cursussen](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/cursussen-overzicht/)

#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!

**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.

## 🎨**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!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

Join us for a service of worship centred on Jesus Christ our Lord with praise, prayer and proclamation of God's Word.

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...

Agenda: 19:00 Meet up for drinks at Klein Berlijn (https://maps.app.goo.gl/gDdeCzzpSZ7jxnop9) (Helling 22 Utrecht) 20:30 Walk to De Helling (De Helling 7 Utrecht) and dance💃🏻✨ TICKETS: https://dehelling.nl/agenda/no-barrier-christmas-27-12-2025/

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

Join us as we get together for an Oscar Watch film that’s also one of the year’s best: MARTY SUPREME! Timothee Chalamet delivers a “career-best performance” in this film that follows a young man with a dream no one respects, who goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness. Marty Supreme has already been named a Top 10 Film of the Year by IndieWire, Vulture, the BBC, Entertainment Weekly, Vanity Fair, the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute and is well on its way to being one of the most nominated films at this year’s Oscars! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: This ping pong drama is set in New York City during the 1950s where table tennis star Marty goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness. It is loosely based on the life of famed table tennis player Marty Reisman. The film is directed (and co-written) by Josh Safdie and stars Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A'zion, Kevin O'Leary, Tyler Okonma, Abel Ferrara and Fran Drescher. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYSHiII4D-Y EARLY BUZZ & REVIEWS: The film premiered to “overwhelmingly positive” reviews at this year’s New York Film Festival! Timothee Chalamet immediately shot to the top of the Best Actor race with a “career best performance” in a film described as an “awe inspiring cinematic tour-de-force!” Others call it, “an absolute blast of adrenaline” and a “pure delight,” “that soars from start to finish!” The film is earning a Certified Fresh 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where Variety calls it, “one of the year’s few masterpieces!” Slash Film declares, “This is unquestionably the best performance of Timothée Chalamet's career, and Marty Supreme is one of the best movies of the year. I can't wait to watch it again!” PLAN: For MARTY SUPREME at the Drexel, please purchase your ticket for the 3:30pm showing and we’ll meet in the lobby area between 3:10 and 3:20pm! Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but be sure to mention you’re with the Movie Group for admission and concession discounts! Buzz and excitement for the film are off the charts and (aside from a pair of great international films), this will be our last major Oscar Watch film of the season! BRUNCH BEFORE THE SHOW: We'll plan for Brunch before the show at the Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall, located a short distance away. Movie is open as long as tickets are available. Seating is limited so separate RSVP required for the Brunch portion of this event. BRUNCH BEFORE THE SHOW: We'll plan for Brunch before the show at the Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall, located a short distance away. Movie is open as long as tickets are available. Seating is limited so separate RSVP required for the Brunch portion of this event. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ We are donation based. Every week we get together and work technical skills and live pressure testing. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from altercations in the real world to the ring and some still compete in the cage. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 inside the whetstone rec center in the auditorium, upstairs in classroom B or outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1pm Wednesday 5:30pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ \ You must have a free leisure card for the rec center and must be registered for our class specifically .\ Wear workout clothing \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ Hope to see you soon :-).\ We are run off of donations. \ let me know if you have any questions :)

We’ll be reading Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldtree this month! We recommend readingading “Bookshops and Bonedust” and “Legends and Lattes” before reading Brigands and Breadknives.

Forgiveness is one of the most powerful acts of healing we can offer ourselves. Join us every Wednesday for **“Mastering the Art of Forgiving,”** a gentle and transformative class that explores how to release resentment, heal emotional wounds, and open your heart to peace. Through guided reflection, discussion, and practical tools, you’ll learn how forgiveness can free you from the past and create more harmony in your relationships — and in your spirit. **Let go. Heal deeply. Live freely.** **All are welcome.** No prior experience or preparation needed — just bring an open heart and the willingness to grow. **This is a weekly live event.** Simply log in to join — no RSVP required. 💗 **[Join Forgiveness Class on Zoom](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82360245386?pwd=TVZ4SS9SNFVoM2ZsTmRKZlVTVDNyZz09)** \| ID **823 6024 5386** Passcode **995999**

We will be having an open discussion of the book "the Soul of an Octopus" by Sy Montgomery. [this is the amazon link for this book](https://a.co/d/1bRn8h4)