Medieval History

* This is a Free Walking Tour. Participants are welcome to join and pay what they want at the end of the experience. Cash is appreciated but PayPal also works. * We will walk around 5 km in the centre of Brussels, please plan accordingly to the weather and your particular needs. It is also advised to arrive 10 minutes in advance so we can start on time. * The explanations will be done in English. * An informative booklet will be provided to the participants so they can get a better sense of what they are looking at during each stop. **Did you know that there is a neighbourhood in Brussels where a funeral was held to celebrate Hitler's death?** Unlike many major European cities, Brussels suffered relatively little destruction to its infrastructure and historical heritage during Nazi Germany ocupation, yet its citizens did not escape suffering. Ordinary people had to find ways not only to survive, but also to keep alive the hope that freedom would one day return. Beyond the delicious beer and perfectly cooked fries, Brussels hides many stories of resistance, bravery, and sacrifice. This tour was created to give voice to those stories, which form a compelling testimony of a city that stood tall in the face of hatred and death. Walking around the city center, I will introduce you to some of the main places that marked the **Nazi presence in Brussels.** We will explore how black markets flourished in response to scarcity and hunger, how Nazi propaganda spread through the city, and the risks some people took to shelter persecuted Jews and save them from extermination. By the end of the tour, participants will leave with a richer, more human understanding of the EU’s capital city.

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!

## 🌍 About the experience This Sunday we travel to the Belgian coast to explore one of the most fascinating historical sites in Belgium: **Atlantikwall Raversyde**. Hidden in the dunes near **Ostend**, this open-air museum preserves more than **60 bunkers, trenches and underground passages** from the German Atlantic Wall built during **World War II**. Unlike many other sites, the complex remained buried in sand after the war, which helped preserve it almost intact. Walking through the trenches and bunkers gives a powerful glimpse into the reality of the coastal defenses of the time. After the visit, we will enjoy a **relaxing walk along the North Sea coast**, explore the dunes, and finish the afternoon with **drinks or food in Ostend**. As always with Sunday Vacations, the idea is simple: **discover places, meet interesting people, and enjoy the moment together.** --- ## 🗺️ Plan for the day • Meet at **Brussels central train station and travel to Oostende** • Coastal tram to Raversyde • Visit of **Atlantikwall Raversyde museum** • Walk through the dunes and along the beach • Optional food or drinks in Ostend before returning Walking distance: ~6–8 km (easy pace) --- ## 🎟️ Entrance Museum ticket: approx **€10** --- ## 🚆 Getting there Train from **Brussels → Ostend** (about 1h15). Many participants usually take the same train from Brussels. Exact suggestions will be posted in the comments closer to the event. --- ## 👥 Who is this event for? Sunday Vacations events bring together **international professionals, expats and curious locals** who enjoy discovering places and meeting new people in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Expect a welcoming and open-minded group 🌍 --- ## 💛 Participation As a reminder, participation requires either the **organizing fee** or a **membership**: 🔹 **Explorer members** → €5 organizing fee 🔹 **Voyager & Ambassador members** → organizing fee included 🔹 **Not yet a member?** → please complete the **€5 yearly membership** 👉 Your **first activity is free**, so no organizing fee once you join. Membership helps us run the community, ensure safety and organize quality events. --- ## ⚠️ Important • Please register only if you really plan to attend. • Bring comfortable shoes (part of the visit is outdoors). • Weather on the coast can change quickly — bring a jacket. --- ## 🌟 About Sunday Vacations **Sunday Vacations** is an international community bringing together global professionals through shared adventures. Our motto: **Living the moment.**

Please [register yourself on the website](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/j5YTbU6YaGLgGOXyvMNn) to receive the full details: Use your Sunday to connect with yourself and the Earth! We will have a short talk about spirituality (a different subject every week), followed by a guided meditation to bless ourselves and the Earth. Topics such as chakras, self development, self connection are examples of themes discussed during the session before a meditation. The Twin Hearts Meditation was developed by Master Choa Kok Sui to connect ourselves and share loving-kindness to the entire Earth! **Sunday** **10:30 - 11:30** Av Louise 505, Brussels Donation-based. There is a box at the entrance to receive your donation. Register yourself on the link a the top to receive all the details. Let's allow ourselves to **shine and share our light with the Earth**! This talk + meditation is followed by a Pranic Healing session, a powerful healing system to bring more inner peace, self-connection, and emotional and physical healing. You can [register yourself for that session here] (https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/7QLiiTnqLMxNg6Bdm5Bm). With love, Juliana

**Claddagh Toastmasters of Brussels Social & ‘Write a Limerick’ Soirée** As part of the Brussels Saint Patrick’s Day Parade of the Nations & Regions celebrations, the city of Limerick on the Shannon river in the Midwest of Ireland is honoured with the presentation of the Limerick Shamrock Bowl to the City of Brussels during the Brussels Saint Patrick’s Day Parade of the Nations & Regions. After the Parade there is Irish & Limerick evening at Les Halles Saint Géry with a Trad Irish & Folk session. Claddagh Toastmasters of Brussels as part of this evening organise a social evening & ‘Write a Limerick’ Soirée from 6pm. Prior to this there is a lively Jazz Session from 5pm. Everyone Welcome, Admission Free. A Limerick is a humorous poem consisting of five lines with a specific rhythm and rhyme scheme. To write a Limerick, start with the first, second, and fifth lines rhyming with each other, while the third and fourth lines form a shorter rhyming pair. Typically, the syllable pattern is 8-8-5-5-8, which gives the poem its distinctive bouncy feel. Begin by thinking of a funny or unexpected topic, then craft your lines to fit the AABBA rhyme scheme. Use playful language, and don’t be afraid to be a bit silly—Limericks often feature clever wordplay and light-hearted content. Once you’ve drafted your poem, read it aloud to ensure the rhythm flows smoothly and the rhymes work together. If you cannot attend the event, you can submit your Limerick to Claddagh Toastmasters of Brussels claddagh.toastmasters\*\*(at)\*\*gmail.com. It will then be read out a the Claddagh Event. No profanities, offensive language entries will not be accepted or read. You must state it is an original work and your own creation and or without human co—writers, You must state if if is AI Generated. Topics could be Brussels,living in Belgium or some current topic affair. Bar and self-service restaurant at venue. Some examples of Limericks below . In Brussels, the streets turn to green, Saint Patrick’s Day brings quite the scene. With flags waving high, The parade marches by, And laughter and joy fill the sheen. In Brussels, where Guinness flows fast, Claddagh Toastmasters stand unsurpassed. With Irish charm they speak, Public speaking at its peak, The best club in town—unsurpassed! There once was a grand Irish parade, Where nations and regions displayed, In Brussels they danced, With flags all entranced, Saint Patrick’s green proudly portrayed. Claddagh Toastmasters helps you to develop your skills in public speaking, planning, leadership training, and managing your time. They aim is to provide a fun and social environment in which to practice your skills. You are invited to Claddagh Toastmasters, guests are most welcome and bring a friend if you wish. Meet on the 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month. Admission Free. You need also to register by email, as seats are limited. See email registration details below. Welcome coffee at 6.45 pm. Meeting starts at 7pm sharp. You ring the Claddagh designated bell to gain entry. We meet on the ground floor. Please note our venue: The Mug Co-working & Meeting Rooms Centre, Rue Charles Martel 8, Brussels 1000,

Already some experience in Salsa On 1 or Salsa On 2? Join Oscar & Joke each Thursday and / or Sunday for their intermediate 1 class. Our classes are inclusive. We take the time you need to learn the style and take you step-by-step with us into the world of Salsa. We teach mainly in English and speak also Dutch, French and Spanish. Come and give it a go! Sunday schedule 1:45-3 pm beginners 3-3:30 pm open footwork level 1 (beg & adv beg) 3:30-4:45 pm advanced beginners 4:45-5:15 pm open footwork level 2 (adv beg & int 1) 5:15-6:30 pm intermediate 1 Sunday dates Jan-March 26: **18/1, 25/1, 1/2, 8/2, 15/2, 1/3, 8/3, 15/3, 22/3, 29/3** We teach the same intermediate 1 class also on Thursdays - you can always switch a Thursday for a Sunday and vice versa if you like or compensate a week of travel with a week where you take both classes. 10 classes are 110 euro ( classes of 1h15 + 30min of solo footwork for free) Additional information about prices and more: studionysalsa.be

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.

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 !

This week it’s Igor who will be leading the hike 😊Weather announced sunny and spring-like on Sunday, we shall be walking approximately 12.5 km and ending our walk with a beer in Brouwerij de Kroon 🍺 Meeting point: Parking donkerstraat 1 Huldenberg https://maps.app.goo.gl/F6gf4btm9hKEzD5p8?g_st=ic Igor: 0475/801026

Weather being what it is, we will probably be sitting inside :) . After several walks and activities together, it felt like a good idea to simply **meet and spend some relaxed time together**. So this is a very simple gathering: we meet on the **terrace of the Maison du Prieur at Rouge-Cloître**, have a drink, talk, and get to know each other. No formal activity, no structure — just a moment to connect with other members of the **Happy Body community**. If the weather is nice, Rouge-Cloître is one of the most beautiful natural spots in Brussels, with forests, ponds and quiet paths. Feel free to come for **10 minutes or stay longer**.

Karin's hike for Sunday has a long waitlist, so I am organizing an alternative hike in Limburg. We will start from Kiewit and walk towards Bokrijk, which is known for its open air museum about the lifestyle of 19th century people. However, we will only walk through the part that doesn't require an entrance ticket. The area features a lot of walking trails in a peaceful environment. At the end of the walk we will pass by the former mining area of Winterslag. The trail ends in Genk, where we will look for an open bar. As the number of participants is limited, it is important that you manage your registration responsibly: only sign up if you really intend to come and cancel as soon as you know you can’t (this also goes for people on the waiting list!). We will try to keep close to an average speed of about 5 km/h. We will walk mainly on unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning. ●●You can find the track here: https://loc.wiki/u/8622751?wa=uc ●●Meeting point: We meet at 10h06 in Kiewit. From Brussels you have a direct train (IC 1507 direction Genk). If you start from Brussels-Central, the train leaves at 8h41. I am coming from Ghent, so I will be on that train already. You can find me in the first car of the train. ●● Train tickets: Return ticket Brussels-Genk should be fine. ●● Back to Brussels: In Genk there is one direct train per hour back to Brussels. ●● Specifics: Distance: ca 25km Elevation gain: 100 Net walking time: ca 5-6h Weather forecast: Looks ok for the moment. In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So it is important to have access to either the meetup website or your emails. ●● What to bring: * Comfortable hiking clothes &shoes * rain gear (just in case) * water + food for the breaks * sun cream * Compeed for blisters * some small money for drinks ●● Basic rules: Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP asap, even hours before the walk. This is basic courtesy towards others. Repeated late cancellations are not well considered (at all). No-shows are even worse. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the “going” list. People with the "go-with-the-flow" label are only moved from the waitlist 24 hours before the hike. I give you the label "go-with-the-flow" if you did not show up in one of my hikes before, or if you canceled for one of these hikes less than 24 hours in advance without a good reason. ●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability: You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you want to take part. As the participation in the events is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability. Moreover, the organisers aren't tour operators, so they don't feel obliged to answer to every text message or email!

Installation of Brigid Laffan, 18th Grand Marshal of the Brussels Saint Patrick's Day Parade of the Nations & Regions , Brigid is Chancellor of the University of Limerick, and Emeritus Professor of the European University Institute. You are welcome to attend this installation ceremony.

This Sunday, we'll be off for a loop from Aywaille, with a little stop at a brewery on the way. We start from Aywaille going south and up into the hills. The path will first take us first through some forest before the landscape opens up and we will pass fields and some villages on the way. After about two hours, we will reach the manor house where the Misery Beer Co is located (https://www.miserybeerco.be). If they are nice people and let us have our sandwiches there, we will use this as our lunch break spot (possibility to buy drinks). We continue the hike through Harze with its impressive chateau before finally descending back into Aywaille, where we will find a bar for our final drink. Please note that trains back are only every two hours. I expect to be in Aywaille in time for the 17.23 train, but no guarantee, and I will not break into a run to make that train. So please do not sign up if you need to be back at a specific time, or unless you are prepared to break from the group and rush ahead by yourself. As the number of participants is limited, it is important that you manage your registration responsibly: only sign up if you really intend to come and cancel as soon as you know you can’t (this also goes for people on the waiting list!). We will try to keep close to an average speed of about 4.5 km/h. We will walk mainly on unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning (i.e. it may become longer ;-). ●●You can find the gpx track here: **Wikilocs:** https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/wanderung-nach-misery-beer-company-253702625 **Komoot**: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2514955856?share_token=arLuZVmmkV1kzNNR4jHlohEhhLyVIZLLMwMTJdx5tlq9DFJOTB&ref=wtd ●●Meeting point: We meet at 8h45 in the main hall of Gare Central, in front of Starbucks. Our train (IC507 to Eupen) leaves at 9.01. We change train in Liege (10.07 IC5310 to Troisviege) and arrive in Aywaille at 10.40. ●● Train tickets: BXL-Aywaille 14.90€/9.00€ with train+ each way ●● Back to Brussels: From Aywaille there are trains only every two hours. I will aim to get the one at 17.23, but no guarantees! The next would be 19.23. ●● Specifics: Distance: ca 25 km Elevation gain: around 500m Net walking time: ca 6 h Weather forecast: undecided, but not horrible In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So it is important to have access to either the Meetup.com website and/or your emails. ●● What to bring: * Comfortable hiking clothes &shoes * rain gear (just in case) * water and drink for the breaks * Compeed for blisters * some small money for drinks ●● Basic rules: Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP asap, even hours before the walk. This is basic courtesy towards others. Repeated late cancellations are not well considered (at all). No-shows are even worse. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the “going” list. ●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability: You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you want to take part. As the participation in the events is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability.

Brigit Laffan , Chancellor of the University of Limerick and Professor Emeritus of the European University Institute has been selected as the Grand Marshal of the 18th Brussels Saint Patrick's Day Parade of the Nations & Regions in recognition of her life-long contribution to the ' European Project' The UL Alumni are hosting a Meet-up to celebrate her selection. Everyone is well come to attend this event . Students who may be considering to study in Ireland are encouraged to attend , Also taking place in the same building will be the Cork Jazz Festival Club of Brussels, Irish & Limerick Evening and the write a limerick poetry event organised by Claddagh Toastmasters of Brussels . Admission is free for all events. Self-service restaurant and bar open .

The topic for March is "Our Bodies, Ourselves" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

So this month's prompt is more general. I think we can all agree that we are living in "unique" times that require coping skills. I think that one role and/or purpose of philosophy is to help us deal with our daily lives and our "unique" times. So, let's share our feelings and thoughts about which philosopher/philosophy we turn to in order to deal with our crazy events. Who/what helps you stay focused in your daily life and helps you sleep at night. I find that Stoicism with a little philosophical pessimism mixed in goes a long way in helping me deal with what I see as very destructive, fearful and mean spirited public policies at both the state and federal levels. Hope to see you on March 28th!

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

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

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.