Moms of Preschoolers

**This weekend’s hike takes us through the heart of Haspengouw at the peak of the blossom season.**Expect gently rolling landscapes filled with **flowering apple, pear and cherry trees** turning the region into a sea of white and soft pink. We start our hike in **Alken**, walking through the nature reserve **De Grote Beemd**, following the river **Herk** and passing the historic **Graetmolen**. From there the route leads us straight into the ***orchards where the blossom landscape changes*** with every turn. Along the way we may even come across a **pop‑up bar between the orchards** — the perfect place to pause, enjoy the moment and soak in the spring atmosphere. We’ll have our lunch break near the elegant **Mariagaarde Castle** before continuing mostly along the **GR 128 (Vlaanderenroute)** towards **Sint‑Truiden** on quiet paths with wide views over blooming Haspengouw. After our hike we can continue our good habit, of taking a nice beer/pancake/snack in a local pub in Sint-Truiden before returning to Brussels. ***Don't forget to pay Maikel a drink :-)*** We will walk both ***on paved and unpaved roads***. I’ve ***never walked this road before*** so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning. **●●Meeting point** We meet at ***08h20 in front of the Starbucks in Brussels Central***. The train ( IC1507 Hasselt) leaves from ***platform 3 at 08h41***. We arrive at our ***destination Alken at 09h49*** and start our hike to Sint-Truiden. **●● Train tickets** ***\- single ticket Brussels to Alken \(11\,40 € weekend / 6\,80 € with train card\+\)*** ***\- single ticket Sint\-Truiden to Brussels \(10\,20 € weekend / 6\,10 € with train card\+\)*** **●● Trains back to Brussels:** There is a ***direct train train every hour*** from Sint-Truiden to Brussels at ***XX:19 from platform 1.*** ***LAST TRAIN = 22h19*** **●● Specifics** distance: \~ 27 km elevation gain: \~ 101 m net walking time: \~ 6h00 level: ***easy – open to everyone*** ***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*** \- warm comfortable hiking clothes – ***waterproof hiking shoes*** \- extra socks to change \+ compeed for blisters \- enough water \(min 2 l\) and food for lunch/breaks \- sun protection oil\, a hat and sunglasses OR a raincoat (please consult the weather forecast on [www.meteo.be](http://www.meteo.be/)) **\- some money to pay Maikel a drink ;\-\)** ●● ***Basic rules*** Please RSVP only if you ***really intend to come***. And if your plans change ***update your RSVP latest 1 day before the hike*** so other people still have the possibility to join. This is basic courtesy towards others. ***People who cancel at the last day or don’t show up for the hike will be blacklisted for future hikes.*** Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the roster (i.e. Yes RSVP - but not Wait Listed) **●● *Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability*** **By signing up for this event you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation 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.**

FOREST PLAY (11h-13h) The Forest Play - sessions are inclusive, nurturing and natural reconnecting events, focussing on restoring or replenishing energy, the sense of joy and personal perspective by interacting (and playing) with nature's healing elements. Combining tension-releasing stretches, easy flow-restoring exercises (using trees, branches, logs, stones, hills...), doing silent or touch meditations and playful authentic relating games, we're able to get in touch with our inner-child and start to feel free, open-hearted, unassuming and adventurous again, bringing back the joy and vitality we all carry deeply within, but often believed to have been lost. Our hearts gradually open and start reconnecting again. The 2h-sessions focus on gradually increasing physical resilience, but include emotional and energetic aspects as well to restore general holistic balance in body, mind and spirit. There is no competitive stake to it, there are no extremes or high-intensity actions involved. But we do play gently with our personal comfort zones, sliding in and out, at times challenging our personal beliefs, convictions and limitations. These edges are where the real learning takes place, so take note. The sessions have powerful therapeutic value. They are developed, customised and guided by specialised trauma therapist Ken Christiaens. All exercises, while feeling light and fun, have a foundation in trauma and tension-releasing therapies, with elements of inner child work, constellations, reiki, NLP, somatic work, role/game play and meditation. Nature's increased healing potential (forest bathing) is fully being harnessed here. For more info on the therapeutic practice of Ken, please visit: www.nieuwegrond.be PRACTICAL The Forest Play-session starts at 11h sharp and ends at 13h. It costs 18e to participate. Meeting and end-point is always Parking Forest Playground Everzwijnbad, Weertsedreef 8-10, Oud-Heverlee (please read location description well, Google Maps can be a bit tricky). You actually might get a bit dirty and sweaty at some point, please prepare for outdoor nature workout: sporty shoes with ribs, sporty clothes, maybe a small towel (feet might get dirty or wet) or anything you feel comfortable with. Regarding the payment: You will be asked to transfer 18e to Ken's account beforehand or bring it on the day itself. Your participation is only confirmed if you have confirmed the payment as well. The event will be cancelled only when the weather really doesn't allow it. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask via personal message. We hope to see and connect with you there!

Join us for a fun and social **day trip to Parc Astérix**, one of France’s most famous theme parks, just outside Paris This is not just an amusement park visit — it’s also a dive into a **legendary part of French and Belgian culture**. -- ## 🏛️ What is Astérix & Obélix Astérix and Obélix are iconic comic book characters created in 1959 by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. 👉 The story: a small Gaulish village resisting the Roman Empire thanks to a magic potion 👉 Themes: humor, friendship, satire of European culture 👉 Status: one of the most famous comics in Europe (especially France & Belgium) For many locals, this is **childhood nostalgia + cultural reference + humor all in one** Visiting Parc Astérix is like stepping inside that world. -- ## 🎢 What to expect • Thrilling roller coasters (like OzIris & Toutatis 🎢 • Fun water rides) • Live shows & themed village • A mix of adrenaline + chill + social vibe We’ll go as a group but keep flexibility inside the park so everyone can enjoy at their own pace. -- ## 🚆 Logistic **Departure:** Brussels (exact meeting point shared in WhatsApp group) **Destination:** Parc Astérix **Travel:** Train + shuttle or carpool (to be confirmed depending on group) **Return:** Same day in the evening. 👉 A WhatsApp group will be created for coordination -- ## 💰 Cost • 🎟️ Park ticket: approx. €55–€65 (depending on availability / group rate) • 🚆 Transport: approx. €30–€80 (train or carpool share) • 🍔 Food & drinks inside park: optional (~€15–€25 • 👥 Sunday Vacations organizing fee: 5€ -- ## 👥 Who is this for • Expats curious about local culture • Theme park lovers • Social explorers who enjoy group trip • Anyone who wants a fun, easy day escape from Brussel -- ## ✅ Important • This is a **members-only event** 👉 Membership starts from €5/year: [https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) • Please confirm your spot via the link (to be shared) • Ambassador & Voyager members can use their code to waive the organizing fee. -- ## ⚠️ Disclaimer Sunday Vacations / UJAMAA ASBL acts as a **community organizer only** Participants organize their transport and tickets individually -- ## ✨ Why join Because this is more than a theme park It’s a chance to • understand a key part of local culture • meet amazing people • and just have a fun day -- If you’ve been in Belgium or France for a while and never heard of Astérix, 👉 this is your moment.

### What if the secret to better piano playing wasn’t in your fingers? *Discover how body awareness and movement can transform your technique and musical expression.* #### Play. Move. Feel the music. Playing the piano is not just about the hands — **the whole body shapes the sound**. In this workshop, **[Steffi](https://www.pacsonmusicschool.com/more-info-steffi)** explores how body awareness and movement can transform the way you approach the piano. Inspired by principles from **dance and physical expression**, participants will discover how posture, weight, and natural movement influence both technique and musical interpretation. Through guided exercises at and away from the piano, you will learn how to develop a more natural physical connection with your instrument, allowing for greater freedom, control, and expressive playing. #### What you'll explore • Body awareness at the piano • Posture, weight, and natural movement • How movement influences tone and control • Connecting physical motion with musical expression • Techniques inspired by dance and body mechanics #### Who this workshop is for • Pianists who want to improve technique and physical ease • Musicians interested in the connection between body and sound • Students looking to develop more expressive and natural playing Suitable for **beginner to intermediate pianists** who are curious about **a more holistic approach to piano playing**. #### Why Pacson Workshops? At Pacson Music School, workshops are designed to **develop real musicianship**. Guided by active artist-mentors, participants work on practical skills that build awareness, technique, and performance confidence. **Event Paid**: 35 Euro Registration and Payment through this [link](https://buy.stripe.com/bJe00k75e7Pl6KzdxY9fW15)

Hello everyone, As spring begins to bloom, we are delighted to invite you to a special creative afternoon: Birdhouse Paint & Decoupage. 🏠🌸 Join us for this painting session where we’ll transform simple birdhouses into beautiful master pieces using paint and decoupage techniques. Whether you want to create something floral, vintage, or bold, it’s the perfect way to welcome the new season! 🗓 **Date:** 18 April 2026 ⏰ **Time:** 14:00 to 16:00 📍 **Local:** CAPITAL vzw/asbl (Bd d'Anvers 40, 1000 Brussels) 💰 **Price:** 12 euros (incl. wooden birdhouse 8.5 x 11 x 6.5 cm, floral napkins, decoupage glue, brushes & acrylic paints, palettes) Once you register on Meetup, one of the organizers will contact you to complete a short Google Form and share the payment details. **To ensure your birdhouse arrives in time for the workshop, payment and cancellations (with refund) are only possible until 13 April COB.** This allows us enough time to order and prepare your materials! 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.

Hi everyone! Let’s take a walk along the Belgian coast to enjoy some fresh salty air and gaze at the horizon. We’re planning a walk of around 3 hours starting east of Ostende (Oosterover) passing De Haan and finishing in Wenduine or whenever we collectively decide to go back to the van by tram😊 Meeting point: Tournay-Solvaypark Entrance (Boitsfort Train Station) 💶 Contribution: €20 per person, which covers fuel, parking, as well as snacks and drinks along the way. Kindly complete your registration before signing up. Thank you. Yifei Yang BE12363234512492 Communication: your name+ event Group size: small and cozy — limited to 6 people ( 7 seats in the van) If you prefer to drive your own car or come by train/bus, you’re very welcome to join us as well (No need for payment) In this case, please contact the organizers.

Quiet Forest Walk – The Clear Space This is a quiet, low-stimulation activity. It may suit people who feel overwhelmed in typical social settings or who prefer a calmer way of being together. Hi everyone, On Sunday 19 April, I’m organising a quiet forest walk for The Clear Space. We’ll walk together in silence for about an hour, in a calm and gentle way. This is not about performance, conversation, or doing anything special. It’s simply a chance to be outdoors together in a quieter way — with space to breathe, notice, settle, and just be. Sometimes silence can feel more natural than talking, and walking side by side can feel easier than a usual social setting. That is very much the spirit of this walk. When: Sunday 19 April Where: Herrmann-Debroux metro, straight ahead after leaving the platform Time: We start walking at 14:05 sharp, so please come a little earlier if possible. Please wear good shoes, especially if the weather has been rainy, as the forest can be muddy. Afterwards, if people feel like it, we can have a drink at Rouge Cloître. You’re welcome to join, but there is absolutely no pressure. If you’d like to come, or if you have any questions, you can message me at 0474 60 83 70. You are very welcome.

*🎟️ Ticket required to participate (QR code check-in)* Once a year… and only for a short moment… **Hallerbos turns into a surreal purple-blue carpet of wild flowers.** This is **one of the most beautiful natural sights in Belgium** — and we’re going to experience it together. 👉 Expect: nature, good vibes, great people, and a relaxed social atmosphere ⚠️ **This event happens only a few weeks per year and spots always fill fast** ## 🥾 The Plan - **12:30** – Optional brunch at *Time Off (Midi Station)* - **14:14** – Train from Brussels Midi - **14:24** – Arrival Halle + shuttle to Hallerbos - **Walk:** 7–9 km (easy & social pace) - **Duration:** ~2.5–3 hours (with photo & chill stops 📸) - Optional drink after 🍻 👉 You can also join directly at Hallerbos (details in WhatsApp group) ## 🌍 Who Joins? Our events bring together: - Expats 🌍 - Locals 🇧🇪 - Solo joiners (most people come alone!) 👉 **You don’t need to know anyone — you’ll meet people naturally** ## 💸 Participation **Not a member yet?** €10 Or join Sunday Vacations and save: - Explorer (starting at €5/year) → event price: €5 - Voyager (starting at €50/year) → Free - Ambassador (starting at €150/year) → Free 👉 Join here: [https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) ## ⚠️ Important - Stay on paths (bluebells are fragile 🌸) - Shoes may get muddy - Dress for Belgian weather 😄 ## 📲 WhatsApp Group Created before the event for: - live updates - exact meeting points - smooth coordination ## 🔥 Why You Should Join Because this is not just a walk. It’s one of those **“wow, I’m glad I came” moments** you remember… and the kind of people you meet make it even better. 👉 **Spots are limited — RSVP early to secure your place** **Sunday Vacations** Living the moment ✨

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.

🏃‍♂️ Sunday Vacations | Train Together, Finish Together Thinking about joining the **20km of Brussels on May 31st**… but don’t want to train alone? 👉 Join our **after-work training group** and prepare together in a fun, social, and motivating atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or already running regularly — **you’re welcome.** ## 🏳️ Follow Your Flag (Pace Groups) To keep things simple, we use the official **20km Brussels pacemaker system**: - 🟠 **Beginner (≈ 2h15)** Run/walk friendly — just aim to finish *🟣 **Steady (≈ 2h00)** Comfortable and regular pace - 🟢 **Intermediate (≈ 1h45)** Faster group for those who want a challenge 👉 Not sure? Start easy — you can switch anytime. ## 📊 Long Run Progression (Thursdays) We gradually build up to the race: 6 km → 8 km → 10 km → 12 km → 14 km → 16 km → 18 km 🔥 *lighter week before the race ## 🏁 Goal 📅 Sunday 31 May 2026 🎯 Run the 20km of Brussels — together ## 💡 What to expect - Friendly, international group 🌍 - No one left behind - Natural pace groups - Motivating and social vibe 👉 We start together, run in groups, and finish together. ## ☕ After the run Optional drink or snack — because it’s also about **meeting people and having fun** ## ⚠️ Practical info - Bring water - Wear proper running shoes - Join at your own responsibility - Beginners welcome ## 🌍 About Sunday Vacations We are a **Brussels-based community** organizing social activities, hikes, and trips. 👉 This training is part of our mission: **bringing people together through shared experiences** 🔥 Don’t train alone — join us and enjoy the journey to the 20km!

Hey lovely people, Join us for another gathering of the **Queer Reads Collective**. Since we have been reading some quite heavy books lately, we decided to do a round of something lighter for the spring. Our April read will be the famous bestseller, *The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo* by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job. Summoned to Evelyn's luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the '80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love.

**This event is free for Sunday Vacations members. Membership starts at €5/year.** 👉 Join here: https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership *Please RSVP only if you are reasonably sure you can attend and update your RSVP if your plans change.* Escape the city bustle and join us for a magical evening walk from the royal gardens of Tervuren, through the ancient Sonian Forest, ending at the picturesque Rouge Cloître. This hike is perfect for anyone looking to unwind, breathe some fresh forest air, and enjoy the golden hour colors. 🗺️ The Route We will start at the Tervuren Station (terminus of Tram 44). We’ll begin by walking through the formal gardens and ponds of Tervuren Park, enjoying the open views and the sunset light reflecting on the water. From there, we will dive into the Sonian Forest (Fôret de Soignes), walking under the canopy of the majestic beech cathedrals. We will walk through the magnificent Arboretum that boasts centennial trees and majestic Giant Sequoias. The path will lead us gently downhill towards the historic Rouge Cloître (Red Closter), a 14th-century Augustinian priory nestled on the edge of the forest where we will stop for a well deserved drink. 🕒 The Plan * Meeting Time: 14:50 * Meeting Point: Just outside the Tervuren Station (Terminus of Tram 44). * The Walk: We depart at 15:00 sharp. * The End: We aim to arrive at Rouge Cloître around 18:00 - 18:30. * Après-Walk: We usually grab a drink at the beautiful Maison du Prieur in Rouge Cloître. 📋 Practical Details * Distance: Approximately 12 km. * Duration: \~3.5 hours walking time. * Pace: Casual to moderate. We wait for everyone, but please be comfortable walking this distance. * Terrain: Mostly flat/downhill with some unpaved forest paths. 🎒 What to Bring * Comfortable Shoes: Walking shoes or sneakers (trail runners are great if it has rained recently). * Water: Stay hydrated! * Layers: Evenings can get chilly in the forest. 🚇 Getting Home The walk ends at Rouge Cloître. From there, it is a short 10-15 minute walk to Herrmann-Debroux metro station (Line 5), buses and tram 8 which connect you easily back to the city center. Note: This event is free of charge. Participation is at your own risk. Please **RSVP only** if you intend to come so we don't leave anyone behind! See you on the trail! 🌳✨