Multicultural

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @ MIR Concept Coffee Store! Wednesday, 31 December 2025, from 10:00 - 13:00. It's limited to 35 attendees. Therefore, please, cancel if you can't join anymore. MIR opened its doors about 3 years ago, right off Place Jourdan. Doriana, the owner, is a super nice host, and is excited to have our group as her café for the first time. The café is very beautiful and has many yummy food options. The Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/mirconceptstore/ **The address is:** MIR Concept Coffee Store Rue Gray 4A 1040 Etterbeek *** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the gallery, it's either on the right-hand side or left-hand side of its hallway, depending which entrance you take. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** [https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==](https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==) **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I will post the event on Saturday/Sunday evening for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder to everyone on Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * In case RSVP is closed (once there are 10-15 people on the waiting list), I might reopen it on Friday, depending on the number of cancellations in the meantime. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON Saturday!**

Dear Folks, **Let’s welcome 2026 together in Brussels if you’re around!** Let's enjoy the time together, Feel free to bring board games with you. 🥳🎉🍺 Celebrating the start of 2026 with lots of new friends sounds pretty wonderful, doesn’t it? We’re really looking forward to seeing you! Cheers 🍻 Yifei

## 🎆 New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the Atomium ### *A shared way to welcome the New Year - together* New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be about big parties or expensive plans. This year, **Sunday Vacations** invites you to welcome the New Year **meaningfully**, surrounded by people, shared moments, and one of Brussels’ most iconic celebrations: the **official fireworks at the Atomium**. The **fireworks are the main event**. For those who wish, an **optional dinner** on the Grand-Place is available earlier in the evening. You choose how you want to experience the night. --- ## 🎆 Main Event - New Year’s Fireworks at the Atomium We’ll meet as a group and head together to the **Atomium esplanade** to: • Join Brussels’ **official New Year’s Eve celebration** • Count down to midnight together • Enjoy the **free public fireworks** 📍 **Location:** Atomium – Heysel 🕛 **Midnight (00:00)** 💶 **Free & open to everyone** This part is for **everyone** - no ticket, no pressure, just shared presence. --- ## Optional Dinner (Grand-Place) For those who want to start the evening earlier, you may **optionally** join for dinner at Grand Place. • A festive, social atmosphere before heading to the fireworks ⚠️ **Important:** • **Each participant must book and pay for dinner beforehand** --- ## 📱 WhatsApp Coordination Group To keep things smooth and stress-free: • A **temporary WhatsApp group** will be created for this New Year’s event • Used for **meeting points, timing, metro coordination, and updates** • Link shared after RSVP --- ## 🧭 Practical info 📅 **Date:** 31 December 🚇 **Transport:** Metro to go and Collecto to come back recommended 🥶 **Dress warmly** for the outdoor countdown 🎉 **Vibe:** Relaxed, social, international, no pressure. To join this event and access the coordination WhatsApp group, participants are required to be [Sunday Vacations members](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership). Membership helps us keep events organised, safe, and community-driven. **Sunday Vacations - Living the moment.** By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

### **O’DANCE FIESTA — WEDNESDAYS IN BRUSSELS** **Bring the sunshine to your week!** ***Salsa – Bachata – Kizomba*** Meet, dance, connect & make new friends 📍 Rue Montoyer 1, 1000 Brussels **EVERY WEDNESDAY** ⏰ **6:30 PM** – Welcome + Salsa mini demo **7:00 PM** – Salsa Beginners **8:00 PM** – Salsa Intermediate **9:00 PM** – Practica & SBK Dance Social – FREE Entry INSTA: [O'dance_events](https://www.instagram.com/odance_events?igsh=MXg5eXE4d3g1bXdjMw==) PHONE :0499/891868 No partner? No problem! Warm, fun & international vibe Join the O’Dance energy and dance your heart out! ### **O’DANCE FIESTA — TOUS LES MERCREDIS À BRUXELLES** **Faites entrer le soleil dans votre semaine !** ***Salsa – Bachata – Kizomba*** Dansez, rencontrez, connectez et créez de nouvelles amitiés 📍 Rue Montoyer 1, 1000 Bruxelles **TOUS LES MERCREDIS** ⏰ **18h30** – Accueil **19h00** – Cours de Salsa débutants **20h00** – Cours de Salsa intermédiaires **21h00** – Practika & SBK Social (ENTREE GRATUITE) INSTA: [O'dance_events](https://www.instagram.com/odance_events?igsh=MXg5eXE4d3g1bXdjMw==) PHONE :0499/891868 Pas de partenaire ? Pas de souci ! Une ambiance chaleureuse, fun et internationale Rejoignez l’énergie O’Dance et dansez à fond !

🇬🇧 EN 🇬🇧 🔥 SALSA CUBANA CLASSES ARE BACK 🔥 We are delighted to see you again for the start of the 2025/26 academic year 👉 Find all the needed information on our website : **[https://danzamania.be/](https://danzamania.be/horaires/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExUjNGU3gzRWdsUFlWMGJMQgEeCHgiKV40mum5hOp5szt0Lxx3U-5DyHO_wR_ZJekcr_m7EFRdpcRthKRV9EU_aem_W6hFXCri8O6Kd9el-RIuIQ)** ✅ PROGRAMME ✅ 👉 TUESDAY 16/09 7:00-8:00 pm - Salsa Level 1A @ Salle Oxygène - Angie, Octavia & Raffa 8:15-9:15 pm - Salsa Niveau 1B\* @ Salle Ste Suzanne - Tine & Sam 8:00-9:00 pm - Salsa Cubana Level 2 @ Salle Oxygène - Angie, Octavia & Raffa \*The Level 1B course is the same as the Level 1A course. It will be taught by Tine & Samuel and starts at 8.15 p.m. It allows those who wish to arrive one hour later and have a group of about 10 people. 👉 WEDNESDAY 17/09 7:00-7:30 pm - Body Expression @ Salle Oxygène - Yusnay, Tine & Raffa 7:30-8:30 pm - Salsa Level 3 @ Salle Oxygène - Yusnay, Tine & Raffa 8:30-9:30 pm - Salsa Level 4 @ Salle Oxygène - Yusnay, Tine & Raffa 👉 THURSDAY 18/09 8:00-9:00 pm - Cuban Salsa Partnerwork - Level 1 + @ Studio Empain - Zoli 9:00-10:00 pm - Cuban Salsa Partnerwork - Level 2 + @ Studio Empain - Zoli 👉 FRIDAY 19/09 8:30-9:30 pm - Rueda de Casino @ Vibrato - Team Danza Mania 9:30-12:30 am - Practica & Entertainment with DJ Joel 💃 Dale Mambo🕺

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! 🍶🎤

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS – ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE BRUSSELS 2026 This is a public awareness event for call for volunteers, we do not meet in person on the day. Volunteer Meetings will be organised later in January. The 18th Brussels Saint Patrick’s Day Parade of the Nations & Regions takes place on Sunday 15th March 2026. We are looking for stewards, musicians, social media helpers and community volunteers to help bring next year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade to life. The parade celebrates the Irish national holiday and the global story of Irish people who have made their homes around the world. Here in Brussels, it is a chance to share Irish art, music, and culture with the wider community and to welcome everyone, Irish or not, into the spirit of inclusion and openness. The event also shines a light on Brussels as a diverse and international capital. It brings together people from many nations and regions, highlights the city’s architecture and heritage, and shows how Belgium and Ireland share long and surprising links stretching back to the 6th century. By joining the volunteer team, you will help create a lively, family-friendly day in the heart of the city. Your support helps us grow a parade that reflects the best of Brussels and strengthens the bonds between our communities. If you would like to get involved, message us here or contact 📧 patricks.day.parade(at)gmail.com

Making new friends in a new city doesn’t need to be a struggle at all.

_IMPORTANT: To RSVP you will also need to register as a member [here.](https://forms.gle/PsmYJ3vQKocXQCAY6)_ Join Sunday Vacations for a cozy Saturday brunch at **Aksum Coffee House**, one of Brussels’ most beautiful cafés, where rich Ethiopian coffee, fresh Moroccan crêpes, and vibrant international vibes meet in perfect harmony. This is more than just brunch, it’s a relaxed way to start your weekend, meet new people, and enjoy a soulful spot full of stories and flavors. ### 📍 Where? **Aksum Coffee House – Galeries Sainte Hubert (Just a few steps from Grand Place) ### 🕚 When? **Saturday at 11:30 AM** Come hungry, curious, and ready to mingle! ### 🍽️ What’s on the menu? ☕ Fresh-roasted Ethiopian coffee 🥞 Moroccan-style crêpes & artisan pastries 🥚 Tasty brunch dishes (vegetarian options too) 🧾 Everyone pays their own order at the counter. ### 👋 Who’s joining? Expect a mix of international professionals, friendly locals, and Sunday Vacations regulars. Solo? New in town? Come anyway, this is the perfect place to connect. --- 🧡 **Limited spots** – RSVP early to secure your place at the table. By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

# 🗣️ Language Exchange at Gare Maritime **Practice languages over drinks in Brussels' coolest food court!** Join fellow language enthusiasts for an evening of conversation, connection, and cocktails at the stunning Gare Maritime. Whether you're polishing your French, learning Dutch, or practicing any other language, come mingle in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. ## 📍 The Venue **Gare Maritime Food Court** \- Tour & Taxis A breathtaking industrial space transformed into Brussels' hottest social hub. With its soaring ceilings, vibrant atmosphere, and multiple bars serving everything from craft cocktails to Belgian beers, it's the perfect setting for a language meetup. ## 🎯 What to Expect Grab a drink and dive into natural conversations with people from all over the world. Chat in French with a Parisian, practice Dutch with a local, share travel stories in English, or switch between languages as the mood strikes. This is all about organic connections and real conversations - no pressure, no structure, just good vibes and great company. **Everyone welcome:** complete beginners to fluent speakers, locals and expats, native speakers and eager learners. ## 👥 Who Comes to These Events? Our community includes language students, professionals new to Brussels, polyglots, locals wanting to practice their English, expats improving their French or Dutch, and anyone curious about other cultures. The common thread? A love of languages and meeting interesting people. ## 🍹 Drinks & Atmosphere Gare Maritime shines when it comes to drinks. Multiple bars offer creative cocktails, local craft beers, quality wines, and non-alcoholic options. The industrial-chic setting with communal seating makes it easy to strike up conversations and move between groups. ## 💡 First Time? No Worries! Just show up and introduce yourself. People are friendly and everyone remembers being a beginner. The best way to learn is by speaking, and mistakes are just part of the journey. Bring your curiosity and willingness to try - that's all you need.

Join us for a full day of adventure in Amsterdam for a magical boat trip through the illuminated canals as part of the Amsterdam Light Festival. Perfect for photography enthusiasts and those who love a cozy evening of art and culture. Program: - Departure 12:40 by bus from Gare du Midi - Arrival Amsterdam Sloterdijk at 16:00 - Boat trip 16:45 - 18:00 - Malaysian dinner at 18:30 - Train departure from Amsterdam Central to Brussels at 20:10 - Arrival Brussels 22:00

Brussels is Europe’s heart, and our meetup is its friendly beat. [[Click this WhatsApp groupchat link to join]](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FtTicl3FDMmArG6JMYFjK7) Join us Saturdays at 7:30 PM for a language and culture exchange like no other. With attendees in their 20s and 30s from across the globe, it’s where ideas and friendships flourish. Let’s connect over words and waffles.

**👋 Hey Adventurers !** Are you brave enough to wash away 2025 and start 2026 with a **massive** splash? Join us for the legendary **Nieuwjaarsduik (New Year’s Dive)** in Ostend! Every year, thousands of "Polar Bears" gather on the beach to run into the freezing North Sea. It is crazy, it is freezing, but the adrenaline rush is absolutely unforgettable. ❄️ Do I HAVE to dive? No! If you prefer to stay dry, we need a "Support Squad" to guard the towels, take photos, and have the hot chocolate ready. Whether you are running into the waves or cheering from the sand, you are part of the crew. *** **📅 The Plan (Saturday, Jan 3)** * **11:45 AM:** Meet at **Brussels Central Station** (Main Hall, by the departure board). Look for the Sunday Vacations sign! * **12:00 PM:** Take the train to Ostend together. * **1:30 PM:** Arrive, register, and find our spot on the beach. Time to change (or put on your funny costume!). * **3:00 PM:** **THE DIVE!** We run in, splash around, and run back out (very fast). * **3:30 PM:** Warm up! We’ll grab hot soup, jenever, or hot chocolate (often provided by the event or we buy our own). * **5:00 PM:** A nice group dinner (Fish & Chips or Mussels) in Ostend to warm our bones. * **7:30 PM:** Train back to Brussels. *** **💰 Costs & Membership** * **Organizing Fee:** * **Voyager & Ambassador Members:** FREE * **Explorer Members:** €5 * **Non-Members:** ⚠️ **Important:** You must be a registered member to join this trip. * 👉 **Become a member here:** [https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) * **Ostend Dive Registration:** Approx. €10 (Paid directly to the event organizers online). * **Transport:** Approx. €15 (Weekend Ticket return). *** **🎒 What to Bring** * **For Divers:** Swimwear (already on under clothes helps!), a warm hat, a **large** towel, flip-flops (the sand is cold!), and loose warm clothes for *immediately* after. * **For Everyone:** Warm coat, gloves, scarf. * **Cash/Card:** For the train, registration, and food. *** **⚠️ Important Notes** * **Safety:** The event has lifeguards and medical staff. We stick together! * **Tickets:** Please buy your train ticket *before* meeting us to save time. Get your dive tickets here: https://www.visitoostende.be/en/node/29407 **Let's start 2026 with a story we'll tell for the rest of the year. Who's in? 🥶🌊** **👉 RSVP Now!** *Want to waive the organizing fee? Upgrade to Voyager or Ambassador status on our website: www.sundayvacations.com!* By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

[Sign up vis Hipsy](https://hipsy.be/event/174867-chinese-tea-gathering-and-cultural-sharing) The intension for our first tea gathering in 2026 on Sunday, 04 January: * Being alone together * Let's walk into the wilderness, * Let's walk each other home, my people, with tea as our conduit What people say about Chinese Tea with Wenwei: “**A real revelation**” "Immersive, Informative, Intimate" "Wholesome" “Enormous passion for her roots”, “ The most convivial and informative of tea drinking experiences “ "Beyond tea tasting" "Gentle healing" Our gatherings are rooted in the **ever-evolving** Chinese tea culture. We explore how contemporary Chinese people enjoy tea in daily life, discover its beauty, and reflect on **the philosophies and mindsets** behind it. I also call it an **honest tea-sensing experience.** Around tea, countless stories have been told or imagined. The story I’d like to share is the one already present — **in the tea itself, and in our bodies.** In our stories, we search for “herbal remedies from the mountains and delightful moments at a writing desk”. We serve top-quality teas that carry **a comforting Qi:** no jitters but calm, no bitterness but transformation. For me, it’s like opening a window for European friends to glimpse Chinese tea culture - a taste and **a reference point for what tea means back home**. In each gathering, we follow the changes of the tea, let our imagination wander, and enjoy the journies it takes us on. **Not a ceremony**, not a tradition beyond tasting, beyond organic To give you an idea, below is an example of the teas we served: Depending on the number of participants and the time we have, we will taste 3 to 5 different teas, experiencing the **terroir of the mountains,** the **character of heirloom varietals,** the artistry of suitable **processing methods,** and immersing ourselves in an **Eastern aesthetic.** **Yellow Tea** \- Wild Laochuan tea from the Hengduan Mountains\, Sichuan heirloom varietal, Spring 2025. First flush, first pluck; grown by nature, with abundant tea energy (chaqi). **Oolong Tea** \- Dongfang Meiren \(Oriental Beauty\) from Fujian\, bitten by small green leafhoppers\, 2024\. From an ecological tea garden\, with intertwining honey\, floral\, and fruity aromas\. **Dark Tea (Hei Cha)** \- Heirloom varietal tea trees\, semi\-wild in deep mountains\, Spring 2016\. Fresh woody and floral notes\, pure dark tea with a cooling sensation\, and a pronounced Hui Gan \( Returning Sweetness \) **Black Tea (Hong Cha)** \- Zhengshan Xiaozhong \(Lapsang Souchong\) from Tongmu\, Wuyi Mountains – heirloom varietal\, Spring 2023\. Withered and smoked over native pinewood inside village houses, then roasted. Pine smoke fragrance with longan-sweet liquor and floral undertones. If you'd like, you can also try brewing the tea in Gong Fu styl yourself. **"The only thing that does not change is change itself"**, this also applies to Chinese tea culture. We are excited to hold a space where we create our unique experience together. The teas may be different for each gathering , but the love and passion we infuse will be just as strong, and for some of you, it will be a real revelation. Reserve your spot for **this convivial and informative gathering** in an intimate circle, where everyone shares, and every sense is engaged. Warmly, Wenwei Zhang **36€/ person** **[Sign up vis Hipsy](https://hipsy.be/event/174867-chinese-tea-gathering-and-cultural-sharing)** Instagram: chinese_tea_with_wenwei Facebook:Chinese Tea with Wenwei in Belgium Google review: [https://g.co/kgs/cHZXuXL](https://g.co/kgs/cHZXuXL) Any questions: 0032 456 17 56 35

**Caller: Gaye Fifer** **Band: Hot Coffee Breakdown** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon