Novel Reading

Need some quiet time for reading? Want to share the experience with others? Join us at the charming venue of La Belladone to read in the company of others. It’s alone, but also together, get it? We read for an hour, then chat over a drink, then go back to reading (if we feel like it) This is a free activity except for drinks.

Dear attendees, the chosen book is "Last night in the Lobster" by S. O'nan. Some rules: 1\. the book discussion takes place in English\. 2\. the number of participants will be limited\, so please keep your RSVP updated\. This is important and respectful for the people that may be on the waiting list\. Participation cost: 1€ to cover Premium membership of the MeetUp platform

Another new year just arriving, it might be a fitting opportunity to re-explore a subject we last did in July 2021 when live contacting towards the end of the COVID pandemic was just beginning to resume, although we were still obligated to hold that meetup outdoors in order to avoid the prescribed maximum of 8 participants when indoors. Since then, life has "normalized" again, and, thinking back, it might even be now almost difficult to imagine how that pandemic period, back "there and then", was experienced during that time as a "here and now"... How "here and now" is related to "there and then" is indeed one of the questions we might wish to explore during our next session... This subject I believe is one of the most interesting ones we've covered in Brussels Philosophy so far, inviting us to re-examine how we phenomenologically experience space and time, and in the process (literally!) to critically re-think how we habitually conceptualize space and time in our everyday lives. So here's the intro: Why, when we look in a mirror, are left and right reversed but not up and down? Might this pseudo-paradox ("para-paradox"??) (not) be a clue, if at least only by analogy, as to why we typically seem to have a clearer concept of what we can identify as an "eternal now", but seemingly have much more difficulty conceptualizing an "eternal here"? When it comes to experiencing and conceptualizing moments in time and places in space in relation to change, we habitually, almost instinctively, believe that moments flow by (in the one stream of time) independent of our will, while places always remain the same places (independent of the fact that they gradually become different as time goes on), and moreover, remain subject to our will: we can choose to move (or not move) from one place to another. We can travel in space but not in time. Change, therefore, we tend to view as a phenomenon that is temporal, not spatial: "things may change _in_ time, but it is time itself that causes change". On the other hand, we do seem able to perceive and conceptualize an "eternal now"... while seemingly finding it more difficult to experience an "eternal here" (the pseudo-paradox). Newton indeed conceived of time as a dimension separate and independent of the 3 dimensions of space, and of all events in the universe as occurring in one singular uniform flow of time, whereas Einstein, as we all now understand, conceptualized spacetime as one unified phenomenon, neither space itself nor time itself being absolute or independent of the other. In this meetup we will attempt to explore and find out if there is a phenomenological counterpart to Einstein's spacetime. The thesis proposed here is that there is indeed, and that it is in fact found centre stage in our consciousness - but perhaps because of survival pressures that have operated on humans collectively and individually for most of our history, and the resultant ways in which language and culture have evolved, our consciousness of the "eternal here" has remained under-developed. (Language and culture mirror consciousness, and how consciousness develops mirrors existent language and culture.) A key corollary-claim in this thesis is that change can also be experienced and explained primarily in terms of space, without reference to time, and moreover, such a manner of perceiving and conceptualizing space-driven change arguably remains compatible with both Newtonian (tweaking it slightly, perhaps!) and Einsteinian models of reality. Our session will provide an opportunity to consider and examine phenomenological experiences that could be referred to as "eternal now", "eternal here", "everywhere here", "everywhen now", "everywhere now", "everywhen here", "flowing time", "flowing space" ... We will be guided through several different thought experiments designed to support the idea that change can be attributed to space rather than time, paying special attention to developing the concept of "flowing space". These thought experiments will then hopefully invite animated and open discussion. So let's enjoy being able to meet up with no restrictions this time. Looking forward to seeing you then & there! *without ever having truly left

Weekend in Paris – January 10-11 Event Description: Looking for a quick escape to one of the most beautiful cities in the world? Join us for a 2-day Weekend Getaway to Paris on January 10-11! Whether you’re into sightseeing, shopping, or just soaking in the Parisian vibe, this trip will be packed with iconic landmarks, delicious food, and unforgettable moments. What's Included: - Accommodation: 1-night stay at a cozy hotel or Airbnb in central Paris, perfect for exploring the city. - Group Coordination: We’ll handle the itinerary and make sure everything runs smoothly, so you can just relax and enjoy the trip. What's Not Included: Transportation: Flights or train tickets to Paris and local transportation (we’ll help suggest ways to get around the city). Meals: All meals are on your own (but we’ll recommend some great spots!). Cost: 200€ per person for accommodation, activities, and group coordination (flights and transportation to Paris are not included). Why Join? Explore Paris: Experience the best sights in just 2 days! Great Company: Travel with a friendly group and make new friends. No Stress: Everything’s planned for you—just show up and enjoy the trip. How to Sign Up: RSVP on the Meetup event page. Book your own flights, but make sure to reserve your spot early! Travel Tips: Dress warmly, it’s winter in Paris! Comfortable shoes are a must for walking around the city.

Cinema Flagey studio 5 10/01 @ 18h10 US indie director Jim Jarmusch unexpectedly won the coveted Golden Lion at the Venice film festival with Father Mother Sister Brother, a three-part meditation on the uneasy tie between parents and their adult children. Let’s meet inside Flagey building in the hallway in front of cinema studio 5 to watch this latest film from Jarmusch with a pretty amazing cast including Cate Blanchett, Tom Waits and Adam Driver. Since it will be a rainy day on a Saturday evening, I recommend that you buy the ticket online in advance. After the film, let’s go for a drink at a nearby bar. More info here: https://www.flagey.be/en/activity/13496-father-mother-sister-brother-jim-jarmusch

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @MIR Concept Coffee Store! Saturday, 10 January 2026, from 10:00 - 13:00. 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. 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!**

Most of us only know ***the Belgian sea side*** from being there in summertime when it’s full of tourists, noisy teracces, ice cream vendors,… But have you ever seen it in winter where it looks somewhat different ? Have you discovered ***the peacefull environment***, did you feel the ***winter wind in your face*** and have you walked the ***empty beaches*** ? These will be your companions for this trip and if we ***are lucky we may even see seals lying on the beach***. For this hike we ***mostly follow the GR 5A- Streek GR Kust*** and walk through a landscape where sea, beach, dunes and forests constantly alternate. After the hike we will continue our good habit of ***taking a nice drink/ice cream/snack in a local pub in Blankenberge*** before returning to Brussels. ***Please don't forget to pay Maikel a drink :-)*** We will walk at an ***average speed of 5km/h***. 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 ***08h40 in front of the Starbucks in Brussels Central***. Our train (IC 530 - Oostende) leaves at ***08h56 from platform 2.*** We arrive at our ***destination Oostende at 10h29*** and start our hike to Blankenberge. ●● ***Train tickets*** \- single ticket Brussels to Oostende \(14\,60 € weekend / 8\,8 € with train card\+\) \- single ticket Blankenberge to Brussels \(14\,10 € weekend / 8\,4 € with train card\+\) ●● ***Train back to Brussels*** There is a train from Blankenberge to Brussels every hour at ***XX:03*** **LAST TRAIN = 22h02** ●● **Specifics** distance: \~ 24 km elevation gain: \~ 127 m net walking time ***(breaks are not included here):*** \~ 5h00 level: ***easy - open for 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’s 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 or warm drinks and food for the breaks \- sun protection oil\, a hat and sunglasses OR a raincoat (please consult the weather forcast on www.meteo.be ) \- a flashlight and a yellow/orange safety vest for when it gets dark ***\- 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 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 themselve***

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 !

Hi WW's, This Sunday we shall do a loop walk starting and finishing in Elewijt. The walk should look something like this : https://mapy.com/s/dulorotugo You should wear good clothing and walking shoes for all eventualities. Bring snacks and drink to keep you going. The Apres Walk venue will be at the the Sweyn Beer brewery , where they have craft beers . I think they serve small snacks to have with your drink. [beerhome - Sweynbeer](https://sweyn.beer/) We plan to start on time, so if you are late , please follow the map to catch us up. We will meet in front of the Sint-Hubertuskerk. Tervuursesteenweg 774 is opposite. There is parking nearby. By joining this event, you decline any responsibility to Waterloo Walkers. Thank you for your understanding. See you on Sunday. Rory.

Dear folks, Let’s start the new year with some art vibes. After the exhibition, we can go to a café (Tich) and talk about it. 😊 Please buy your ticket here before you sign up (**Entry time 15h**): https://www.bozar.be/en/calendar/luz-y-sombra-goya-and-spanish-realism About Exhibition: ​​​​​​​This unique exhibition brings the groundbreaking oeuvre of Francisco de Goya y Lucientes (1746−1828) into dialogue with work by contemporaries and artists from later generations. With his fierce, gripping depictions of injustice, abuses and horrors of his time, Goya was the pivot in the development of a modernity firmly anchored in the Spanish realist tradition. We will meet up at the entrance of the museum at **14h50.** See you soon. Cheers! Yifei

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.

What's up Friends! 👋 Let’s catch up over a cup of ☕️ (or whatever drink 🍵 or bite 🍪🍰🥐 inspires you in the moment). Where: Leopold PDN. This café may be a bit of a challenge to find on rainy days 🌧️☔️, but that's how adventures begin, right? 😂 Well, don't wait until you get hopelessly lost - text me here before you start cursing google maps 🗺️. The idea: Join the table once you've grabbed your order - mandatory! We'll kick-off with a light intro and move over to topics like activities, travel, music... At some point, if we are feeling it, we may also play some games. We will speak mostly English and French. Any other language is a bonus: 🌍🎭💃🎶🎷🤹🏻🤖 🎲 Games: No giant boards that end up in coffee spills please. Only light, short and fun games (generally card games like uno or exploding kittens💥🐱 will fit). I will bring a game or two myself, however feel free to bring along any of your own favorites. ⏱Timing: We start at 15:00, and you’re welcome to join at any time and for as long as you want. Joining later? Just let me know in advance in the chat so we keep a seat available for you 😊 🚦If you find yourself on the waiting list but you absolutely want to join or if you have any other question - feel free to contact me directly via the chat. 📢 Further details may be shared via the group chat or via DM 💬. Make sure to check your messages 👀 at least on the day before the event to avoid missing critical 🙄 announcements. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code:
👉No formalities - just chill 😎
👉Respect and positive vibes, if not 💥🥊 👉Can’t make it? Cancel so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot 🙏 👉 Don't show up if you are on the waiting list. See you folks! 😉

Join us on our weekly Sunday run to get your day started on the right foot. Whether you're a first-timer with the Brussels Runners Meetup or a familiar face, we can't wait to see you there! [Find us on Strava](https://www.strava.com/clubs/1211350/group_events/3431565227328502990) *What to Expect:* Distance : \~13 km. Pace : \~6 min/km. Mixed Terrain : A combination of dirt paths, forest trails, and possibly some road sections. Scenic Views : Enjoy the beauty of nature as we traverse diverse landscapes. Good Company : Run with like-minded individuals and make new friends. Post-Run Coffee : Optional post-run gathering for refreshments and camaraderie. Bag Drop : Available. **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. Questions and comments are welcome.

Join us for a **guided snowshoeing experience** in **Longfaille**, a quiet village just a few minutes from Botrange - but **away from the crowds**. ### 📍 Location 📌 **Longfaille** (small, peaceful village with easy parking) ➡️ **Car access required** – carpooling is encouraged ### ⏰ Schedule 🕙 **Flexible timing**, depending on the group and weather ➡️ Possible start **in the morning (around 10:00)** or **in the afternoon (around 14:00)** ⏱️ Duration: **1.5 to 2 hours** ⚠️ Weather can change (rain or warmer temperatures possible). Final confirmation will be given shortly before the event. ### 👟 Equipment included ✔️ Snowshoes ✔️ Snowshoes available for children 👉 No personal equipment needed (just warm clothes and suitable shoes). ### 👥 Group size 🔹 **Maximum 5 adults per group** 🔹 Children welcome (depending on equipment availability) ### 🚗 Transport 🚘 Participants must be able to **come by car** ➡️ Please indicate when registering if you have a car or need a ride --- ### ℹ️ Good to know * Guided by a local outdoor professional * Suitable for beginners / intermediate level * Relaxed, friendly atmosphere in nature 👉 **Sign up** and **join the WhatsApp group**, and we’ll confirm the final time based on participants and weather conditions. See you in the snow ❄️😊 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)

Join us to discuss our January read: Midnight in Everwood Marietta Stelle longs to be a ballerina but, as Christmas draws nearer, her dancing days are numbered – she must marry and take up her place in society in the New Year. But, when a mysterious toymaker, Dr Drosselmeier, purchases a neighbouring townhouse, it heralds the arrival of magic and wonder in Marietta’s life. After Drosselmeier constructs an elaborate theatrical set for her final ballet performance on Christmas Eve, Marietta discovers it carries a magic all of its own – a magic darker than anyone could imagine. As the clock chimes midnight, Marietta finds herself transported from her family’s ballroom to a frozen sugar palace, silent with secrets, in a forest of snow-topped fir trees. She must find a way to return home before she’s trapped in Everwood’s enchanting grip forever. In the darkness of night, magic awaits and you will never forget what you find here…

**Our January novel is: Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan** **This month's featured novel is a 20th-century biographical fiction, coming-of-age, historical romance, women’s fiction, world literature, student biography, heartfelt, magic, and feel-good novel. The book is 311 pages in print and 7 hours and 8 minutes on audiobook.** 1950: Margaret Devonshire (Megs) is a seventeen-year-old student of mathematics and physics at Oxford University. When her beloved eight-year-old brother asks Megs if Narnia is real, logical Megs tells him it's just a book for children, and certainly not true. Homebound due to his illness, and remaining fixated on his favorite books, George presses her to ask the author of the recently released novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe a question: "Where did Narnia come from?" Despite her fear about approaching the famous author, who is a professor at her school, Megs soon finds herself taking tea with C. S. Lewis and his own brother Warnie, begging them for answers. Rather than directly telling her where Narnia came from, Lewis encourages Megs to form her own conclusion as he shares the little-known stories from his own life that led to his inspiration. As she takes these stories home to George, the little boy travels farther in his imagination than he ever could in real life. After holding so tightly to logic and reason, her brother's request leads Megs to absorb a more profound truth: "The way stories change us can't be explained. It can only be felt. Like love."

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.

For January, we’re reading Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy. For fans of Flight Behavior and Station Eleven, a novel set on the brink of catastrophe, as a young woman chases the world's last birds--and her own final chance for redemption. Franny Stone has always been a wanderer. By following the ocean's tides and the birds that soar above, she can forget the losses that have haunted her life. But when the wild she loves begins to disappear, Franny can no longer wander without a destination. She arrives in remote Greenland with one purpose: to find the world's last flock of Arctic terns and track their final migration. She convinces Ennis Malone, captain of the Saghani, to take her onboard, winning over his eccentric crew with promises that the birds will lead them to fish. As the Saghani fights its way south, Franny's dark history begins to unspool. Battered by night terrors, accumulating a pile of unsent letters, and obsessed with pursuing the terns at any cost, Franny is full of secrets. When her quest threatens the safety of the entire crew, Franny must ask herself what she is really running toward--and running from. Propelled by a narrator as fierce and fragile as the terns she is following, Charlotte McConaghy's Migrations is both an ode to our threatened world and a breathtaking page-turner about the lengths we will go for the people we love.

I don't usually pick romance but I really wanted to do a Hanukkah book. It's a bit on the longer side but hopefully a quick read. The library only has 5 audiobooks so please try to remember to "release it" when you're done. Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238) Location: The Goat Riversouth [219 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215](https://www.google.com/maps?q=219%20South%20High%20Street%2C%20Columbus%2C%20Ohio%2043215%2C%20United%20States) [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is a nice Jewish girl with a shameful secret: she loves Christmas. For a decade she’s hidden her career as a Christmas romance novelist from her family. Her talent has made her a bestseller even as her chronic illness has always kept the kind of love she writes about out of reach. But when her diversity-conscious publisher insists she write a Hanukkah romance, her well of inspiration suddenly runs dry. Hanukkah’s not magical. It’s not merry. It’s not *Christmas*. Desperate not to lose her contract, Rachel’s determined to find her muse at the Matzah Ball, a Jewish music celebration on the last night of Hanukkah, even if it means working with her summer camp archenemy—Jacob Greenberg. Though Rachel and Jacob haven’t seen each other since they were kids, their grudge still glows brighter than a menorah. But as they spend more time together, Rachel finds herself drawn to Hanukkah—and Jacob—in a way she never expected. Maybe this holiday of lights will be the spark she needed to set her heart ablaze.

Join us for Slow Horses and a Book Exchange! In addition to our usual chat about the book, we’ll be exchanging books. Bring two books you’re willing to part with and we’ll exhange books. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Welcome to the thrilling and unnervingly prescient world of the slow horses. This team of MI5 agents is united by one common bond: They've screwed up royally and will do anything to redeem themselves. This special tenth-anniversary deluxe edition of a modern classic includes a foreword by the author, discussion questions for book clubs, and an exclusive short story featuring the slow horses. London, England: Slough House is where washed-up MI5 spies go to while away what's left of their failed careers. The "slow horses," as they're called, have all disgraced themselves in some way to get relegated there. Maybe they botched an Op so badly they can't be trusted anymore. Maybe they got in the way of an ambitious colleague and had the rug yanked out from under them. Maybe they just got too dependent on the bottle-not unusual in this line of work. One thing they have in common, though, is they want to be back in the action. And most of them would do anything to get there-even if it means having to collaborate with one another. When a young man is abducted and his kidnappers threaten to broadcast his beheading live on the Internet, the slow horses see an opportunity to redeem themselves. But is the victim really who he appears to be?

Join us for our January Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *Can't Spell Treason Without Tea* by Rebecca Thorne in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.