Smart Cities

What would make a city "ideal"? The answer(s) might first appear on the surface (excuse the pun) to be a no-brainer: thriving, prosperous, clean, safe, energizing yet relaxing, beautiful, affordable, etc ... However, as we further unpack and explore all these factors, we might soon begin to see that the answer(s) may not be that simple after all - not only considering the reality of limited resources (not enough money or energy - or surface area - to realize all visions, therefore choices have to be made), but also confronting the reality that each decision made will have implications on the whole system, as every element in a city both influences and requires all others. Inspired by Plato's *Republic,* one approach to answer the question "What is an ideal city?" could be to compare this question with the question, "What is an ideal human being?" If there might be *many* types of ideal cities or human beings, what properties (again, excuse the pun!) would they all have in common? Each city should best of course be studied in the context of its particular history, geography, climate, ecosystem, economics, culture etc. How have cities optimized (achieving differing degrees of success) their natural advantages while compensating for their vulnerabilities? What type(s) of people would be the ideal cities' inhabitants and visitors? How homogeneous or heterogeneous should a city be to both flourish and function optimally? (cf. meetup topic of 7/11/2020). In which ways should its citizens behave uniformly and in which ways diversely? Should architecture and urban design be used to promote social/political/ethical behaviour? How would *social* navigation ("networking" and maintaining ties) in our city operate? What sorts of infrastructure and urban culture would facilitate thriving interactions? How can city and nature be best reconciled? How should our cities deal with climate change and function sustainably? Where do we go from now? What lies in the future for our cities in the world today? At the micro level... What would your ideal city look like? (For example - just 1 out of hundreds of possible questions - how high should its highrises be?) What would be the ideal size of geographical area that we would consider to be our "home territory" i.e. the amount of earth surface area that we move upon during an average day/week/month of our living? How would we move around? What would your own personal lifestyle be like in your ideal city? Would a "low-stress" lifestyle be ideal, and if so, what characteristics of our ideal city would facilitate this? What would you argue are the most positive and negative aspects of cities you can think of in the world today? Jane Jacobs' ideas, values and theories continue to remain a standard reference even today, 65 years later [https://youtu.be/Y4k6SXaUXho?is=zdkUoi9hbzE7Lpg-](https://youtu.be/Y4k6SXaUXho?is=zdkUoi9hbzE7Lpg-) Carlos Moreno's concept of "15-min city", introduced 10 years ago, has become increasingly popular - as well as debated [https://youtu.be/a1tUy8uqlOE?is=RW4eRLplijnyomKU](https://youtu.be/a1tUy8uqlOE?is=RW4eRLplijnyomKU) Edward Glaeser interview (only if you have enough time) [https://youtu.be/k2USzajXfLk?is=2sPas0L8_C0COrL](https://youtu.be/k2USzajXfLk?is=2sPas0L8_C0COrL) *(begin from 03.00) Where we're going (possibly)... [https://youtu.be/T6mK-Ukr_ts?is=QjHyf8uVu6GlzuTF](https://youtu.be/T6mK-Ukr_ts?is=QjHyf8uVu6GlzuTF) [https://youtu.be/zHgfKz7aQkY?is=H56JVVaLlJXbLRjl](https://youtu.be/zHgfKz7aQkY?is=H56JVVaLlJXbLRjl) [https://youtu.be/hfHtFiqw-IY?is=-LVjTtb07ZSYPosI](https://youtu.be/hfHtFiqw-IY?is=-LVjTtb07ZSYPosI) Photo (by Alan Woo): Chóngqìng from the air (May 2026)

Join Photoresk for a relaxed afternoon of street photography at the Zinneke Parade in Brussels. We meet in front of Café Metteko before the parade, photograph together for about two hours, then come back for a drink and chat. The Zinneke Parade returns to the centre of Brussels on Saturday 30 May 2026, and it is exactly the kind of colourful, surprising city moment that is fun to photograph together. We will meet at 14:30 in front of Café Metteko, Boulevard Anspach 88, 1000 Brussels. The parade starts at 15:00. The different Zinnodes move through the centre in a loop, so from one good spot on the route we should be able to see the full parade between 15:00 and 17:00. https://www.zinneke.org/parade-2026/infos-pratiques/ Afterwards, from around 17:15, we will meet again at or near Café Metteko for a drink, a chat, and maybe a first look at our favourite shots. All levels are welcome. Bring any camera you like: DSLR, mirrorless, compact camera, analogue camera, or phone. The idea is simple: enjoy Brussels, photograph together, and meet other people who like photography. Practical details: Date: Saturday 30 May 2026 Meeting time: 14:30 Meeting point: in front of Café Metteko, Boulevard Anspach 88, 1000 Brussels Parade photography: 15:00-17:00 Social get-together: from about 17:15 at or near Café Metteko Nearby public transport: Bourse, De Brouckère, Gare Centrale A small note on comfort and safety: The Zinneke Parade is colourful, busy and often loud. Some places, especially around Bourse and Grand-Place, can get very crowded. Please travel light, keep an eye on your belongings, and respect the parade teams, stewards and other visitors. For close portraits, please ask first. Photoresk is a friendly international photography group. New faces are very welcome.

**30th May Nude Art Class – Drawing and/or Painting – Grand Hospice** Welcome to the May session of the nude drawing and painting classes, which will take place at Grand Hospice, in Brussels city centre, until June 2026! When: **Saturday 30th May,** **1.45 - 4.30 pm**. The class will focus on drawing and painting the human figure, using both previously seen and new live models. We will continue studying the human figure, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with multiple poses and different posing times, and objects integrated in the composition. Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting, this art class is open to all skill levels! This time, we will have a female model. Two tickets possible: only with **drawing material**, or **drawing + painting** material. Limited "**pay 1 get 2"** tickets have been added: get them quickly! Please book via **this Eventbrite link**. Only Eventbrite tickets will count as participation, due to limited capacity: **https://tinyurl.com/2z5a2pm7** Where: **Jardin Hospice**, **Rue du Grand Hospice 7**, 1000 **Bruxelles**. Meeting point: at the **main door** of Jardin Hospice, **at 1.45 pm**. The group will be guided upstairs. **The session will start at 2 pm o'clock**. If late, please contact Elio via WhatsApp: **+39 324 62 17 652**, in order to allow the other participants to start on time. Last but not least: mark the following session in your calendar, the last one before summer holidays, on **27th June.** We will restart in September. Refreshments and finger food provided as usual. See you there!

### Confirm participation on [www.sundayvacations.com](www.sundayvacations.com) => events ### Escape the city without leaving Brussels. Join us for a relaxed community hike through one of Brussels' most beautiful and surprising green corridors: the Woluwe Valley. From peaceful parks and hidden nature reserves to historic estates and forest trails, this walk reveals a side of Brussels that many residents have never explored. Whether you're new to Brussels, looking to meet like-minded people, or simply want to spend a Saturday afternoon outdoors, this is a perfect opportunity to disconnect from routine and reconnect with nature and community. ## 🌍 Community Event ### Why Join? The Woluwe Valley is one of Brussels' most important ecological landscapes and forms part of the European Natura 2000 network dedicated to biodiversity conservation. During our walk, we'll discover a remarkable diversity of landscapes, including: 🌳 The beautiful Woluwe Park 🌿 The semi-natural sites of Hof ter Musschen and Domaine des Silex 🏞️ The scenic parks of Malou, Seny, Ten Reuken and Tournay-Solvay 🚶 Former railway paths transformed into green walking routes 🌲 Sections of the majestic Sonian Forest 🏰 Historic landmarks linked to King Leopold II's vision for Brussels and the prestigious Avenue de Tervuren Along the way, we'll pass through landscapes that tell the story of Brussels' relationship with nature, urban development, and cultural heritage. ## 🤝 More Than a Walk At Sunday Vacations, we believe people join experiences for connection as much as the activity itself. This walk is designed to create a welcoming atmosphere where international professionals, expats, locals, solo joiners, and nature lovers can meet naturally while exploring together. Whether you're attending your first event or already part of the community, you'll find a friendly and inclusive group. ## 📅 Program **14:50** – Meet at Le Slot (near Roodebeek Metro) Optional: arrive a little earlier if you'd like to have lunch or a drink with other participants before departure. **15:00** – Start of the hike **15:00 – 18:00** – Guided community walk through the Woluwe Valley **18:00** – End of the hike at Gare de Boitsfort Participants are welcome to continue socializing afterwards. ## 📍 Meeting Point Le Slot Restaurant Near Roodebeek Metro Station Brussels ## 🥾 Route Information Distance: Approximately 9.8 km Difficulty: Easy Pace: Relaxed and social Suitable for beginners: Yes Dogs: Welcome if friendly and kept under control ## 💰 Participation ### Sunday Vacations Members ✅ Free participation ### Non-Members You are welcome to join and discover the community. Membership starts from just: 🌟 Explorer Membership – €5/year 🚀 Voyager Membership – €50/year 🏆 Ambassador Membership – €150/year Membership helps support the community and unlocks access to additional benefits, experiences, and member pricing throughout the year. ## 📱 WhatsApp Group A dedicated WhatsApp group will be created before the event to facilitate communication and last-minute updates. The access link will be shared with registered participants. ## 🎒 What to Bring ✔ Comfortable walking shoes ✔ Weather-appropriate clothing ✔ Water ✔ Good energy and curiosity ## ⚠ Important Notes • Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation. • This event takes place entirely outdoors. • There is no weather backup plan. • By joining, participants acknowledge the normal risks associated with outdoor walking activities. • Please arrive on time so we can depart together. ## About Sunday Vacations Sunday Vacations is a community operated by UJAMAA ASBL, bringing together people through adventure, culture, nature, and meaningful social experiences. Our events are designed to help you discover new places, meet new people, and create memorable moments together. ## Legal Disclaime Sunday Vacations acts as a community organizer and connector and is not a travel agency Activities are organised by volunteers and covered under the legal Belgian volunteer insurance framework VAT not applicable – small business exemption scheme, Article 56bis Belgian VAT Code ### 🌿 Ready to discover one of Brussels' most beautiful hidden green corridors Join us for an afternoon of nature, conversation, discovery, and community Come solo. Leave with new connections

THIS SATURDAY\, 30 MAY 2026 \| BXL MAIN EVENT \| 10:00 PM – 4:00 AM INTERNATIONAL PARTY – Madame Moustache \| 80’s 90’s 2000’s – Powered by Just A Night Facebook: [https://fb.me/e/8UQxGxZ0z](https://fb.me/e/8UQxGxZ0z) Skip the Line & Guarantee Pass: [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/16139](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/16139) Or tickets at the door +GREAT SUMMER TERRACE *** INTERNATIONAL PARTY BACK TO THE 80s 90s 2000s MADAME MOUSTACHE – Powered by Just A Night SPECIAL GUEST DJ: TBA XXL BRUSSELS PARTY \| INTERNATIONAL VIBES \| COSMOPOLITAN ENERGY *** **NEW : Speed Dating Option with Meet & Match [19:00–23:00] + PARTY** Registration and prepayment for the speed dating event are required! *** Just A Night is landing at Madame Moustache for an exceptional edition! A must-attend roaming concept in Brussels, Just A Night has been bringing together nightlife lovers for over 10 years: Artists, DJs, models, party people, globe-trotters, expats, and cool crowds from all backgrounds! This time, get ready to dance to the best old-school hits from the 80s to the 2000s — remixed like never before. Retro vibes & atmosphere. A musical journey to experience with friends, right in the heart of the city’s nightlife. AT MADAME MOUSTACHE, WE’RE TURNING UP THE HEAT 😉 *** INFO & BOOKINGS info@justanight.net +32 478 58 60 39 (bookings & birthdays) Facebook: [https://fb.me/e/8UQxGxZ0z](https://fb.me/e/8UQxGxZ0z) Madame Moustache 5-7 Quai au Bois à Brûler, 1000 Brussels

**Cinematek : Invasión** 30/05 @ 20h **ENTRE BORGES Y LA LUCHA ARMADA: INVASIÓN DE HUGO SANTIAGO** Por Pablo Gamba Invasión (1969), el primer largometraje de Hugo Santiago, fue escrito por Jorge Luis Borges y el director, basado en una idea de este mismo escritor y Adolfo Bioy Casares. [...] **Otra manera de ver** A primera vista Invasión podría ser considerada también como uno de esos “relatos que marcan el miedo o extrañeza de una clase poseedora ante el avance de otro amenazante”, los cuales abundan en la literatura argentina, como escribió recientemente Nicolás Prividera en una nota sobre tres películas argentinas recientes.4 Eso explicaría también la actitud de los que no aplauden el filme, puesto que el representante mayoritario de ese “otro” es el peronismo, de acuerdo con Prividera, aunque los orígenes literarios del tema se remontan a El matadero de Esteban Echeverría (1838-1840). La película se desarrolla en Aquilea, en 1957. Es un año que los guionistas eligieron “porque no proporcionaba ningún dato en especial”, según David Oubiña.5 Pero en la ciudad ficticia hay referentes identificables de Buenos Aires, como la Bombonera, la cancha de Boca Juniors, donde el nombre de la ciudad real puede leerse en un poster. Además, Aquilea fue destruida por Atila en 452, después de tres meses de sitio, lo que podría dar pie para comparar al “otro” con los bárbaros que atacaron al Imperio Romano. El filme relata la resistencia de un grupo de agentes a un intento de invasión que comienza con la introducción de contrabando de un transmisor de radio a la ciudad. La historia está relatada desde el punto de vista de los defensores, cuya actividad clandestina incluso se presta para identificarlos como un grupo parapolicial. Pero los que torturan son los invasores y los de la resistencia son los que tienen un fin trágico. Eso pareciera darles la razón a los que consideran que se asume en el filme la perspectiva ideológica de El matadero. Un problema para identificar Aquilea con Argentina es el tipo de realismo de la película. En primer lugar, hay un efecto de extrañamiento en la representación de los límites de la ciudad del filme, que no pueden ser las de Buenos Aires. Así lo explica el director: “Es cierto que en la frontera norte hay islas como si hubiera un delta, eso hay, pero hay otras cosas. Por ejemplo hacia el nor-noroeste hay una frontera montañosa. Cuando lo escribimos con Borges […], cuando escribimos que llegan, pasan, y hay unas montañas en el fondo. Esa transgresión de saber que no era aquí porque había montañas fue una violencia enorme que nos hicimos a nosotros mismos, y nos reímos mucho”. También crean un efecto de extrañamiento ciertos ruidos que se repiten constantemente. Fueron producidos por Edgardo Cantón en el Laboratorio de Música Electrónica del Instituto Torcuato di Tella. La duda de si sólo forman parte de la banda sonora o los escuchan los personajes es despejada por la escena en la que el agente Lebendiger mueve la cabeza de un lado a otro, como buscando el origen de uno de esos ruidos. Más extrañamente aún, suena como un pájaro en el bowling donde se reúnen los agentes de la resistencia a la invasión, comandados por Herrera. Si en la Aquilea de la película se reconoce visualmente a Buenos Aires, esos sonidos producen la impresión contraria. Los invasores también son representados de una forma extraña. Algunos son gauchos a caballo, y en ellos podría reconocerse a un “otro” rural. Pero hay un desembarco que podría hacer pensar en marines estadounidenses, y dos imágenes que representan a los que invaden de forma desconcertante: las avionetas de la invasión aérea, que no son aviones de combate, y sobre todo los numerosos automóviles que se reúnen silenciosamente en diversos lugares, con los faros encendidos. Son una presencia tan inexplicable como amenazante. Todo eso invita a hacer diversas conjeturas acerca de qué tipo de invasión se trata, en vez de confirmar lo consabido que se desprende del lugar común literario. [...] **Forma sin contenido** En la medida en que Invasión se despega del registro de la Buenos Aires real y de la reproducción del tópico literario, puede hallarse en ella algo más interesante: ya no el contenido sino la forma del conflicto implícito en el temor al “otro”. Jung Ha Kang ve de esa manera la película, en un texto titulado “La forma es el mensaje”: “Si la obra de Santiago, Borges y Bioy Casares puede ser leída como una versión fílmica de la escena […] de la violación, la penetración, la invasión de la civitas, la Ciudad […], por una exterioridad amenazante, las características con las cuales esta última es representada hacen imposible de leer como una ‘alegoría histórica’: ni se trata de la barbarie rosista de Facundo ni del peronismo de Casa tomada, ni de un golpe de Estado militar ni de ninguna manifestación política concreta. Si hay política en Invasión, ella se encuentra en un nivel máximo de la ficcionalización, como un grado cero […], como una forma pura. El enfrentamiento puro es la forma pura de la política: ese es el tema de ese ‘cine puro’ que propone Invasión, y es su forma la que nos conduce a él.” [Cinematek](https://cinematek.be/2026-05-18-20-00/invasion) [Desistfilm Por Pablo Gamba](https://desistfilm.com/entre-borges-y-la-lucha-armada-invasion-de-hugo-santiago-1969/) **For Dreamers, Coffee shots, Orezza, eau de Saint-Georges**

Découverte des pratiques Heartfulness en ligne Chaque 4 & 5ème samedi du mois à 9h30 Approfondissement des pratiques La relaxation et la méditation nous permettent d’explorer la dimension subtile du cœur. Le nettoyage et la régénération favorisent la légèreté d’être en effaçant les empreintes émotionnelles. La connexion intérieure nous permet de rester centré et d’accéder aux niveaux les plus profonds de son être. Pratiquons-les, ensemble Les séances proposées par Heartfulness sont offertes, accessibles à toutes personnes et animées par des formateurs bénévoles certifiés. Inscription par ce lien https://cutt.ly/IOXyqeE Durée de l’atelier : une heure Contact : info@heartfulness.fr

*QR code to be obtained on events page @ [www.sundayvacations.com](www.sundayvacations.com)* ## Ancient stories, slow travel, and meaningful connections. Join Sunday Vacations for a relaxed cultural escape to Tongeren, Belgium’s oldest city, during the special Archaeology Days weekend. Together, we’ll travel by train from Brussels, explore the famous Gallo-Roman Museum, and enjoy a guided walk through Tongeren’s historic streets, Roman heritage, and hidden corners. This experience combines: - culture - storytelling - social connection - local discovery - slow Sunday travel Expect a warm international atmosphere, curious conversations, and a different way to experience Belgium beyond Brussels. Solo joiners are always welcome. ## Experience Overview During Archaeology Days, the Gallo-Roman Museum hosts special live activities where archaeologists and researchers share fascinating discoveries about prehistoric, Celtic, and Roman Belgium. ## Highlights - Train journey from Brussels with the group (Train departure: 9:01 Platform 3 - IC507 (Liege-Guillemins) Journey time: Approximately 2h 15m (With 1 change) \- 11:15 AM Arrive in Tongeren\. - Antiques Market Tongeren Visit the largest antiques market in the Benelux (Leopoldwal and Maastrichterstraat) - Cultural walk through Tongeren - Discover Roman and medieval heritage - Special Archaeology Days access - Meet archaeologists and heritage experts - Relaxed international community atmosphere - Ideal for solo joiners & curious minds - Slow Sunday travel experience ## Plan / Itinerary - Meet at Brussels Central Station - Coffee & introductions - Train journey to Tongeren - Visit the Gallo-Roman Museum - Explore Archaeology Days activities - Optional archaeology blitz course - Social regroup moments during the visit ### Late Afternoon - Optional café / terrace stop - Relaxed free time before departure ### Evening - Train back to Brussels together Exact timings and train details will be shared before the event. ## Price / Contribution Museum access is free during Archaeology Days. Participants cover: - their own train tickets - personal food & drinks VAT not applicable – small business exemption scheme, Article 56bis Belgian VAT Code. ## Important Notes - This is a hosted community experience, not a professional licensed tourism service. - Participants remain responsible for purchasing their own train tickets. - The city walk is organised in a relaxed community format. - Exact schedule may vary slightly depending on train timing and group pace. ## Legal Disclaimer Sunday Vacations / UJAMAA ASBL acts as a community organiser and not as a travel agency. Activities are organised by volunteers and covered under the legal volunteer insurance framework. Participants remain individually responsible for their own transportation, purchases, and participation choices during the outing. VAT not applicable – small business exemption scheme, Article 56bis Belgian VAT Code.

**Join us for a warm and easy-going afternoon at the Zinneke Parade 🎉, one of Brussels’ most creative and colorful street events.** The parade brings together artists, local groups, performers, musicians, and communities from different parts of the city to create a unique celebration in the streets of Brussels. The atmosphere is usually festive, artistic, multicultural, and full of surprises ✨. Expect music, costumes, creative performances, colorful groups, and a very Brussels-style mix of imagination and good energy. We can go as a group and walk around the city centre, watch the different parade groups, take photos 📸, enjoy the music and costumes 🎶🎭, and experience the festive atmosphere together. This is a great event for people who enjoy culture, creativity, street performances, local Brussels life, and social gatherings 🤝. Whether you are new in Brussels or simply want to spend a nice afternoon with friendly people, you are welcome to join. There is no fixed program: we will meet, walk together, enjoy the parade at a relaxed pace, and maybe go for a drink or snack afterwards for those who want to continue the evening ☕🍹. **To keep the group experience pleasant for everyone, participants are kindly asked to respect each other, behave normally, and contribute to a friendly and positive atmosphere 😊🙏.** **Location** **📍 Place de la Bourse in front of the Metro entrance** **Price** **🎟️ Free event** **No ticket is needed. You only pay for your own food or drinks if you decide to buy something**.

Far-ranging train disruptions limit the choices for this weekend - here a late proposal for a nice and flat hike through flemish wetlands this Sunday. We start at the station of Schoonaarde and cross the Schelde into some woods. Along an old meander of the Schelde we reach the Donkmeer, a large lake with a summer beach. From there we continue to Kalkense Meersen, a large and beautiful nature area with grassland, water and some open-air art. We end the hike in Wetteren, which should provide sufficient choice of place for a final drink/ice cream. The number of participants is limited to 20, so please 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 somewhere close to an average speed of 4.5 to 5 km/h. We will walk both on paved and 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: kommot: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/986475602?share_token=a6QPrqXmM4QKOQ24NWgMm7yxp7REdTramG2suq35U8RF4bBF2a&ref=wtd&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=472114460035 wiciloc: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/von-schoonaarde-nach-wetteren-266681186 ●●Meeting point: We meet at 9.05 in Bruxelles Central train station. Our train (IC 3209 to Dendermonde) leaves from platform 1 at 9.22. We change in Dendermonde and arrive in Schoonaarde at 10.09. ●● Train ticket: BXL-Schoonarde 6.20 (3.70 with train+), Wetteren - BXL 6.60 (3.90 with train+) ●● Trains back to Brussels: Four per hour, direct or via Gent or Dendermonde. ●● Specifics: Distance: \~ 25 km Elevation gain: up and down some dikes, otherwise flat as can be Net walking time: \~ 5.5 h Weather forecast: Significantly cooler, and should be mostly dry during the day, but some rain possible. In the unlikely case of too bad weather, I may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, I 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 * Waterproof, comfortable hiking shoes * sufficient water + food for the breaks * Compeed for blisters * Small change for the drink (cafes in the countryside do not necessarily take cards!) ●● 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.

🏃‍♂️ Missed the 20k Registration? Get Your Adrenaline Fix Here! 🌲 Sold out? No bib? No problem. While 40,000 runners are pounding the hot asphalt on the road, we are taking the FOMO to the forest. Welcome to the Alternative 20k (But Make It 15k & Beautiful). Skip the massive crowds and the concrete, and join us for a stunning, shaded, and high-energy cruise through the best trails Brussels has to offer. You’ll still get that race-day buzz without the entry fee! 📅 The Game Plan Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026 (Official 20k Day) Meet-up Time: 09:45 AM (Sharp! We move shortly after) Meeting Point: In front of the Main Tribune / Stands at the Hippodrome de Boitsfort (Drohme) Distance: 15 km Pace: Cruisy, steady 6:00 min/km Terrain: Light, wide trails in the gorgeous Forêt de Soignes (smooth dirt paths, manageable elevation, completely under the tree canopy) 📍 Route & Vibe Starting from the historic Hippodrome, we will dive straight into the green lung of Brussels. We will trace a beautiful 15k loop through the Forêt de Soignes, keeping the pace locked at a social but solid 6:00/km. Expect fresh air, zero traffic, great conversations, and a massive hit of endorphins. 🎒 What to Bring Trail or standard running shoes (The light trails are very forgiving, so regular road shoes work just fine if it’s dry!) Your own hydration/gels if you need them (there are no official SPA water stations out here, folks!). Post-run vibes: We can grab a coffee or a cold drink at the Drohme melting pot right after we finish.

This workshop series is a **follow-up to the ESP32 Robotics workshop**, but with a different concept. Here, there will be no subject set in advance, instead **all participants are welcome to join at any point and at any level, from beginner to expert**. Beginners will be guided though the basics (C programming, how to use measurement tools, soldering, PCB design, etc…) and can get advice on what tools and kits to start with, others can come with their own projects to get help or share some knowledge. ## Requirements * Bring your own laptop (Windows, Linux or Mac) * Any microcontroller/dev kit to develop your project(s). If you are a beginner and don’t know what to buy, come and we’ll find the best starter kit for you ! * A strong desire to learn stuff, good mood and some patience !

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.

### 🌲 Disconnect. Challenge Yourself. Reconnect. Are you ready to step completely outside your comfort zone? Join us for an unforgettable **36-hour survival immersion** in a private forest near Mons — a raw, powerful experience designed to bring you back to the essentials of life. No screens. No city noise. No comfort bubble. Just nature, teamwork, and your own resilience 🌿 --- ## 🏕️ What Awaits You Under the guidance of a specialized survival instructor, you will learn practical skills that humans relied on for thousands of years: 🔥 How to make fire from scratch 🏕️ Build your own natural shelter 🧭 Navigate using terrain and basic tools 💧 Manage essential resources in the wild 🌲 Live fully outdoors — day and night 🤝 Strong group bonding through shared challenge This is not a demonstration — you will actively participate. --- ## 🌟 Why This Experience Is Special ✨ A rare opportunity to disconnect from modern life ✨ Powerful team spirit — you will go through this together ✨ Confidence boost & personal breakthrough ✨ Memorable stories you will tell for years ✨ Meet adventurous, open-minded people from our community Many participants describe survival experiences as **life-changing**. --- ## 👥 Who Should Join? ✔️ Curious explorers & adventure seekers ✔️ Beginners welcome — no survival experience needed ✔️ Open-minded people ready to try something different ✔️ Anyone craving a real reset from everyday life You don’t need to be super athletic — motivation matters more than performance 💪 --- ## 📍 Event Details 📍 Private forest in Frameries (near Mons) 📅 May 30–31, 2026 ⏱️ 36 hours in nature 👥 Very limited group: **max. 20 participants** --- ## ⚠️ Important to Know ✔️ Outdoor conditions — rain or shine ✔️ No modern comforts ✔️ Personal gear required (packing list provided) ✔️ Safety supervised by experienced instructor --- ## ❤️ The Sunday Vacations Spirit This is not just a course — it’s a shared adventure. Expect: ✨ New friendships ✨ Mutual support ✨ Genuine human connection ✨ A break from the fast pace of Brussels life If you enjoy our hikes and trips, this is the **next level**. --- ## 🌿 Are You In? Spaces are intentionally limited to keep the experience authentic and safe. 👉 Join us if you want something real, intense, and unforgettable.

QA or the Highway is a one-day, affordable, regional, professional conference featuring real-world experience and thought leadership in the QA and testing industry. This is a ticketed event please register here: https://www.qaorthehwy.com/ Featured Keynote Speakers: **Matthew-Hope Eland** **(Wizard at Leading EDJE)** \- An AI Specialist and Wizard at Leading EDJE who is known to teach software engineering\, AI\, and data science concepts in the most ridiculous ways possible\. Matt has used machine learning to settle debates over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie\, reinforcement learning to drive the behavior of digital squirrels\, data analytics to suggest improvements to his favorite TV show\, and AI agents to play board games and create an AI agent with the personality of a dog\. Matt is the author of "Data Science in \.NET with Polyglot Notebooks" and "Refactoring with C\#" as well as several LinkedIn Learning courses\. Matt helps organize the Central Ohio \.NET Developer Group\, runs several blogs and a YouTube channel\, has a Master’s of Science in Data Analytics\, and is a current Microsoft MVP in AI and \.NET\. **Tatyana Arbouzova** **(CEO at Innovate QA)** \- Tatyana Arbouzova is an engineering and business leader with a strong background in Quality Engineering across multiple industries\, including Big Tech\, Healthcare\, and Entertainment\. She has held leadership roles at world\-class companies such as Microsoft\, VMware\, Disney\, and The Pokémon Company International\, where she focused on building quality\-driven cultures and scaling teams to deliver high\-impact products\. With decades of experience\, Tatyana has helped organizations transform their quality practices so teams can deliver software efficiently\, confidently\, and with measurable business outcomes\. Today\, Tatyana advises software companies on adopting AI to optimize quality practices and improve how software is delivered at scale\. She is also a passionate community builder and the founder of Innovate QA\, a thriving Seattle\-based community and conference for quality professionals\.

Click Here For More Videos: [https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17vTa7EuwG/](https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17vTa7EuwG/) The Biggest Salsa Night to hit your mid-week is happening at Latin City Wednesdays. Get the feel of the Latin Beat as your hips and feet groove the right way. Viva Dance Columbus (2809 Festival Lane Dublin, OH 43017) 830pm-930pm Cuban Salsa Lessons 930pm-Midnight Open Latin Dance Party 15 With Lesson 10 Just Open Dance Free Parking, No Need to Bring a dance partner, No Sandals Please and Plenty of Space to Move Around.

Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

**The Behavior Gap: Where Products Win or Lose** Teams today have more data than ever, and yet many still struggle to understand why customers adopt, engage with, or abandon their products. Teams sprint, ship faster, and chase more signals… all while metrics stall and confidence drops. The missing piece isn’t more data. It’s often the behavioral insight between the metrics, explaining why the numbers move in the first place. Dashboards can tell you what customers did, but understanding why they did it (and how to influence what they do next) requires a deeper blend of insights. This session is about closing that gap. Drawing from real-world experience designing and scaling products as [ZoCo Design](https://zocodesign.com/)’s CEO, [Lacey](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceypicazo/) will share how to cut through the noise and identify the insights that actually change behavior—moving people, and moving metrics. You’ll learn: * Why understanding customer behavior is a quant and qual challenge * How to spot the signals that actually predict behavior change * Where AI accelerates insight, and where it creates distraction * How to get meaningfully closer to customers, without adding more tools This talk reframes how to evaluate performance and identify what levers actually improve it, helping your team to make smarter bets with greater confidence. Every meaningful outcome is driven by behavior change. And when you know how to design for behavior, you stop guessing, and start building things that work. **About Our Speaker** [Lacey Picazo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceypicazo/) is the Founder and CEO of ZoCo, a healthcare product studio that turns complex, high-stakes ideas into products that drive real-world adoption. She partners with healthcare organizations to uncover critical care delivery insights, focus product strategy through behavior design, and build solutions that patients and providers actually use. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

The Unity of Columbus Resource Group for the Homeless is seeking compassionate volunteers who would like to help serve and uplift members of our homeless community. This group is dedicated to sharing kindness, resources, and support with individuals who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Anyone with a heart for service is welcome to join us as we work together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Community members are also invited to contribute by bringing helpful items for those in need. Donations of items can be contributed at the meeting and will be distributed to assist members of the homeless community. Please consider joining us and sharing this opportunity with friends, family, or associates who may also wish to help. Learn more about Unity of Columbus at www.unityofcolumbus.org or call (614) 267-4959. Together we can extend compassion, dignity, and support to our community. 💛

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.