Speculative Fiction

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

Join us for a magical **spring getaway** to one of the most romantic spots near the Belgian border in France- a journey through **majestic ruins**, an **enchanting castle**, and a **storybook village**. We’ll wander through **ancient ruins and a chapel** surrounded by forests, share a **friendly picnic by a lakeside**, and visit the stunning **Château de Pierrefonds** - whose entrance is free on the first Sunday of the month! The day will end with an **apéro among new friends**, the perfect close to the first spring day of the year ### 🌅 **Program Highlights** ☀️ Picnic by a serene lakeside (bring your own lunch) 🏰 Visit of **Château de Pierrefonds** 🏛️ Visit the Louvre Lens museum (The Louvre-Lens is a minimalist, glass-walled satellite of the Paris Louvre near the Belgian border that displays world-class masterpieces chronologically in a single, vast "Gallery of Time.")

## 🏃‍♂️ Sunday Run : The Green Lungs of Uccle (16km) **Kick off your Sunday with the Brussels Runners!** Whether you’re a long-time regular or this is your very first time joining, come find your rhythm with us. This week, we’re leaving the cobblestones behind to explore the hidden valleys and leafy heights of Uccle. ### 📍 The Route: From Pavilions to Plateaus We’ll start at the **historic white Pavilions** (Bois de la Cambre) and head south into a side of Brussels. Our journey is a "greatest hits" of Uccle’s nature reserves: * The rolling greens of **Parc de Wolvendael** * The wilder paths of **Keyenbempt & Kinsendael** * The sweeping views of the **Engeland Plateau** * The tranquil **Parc de la Sauvagère** We’ll loop back through the Bois de la Cambre to finish a beautiful **16km circuit** on a mix of pavement and soft park paths. ### 📋 The Essentials * **Distance:** \~16 km * **Pace:** Strictly **6:15 min/km**. This is a steady, social effort—perfect for building endurance without the burn. * **Meeting Point:** At the **2 white Pavilions** (Entrance to Bois de la Cambre). * **Bag Drop:** Available on-site—run light! * **Post-Run:** Join us for a post-run "rehydration" (coffee or something colder) at **Café de la Presse** to swap stories and weekend plans. ### 👟 Why join? This is a **no-drop social run**. We’re here for the community, the conversation, and the consistent miles. It’s the ultimate way to discover Brussels’ "green lungs". **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.

On Sunday I am proposing a hike close to Brussels. We will start in the tiny village Villers-La-Ville, which is known for its impressive ruins of a former abbey. Subsequently, we will walk through a forest and agricultural areas. This region also has wine producers, so we might also encounter some vineyards on the way. At our destination Ottignies we will probably find an open bar for a drink. As the number of participants is limited, it is important that you manage your registration responsibly: only sign up if you really intend to come and cancel as soon as you know you can’t (this also goes for people on the waiting list!). We will try to keep close to an average speed of about 5 km/h. We will walk mainly on unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning. ●●You can find the track here: https://loc.wiki/t/252023497?wa=sc ●●Meeting point: We meet at 10h40 in Villers-La-Ville (in front of the railway station). If you start from Brussels-Central, you should take train IC 2109 towards Marbehan at 9h37. In Ottignies you have eight minutes to change to train S61 4560 direction Jambes at 10h23. You should get out in Villers-La-Ville. In Brussels, you can find me in the first car of the train. ●● Train tickets: Return ticket Brussels-Villers should be fine. ●● Back to Brussels: In Ottignies there is at least one direct train per hour back to Brussels. ●● Specifics: Distance: ca 25km Elevation gain: 300m Net walking time: ca 5-6h Weather forecast: Probably dry. 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](http://meetup.com/)]([http://meetup.com/](http://meetup.com/))]([http://meetup.com/](http://meetup.com/))]([http://meetup.com/](http://meetup.com/))]([http://meetup.com/](http://meetup.com/))]([http://meetup.com/](http://meetup.com/)) website and/or your emails. ●● What to bring: * Comfortable hiking clothes &shoes * rain gear (just in case) * water + food for the breaks * sun cream * Compeed for blisters * some small money for drinks ●● Basic rules: Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP asap, even hours before the walk. This is basic courtesy towards others. Repeated late cancellations are not well considered (at all). No-shows are even worse. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the “going” list. ●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability: You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you want to take part. As the participation in the events is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability. Moreover, the organisers aren't tour operators, so they don't feel obliged to answer to every text message or email!

Dear Folks, Let’s grab a coffee at **Tich at 14h00**, have a little chit-chat, get to know each other, and then head to **BOZAR at 15h00** to enjoy some art together ☕🎨 You can find the exhibition info here: (make sure you have tickets) https://www.bozar.be/en/calendar/bellezza-e-bruttezza **Contribution to Our Events:** Starting this year, we kindly ask participants to contribute in one of the following ways: **€5** per event, or **€40** annual membership fee If you feel like supporting us beyond this, to help people who can’t afford it, you are very welcome to do so 💛 If the contribution is a concern for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly 😉 * These contributions will help us: Cover the annual Meetup platform fee Encourage everyone to respect RSVPs (Last year, we experienced a significant number of no-shows at several events, which made planning and logistics considerably more challenging.) **P.S. We will donate 10% collected fees to support Queer oriented organisations in the end of the year. Your contribution means a lot to our commnutity.** *Yifei Yang BE 1236 3234 512 492* *Communication: your name+ event name/membership* Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation. **Cheers!** 🍻 Yifei

**Cinema Palace : No other choice** 01/03 @ 15h10 A sensational state-of-the-nation satire from Park Chan-wook An unemployed paper worker hatches a cunning plan to murder his way back into the job market in this continually surprising black comedy from the director of The Handmaiden and Oldboy. Korean director Park Chan-wook’s new film brings his usual effortlessly fluent, steely confidence and a type of storytelling momentum that can accommodate all kinds of digressions, set-pieces and the occasional trance-like submission to mysterious visions. It starts out like an Ealing comedy-type caper then somehow morphs into something else: a portrait of family dysfunction, fragile masculinity and the breadwinner crisis, and the state of the nation itself. It is based on Donald E Westlake’s satirical horror-thriller The Ax from 1997, previously filmed in 2005 by Costa-Gavras, to whom this film is dedicated. It may not be Park’s masterpiece but it is the best film in the Venice competition so far. [...] At first, this film looks like a serial-killer comedy in the style of Kind Hearts and Coronets, or a salaryman-shame nightmare in the vein of Laurent Cantet’s Time Out and Nicole Garcia’s The Adversary. But in fact Park refuses our expectations: Man-su does not work through his victim-base as we might imagine. In fact, he stalls early on. Other narrative priorities come to the surface. We discover that the house, which he is in danger of losing due to mortgage default, was his childhood home, and the site of a profound trauma connected to his father, a pig farmer. (One of his victims gets trussed up as compactly as a pig: an unforgettably nasty image.) So all this might be only tangentially connected to his sacking. [Cinema Palace](https://www.cinema-palace.be/fr/film/no-other-choice) [Peter Bradshaw, for The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/aug/29/no-other-choice-review-park-chan-wook?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other) **For Dreamers, Coffee shots, Orezza, eau de Saint-Georges !**

**About Event** ​As winter begins to lift, a new energy is stirring. On **March 1st**, we gather at the Shanti Dôme to honor this transition—moving from the quiet of the inner world back toward the warmth of human connection. ​This gathering is a living room for the soul. We’ve designed a flow that moves in waves, guiding us from our inner world into the heart of the community: * ​**The Ritual of Opening:** We begin by grounding ourselves in the beauty of the Dôme. With a cup of ceremonial cacao as our companion, we’ll quiet the outside noise and listen to what is ready to grow within us this season. * ​**The Shared Resonance:** From silence, we move into a collective vibration. Guided by our **Architect of Sound**, we will weave a living chorus together. You will receive your own unique thread of sound—a personalized "sonic instruction"—that contributes to a larger, powerful harmony. * ​**The Art of Being Seen:** This is our core practice for the afternoon—a fluid dance between presence and curiosity. Within the room, you will navigate a landscape of **Anchors** and **Travelers**. It is an intuitive journey of following your attraction, crossing paths with others, and discovering the stories waiting beneath the surface. * ​**The Time to Shine:** Finally, the structure dissolves completely. The floor is yours to mingle, follow up on a spark of conversation, or simply enjoy the company of a community that values authenticity over small talk. ​Come as you are. Bring your curiosity. Let’s see what grows. *** ​**🕓 Journey Timeline** ​*Please note: We begin at 15:00 sharp to honor the collective flow.* * ​**14:45:** Arrival & Settling In * ​**15:00:** Intro & Landing * ​**15:15:** Cacao Serving * ​**15:45:** Shared Resonance * ​**16:15:** The Art of Being Seen * ​**16:45:** Time to Shine (Socializing) * ​**17:45:** Closing Circle * ​**18:00:** Departure *** ​**📍 Practical Details** * ​**Language:** 🇬🇧 English (Translation in **FR/ES/NL** available upon request). * ​**Location:** [Shanti Dôme - Yoga Center](https://maps.app.goo.gl/eP8qAVk7vVcnZ97t6) * ​**Website:** [omshana.com](https://omshana.com/) & [https://shantidome.be](https://shantidome.be/) ​**Energy Exchange:** * ​**Very Early Bird:** 15€ (Available until Feb 8) * ​**Early Bird:** 20€ (Available until Feb 22) * ​**Regular:** 25€ **Ticket here: [LUMA LINK](https://luma.com/3u3lwcrg?fbclid=IwY2xjawP-rvpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2MEtoMkVvN25YTFFxZm1Jc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiQDWRxB17grbYCxykzUujuT95IewNR1ObIMZr4JatEDfAim_GhkWKLKOz98_aem_rKD7kauCqkcKwQBAN9TCXw)** *** ​**💛 Stay Connected** ​Join our community to keep the connection alive beyond the gathering: * ​**WhatsApp:** [Join the Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IdDdk9G8damKjV787DwDbN) * ​**Facebook:** [Join the Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/omshana)

On Sunday, let's pick up again a plan that was sabotaged last autumn by a cancelled train - fingers crossed for more luck this time! We'll explore the southern end of the Parc natural Coeur de Condroz - an area where we don't go too often! We start in the small village of Haversin and follow a combination of GR and local hiking path through forests and fields and meadows, passing a number of castles on the way. The hike ends in Ciney, where we will find a bar for our final drink. As the number of participants is limited, it is important that you manage your registration responsibly: only sign up if you really intend to come and cancel as soon as you know you can’t (this also goes for people on the waiting list!). We will try to keep close to an average speed of about 4.5 km/h. We will walk mainly on unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning (i.e. it may become longer ;-). ●●You can find the gpx track here: **Wikilocs:** https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/von-haversin-nach-ciney-235163320 **Komoot**: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2623261338?share_token=aJhHtjvTYFZ0e676GTw3BpS8rZq66Ab3yQvAG9dWmsqPLYBVIW&ref=wtd ●●Meeting point: We meet at 8h35 in the main hall of Schuman train station, in front of the ticket machines and take the train at 8.52 (IC2108 to Marbehan). We change train in Ciney (10.07 L6160 to Marloie) and arrive in Haversin at 10.20. ●● Train tickets: BXL-Haversin 12.60€/7.50€ with train+; Ciney - BXL 11.40€/6.80€ with train+ ●● Back to Brussels: From Ciney there are trains back every hour, at XX.56 plus an additional train every every second (uneven) hour at XX.06. ●● Specifics: Distance: ca 24 km Elevation gain: somewhere between 220 and 310m, depending on App Net walking time: ca 5.5 h Weather forecast: spring!! In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So it is important to have access to either the Meetup.com website and/or your emails. ●● What to bring: * Comfortable hiking clothes &shoes * rain gear (just in case) * water and drink for the breaks * Compeed for blisters * some small money for drinks ●● Basic rules: Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP asap, even hours before the walk. This is basic courtesy towards others. Repeated late cancellations are not well considered (at all). No-shows are even worse. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the “going” list. ●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability: You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you want to take part. As the participation in the events is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability.

🌟 Hello Yogis and Future Yogis! 🌟 -> New Year = Time to get back on the mat ! :) 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️ Whether you're a seasoned Yogi or a complete beginner, come and join us every **SUNDAY MORNING - from 11:00 to 12:15 - for Queer Yoga in Brussels :)** No need to worry if you've never tried Yoga before – everyone is welcome! 🌈 Just bring yourself in some comfy clothes (mats are provided) and let the magic happen :-). 🌿 **Class Details:** * This is an "open event" - for everyone, LGBTQ people and their friends no matter their **gender, age, race, sexual orientation or level of fitness / practice**. * Classes take place [Merci Wellness - Place Dillens 1, 1060 Saint-Gilles](https://www.merci-wellness.be/plan-acces.php). Very easy to get there, either by bike or metro (Hotel des Monnaies). * Ring bell "MERCI WELLNESS" - third floor ! * ⏰ 11:00 to 12:15 (doors close at 10:55 as **class starts at 11:00 sharp** \- it is not possible to join late\)\. 💸 **Cost:** * First class: 10 euros 🌟 * Single class: 15 euros 🧘‍♂️ * 5-class pass: 65 euros (valid for 3 months - a great deal for regular yogis! 🎉) You can pay your class on site either in CASH or through PAYCONIC. **Come and this great group of Sunday Morning Yogis** \- to spend a moment in a nice atmosphere and discover the benefits of Yoga\, from increased flexibility\, better posture\, a stronger body to a calmer mind\. See you on the mat! 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️✨ Edson P.S. Also, make sure to check out our new class **"Yoga for Men"** \- every Wednesday at 18:30 in the same location \- you can find the class list on our Meetup main page \!

A relaxed walk. No pressure: you can chat, stay quiet, or simply enjoy the walk. Une balade tranquille. Pas de pression : tu peux parler, rester silencieux·se ou juste profiter de la marche.

Join us bowling and drinks at Crosly Bowling. We'll kick off the night with a few rounds of bowling on one of their 25 lanes, offering both classic and disco-themed experiences. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or a first-timer, it's all about fun and making friends. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind, socialize, and take an evening drink with other people. The cost of the event is **10 euro**, which includes one game. It is possible to pay at the event, with cash or bank app. Any additional game, drink or snack will be at personal expenses. Please note that for respect of the participants, we are asking to be **on time** to the event. People that arrive late might not be able to play. **Additional Information:** - Crosly Bowling is located just 500 meters from Brussels Central Station, making it easily accessible by public transport. - Feel free to invite friends or colleagues; the more, the merrier! We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of fun, relaxation, and spectacular views!

♟️ **Rejoignez l’aventure Knight Clubbers !** ♟️ Venez vivre une soirée où l’échiquier devient un champ de bataille, entre bonne humeur et esprit de compétition. 🔗 **Inscription gratuite** : [S'inscrire](https://knightclubbers.com/meetup/660839?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=social) ✨ **Des parties pour tous les niveaux** Débutant curieux ou stratège aguerri, chaque partie est l’occasion parfaite pour progresser et rencontrer d’autres passionné.e.s. 🕒 **Liberté totale – Jouez à votre rythme** Participez aux duels ou observez dans une ambiance conviviale. 🏆 **Défiez vos adversaires et grimpez au classement** Accumulez les victoires pour tenter de devenir Roi ou Reine de l’Arène. 👑 **Prêts pour le défi ?** Rejoignez Knight Clubbers et entrez dans la légende !

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Brussels.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

This meeting will be an open discussion about the book "an Immense World" by Ed Yong

Attend a free seminar on how to have successful and lasting relationships. At this seminar you will learn: How to spot and handle negative and toxic relationships. How to get through the "rough patches" in a relationship. How to choose the right people to work with. The three things that make or break any relationship. How to make a good relationship great. All are welcome. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. Hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

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

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia