CARPE DIEM - Nature and Culture Adventures

Important! To sign up, please pay the € 5,- * Meet Up event fee directly (See notifications for tickie).* From 8 November the fee is € 5,95 *

Join us for a scenic hike (-+15 km) that takes us deep into the woods and rolling hills of Berg en Dal, near Nijmegen. This time, we will explore the southeast part of the area!
The hike will take you through majestic forests, meadows, and valleys, passing over 8 distinctive hills on our way to the Devil's Mountain (Duivelsberg). With gentle but steady ascents and descents, this route offers a unique hiking experience in the relatively flat Netherlands, making it perfect for an energizing adventure.

We'll traverse the charming valleys of Hengstdal and Heerlijkheid Beek, with the Filosofendal, known for its overwhelming flora and babbling brook.
After our climb, we will be rewarded with gorgeous views over the Ooijpolder and the Waal River. Soon, we’ll reach the pancake restaurant, where we can indulge ourselves. We will also enjoy the beautiful late autumn colours along the way.
This is a journey back to my childhood, where I used to spend the holidays with my beloved grandparents.

Gathering 10:48 @ NS Nijmegen train station, where we take bus 8, departing 10:57 to Berg en Dal, bus stop Groot Berg en Dal, arriving at 11:23. We start hiking after meeting & greeting.

Berg en Dal Village
The hike starts near the charming village of Berg en Dal, which literally means 'Mountain and Valley.'

The 8 hills
The route goes through a rolling terrain of eight distinctive hills, from the Sterrenberg (90 m) to the Hanenberg (92 m). It has several challenging ascents and descents.

Filosofendal & Bridge of the Wise
The Filosofendal is characterized by its lush flora, thanks to the crystal-clear stream flowing through it. The Bridge of the Wise invites reflection and admiration of the surrounding nature.

Heerlijkeheid Beek
Heerlijkeheid refers to the historical manor of Beek, rich in feudal history tied to noble families. This village lies at the transition from the moraine in the south to the polder in the north. The area is rich in chestnut trees, believed to be a legacy from the Romans, who settled in the region around 50 B.C.

Wylerbergmeer & German border
This serene lake offers expansive views and marks our passage into a different world as we near the German border.

The Devil's mountain (Duivelsberg)
This hill was formed during the last ice age. In medieval times, it served as a strategic defense post, with a castle at the peack. Local folklore adds a sense of mystery, as legends tell of the devil roaming these woods. The breathtaking view at the summit makes the effort worthwhile.

Important! To sign up, please pay the € 5,- * Meet Up event fee directly (See notifications for tickie).* From 8 November the fee is € 5,95 *
* Upon signing up, you will initially be placed on the waiting list. Following approval, you’ll be moved to the attendee list, with priority given to regular members who have attended the most hikes over the past year.

To celebrate the anniversary of 3 amazing years of my Carpe Diem Meet Up group, we’re setting of on a special hike through the green heart of South Holland! This scenic 15 km trail offers a varied route starting at the historical medieval city centre of Gouda and leads us to the beautiful polders, along the IJsselpad trail by the river. After a cosy high tea lunch @ my home 'restaurant', we will continue the hike through the Goudse Hout forest, and the stunning Reewijkse lakes.

We’ll enjoy homemade pumpkin soup and a delightful home made high tea lunch with treats as a gesture of appreciation for everyone who has joined and supported Carpe Diem as regular attendees this past year. It wil be a day of delicious food, good company, and joyful memories.

📍Gathering 10:30 @ train station NS Gouda (centre side). The hike is a loop ending at the same spot.

Gouda city centre
Our journey begins in the historic city centre. As a local, I’m thrilled to show you around, starting with the Markt square with its fairy-tale City Hall, the Waag (cheese weigh house), St. Jan Church, and the old harbor. But we’ll also escape the crowds to discover tranquil canals, narrow streets, secret alleys, colorful courtyards, and parks adorned with autumn colors.

IJsselpad trail
Later on, we’ll follow the IJssel-path running alongside the river. We’ll cross a small bridge by a pumping station, joining a quiet riverside path behind the cemetery, which offers peaceful, low-lying views of the river. This scenic route through the Krimpenerwaard and Haastrecht areas reveals Gouda's charming rural landscapes, with a section enhanced by a path along the foot of the dike.

🥳🎃 Anniversary Cozy Lunch High Tea @ home restaurant 🎃🥳
After 8 km of riverside beauty, we’ll arrive at my home for a well-deserved lunch break, featuring:

• Homemade Pumpkin Soup
• High Tea with assorted sandwiches (pâté, salmon or tuna, hummus, ham, cheese, salads, and more)
• Sweet treats (panettone, scones or cakes, chocolates, and more)
• Tea/coffee and juices

Goudse hout forest park
Recharged, we’ll continue through Goudse Hout, a beautiful peace of countryside northeast of Gouda, featuring a mix of meadows, woodlands, and waterways. With scenic walking paths, diverse birdlife, and tranquil ponds, Goudse Hout transforms into a tapestry of autumn colours, with leaves turning amber, orange, and red. The flat landscapes, dotted with grazing sheep and wildflowers, offer a classic Dutch charm.

Reeuwijkse Plassen Lakes:
Our final leg takes us through the polders and this charming lake area. With pathways that feel like walking on water, it provides a peaceful retreat, offering views of open water, reedbeds, and scenic farmhouses. Surrounded by dikes and quiet grassy paths, we’ll walk between ponds and enjoy views over both the polders and lakes—a perfect way to immerse ourselves in nature.
Join us for a day filled with beautiful autumn views, good company, and delicious food as we celebrate Carpe Diem’s 3rd anniversary!

Join us for a day filled with beautiful autumn views, good company, and delicious food as we celebrate 3 years Carpe Diem anniversary!

Notifications:

Important! To sign up, please pay the € 5,- * Meet Up event fee directly (See notifications for tickie).* From 17-11 the fee is € 5,95
📍I reserved 12 tickets with Museum Pass time slot 11:45. If you don't have the pass, you have to book it yourself. It can gets sold out very quickly!

Join us for a unique cultural adventure! We’ll start with a visit to the vibrant Vive l’impressionnisme! exhibition at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, followed by a delightful hike (-+ 7.5 km / 2 hours) along the Amstel river, walking in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh. I’ll guide you through Amsterdam’s sights that were significant in Van Gogh’s life and artistic journey. As we stroll, I'll share insights from my cultural science background and reveal hidden gems along the route.

We’ll break for drinks or lunch at a charming café or restaurant, for a social moment in between.

📍Gathering 11:30-11:45 @ entry of the Van Gogh museum inside at the lockers. We start visiting the exhibition at 11:45 after meeting & greeting.

Schedule
11:30 - 11:45 gathering + meeting & greeting @ Van Gogh museum
11:45-12:45 Visit exhibition Vive l’impressionnisme + regular collection
12:45-13:45 Drinks/Lunch musemcafé
13:45-16:30 Hike Van Gogh along the Amstel, in the footsteps of Vincent. (+- 7,5 km)

Vive L' Impressionisme! @ Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is celebrating 150 years of Impressionism, marking a century and a half since Claude Monet’s Impression, Sunrise (1872, Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris) first sparked controversy. This was a crucial moment: the "birth" of Impressionism! To celebrate, the museum presents Vive l’impressionnisme!, a stunning display of masterpieces from Dutch collections.
The exhibition showcases works by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Berthe Morisot, Alfred Sisley, and Paul Cézanne, who used bright colors and loose brushstrokes to capture the fleeting light and atmosphere of a single moment—an impression. Dutch collections have lent their best paintings, along with Impressionist pastels, sculptures, drawings, and prints.
The roots of Impressionism trace back to artists like Constable, Turner, the Barbizon painters, and Manet. This journey includes the major turning point in 1874 when critic Louis Leroy, reviewing Monet’s Impression: soleil levant, unwittingly named the movement, calling the artists “Impressionists.” Their style—characterized by loose brushwork, en plein air scenes, everyday subjects, and influences from photography and Japanese prints—revolutionized art.

Important! To sign up, please pay the € 75,50 * Meet Up event & cooking workshop fee directly. See notifications for the tickie.
* From 8 November, the fee will be € 78,95.

Join us for a vibrant & traditional Moroccan cooking workshop with Saida Benali, inspired by her book Casa Benali and the TV series Chez Benali.

In this interactive session, we’ll delve into the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Morocco, preparing authentic dishes that reflect the heart of Moroccan culture. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this workshop offers a fun and hands-on way to explore the rich flavors of Moroccan gastronomy, from appetizers to main courses, using fresh ingredients and local spices.

As we chop, sauté, and blend spices, we’ll not only learn the secrets behind the recipes but also have fun cooking and dining together. Sharing a meal is a beautiful way to connect as we embark on this culinary journey to the heart of Morocco.

We will vote on whether to make couscous or tajine, with the majority deciding! Drinks are included, though no alcohol will be served.

Gathering 17:00 @ Amsterdam-West. The address will be provided upon signing up in the WhatsApp group.

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Morocan Gastronomy
Morocco is ranked among the top nine gastronomic destinations in the world, according to National Geographic, thanks to its globally recognized traditional dishes such as couscous, tajine, lamb, and pastilla (a pastry filled with chicken, caramelized onion, almonds, and cinnamon).

In this workshop, we will prepare some of Morocco’s most famous dishes:

• Starters/mezze/salad: Flavorful and often vegetable-based, incorporating fresh spices and herbs, typically accompanied by homemade bread like khobz or batbout.
• Main Course: Couscous or tajine with vegetables (voted by the group).
• Dessert: Traditional Moroccan pastries, usually flavored with orange blossom, almonds, sesame seeds, honey, and spices.

* Vegetarian options will also be available.

The workhop experience
We’ll be welcomed in a local restaurant at 17:00 with traditional Moroccan mint tea and exquisite cookies, setting the tone for a delightful culinary experience. Saida will share insights into the tea ritual and the significance of sweets in Moroccan culture.

You’ll work in small groups of 2-3 people to prepare either a full course or part of a dish, under Saida’s expert supervision, using fresh, sustainable, and seasonal Moroccan ingredients.

In Moroccan cuisine, couscous is carefully steamed rather than boiled—a technique you’ll learn to master alongside Saida. You’ll also discover how to prepare perfectly seasoned vegetables, tender chicken, and sweet compote, while exploring the delicate processes and distinctive flavors that make Moroccan dishes so special. Once everything is ready, we’ll gather around the table to enjoy the delicious meal we’ve created, sharing stories and great conversation in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

But this workshop is more than just cooking—it’s an opportunity to hear stories about Moroccan culinary traditions, taste new flavors, and forge new friendships. Over the course of three hours, you’ll not only learn to cook these delicious dishes but also gain insight into what makes them so meaningful in Moroccan culture.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Moroccan cuisine. You’ll leave with new culinary skills and a deeper understanding of the cultural stories behind each dish.

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