Exploring Culture Through Culinary Delights

By Lisa Stelling

As we are celebrating ten years of crossing borders, bridging cultures and connecting global minds, we want to use this time of festivity to showcase the amazing work our Consuls do around the globe. Meet Raf Olayinka, Consul of the mouth-watering Berlin Street Food Group.

Raf Olayinka was born in Nigeria, and, after studying Banking and Finance, he spread his wings and crossed the Mediterranean to start a new life as an expat in Germany. It was in Bremen in 2013 that Raf started his own company, which he now operates from his home away from home, Berlin.

As an expat in a foreign country, Raf had the yearning to meet and connect with other global-minded people, and, after a recommendation from a close friend, Raf joined InterNations in 2016. After a year of attending activities and events in Berlin, he decided he wanted to get more involved, and share with other members his interest in different foods and delicacies from cultures around the world. Inspired by the idea of using cuisine to bridge gaps, celebrate diversity, and communicate culture, Raf took on a Consul position in the Berlin Street Food Group in 2017.

Since becoming Consul in February, Raf has hosted seven activities, exploring the tantalizing cuisine scene of the German capital. From African finger food to Chinese buffets, he has taken his group on a round-the-world trip through the Berlin streets. A highlight for Raf was an unforgettable dining experience he shared with members at an Indian restaurant in March. The combination of exotic flavors and groovy Bollywood beats made for a night to remember. Not to mention that he met his girlfriend, also a member of InterNations, while boogying on the dance floor.

As a professional Event Manager, Raf knows that planning ahead is essential to hosting successful events and activities. Keen to get onboard and celebrate the 10th anniversary of InterNations, he was one of our first Consuls to get his InterNations Turns 10 activity posted in his group. So what will Raf be doing to see out InterNations’ first decade? Breaking it down to Bollywood beats and reliving his favorite activity!

Have a mango lassi and a curry for us Raf, and we look forward to seeing pictures of your InterNations 10^th Anniversary Dinner, Bollywood style!

About Lisa Stelling

Lisa Stelling works in the Community Management team here at InterNations. After growing up in faraway Australia, Lisa has come to Munich to be with her German boyfriend and immerse herself in the land of Dirndls, Lederhosen, and Bier!

Article Topics

Culture & Traditions

The Year 2019 in Review with the InterNations Changemakers

As we begin a new decade, we can look back on a momentous year for the InterNations Changemakers. New cities were welcomed into the fold and groups found new and exciting ways to get creative, addressing the issues of our time: the climate emergency, social inclusion, and the refugee crisis.
The Year in Review — Highlights of 2019

This year has been exciting, full of new experiences and big projects. We are very proud of the incredible work of our team members and truly impressed by the dedication of our Ambassadors and Consuls and the positive spirit of our 3.8 million members. Let’s take a look back at 2019!
Having a Jingle Ball ─ Festive Fun with InterNations!

With the final month of 2019, the holidays are fast approaching. Our communities around the world are busy getting festive and ending the year in style, with lots of Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations. Let’s take a look at this month’s events and activities that make this a December to remember!
Digging Wells & Getting Inspired with the Dubai Changemakers

Amr Heikal has been a Changemakers Consul since February 2019. With his help, his group has partnered with a local NGO, Dar al Ber Society, to drill a fresh water well in Benin. In this interview, Amr offers advice to anyone wishing to get involved and tells us how he has brought about this project.
Spooktacular Parties & Thanksgiving Celebrations: November at InterNations

November has been full of fun events and activities in the InterNations Communities across the globe, with an array of Halloween parties and wonderful Thanksgiving celebrations being just around the corner. Take a look at what our expats and global minds have been up to this month, and at our approaching Thanksgiving festivities!