Making Friends around the World: August at InterNations

By Noemi Zaccaria

Good times are even better, when they are shared! This month, expats and global minds not only celebrated their international friendships, but also did something out of the ordinary with surprising venues and unusual events and activities.

Friendships without Borders

Photo credit: Felix J Emmanuel

Expats and global minds in Vancouver met on Wednesday, 31 July at Malone's Social Lounge and Taphouse. Our Ambassadors Solveig Stoebe, Sayora A, Felix J Emmanuel, and Ryan Van Niekerk planned an amazing rendezvous. Attendees from almost 40 countries got the chance to celebrate International Friendship Day together while enjoying amazing drinks and tasty appetizers.

Photo credit: Mohammad Tanvir Khan

On Tuesday, 30 July, InterNations Ambassadors Andrew Besada and Melanie Alderton treated the Manama Community to a night of celebration at Russo’s restaurant. Members got the best out of this superb event, mingling with old and new international friends, while sipping a drink in a friendly atmosphere.

Photo credit: Noriko Nagura

Coming all the way from Japan, InterNations Consul Noriko Nagura visited Geneva for her holidays and didn’t miss the chance to plan a special activity with new friends from the Geneva Art & Culture Group. On Saturday, 10 August, Noriko and other members got together and discovered the Japanese culture, through Origami paper art. What a wonderful and creative way of building bridges between different InterNations Communities!

Photo credit: Melissa Adams

Members of the Amsterdam LGBTQIA+ & Friends Group had a Sunday brunch together on 28 July, at Little Collins. Sharing nice summer stories in a cozy atmosphere, attendees enjoyed delicious food and good coffee. They also took a boat tour around Oud-West, while getting amazed by the beauty of Amsterdam. Thank you, Melissa Adams, for hosting this activity and making everyone feel welcome!

Gatherings off the Beaten Track

Photo credit: William Szepesi

An InterNations Official Event in a hair salon? Why not! Hair Republic’s brand new location in Byward Market generously hosted expats and global minds in Ottawa, on Tuesday, 30 July. They had a blast chatting and trying fresh drinks in this unusual and luxurious venue. Thank you to our Ambassador William Szepesi for making this possible!

Photo credit: Melissa Escobal Matusalem

The Brussels Extreme Activities Group spent Saturday, 3 August together playing Bumper Ball. Members rolled and bumped around in giant bubble balls trying to play football! Our Consul Justin Davies did a wonderful job organizing such an unusual and entertaining activity.

Photo credit: Samineh Mojaver

With their sparkling smiles, shimmer make up, and glitter outfits, InterNations members in Frankfurt lightened up Le Meridien on Saturday, 10 August. They enjoyed the night chatting with their friends and making new connections. Thanks to Ambassadors Samineh Mojaver and Mozhgan Vatanpoor, who went above and beyond planning this creative party.

Photo credit: Rehab Massoud

The Cairo Community put on their smart casual outfits and got into the party spirit on Friday, 3 August. The event took place in Alibi, one of the most luxurious boats in Cairo, where expats and global minds experienced a night to remember. While mingling with a cocktail in hand, they could take in a stunning panoramic view of the Nile. Ambassador Rehab Massoud did a fantastic job arranging this incredible summer night out!

Photo credit: Sherry Trainor

When moving abroad, pursuing your passions and getting connected with others who have similar interests is one of the best ways of building your network. For example, the Zurich Spontaneous Activities Group got together and joined the RedBull Race Day at Grenchen Airport on Sunday, 11 August. The group had so much fun watching the show, combining the fascinating worlds of aviation and motor sport. This activity was hosted by Santosh Mathew, one of our Albatross Members.

Photo credit: Vijenthee Naicker

On Saturday, 10 August, the Johannesburg Culture Outings Group took it to one of the most unique venues of the city, the Houghton Hotel. Overlooking a beautiful pool and golf course of this five stars hotel, expats and global minds spent the evening mingling on the Skydeck and enjoying a breathtaking sunset. Thank you Basudah Modak and Vijenthee Naicker for hosting this activity!

About Noemi Zaccaria

Noemi studies Languages & Communication for Business & Tourism in Italy and is currently working as an Editorial Intern at InterNations. She loves travelling, calligraphy, and home decor. In her free time, you will most likely find her in a nice coffee shop chatting with a friend in front of a warm cup.

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