November Highlights: A Jumpstart to Festive Fun
Celebrating the Light
The days may be getting shorter in the Northern Hemisphere, but that doesn’t mean there’s no light! Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, fell on 31 October this year. InterNations members all over the world found unique ways to celebrate the victory of light and knowledge over darkness and ignorance.
The Geneva Mindfulness and Meditation Group, for example, came together on 1 November for a magical evening of authentic food, fun, and fabulous outfits. To get into the spirit, attendees were encouraged to wear their best Indian attire, or alternatively their own national costume.
In London, the India Group marked the occasion by going out for Diwali Drinks on 16 November. This fully booked activity was the perfect chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones!
On 3 November, the San Francisco DinnerNations Group organized a Festive Diwali Lunch. The exclusive menu with a range of tasty (& spicy!) dishes not only sounds delicious but — judging by the event pics — definitely also looks it!
Meanwhile, the Oslo Outdoor Adventures Group enjoyed a lights festival of a different kind on 1 November. With sculptures, video projections, and light installations, the Fjord Oslo Light Show transformed the harbor promenade into a free outdoor exhibition that attendees could explore during a relaxed evening walk .
Loving Life in Your City
We just published our annual Expat City Ranking, which takes a closer look at how expats rate life in their new homes. (Check it out.)
Wherever you are, your community has all kinds of events to help you celebrate and (re)discover the best of your own city!
The Warsaw Culture Fusion Group, for instance, headed out to learn what Warsaw cuisine was like in the past — and how it compares today. Their visit to the Museum of Warsaw’s current exhibition on food not only led the group through eight centuries of history, but also made sure everyone had built up an appetite for the mulled wine and zapiekanki (Polish snack) that followed.
In San Salvador, the official November Event may have been more intimate in terms of headcount — but it was a huge success in terms of fun! Dressed all in white, attendees enjoyed the food, drinks, and DJ music — as well as the great company, of course!
Members ventured a bit further out of town in Belgium during a visit to the Japanese Garden in Hasselt. Organizer Grace invited people in both Brussels and Antwerp to join her in discovering this beautiful garden and exploring a different culture together.
Speaking of animals: the Mexico City Connect Group has something special planned for 1 December: a Butterflies and Relax Day. With a fully organized round-trip including transportation to Valle de Bravo, entry to the monarch butterfly biosphere reserve, and a 1-hour yacht cruise on the lake, as well as free time to explore the town, we’re sure attendees are going to have a great time!
Giving Thanks
Another staple in November? Thanksgiving!
It’s traditionally celebrated towards the end of November — in the US, at least. Canadian Thanksgiving already takes place in October, as do some of the similar celebrations in other countries (like Germany’s Erntedankfest). Regardless of the exact date, it’s a chance to reflect on the joys of life and give thanks.
Unsurprisingly, it’s also a popular topic in our communities. Most celebrations are still coming up (or happening right now), but the Brisbane Sunshine Coast Group got an early start with their Happy Friendsgiving Lunch on 23 November. Meeting at beautiful Currimundi Lake, attendees spent a relaxing and fun day together, enjoying the beautiful weather and tasty potluck contributions.
It’s a tradition by now for the Munich American Get-Together Group to head to the Hard Rock Café for their annual Thanksgiving Dinner. From classic stuffing to a slow-roasted turkey and yummy pumpkin pie, attendees are looking forward to a mouthwatering menu.
The Stockholm Out & About Group’s Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving Hangout on 28 November will be less focused on food … but they’re still living the spirit of the day by coming together in a cozy atmosphere and giving thanks.
The Dallas BrunchNations Group also has something different than the usual dinner planned. They’re staying true to their name with a Thanksgiving Friday French High Tea on 29 November.
Whether you’re a fan of Thanksgiving or think it’s just another US holiday — we still want to share how thankful we are for all of you, our incredible members and amazing hosts. You’re the heart of this one-of-a-kind community. 💙
Upcoming Festivities
And then before you know it, December is here … But don’t worry, even during the “quiet season”, as we like to call it in Germany, there are many events to look forward to!
Maybe you’d like to join the Medellin Community Group for their special Holiday Potluck Party on 15 December? Or experience the Saint Lucy’s Day Kayak Parade in Copenhagen? The Singles Group invites you to join them on dry land to observe this annual tradition on 13 December.
If you’re more in the mood for a dance party and in Amman on 5 December, check out the Holiday’s Oldies Event for a fun evening with great food and music. And speaking of music: on the same day, live carols, hot chocolate, and more are waiting for attendees of the Manama Official Event.
Meanwhile, the Padua and Venice Communities are teaming up for their Red Christmas Party on 6 December. Wear a flash of red to get into the festive spirit! Or bring out your ugliest holiday pullover for New York City’s Ugly Holiday Sweater Party this Sunday, 1 December. If you’ve got the best (read: worst) sweater, you might even win a prize!
Just have a look at the Events calendar for more upcoming events, both in person and online.
Want to take the lead? If you enjoy organizing activities and sharing your interests with other members, find out how to get involved as an event host.
