Settling In and Getting Out

Anyone that knows us as a family knows that Olga and I typically are not the most social people in the world.  This has given us an advantage as we have moved around the world, since it is not part of a successful transition for us to make tons of acquaintances.  We are happy to get to know our neighbors and a handful of other people if, in fact, this happens organically.   


In Delhi, though, this seems to be changing.  Olga has joined a very active ex-pat group called the Delhi Network.  This ingenious group has about 500 members and, most likely an additional 500 working spouses not on the books.  They completely understand the plight of the non-working spouse in India and have constructed a nice series of weekly, monthly and special events to keep said non-working spouses occupied.  As well, they have cleverly engaged many of the local businesses as partners to fund their activities.  One must understand, though, that many of the active members of Delhi Network left their jobs to follow their spouses, so the business acumen of its membership is probably higher than most multi-national companies.


During the week, the group organizes several coffees to keep the members engaged.  The first is hosted by the Hyatt Hotel and takes place on Tuesdays.  I have never been, but my wife, who attends religiously, says it is actually quite fun.  There are usually in the access of 100 people and the Hyatt provides coffee and snacks to the group for free.  This, by itself, according to my wife is worth the annual cost of membership (which is a whopping $10.54), since you have your pick of all the pastries and different coffees from the Hyatt's pastry shop.  It is also good for me, because the Hyatt has a great pastry shop and offers a 15% discount to members, so I get a few goodies with my tea on Tuesday nights. 


The second weekly event is the neighborhood coffee gathering.  The Network has cleverly identified that ex-pats tend to group in certain neighbors in Delhi and to make things more intimate, they have appointed neighborhood captains to organize smaller events that are closer to home.  On Fridays, Olga meets her fellow Defense Colony residents at a small bakery (are we seeing a trend) for coffee and light conversation.  They usually get 15+ people each Friday.  Also, being in a bakery, I get to enjoy the benefits when I get home.  See win-win.


In addition to the weekly gathering, the group also organizes larger events during the year including dinners, parties and balls.  Last Saturday, we attending one such party at the Hyatt (yes, she actually has me getting out of the house).  It was in their main ballroom with drinks, a full dinner and a night of dancing.  It was actually quiet fun and we did not get home until nearly midnight which as many of you know is way past my bedtime. 


The irony of our moving to India is that we actually have a better social life here than we did living in the heart one of America's most social cities.  I guess it is all about effort!