In January 2023, I joined InterNations to reach out to people while in NYC. If you and your friend/partner both are members, that is great, but if it is only one of you, you can always bring a friend, just that you are charged a higher entrance fee for your guest. I decided to pay the member fee, which was money well spent. Most of the events I have attended cost $10 and included a drink ticket. It is a good deal, as in most places, you cannot get a drink for $10!

I am not a person who will go to a bar and start chatting with people but attending one of the InterNations events, you get a sticker with your name and a flag representing your country. Then you are let loose - but one thing you all have in common is that you suddenly belong - you have joined a tribe! By showing up, you indicate that you are open to conversation and people can approach you! For an introvert like me, this is perfect. Although I, at times, have wished there were icebreaker cues – but mostly, people have been kind to spot the awkward me standing by myself spitting in my drink.

I really enjoyed one night when they had arranged for us to play billiards – I had been hesitant to sign up as I do not play billiards (I have seen it in movies plenty of times, so how hard can it be…). I showed up early, and there were only a handful of people. Initially, I declined when asked if I wanted to play, but after observing a woman who I don’t think could possibly have played any worse – as at least five times we had to duck for cover when she shot the ball over the edge. I felt my courage rise, and when they finished their game, I agreed to play a round – with her. I had a lot of fun. And later, we were encouraged to play two and two to get more people to play around the few reserved tables, which added to the fun and brought a sense of camaraderie. I finally left in a good mood, having spent the last hour high-fiving and giggling away. After the elevator ride down and a three-minute walk, I was at the subway that would take me home in 20 minutes. How I miss the public transportation and easy access to things!

If you are into sports nights, I cannot imagine how many places offer something similar to this billiard place. When you walk the streets, you do not think that some of the dullest-looking buildings might just have a whole floor nightclub on the 12th floor. Watching a Jimmy Fallon interview once (see https://youtu.be/vokk3A1nXNI), he talked about the time Prince texted him and asked him to join him at Spin for a ping-pong battle. I need to check out that place, too.

Another time, a woman from InterNations had arranged a walking trip to the Federal Hall (see entry #4: Museums and History of New York) – eight of us met there and looked around, read labels, and talked to the security guard who had a lot of stories to share. Afterward, five of us continued to Ground Zero and Oculus before four of us decided to dine together. This was a fabulous Friday evening, which I would probably have spent alone on the sofa if it hadn’t been for InterNations. I made new friends, and we enjoyed chatting and sharing stories.

I also joined an evening where 20 women met to discuss women in leadership and empowerment. While the event was somewhat disappointing, I made a new friend, and she and I met a few times before I left NYC, and I very much look forward to seeing her again next time I am in town. In addition to being super kind, she was incredibly empowering and wanted to share resources. What a gift to meet someone like that almost just off the street! So, with that, I will end this entry by saying that joining InterNations made me belong to a new tribe and gave me some wonderfully helpful methods for making friends (which can be very hard after age 30!). InterNations is everywhere, not just in NYC, so really no excuse to not sign up.