Dear NIC Friends, 

Loly, our NIC President, has honored me with the opportunity to write this month’s welcome message and with that said, Happy Fall Y’all! 

In my mother country, we call ‘Autumn’ ‘Fall’ and Y’all is a contraction of the words ‘you’ and ‘all’. Although this is improper English, I can’t help but love this phrase! (Sorry, English Conversation Activity Leaders!)  In the Northern hemisphere, October signifies the seasonal transition to Autumn with a briskness in the air, leaves changing colors and of course, Halloween (I can’t help myself!). In the Southern hemisphere, where I now consider home, October is also a month of transition but to Spring – a bit confusing for me but lovely nonetheless.

Last month we kicked off the NIC season with a truly inspiring presentation from the Japanese Military Representative to NATO, together with his wife, in a traditional Sadou Tea ceremony. This first (in person) coffee morning (CM) experience left me buzzing with positivity! Although this was my first time at a CM and the first time for many of us to meet, I felt instant connections as I knew I was amongst friends. 

We have all faced many challenges from the pandemic, however, there have been many opportunities to become more accepting and patient with change and to embrace the present moment. October is the time to get involved and to say ‘yes’ to things that you have been daydreaming about. The NIC and its many groups have so many wonderful and seasonal activities planned for this upcoming month so take advantage of it, because you deserve it!

Cheers, 

Liz 

NIC Vice President 

Newcomers Luncheon

As promised at our last coffee morning, I have organized two luncheons for the new NIC members from both this year and last year to mingle and enjoy a meal together. I have selected two dates at different locations (near public transport), and on different days to ensure as many new members can attend as possible. 

There are limited numbers for each luncheon so please email me with your preferred date / location and spots will be reserved in the order that they are received. 

*Please note that the lunch will not be paid for by the NIC and you are responsible to pay for your own lunch.