Social group for us older folks in 2008

I have been here for a couple of years and can honestly say that I enjoy an active social life. Still, call me greedy, I wouldn't mind attending some additional open functions with older fellow ex-pats. Usually, though, I see the outings posted here for folks in their 20s. Perhaps I am wrong about that. And, hey, nothing wrong with hanging out with the youngin's...

But I turn 40 next year and would enjoy organized bike trips, regional travel, movie outings, museum excursions, bar nights and more with others.

I know about Connect and the Boat Party. But I am looking for something other than what either offers.

Other groups? If not, if there is someone(s) here with a similar interest, perhaps we could put something together??

I'm sure there are people out there that understand where your coming from. Best thing is to say "hey lets do this..." and see who turns up.

No doubt. But would like to see if there is a significant number of interested people first. Thanks.

Agreed with the "if you post it... they will come" idea. While I might not be up for the bike trips, I would be interested in travel and a few of the other things mentioned. (Hello - it's why I live where I do!) Don't forget to also check the posts for some of the interests in profiles - it might help you plan things too.

~Rose

Rose, would you also be interested in taking a leadership role in such a group?

I know that there are plenty of people who would prefer to just show up and
leave the organizing to others. But looking for folks -- maybe like you? -- who
would want to take more initiative.

Such a group for members in their 30s and 40s is a great idea that needs to be supported. As this is my first posting within the Toytown-community, I don´t see myself in a leadership position, but I can very well imagine to contribute something.

I could, for example, check the cinema program to make suggestions for interesting movies at the Potsdamer Platz or elsewhere. Ideas like bike tours, travelling and museum excursions sound very good to me too, provided the group is also open for a real Berliner who loves to communicate in English. :-)

This is a great idea, count me in!
I also think its a good idea to just ask around first to find out who's interested.
How about an initial pub/coffee session to see what sort of things people would be interested in doing, then start the organisational ball rolling from there?
I probably wont be on the pc again for another week or so due to holiday visitors etc, but will check in on this thread later on.

Tristan_F, don't let your "newbie" status keep you from leading in a "newbie" group. Besides, someone willing to put together a movie program would be a valuable asset! Now we need to find a cyclist to organize the bike excursions...

Tibia, I think an initial brainstorming session -- over beers, over coffee -- would be a great. Let's see who else replies to this thread. I think an initial commitment from 5 people and I would be willing to call that meeting!

Thank you tlcoles for your encouragement! I believe the chances are very high that some others might like to join us. Perhaps we just need to wait a little more.

No matter whether anybody else turns up or not we should meet in January to get our project started. I am already looking forward to getting to know you.

LOL! With the I am not sure if I should read that as sarcasm!
But January is upon us! Already!

Damn.

Ok, others, please chime in. Tristan_F, let me know some dates that work with you.

As long as there isn't an AARP membership involved, I'd be interested. Tibia has a good idea that we should just meet up and see what's what, or rather, who's who. Something like that.

What? You are not a card-carrying member?

GoodGrief, consider this forum the VIRTUAL meeting space. What are you interested in? What role would you like to play?
Come on, don't be shy, old one...

Don't ask, don't tell!! Damn, now I've forgotten the rest of what you asked me. Getting old sucks. Oh, right, my interests. Hmm, they're all over the place; have a fairly open mind. Seriously, meeting virutally is a great start but I do think we need to get together in person, have a meal, a drink, a chat and all get to know each other a little bit before we plan our first big outing. That said, I'm in the States until the end of the week...

ROFL


Your interests run all over the place, but maybe you could give a sample? Consider this like a blind date. Some people will want to know more about the people they are meeting with BEFORE they show up. (Me included).

Besides, everyone can participate here who might not otherwise be able to make a set place and time.

So...for the record, what are your interests? What kind of role would you like to play if a group like this formed?

Thanks!

Sorry for not posting sooner - have guests until the end of next week so I'm not really "around" the computer much.

Re roles - I'm agreeing with Good Grief - I have alot of interests - and am for alot of things - just have to find a time/place to go. I work alot (and am on call some of the time when I'm not at work.) I think just meeting up for coffee or something would be a good place - then we can chat figuring out what's of interest. I'd be willing to try and organize something once my family has left but it'll be a couple weeks until I've got time.

~Rose

Me too. But we all have things that we (1) already prioritize doing and (2) think we have always wanted to do (but haven't yet). To help those folks who may not be able to attend an inaugural chat, would you mind giving a snapshot of some of the things that you might want to do?

Because you have so much you're interested in, you will have to make it a shorter list, of course. Maybe just the priorities that you would like in such a group for, say, the coming winter months?

For example, I might be interested in, say, a chocolate making workshop or a cooking class. Or a road trip to Dresden. Or a fun workshop in German slang.

What ideas do you have to offer?

from experience, I do definately agree with the "post and they will come". if you're a bit shy to just randomly post the name of a coffee shop and sit there on your own waiting for anyone- you now have a small handful of people to wait with.

for thursday night drinks, some weeks we may only have 2 or 3 people posting, but most weeks we get anywhere from 20 to 50 people turn up.

if you're looking for just a smaller group you can ask editor bob to put up a sign up sheet and you can make seating reservations somewhere.

Over the years, I have learned that there are many ways to form a social group. Some models work for some things. Some models work for others. Some people prefer some models. And some prefer others.

Let's not turn this thread into a discussion of the "build it and they will come" model.

I am going to harness the power of this forum first.

There are a number of you out there who have the leadership abilities that I am looking for. Sure, you may just show up somewhere, but you're capable of stating what you like in-person and online and may want to see some strong show of interest before you go further.

Let me hear from you.

Thanks!

Globalgirl, you don't say if you are a person in your 30s and 40s whose interested in participating in a group like this. If you are, please come back and post what some of your interests would be and whether you would like to take on some kind of role.

Hi everyone, I would be interested in meeting up - Im in my 30s and would like to meet more people in the same age group. Movies, drinks, theatre, squash etc. These are some of the things Im interested in. I think as said above, meeting up face to face will be the first place to start - drinks and a chat? I live in Prenzlaurberg and can recommend a nice and cozy bar to go to. Lets agree on a time and place instead of talk talk talking about it . If people are serious enough - they will turn up. I am free after the 3rd of Jan... Next!

Happy New Year!

Although I haven't actually been to the Thursday drinks yet, I can't help feeling it might not be for me anymore. So I would be interested in meeting people in a way that allows more conversation and the chance to maybe develop common interests. I am 37, haven't been in Berlin that long but know Germany and the Germans very well. My interests are fairly wide ranging, and it would be great to try new things. So maybe the best thing is to arrange a place to meet first and go from there.

just a quick note to those who have never been to Thursday night drinks ...
there's nearly always a handful of people over 30 who turn up, and there's plenty of conversation. It's not about playing drinking games and getting shit faced. just come on out and see for yourselves.

... and before someone asks what I'm interested in, anything beats getting drunk alone in my apartment, so I'm up for almost anything.

there's a few people interested in meeting regularly to play a little poker. I'll be posting something soon if anyone here is interested. other than that, i'll be organizing a go-kart outing for late January / early February. just watch the board.

cheers and all the best in the new year!

Just saw this post today and was wondering if you have come up with a meeting place somewhere yet? I think meeting for coffee one evening would be a great start to meet "more mature/older" expats in Berlin. Count me in!

Hi Tammi,

such a group would be wonderful! I am always interested in socialising but won't be able to contribute or take over a leadership role.
Hope to hear from you soon,

Ulli

Thursday Drinks really are for all! I'll be going...Certainly up for meeting at another time as well, but maybe at least some of us could meet tomorrow.

Hi tlcoles

Hope you haven't given up yet. lol My wife and I would be interested in being a part of such a group. We are not yet exactly at the minimum age limit, lol, but getting real close. And the list you mentioned, of possible things to do, is right up our alley. We enjoy movies very much, as well as traveling (when we can-which unfortunately is not that often) We are also both interested in visiting museums, bicycling, nights out in a relaxed social atmosphere and deep conversations about life. The light hearted stuff is OK too - but neither of us is into sports:)

We arranged a few English speakers, and friends, meetings on this board before so we would be able to contribute some of our time to organizing events, or meetings. It is important, however, for us to be able to share those responsibilities with others as it can become tedious and burn you out when you are doing it all alone.

If you are still interested, we hope to hear from you.

Ciao!

hehehee...that was there in my tone, huh?

Nope, haven't given up, just have adopted a new strategy of contacting organizer types directly.

Two of us have already met and will meet again this week. Look for my message.

Count me in!!!

Jade

Hi Guys -

sorry it's been a really hectic couple of months. Dad left and then work picked up.

I'm still interested - it's just a bit difficult to figure out when/what to do and organize when I'm on call and/or at work due to sick folks.

Maybe an evening event this week? I'm waiting to hear - and will make it if I can. ;-)

The founders (oooh!) for the newly named Berlin Kiez Club met last night to write up some activities for the next couple of months. Click the above link for those. These are going to be posted in the Toytown events list, of course. We are also "researching" a brewery tour, Staatsoper events, and Berlinale movie tickets.

Interested in organizing an event yourself for the group? Let me know.

P.S. Next organizers meeting will be on 27 Feb.

One of the ideas of the Berlin Kiez Club is to explore the different parts of Berlin including places like Potsdam. Are you in your 30s or 40s? Do you live in an interesting Kiez (district) where you would like to organize an event for the Berlin Kiez Club?

If so let us know.

Thanks!

Our first official event -- a trip to the Prison Sex Show event at the English Theatre Berlin -- was a success! Good turnout, totally bizarre comedy, and then food at the corner kneipe. Over food, a couple of other ideas popped up: a dinner at "Louis" for its schnitzel (um, is it famous?) and a late spring canoe trip in the Spreewald.

Upcoming events are on the wiki calendar but chime in if you want to organize something fitting your "wide range of interests."

Miami-Berlin, where are you?