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ExpatsVillage is a global community that enables you to add to and benefit from the global Expat communities shared experience. You can connect with Expats near you, publicise events, find out what’s on locally as well as find in-depth features on living, working and moving abroad. If you’re an Expat and have something to say, ExpatsVillage is the place to share it.
Berlin, Germany: Long Night of Museums & Frederick the Great
January 28th sees the return of the bi-annual Long Night of Museums which focuses on the King of Prussia Frederick the Great this time around, as 70 exhibitions open their doors from 6pm until 2am to present their share of a great night of arts across Berlin.
Walking around the streets of Berlin in the cold early hours in January can be surprisingly enchanting and alone proves enough to allure many visitors, myself included, toward the numerous shows, tours and other various presentations.
Focus falls on the 300th anniversary of Frederick the Great, inarguably a truly fascinating historical character whose legacy leads straight to this, a wonderful night filled with an array of high-brow attractions which shouldn’t be missed.
Visit the Berlin Tourist Information Office for tickets.
By Stefan Barlach.
Kuwait, Middle East: Harley Davidson Curate Bike Show
From 9am on January 26th and 27th at Kuwait’s hot-spot Marina Hall, the Harley Davidson sponsored Kuwait Bike Show opens its doors to the many chapters of contestant bikers who visit from the whole of the Middle East in order to claim any one of the coveted prizes.
An expert panel of judges will ponder the fate of entrants to the many categories which include best paint job, best sportster and best customised vehicle. Beyond the bikes and scheduled, police ushered ride-outs, there’ll be food and refreshments and a live DJ to accompany the closing awards ceremony at 5pm on the Friday.
If you’re as surprised as me to learn that Kuwait has a penchant for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, maybe I’ll see you there… will you be in your leathers?!
By Teresa Glass.
Year of the Dragon: Chinese Lantern Festival 2012
Happy Chinese New Year one and all! The countdown to my favourite New Year tradition has begun and on February 6th we get to enjoy the Lantern Festival, which does mark the end of the New Year celebrations, but it also means it’s time for fun!
More deep rooted traditions such as ‘crossing the bridge of no illnesses’ are commonplace of course, but the Lantern festival which is held Nationally across all Asian countries, really enlivens the party mood (whilst warding off evil spirits!) and serves as one of the brightest events on the Chinese social calendar.
Exotic street parades and processions featuring a dazzling array of lanterns, street performers and fireworks engage the many visitors who come along with their friends and families to enjoy both the food and the good fortune bestowed upon them.
The New Year has just begun and really, I just wanted to convey my wishes of good luck and good health to everyone in the UK as well as here in Singapore where our New Year celebrations were going all through the night!
By Emile Jarry.
Nice, France: The 2012 Nice Carnival
The dazzling spectacle that is the fortnight long Nice Carnival returns to the French Riviera with this year’s ‘King of Sport’ theme to beguile over a million brightly dressed visitors who come to see the many sights, sounds and surprises occurring between February 17th and March 4th 2012. With music, magic and an array of marvels such as the magnificent street floats to admire, it’s perhaps no wonder why this proves to be the most popular winter event in France, although if you do make it you’ll believe it to be the biggest and brightest celebration in the world!
By Patricia Trigiani.
Non Resident Indians Invited to Invest in India
In a bid to attract international investment, India’s Finance Ministry has decided to permit foreign funding from Non Resident Indians (NRIs) as of January 15th 2012, allowing them to buy shares in the Indian Stock market so as to increase capital stability and to re-introduce confidence in the Sensex (India’s index) which has fallen by 23%.
In recent months India’s stock market has been uncertain at best and this news has been welcomed by most, particularly those who feel that such investment could mark the end of what’s been a most unstable financial year. It’s also hoped that it will bring an end to the unpredictability of the Rupee which of late has fallen 15%.
With investments only seeing closure after the involvement of the FATF (Financial Action Task Force), IOSCO (The International Organization of Securities Commissions) and a registered DP (depository participant), Qualified Foreign Investors (QFI) must adhere to a system which is more than strict, but in hindsight is fair (remember the 90’s Rupee?).
Analysts are fascinated as to just what impact this new marketplace dynamic is going to have on, not just the world’s second most populated country, but for an approximate but ever-escalating 50,000 expats currently living in India. 2012 should prove to be a most interesting year for both expats and investors in India.
Personally speaking, I’ll just be glad when investing is simplified and we can look back and laugh at the current system which, due to the requirement of an overseas Indian card for travel and the input of too many self-important pen-pushers, involves enough delays, waiting and complication to deter even the most ardent investor.
On the bright side of things, reported corruption levels are declining as marketplace profitability rises in India; the corrupt, cash-hungry worlds of police and politicians will hopefully one day be forgotten. As a current investor I can only recommend the use of a financial planner who can invest your money whilst safeguarding your best interests.
By Nathan Fleming.
London, UK: Olympics Now Open to non EU Residents
The UK border agency is now accepting visa applications for non EU residents who wish to attend this year’s Olympic Games and Paralympics in London. Visitors will be granted a stay of up to six months, enabling them to be part of the biggest and brightest event in the UKs history.
The standard visa application processing time is three (working) weeks, but applicants can now submit their requests in good time for August 2012 when the games begin, therefore allowing for early planning and the makings of a perfect visit to the UK and its first hosting of the Olympic Games since 1948.
Also, so as to accommodate the influx of worldwide visitors, Heathrow airport is planning to dedicate specific area to those closely linked with the Olympic games and Paralympics, including athletes and their families as well as Olympic staff and the all important press who will be there to capture each and every high and low.
By Nathan Fleming.
Manila, Philippines: Feast of the Black Nazarene 2012
The Feast of the Black Nazarene comes to Manila on Monday January 9th 2012 and those of you who haven’t seen this before should do what you can to see the sights, hear the sounds and to push and shove their way towards touching the statue of Jesus Christ and the crucifix, but those with kids should arrange a babysitter for safety’s sake!
There’s usually a safe but frantic atmosphere as devotees flock to have their ailments cured, their bad luck banished or whichever miracle best suits their needs. No matter how manic it gets, there’s always a large authoritarian presence doing a great job of keeping the millions of worshippers calm and contained. See you in Quiapo!
By Sandra Parr.
PARIS, FRANCE: Expat Christmas Party Time
From 7:30pm on December 21st, there’s a private Christmas party being held specifically for expats, at the Bizen Restaurant in Paris, France, and from what I hear it should be a good night to say the least!
With a meal, bar, live cabaret artists, dance floor shenanigans and fancy dress to enjoy, the place promises fun and laughter which, for any homesick expats particularly, should prove to quite the remedy for any festive blues.
So, if you fancy letting your hair down, bring 20€ and your dressing up costume to the Bizen Restaurant/Club, 111 Rue Reaumur 75002 Paris, Paris, Ile-de-France and let’s all get ready for the festivities… merry christmas everyone!!!
By Patricia Trigiani.
New York, USA: Boxing Day Bevvie
Any Expats staying in New York over the holidays and looking to together for a Christmas tipple or two should join Big Apple Brits for some Boxing Day fun! Last year was a blast: got snowed in the pub (not bar!), then made snow angels on a deserted 14th street!
Come along for a lovely post Christmas meetup!
Where and When?
4pm @
The Crooked Knife
232 West 14th Street
New York
Merry Christmas!
By Aneil Fatania
Florida, USA: Xmas in Jacksonville for me
This is the first year in a long time when aside from visiting well-wishers, I’ll be alone at Xmas, wishing I could be with my family back in the London (UK). I’ve had lots of advice from colleagues and fellow expats who’ve also said they’ve felt a little isolated at this time of year and I have to say that the best idea suggested to me as yet is to throw a party!
I do like to party however, I’ve got Xmas all planned out and although I know it won’t be the same without my folks around, I’m choosing to see this through rose-tinted glasses and preparing myself to enjoy the festivities which come with a Xmas spent in Jacksonville, Florida. It can get a little lonely for expats, but don’t despair and just go with the local festive flow.
Here are five things which I’ve done to make it all the merrier this year:
- Stocked up with familiar English foods (the tastes of home always hit the spot)
- Decorated my apartment throughout (with a classy red & gold scheme!)
- Stick to your tradition (I always watch Bill Murray in Scrooged on Xmas day)
- Show you care and feel good (I’ve bought small gifts for everyone in my block)
- Plan at least one highlight (I’m visiting Fruit Cove with a friend for the first time)
Wherever you are and whatever you decide to do, have a safe and Happy Xmas!
By Amii Logan.
