One can't keep a good talker down! And literature bubbles up everywhere.
Though we as expats and immigrants may be busy with overcoming the challenges of daily life in a new culture, we can still take advantage of many opportunities to find and communicate with similarly-minded others and to achieve our creative goals.
Some of the best literature and art has come from those under severe stress - so there is no excuse for not trying.
In Berne there is now the opportunity to take part in "Philosophy Cafes" which are held according to a long-standing tradition. Attendees propose topics to discuss, and the theme of the day is selected by popular vote! The first will be held at Bistro Muristalden on Sunday 5 April, from 11.30 to 13.30 (see www.muristalden.ch for details). The discussion will be led by a well-known philosopher, Detlef Staude (see www.philocom.ch, English page).
A rejuvenated group in Berne is now continuing further discussion meetings with various themes. The first was in February on the theme "spirituality and psychology", the second is at the March 14th University of Berne open day. On April 4th the theme is the Year of Astronomy, and we also have some discussion on themes of evolution in 200th anniversary year of Charles Darwin.
In May the Dan Brown film "Angels and Demons" appears, a subject for more speculation on conspiracy theories to do with religion! The second open Philosophy Cafe in English will be on Sunday 28 June.
A mailing list "bernagora" has been created to organise and report on these meetings. Join it by sending an email to bernagora-subscribe@yahoogroups.ch.
Many opportunities for creative and questioning spirits
For those who wish to speak well, there are Toastmasters clubs in many towns (see www.toastmasters.ch). There are amateur and professional theater groups such as www.Upstage.ch and impromptu acting groups such as www.AreYouSerious.ch.
All the international social clubs have meetings with presentations and discussions, and many book reading groups: for instance the many International Clubs in Switzerland, Anglo-Swiss societies, and American Women's Clubs. Many of the international schools and branches of the VHS (Volkshochschule) have adult education classes in English as well as other languages. Language schools (such as www.Cambridge.ch in Berne) have debates and conversation classes.
Universities and other institutes increasingly work in the English language, and often open their seminars and workshops to the public. Museums, libraries, exhibitions, and art galleries also cater eagerly to the highly motivated English language community. Various chambers of commerce and economic and networking groups also offer presentations and meetings in English.
Bookshops like www.Bergli.ch and www.Stauffacher.ch run "talk parties" and book clubs in English. There are also several English language writers groups and poetry groups in Swiss cities, where attendees are encouraged to be creative. And in case you can't find one, movie clubs and book circles are the east groups in the world to start.
On the mailing list "bernagora" there are links to these resources, or those interested can contact me directly. And on the other mailing lists and social networking sites, you can look for people of like interests.
Graham Tritt
new president of the International Club of Berne