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Finding Friends in Jakarta or any new city

The last that I checked, I am not a hermit, at least I don't look like one so...I kept myself surprisingly busy by trying to find myself some new friends in this new city.

I think meeting like-minded people is one of the most important thing for someone new in town especially if you are a stay-home-mom or temporarily not working. As much as I love Alex, it is a one way conversation; at least at this point of time. And talking too much to Alex's nanny or the apartment's concierge is also not the best thing either.

I realised I needed friends (of the same frequency)..if you know what I mean..so that I can sustain my sanity in this lovely yet crazy place. And I also know that I don't possess some super magnetic powers that I could just sit at home and people will come knocking on my front door, "Hi C, I am your new friend."

So I decided to take a proactive approach to this and here's couple of channels that I've used or reached out to:

1. Friends of Friends


No..not the privacy setting on facebook but literally friends of friends out of the virtual world. I asked all my good friends if they know anyone in Jakarta who both G and I can link up with. I really trust this theory of 'birds of the same feather flock together'; if you have a great connection with person X and person X has a great connection with person Z, you will likely to get along quite well with person Z. It is like friendship DNA. lol. I met 5 sets of contacts just within two weeks and more scheduled in the next few weeks. Really great way to get started.


2. Clubs/Associations


There's couple of active associations around Jakarta, for e.g; American Women Association, Australia New Zealand Association, British Women Association, etc. This is a great place to meet people. There's weekly coffee sessions where a mix of old or new members/expats in Jakarta will meet up in the various associations and just share their experiences. They also organise playgroups for toddlers so that is really great if you have young children. You don't have to be an American or Australian to join one, as you know I am neither as well.

FYI, You will not find any of the address listed online for security reasons..so approach someone you know who is already a member or you can also drop me a note.


3. Online Forums/Blogs


There's couple of forums and websites like Expat Arrivals, Blog Expat, Expat Blog etc (i know it sounds all the same!) where you can find blogs of other expats and get great information through them. Most of these websites have forums too where you can introduce yourself and ask questions. 
I find blogs the most useful (also the reason why I am writing one now); It is like reading someone's trial run and you can decide if you want to experience it for yourself. I find Chuizai Living, Stumble Abroad and Diplomatic Wife to be the most informative blogs about life around Jakarta.


Last but not least...

4. Drop Me A Note


Whether you are new or been here for a while, if you think I can help you in any way or we have anything in common, give me a holler! :)





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Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

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