We drop in on one of Munich's biggest expat clubs
Living abroad does provide its fair share of adventure. But once the excitement’s died down, the loneliness hits. It’s no longer as easy to drop round to a friend’s or relative’s house when you’re in need of a chat, or to know how to kill a long weekend. Which is where expat associations come in. And here in Munich, there’s no shortage of them. Just a quick glance at our Clubs & Groups page (p. 43) reveals dozens of organizations, whether you’re into squash or scrapbooking. We paid a visit to one of the city’s biggest and best-established groups, the Munich German-English Association (GEA).
The GEA was set up in 1982 by a group of British expats who felt there was a need for a non-profit-making, non-fee-paying organization in Munich. And it seems they weren’t the only ones. Since then, although there is no formal membership register, the group has attracted some 700 associates who take advantage of the various social and cultural events on offer. If you’ve always been wary of joining expat organizations for fear of being sucked into a patriotic clique, prone to a spot of German-bashing, you’ll be relieved to hear that the GEA is anything but. For although its name may suggest otherwise, it actually refers to the two languages that are spoken by all members, who come from many different corners of the world. As a result, the group prides itself on its openness and intercultural attitude, with activities including Spanish, Portuguese, French and Russian conversation groups, tennis, walks, bridge evenings and much more. During the winter season, they also arrange weekly skiing trips, for downhill and cross-country buffs alike. Details and contact information can be found on the GEA Website (www.gea-muc.de) under “Special Events.” There is also a regular pub quiz, which takes place at the Rechthaler Hof, Arnulfstrasse 10 (for more information, contact Malcolm Phillips at malcolm.phillips@gmx.net). In addition, the GEA also organizes specific celebrations to mark various international festivals. Last year, for example, they held a massive bonfire party to mark the 400th anniversary of Guy Fawkes Day in the UK. This summer, a highlight promises to be the traditional British sports day. “The thing that makes the GEA unique is its openness and flexibility,” says GEA chairwoman Sue Turner. “We welcome absolutely anybody, regardless of nationality, and if someone has a good idea about a new event, we’ll quite happily take it into our program. We also cooperate a lot with other groups, such as the Scottish Association, golf clubs and the Deutsch-Irischer Freundeskreis, meaning there’s always a good mix of things for our members to take part in.”
Keen to put the GEA to the test, I went along for one of their Sunday walks, which are organized once a month by Brit Richard Gipps, whose sole motivation is sharing his passion for the countryside with other members. As well as the chance to appreciate some beautiful local scenery, the trip to Kleinpienzenau, near Weyarn, some 40 km south of Munich, also gave me plenty of opportunities to meet some fascinating people and learn a bit more about the group.
“I don’t know what I’d do without the GEA,” says Claudia Ellingwood, an American whose job requires her to move from one end of the world to the next every few years. “When you’re in a city for a relatively short period of time, it’s the perfect way to get to know people and make the most of your time there.”
Indeed, the outing left me in little doubt that the group does provide good, friendly company. And, what’s more, there are no commitment issues—members pay no fees and are under no obligation to attend events regularly. It’s simply a case of “do as you please.”
“All that we’re actually lacking are a few younger members,” Turner says. “It’s always difficult trying to attract new people. It would be a shame if the lack of young people meant that the association eventually had to close down.”
So if you ever think you should maybe widen your social sphere and meet a few like-minded people, why not give it a go? The GEA holds a Stammtisch every Friday at 9 pm at the Rechthaler Hof, Arnulfstrasse 10, where new members are always welcome. The full monthly program can be viewed on the GEA’s Website: www.gea-muc.de. If you wish to be informed about upcoming events, you can join the mailing list by e-mailing: gea-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
