Boston – Nov 21 2013

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Join us on Thursday, November 21, for an evening of conversation with Dubravka Ugresic, one of Europe’s most distinctive novelists and essayists. From her early postmodernist excursions, to her elegiac reckonings in fiction and the essay with the disintegration of her Yugoslav homeland and the fall of the Berlin Wall, through to her more recent writings on popular and literary culture, Ugresic’s work is marked by a rare combination of irony, polemic, and compassion. The event will be moderated by Igor Lukes, Professor of International Relations and History.

Reception (wine, beer, small bites) and book-signing to follow.

Following degrees in Comparative and Russian Literature, Dubravka Ugresic worked for many years at the University of Zagreb’s Institute for Theory of Literature, successfully pursuing parallel careers as both a writer and as a scholar. In 1991, when war broke out in the former Yugoslavia, Ugresic took a firm anti-war stance, critically dissecting retrograde Croatian and Serbian nationalism, the stupidity and criminality of war, becoming a target for nationalist journalists, politicians, and fellow writers in the process. Subjected to prolonged public ostracization and persistent media harassment, she left Croatia in 1993. In a voluntary exile that has in time become emigration, her books have been translated into over twenty languages. She lives and works in Amsterdam.

This event takes place as part of our “European Voices” series – an ongoing series of conversations with artists and writers, activists and intellectuals exploring questions at the intersection of politics and culture. Co-sponsored by the literary journal AGNI. Funded in part by the European Commission Delegation in Washington DC.

By BU Center for the Study of Europe – contact Gülce Aşkın or Elizabeth Amrien for more info

Istanbul – Marc Guillet (Netherlands) Reporting from Istanbul

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Who Is Marc Guillet – and what does Marc do/where?

I am an all round and passionate reporter and publicist with 30+ years of experience in Muslim countries (specializing in Turkey and Iran) and the United States. Since 2006 I live in Istanbul where I cover major news events, as well as economic, social, political and religious trends in Turkey. When I’m not busy with working for the media I give presentations on the Turkish economy, politics, business culture and social media.

At what age did you know that you wanted to be a reporter/journalist?

From a very young age, I was interested in news. Especially in politics at home and abroad. I remember when president John F. Kennedy was assassinated. I was ten then. And the day that Martin Luther King, Jr. was gunned down at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968. I wrote a paper in English in high school ‘When Black Power meets non-violence’. I read as many newspapers as I could get and was always busy with the news when my peers were doing other stuff. I was an activist as well and protested against the war in Vietnam and against the human rights abuses in Iran during the regime of the Shah. As a student I helped writing pamphlets and brochures. And I wrote letters to the editor of newspapers and op-ed pieces about Iran. I went to Tehran in July 1979, just after the Islamic Revolution, and worked there as a freelance reporter for a couple of weeks. I was still a student at the University of Amsterdam. I studied political science, international relations and modern history of the Middle East. After graduation from university I got a job as copy editor in 1982 at the foreign desk of the Dutch national news agency ANP, where I stayed for 5 years. In 1987 I joined the foreign desk of Algemeen Dagblad, a national newspaper in the Netherlands. From 1999 – 2006 I was posted as a full time correspondent in New York, covering the USA, and visited all 50 states. Since the Summer of 2006 I’m based as an independent reporter in Istanbul (Turkey).

What has been the most exciting story that you’ve covered during your career?

Reporting on the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and their aftermath. I was an eyewitness of an event that changed history. I was only two blocks away when the second of the Twin Towers collapsed. And I interviewed a lot of people – relatives of victims, rescue workers, and many others – who were affected by this traumatic event. In the weeks before the first anniversary of 9/11 A colleague and I wrote a series of stories on other traumatic events in the recent history of the United States since World War II. The first story was about the surprise military strike conducted by Japan against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941.

Is there any particular story, an award or a moment throughout your career that you are proud of?

Absolutely, the publishing of my book ‘Exotic America’ (2006) – unfortunately in Dutch only – about aftermath of hurricane Katrina, 9/11, drilling for oil in Alaska, prom nights, gun control, abortion, death penalty, racism, gays, evangelicals, illegal immigration, the war on drugs, prison rodeos, square dancing with tractors and roller girls. One reviewer compared my book with ‘Notes from a Big Country’, or as it was released in the United States, ‘I’m a Stranger Here Myself’, by American writer Bill Bryson.o

What would you say is the biggest misconception that people have about your profession?

That journalists should be completely objective. Number one that is impossible, because reporters are human beings too, so they have their political views, they like and hate certain things, people or developments. The way editors and reporters select news stories is subjective as well. The New York Times has another selection of what is news and another way of writing about issues than The Wall Street Journal. Professional reporters want their stories to be interesting, balanced, informative, accurate, and compelling. Not all journalists have to strive for objectivity. Op-ed writers and columnists have the freedom to write biased, subjective pieces. Probably more people love to read those biased pieces, so they can write or make their own comments about them.

What do you enjoy most about doing what you do?

Meeting all different kinds of people and visiting all kinds of places are the best part of my profession. As a reporter I want to tell their stories. To get to know them, to find out what drives them. I’m not an office tiger but a stray dog in the way I report. My best stories are always about people I met

What have you found to be the biggest difference between the types of stories you covered in your own country, and the ones you currently report on in Istanbul?

Not much difference. I have always been working at a foreign desk, so reporting on foreign news was what I have been doing as a reporter all my life, also when I was based in the Netherlands.

Are there any stories that you hate to cover?

Stories about most celebrities, not all of them though. I wrote with pleasure about Bob Dylan in my book, about Louis Armstrong, Bruce Springsteen and others.

Do you ever get into disagreements /fights with other reporters, news teams or the governments?

Not all authorities like what I write. And I sometimes disagree with colleagues about their selection of news or presentation of news items in the paper.

What advice would you give to other aspiring journalists and reporters aiming for the stars in Muslim countries?

Just be professional and passionate about what you do and you will have success in any country..

What and who captivate you in the world of the Muslim countries– and why?

The story of what Egyptians call the October War and Israelis the Yom Kippur War of 1973. I wanted to know all about it, about the background, about the history of the Israelis and the Palestinians. It captivated me and was the reason why I started to study political science and the modern history of the Middle East. It is still one of the main stories of our time with new developments like the Arab Spring and the civil war in Syria. Fascinating to observe how citizens in Muslim countries try to develop democracy while struggling with autocratic regimes.

Since you are Dutch – must ask what do you miss most from the Netherlands – think you ever return to live back there? And how is the Dutch community in Turkey….

Long trips on my bicycle I miss most in Istanbul and my family of course. When I retire, 4 years from now, we want to move close to the Netherlands, to the city of Gent in Belgium. Then I want to go back to my roots, spend more time with family and friends and enjoy life. We have a couple of thousand of Dutchies in Turkey. I organize a networking event in Istanbul once a month for them as NLBorrels Istanbul.

What do you see the best about the Turkish culture/people vs. Dutch (or American)?

Dutch and American are very direct, straight, honest. People in Turkey prefer to be more polite, diplomatic when they discuss things with a client or a colleague.

The U.S. and the Netherlands are a ‘sorry’ culture. You admit a mistake and say sorry.

Turkey is an ‘honor and shame’ culture. Respect is very important. Most Turks try to avoid to admit a mistake, they prefer to blame something or somebody else, because if they admit a mistake their honor is damaged.
I love the friendship and hospitality in Turkey. And I admire the ambition and positive ‘can do’ mentality of the Americans and the Turks.

Anything else you would like to share with us?

I wrote a booklet with four self-guided walks tours in Istanbul. Two on the European and two on the Asian side of the Bosporus.
You will find them here on my website www.enjoy-istanbul.com/walking-2/strolling-through-istanbul-with-my-book/

The self-guided walks don’t cover any of the touristic highlights, but show expats and foreign tourists ‘my’ Istanbul. I will show you Istanbul like a local.

Connect with Marc Guillet:
Website: facebook.com/marc.guillet
LinkedIn: tr.linkedin.com/in/marcguillet
Website in English: www.turkeycorrespondent.com/
Website in Dutch: www.turkijecorrespondent.nl

New York – Nov 19 2013

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Photos © Eurocircle. For privacy reasons we ask you not to copy these to Facebook or other social networks

Join us at this hip new hotspot in the Flatiron district as we where we will celebrate the upcoming holiday season with great friends, music and drinks. No Cover for this event.

Featured Hosts:

Maryana Ivlev, Ukraine
Pascal Sabattier, France
Sherry Kumar, Serbia

There will be Eurotini’s and Italian Rose Moscato for $7 on special throughout the evening.

Rosewood takes its inspiration from the whims of the glamorous European glitterati along
with the aristocratic British Victorian era. Designed by Gregory Okshteyn of Studios Go, the newly redesigned 3,000 sq. ft. interior features a cleverly lit rose petal designed ceiling along with wood panel and copper plated corridor. The comfortable deep buttoned banquet seating provides the lounging experience.

We look forward to seeing you on the 19th!

Best,

Alexandra and the EuroCircle NY Team

Where Should I live in Los Angeles… Beverly Hills?

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Where should I live?

I receive this question daily especially from out of town and country clients…Choosing the right neighborhood… A lot of factors play in there.

I remember when I moved to Chicago back then it was important for me to live in downtown close to work @ Michigan Avenue. Parking was a challenge.

In Los Angeles, I drive around the neighborhood with my clients. Not only looking at a new home but more importantly checking out the neighborhood and community you are planning to move to. Exploring restaurants, shopping, parks, community events, if you have children definitely the school district is extremely important. Not only have I worked in the past as the Admissions director of a Beverly Hills private school, but more importantly I am a mom and know first hand the ins and out of private versus public schools.

Today lets talk about Beverly Hills…Home to over 30,000 residents. Professionals and families…It is located within the Golden Triangle, is nestle up against the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains on the north side. Beverly Hills is bordered by Westwood Village and Century City on the west, West Hollywood and Fairfax District on the east, and Los Angeles City and the 10 freeway on the South. Rodeo Drive between Wilshire Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard include not only the ultimate shopping mecca, but an area of large homes referred to as the Flats.

This is an incredible place to access all of the commercial and cultural offerings such as the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Farmers market, Greystone Mansion as well as a private and undisturbed residential haven to come home and still conveniently be located to nightlife. Families with children mostly pick Beverly Hills because of the school district.

Mark your calendar for Sunday Nov. 24th 2013 from 5PM-6:30PM

In front of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and the 200 block of Rodeo! 150,000 lights will be lit, DJ’s, Santa, BHHS marching band, ice sculptures… A winter wonderland of magic

Beverly Hills is a dog friendly city with beautiful parks ( I have checked out all the parks with our dog 🙂 ) tennis courts and entertainment… In the morning I enjoy breakfast @ Le Pain Quotidien or at Barney Greengrass restaurant from the top of the building with an amazing view. For lunch and dinner there are tons of amazing low key and fancy restaurants.

Are you ready to move to Beverly Hills???

Condos actively on the market for sale are starting at $550,000 for a 2 bedroom up to $12.8 for a 3 bedroom in The Dome of the prestine Montage hotel.

Single family homes actively on the market starting in the $775,000 range up to $47,500,00.

Call me anytime @ 310.801.6033 for any real estate needs you have… I help with selling your home, buying a home, investment and with leases. You can also Email Me!

Looking forward hearing from you.

Tanya Stawski
310.801.6033
www.tanya.stawski.com

Realtor at Sotheby’s International Real Estate

Editor’s Note: Tanya Stawski and Ajay Babber, our LA Team leaders know the city really well – ask them for advice when needed. We asked Tanya to write a few articles about different areas in LA so the readers get a better idea about the city – as well as the cost of living there. Maybe we should consider other cities to do this as well. What do you think?

Los Angeles – Ajay Babber, from London to Los Angeles

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I met Ajay years ago in Los Angeles at a movie premiere and we have stayed in touch on and off. For a while he was running the EuroCircle Los Angeles at the same time with Saran Ganesh who I believe is now in Boston.

Ajay, since the readers don’t necessarily know you, would you please introduce yourself a bit to get started in your own words. Who is Ajay?

I moved to LA working for a tech recruiting company in Pasadena in 1999. I was soon headhunted myself to open the USA office for a European Recruitment firm which I co managed for 5 years before starting my own business recruiting for the video and interactive games industry. I love technology and and as well as running 2 recruitment operations now I’m also involved in a handful of tech startups. I’m a father of 2 beautiful kids, photographer and all round technopreneur! Born in England and still speak English… the English way.

What do you enjoy most about LA, now when you have more experience, how’s the quality of life compared to the UK?

I actually tried to move back to England in 2005 and that idea lasted 3 months if that! I still support England in the World Cup but the weather, lifestyle, overall quality life, being in the technology center of the world – as well as the fact my kids are American (and so am I now) is what keeps me here.

Usually there are some negatives, what are the ones for Los Angeles that really stand out for you personally? What do you miss most about home?

Of course I miss my friends and family…. Will leave it at that 😉 Negatives? Lot’s of negatives as there are everywhere in the world but that’s a one on one conversation with anyone that wants one! The positives out way the negatives and that’s what counts

Do you feel LA is a good place for you as an entrepreneurs right now? Are there any areas expats like you might like in the USA in your opinion (entrepreneurs? Why?)

Absolutely, There’s a fresh type of energy in the city together with a craving for attention. Everyone appears to be someone important whether they are or not – which isn’t a bad thing… Kind of keeps you on top of your game. This somewhat means the golden ticket goes to the person who stands out the best. Self-promotion definitely exists and works in LA…. and you need to be able to self promote!

Which are your favorite places/suburbs to live in LA? Why?

Every city in LA County has it’s gems… That’s what geographically different in LA. It’s not just once city with everything to do in a 5 mile radius! You can be at the beach (many beach towns to choose from) downtown, the valley, westside and you’ll always find something to do.

Do you go out a lot – hobbies? Or is everything about work right now?

Hobbies definitely circle around work, but work doesn’t circle around the kids (well not always)… The pace is such that you’re always busy but that’s the way I like it

What’s the cost of living compared to UK? What is cheap or expensive in particular?

Being in recruitment and dealing with international relocation, you can’t compare your earnings here to what they equate in the UK (or vice versa)…. It’s what you can do with your money here so easily and it’s spending power that for me (IMO) make’s it a better place to earn. I’ve been here 15 years so couldn’t give you up to date price comparisons but can say I still don’t flinch at the price of gas even with increasing prices.

What are the LA locals like; do you feel you mix mainly with other expats? I guess this is a bit easier for you since you speak with a wonderful British accent!

The accent helps. A lot. Let’s just say the weather keeps most people in a great mood. I haven’t met many people I don’t get on with… or rather don’t get on with me..

Did you think it is easy meeting people and making friends in Los Angeles?

Yes – but you’ve got to make an effort as well

Connect with Ajay Babber:

Website: www.whowantsmylife.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ajaybabber/

 

New York – Nov 12 2013

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Join us for a special night of speedfriending (speednetworking) and cocktails with a European Flair on

When: Tuesday, November 12th 2013 from 6pm-10pm

Where: Pranna Restaurant and Lounge
79 Madison Ave New York, NY 10016

Registration will be at 6pm with the Speed Friending (speednetworking) starting at 6:30pm sharp.
Because of the set-up everyone MUST sign-up before the event as we need to print the seating charts for everyone prior to the event.
Come to EuroCircle’s SpeedFriending Cocktails the fastest way to network and create long lasting relationships.

The first 25 people to sign up will receive free Lumene Cosmetics! For over 40 years, Lumene is one of the leading Cosmetics brands in Europe.

After the initial Speed Friending portion of the evening it will open up into a full networking party.

Don’t miss out on this life transforming opportunity!

There will be happy hour drink specials and appetizers from 6-9pm. There will be food available for purchase.

Whether you want to make new friends, meet people for your business, looking for a new job this event is for you! Every few minutes you switch from one group to another group and get to introduce yourself to each group member for one minute. You will get to meet at least 25-30 people from European and International countries, backgrounds and professions.

Featured Hosts:

Francois Belizaire, Haiti.
Husniye Temocin, Turkey. She is originally from Turkey. While studying her Phd in textiles, she decided to move to NY and pursue her career in USA. She is currently working in apparel industry. She is passionate about fashion and the arts and working on developing her own brand.
Sejal O’dedra, England. She grew up in England and currently lives in CT.

Sponsorships Available – Email Alex at aspirer@eurocircle.com for more info!

We look forward to seeing you on November 12th!

Best,
Alexandra and the EuroCircle New York Team

New York – Pascal Sabattier

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Mediterranean by heart. Parisian by birth. New Yorker by choice. Latin by soul.

Pascal, please introduce yourself so the readers get to know a bit more about you?

My name is Pascal Sabattier, I was born and raised in Paris, France. I grew up on the East side of Paris where my parents run a flower shop. I studied English and Economics at Sorbonne University, and then I got a MBA from ISC Paris. I relocated to New York in 1998. I came here initially transferred from Europe with an American company that is no longer around: Lehman Brothers. The rest as you know is history…
I presently live in the Upper West Side. I am a lead consultant / business risk analyst by day and a pop-jazz vocalist and songwriter by night. As for my stage moniker “Pascalito”, it is both a reference to my Mediterranean roots, my family is originally from North Africa and Turkey, and to my Latin musical influences.

When and why did you start playing/singing – and which instruments do you play?

I was a dancer first. I studied modern jazz and flamenco in my teens. I play a little bit of piano but my main instrument is the voice. I am a trained vocalist and started singing in my early twenties.

What was the first tune(s) you learned?

One of the first songs I learned was “Les Feuilles Mortes” it is a French poem by Jacques Prevert that was transposed into music by Hungarian pianist Joesph Kosma in the late 40’s, the song was later adapted in English and became the American jazz standard “Autumn Leaves”.

Is your family musical? Describe your family member’s musical interests and abilities.

Yes very musical. My grandfather was a Sephardic cantor in North Africa, my grand mother played the violin by ear. My mother is a jazz singer with a beautiful voice and my uncle was well respected singer songwriter of the Paris tango musette scene who produced several albums. I did not receive a very formal musical training but I really grew up surrounded by musicians and singers. I like to define myself as musically not-so-educated but musically cultured and nurtured.

Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?

I have an admiration for Brazilian singer and composer Caetano Veloso who created a post bossa nova movement coined as “tropicalismo”, he is a very versatile and daring artist while being always pleasant to listen to. As for my French models, Henri Salvador, Claude Nougaro and Michel Legrand to me were pioneers in merging French chanson with North American jazz and South American influences. Among American jazz artists, vocalist / trumpet player Chet Baker has always been my favorite for his smooth cool sound.

What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? In your neighborhood or town?

There was always music in the house when I grew up. Sunday family lunches used to be an occasion to all sing together. Also my aforementioned uncle used to perform with his band at ballrooms. Seeing couples dancing to his music and expressive voice set an example for me of what “quality social music” could be.

Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?

I grew up listening to old records ranging from jazz (Nat King Cole, Sinatra, Count Basie), classical chanson francaise (Piaf, Aznavour, Brel…) to Mediterranean folk.

Could you please describe your own musical ambitions?

I already had a few TV placements for my original works but I would love to have my music featured in a film by famous artsy directors such as Almodovar, Woody Allen, and Francois Ozon.
As a performer, I would love to play at the Montreal Jazz Festival and at some targeted intimate jazz clubs. I would also like to write songs for other more established singers.

Where do you perform in public? Describe those occasions? Concerts, radio, TV?

My second released album “Neostalgia” has gained extensive national and international radio airplay in the jazz and world music scene.
As for TV, my songs have been licensed and featured in the popular cable network series Burn Notice (USA), NCIS Los Angeles (CBS) and Damages (FX).
As for live gigs, I have performed at a few well-reputed venues in New York City such as Le Poisson Rouge, Kitano, Metropolitan Room and French Alliance.

How do you balance your music with other obligations – mate, children, job?

It is an interesting question. I have been recently facing the challenge of balancing my life between my corporate day job constraints and my musical aspirations.
As I have evolved to a more professional musical level, I came to realize that the marketing of music for example is very consuming and requires solid logistics. I am at a transition point where I need to find alternatives and support to allocate more time and disposition to the creative side while not losing touch with practical realities.

I think you told me once that you spend time every year in France? Are you still doing that? I always wonder how it works for you – having spent most of adult your life in the USA – feel about your own country. That might be hard, right?? I guess I am asking also would you prefer staying here in the USA no matter what?

I used to go back to France at least three times a year as my mother lives in Paris but I have not returned enough in the past two years. I was naturalized a US citizen last year, which gives me the option to always come back here if I was to “repatriate” to France. I cannot tell you if I see myself staying here for the rest of my life. As much as I love New York and its infectious energy, I am bit in my “post American dream” phase where I came to realize that in comparison Europe offers an enjoyable haven in terms of quality of life and family work balance.

Could you share with us how you first found out about EuroCircle? How long have you been a member?

I have been a member since 1999, so prior century. A French acquaintance of mine took me to an event. My first impression was that the music was better and people dressed with more style than in most New York parties. But what really won me over was the international flavor and the breath and depth of subjects you could discuss among members. Your network has always been supportive and offered me my first opportunities to perform in New York. Thanks to one of your past benefit events 7 years ago, I also had the chance to meet a very talented fellow Swiss member, Thomas Foyer, with whom I ended up recording and producing two albums.

Do you have any upcoming concerts? If so, can you tell us more about them

Yes this coming Friday at the Metropolitan Room, a quality jazz cabaret venue. I will be accompanied by two world class Brazilian musicians, bassist Leco Reis and pianist Luiz Simas. The performance will be filmed and recorded like a live DVD. I will be presenting new material.

Artist profile and discography review published in the prestigious publication Jazz Times Magazine:jazztimes.com/articles/26554-pascalito-manhattan-s-french-connection
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pascalito/20796901568
Website: www.pascalito.com
I have a new video freshly posted on Youtube of an original song I co-wrote with another long time member Thomas Foyer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54ugNpzUtXk
Contact me at: info@pascalito.com or pascal.sabattier@gmail.com

 

Atlanta – Constance Beer from Germany

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I wanted to feature Constance from Germany – she is a single mom which itself represents more challenges. I also don’t know Atlanta at all as a city. By the way, the members in Atlanta should suggest EuroCircle who should be interviewed or let us know if we can interview you. All different countries in Europe is a lot of diversity. You can always reach me at kaisa (at) eurocircle.com

Please introduce yourself so the readers know who you are? Where are you originally from and where are you living now? When did you move here and from where? Did you move with a spouse/children

My name is Constance Beer and I’m from Gera, Germany. I grew up on the former east side in Germany and moved to Washington, DC in 1998. I spent that year in Maryland as an Au Pair and moved back to the USA for good in 1999. I had to stay in Germany for 2 months to get my papers.

Now I’m living in Atlanta, and I moved down here in 2006. I moved to the US by myself about 16 years ago.

Why did you move; what do you do for work/study/unemployed?

I moved to the US because I wanted to be fluent in English ( I was only fluent in Russian) and I wanted to get far away from home and discover myself. I finished High School and College in Germany. I’m a registered and certified oral and maxillofacial Assistant and I work in the ER as well.

What do you enjoy most about Atlanta, how’s the quality of life?

I enjoy living in Atlanta because it is a very big city and it is very diverse. It took some time to adjust but I love living here after all. I enjoy going out and dancing salsa and hip hop or enjoy all the different restaurants, lounges and cultures and people. I love my job and live in a beautiful place with my 5 year old daughter, who is attending a very good public school. I’m a single mom and it is very hard but I’m very happy.
I truly enjoy the parks and social scene in Atlanta and made some good friends over the years.
The weather is beautiful here compare to Germany even when it’s bad.

What are the negatives for you personally – all places have some? What do you miss most about home (or where you moved from)?

I always miss my family of course and some good home cooked German meals- even though I cook very delicious meals at my place a lot. We have some good German bakeries and restaurants down here but its still not the same.

I think I miss the true German/European honesty at times – and quark and bread.

Still I have been here for a while so that I’m not really aware of what I miss anymore.
For some time I thought people were superficial, but I believe those people exist everywhere in this world.

Is the city of Atlanta safe? Are there any areas expats should avoid?

I believe the city is very safe, there are almost no areas I would avoid-honestly.

How would you rate the public transport? What are the different options? Do you need to own a car?

I own a car and I think it is the best way to get around plus I have to be very flexible and mobile.

If one lives more downtown/midtown in the city, you can take the Marta and buses and it is very easy to get around. But still the public transportation is not as awesome as it is in other big US cities like NYC or in Germany.

Which are the best places/suburbs to live in the city as an expat in your opinion?

I’m not sure where the best places are to live. I love where I live, in Old Vinings/Smyrna.
I would make the best out of it wherever I live.

How do you rate the standard of housing Atlanta compared to Germany?

I definitely live a much better life here in the US then in Germany, compared to my experience and income. I’m glad and happy, and feel appreciated plus I want to go back to school and get my BSN degree and my masters as a CRNA.

What are the locals like; do you mix mainly with other expats? Was it easy meeting people and making friends?

I love and enjoy hanging out with all different people from very different parts of the world.
I always enjoy meeting new people and friends and learning from them.
I also enjoy meeting or hanging with the locals, ” the sweet and caring southerners”.
I have a great time wherever I go.

Anything else you would like to share with us?

I’m very excited to join the Euro circle and attend the monthly meeting “finally”.
I met David Nienhuis (ATL) a long time ago and he always invited me, but I never had time to go.

Connect with Constance
EuroCircle: Constance Beer
Facebook: www.facebook.com/constance.beer
LinkedIn: Constance Beer

Atlanta – Nov 06 2013

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Our EuroCircle November Get-together will take place on Wednesday, (Nov 6th) at the Georgian Terrace Hotel.
We will meet in the Livingston Bar and weather permitting will also have access to the outside patio.

Start time will be 8:00pm (not 7:30pm as usual).

Austin – November 01 2013

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Austin Polish Film Festival brings Polish films: feature films, documentaries, shorts and animations to Austin audience and expands awareness of Polish arts and culture. APFF has been sponsored by Austin Polish Society for 8 years. APFF receives films from the Polish Filmmakers Association, which promotes and supports filmmakers. Every year APFF coincides with poster exhibition.

The theater is on the West Side of The Lincoln Village Shopping Center across from Highland Mall facing Middle Fiskville Road. There is plenty of FREE parking directly in front and behind The Marchesa.

8th Austin Polish Film Festival & Polish Poster Exhibit
Presents “On the Road Again”
Films: November 1-3, 2013
Poster Exhibit: November 1-15, 2013 (free)

Marchesa Hall & Theater
6226 Middle Fiskville Rd., located at the intersection of I-35 & 290, behind Highland Mall.