This afternoon we went to an International Friendship Club (IFC) potluck lunch in San Sebastian (north and east of Rincon). The IFC is a women's service organization which grew from a English speakers' bookclub in the 1950's to the philanthropic and social networking organization it is today. The Club includes a good strong cross section of the international community here in Porta del Sol, the west coastal area of PR, including snowbirds who come down for the winter months, expats who live in PR year round, and Puerto Ricans.
The gathering was well attended, with about 60 members and guests mixing, catching up and just enjoying the cool breeze by the hosts' pool.
The IFC is a great resource for newcomers. Puerto Rico is a friendly and accessible place but it does have its own rhythms and particularities. Having a network to help the newcomer with basics like car registration and navigating the cable TV office make for a much smoother transition. The Club meets once a month for a luncheon meeting with speakers and also hosts social and philanthropic functions. The Club gives the newcomer and those visiting for a few months a group of friends and someone to "run into" in the grocery store or post office!
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