I am a member now! Some people take 5 years to become a member, some 12 months, it took me 5 weeks! Friend Jo introduced me to this association as her guest on September meeting, for October meeting I invited myself and took a guest myself (Czech Marketa).

The association is very well run, chaired by a lovely English lady called Eileen – exactly as you imagine an English lady would look like. They have got a team of people to approve membership and they were able to enroll me during the meeting. As a newcomer, I was invited with 6 others to light a traditional Sri Lanka candle and as it was IEA 12^th birthday, we also witnessed cutting the cake (surprisingly delicious actually, normally cakes are far too sweet).

At each meeting there is something planned, this time there was an Indian Sari modelling by the members and a Bharatanatyam,  South Indian classical dancing by a talented dancer. A welcome drink is served (guava juice – sickly sweet) and a nice spread of snacks and sandwiches, fruit and vegetables and a hot drinks always on offer. It is normally held in a nice room (Crystal ballroom or a white ballroom) of a Taj Hotel on the coast, overlooking the sea. How privileged we feel.

There is always a craft stall, book stall or other activities on offer (next month Scottish dancing!). The members form different groups and meet periodically to do activities either regularly (craft, walking or yoga group) or ad hock (taster or social group).

The main reason to bring people together, but also to help those in needs in this country, so they are organising lots of charitable events and aid for local people. I am sure I will get involved, but to be honest, with collecting kids from school daily, my day is cut short.