| The International Club of Atlanta - Activities |
|
Discussion Group |
|
The ICA Discussion Group hosts speakers from a variety of professions, who address a wide range of issues that confront the United States and the global community. Among topics that have been addressed in the past are global climate change, the use of drones in modern warfare, the future of NATO, challenges facing Estonia, the Haj, Afghanistan's history and future, the Ebola crisis, and Russian expansionism. The Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday each month for dinner, presentation by a speaker, and questions and commentary. No meetings are held during the summer months of July and August. |
|
Bon Vivants |
|
ICA Bon Vivants give Club members a reason to gather and celebrate on a social basis. We sponsor two events during the year, one in the spring and our winter holiday celebration. We have held theme-based events, such as our party at the Cuban Club in Atlanta, a luau, a catered middle eastern party, a country barbeque, and our more formal galas at a country club in December. We welcome all International Club members to join us for these festive affairs which give us a chance to mingle, laugh, wine and dine. |
|
Book Club |
|
The Book Club meets several times a year at a member's home. The selected books typically have an international or multi-cultural component. Preference is given to non-fiction or at least books that have an historical or factual basis. The often-lively discussions are significantly enhanced by the members' own diverse backgrounds and life experiences. At the end of the meeting, suggestions are exchanged to decide on the next book. |
|
Bridge Night |
|
Our monthly Bridge Night is an evening of friendly dinner conversation, low-competition bridge and shared travel experiences held at various restaurants around Atlanta. Members' travel stories always trump the bridge scores, which are loosely kept among rotating table assignments. All bridge levels are welcome, and we always play a friendly, supportive and leisurely game. |
|
Cultural Activities |
|
Several times each year we offer artistic events which provide insights into our respective communities and world cultures. We attend plays, musical events, guided art exhibitions, art movies and more. Activities have included a Philipp Glass presentation about the music he composed for Mishima; a viewing of Einstein's manuscript confirming his Theory of Relativity; the Kongo Across the Waters at The Carter Center; a book signing and talk by the famed author Khaled Hosseini of "The Kite Runner" and "A Thousand Splendid Suns"; and an exhibit of Sir Winston Churchill's paintings at the Millennium Gate Museum. Following these activities, we typically enjoy a meal at a nearby restaurant where we discuss what we've seen. |
|
Curry Out |
|
It was mostly the lure of spices that propelled the Portuguese, Dutch, French and British explorers to reach the shores of India centuries ago. The British coined "curry" as a generic term for any dish with a thick sauce or gravy using these spices. This generic description, however, misses out on the subtle variety and nuances of different spices used and the delicious flavors that are offered. The curries don't have to be hot. After all, it was only the Europeans who brought and introduced the chili pepper to the Indian cuisine. Our Curry Out group meets several times each year and explores the over-100 curry restaurants in Atlanta. These curry outings combine the sociability of a small gathering of interesting people with the shared adventure of tasting and appreciating the vast range of spices. |
|
Dining Out |
|
In the spirit of "all things international", the Dining Out group seeks to offer opportunities to enjoy international cuisine. Several times a year, we meet on a Sunday evening at a previously arranged restaurant to enjoy a meal together. Members are encouraged to suggest locations that they have either experienced or which they think would be of interest to fellow Club members. We have enjoyed everything from Spanish tapas and French Vietnamese to Turkish and Chinese cuisines. The locations are chosen with price, size and unique cuisine in mind. It is the intention of this committee to allow members to enjoy the wide range of international cuisine available in the Atlanta area. |
|
Explorers Group |
|
As a diverse, educated, and well-traveled group, ICA members are curious about the world around them, including the Atlanta metro area. The Explorers Group was started in 2008 to give members and their guests an opportunity to become better acquainted with the rich historical, cultural, religious, and other interesting places nearby. The ICA Explorers have visited religious sites and architecturally interesting buildings including the Fox Theater, Rhodes Hall, Barrington and Bulloch Halls, Sweet Auburn Avenue, the National Center for Civil & Human Rights, and the Georgia Archives. We have also visited the sustainable community at Serenbe, the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Howard Finster's Paradise Garden in Summerville, and Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground. |
|
Monthly Hikes |
|
With its monthly hikes, ICA provides an easy way for members and their guests to explore interesting natural outdoor settings in the greater Metropolitan area. Every 2nd Saturday of the month, we meet at a designated starting point for a light breakfast and socialization before setting out on a two hour hike. We choose our destinations each month to make sure we cover a broad geography of the Atlanta area, as well as finding places of beauty and historical significance. Sometimes our tours are guided by local experts, and sometimes we are exploring on our own. Most of the walking is on flat, easy terrain, with occasional more challenging sections. We do our best to foster a friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy a good conversation while getting your exercise. It's a great way for prospective and newer members to get acquainted with ICA. |
|
Travelers Group |
|
The Travelers Group meets several times each year for a presentation by Club members about one of their recent international trips. Usually this includes sharing their photos, experiences, and souvenirs. To enhance guests' understanding of the countries visited, the hosts often provide refreshments that are typical of the food and/or drink of that part of the world. The Travelers Group also facilitates occasional trips abroad. For example, several of our members have traveled as a group to India, Iceland, the Baltic area, and most recently to Europe on a bicycle tour. |