Hello, I'm Aleks—a family man with a passion for engineering. Last year, my wife and I found ourselves at a crossroads in London. She was navigating the joys of maternity leave with our second child, while I took a step back from my role at Facebook to embrace paternity leave. The dream of coastal living had always been in the back of our minds, yet the courage to pursue it seemed just out of reach. What did we stand to lose, we pondered, when our professional lives offered a safety net?
Encouraged by a friend's suggestion, we ventured to Javea, Spain, in the crisp days of February.
The allure of the temperate climate, the welcoming community, the laid-back seaside lifestyle, and the promise of affordable living quickly won us over. By the onset of the summer school term, we were ready to call this beautiful place home.
Adjusting to our new surroundings posed its set of hurdles, chiefly the distance from our loved ones. Thus, establishing new friendships became a pressing priority, alongside immersing ourselves in the local language.
Our entry into the community was facilitated by the local school's WhatsApp group, through which we received more invitations to birthday gatherings in a few months than we had experienced in a year in London. This pathway led us to forge enduring friendships.
However, our quest for a broader circle of friends revealed a challenging truth: despite our efforts, many were already nestled within established networks of friendship.
Our desire was to connect with individuals who shared our diverse interests—entrepreneurship, volleyball, and similar life stages. It became clear that school drop-offs weren't the ideal venues to meet other parents in their 50s with young children.
This brought back fond memories of my time at INSEAD in France, where "Random Dinners" offered a unique platform to meet new people effortlessly. My wife and I had the pleasure of attending one, where we met several individuals who remain dear friends. It's noteworthy how these dinners often served as the backdrop for many to meet their future partners.
Inspired by this, upon our return to London, I initiated a random dinner that catalyzed the formation of new friendships.
Drawing from these experiences, I established the Random Dinners Club in Spain. Modeled after the INSEAD tradition, the club's mission is to bring people together over delightful dinners in local eateries, fostering new connections.
The Random Dinners Club is a sanctuary for those new to a city, seeking friendship, and for residents aiming to widen their social networks. It also supports local businesses, especially smaller, eco-friendly restaurants.
In the journey of settling into a new city, the ability to quickly weave a social tapestry can significantly enhance the experience, making it richer and more fulfilling.
I warmly invite you to discover the Random Dinners—a pathway to new friendships and cherished memories.
Thank you for considering the Random Dinners as your bridge to new horizons.
Best,
Aleks
P.S. Your thoughts and feedback are invaluable to me. Feel free to connect at aleks.randomdinners@gmail.com.