International Womens’ Club of Merida… Our 35th Anniversary

A Bevy of IWC Beauties

This coming week will be a memorable one because the IWC is celebrating its 35^th Anniversary. I can still remember the first meeting so clearly. There were 22 women present; and for many, of us, this was the first time we realised that quite a few English-speaking women were living in Yucatan.

Some of those present were born in Merida, but they had studied or lived abroad and welcomed the opportunity to spend time with other like-minded women. Others came to live here from other countries, and for some of them, the club was literally a lifeline. I think all of us feel that cultural diversity is enriching, but for most, adaptation has been wrought with difficult periods. And the IWC has helped many of us get us through them.

 

Visiting Coba

Vilma Moray, a beloved member for many years used to say, “The IWC is like a buffet… you’ll love some of the offerings, but not all of them… so you take what you want to and leave the rest.” For me, that assessment is so true; I have made some of my closest friendships at the monthly meetings of the IWC. Now there are many places where the international community gathers… there are facebook groups, and… and… and… But back in 1984, the IWC was unique; and in many ways, it still is.

Friends always… Vilma, Joanna, Loretta, Rose and Juanita…

If you visit https://iwcmerida.com/  you’ll NOT be able to read about all the IWC activities our stellar board has planned for this week… so scroll down here for more details

Lenny one of the IWC scholarship recipients received her Law degree from UADY

• A special get-together to celebrate the accomplishments of our scholarship recipients will be held on Friday November 15th at Chloe Pacheco’s home. If you can, please bring a savoury or sweet treat to share… Send me, or another member a message, and we’ll get back to you
• And on Sunday the 17^th, we’ll all enjoy a festive “White Dinner” at a local club.

(An RSVP will be appreciated if you plan on attending either of these events … further details are available in the BB, or from an IW member)

• Art History lovers will be happy to see, that one of our members, Estela Keim will present: “Transformations of the Mona Lisa: From Middleclass Housewife to International Icon” on Saturday afternoon from 4:30 – 6:00 pm at the NH Hotel / Paseo 60.

Other activities are:

• Hi Tea at Becky Gebser’s on Tuesday November 12^th … you can find the address and directions to her house in this week’s BB. Please bring a sweet or savoury treat to share.

Menly… such a great sport always…

 

IWC Fridas

And following Estela’s talk on Saturday:

• From 6:30 – 8;30 pm, the Restaurant “Cartas a Frida” on Calle 55 between 60 and 58 will have tables available for more catching up, to enjoy a drink or a snack, or just to listen to the favourite tunes we’ve recorded (in English and in Spanish) There is no minimum charge at the “Cartas a Frida” open house; whatever you order is what you’ll be charged for. Long time members will be excited to know that two former IWC presidents will be on hand… Loretta Miller and Dalila Leon … as well as a few more, I’m sure.

If you are a former IWC member, a present one, or think you might like to become a member, you are so welcome to join us. Get in touch with me, other members or a board officer.

Dalia and Joanna… Socias por siempre

 

Thirty-five years is a fair bit of time; hopefully over the next 35 years

Loretta and Joanna… love to cook

IWC members will continue to positively impact our community, form many wonderful friendships, continue to learn from one another and make as many memories as we have done the past  35.

I hope to see you this week! Meanwhile … here are some more photos…

 

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