Exploring Culture Through Culinary Delights
As we are celebrating ten years of crossing borders, bridging cultures and connecting global minds, we want to use this time of festivity to showcase the amazing work our Consuls do around the globe. Meet Raf Olayinka, Consul of the mouth-watering Berlin Street Food Group.
Raf Olayinka was born in Nigeria, and, after studying Banking and Finance, he spread his wings and crossed the Mediterranean to start a new life as an expat in Germany. It was in Bremen in 2013 that Raf started his own company, which he now operates from his home away from home, Berlin.
As an expat in a foreign country, Raf had the yearning to meet and connect with other global-minded people, and, after a recommendation from a close friend, Raf joined InterNations in 2016. After a year of attending activities and events in Berlin, he decided he wanted to get more involved, and share with other members his interest in different foods and delicacies from cultures around the world. Inspired by the idea of using cuisine to bridge gaps, celebrate diversity, and communicate culture, Raf took on a Consul position in the Berlin Street Food Group in 2017.
Since becoming Consul in February, Raf has hosted seven activities, exploring the tantalizing cuisine scene of the German capital. From African finger food to Chinese buffets, he has taken his group on a round-the-world trip through the Berlin streets. A highlight for Raf was an unforgettable dining experience he shared with members at an Indian restaurant in March. The combination of exotic flavors and groovy Bollywood beats made for a night to remember. Not to mention that he met his girlfriend, also a member of InterNations, while boogying on the dance floor.
As a professional Event Manager, Raf knows that planning ahead is essential to hosting successful events and activities. Keen to get onboard and celebrate the 10th anniversary of InterNations, he was one of our first Consuls to get his InterNations Turns 10 activity posted in his group. So what will Raf be doing to see out InterNations’ first decade? Breaking it down to Bollywood beats and reliving his favorite activity!
Have a mango lassi and a curry for us Raf, and we look forward to seeing pictures of your InterNations 10th Anniversary Dinner, Bollywood style!
About Lisa Stelling
Lisa Stelling works in the Community Management team here at InterNations. After growing up in faraway Australia, Lisa has come to Munich to be with her German boyfriend and immerse herself in the land of Dirndls, Lederhosen, and Bier!
Article topics
Related articles
The Holiday Season Is Upon Us: November at InterNations
The year is drawing to a close and November’s arrival unofficially marks the start of the holiday season. With Diwali and Thanksgiving festivities both filling this month’s calendar, InterNations members around the world have been getting together, celebrating traditions old and new!
Making the Most of Spending the Holidays Abroad
The holidays are often a tricky time for expats. However, there are many ways to banish the holiday blues: some of our volunteers and InterNations team members tell us how they spend this time of year away from home.
From Spring Sailing to Easter Fountains — InterNations in April
With a busy schedule in April, we’re sure that InterNations has something in store for you. This month, celebrating Easter — and spring in general — has dominated our event calendar. But did you know the month also started with World Health Day on 7 April? Here’s what our communities have been up to!
From Candles to Turkey Feasts — Celebrating Diwali and Thanksgiving
Traditional holidays can be a tough time for expats, especially while living in a country where they are not celebrated in the same big way. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to spend Diwali and Thanksgiving, and make new expat friends along the way.
Glitter, Tinsel, and Ugly Sweaters: December at InterNations
The holidays are just around the corner and for our communities it has been a month full of glitz and glamour. Ending the year in style, we’ve had everything from Great Gatsby-themed parties in Basel, to festive Santa bowling in Santiago de Chile. Let’s take a look at this December’s highlights!