Meeting people in a new city, in a new country

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Hi all!

So, I made this crazy move to Germany, which I think was a good idea for my career (I am a freelance translator now) but it has been really stressful in terms of social stuff.

The language wasn't too much of a problem because my German is OK (I can communicate what I want to say easily but I can't fashion sophisticated sentences with as much ease as in English, of course) but I am struggling with how to get into social groups that meet regularly here. I've been advised that sports is a good place to start, but I haven't done much sport in my life. I've started getting more involved in setting up activities at Meetup.com, which is a great way to meet expats, and we'll see how that works out - I find that a lot of meetups that are suggested involve either going out to eat (which is great, but I am trying to lose weight), and going hiking (also great, but the weather at this time of year is unpredictable, and places are far away) but I like stuff that is a little more culturally inclined - going to the theatre, opera, museums, etc.

Not really sure what my questions is here... I guess I'm asking if anyone has any advice about meeting new people and making new friends? I'm 31 and I work from home, so people I work with isn't really an option, nor is school. Just wanted more feedback, I guess

I've done this life-change twice in my life, and both times the way I met new people was to take part in an activity that I already had a deep interest in. For example, I was actively a musician during the time of my first emigration, and so it was natural for me to start taking part in open mic nights, where I began to meet other musicians, and from there I formed a social circle.

The second time I made a migration, same thing -- I was more involved by then with my visual arts, and when I saw a local article about an art trail, I participated in that and from there became a member of a group of artists that formed out of it.

I also make friends in a well-used park I frequent due to my interest in birds and wildlife. That last one I actually did NOT want to make friends as I go there for peace and quiet....so I'm a bit less happy about that particular situation....But it just goes to show that if you have a hobby or interest that partly takes place "out and about", sometimes you can't even avoid making new friends.

In conclusion:

Hobbies and interests you already have or are interested in starting, and which at least in part can happen outside your home.

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