Enriching Your Life With Culture

I had the absolute pleasure of being part of Coffee With An Expats inaugural event in the Cultural Exchange Series by our Arts & Culture Group led by Dalal Hamdan and Daffa Konaté . The series is designed to bring women from different backgrounds together to share, celebrate, and learn about each other’s traditions. With an increasingly interconnected world, opportunities to truly connect and understand each other’s cultures are more important than ever.

Our first session welcomed Yoko Murata , owner of Japan Style, who shared some of the rich traditions and customs of Japan with us and an interactive workshop on Furoshiki — the traditional Japanese art of fabric wrapping. Furoshiki is a practice deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where a simple piece of fabric can be transformed into a sustainable and functional wrapping for gifts, groceries, and more. Using kimono fabrics, Yoko showed us how to fold and wrap items in ways that are both practical and artistically beautiful.

I was particulary excited for this event as my family and I had such a wonderful experience when we visited Japan not so long ago, I was in awe of their culture and this event was a powerful reminder of the richness that comes from cultural exchange. When we immerse ourselves in another culture, even for just a few hours, it broadens our perspectives, deepens our empathy, and helps us appreciate the diverse ways in which people navigate the world. Learning about different traditions challenges our assumptions and reminds us that there are so many different ways to approach life and it brings fresh ideas and insights into our own lives.

Cultural exchange also builds a foundation of mutual respect and understanding. By celebrating each other’s traditions, we’re able to see the beauty in our differences and discover commonalities. When we listen and learn from each other, it fosters a sense of belonging and shared humanity that’s essential in today’s diverse societies.

Events like these create a space where knowledge is shared and we’re able to learn directly from people who are passionate about their culture. Yoko inspired us to think more intentionally about how we consume, reuse, and even gift items and give us an insight to how beautiful the gesture of gifting is in Japan. It’s an empowering reminder that everyone has something valuable to teach, and that learning is a continuous journey enriched by the people we meet along the way.

At Coffee With An Expat, we believe that cultural exchange is essential not only for personal growth but also for building stronger, more inclusive societies. When we make an effort to learn about each other’s backgrounds, we’re contributing to a more understanding, compassionate, and resilient community.

Our Cultural Exchange Series has only just begun, and we’re excited to continue exploring the unique traditions and customs that make each culture so special. If you’re an expat or a local woman looking to broaden your perspectives and connect with others in a meaningful way, we’d love to have you join us.

What have you found interesting about different cultures you have been exposed to?

With Gratitude

Navine xx