One of the guys I knew from Undergrad is on a pro sports team and just got traded a few weeks ago and is now living in the same city as me. He is originally from Africa and has been in the U.S. for about 6 years now. I knew him in Undergrad but never really hung out with, and we have been talking on the phone and are trying to meet up since we both don't know anyone, he obviously doesn't have a car, still has to find an apt. with his teammates etc...
To the point... With our busy schedules we are trying to get together, problem is, I have no clue what we can do, Im not familiar with the area nor is he, and I don't know how much we have in common, he is still very much in his african culture. But he is a really good guy, and really want to form a close friendship (nothing else) since he is now the only familiar face I know in the city (and its a good opportunity for me to meet other people on his team etc.., So where do I start? Im definitely going to go to all his games, but what can we do to hangout.. normally I would just go to the mall, but I would feel weird doing that with him, at least at first, because his family is very very poor in africa, and he still sends all his money to them (i think they live in a hut, literally). I was thinking of maybe just inviting him to my apt to hang out. Since we still haven't even seen eachother yet. But what other suggestions???
-- Edited by nicoley013 at 21:20, 2006-06-05
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"Deep down you may still be that same great guy I used to know. But it's not who you are underneath, it's what you do that defines you" Rachel Dawes, Batman Begins
What about asking him out for coffee or for lunch? You can even tell him its your treat because you haven't seen him in a while - then you dont' have to feel like you're making him spend money he could send to his family. You can talk and catch up, and then maybe the conversation will lead you to an idea of something else to do?
ETA: Maybe you could invite him over to hang out, and make lunch together or something?
-- Edited by ttara123 at 21:10, 2006-06-05
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Fashion is art you live your life in. - Devil Wears Prada | formerly ttara123
what about asking him to shoot the basketball around for fun (if you're athletic) or playing some mini golf or go kart?
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"i tell you one lesson I learned
If you want to be something in life, You ain't gonna get it unless, You give a little bit of sacrifice, Oohh, sometimes before you smile you got to cry.." -The Roots
Is there a citysearch for your town? That site is great for finding things to do in a place you don't know that well.
I'd stick with lunch or dinner or something. Maybe at a fun bbq place or mexican place or restaurant with live music (I'm totally thinking Austin here but I'm sure there's something comparable in your town). It might not be what either of you are necessarily into but it's a good way to get out and feel your way around the city.