Strangers by Day, Friends by Bonfire: Real Stories from a GoWeekends Trip

The Magic of Gathering Around Fire

There's something primal about gathering around a fire. Maybe it's the warmth, the flickering light, or just the excuse to put phones away and actually talk to people. Here are real stories from our bonfire experiences that show why these simple evenings create the strongest bonds.

Priya's Story: From Awkward Hello to Best Friends

"I'm naturally introverted, so joining a GoWeekends bonfire was way outside my comfort zone. I almost backed out three times. But sitting around that fire, sharing stories and roasting marshmallows, I met Sarah. We were both new to Bhubaneswar for work, both missing home, both wondering if we'd made the right decision."

"Six months later, we're roommates and planning trips together. That bonfire gave me my first real friend in a new city."

Rohit's Corporate Team Transformation

"Our office team was pretty formal – we barely talked outside of meetings. The bonfire evening was supposed to be a team-building exercise, but it became so much more. Without laptops and presentations, we actually got to know each other as people."

"Now our Monday meetings start with weekend stories, and we've organized three more bonfire trips on our own. Best corporate investment ever."

Ananya's Confidence Boost

"I'd just gone through a rough breakup and was feeling pretty low about myself. My friend dragged me to the bonfire, literally. I spent the first hour sitting quietly, but something about the setting made people naturally inclusive."

"By the end of the night, I was leading group songs and planning the next meetup. Sometimes you need strangers to remind you who you really are."

What Makes Our Bonfires Special

We've perfected the art of bringing people together:

• Small groups: Never more than 15 people, so everyone gets to participate
• Planned activities: Ice-breakers that don't feel forced
• Great food: BBQ and local snacks that encourage sharing
• Music & games: Just enough structure to keep things flowing
• Safe spaces: Everyone feels welcome to be themselves

The Post-Bonfire Effect

What happens after the fire dies down is often the most beautiful part. We've seen:

• WhatsApp groups that stay active for months
• Workout buddies who met over s'mores
• Business partnerships born from casual conversations
• Weekend hiking groups that formed around the fire
• Even a few love stories (we're not taking credit, but...)

Join Our Next Fire Circle

If you're new to Bhubaneswar, feeling stuck in a routine, or just want to meet genuine people, our bonfire evenings might be exactly what you need. We host them twice a month in different scenic locations around the city.

Come as you are – the fire will do the rest.