Global Sisters: Natalija’s Journey From Luxembourg to The Metropolitan Club

For a diplomat's wife, home is found in unexpected places. When Natalija Da Cruz arrived in San Francisco as Luxembourg's Consul General's wife, she stepped into what she calls "a spectacular place because here you have such a diverse community."

"I'm in San Francisco as a part of our diplomatic mission to the United States because my husband is Consul General of Luxembourg to San Francisco," Natalija explains of her family's path to the Bay Area. The move would open doors to new places.

Through the close-knit diplomatic spouse community, she learned about The Metropolitan Club– where she would find her own little sanctuary in San Francisco.

Where History Meets Legacy

In an era when women's athletics were considered unconventional, The Metropolitan Club emerged as a revolutionary space. "What I find fascinating with the Metropolitan Club is firstly, of course, its history, it’s like a testimony of what women's challenges were at the time when it was established," Natalija reflects. Having seen the structured social clubs of Europe, she found something uniquely American–yet globally minded–in this San Francisco institution.

As Natalija continued to learn about the club, she found something special. "It's like a pandora, a hidden Pandora's treasure," she shares, "because apart from the athletic opportunities women have, and especially in such an exclusive circle, you kind of feel that it's private lessons for you." 

Beyond the wonderful athletic facilities, the club embraces global perspectives–from the chef’s creations of international cuisines, including recent Japanese and European specialties, to the Italian language group where Natalija practices her seventh language.

The club's legacy of breaking barriers continues today, where women from all cultures find both challenge and comfort. Private training sessions honor the athletic foundation, while cultural programs and social spaces create opportunities for global connection in an intimate setting.

Bringing Luxembourg to California

In March, The Metropolitan Club will transform into a gateway to Luxembourg, offering members a taste of this European nation. A highlight of the club's new monthly international dinner series, this cultural celebration brings Natalija's homeland to San Francisco through food, wine, and tradition.

"Luxembourg is a wine country. The wine is produced from the Moselle River, so it will be a must to be included in this dinner," Natalija shares with pride. She describes her homeland: "it's a very picturesque country with castles and very tidied up but at the same time quite modern, despite its historical atmosphere; it's a very modern and future looking country."

Members will experience Luxembourg's rich culinary heritage while learning about this small but mighty European nation. 

The Power of Women's Community

At The Metropolitan Club, connections transcend age and profession. "There are young members who are currently pursuing their business or their profession in very diverse areas, also in scientific and in some areas which are really innovative," Natalija observes, noting the diversity that enriches the club's community.

"This intergenerational aspect is actually beneficial for everybody," she explains, "because younger people can maybe get some kind of advice from people who look at the things already with a certain experience and calmness." From language coffee hours to casual drop-in events, these moments build friendships at every stage of their lives.

Life Between Two Worlds

The life of a diplomat's wife requires qualities that Natalija has come to embrace: curiosity, creativity, and resilience. These qualities found their perfect expression at The Metropolitan Club.

"It's wonderful to be able to represent your country, and it's a big responsibility but at the same time a great joy," she reflects, capturing not just her role as a diplomat's wife, but the spirit of The Metropolitan Club itself.

Discover your own story at The Metropolitan Club.