6th January. Spanish gathering at Culture Club

NOTE FOR YOUR DIARY - WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6.

Dear Friend of the Society,

On Dec. 9, 46 of us helped Lennon, the owner of CultureClub (map attached), celebrate the 5th anniversary of that establishment. It was a very enjoyable occasion, made more so by a delightful talk from Jessica about her back-packing adventures in various Central American countries. Thank you, Jessica, for the work you put in to prepare for the talk and for "speaking from the heart". We all enjoyed it.

Our next Get Together will, because of Christmas time commitments, be in a month's time, on the 6th of January. I will be returning from Colombia only a few days before and could be suffering serious jet-lag, which will result in the usual reminder e-mail being later than usual (or even non-existent), so please make a note in your 2010 calendar or diary NOW.

Veronica has kindly offered to give a talk about her trip to Bhutan. Her previous talk was most enjoyable - please support her.

Thank you for all the support and good friendship given in 2009. Let's hope that during 2010 we can continue practising our Spanish in CultureClub - a warm and welcoming environment!

Special thanks go to the hispano-hablantes who always give us so much support as well as make the gatherings truly international.

Feliz navidad

Chris Stubbs.

Felices fiestas/ Merry Christmas and happy New Year!

26th December. Spanish gathering at Termini Cafe

Dear all,

Our regular Spanish gathering the last Saturday of the month will be in Termini Tea Yard cafe and as always it will start from 8.00pm on going.

Details: "Termini Tea Yard"
Tel: 25757738
2/F, 516 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay

I'll see you then,
Marcela

9th December. Spanish gathering at Culture Club

Dear Friend of the Society,

This is to remind you that our next Get Together will take place in CultureClub (www.cultureclub.com.hk), 15 Elgin Street, Soho District, Central (map attached), this coming Wednesday, the 9th of December, from 7.00 p.m. onwards (early attendance appreciated).

Everyone with an interest in communicating in Spanish is welcome to come along. Jessica, who has recently been back-packing in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Mexico, has kindly volunteered to share the story of some her adventures with us. Please give her your support.

As usual, drinks will be available at Happy Hour prices (after the first), and our supportive host, Lennon, will provide some tasty snacks "on the house".

Hope to see you there. I think you will find it to be an enjoyable social occasion, as well as a wonderful opportunity to practise your Spanish with a very friendly group of people.

Saludos,

Chris Stubbs

Member of the Society.

11st to 22nd. November. "Spain Now" potho exhibition

El Consulado General de España en Hong Kong se complace en invitarle a la exposición de fotografía “Spain Now" presentada por la Agencia EFE y este Consulado General que tendrá lugar del 11 al 22 de noviembre de 2009 en el Sheung Wan Civic Centre.


Exhibition Hall
6/F Sheung Wan Civic Centre
345 Queen's Road Central
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/ce/CulturalService/SWCC/fr-mape.html




The Consulate General of Spain is proud to invite you to the photo exhibition "Spain Now" presented by Agencia EFE (Spain's International News Agency) and this Consulate General from 11 to 22 November 2009 at the Sheung Wan Civic Centre.

18th November. Spanish gathering at Culture Club

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY - WED. 18 NOVEMBER.

Dear Friend of the Society,

Thank you to the 50+ (I lost count after 50) people who attended the Get Together on the 28th of October. It was good to see new faces from levels 3 to 5 and it is hoped you will continue to come along to future gatherings, both to have an enjoyable time and also to practise and improve your Spanish.

Thanks go also to Billy Chan, who gave a comprehensive, well researched, talk on Guatemala. If we didn't know much about the country before, we certainly do now! At the next Get Together, on November 18, to which you are all welcome, Sylvia, who has links with Guatemala, Ecuador and the USA, and who previously gave a very interesting talk on Independence days in Central America ( 16/9/09), has kindly agreed to give a talk on Latin Music. Obviously this is a huge topic, so it is hoped more information about her selection can be given in the reminder e-mail.

The Get Togethers are always held in CultureClub (www.cultureclub.com.hk - map attached), where the genial host, Lennon, provides us with a comfortable environment, free snacks and drinks at Happy Hour prices (after the first). The gatherings start at 7.00 p.m. and because many of us have to work next day early attendance is appreciated, so please make a note in your diary. Everybody with an interest in communicating in Spanish is welcome.

Saludos,

Chris Stubbs

Member of the Society.

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Extra notices :-

1) Carlos Souto, from Barcelona, who is one of the many native Spanish Speakers who do so much to enhance our gatherings, would like any singers out there to contact him (parkerbarna@gmail.com - 60956436). His plan is to work on some songs (he plays the guitar) with Spanish lyrics for presentation at some future Get Together. Should be fun - please get in touch with him directly if you are interested.

2) The Spanish Society will be holding their Annual Dinner soon and you are all cordially invited. Details can be found at http://www.hispanica.com.hk/news.php.

"Flamenco Festival ” from October 27th to November 6th 2009

The Consulate General of Spain is proud to invite you to the "Flamenco Festival ” from October 27th to November 6th 2009 at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.

Oscar Herrero
" From Flamenco to Álbeniz"
27th October 2009, 8:00 pm

Concha Jareño
"Simply Flamenco"
28th Octubre 2009, 8:00 pm

Victor Fraile (Photographic exhibition)
"Matador"
from 27th Octubre to 6th November 2009


Free Admission. Bookings: Consulate General of Spain 2525 3041/2 espcghk@netvigator.com

28th October, Spanish gathering at Culture Club

Dear Member or Friend of the Society,

Yesterday, the 7th, a large crowd of us spent a very enjoyable Get Together in CultureClub (www.cultureclub.com.hk). Thanks must go to Irene, from Spain, who gave an interesting talk on her home region, Murcia. We now know some unusual words, in addition to having a greater knowledge of that area of Spain. Also, our appreciation goes to Lennon, the owner of CultureClub, for the free snacks and warm hospitality.

Our next Get Together in CultureClub, 15 Elgin Street, Soho District, Central (map attached) will be on Wednesday, October 28th from 7 p.m. onwards. Billy Chan, who has spent a lot of his life in Guatemala, has kindly offered to give a talk on that country. I'm sure not too many of us know much about that part of Central America, so it should be interesting - please make a note in your diary to attend.

For those of you who have not been before, you will find it to be an excellent opportunity to practise your Spanish in very friendly surroundings. There is no need to register. Everyone is extremely relaxed, and you will no doubt enjoy the social side, as well the language development aspect. Native speakers are especially welcome (apologies that this message is in English).

See you on the 28th?

Saludos,

Chris Stubbs,

Member of the Society

31st. October. Spanish gathering at Termini Tea cafe

Dear all,

Our regular Spanish gathering the last Saturday of the month will be in Termini Tea Yard cafe and as always it will start from 8.00pm on going.

Details: "Termini Tea Yard"
Tel: 25757738
2/F, 516 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay

I'll see you then,
Marcela

11st. October to 15th. November. Insert a coin, Spanish Contemporary Art at Para/Site Art space

5th to 10th October. Spanish Film Festival at Agnes B. Cinema. Wanchai

We would like to invite you to the IV Edition of the Spanish Film Festival. 5 movies and more than 15 short movies will be screened at the HK Arts Centre during the Festival in the framework of the Spanish October.

On the first day of the Festival you are invited to the Opening cocktail, by uno más, on October 5th officiated by the Consul General of Spain, Juan Luis Flores Arroyuelo.
Please find the details below:

Dates: 5th to 8th & 10th October (5 days)

Venue: Agnes b Cinema; upper basement Hong Kong Arts Centre,
2 Harbour Road; Wanchai

Price: HK$20 non-members; free for members.

Opening cocktail: 5th October - 6pm. All are welcome.


PROGRAMME

Monday 5/Oct/2009
6pm Opening Cocktail by David Izquierdo & Uno Más. Wines sponsored by Saveurs

7pm
Classification III – Approved for exhibition only to persons who have attained the age of 18 years.
Atchís Atchís / Juanjo Angosse / Short-Film / Spain / 2009 / 17 '
Intensitat Intensitat / Josep Bendicho / Short-Film / Spain / 2009 / 11'20''

Rec Rec / Jaume Balagueró & Paco Plaza / Horror / Spain / 2007 / 85' / Goya best actress and Goya best editing


Tuesday 6/Oct/2009 7pm
Classification IIB – Not suitable for young persons and children.
The Tilted Room La habitación inclinada / Pako Bagur, Freddy Córdoba & Iban José / Animation 3D / Spain / 2004 / 9'16'' / Nominated Goya best animation short-film 2004
Violeta Violeta, la pescadora del mar negro / Marc Riba & Anna Solanas / Puppet Animation / Spain / 2006 / 9’ / Best Spanish short-film in ANIMADRID 2007, best Catalan short-film in ''32 FILMETS

The Method El Método / Marcelo Piñeyro / Drama / Spain / 2005 / 115' / Goya 2005 best secondary actor and best adapted screenplay



Wednesday 7/Oct/2009 7pm
Classification IIA – Not suitable for children.
Mr. Rag Sr. Trapo / Raúl Díez / Animation 3D / Spain / 2002 / 11' 40'' / Goya best animation short-film 2003
The Biggest Flower in the world La Flor Más Grande del Mundo / Juan Pablo Etcheverry / Clay Animation / Spain / 2007 / 10' / Nominated Goya best animation short-film 2008

In The Boundless City En la Ciudad sin Límites / Antonio Hernández / Drama / Spain / 2002 / 120' / Goya 2003 Best secondary actress and best adapted Screenplay



Thursday 8/Oct/2009 7pm
Classification IIB – Not suitable for young persons and children.
Minotauromaquia Minotauromaquia, Pablo en el Laberinto / Juan Pablo Etcheverry / Clay Animation / Spain / 2004 / 10' / Nominated Goya best animation short-film 2005
The Night of the Ugly Lovers La Noche de los Feos / Manuel González Mauricio / Animation 3D / Spain / 2006 / 12' / Nominated Goya best animation short-film 2007

Open your eyes Abre los ojos / Alejandro Amenábar / Drama - Sciencefiction/ Spain / 1999 / 117' / Nominated to ten Goya 1998 (best film, best actor, best director, etc.)



Saturday 10/Oct/2009 3pm
Classification IIB – Not suitable for young persons and children.
Shorts' exhibition from the School 9 Zeros from Barcelona
Traces Traces / Different authors / Spain / 2008 / 46''
Time Lapsus Time Lapsus / Pablo Barquín Tejera, Marcos Coral & Mauro Gimferrer Alós / Spain / 2007 / 2'26''
The Grandma flies La Vuela / García Campo / Spain / 2008 / 2'17''
Horses of Chalk Caballos de Tiza / Daniel Cánovas / Spain / 2006 / 1'15''
The Last Drag The Last Drag / Solé Pascual / Spain / 2008 / 3'52''
Cytoplasms Citoplasmas / David Gautier, Irene I. & Edu Puertas / Spain / 2004 / 5'18''
Astromantic Sunday Domingo Astromántico / Virginia Sotelo / Spain / 2009 / 4'30''
Sands Arenas / Dani Arguimbau / Spain / 2004 / 34''

Soldiers of Salamina Soldados de Salamina / David Trueba / Drama / Spain / 2003 / 119' / Goya 2004 best photography



Please find the booking form attached.
Tickets are available from
Spanish chamber: 7-F Unit B-C, One Capital Place, 18 Luard Road, Wanchai
2763 6236
Spanish consulate: Suite 5303, 53-F, Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Road, Wanchai
25253041
Spanish Trade Commission: 2004 Tower 1, Lippo Centre, 89 Queensway, Admiralty
2521 7433

For information please contact info@spanish-chamber.com.hk or telephone 2582 0200.

7 th October. Spanish gathering at Culture Club

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY - WED. OCTOBER 7.

Dear Friend of the Society,

Thank you to the 52 people who gave their wholehearted support to Sylvia during yesterday's Get Together (16 Oct.). She gave a well-researched, interesting and entertainingly delivered talk on Independence Days in Central America. We have been very lucky to have had so many fascinating talks over the past year and more. Thank you so much to all those who have spent considerable time preparing for those talks.

Next time, on the 7th of October (apologies for saying the sixth at yesterday's gathering), we are very lucky that Irene Villaescusa Illan, from Spain, has promised to give us a "charla" on her home city, Murcia, together with some interesting words from that area - please make a note in your diary.

Our thanks go to Lennon, the owner of CultureClub (www.cultureclub.com.hk) for the free snacks and welcoming environment.

It is hoped you can make the next Get Together, where you will have the opportunity to practise your Spanish in the company of, if last night is anything to go by, a fairly large number of native speakers, as well as other friendly aficionados of the language, all of whom you will find are very willing to foster the development of our usage of the language. Also it's fun!

Saludos,

Chris Stubbs

26th September. Spanish gathering at Termini Cafe

Dear all,
Our regular Spanish gathering (the last Saturday of the month) will be in Termini Tea Yard cafe and as always it will start from 8.00pm on going.

Details: "Termini Tea Yard"
Tel: 25757738
2/F, 516 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay

I'll see you then,
Marcela

16th September. Spanish gathering at Culture Club

Dear Friend of the Society,


A reminder that our next Get Together will be held this coming Wednesday, the 16th, from 7.00 p.m. onwards (early attendance appreciated).


A map of CultureClub, 15 Elgin Street, Soho, where the gathering will take place, is attached. In addition to the wonderful opportunity to practise Spanish with a very friendly group of people, you will also enjoy free snacks, courtesy of Lennon, the supportive owner of CultureClub (www.cultureclub.com.hk), together with drinks at happy hour prices (after the first). Our host does ask that you would kindly buy at least one drink.


Sylvia, who is Guatemalan/Ecuadorian, but born in L.A., has kindly agreed to give a talk entitled, "La Independencía CentroAmericana y Mexicana". She's working very hard on it, so please come along and support her. See you there.



Saludos,



Chris Stubbs

Spanish Gathering - 29th August (Termini Café)

Dear all,
Our regular Spanish gathering the last Saturday of the month will be in Termini Tea Yard cafe and as always it will start from 8.00pm on going.

Details: "Termini Tea Yard"
Tel: 25757738
2/F, 516 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay

I'll see you then,
Marcela

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY - AUGUST 26, 2009.

Dear Member or Friend of the Society,

First, I must say that I was very thrilled with yesterday's (5/8/09) Get Together. Apart from an interesting and informative talk given by Katrina on Granada, 39 people attended. This does not seem many in comparison with some of the recent attendance figures, but the fact was that it was absolutely teeming with rain (lloviendo a cántaros - raining cats and dogs). Especial thanks go to all those who attended - thank you so much for the effort you made. Please remember that weather conditions need to be very extreme for us to cancel our meeting.

The next Get Together at CultureClub (www.cultureclub.com.hk) will be held from 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26. Tony, from Mexico, has indicated that he would like to give a talk on the Spanish Influence on some Aspects of Latin America Culture - should be interesting. Please make a note in your diary to attend. It will be a wonderful opportunity to practise your Spanish.

This morning I received an e-mail from Phil who sent information about a free translation tool which you may be interested in. If you want to take a look then the website is http://bilingualizer.globalcitizen.hk. He would welcome your comments ( phisej@gmail.com).

Hope to see you on the 26th.

Saludos,

Chris Stubbs

Member of the Society.

5th August. Spanish gathering at Culture Club.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY - WED. AUGUST 5.

Dear Member or Friend of the Society,

Yesterday's Get Together (15 July) was a very special one in that, despite a number of regulars being out of Hong Kong, a record number of people attended the gathering. Grateful thanks go to all 60 of you (maybe more, I lost count) who came along and enjoyed a humourous, but ultimately serious commentary about the use of social networks on the internet for communication purposes. The talk was given by Mohamed, who comes from Syria. He spoke in a remarkably clear, correct and, he assured us (confirmed by the female listeners), sexy Spanish. He did a great job, especially considering he left his notes in the taxi. We were all very appreciative.

Next time, on the 5th of August, Katerina, this time from Poland, but who also speaks marvellous Spanish, has promised to give a talk on Granada, where she spent a year. Of course, the Alhambra, one of Spain's major tourist attractions, will be featured. Please make a note in your diaries to attend that Get Together. Remember, that everyone who has an interest in communicating in Spanish will be very welcome. I must emphasise that the primary purpose of the gathering is to practise our Spanish, at whatever level. Socially, the evenings are also extremely enjoyable, but my personal opinion is that if people turn up because of the social aspect, but do not know any Spanish, this tends to deflect us from this primary purpose.

In connection with this motivation, our thanks must go to the native speakers from Paraguay, Spain, Argentina, Peru, Colombia and Mexico (any more?) who attended yesterday's meeting. They really spread themselves around and gave valuable support to all those of us who are endeavouring to practise and improve our Spanish.. Every gathering is enhanced by their presence - thank you so much for attending.

Final thanks must go to Lennon, the owner of CultureClub ( www.cultureclub.com.hk), who provided us with a relaxing environment, as well as a lot of free snacks. Please always remember, however, that he is running a business, so do support him in his endeavour.

Saludos,

Chris Stubbs.

Member of the Society.

25th July. Spanish gathering at Termini Cafe

Dear all,
Our regular Spanish gathering the last Saturday of the month will be in Termini Tea Yard cafe and as always it will start from 8.00pm on going.

Details: "Termini Tea Yard"
Tel: 25757738
2/F, 516 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay

I'll see you then,
Marcela

15th July. Spanish gathering at Culture Club

Dear Friend of the Society,

A reminder that our next Get Together at CultureClub (www.cultureclub.com.hk) , 15 Elgin Street, Soho, Central (map attached), will take place this coming Wednesday, the 15th, from 7.00 p.m. onwards (early attendance appreciated). You are all very welcome to attend.

Those who are considering coming for the first time, you will find that it is an ideal opportunity to practise your oral Spanish in a friendly and welcoming environment. This time we are fortunate in having Mohamed giving a talk. I'll copy some of his letter to me, so that you can appreciate that it should be an interesting talk -

I will take your advice and keep my presentation a presentation. The topic will be "Herramientas sociales virtuales - lo que hay hoy por la red y una explicacion sencilla de que carajo es el 'poke'". Feel free to omit the "carajo" part of the title if we do not wish to offend cultured attendees. I will talk about the many social networking websites out there, the ones that the Spanish and south Americans tend to prefer, the type of content, pictures, options, all with a touch of humour. It will have a slight element of ridicule over the degradation of our methods of communication and an element of melancholy toward the more traditional and meaningful means such as writing letters or posting photos. It will be informative and entertaining, hopefully. I also intend on bringing a white board for the brief introduction regarding my accent and how it compares with the Spanish accent. -

Follow that!

I hope as many of you as possible can come in order to enjoy the talk, practise your Spanish, and have snacks on the house( courtesy of the supportive owner of CultureClub, Lennon) as well as drinks at happy hour prices, after the first. There is no need to register - just turn up with the desire to communicate in Spanish.

Saludos,

Chris Stubbs

Member of the Society.

Spanish first and second semester. Videos!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngRq82c8Baw&feature=fvst

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNuGKbwRudE