A Touching Christmas Gift

A remarkable couple, Graham and Susana decided to  retire in San Sebastian De Los Reyes. They spread good cheer wherever they went and not just during the season of good cheer that is Christmas, but all year round.

Graham came to one of our gatherings quite recently. He was not quite sure what to expect of us, but he introduced himself to the group. Soon the conversation flowed and he regaled us with lots of stories. 

He had been  looking forward to discussing Oscar Wilde as his students of English had performed The Importance Of Being Earnest in Nebrija University in the Nineties and it was warmly received. We did, in fact, start reading Wilde's clever play the following week.

Graham met Susana in Sweden where both worked as professors of Hispanic studies. Graham, an English gentleman and Susana, an extrovert Argentinian lady from  Mendoza, the land of  sunshine and good wine got to know one another at the meetings of mother language teachers in Sweden. 

Here in San Sebasián De los Reyes they  joined local cultural associations including the French workshops of la Universidad Popular.

Graham wrote a beautiful short story that recounted his commitment to Spain and its democracy. He entered it in the Certamen de Relato Corto Sobre Memoria Histórica Democrática where he won the Accésit award.

Sadly, Graham passed away on the 7th October this year at the age of 87.

Susana, who reads in Spanish, Swedish and French offered to donate his superb collection of books in English to this association.

We are tremendously happy and proud to accept her generous offer and to be able to take care of and share them with you, our good friends.

 

IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE, PLAY ON.

The opening lines of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

Leonard Cohen singing Anthem

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic2CySkEAlg

Van Morrison singing Days like this. Backing vocals Brian Kennedy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UUWkr4FUlo

Just sharing some music from a recent get together

 

The Planet First

 Nobody’s problem

Carl Sagan talks about the greenhouse effect in 1985!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MResexA9Rg

Many thanks to Belino who shared this video and reminded us of the COP28 climate change summit that will be held from November 30^th to December 12^th in  the United Arab Emirates.

In 1985 Carl Sagan said the only way forward was together through amity and consensus. Thirty eight years later at least the fact that 198 states and parties are taking part indicates a measure of interest, which is just as well. Time is running out. 

As Greta Thornburg says, ‘Our house is on fire!’

To attend our conversations you  can contact us at asedow@gmail.com

November 15th

 BBC Learning English - 6 Minute English / Plants fighting pollution

Today we will be looking at nature to help us solve the big issues of waste and pollution.

Thanks for the suggestion, Mayca. 

September 27th 2023

 Happily, we have  just received confirmation that we will have the use of the same room on the first floor in La Universidad Popular,  Av Bauatal 18, San Sebastián De Los Reyes, Metro Baunatal.

There we await you on Wednesdays at 18:30.

If you are looking for a place to have a conversation in English in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere while improving your listening and speaking skills, please come along. Bring your ideas and we will be happy to accommodate them.

See you there.

A quote from Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

 “What's in a name? that which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet.” 

We also  use the adage: A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.  

The Rainbow comes and goes, And lovely is the Rose

Being free to be yourself

 A person who does not feel safe is not free. The world is very diverse, thank goodness and one day we will stop using labels but in the year 2023 the   LGTBIQ+ community still has to struggle despite the enormous and invaluable contribution to to the arts, music, fun, literature, life and colour.

And so to celebrate gay pride day here is the chance to listen and see this wonderful song from Queen to all of us. I want to break free. 😊💝

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4Mc-NYPHaQ

Have a good summer!

 Hi ,

We will be back in September 2023.

Enjoy the holidays!

Contact us at asedow@gmail.com

Here is a quote from Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice

'All that glisters is not gold.'

Over time the saying has been changed to 'All that glitters is not gold.' 

But here is another version of the saying along with a message of hope eternal.

TIMELINE

After lockdown MAY   2020

  This beautiful  pine tree thrived while we were confined to our houses.

 

      

 JANUARY 2021  Madrid

The big pine tree broke under the heavy snowfall and had to be cut down.

 

JUNE 2023

This baby pine stands near the fallen tree. It has been planted to replace its beautiful predecessor and role model

It all began in 1950

Today is May 9th and it is European Day.

The French Minister of Foreign Affairs promoted the idea of bi lateral trade agreements between Germany and France in order to make the idea of war unrealistic and unlikely. It was basically a peace agreement.

Now we can travel freely through the twenty seven countries of the E.U. 

Detractors say there is too much bureaucracy, too much red tape.

The E.U. promotes social cohesion so that no country is left behind.

We have seen that locally through the reforestation of wasteland here in San Sebastián De Los Reyes thanks to European funds.

Cultural participation and supporting the role of culture is declared by the European Commission to be an ideal means of facilitating social cohesion.