If Glocals awarded medals to its deserving members, Shawn (aka Berlin) should get a very big one. He began by organizing the weekly French conversation cafe, and, as the concept was very successful, launched the Spanish conversation cafe, the German conversation cafe, the English conversation cafe and the Mandarin conversation cafe. He’s also the creator of the Grottes cullinary club.
But it’s not only his serial organizer activity which is amazing. It’s also that he has a very rare quality: the ability to create links between the people, although he always keeps in the background. Strong friendships were born between the regulars of his events.
My favourite one is the Spanish conversation cafe, which takes place every Tuesday. It’s an informal gathering where people come to chat in Spanish and have drinks (ah, the margaritas, the piscos sour...). The event was initially supposed to end at 9 pm, but as people feel very good there, they usually stay much longer and are joined by the people from the French conversation cafe, next door. We eat, sometimes, we dance. It’s so nice that some people come regularly without even bothering to pretend that they try to learn Spanish.
Special mention has to be made for Austin, who puts his charming house at disposal for most of Shawn’s events and is always perfectly welcoming. Money collected from the bar and the meals will be used to renovate the kitchen.
One billion thanks, mates!
Global Forums > Reviews of Member Activities > Spanish conversation caf?
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Spanish conversation caf?
Sep 26, 2007 @ 09:43
The text you are quoting:
If Glocals awarded medals to its deserving members, Shawn (aka Berlin) should get a very big one. He began by organizing the weekly French conversation cafe, and, as the concept was very successful, launched the Spanish conversation cafe, the German conversation cafe, the English conversation cafe and the Mandarin conversation cafe. He’s also the creator of the Grottes cullinary club.
But it’s not only his serial organizer activity which is amazing. It’s also that he has a very rare quality: the ability to create links between the people, although he always keeps in the background. Strong friendships were born between the regulars of his events.
My favourite one is the Spanish conversation cafe, which takes place every Tuesday. It’s an informal gathering where people come to chat in Spanish and have drinks (ah, the margaritas, the piscos sour...). The event was initially supposed to end at 9 pm, but as people feel very good there, they usually stay much longer and are joined by the people from the French conversation cafe, next door. We eat, sometimes, we dance. It’s so nice that some people come regularly without even bothering to pretend that they try to learn Spanish.
Special mention has to be made for Austin, who puts his charming house at disposal for most of Shawn’s events and is always perfectly welcoming. Money collected from the bar and the meals will be used to renovate the kitchen.
One billion thanks, mates!
Bustan_ASep 26, 2007 @ 09:43
But it’s not only his serial organizer activity which is amazing. It’s also that he has a very rare quality: the ability to create links between the people, although he always keeps in the background. Strong friendships were born between the regulars of his events.
My favourite one is the Spanish conversation cafe, which takes place every Tuesday. It’s an informal gathering where people come to chat in Spanish and have drinks (ah, the margaritas, the piscos sour...). The event was initially supposed to end at 9 pm, but as people feel very good there, they usually stay much longer and are joined by the people from the French conversation cafe, next door. We eat, sometimes, we dance. It’s so nice that some people come regularly without even bothering to pretend that they try to learn Spanish.
Special mention has to be made for Austin, who puts his charming house at disposal for most of Shawn’s events and is always perfectly welcoming. Money collected from the bar and the meals will be used to renovate the kitchen.
One billion thanks, mates!
Bustan_ASep 26, 2007 @ 09:43
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Re: Spanish conversation caf?
Post 1
Sep 26, 2007 @ 10:58
yea! I went last tuesday!
Thansk for organizing Mr. Berlin!
Thansk for organizing Mr. Berlin!
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Re: Spanish conversation caf?
Post 2
Sep 26, 2007 @ 11:36
I agree. Shawn and Austin have done and are doing an amazing activity, fun and positive. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and each Tuesday seems to have its own flavour. Especially around the full moon!!!
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I agree. Shawn and Austin have done and are doing an amazing activity, fun and positive. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and each Tuesday seems to have its own flavour. Especially around the full moon!!!
Lazen, Sep 26, 2007 @ 11:36
Lazen, Sep 26, 2007 @ 11:36
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Re: Spanish conversation caf?
Post 3
Sep 27, 2007 @ 14:56
The very first time I went to Shawn's Conversation Cafe was at 10Ibis but then this has eventually expanded into one big hangout on the Tuesday spanish conversation at Austin's on Rue Industrie. Sure the evening starts out with mix of spanish, french, english, but quickly turns out into a bar and cafe with people overflowing the large space; delightful tapas style fajitas and nibbles provided. What's great is that you're always bound to see those familiar faces. It reminds me of the American sitcom "Cheers"; everbody knows your name (eventually).
Not only does Shawn host these conversation cafes 3-4times a week, as Bustan mentions, the saturday weekly Les Grottes dinner venues are just fantastic! so many talented chefs gather around a big table for all to eat. For many of us, eating alone is most unappetizing, yet these events bring so many diverse folks together under one sky, cooking/eating together and sharing few hours enriching our lives just that much more. This is truly one unique experience that I will miss when I leave this place.
Thank you Shawn for your all your efforts, and I applaud you for your vision in promoting Austin's place in hopes to build up one day. Together I'm sure we will see this happen!!
YouMeCo
Not only does Shawn host these conversation cafes 3-4times a week, as Bustan mentions, the saturday weekly Les Grottes dinner venues are just fantastic! so many talented chefs gather around a big table for all to eat. For many of us, eating alone is most unappetizing, yet these events bring so many diverse folks together under one sky, cooking/eating together and sharing few hours enriching our lives just that much more. This is truly one unique experience that I will miss when I leave this place.
Thank you Shawn for your all your efforts, and I applaud you for your vision in promoting Austin's place in hopes to build up one day. Together I'm sure we will see this happen!!
YouMeCo
The text you are quoting:
The very first time I went to Shawn's Conversation Cafe was at 10Ibis but then this has eventually expanded into one big hangout on the Tuesday spanish conversation at Austin's on Rue Industrie. Sure the evening starts out with mix of spanish, french, english, but quickly turns out into a bar and cafe with people overflowing the large space; delightful tapas style fajitas and nibbles provided. What's great is that you're always bound to see those familiar faces. It reminds me of the American sitcom "Cheers"; everbody knows your name (eventually).
Not only does Shawn host these conversation cafes 3-4times a week, as Bustan mentions, the saturday weekly Les Grottes dinner venues are just fantastic! so many talented chefs gather around a big table for all to eat. For many of us, eating alone is most unappetizing, yet these events bring so many diverse folks together under one sky, cooking/eating together and sharing few hours enriching our lives just that much more. This is truly one unique experience that I will miss when I leave this place.
Thank you Shawn for your all your efforts, and I applaud you for your vision in promoting Austin's place in hopes to build up one day. Together I'm sure we will see this happen!!
YouMeCo
YouMeCo, Sep 27, 2007 @ 14:56
Not only does Shawn host these conversation cafes 3-4times a week, as Bustan mentions, the saturday weekly Les Grottes dinner venues are just fantastic! so many talented chefs gather around a big table for all to eat. For many of us, eating alone is most unappetizing, yet these events bring so many diverse folks together under one sky, cooking/eating together and sharing few hours enriching our lives just that much more. This is truly one unique experience that I will miss when I leave this place.
Thank you Shawn for your all your efforts, and I applaud you for your vision in promoting Austin's place in hopes to build up one day. Together I'm sure we will see this happen!!
YouMeCo
YouMeCo, Sep 27, 2007 @ 14:56
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Re: Spanish conversation caf?
Post 4
Sep 27, 2007 @ 17:13
The Cafe Conversation (CC) was one of my first activities after joining GoL last March. Shawn welcomed me so warmly that I felt immediately at home. It is incredible how Shawn, keeping a very low profile,
gathers all these people from different backgrounds, even locals attend his CCs & Saturday dinners. He is always so busy, preparing Margaritas & Pisco Sours, that he doesn't have time to sit down and relax. There are times when he even forgets to eat !! But he is happy when he sees that the people attending are practicing a language and having a good time. Sometimes, we are having so much fun, that it is hard for us to go home. Once I attended four events in 11 rue de l'Industrie during one single week !!
(CCs, farewell parties, dinners !) I thought, oh my God, if I continue like that, I'd better rent a room to Austin! Thanks Shawn for existing and for being such a good friend !!
gathers all these people from different backgrounds, even locals attend his CCs & Saturday dinners. He is always so busy, preparing Margaritas & Pisco Sours, that he doesn't have time to sit down and relax. There are times when he even forgets to eat !! But he is happy when he sees that the people attending are practicing a language and having a good time. Sometimes, we are having so much fun, that it is hard for us to go home. Once I attended four events in 11 rue de l'Industrie during one single week !!
(CCs, farewell parties, dinners !) I thought, oh my God, if I continue like that, I'd better rent a room to Austin! Thanks Shawn for existing and for being such a good friend !!
The text you are quoting:
The Cafe Conversation (CC) was one of my first activities after joining GoL last March. Shawn welcomed me so warmly that I felt immediately at home. It is incredible how Shawn, keeping a very low profile,
gathers all these people from different backgrounds, even locals attend his CCs & Saturday dinners. He is always so busy, preparing Margaritas & Pisco Sours, that he doesn't have time to sit down and relax. There are times when he even forgets to eat !! But he is happy when he sees that the people attending are practicing a language and having a good time. Sometimes, we are having so much fun, that it is hard for us to go home. Once I attended four events in 11 rue de l'Industrie during one single week !!
(CCs, farewell parties, dinners !) I thought, oh my God, if I continue like that, I'd better rent a room to Austin! Thanks Shawn for existing and for being such a good friend !!
Pilatesfan, Sep 27, 2007 @ 17:13
gathers all these people from different backgrounds, even locals attend his CCs & Saturday dinners. He is always so busy, preparing Margaritas & Pisco Sours, that he doesn't have time to sit down and relax. There are times when he even forgets to eat !! But he is happy when he sees that the people attending are practicing a language and having a good time. Sometimes, we are having so much fun, that it is hard for us to go home. Once I attended four events in 11 rue de l'Industrie during one single week !!
(CCs, farewell parties, dinners !) I thought, oh my God, if I continue like that, I'd better rent a room to Austin! Thanks Shawn for existing and for being such a good friend !!
Pilatesfan, Sep 27, 2007 @ 17:13
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Re: Spanish conversation caf?
Post 5
Sep 27, 2007 @ 18:08
What began as my attempt to learn French in the comfortable social context of Geneva’s ‘squatters quartier’ has developed into an open exchange of people sharing languages, ideas, great music and meals together, becoming friends, thanks of course in large part to Glocals.
So nice to get some feedback on these events. The Conversation Cafes have been and continue to be a learning and social resource for literally hundreds of regular participants, and has expanded it’s draw outside of the ‘glocals’ network to include people not connected online. The ability to participate within this social network site, ‘glocals’ means initiating and organizing events is a ‘no brainer’, (nice when you’re working full time) making it simple to roll over activities on a weekly basis, change event details on the fly, (yes, we will be making margaritas tonight) and of course providing answers to obvious inquiries of what night we are meeting, when it is actually posted already!
During the August break I put the word out for volunteer hosts. What happened? Nearly a dozen have responded to host CC events. Additionally there are people interested in beginning Greek, Russian, Arabic (not sure which version), conversation cafes.
And during the summer, Gabriella had the idea of doing a 07/07/07 party, which quickly developed into our weekly ‘Les Grottes Culinary Club’, a wonderful collaboration of participants and friends from the Conversation Caf? and Austin, who has patiently inhabited and restored an abandoned old metal workshop on ‘Rue de l’Industrie’.
What will be next? Let’s decide together! Many thanks to everyone involved!
So nice to get some feedback on these events. The Conversation Cafes have been and continue to be a learning and social resource for literally hundreds of regular participants, and has expanded it’s draw outside of the ‘glocals’ network to include people not connected online. The ability to participate within this social network site, ‘glocals’ means initiating and organizing events is a ‘no brainer’, (nice when you’re working full time) making it simple to roll over activities on a weekly basis, change event details on the fly, (yes, we will be making margaritas tonight) and of course providing answers to obvious inquiries of what night we are meeting, when it is actually posted already!
During the August break I put the word out for volunteer hosts. What happened? Nearly a dozen have responded to host CC events. Additionally there are people interested in beginning Greek, Russian, Arabic (not sure which version), conversation cafes.
And during the summer, Gabriella had the idea of doing a 07/07/07 party, which quickly developed into our weekly ‘Les Grottes Culinary Club’, a wonderful collaboration of participants and friends from the Conversation Caf? and Austin, who has patiently inhabited and restored an abandoned old metal workshop on ‘Rue de l’Industrie’.
What will be next? Let’s decide together! Many thanks to everyone involved!
The text you are quoting:
What began as my attempt to learn French in the comfortable social context of Geneva’s ‘squatters quartier’ has developed into an open exchange of people sharing languages, ideas, great music and meals together, becoming friends, thanks of course in large part to Glocals.
So nice to get some feedback on these events. The Conversation Cafes have been and continue to be a learning and social resource for literally hundreds of regular participants, and has expanded it’s draw outside of the ‘glocals’ network to include people not connected online. The ability to participate within this social network site, ‘glocals’ means initiating and organizing events is a ‘no brainer’, (nice when you’re working full time) making it simple to roll over activities on a weekly basis, change event details on the fly, (yes, we will be making margaritas tonight) and of course providing answers to obvious inquiries of what night we are meeting, when it is actually posted already!
During the August break I put the word out for volunteer hosts. What happened? Nearly a dozen have responded to host CC events. Additionally there are people interested in beginning Greek, Russian, Arabic (not sure which version), conversation cafes.
And during the summer, Gabriella had the idea of doing a 07/07/07 party, which quickly developed into our weekly ‘Les Grottes Culinary Club’, a wonderful collaboration of participants and friends from the Conversation Caf? and Austin, who has patiently inhabited and restored an abandoned old metal workshop on ‘Rue de l’Industrie’.
What will be next? Let’s decide together! Many thanks to everyone involved!
berlin, Sep 27, 2007 @ 18:08
So nice to get some feedback on these events. The Conversation Cafes have been and continue to be a learning and social resource for literally hundreds of regular participants, and has expanded it’s draw outside of the ‘glocals’ network to include people not connected online. The ability to participate within this social network site, ‘glocals’ means initiating and organizing events is a ‘no brainer’, (nice when you’re working full time) making it simple to roll over activities on a weekly basis, change event details on the fly, (yes, we will be making margaritas tonight) and of course providing answers to obvious inquiries of what night we are meeting, when it is actually posted already!
During the August break I put the word out for volunteer hosts. What happened? Nearly a dozen have responded to host CC events. Additionally there are people interested in beginning Greek, Russian, Arabic (not sure which version), conversation cafes.
And during the summer, Gabriella had the idea of doing a 07/07/07 party, which quickly developed into our weekly ‘Les Grottes Culinary Club’, a wonderful collaboration of participants and friends from the Conversation Caf? and Austin, who has patiently inhabited and restored an abandoned old metal workshop on ‘Rue de l’Industrie’.
What will be next? Let’s decide together! Many thanks to everyone involved!
berlin, Sep 27, 2007 @ 18:08
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Re: Spanish conversation caf?
Post 6
Sep 27, 2007 @ 19:09
For being always available, in a good mood and sharing his nice place with us !!
And for making us laugh with your extraordinary collection of hats and helmets !!
Thanks Austin and all the best wishes for your kitchen renovation project.
And for making us laugh with your extraordinary collection of hats and helmets !!
Thanks Austin and all the best wishes for your kitchen renovation project.
The text you are quoting:
For being always available, in a good mood and sharing his nice place with us !!
And for making us laugh with your extraordinary collection of hats and helmets !!
Thanks Austin and all the best wishes for your kitchen renovation project.
Pilatesfan, Sep 27, 2007 @ 19:09
And for making us laugh with your extraordinary collection of hats and helmets !!
Thanks Austin and all the best wishes for your kitchen renovation project.
Pilatesfan, Sep 27, 2007 @ 19:09
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Re: Spanish conversation caf?
Post 7
Sep 27, 2007 @ 21:01
A big Thank You to Shawn and Austin for such a great event and homey atmosphere you create! I feel the squat is a home away from home in Geneva. I just love it.
Disclaimer:
If my Spanish is not going anywhere like my French, it is because of lack of intelligence and laziness of myself. It has absolutely nothing to with the great Margaritas and Pisco Sours Shawn made.
¡otros margaritas, por favor! Shawn! Hablo siempre mejor espanol cuando me beben. Bravo!!!!!!!!!!
The text you are quoting:
A big Thank You to Shawn and Austin for such a great event and homey atmosphere you create! I feel the squat is a home away from home in Geneva. I just love it.
Disclaimer:
If my Spanish is not going anywhere like my French, it is because of lack of intelligence and laziness of myself. It has absolutely nothing to with the great Margaritas and Pisco Sours Shawn made.
¡otros margaritas, por favor! Shawn! Hablo siempre mejor espanol cuando me beben. Bravo!!!!!!!!!!
wayne, Sep 27, 2007 @ 21:01
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Re: Spanish conversation caf?
Post 8
Sep 28, 2007 @ 00:01
Oh, yes, yes. What else?
As well, Shawn is always modest, good-looking and well-cooking! He inspires me to make acrylic paintings.
Thanks everyone for coming!
As well, Shawn is always modest, good-looking and well-cooking! He inspires me to make acrylic paintings.
Thanks everyone for coming!
The text you are quoting:
Oh, yes, yes. What else?
As well, Shawn is always modest, good-looking and well-cooking! He inspires me to make acrylic paintings.
Thanks everyone for coming!
HelenaTravel, Sep 28, 2007 @ 00:01
As well, Shawn is always modest, good-looking and well-cooking! He inspires me to make acrylic paintings.
Thanks everyone for coming!
HelenaTravel, Sep 28, 2007 @ 00:01
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Re: Spanish conversation caf?
Post 9
Sep 28, 2007 @ 01:15
I agree with with all of the positive comments. Shawn, Austin and other volunteers associated make an amazing work to preserve cultural and linguistic diversity! I’m very glad to participate in order to improve my English and to help people to improve their French/Spanish.
The text you are quoting:
I agree with with all of the positive comments. Shawn, Austin and other volunteers associated make an amazing work to preserve cultural and linguistic diversity! I’m very glad to participate in order to improve my English and to help people to improve their French/Spanish.
new_concept, Sep 28, 2007 @ 01:15
new_concept, Sep 28, 2007 @ 01:15
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Re: Spanish conversation caf?
Post 10
Sep 28, 2007 @ 08:48
On my first days in geneva: I was still looking for a house, looking for a job and I didn't know anybody in this town...I was wandering all alone all day... I checked glocals.com to see if there was something interesting to do... "conversation cafe - espanol"...that looks nice! I went there, and in a few time I began to know lots of people: a mixture of different countries, different ages, different backgrounds, all of them drinking shawn's cocktail and speaking spanish with the most different accents! In just one day I have known more people than in a year in an ordinary life..."Tomorrow we meet again, there's another party, join us!" "on Saturday we'll be here again, we'll cook a spanish dinner, you are invited!" "next week we are organizing a trip, come with us!" I went more and more times to the conversation cafe, to the culinary club, to the tons of event organized by people who meet over there...
...I still had to find a house, to find a job, but I found a lot of friends!
Thanks to Shawn for organizing this event!
Thanks to Austin for hosting us!
Thanks to everybody who meets over there for being so wonderful!
ciao
marco
...I still had to find a house, to find a job, but I found a lot of friends!
Thanks to Shawn for organizing this event!
Thanks to Austin for hosting us!
Thanks to everybody who meets over there for being so wonderful!
ciao
marco
The text you are quoting:
On my first days in geneva: I was still looking for a house, looking for a job and I didn't know anybody in this town...I was wandering all alone all day... I checked glocals.com to see if there was something interesting to do... "conversation cafe - espanol"...that looks nice! I went there, and in a few time I began to know lots of people: a mixture of different countries, different ages, different backgrounds, all of them drinking shawn's cocktail and speaking spanish with the most different accents! In just one day I have known more people than in a year in an ordinary life..."Tomorrow we meet again, there's another party, join us!" "on Saturday we'll be here again, we'll cook a spanish dinner, you are invited!" "next week we are organizing a trip, come with us!" I went more and more times to the conversation cafe, to the culinary club, to the tons of event organized by people who meet over there...
...I still had to find a house, to find a job, but I found a lot of friends!
Thanks to Shawn for organizing this event!
Thanks to Austin for hosting us!
Thanks to everybody who meets over there for being so wonderful!
ciao
marco
marcomarco, Sep 28, 2007 @ 08:48
...I still had to find a house, to find a job, but I found a lot of friends!
Thanks to Shawn for organizing this event!
Thanks to Austin for hosting us!
Thanks to everybody who meets over there for being so wonderful!
ciao
marco
marcomarco, Sep 28, 2007 @ 08:48
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Re: Spanish conversation caf?
Post 11
Sep 28, 2007 @ 11:36
are the words, I was told, to memorize first... by more than one person!
I was dragged by a powerful member of Glocals to this event. :-)
She was right.... as she often is. It was a delight to meet folks whom I had always wanted to meet.
While my spanish remains as terrible as it ever was, I discovered a wonderful tap dancer, a carefree guitar player and singers, an unusually passionate art gallery owner, intriguing writers and philosophy-enthusiasts, and a host of friendly people!... some of whom tirelessly want to continue conversations into the early hours of the morning.
Berlin has established a fascinating, wonderful event. Gracias.
The text you are quoting:
are the words, I was told, to memorize first... by more than one person!
I was dragged by a powerful member of Glocals to this event. :-)
She was right.... as she often is. It was a delight to meet folks whom I had always wanted to meet.
While my spanish remains as terrible as it ever was, I discovered a wonderful tap dancer, a carefree guitar player and singers, an unusually passionate art gallery owner, intriguing writers and philosophy-enthusiasts, and a host of friendly people!... some of whom tirelessly want to continue conversations into the early hours of the morning.
Berlin has established a fascinating, wonderful event. Gracias.
colorado, Sep 28, 2007 @ 11:36
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Re: Spanish conversation caf?
Post 12
Sep 28, 2007 @ 11:54
I join all people to thank Shawn for organising this event (an staying a long time even after the normal hour to drink beers, hear music...)
Thanks also to valen for hosting the french part.
Thanks also to valen for hosting the french part.
The text you are quoting:
I join all people to thank Shawn for organising this event (an staying a long time even after the normal hour to drink beers, hear music...)
Thanks also to valen for hosting the french part.
reno, Sep 28, 2007 @ 11:54
Thanks also to valen for hosting the french part.
reno, Sep 28, 2007 @ 11:54
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Re: Spanish conversation caf?
Post 13
Sep 28, 2007 @ 12:33
Besides Spanish is a language spoken by friendly people who know how to cook, laugh and dance and they have great beaches too.
Yo quiero hablar espanol !!!!!!!!!!!
Yo quiero hablar espanol !!!!!!!!!!!
The text you are quoting:
Besides Spanish is a language spoken by friendly people who know how to cook, laugh and dance and they have great beaches too.
Yo quiero hablar espanol !!!!!!!!!!!
MarmarK, Sep 28, 2007 @ 12:33
Yo quiero hablar espanol !!!!!!!!!!!
MarmarK, Sep 28, 2007 @ 12:33
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Re: Spanish conversation caf?
Post 14
Sep 28, 2007 @ 16:27
Thanks also to Valen for hosting the french part and to Jili for her invaluable help in English.
The text you are quoting:
Thanks also to Valen for hosting the french part and to Jili for her invaluable help in English.
new_concept, Sep 28, 2007 @ 16:27
new_concept, Sep 28, 2007 @ 16:27
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Re: Spanish conversation caf?
Post 15
Sep 28, 2007 @ 20:18
Welcome! I'me sure you'll love it! (nt)
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Welcome! I'me sure you'll love it! (nt)
Bustan_A, Sep 28, 2007 @ 20:18
Bustan_A, Sep 28, 2007 @ 20:18
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