By Parker McKenzie
A new Spanish conversation group will be starting in the Basin from Saturday 5 February, where people who have previously spoken the language can converse and immerse themselves in Latin culture.
Meeting twice a month, the group aims to create a social environment where people with past experience with the Spanish language can build confidence and improve their conversational flow.
Founder of the group Adrian Peake said the idea started when a stranger posted in a community Facebook group looking for someone to practice her Spanish with.
“She went to Spain for two years and she didn’t want to lose her Spanish, so she was looking for someone in the Hills group,” he said.
“I saw her posts so I replied to her and said hey, I think I can help you because I was already thinking of creating some sort of plan to do with cooking.”
Mr Peake is originally from Mexico and grew up in Northern California. He moved to Melbourne eight years ago and now resides in The Basin.
Within the group, people will speak Spanish while learning to work around Mr Peak’s Mexican kitchen, where he will teach the basic methods of Mexican and Latin cooking.
“We aren’t just going to speak Spanish, but also immerse ourselves in the Latin culture,” he said.
“You know cooking, making the drinks which is like rice water and things of that nature, but at the same time conversing in Spanish.”
The seven classes will run be held on Saturdays at 10am and will run until 30 April.
Mr Peake said he has already had plenty of interest from people who have learned Spanish and don’t want to lose their ability by not using it.
“It always comes in handy having second language skills, whether it’s Spanish or something else,” he said.
“I thought it was good there is people in the hills that speak Spanish and want to keep using it.”
Anyone interested in joining the Spanish conversation group can email Adrian Peake at senorpeake@gmail.com
