Intercultural Toastmasters Club

Is this the best Christmas ad of the year? I’d say so. Drop everything and just watch Well, this gets my vote. If this doesn’t make your heart melt, you’re hopeless. As noted on Aleteia’s home page: This ad out of Poland — shot in English — tells  a moving story& #8…

In preparation for the French festival at our door step, tomorrow night's theme is - of course! Vive la France :-)

What a fantastic meeting we had, last night! It was all about music, dance and stories linking us with our diverse cultures. Our four (!) visitors joined right in, and we were even treated to a beautiful song specific to a village in Papua New Guinea. We also learned that there are more than 800 languages in Papua New Guinea and how to correctly pronounce Tuvalu. Another fantastic impromptu speech gave us an overview of the extensive musical tradition linked with Persia/Iran. These are three regions we definitely want to learn more about in future meetings!

A question which was heavily debated was if Australians should focus less on sport and more on music, dance and stories. And what would be considered traditional Australian dances.

We all agreed that music, dance and stories all have a special place in our hearts. Can't wait until the next meeting!

Tonight's theme:
"Music, dance, stories - our cultural heritage"
Come and join us at this interactive meeting tonight
at 6.15 for a 6.30 start
at 43 Ventura Road, Mermaid Beach

We love to have guests!

Our first meeting in October had the topic "Oktoberfest October Feast" There are lots of opportunities to celebrate the abundance of the European autumn! Read more at: http://www.cultureconnection.com.au/oktoberfest-october-feasts/

Oktoberfest – October Feasts | Culture Connection Oktoberfest – October Feasts October 16, 2015Culture, GermanyChristiane The German Oktoberfest is known all over the world and has produced local offsprings in many countries. Some even think it is the German national holiday, but everybody associates it with beer. Those of you who have read my prev…

Great stories and intercultural tips last night!

Maria broke all Japanese cultural taboos by getting a visiting senior executive do her laundry and house cleaning. The result of this: a lifelong friendship! Shaking hands or not? Some of us let the ladies make this decision.

Favourite ways of connecting across cultures: food, sports, poetry, smiles and laughter. Oh, and an important tip for Aussies hosting a French guest: Don't try to cook a French meal, stick with the good old "barbie" (= BBQ) !

Tonight's event will build bridges between cultures!

Tuesday 15 September, 6.15pm
43 Ventura Road, Mermaid Beach

- What's your favourite language to connect? Spanish, Farsi, German, the language of smiles, music, food....?
- How do we make somebody really, really welcome?
- What are great topics for intercultural small talk?

Come and join us to learn, laugh and share your culture in a friendly and supportive environment. Help us to build bridges between cultures!

A great opportunity to experience more of the wonderful Pasifika culture: the Pasifika Festival is coming to the Gold Coast! This years festival is Saturday 19th of September at Broadbeach State School 8:00am to 5:00pm

See you all there? :-)

Pasifika Gold Coast Nonprofit organization

Maria and Arthur taught us a beautiful song from Fiji "Lomaloma", completing the meeting singing harmoniously:

Lomaloma na toba vaka loloma
Tiko kina na veimataqali roka
E uasivi e domoni
E lau e loma
Isa Isa ko lomaloma

One of the highlights was experiencing the hula which was performed by Maliana, one of our talented guests, and her auntie Maria translating the meaning of the dance movements:

We were delighted to have guests from different cultures and all were happy to share their own passion with us in impromptu speeches :-).

Another magical intercultural meeting this week with the theme Pasifica Passion! Lots of passionate speeches, table topics, music and dance were all part of the fun: