Well, here we are on the eve of the New Year. I expect you too are looking back at all that happened in your world in 2017 and looking forward with anticipation to the New Year. Let's take stock and plan ahead together! But first.....a festive "kitsch-off" Regular readers may not yet have recovered from the picture of I shared in my 2016 end-of-year review of the … [Read more...]
Northern Highlights. From the Polyglot Conference in Reyjkavík (review and vlog)
The Polyglot Conference is an annual two-day event "for everybody who loves languages". I've long wanted to go to Iceland, so I was thrilled when the organisers Richard Simcott and Alex Rawlings announced in Thessaloniki at the end of the fourth Conference that the next one would be in Reykjavík. Here's a sketch of how it was for me this time in the world's northernmost capital … [Read more...]
Learning Icelandic in Reykjavík (vlog)
I've been back from my first ever visit to Iceland for three full weeks now. Since then, I've also been on a work trip to Dubai. That's my excuse for the delay in reporting back at the end of my 30 Day Focus on Icelandic. This language "sprint" culminated in a three-afternoon class in Reykjavík. I've made a short video of my experiences which I hope will inspire you to try … [Read more...]
A day at London’s Language Show (review and vlog)
If you enjoy large events that attract language lovers of all stripes, London's annual Language Show (also known as Language Show Live) is well worth a visit. I love the vibe and always come away enthused by inspiring conversations and with a new contact or three. I've made a fun, informal vlog once again. It's a way to remember the event and give you a flavour of what's on … [Read more...]
Exploring Beijing when you don’t speak Chinese: things to see and travel tips (video)
What's it like exploring Beijing when you don't speak Chinese? This is the question I answer the latest of my fun, tip-packed "Smash and Grab" travel and language videos, shot on my recent trip to China's ancient capital. The link's right at the bottom of this post. In September I was in the lucky position of having some free time on my hands after a work trip to … [Read more...]