Since these meetups are quite successful, I wonder if we should have an Italian meetup as well. I'm trying to learn both Spanish and Italian since they are quite similar and was wondering if anyone would be interested in starting or joining an Italian meetup, also in Surrey, South Surrey or White Rock.

I think that would be a cool idea. Personally, I learn best when I can make connections between similar subjects and compare and contrast patterns. French, Spanish & Italian are all latin-based languages aren't they? I think it would make for an interesting learning experience at the very least!

Hi, Elise. I'm glad that you concur with me. So do you know anyone from out here in Surrey, White Rock or South Surrey who would be interested in having an Italian meetup? I note that you are from Mission and not from the Lower Mainland. Would you be able to come? By the way if you are interested in an Italain meetup, there's one already organized in Vancouver. My problem, though, is that they meet evenings on weekdays and never on weekends, which make it difficult for me since I have to take the public transportation to get there and would make for a long night. I would really like it if they could have them on weekends, or if we could have our own meetup here in Surrey.

Hi I would be interested. Although born in Canada to Italian parents I am fluent in all 4 Latin languages: Italian, French, Portuguese and Spanish.

Ciao, Giovanni. Thanks for replying. My Italian is insignificant. I took Italian 1 and 2 in continuing education evening classes, but I've forgotten most of it because of lack of practice. You could be our facilitator since you are a native speaker. If you know one or two more in Surrey who are eager to practice or learn Italian, perhaps we can start our own Italian meetup here in Surrey. I have already made arrangements with the manager of the Esquire's Coffee Shop on 137th and 72A (close to Newton Exchange) to use their place if this should happen. What do you think? By the way do you go to any of the meetups already - Italian, Cafe Espanol and the French meetups already? I'ved gone to the Cafe Espanol in White Rock several times already. They are fun.

Mille grazie e buona giornata.

@ Imelda: Oops! I just edited my profile (I actually live in Abbotsford ). I don't know anyone who lives in Surrey (yet) but I can ask around. It would be great to have a meetup in Surrey, especially on weekends.

Hi, Elise. There's 3 of us now. You, me and Giovanni. Giovanni speaks Italian, so perhaps he could facilitate the discussion. I am totally a beginner, how about you? Would you like to start the Italian meetup next weekend. Do you go to the Spanish meetup at the Pelican Rouge in W.R. I do too, so perhaps we could do it after lunch, like about 1 or 2 at the Esquire's Coffee shop I mentioned in my message to Giovanni. Giovanni, could you reply to this message too. Maybe we make it happen sooner than I had hoped. Three should be a good start, what do you guys think?

Totally a beginner too! Next weekend I'm booked solid though from Thursday to Sunday. How about the weekend after next (or even sometime during the week)?

Hi, Elise. I work during the week, some evenings too, so the weekend after next looks good. That will be November 8th or do you mean the 15th. I'll pass the message on to Giovanni.

I would be interested as well, although I will be out of town for the first 3 weeks of November, so I wouldn't be able to go until after that. I guess I speak Italian at an intermediate level....I can carry on a conversation ok, but just get stuck with some vocab.