Italian Cultural Centre

Thursdays in the fall are normally reserved for Survivor. I make no qualms about being a fan of this ever-sinking ship of a show, but that's all changed with foray into the Italian language. Correctomondo, I'm currently enrolled Beginner 2 Italian at the Cultural Centre. In this segment, we move away from the normal, Mi chiamo Darren and head towards, Vorrei comprare una pizza e deux birra. It's basic conversational stuff, but as one moves on the difficulty increases. And yet, they still haven't taught me the swear words!

The centre is about as close to Italy as one can get (even more than Commercial Drive), complete with a cafe packed with old men playing cards, bocce courts, and a restaurant that is supposedly fantastic. I'd eat there if it wasn't absurdly expensive.

The Italian teachers are born and bred, most coming to Canada in the last 10 years. They've got their province-specific accents and make fun of other cities and give out hints for when one travels to Italy. The best part though: hearing the 40 person choir belt out the national anthem and other Italian classics for 2 hours across the hall as we learn the best way to politely ask the waiter for quicker service.