I recently talked to Erika Perez de Jennings, the organizer of a local Outdoor Spanish Group, to learn more about how the group formed and how people can join in.
Q: What is the Outdoor Spanish Group?
A: It is a group of English speakers of all ages who meet every other Sunday with the purpose of walking and practicing Spanish language. We visit a different park every time, make new friends, and exercise both our bodies and our minds. Our participants are retirees, students of medicine, professionals, travelers, and people like you and I.
Q: What motivated you to start it?
A: Two main reasons were the motivation to start the group: 1) I had a health issue years ago that unfortunately developed into a pulmonary embolism. Walking daily was part of the recovery process. I grew up ‘a pedestrian’ and once I got my first car I stopped walking until I had to do it again for my health. And 2) Through the years I have had adult students of Spanish who have told me that the main reason why they practice and learn Spanish is because they have relatives who suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia. The Outdoor Spanish Group provides the physical and the mental exercise we all need.
Q: How many people are involved, and what is the cost?
A: We are 102 members at the moment, and the group is only one month old! We usually have 10 to 17 participants in the regular walks, it depends on the weather conditions too. It is a FREE event. Everybody interested in moderate walking and practicing Spanish are welcome!
Q: What if someone with limited Spanish language skills wants to attend?
A: Beginners of Spanish are welcome too. It is always beneficial to be exposed and listening to conversation. We also point out at trees, ducks, flowers, etc… not a bad way to learn new words of nature on the spot!
Q: How can people join?
A: We created the Meetup called ‘Outdoor Spanish.’ Just sign up at: https://www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Spanish-Club/
Q: How can people contact you?
A: They can send me an email at [email protected] or call me directly at 775-224-6271. If they sign up in the Outdoor Spanish Meetup page, they can also contact me that way.
Q: Are dogs welcome?
A: Yes, of course. Dogs on a leash are very welcome!
[clickToTweet tweet=”Q&A: Outdoor Spanish Group Hosts Regular Meetups” quote=”Q&A: Outdoor Spanish Group Hosts Regular Meetups”]
