Cien Palabras (or more)

Casa de la Condesa Torre Isabel - Motril

Last Thursday evening we were gifted with a delightful event that took place in "Casa de la Condesa Torre Isabel" one of the most well-preserved XVII century buildings in Motril. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of EOI Motril, we witnessed the presentation of the bewitching piece of art "Cien Palabras", a book of micro-stories entirely home-made in our school.

Not only did we have the opportunity to experience first hand the circle, an ancient way of group communication, but we could also enjoy some performances by students and teachers from Motril Conservatory, a stunning mixer that undoubtedly contributed to enrich the environment of our cultural evening. Nevertheless, although the music was an ingredient that stack like glue with the presentation of the book, it was the reading of the stories what carried the weight of the show. 

Up to five EOI teachers and more than ten current and old students were given the chance to participate by reading for the audience several stories in Spanish, French, German and English. As it wasn't going to be possible to read all the tales in the book, some bits had been previously chosen and neatly classified in fields such as "Dark Micro Stories" or "Stages in life" in order to provide a framework that would knit together the presentation. And it certainly did!

In brief, another exotic adventure to remember in our way to obtain the C1 Certificate. Nobody said if was going to be easy, but after creating a poem, an afforism, and discussing about the most oddish and uncanny topics ever, to read in front of more than 100 people, knees trembling heavily, was one of the least expected things for me to be done this year. 

Thanks Emilio, for the opportunity and for showing that languages are much more than grammar books and lists of vocabulary.

  

Knowing yourself

Your Essential Self - Richard Harvey

"How can we know ourselves better without the help of an specialist?" Those were not exactly the words, but this question was posed at the end of Richard Harvey's speech last Tuesday. According to what he said, knowing yourself is a key element to improve your relation with the world and with the rest of human beings. But, who is ready to shout it out loud? Who can be brave enough to say he knows himself perfectly? 

As Richard answered, it involves a lot of self work. If I were asked the question of who is ready for that, I don't think many people would be eager to go that way, at least by themselves. However, I strongly believe it is you, and only you, who must decide to solve your inner conflicts, contradictions and other issues. Humans are fragile, and they try to overcome difficulties sweeping them under the rug instead of solving the problem, because of that, opening this personal Pandora's box without the appropriate tools can cause, in the worst case, all hell to break loose out of the nothing.

I admit it may sound a bit extreme, but what I want to convey is that the work of people like Richard Harvey is absolutely necessary in our society. We might or might not need help to improve our skills to learn how to relate to the world and to the rest of humans, but when it comes to discovering the inner self, I consider that guidance is required in case we decide to start that trip.