Spirited Conversations - Wednesday 23 August
Dr JACKIE COOK will lead discussion on
China in the 1980s: real-life stories from a time of transition
New Zealander Jackie Cook lived and worked in the Chinese city of Xi'an in the 1980s, tasked with helping to update the training of English teachers for the five Northwestern Provinces and Regions of China.
Those who entered China's universities in the 1980s had been born into a new nation - along with a powerful code of Liberation, and a childhood of Cultural Revolutionary ferment. They were about to confront a young adulthood of successive waves of change.
Jackie will show what China's 'opening up' to the world meant in personal terms, for young professionals unexpectedly charged with finding their own future.
When? Wednesday 23 August, 7.30-9.30pm
Where? Café Yaza! in Montgomery Square, Nelson.
Yaza opens for dining and drinks at 6.00pm. Treat yourself and support our partners Yaza Café at the same time. Come early and try their 'Spirited Conversations' menu!
Koha to cover costs – no reservations.
Worst Xmas ever?
There's a a lot of planning that goes into Christmas day and sometimes things just don't go to plan. But it can be a good thing - a family mishap or hilarious memory that you can laugh about in Christmases to come.
Whether you burnt the dinner or were stranded at an airport...
Share your Christmas mishaps below!
Suellen’s sweet Christmas tradition
The festive season is always a great excuse to indulge your sweet tooth, and this time of year poses the perfect opportunity to bring a real showstopper to the Christmas table.
For Suellen’s family, that showstopper is Croquembouche, an impressive tower of cream puffs bound together with spun sugar that is popular at weddings in France and Italy.
What began as a birthday treat at a local French café has become a cherished Christmas tradition for Suellen and her 17-year-old twin granddaughters, Ellie and Sadie. Every year, the trio gather in Suellen’s apartment at William Sanders Village to cook this festive dessert - a holiday highlight they all treasure.
Click read more for the recipe.