Elephants and Esperanto

Looking forward greatly to tomorrow - going to visit Liz and Steph in London. Haven't seen Liz & Jon since Christmas, so that will be really good.

Liz lives close to Elephant and Castle,

within walking distance of the Metropolitan Tabernacle. Over a hundred years ago, my great-grandmother used to come here, to  hear Mr Spurgeon preach and lead Bible Studies.

Not sure exactly what Liz has got planned - but I know we will have loads of fun. We are going to Steph's place on Sunday night for a meal. How blessed I am to have such brilliant daughters, who cook so much better than I do!

On a totally random and unconnected note, did you know that there is an Online Esperanto Hymnal ? Bob and I discovered it very last night whilst we were searching for another hymn. Some dear soul has spent ages translating lots of popular hymns into Esperanto. Why? and does he also preach in Esperanto? There are apparently about 2 million speakers worldwide. It is a fascinating site. One of the Easter hymns refers to "Morton Travis" - which I think means "Death is conquered" - but sounds to me like a Theatre Critic writing for the Sunday Times!

The Bible Society obviously takes the language seriously, as they first published a translation of the Bible into Esperanto in 1926, less than fifty years after the language was invented.

I've checked out some useful phrases - just in case I meet any Esperantans near the Elephant!

Bonan matenon - Good morning

Mi nomiĝas Angela - My name is Angela

Kiel vi fartas? - How are you

Kio estas tio? - What is that?

Tio estas hundo - That is a dog

Mi ne komprenas vin - I don't understand you

Ĝis revido - Goodbye