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Entangled

Dear reader,

I was standing by the food truck last week when I heard someone say to me.

Hey

I turned to my right. Heeeeey, wasn’t expecting you here? Thought food trucks weren’t your thing.

Well, thanks to you, I found this really awesome burrito place. How are things with you?

Fine, great, yeah, all good! How about you? Haven’t seen you around. I asked.

OK, but it’s been really, really hectic. The project I’m working on, deadlines everywhere. Like, it’s really crazy. How about you?

Oh, you know me. The same as usual. Nothing much. How’s your Brida Café thingy? You been back there?

Yeah, a new person came in this week.

That’s nice, I said.

Really, had a brief chat with her, but like she’s reeeeally busy. She said that she’s studying law but also working at the same time. Does some really crazy hours.

Uh, uh, I said, as we moved up the line. Why did she drop in then?

Well, it seems her English isn’t that good, but she has to take it as part of her program and, man, it’s so far out what they have to do….. She has to like be really fit in English within a year, just to get through the exams.

Uh, uh, I continued. But I guess that’s what your Barista is for. So, why are you so concerned?

I’m not concerned, just wondering how she’s going to do it. She’s out to do something else in her life, facing those huge challenges….and just talking with other people….

But she’s got to want that too, I said. Anyway, these things take time. You can't just expect everyone to jump in the deep end.

Yeah, right. And that made me think about what the Barista really has to do, to get people talking to each other and get them to see the value in it.

OK, but, hey, if she’s so busy and has difficulty in committing because she’s so busy, there’s nothing you can do about it. It takes two to tango, you know. Hang on, I need to just answer this text.

A couple of minutes later, José gave me my order. I smiled, said thanks and paid him.

So, this commitment thing, my friend said. How did you get José in his truck to commit to you?

Easy, I said. I like his food; I just keep coming back. Just like you seem to like that burrito. You came back for more.

Sure, he’s good. But it was you who introduced him to me. So, you shared that commitment and reached out to me.

So, you want me to play Barista?

No, but you suggested, I accepted, and now we’re sharing this experience. But, hey, sorry, I have to get back to my project. Great speaking with you. See you around.

Bye, I said.


This week's menu. And some leftovers too!

Ritesh learns from History

Today is a national holiday in India. October 2nd marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.

Welcome, Nathalie K.

I’m Nathalie, nice to meet you. I live in France. I’m a hairdresser and a student, I am studying law in Paris.

Maxime thinks about Paris 2024

Hello everybody! I have some very good news about the Olympic Games.

Sarah takes on a role.

Hello everybody,
This week we had the class representative elections. I was elected to be one of two representatives of my class

Nathalie explores the Korean Language

I would like to share my experience in the National Hangeul Museum of Seoul, an explanation and an exhibition about the Korean language and writing.

Manfred enjoys Life without Borders

My experience is that the differences between European countries are less than 30 years ago before the Maastricht Treaty.

Cléa has an essay to write.

I have an essay to write in Geo Politics (subject at my school), and the question is :

Latest Podcasts

Karma
Igor asked a question, Ritesh answered......Hinduism for beginners.

New "Sip'n'Study" in the
Brida Learning Lounge

Inspired by Ritesh
Are you eager to improve your English while making a meaningful impact? Welcome to Brida Get Togethers, where the motto is 'Talk Global, Inspire Local.' As a member of the Brida Community, you're invited to join us at the Brida Café, a unique space where you can engage in conversations with like-minded individuals from around the globe. Here, you won't just practice English; you'll absorb diverse perspectives that empower you to inspire developments at home. Browse the upcoming meetings and choose one that resonates with you. Come talk, come inspire—both globally and locally.
Tuesday Get-together.
18h UTC / 19h CET (Duration 60 minutes)
Hosted by me in France, meet Ismar from Brazil, Igor in Los Angeles, Sebastian in Germany, and other people from other places. The level of English is upper-intermediate.
The Atlantic Corridor
Mondays
14.00h UTC / 16.00h CEST
(Duration 90 minutes)
Brazil and Europe are connected. What do we have in common? Let's find out.
The level of English is upper-intermediate.
Life Unboxed
Wednesdays
17.00h UTC / 19.00h CEST
(Duration 60 minutes)
"Life Unboxed" is a vibrant podcast that dives into the uncharted territories of international work, life, and open-mindedness. Join Igor, originally from Brazil but now thriving in Los Angeles, and Mandar, who hails from Mumbai but currently calls Kampala home, as they explore life across borders.

Become a member of the community.

Would you like to practise and improve your English? You can do so by joining the Brida Community. I offer a 30-day free trial and then if you like it, become a member.
With your membership, you can:

1. Have regular meetings with me and other community members to practise and improve your English. Meeting times are flexible to suit your routines.
2. Participate in and contribute to the community conversation.
3. Read our conversations when you want.
4. Collaborate in global projects.
5. Read and contribute to the Brida Journal.

Contact me for more information or :