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Metamorphosis
Poor Maxime, in his enthusiasm, ignored the fact that Thursday was a holiday in France. I, not without the “gentle encouragement” from my wife, decided to down tools for the day and switch off my phone. My days usually start at 5 am and on occasion finish at 8 pm, even if there are breaks in between. But I think Maxime’s maximising opportunities approach is noteworthy. Meeting from a dry riverbed, even after 30 years in this field, would be a first for me. Instead, I spent the day fighting weeds in the vegetable garden. It was enlightening.
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Nathalie (in Seoul) and Ismar (in Brazil) are certainly rising to the challenge as we explore Confucianism together. The conversation is not only linguistically rewarding, but the content is exciting as well. Now, Cléa has entered the fray, adding a unique question on toxic social media and mobile phone use and Confucianism. "Is there a link between the two?", she asks. Interesting thought.
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Walter brings in the local Bavarian culture with a story about following a Beer Hiking trail, which, as I already know, takes an unexpected twist. You’ll have to continue participating in that thread to let it evolve.
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Rosi’s minibreak story too is beginning to rise above the surface, like a tender plant, about to blossom.
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It was Rosi (in Brazil) who raised the question of doing more than just what happens in our meetings. I rather brutally, and directly, responded by saying, I can only do so much. Brida provides a comprehensive environment for members to learn in English by using English. I can take the horse to the pond, but it must drink by itself. You can contribute to the Café Conversations, do exercises in the Learning Lounge and listen to podcasts. It’s all there. And the selection of meeting windows is going to be extended too.
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That said, my long involvement with both Mercedes and Bombardier has taught me a thing or two about processes. There is now a Brida process in place. Roughly speaking, it works like this: Members introduce the subjects they want to talk about; the topic is shared with other community members; Sam provides useful information and when the discussion nears its natural end, it is transformed into something in the Brida Learning lounge. The virtual place for a cup of coffee and some brain food.
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Like all good refurbishments, there is more work to be done. I have begun remodelling the Brida Café, Brida’s front door to the world, and I am still exploring the options with the Brida Journal. Like Brida, which never closes, everything still continues to evolve.
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I am looking forward to seeing you next week.
Best regards,
Frank
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On our list of topics at the moment.
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On the Road
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Beer!
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Fashion
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Philosophy
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Latest Podcasts
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You can find the link in the conversations section in Brida. (When we have created some new ones.)
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New in the Brida Learning Lounge
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Would you like to practise speaking with others in English? As a member of the Brida Community, you can go to the Brida Café and meet me and other community members from other countries. Choose from the meetings below:
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Tuesday Get-together.
18h UTC / 19h CET (Duration 60 minutes)
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Thursday Morning Get-together.
9h UTC / 10h CET / (Duration 90 minutes)
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Hosted by me in France, meet Ismar & Lisa from Brazil, Levent in Turkey, Sebastian in Germany. The level of English is upper-intermediate.
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Nathalie in Seoul, Clarisse, Monique and Bernard in France, and Babette in Germany. We span half the globe and there is plenty to talk about.
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The level of English is intermediate.
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Thursday Afternoon Get-together
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Thursdays
13.30h UTC / 14.30h CET
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The young at heart group. Maxime and I talk about Engineering for beginners, and anything else, with a focus on being young.
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The level of English is upper-intermediate.
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Fridays
13.30h UTC / 14.30h CET
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Brazil and Europe are connected. What do we have in common? Let's find out.
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The level of English is upper-intermediate.
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Become a member of the community.
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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:
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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.
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3. Read our conversations when you want.
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4. Collaborate in global projects.
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5. Read and contribute to the Brida Journal.
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Contact me for more information or :
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