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Connections
Thank you to all of you who have asked me to pass on your get-well-soon wishes to Mary. She does appreciate them, and Brida’s humanity is very encouraging. There is still a very, very long way to go, but she has become very adept in her wheelchair. She can’t wait to be able to do without it in a few weeks’ time. Everyone says patience is the most important thing. Difficult for a woman who can’t sit still.
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Mary often says, “If you want to get something done, ask a busy woman”. I understand what she means by that now that I divide my life into our new situation. Therefore, I am really happy to welcome Mandar who originally comes from Mumbai, but now lives in Kampala, and Ritesh, who will fix all our software problems as long as we send them to Bengaluru in Southern India. The British have a comment, to pop over to the neighbour to get a cup of sugar. So, if it’s Sunday and you have run out of sugar, ask Mandar. I’m sure he’ll have a bag or two somewhere. He’ll email it to you. They can do that sort of thing in other countries.
Anyway, Brida needs to grow and become more diverse, and both will certainly have a lot to contribute. A warm welcome to both.
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The whole story with Mary does highlight one interesting thing. Language, situations, and expectations. Some of you asked, how does one say ‘Get well soon’ in English? I am in no different situation. French is a foreign language for me, and even after having lived here for 17 years, there are situations and the accompanying vocabulary which are totally new. In this case, my learning curve is a more vertical line as I learn to cope with a medical and legal problem and need to express myself in it. Life does not discriminate between those who can express themselves in different circumstances and those who can’t. You learn as you go along. Coping with French is the same for me as coping with English is for you.
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The conversation drought is over, the chatter is flowing again, and with that a few small hidden comments and reflections. On Tuesday, Nathalie told me of an experience on how a message we send can influence a person's perception and then what happens when reality raises its head. And I look forward to those realistic observations. On Friday, when I told of some stories from our hospital experiences, Manfred said something very true. In certain situations, we always tend to comment on the negative things rather than the positive experiences. At the heart of Nathalie’s and Manfred’s comments is one thing. Expectations, and how we communicate them.
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The Tuesday Evening Get Together (TGT) celebrated a milestone extending all the way from Los Angeles, via Brazil, France, Germany, and India to Uganda. I still remember when I found it strange to jump around from one country to another whilst sitting here in my tiny French bubble. I have to admit, it has become a bit more normal now. As a result, I was curious to hear Manfred’s answer to Niki’s question, about what it feels like when the online world meets the real world. There was a gap of several weeks between asking and answering. I had my answer and unsurprisingly, Manfred and I agreed. The chemistry and our common sense of humour in the Brida Swimming Club, based on words, expressions and wordplay was so strong, that meeting Manfred in person felt quite normal. A testament to the power of language.
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You will notice a few names with ages behind them. These are a handful of teenagers who have the potential to learn from our community. And again, as part of the whole Brida experience, adults not only talk to adults but to teenagers as well. They have different needs, different viewpoints, and a strong desire to learn when the environment is right. Please, let's support them on this journey.
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As much as I would like to write this newsletter earlier in the week, I do have to wait until Sunday morning, after Cléa and I have our Café Conversation on Saturday. She usually provides an element of newsworthy surprise. She was a trifle late after having been to the Seoul Fashion Week. As a true "fashionista", she had done up her hair differently, setting the scene for a new conversation thread and offshoots to Bengaluru and Kampala. The light-hearted exchange lifted my spirits. The power of language is displayed once more.
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I am looking forward to seeing you next week.
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On our list of topics at the moment.
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How was your holiday?
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What to wear next year
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Welcome Mandar and Retish
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From 2D to 3D
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Latest Podcasts
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The Tuesday Get Together team keeps expanding, pushing away physical and mental boundaries. Igor from LA, Ismar from Campo Grande, Sebastian in Baden-Baden, Germany, Ritesh in Bengaluru, India and Mandar in Kampala, Uganda. Newcomers Ritesh and Mandar lift the curtain to reveal a new horizon for us all.
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New "Sip'n'Study" in the
Brida Learning Lounge
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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.
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Tuesday Get-together.
18h UTC / 19h CET (Duration 60 minutes)
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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.
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Mondays
14.00h UTC / 16.00h CEST
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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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Wednesdays
17.00h UTC / 19.00h CEST
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"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.
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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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