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Chatterbean
Last week, somebody at work randomly asked me:
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Want to grab a coffee? It’s my treat. You know the Brida Café? It’s not far from here. The coffee is not too bad, but you have really to bring a bit of time with you.
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Because the coffee is so hot, if you drink it too quickly, you’ll burn your mouth.
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It’s a place to relax and have a proper conversation.
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Yeah, I replied. I’ve heard of it, but never been. It’s kinda strange, no?
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It’s OK. But it’s a bit difficult to navigate at first, my new friend said. But they have a good selection of drinks and snacks. And the conversation's not bad, either. You know, they were talking about procrastination last week!
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Really? I said. How exciting! Not!
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Don't worry, they talk about other stuff too. And they have this space on the wall on which you can write your thoughts and others add their comments. But you have to be careful. Sometimes there are mistakes, especially if the Café owner isn’t looking and can’t correct them in time.
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Hmm, I said, doesn’t sound professional, does it?
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Well, to a certain degree, you’re right. You know, everybody speaks English there, because, well…it’s what we have in common, because, otherwise we can't talk to each other. It’s more natural somehow. Difficult to explain.
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English? I can’t do that. Isn’t there a teacher who tells you what to say when?
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Well, that’s the weird bit. The Café Owner does that too, but you see, it’s interesting because depending on what you say, you either get feedback or you don’t.
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No, from others in the café.
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Oh! Not sure if I like that.
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Well, yes, and no. You see when I learned English, a few years ago, I was totally focused on my teacher. And you know, I was so busy doing other stuff, that the minute I left the classroom, I had pretty much forgotten what I was supposed to learn.
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Well, that’s education for you, isn’t it? I replied.
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Maybe, he said. But here it’s different. At first, when I came to this Brida place, I was constantly looking for my teacher. But he was always chatting to others, so I really had to speak with those at my table.
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What, you don’t have a table to yourself? They have a communal table? No, ugh. Gross! How can I keep up with my friends if I can’t use my phone?
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Sometimes, if the café’s quiet, you can sit down by yourself. The café owner will join you, have a coffee and chat. But if the place is busy, well, he’s got all those coffees to serve.
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He needs to get some staff.
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Probably, but for the time being, you all sit at a table and you talk.
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Talk? Do you mean, open your mouth and say words? What about? Remember, in the good old days, about 3 years ago, in classes, the teacher told you what to do? That was fun, no? I could rock up for class and wouldn’t have to think.
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Yeah, well it’s different here. Here, you have to think. And like, that’s really, really difficult.
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What, do I have to think? Wow, that’s tough.
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Yeah, it takes some getting used to, but hey, you know what I quickly learned?
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You’re not alone. I mean, if you talk about something that others are interested in, they want to contribute too, and somehow, they help you find your thoughts.
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Yeah, and what’s really cool, is that I find myself doing the same. Because somehow, it’s cool to find out what others are doing.
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Okaaaaaay, I said, wondering where this was headed. But, what happens if I say something, like reeeeally stupid!
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Well, you do have to be a little bit careful, but I wouldn’t worry about that too much.
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Hmmm, not so sure about this, I said. Can’t we go somewhere else?
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Sure, he said. What do you have in mind?
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Let’s go to that food truck down the road. I’m a regular there, and the guy who owns it knows exactly what I want as soon he sees me. I don't even have to ask.
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This week's menu. And some leftovers too!
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Armchair Travelling
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Hello Ritesh, Frank told me you live in Bengaluru. If I visit your city, what will you show me? What will we eat? Can you tell me about cricket? Can you share some pictures?
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Niki wants to know.
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Hello everyone, I’d like to share this news with you and most of you have probably heard it.
“Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain implant startup, set to begin human trials” New York
CNN
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Other Lands, Other Beliefs
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Recently we celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi where we celebrated God Ganesh who symbolizes prosperity and good luck.
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Sarah's Positive Horror!
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Hello everybody!!!
Today I’m so happy because in one month it’s HALLOWEEN!!!
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Nathalie explores the Korean Language
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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.
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Manfred enjoys Life without Borders
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My experience is that the differences between European countries are less than 30 years ago before the Maastricht Treaty.
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Cléa has an essay to write.
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I have an essay to write in Geo Politics (subject at my school), and the question is :
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Mr Handsome has a problem.
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I believe very strongly that I am a very handsome man, however, currently I have put on some weight
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Latest Podcasts
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The Ancient Art of Doing Nothing.
Ismar, Sebastian, Igor and Ritesh say how they remain active and not procrastinate.
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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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