Experience the magic of Damascus from wherever you are! Explore the city's renowned landmarks, cozy cafes, bustling markets, and historic monuments while mastering the Syrian dialect. This episode offers a tantalizing glimpse of what you'll find in my comprehensive podcast book. For the full, immersive adventure, delve into the book on Kindle:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C3DBW2JH
The audio version:
https://speakrealarabic.com/course/The-Syrian-Encounters

Beyond Borders: Immersing in Syrian Culture

A tour around Damascus! 


   a. Under the weather - To feel unwell or sick.
      Example: "I can't come to the party tonight; I'm feeling a bit under the weather."
   b. Weather the storm - To endure a difficult situation or challenge.
      Example: "Despite the setbacks, we managed to weather the storm and complete the project."
   c. Come rain or shine - Regardless of any circumstances or conditions.
      Example: "She's committed to attending the event, come rain or shine."
   d. Blow hot and cold - To alternate between two contrasting opinions or attitudes.
      Example: "He blows hot and cold on the idea, making it difficult to know where he stands."
   e. A ray of sunshine - Something or someone that brings happiness or hope.
      Example: "His kind words were a ray of sunshine in her difficult day."


IELTS Podcast 雅思博客

Weather-related idioms:

Baffling Lingo

Curie

You mimic naturally. Why not apply this innate skill to improving your accent?

English for IT Pros

How to Get the American Accent -- Mimicry

A：先生，你想买什么？
B：我很渴，有喝的东西吗？
A：有。我们有水、茶、牛奶、咖啡、啤酒，你想喝什么？
B：我要一瓶啤酒。
A：好的，还要什么吗？
B：我也买些吃的东西吧。
A：没问题。我们有米饭、面条，也有面包，你想要哪个？
B：一个面包。一共多少钱？
A：啤酒三块五，面包十块，一共十三块五。
B：好的，给你钱。
A：这是你买的东西，再见。
B：再见。

Daily conversation 日常对话

买东西  shopping 

3000 Most Common Words

This is a clean and tidy office. A photo is displayed on the wall. It shows the Memory Stationery staff standing proud in front of a new warehouse. Everyone’s face is full of optimism.  But today the company atmosphere is tense. A4, the CEO of the company, is at his desk and on the phone; he is facing out the window at the sky. His facial expression is timid.

“I hear you, Mr. Scissors,” says A4. “But it’s impossible. I can’t take our prices down that low. You’re asking me to sacrifice our entire profit margin.”

A4 sits in silence as he listens to the response. A bead of sweat runs down the CEO’s face. The voice on the other end is frightening him.

“Sir, last month I discounted our products to the bottom line… Yes, but, please, sir, I’m just an
honest wholesaler. I promise I’m not trying to take advantage of you… Other retailers are happy to pay market rate—”

A4 suddenly pulls the phone away from his ear. The voice is furious and aggressive. It is blasting out the tiny speaker. When the harsh noise calms down, A4 puts the phone back to his ear.

“No, please, don’t cut me. Please, sir. You’re right, okay? You’re right. That was rude of me, I’m
sorry… I know. I’m a scrap. You’re right. I’m no better than a tissue. You’re right…”

A4 changes his tone. He isn’t pleading anymore. He sounds like he has given up.

“Mr. Scissors. I’ll look at our margins and call you back. There might be some way we can go down lower…”

A4 hangs up the phone. He leans back in his chair. His eyes are glazed over. He is deep in
contemplation. He imagines the brutal scenario of Mr. Scissors cutting him into a thousand pieces.

Throughout this entire time, A4 has been recording the conversation onto his paper body. This is his natural ability. A4’s unmistakable memory is the reason why he is the CEO.

A4 picks up the phone and dials a number. Life returns to his eyes.

“Backpack, get everyone together in the meeting room. I have an announcement.”

Being a Cloud

A4 the Piece of Paper 

How Important Is Self-Discipline In One's Journey Of Improving Their Language Enhancement?

Self-Motivation: While external motivation, such as teachers or language partners, can be helpful, self-discipline is the internal motivation that keeps the student going even when external support is not available.

Independence in Learning: Self-disciplined students can take charge of their own learning. They seek out resources, practice consistently, and actively engage in learning activities without constant supervision.

Language Immersion: Immersing oneself in the English language is an effective way to improve language skills. Self-discipline allows students to seek out English media, books, and conversations, enhancing their language exposure.

Consolidating Learning: Repetition and reinforcement are essential for language acquisition. Self-disciplined students review and practice regularly, which helps consolidate what they have learned.

Adaptability: Self-disciplined students can adapt their learning methods and approaches to suit their preferences and needs. They are open to trying new techniques and finding what works best for them.

Long-Term Commitment: Learning a language is a long-term endeavor. Self-discipline ensures that the student remains committed and dedicated to their language learning goals over an extended period.

Confidence and Empowerment: Self-discipline leads to achievements and progress, which, in turn, boosts the student's confidence and sense of empowerment in their language abilities.

Let me know how useful it was and if you can resonate with shared ideas.

If you need a partner to help you stay on track with your self-development - request a 1-1 meeting with me now.

The Habits of Professionals Growing Into Strong, Confident English Communicators

Self-Discipline and the importance of it 

Frank Rubio ha batido un récord que no quería. Ya es el astronauta estadounidense que más tiempo ha pasado en el espacio. Lleva en el espacio desde el veintiuno de septiembre del año dos mil veintidós. Está en la Estación Espacial Internacional, a unos cuatrocientos kilómetros de la Tierra, y decimos que no quería romper este récord, porque en realidad Rubio, de origen salvadoreño, está atrapado y deseando volver.

Cafecito con Ale

El astronauta que lleva meses atrapado en el espacio

Benvenuti a questa puntata del podcast, intitolato: "La casa di Francesca". In questa puntata ascolteremo la storia di Francesca, una studentessa francese,  che ci farà conoscere la sua vita a Milano. Nell'audio abbiamo due registrazioni, la prima con lettura più lenta e la seconda con lettura più veloce, buon ascolto! 