Big In Belgium!

Just when I had begun to believe that all of this had faded into obscurity - Belgium called. There still into it...

I received an email from a stranger a couple weeks back. She'd heard about this very blog in an article featured in Belgium's 'De Standaard Magazine' - an article I knew nothing about until I received the email. It's amazing to think that what started with a few strangers meeting for a cup of tea and a bit of awkward conversation in North London continues to reach the far corners of the globe. More amazing still to think that I am only 28 cups in.


Since the big move from London back to my home in Canada, it's been a job just settling back in to 'normal' life. And just as I'd began having tea with strangers as an escape from the inevitable pull of normalcy - it seems I've given in the pull once again. I guess that's okay sometimes, isn't it? We get stuck back in to routine. We become so content simply existing, that we forget how incredible life really is. Maybe what's most important is having the ability to recognize when that happens and adjust accordingly...

I've got more tea to drink now - more strangers to meet - and I'm excited about it. I guess I have Belgium to thank for that.

Thanks Belgium.

Now then - who's up for a cuppa?

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23 comments:

  1. Zero Dean19 November 2012 at 15:21

    This is pretty cool! Had to be a sweet surprise!

    I haven't been following closely as of late, but I do think this is such a cool thing and you should continue doing it for as long as it is something you enjoy!

    Zero Dean

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    1. Greg (100 Cups)27 February 2013 at 12:13

      Thanks for stopping by Zero Dean! I hope all is well with you!

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  2. Unknown20 November 2012 at 06:17

    I am very excited that you have decided to start up again as I have been wishing that you would. Your fabulous idea also inspired me to emulate what you did, substituting coffee for tea and I am sending you details of what I'm doing.

    Looking forward to reading about your next encounter.

    Enjoy your tea, Greg.

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  3. Anonymous24 November 2012 at 03:03

    There's nothing quite like a bit of press to re-invigorate the idea, right? So will you be picking this up in Vancouver? I haven't heard from you or Lou since you left England - would love a wee catch-up!

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    1. Greg (100 Cups)27 February 2013 at 12:14

      Hey Jenny! Yeah - I'm back at it after a pretty extended little break. A catch up is definitely in order.

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  4. Thisisme24 February 2013 at 01:00

    an article in the Times of India ~is conversation a dying art? --- mentions your blog. very interesting! keep at it...

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  5. Anonymous24 February 2013 at 03:34

    Hey,
    I don't know if you know it - but you are in the Indian newspapers too!
    I am sure many people must have told you this - but to start with - you are doing a great job! :D
    And this is inspiring.


    Hope to see you in India soon!

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    1. Greg (100 Cups)27 February 2013 at 12:15

      Hi Aaysh. I have heard this! Thanks for the kind words. Hopefully I can make it to India some day soon.

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  6. Sam24 February 2013 at 08:59

    Hi ! I read about ur blog in 2day's times of india , kolkata ( former Calcutta) . same problem exist here. people are more aloof, lost in their own island of f.book and android. Mine is a photo exhibition blog www.samyamoy-braintour.blogspot.com
    I FEEL THAT CRIME GRAPH OF ANY GIVEN AREA IS BOUND TO DECLINE IF WE START CONNECTING WITH ONE ANOTHER !!
    ------ SAMYAMOY SEN GUPTA

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    1. Greg (100 Cups)27 February 2013 at 12:16

      Hi Sam! I agree - if more people could realize that everyone around them has the potential to mean something to them - we might just treat each other differently...

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  7. Jeejivisha Kale25 February 2013 at 02:54

    since the article in times of India, u certainly have become the "have you heard about..." topic discussed over the morning cup of tea :).. and you would be amazed at what importance a cup of tea holds in an indians' heart..
    come to india, for a cup of "chai" and see how we brew.. :D ...
    - Jeejivisha Kale ( Pune,Maharashtra,India) :D

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    1. Greg (100 Cups)27 February 2013 at 12:17

      Hi Jeejivisha! This means so much to me. I'd have never imagined that people would one day be talking about me on the other side of the globe. I would love to sit down for a cup of Chai. It's one of my favorites, in fact!

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    2. Jeejivisha Kale28 February 2013 at 10:38

      things one never imagines , are bound to happen when something like this is undertaken :) ... chai being your favorite, as u said, all the more of a reason to visit india...and if u've ever heard of a "glass" of chai.. :D

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    3. Greg (100 Cups)28 February 2013 at 16:12

      I am hoping to get there in the fall (September/October) - be sure to have a glass waiting for me!

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    4. Jeejivisha Kale28 February 2013 at 22:19

      Yess indeed!! .. seeing the invites you are getting,haha, chais' gallore :D !!!

      Delete
  8. Shaheen25 February 2013 at 23:38

    Hi,

    Love your concept totally, read it in an article in the newspaper 'Times of India'. It brings a breath of fresh air in today's state where people love to share that their hair drier buzzes at mid night and give a cold shoulder to a friend in need.
    In India, the day begins with a cup of tea for most of them, for some its coffee :). You must visit India soon. God bless.

    Shaheen (Bangalore, India)

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    1. Greg (100 Cups)27 February 2013 at 12:18

      Hi Shaheen! So glad that you love the concept - that means a lot. I will try my best to visit India soon. I'll likely post details on here if that happens, so be sure to come back often!

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  9. Mikatsu26 February 2013 at 21:10

    Hey! Wow, that article in Times of India sure generated a lot of interest! :) I found it to be a great gesture myself. What you're doing is really cool! Keep it up & do visit India.. you can not look over so many invites! :D
    To everyone whose posted comments above, there are some people like me who just dont know how to carry on a conversation.. even though there's so much that we'd like to tell the other person! So instead of unwillingness to talk, there's just .... I dont know what.. holding us back from opening up. At least that is how it is with me!
    How do you deal with that Mr. Dion?? ^_^"

    Well, hope I get to bump into you someday! :) Enjoy!! Take care.

    Aditi Gupta (Nagpur, Maharashtra)

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    1. Greg (100 Cups)27 February 2013 at 12:20

      Hi Aditi. It sure did! You're right, I don't think I can overlook all the invites. I will post on here if/when I can make a trip happen. On your point above about not knowing where to start, a wise man once told me to "Start with Hello". It really is the best way. All the best!

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  10. Unknown9 March 2013 at 04:46

    Hey, greg.
    Same as aditi said, thanks to times of india. We all apprecciate what u r doing. Totally commendable work. I would also like to do the same . As these days communication has lots of means but not actual warmth. Just a problem is now how to approach starngers. And yes you are warmly welcome in india.

    Thanks again ,
    Riddhi

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  11. Hari Teja11 March 2013 at 06:19

    hi greg! truly great philosophy,really good way to knap complexity from life....... _/\_ for the idea......all th best!

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