Talking about a TANDEM (bike) and what it means for two persons handling it, the following associations come into my mind:
– partnership
– compromise
– adaptation
– coordination
– agreement
– decision
– effort
– tolerance
– respect
– success
– fun
One of the characteristics of the Brazilian society is its multi-nationality, – which explains to me why Brazilians are so tolerant, curious and open-minded when dealing with different traditions, religions and ways of living.
The huge variety of nationalities in Brazil is the result of immigration processes in the past on the one hand, and the consequences of the mobility of today’s world-citizens and the opening of societies on the other hand.
So far, bi-national couples (Brazilian / non-Brazilian) are a constituent part of the modern Brazilian society and reflect what happens all over the world. Since travelling, studying or working nearly without geographical limitations (cross-border) enable or sometimes exceed a high mobility and flexibility, bi-national couples are the smallest functional unit of an international integration process.
Independently where these couples met – or in Brazil or abroad – they decided to settle down in Brasilia. One can imagine that this mind-making process and decision was / is the first hard test of a partnership. Moving to Brasilia, naturally, has more consequences for the non-Brazilian partner, both with regard to private and professional life.
The word and image of a „TANDEM“ symbolizes what it means to form a bi-national couple and what is needed to overcome the hurdles during the adaptation process.
Truly according to our philosophy, HOMing starts a serie entitled „TANDEM“ which presents bi-national couples living in Brasilia. Their love-life-stories stand for a successful social-cultural integration. Their experiences should also encourage the newcomers, give examples for how to overcome difficult situations and offer opportunities to build bridges with like-minded people.
