- Dec 07 Fri 2007 08:40
My First Christmas Card in England!
- Dec 07 Fri 2007 07:56
- Baha'i Meeting at Patsy and Graham's house---true happiness!
“Meeting at our house tomorrow if you would like to come, we can pick you up at 7:30. Near pub. Pasty”…That was the text message I got from Patsy (a nice, lovely, and sweet grandmother) this Monday. However, the deadline for DTEL (Description of The English Language) is coming around this Friday. I hesitated whether to go or not. Then, I sent a message to Patsy and asked her if I can reply her before 6:00. (That must depend on how my assignment wok on) Luckily, the assignment was on schedule and I told Patsy I could spare time to attend the meeting. Patsy sent a message and said “That’s good. Jane and Graham will meet you by the pub on the main road at 7:30. See you soon.”
To be frank, I got nervous than the last several times for Xiao-xiao (my lovely classmate from China and introduces me to Baha’i ) didn’t come along with me. As usual, I waited for a lift by Green Park (the pub near my lodging). Graham (Patsy’s husband, and also a friendly grandfather) and Jane (a faithful Baha’i friend) picked me up soon after my arrival. In the car, Jane told me we’ll have some discussion about Baha’i faith. It’s like a ‘study circle’ and then we’ll have a devotional as before.
Whilst we arrived, Patsy was waiting for us by the door and gave me a big, tight hug, which really warmed my heart. Also, a new friend, Tracy, who I never met attended the meeting. After a short talk, Jane started to give us a lecture and reviewed what their study circle talked about before for me as she worried I couldn’t catch up with them. Finally, we went into the topic “true happiness”. Jane asked everybody to have a brainstorm. So many words related to true happiness occurred to everyone’s mind and were written down on the whiteboard, such as family, love, friendship, contentment, faith, security, hope, dream….and so on. What I talked about was achievement, confidence, travel and health. Moreover, Jane asked us to say something material. Then, we got some ideas like, money, alcohol, gambling, water, food, shelter, sunshine (because the weather here is really, really, really changeable or terrible), and chocolate etc.
To be frank, I got nervous than the last several times for Xiao-xiao (my lovely classmate from China and introduces me to Baha’i ) didn’t come along with me. As usual, I waited for a lift by Green Park (the pub near my lodging). Graham (Patsy’s husband, and also a friendly grandfather) and Jane (a faithful Baha’i friend) picked me up soon after my arrival. In the car, Jane told me we’ll have some discussion about Baha’i faith. It’s like a ‘study circle’ and then we’ll have a devotional as before.
Whilst we arrived, Patsy was waiting for us by the door and gave me a big, tight hug, which really warmed my heart. Also, a new friend, Tracy, who I never met attended the meeting. After a short talk, Jane started to give us a lecture and reviewed what their study circle talked about before for me as she worried I couldn’t catch up with them. Finally, we went into the topic “true happiness”. Jane asked everybody to have a brainstorm. So many words related to true happiness occurred to everyone’s mind and were written down on the whiteboard, such as family, love, friendship, contentment, faith, security, hope, dream….and so on. What I talked about was achievement, confidence, travel and health. Moreover, Jane asked us to say something material. Then, we got some ideas like, money, alcohol, gambling, water, food, shelter, sunshine (because the weather here is really, really, really changeable or terrible), and chocolate etc.
- Dec 02 Sun 2007 08:14
- I Got Sick!
How important health it is will be known after getting sick.
This afternoon, I had an appointment with Erica to look around the annual Bath Christmas Market, which we have been expecting for a long time. Before it starts, I took a photo of the wooden chalets whose doors were still closed. You may know how I'm looking forward to its coming.
Whilst I dressed up for going out, my landline phone was ringing. Erica told me it rained heavily by phone. Thus, we decided to put off the time. Finally, the sky became clear and the sun showed up again. However, just several moments before stepping out of my room, I felt uncomfortable on my stomach. Originally, I thought I could bear the pain for it was dull. On our way to Bath Christmas Market, I didn't care about my stomachache very much. In the meanwhile, the wind became stronger and stronger, and the rain started falling from drizzle to "kind of downpour". Perhaps they are part of the reasons which resulted in my sickness.
Then, I found I needed a place to rest as the pain got intermittent. Erica advised to go to Cafe Nero, but it was full. Fortunately, Erica was more familiar with city centre than me and sooner after that, she found another cafe shop named "Thorntons"(maybe). We took some rest there finally. Though we had a "joyful" talk about a cinema "Lust, Caution" that we're planning to see, meanwhile,I was very weak and pretended to wear a smile on my face because I was afraid Erica would worry about me.
Also, I tried to have something to fill in my stomach. However, it seemed invalid. What's worse, I got diarrhea. A toilet for me at that moment was emergent. I rushed to ask one of the staffs in the coffee shop "Excuse me, do you know where the toilet is". She answered at a rapid speed"Downstairs, and downstairs". I couldn't wait for a further and detailed answer, and hurried to downstairs. Whilst rushing to downstairs, I couldn't see any stairs. So, I asked the same question of another shop's staff, though there were a-long-queue customers awaiting for paying. A similar reply from the female cashier "downstairs" meant that I had to look for it myself. I used the least time and eventually found the toilet....that might be the moment at which I was moved most. Not staying for a long time in Thorntons, we finished today's "adventure" in Bath Christmas Market.
This afternoon, I had an appointment with Erica to look around the annual Bath Christmas Market, which we have been expecting for a long time. Before it starts, I took a photo of the wooden chalets whose doors were still closed. You may know how I'm looking forward to its coming.
Whilst I dressed up for going out, my landline phone was ringing. Erica told me it rained heavily by phone. Thus, we decided to put off the time. Finally, the sky became clear and the sun showed up again. However, just several moments before stepping out of my room, I felt uncomfortable on my stomach. Originally, I thought I could bear the pain for it was dull. On our way to Bath Christmas Market, I didn't care about my stomachache very much. In the meanwhile, the wind became stronger and stronger, and the rain started falling from drizzle to "kind of downpour". Perhaps they are part of the reasons which resulted in my sickness.
Then, I found I needed a place to rest as the pain got intermittent. Erica advised to go to Cafe Nero, but it was full. Fortunately, Erica was more familiar with city centre than me and sooner after that, she found another cafe shop named "Thorntons"(maybe). We took some rest there finally. Though we had a "joyful" talk about a cinema "Lust, Caution" that we're planning to see, meanwhile,I was very weak and pretended to wear a smile on my face because I was afraid Erica would worry about me.
Also, I tried to have something to fill in my stomach. However, it seemed invalid. What's worse, I got diarrhea. A toilet for me at that moment was emergent. I rushed to ask one of the staffs in the coffee shop "Excuse me, do you know where the toilet is". She answered at a rapid speed"Downstairs, and downstairs". I couldn't wait for a further and detailed answer, and hurried to downstairs. Whilst rushing to downstairs, I couldn't see any stairs. So, I asked the same question of another shop's staff, though there were a-long-queue customers awaiting for paying. A similar reply from the female cashier "downstairs" meant that I had to look for it myself. I used the least time and eventually found the toilet....that might be the moment at which I was moved most. Not staying for a long time in Thorntons, we finished today's "adventure" in Bath Christmas Market.
- Nov 28 Wed 2007 08:49
- Civic Reception Welcome Students from Abroad (Mayor of Bath)
AS the title, it's a civic reception special for International students. Before attending the activity, I worried about something ---my dress for the occasion. People in lounge suit or national costume will be allowed to get in. Surely, it's dress manners in England. However, I didn't bring any formal dress from Taiwan except for the summer dresses. Also, the weather here is getting colder and colder. I was facing the dilemma while choosing my dress. Finally, I decided to wear my "summer dress" to attend no matter how chilly it was. Fortunately, my lucky star "Erica" (my friend from Taiwan) shown up before I went out. She lent me her gorgeous clothes. As you can see in the photo, I have to show my appreciation to her. But for her "support", I couldn't have attended the civic reception.
Another reason why I am delighted is I made a new friend named Mike. He is a phd student in University of Bath, majoring ecological engineering. He is really a nice friend. Because he knew I got there alone, he suggested the others accompanying me home. Therefore, while I walked back to my lodging, I was not alone. Cathy, Mike and I had a joyful talk on my way home. I was really moved at that moment. What a shame was they hurried to go back home, so I didn't treat them. I hope if they can spare their time to visit me one day, I'll show them around my accommodation "Thornbank Gardens", and treat them with something tasty.
ps: My high heels gave me some blisters on my toes. I think that's the only imperfection. :)
Another reason why I am delighted is I made a new friend named Mike. He is a phd student in University of Bath, majoring ecological engineering. He is really a nice friend. Because he knew I got there alone, he suggested the others accompanying me home. Therefore, while I walked back to my lodging, I was not alone. Cathy, Mike and I had a joyful talk on my way home. I was really moved at that moment. What a shame was they hurried to go back home, so I didn't treat them. I hope if they can spare their time to visit me one day, I'll show them around my accommodation "Thornbank Gardens", and treat them with something tasty.
ps: My high heels gave me some blisters on my toes. I think that's the only imperfection. :)
- Dec 15 Sat 2007 07:56
Baha'i Meeting at Patsy and Graham's house---true happiness!
“Meeting at our house tomorrow if you would like to come, we can pick you up at 7:30. Near pub. Pasty”…That was the text message I got from Patsy (a nice, lovely, and sweet grandmother) this Monday. However, the deadline for DTEL (Description of The English Language) is coming around this Friday. I hesitated whether to go or not. Then, I sent a message to Patsy and asked her if I can reply her before 6:00. (That must depend on how my assignment wok on) Luckily, the assignment was on schedule and I told Patsy I could spare time to attend the meeting. Patsy sent a message and said “That’s good. Jane and Graham will meet you by the pub on the main road at 7:30. See you soon.”
To be frank, I got nervous than the last several times for Xiao-xiao (my lovely classmate from China and introduces me to Baha’i ) didn’t come along with me. As usual, I waited for a lift by Green Park (the pub near my lodging). Graham (Patsy’s husband, and also a friendly grandfather) and Jane (a faithful Baha’i friend) picked me up soon after my arrival. In the car, Jane told me we’ll have some discussion about Baha’i faith. It’s like a ‘study circle’ and then we’ll have a devotional as before.
Whilst we arrived, Patsy was waiting for us by the door and gave me a big, tight hug, which really warmed my heart. Also, a new friend, Tracy, who I never met attended the meeting. After a short talk, Jane started to give us a lecture and reviewed what their study circle talked about before for me as she worried I couldn’t catch up with them. Finally, we went into the topic “true happiness”. Jane asked everybody to have a brainstorm. So many words related to true happiness occurred to everyone’s mind and were written down on the whiteboard, such as family, love, friendship, contentment, faith, security, hope, dream….and so on. What I talked about was achievement, confidence, travel and health. Moreover, Jane asked us to say something material. Then, we got some ideas like, money, alcohol, gambling, water, food, shelter, sunshine (because the weather here is really, really, really changeable or terrible), and chocolate etc.
To be frank, I got nervous than the last several times for Xiao-xiao (my lovely classmate from China and introduces me to Baha’i ) didn’t come along with me. As usual, I waited for a lift by Green Park (the pub near my lodging). Graham (Patsy’s husband, and also a friendly grandfather) and Jane (a faithful Baha’i friend) picked me up soon after my arrival. In the car, Jane told me we’ll have some discussion about Baha’i faith. It’s like a ‘study circle’ and then we’ll have a devotional as before.
Whilst we arrived, Patsy was waiting for us by the door and gave me a big, tight hug, which really warmed my heart. Also, a new friend, Tracy, who I never met attended the meeting. After a short talk, Jane started to give us a lecture and reviewed what their study circle talked about before for me as she worried I couldn’t catch up with them. Finally, we went into the topic “true happiness”. Jane asked everybody to have a brainstorm. So many words related to true happiness occurred to everyone’s mind and were written down on the whiteboard, such as family, love, friendship, contentment, faith, security, hope, dream….and so on. What I talked about was achievement, confidence, travel and health. Moreover, Jane asked us to say something material. Then, we got some ideas like, money, alcohol, gambling, water, food, shelter, sunshine (because the weather here is really, really, really changeable or terrible), and chocolate etc.
- Nov 28 Wed 2007 09:41
Roof Fragment and I
- Nov 27 Tue 2007 05:59
What is November Like in England?
Several days ago, I heard something intereting from the BBC radio programme...
No sun, no moon
No morn, no noon
No dawn, no dusk
No comfortable feeling, no helpful ease
No sun, no moon
No morn, no noon
No dawn, no dusk
No comfortable feeling, no helpful ease
