A life full of colours...

Having being an interpreter for the British Council on the 28th of June, I managed to get the job again, but with the Welsh Assembly Government this time. When Sha Sha was still here, I speak so much Mandarin that I think my Mandarin has improved. But now, being around Ken, Ann and Scott and for the fact that Sha Sha has gone home, my Mandarin has cacated and I cant seem to think of Mandarin terms as quickly as I used to.
Must say I panicked a bit when I got the programme for Wednesday's interpreting session. Prayed and did some homework before I went to work. 0.0

So Wednesday came and I was so thankful that everything went alright that day! Felt so blessed cause the delegates from China were so nice to me. There were 3 of them, the leader is the President of the Examinations Authority, and there was his assistant, a lady and the Vice Director of Section One Test. We first went to the Welsh Assembly Government and met 3 important people there. Of course, there were a few times where I did not know what word it was in Mandarin and so, I explained the rough meaning and the VD helped me find the term in Mandarin and explained it to the President. During lunch, I had to translate asparagus in Mandarin but I told them I have no idea what it is in Mandarin. When the Asparagus salad was served, the Chinese delegates told me what it's called in Mandarin. *fail* Not only did they not scold me, they even said I did a good job and gave me a little fan:)

I learnt so much that day. Improving my Mandarin was one and understanding how China Chinese people speak. Eg, Malaysians would read 20% as　二十巴仙　but China Chinese would say 百分之二十. Plus understanding the examinations system in both UK and China was like an educational trip to me. I really think that UK has a very good educational system. Wales has a qualification called 'Welsh Baccalaureate'. When I heard it, I was impressed and thought our beloved country should give it some thought or most schools could introduce some similar form of qualification.

Welsh Baccalaureate is a qualification equivalent to one A-levels A grade or 120 UCAS points. It doesnt have any exams but a student has to achieve 6 certificates in Information Communication Technology, Application of Number, Communication, Improving Own Learning and Performance, Problem Solving and Working with Others. If you fail to complete any of the certificate, you would fail the whole qualification. This qualification requires students to present projects, do 30 hours of volunteer work and gain 30 hours of work experience etc. In a nutshell, I think it helps a student improve their interpersonal skills such as communication, initiative, public speaking, confidence etc. This is so much better than just focusing on academic achievement as all these skills cannot be found in textbooks. But sadly, due to Asian culture, I think a similar sort of qualification will take many years to implement in Asian schools. Even the leader said Chinese students place too much emphasis on getting good grades to enter University. If such a qualification was introduced in China, the parents would be first to object as it would take time away from their child to study.

After visiting Cathays High School, I went to city centre with the delegates and even had dinner with them. We went to Noble House where I was so thankful they ordered 3 non-spicy dishes for me:) I know, I'm such a noob cause I cant take spicy food... Btw, these Chinese delegates are so rich. The Chinese leader was looking for a Channel shop in Cardiff. Channel aint cheap k? One handbag cost around €2000!!! Told him that he would be able to get it in London instead.

I was very happy that night cause I had ice-cream at Cardiff Bay:)) When I first walked into Bar of the Orient, I didnt see the ice-cream booth :( I asked the waiter whether I could buy ice-cream and he said we don't sell ice-cream now but I will get you some ice-cream. Super happy then!!! Movenpick's panna cotta is very good:) But felt silly eating ice-cream while braving the strong wind at Cardiff Bay after that.

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On a side note, I think I really love Cardiff a lot. It's probably the people I've met here and I am so not looking forward to leaving next week :( :( :(

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