Thursday, 7 October 2010
My last year!
I realised that I've not updated this blog much for the past whole year. So will try to do it in a really long post now.
September 2009
Started my 3rd and final year of University.
Was part of the Welcome Crew and I can remember vividly having a Welcome Crew party the night before Uni commenced. Free drinks on the house and we drank the bar dry! I had more than 8 drinks that night and that was only night I went out during my 3rd year. How sad!
Lots of new students and made a lot of new friends:)
Stayed at 60 Colum and I totally enjoyed myself with my housemates, Wan Jinn, Sandra, Adrian, Nath, Johann and Wei Han. We had a house dinner every week throughout the first term of the year ♥
October 2009
Decided to teach Sunday School and had a class of 13 children. They're lovely and all so unique in their own ways. I love them and they make me laugh =D
November 2009
Dont think anything big happened. Was probably busy with Uni and getting ready for winter and winter holidays :D
December 2009
Went to Faro, Lisbon and Porto in Portugal with Wan Jinn, Adrian, Sandra, Stan and Mike.
At the amazing Yes Lisbon Hostel:)
How a typical dish would look like. Had lots of fish there...
Outside the Centre Square
Went out of the city the next day
And went to a Palace
Us
One of the landmark at the city square
A really old church
Inside
Outside the Maritime Office I think
The church behind us
Mike & Wan Jinn's cool shots
Adrian and Sandra's
Mine and Stan's
Stan posing
In the tram which I thought was extremely unsafe and dangerous. It was going really
fast, up and down the hills, very dangerous for old people.
Went up the tower. Amazing view at night!
To get us up!
Their version of Subway :D
Outside the blue church in Porto!
Look at all the bread!!!
In front of another church
The boys posing silly poses...haha
Overlooking the River
Inside Casa de Musica
Then we went to a restaurant along the river and we ordered a lot of food. It was really funny cause we wanted to order more the waiter refused to let us order more. He said it was enough but the boys were annoyed initially. However, after the food arrived, true enough, we had more than enough food and we were struggling to finish them!
In front of a dome thingy. Cant remember what is it called now.
I left after seeing this place. I left a day earlier cause I had more exams than the rest. Before I left Portugal, I left my white jacket there! I will always remember that day as it was probably 17C in Portugal but 1C in London. Thankfully I had my earmuffs and gloves with me or else I would be so so cold. Plus, I missed my train cause the queue at the immigration was longer than I expected. But, I was so thankful because I reached Victoria bus station 2 mins before my bus left,pheeewww...
However, as I left before my friends, I got my jacket back!
And we came back with lots of Port!
It snowed a few times in December too, but not on Christmas day:( Climate change!
-End of 2009-
September 2009
Started my 3rd and final year of University.
Was part of the Welcome Crew and I can remember vividly having a Welcome Crew party the night before Uni commenced. Free drinks on the house and we drank the bar dry! I had more than 8 drinks that night and that was only night I went out during my 3rd year. How sad!
Lots of new students and made a lot of new friends:)
Stayed at 60 Colum and I totally enjoyed myself with my housemates, Wan Jinn, Sandra, Adrian, Nath, Johann and Wei Han. We had a house dinner every week throughout the first term of the year ♥
October 2009
Decided to teach Sunday School and had a class of 13 children. They're lovely and all so unique in their own ways. I love them and they make me laugh =D
November 2009
Dont think anything big happened. Was probably busy with Uni and getting ready for winter and winter holidays :D
December 2009
Went to Faro, Lisbon and Porto in Portugal with Wan Jinn, Adrian, Sandra, Stan and Mike.
At the amazing Yes Lisbon Hostel:)
How a typical dish would look like. Had lots of fish there...
Outside the Centre Square
Went out of the city the next day
And went to a Palace
Us
One of the landmark at the city square
A really old church
Inside
Outside the Maritime Office I think
The church behind us
Mike & Wan Jinn's cool shots
Adrian and Sandra's
Mine and Stan's
Stan posing
In the tram which I thought was extremely unsafe and dangerous. It was going really
fast, up and down the hills, very dangerous for old people.
Went up the tower. Amazing view at night!
To get us up!
Their version of Subway :D
Outside the blue church in Porto!
Look at all the bread!!!
In front of another church
The boys posing silly poses...haha
Overlooking the River
Inside Casa de Musica
Then we went to a restaurant along the river and we ordered a lot of food. It was really funny cause we wanted to order more the waiter refused to let us order more. He said it was enough but the boys were annoyed initially. However, after the food arrived, true enough, we had more than enough food and we were struggling to finish them!
In front of a dome thingy. Cant remember what is it called now.
I left after seeing this place. I left a day earlier cause I had more exams than the rest. Before I left Portugal, I left my white jacket there! I will always remember that day as it was probably 17C in Portugal but 1C in London. Thankfully I had my earmuffs and gloves with me or else I would be so so cold. Plus, I missed my train cause the queue at the immigration was longer than I expected. But, I was so thankful because I reached Victoria bus station 2 mins before my bus left,pheeewww...
However, as I left before my friends, I got my jacket back!
And we came back with lots of Port!
It snowed a few times in December too, but not on Christmas day:( Climate change!
-End of 2009-
Monday, 20 September 2010
Leaving on a train..
Time left: 19 hours
Departure from: Cardiff, Wales
Destination: Bristol
Feelings and thoughts: Reluctant and sad. But I know leaving is for my own good too. I am aware of all the fun I've had and it's time to get back to reality and do the things I need to do.
Will miss my friends so much, especially Ann. Had a great time with her and Ken during the last 2 weeks. Dunno how to express that feeling of sadness but this is one of the rare times that I'm actually so sad for leaving a place.
Said my goodbyes in church today. But didnt see Brian though... He must be busy writing and hope it goes well for him.
Mui is the cutest little girl ever. She dropped her sandwich while trying to say 'How are you' in Mandarin.
This is her after she dropped her sandwich.
And she gave me a mooncake which I cant eat:( - made out of play-dough..haha
And someone said smthg really funny which was the statement of the day！
Me: I wish Mike didnt come back so soon.
Someone: Oh, I thought he left for good already.
LOL (Sorry Mike, it was just too funnyXD)
Had some many hugs from the girls :D
Wish I could pack Mui and Claudia away with me...hahaha
Made 2 cakes this afternoon, Chocolate Muffin Cake and a Victoria Sponge Cake with Scott.
Pac-Man
Scott's clever idea XD
Had dinner with Wan Jinn, Milo, Adrian, Cindy, Julian, Scott and Milo's friend. And we played Monopoly Deal after that. Happy times :DD
With my ex-housemates:)
Okay, going to enjoy my last 18 hours in Cardiff!
Departure from: Cardiff, Wales
Destination: Bristol
Feelings and thoughts: Reluctant and sad. But I know leaving is for my own good too. I am aware of all the fun I've had and it's time to get back to reality and do the things I need to do.
Will miss my friends so much, especially Ann. Had a great time with her and Ken during the last 2 weeks. Dunno how to express that feeling of sadness but this is one of the rare times that I'm actually so sad for leaving a place.
Said my goodbyes in church today. But didnt see Brian though... He must be busy writing and hope it goes well for him.
Mui is the cutest little girl ever. She dropped her sandwich while trying to say 'How are you' in Mandarin.
This is her after she dropped her sandwich.
And she gave me a mooncake which I cant eat:( - made out of play-dough..haha
And someone said smthg really funny which was the statement of the day！
Me: I wish Mike didnt come back so soon.
Someone: Oh, I thought he left for good already.
LOL (Sorry Mike, it was just too funnyXD)
Had some many hugs from the girls :D
Wish I could pack Mui and Claudia away with me...hahaha
Made 2 cakes this afternoon, Chocolate Muffin Cake and a Victoria Sponge Cake with Scott.
Pac-Man
Scott's clever idea XD
Had dinner with Wan Jinn, Milo, Adrian, Cindy, Julian, Scott and Milo's friend. And we played Monopoly Deal after that. Happy times :DD
With my ex-housemates:)
Okay, going to enjoy my last 18 hours in Cardiff!
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Mandarin Interpreter for a day!
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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 :( :( :(
:( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(
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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 :( :( :(
:( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Welsh Delicacies
Esmond and Rachel were here to visit last Friday till Sunday.
The only few places I could think of was St. Fagans and Cardiff Bay. And so, I went to St. Fagans for the 5th time last Saturday:) I really like the Welsh museum and I always notice something different each time I'm there. This time I saw fresh grapes hanging in the green house and some interesting looking plant. It amazes me that God created so many different plants, of different colours, size, height and texture.
Esmond and Rachel at St. Fagans:)
Grapes
Quite a tall plant
When we were around city centre, I bought a book.
A book containing Welsh dishes:D
I was really excited when I bought it, especially most, almost all the dishes were doable and fairly simple:)
Till now, I have only tasted Welsh Cakes and cawl(stew).
I've always wanted to try laver bread but when I first saw it at Cardiff Market, it didnt look too appetizing as the seaweed looked gluey.
But after mixing oats and an egg, this is how it looks:
A bit bland, not salty or sweet
Then I also made my favourite Welsh Cakes :D :D
I didnt have the proper flat griddle so had to make do with a frying pan. Hence a bit burnt and less moist than those from Cardiff Market.
Also known as 'Cacennau Cri'
Not sure what I'll make next but cawl is definitely in my list:)
The only few places I could think of was St. Fagans and Cardiff Bay. And so, I went to St. Fagans for the 5th time last Saturday:) I really like the Welsh museum and I always notice something different each time I'm there. This time I saw fresh grapes hanging in the green house and some interesting looking plant. It amazes me that God created so many different plants, of different colours, size, height and texture.
Esmond and Rachel at St. Fagans:)
Grapes
Quite a tall plant
When we were around city centre, I bought a book.
A book containing Welsh dishes:D
I was really excited when I bought it, especially most, almost all the dishes were doable and fairly simple:)
Till now, I have only tasted Welsh Cakes and cawl(stew).
I've always wanted to try laver bread but when I first saw it at Cardiff Market, it didnt look too appetizing as the seaweed looked gluey.
But after mixing oats and an egg, this is how it looks:
A bit bland, not salty or sweet
Then I also made my favourite Welsh Cakes :D :D
I didnt have the proper flat griddle so had to make do with a frying pan. Hence a bit burnt and less moist than those from Cardiff Market.
Also known as 'Cacennau Cri'
Not sure what I'll make next but cawl is definitely in my list:)
Sunday, 4 July 2010
10 more days!!
Called my parents this evening to tell them that Brian's going to take picture for me on my graduation! :) :) :)
Brian is a very pro photographer who has helped a lot of people capture their best shots during birthdays, graduations and other events. Last night during dinner, Brian offered to help me take some picture next Wednesday! It's so sweet of him cause Brian doesnt stay in Cardiff and he has to drive into Cardiff (30 minutes each trip) and he's in the midst of completing his project and thesis.
When I told my daddy that Brian can help snap some shots after the ceremony, my daddy said all cameras are almost the same >< I replied, but the photographer matters a lot!! A good camera also requires a photographer with good skills. *true right?*
My mummy remembers Brian as the person who took really nice pics on my birthday this year :)
Bottomline is: Brian is a professional photographer who manages to capture nice shots all, if not most of the time! I'm so blessed to have him take pictures for me and my family!! :):):)
A rare pic of Brian cause he's always the one snapping them.
Brian is a very pro photographer who has helped a lot of people capture their best shots during birthdays, graduations and other events. Last night during dinner, Brian offered to help me take some picture next Wednesday! It's so sweet of him cause Brian doesnt stay in Cardiff and he has to drive into Cardiff (30 minutes each trip) and he's in the midst of completing his project and thesis.
When I told my daddy that Brian can help snap some shots after the ceremony, my daddy said all cameras are almost the same >< I replied, but the photographer matters a lot!! A good camera also requires a photographer with good skills. *true right?*
My mummy remembers Brian as the person who took really nice pics on my birthday this year :)
Bottomline is: Brian is a professional photographer who manages to capture nice shots all, if not most of the time! I'm so blessed to have him take pictures for me and my family!! :):):)
A rare pic of Brian cause he's always the one snapping them.
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