il Giardino Romantico

This is an article that helps Chinese readers open a student bank account in the UK.

其實開戶手續還蠻簡單的。沒有想像中的複雜。你要想，英國每年有多少國際學生送錢進來。手續複雜的話，他們就損失多少呀！所以要來這邊的留學生們，不用太擔心。以下這篇簡短的文章可以幫助你輕鬆申請你自己的學生帳號。

首先，你到英國前手邊留點英鎊現鈔。其餘的看是要買旅支、支票、匯票，都可以。或是你要等開戶後在請台灣的家人匯錢過來也是可以的。

I noticed the sign upon my first roaming about city center.  Though, I kept telling myself that I would not touch Chinese food unless I absolutely have to.  Yet, on this day, I saw two Chinese people walking out of it, and so I was tempted into taking a look at their menu.  They have a lot of vegetarian dishes.   Then I saw 'Egg Fried Rice' for only £1.80.  I decided that if the dish was good, then not only could I recommend this place to my friends, but also come and get a taste of home once in a while. 

So, after I went down to Tesco Metro and got my groceries for the next couple of days, I went back to it and ordered myself a serving of 'egg fried rice'.  The restaurant definitely had a very 'Chinese' atmosphere to it.  As I wasn't sure if they spoke Mandarin, I ordered the dish in English.  I heard the chef shout out in Mandarin: 炒飯！, but still feeling a bit awkward, I thanked the waitress in English when she gave me my fried rice. 

大家對英國的印象，應該跟我來之前一樣：濕濕冷冷的。不過我來的第一週，整天都是大太陽。這算是歡迎我到利物浦嗎？害我一直以為利物浦都不會下雨。不過現在看看窗外已經飄起雨來囉。氣溫當然也降低。因為太陽不知道跑去哪了。

趁這個時候，來回味一下昨天來利物浦剛滿一週，隨處亂晃拍到的大小物品。

I almost eneded up going to this 'match' alone.  I wouldn't even try to get my new friends doing Football Management to go, 'cuz they would be seeing the match at the stadium!  My other new friends were either away, or not really interested in football.  Fortunately, my new fellow classmate was free, and joined me.

This pub is extremely close to where I live.  Even at night, it would be a convenient venue to meet friends.

 

This is my first weekend in Liverpool, and what better way to spend it, then heading down to the local pub and drink beer while watching the most exciting game of the week!

這是我在利物浦的第一個週末。很幸運地，這週末對利物浦來說是非常緊張地呢！因為Everton 和  LFC 都是利物浦的球隊呢！還有什麼比跟朋友去pub喝啤酒看球賽還要更『入境隨俗』的呢！

*The following article is in Chinese, because I know you wouldn't be interested.

此時此刻，整個利物浦陷入緊張、刺激的狀態。因為現在利物浦的兩隻球隊Liverpool FC 與 Everton正展開一場激烈的球賽！台灣的球迷們，如果找不到網路轉撥，大概就會錯過這場精彩的球賽了吧！？

Mind you, this is still the first day of our welcome event!  All international students were invited to a free dinner at the Adelphi Hotel, which is only about a 10min walk from where I live.  It was a nice opportunity to dine in a HOTEL, and socialize with new friends.

As we were walking towards the hotel, I was surrounded by people from the Mainland.  You know, folks, I spend five years working my arse off, and flying over so many countries, I wasn't going to spend the whole time here speaking Mandarin.  No offence to nice folks from across the strait here, but I hope you understand what I mean.

I couldn't get away from them walking faster than they were, so I decided to slow down.  And just as I slowed down my paces, who did I happen to see but my buddy from the same coach ride the day before - Mamo from Japan, with his new American friend, Sam.  I was overjoyed to see them, so I stuck myself to them...

As part of the International Students Welcome Event, the Guild and the International Support Team arranged a whole day of events.  This is one I think most of the students have enjoyed, and found helpful - a bus tour around the city!

Buildings on Abercromby Square. 

If you'll notice, the chimneys have little castle watch towers on them.  I find them very interesting.

Looks fancy, doesn't it?


Looks can be deceiving...

Victoria Building

Dear family and friends.