il Giardino Romantico

This is the second time since I got here that the fire alarm had gone off in the halls.  This is the second time THIS WEEK that I have personally been in a 'fire drill'.  The first time it went off in the halls, I did not run out of my room.  Seeing that I just got here, and was still trying to get over my jetlag... I did not even get out of my bed because my sixth sense told me: THERE IS NO FIRE!  Fortunately, the fire engine arrived and soon left. 
On Tuesday, I was suppose to meet up with my MA mates at the library after lunch.  I walked by the library and saw a big crowd gathering in front of it.  Of course, I heard the fire alarm too.  But seeing no smoke, I figured 'it was a drill'.  Although, the fire engine did arrive, it left shortly after.  I found my MA mates standing outside the building, but the people wouldn't let us back in, so we left.
This morning, UK time, of course, the fire alarm went off AGAIN!  This time, it really got on my nerves because I had just woken up, and I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE MY ROOM!  I thought to myself, (here's the advantage of having your room facing the main road) if I see the fire engine arrive, then I will rush out.  However intolerable the sound was, I remained in my room.
However, my plan was interrupted by a knock on the door from the girl next door.  Along with another girl from Vietnam, we reluctantly headed out of the building after seeing everyone gathering outside.  We were accosted by some woman on our way out.  She reprimanded us as if we were toddlers, "This is a fire alarm!  Why haven't you come out of your rooms?"  What answer did she expect?  I couldn't possibly retort and say, "Well, it's just a drill, ain't it?"  I just stared back at her, thinking you should either let us back in, or let us out.  Don't just stand there and expect an answer for your rediculous question.  After writing down our room numbers, wooo~~~ now I'm in trouble!, she finally let us disperse ourselves amongst the others. 
You can't blame us, really.  This is an awful time to do this drill.  Most of us are still in bed, or had just gotten out of bed.  One Indian girl was FREEZING! because obviously, we had been requested repeatedly to 'leave the building immediately'.  Some of them didn't even lock their doors, because they had to 'leave the building immediately'. 
What I would like to say, is that, I think fire drills are ridiculous.  They do this not to prepare you in case of real fire, but to frighten you.  There is no fire.  There is not going to be one.  Not while I'm here.  So stop 'drilling' and do something practical, like put up recycle bins for cans and stuff.  You do this often enough, people are not going to 'leave the building immediately' when they hear the alarm next time!
今天早上的火警已經是我來這第三次響起了。第一次響起，是我剛到的那天晚上。因為我正熟睡，而且不想擾亂我調整時差的計畫，所以我根本連爬都沒爬起。我從窗外看到消防車來，不過沒過多久就走了。好家在。這星期二，我跟同學說好要在我回家吃完午餐後碰面。結果我走到圖書館看到一群人從圖書館裡走出來。後來才聽到火警。我終於在茫茫人海中找到我同學們。看到消防車來了又走。當然就表示沒事。不過他們還是不讓人進去。等了幾分鐘之後，他們就放棄想要再進去的念頭。
今天早上火警又響了。我才剛起床，那警報器在房間裡超級大聲的。可是第六感告訴我根本沒有火，所以我不想出門啊！我想說，如果看到消防車來，我在出去好了。等了半天，根本沒消防車。我只好嗚著耳朵等整個警報器熄掉。不過我的計畫被一聲『叩叩』破壞了。隔壁的大陸女孩敲門問我發生什麼事。接著另一個越南女孩也加入我們。我看情況不妙[因為已經被看到啦！]，只好跟著他們一起悠悠哉哉的走出去。
在走廊遇到一個中年婦人，很兇的對我們說：『這是火警！為什麼你們沒有從房間裡出來？』我的天啊？你要我們回答什麼？我該跟他說我沒出來的原因是因為我知道根本沒有火嗎？想也知道不可能。可他就站在那等我們回答。你要讓我們回房？還是讓我們出去？因為你不會得到任何答案的。後來問了我們房間號碼後，他用筆寫下來，才讓我們出去。感覺好像幼稚園小朋友做錯事情被抓到一樣。
我的想法是，真的有火，沒有人會不逃。你演習做多了，到最後大家根本就厭倦了。反而是因為演習的關係，讓人家『不知道該不該逃』。而且在這種清晨的時候做演習，大家都會抱怨的。站在外面的一個印度女孩，根本連大衣都沒穿就出來。站在那冷死了。還有多人根本連門都沒鎖。因為從小就知道有人會『趁火打劫』，又加上這根本不是真的火警，我穿了大衣，鎖上門才出去。
其實打了一連串，只是要說：不要再防火演習啦！擾亂人家的生活...

*The following article is a recount of the second part of our trip to Wu-lai.
Before making our way to the waterfall, we had already checked around to see if any of the hot spring hotels had sauna rooms.  It turned out that none of them had saunas.  Eventually, we decided to throw our money to the one that was most pleasant while introducing their facilities. 
在走上去瀑布之前，我們就已經先四處看看有沒有『烤箱』的溫泉。[ 因為某人特愛烤箱...不是考麵包的烤箱喔！]結果事實證明，烏來的湯屋真的只是湯屋。坐台車回來之後，回到當初比較親切的一間。看了他們的設備，因為覺得他們待人親切，以及友善的服務態度讓我們決定就是這家！
景色其實還好啦。不過我覺得價錢還蠻合理的。
The view was not perfect, but for the price, it was reasonable enough.
他們說限時兩小時。不過因為是淡季，我想如果我們不小心超時了，他們應該也不會趕人。
We had two hours, but since it was not yet high season, I think they wouldn't kick us out even if we went over time.
超享受的喔！
What a way to end our day!
泡完了還可以躺下來休息一下。爬樓梯也是會累的。
We made good use of the bed, too. [for sleeping... what are you thinking???]
有電視可以看。[有點模糊耶...抱歉～～]
It's got a TV, too!
這家因為步行就可以到。所以我是非常推薦的。泡完湯之後，他們還會招待飲料。不過因為是淡季，店家的親戚都在大廳裡，所以喝起飲料還有點尷尬哩。
I recommend this place because it's walkable.  After a rewarding hot spring bath, they even offer free drinks.  In addition to that, I even got a NT$100 voucher.  Of course, since I was leaving, I gave it to my dearly beloved sister.  She better make good use of it!
而且呢，他們還送了一張NT$100的折價卷。我已經轉送給老姊了。希望他能夠好好『善用』這張折價卷。

The Torres Song

又是一篇佔版面的【足球】文。來看帥哥吧！
Manchester City 2-3 Liverpool
Goals:
Fernando Torres 2
Dirk Kuyt 1
Torres in action.
Torres in celebration.
Teammates congrats.
Kuyt in celebration.
同天Everton對Newcastle比數2-2。看完這場之後我們有看到這場。不過氣氛差好多...
另外，我有一個疑問：為什麼Torres每次都穿長袖？

The weather was great this day.  My friend, Sam and I decided to take a walk around the city on foot.  At the end of the day, I realized that the tour guide was right, when she told us that you can get around this city on foot.  I would have never imagined that Albert Dock was a walkable distance to where I live, but it turned out that it is, indeed, walkable. 
這天天氣不錯。Sam跟我決定要來用雙腳晃一圈利物浦。其實我原本以為用走的根本走不到碼頭。但事實證明，真的一點都不遠。
Sam is a big-time Beatles fan.  He went in and got some souveniors for his family and friends, and I got myself a little gift as well.
Sam從很久以前就是披頭四的粉絲。所以，我們走到這來不是沒有原因的。他想要買點禮物寄回去給家人與朋友。而我，當然也買了個小小的紀念品啦！
We plan to come back to this together some other day.  Maybe next week, if the weather is nice.
說好下次要一起來這裡。如果下禮拜天氣不錯的話，應該就會先來這晃晃看。
The lil souvenior I got myself.
這就是我剛才說的小小紀念品啦！
Albert Dock on a sunny day.
晴天的碼頭。
Apparently, that massive boat is docking for a few days to drop people off, and waiting for people to get on board.  Then, it's on its way to Dubai, and it's going to stay there, permanently.  I think they're going to build the ship into a hotel or something.  This could very well be its last trip.  Oh, and this , by the way, the famous and infamous TITANIC had many close links to this port!
那艘遠方的船，據說只是停留等人下船跟上船。不久之後要開去杜拜。他們好像要把他改建靠岸，當作旅館還是什麼的。另外呀，世界聞名、無人不知、無人不曉的鐵達泥號，跟這裡有很深的淵源喔！
The hotel next to the sea.
碼頭旁的旅館。
I've told you about the wind energy generators, but now I'm going to tell you that this is where they're going to hold the next MTV music awards.
上次已經介紹過那個『風車』了。這次我要告訴你的是，下一場MTV music awards將會在這裡舉行喔！[不過不要問我是什麼時候...我對流行樂一點概念都沒有]
It was a nice walk, actually.  And I think I did a pretty good job.  No panting, and didn't feel tired at all.  I would like to mention the fact that even though it was sunny, the wind was extremely chilly.  Good thing we had been walking all this time, or else, I couldn't have survived!
So after Albert Dock, we went back to City Center and found the cinema.  I think it's great!  Because now I'll have a place to go once the new 007 is out!
雖然從圖片中也可看到這天天氣真的很不錯，但是風啊，還是超級冷的。尤其是走到碼頭的時候。不過還好，因為一直在走，有在動，就不覺的冷。不然我還真不曉得我要怎麼過完這天。[因為那天沒有穿很多...]
後來我們走回市中心，找到了電影院。我超級興奮的。因為這樣表示月底007出來的時候，就知道要去哪裡看電影了！
Aw~ isn't that cute?  One side for Angelino, and the other for 小虎。[I did NOT buy it...]
兩邊，正好兩隻臭貓一人一邊。[當然沒買...orz]
The superstore is absolutely unavoidable when you make it down to the city center!  I actually came prepared this time, but Sam said his membership card will arrive any day, and suggested that I wait for it because of the discount.
當然，走到市中心，不得不再進去看一下superstore。其實我跟你說，這天我有準備好要買球衣的英鎊。只是，Sam跟我說，他的會員卡應該快要發下來了。等拿到之後，可以用他來消費，會有折扣。所以我又做罷了。哈哈！
If you don't like the Beatles, you're going to grow to love them.  If you hate them, then you're in the wrong city, because they are everywhere.  And the locals, STILL adore them like mad!
如果你不喜歡披頭四，來到利物浦，你會漸漸的愛上他們。如果你非常討厭他們的話，那你可能來錯城市了。因為這裡真的『到處都是』披頭四。而且最重要的是，當地的人們到現在都還是超愛他們喔！
I didn't get the jersey, but I didn't walk out the store empty-handed, either.  There is a reason why I wanted to get this today.  It's the theme that goes hand-in-hand with the other little token I got earlier.
雖然沒敗球衣，但是還是敗了小物品。但這是有原因的。看看下一張圖片就會了解了。
One that says Liverpool, and one that says the Beatles.  One is in red[LFC], the other in blue[Everton].  Like the title of this article: it doesn't get more 'Liverpool' than this!
一個上面寫『利物浦』，另一個寫『披頭四』。一個紅色代表LFC，另一個藍色代表Everton。就跟這篇文章的抬頭一樣：有什麼比這個還要『利物浦』的？
Thank you for reading.  Until next time!

At the entrance of Sydney Jones Library 入口
One of the things I've learned to enjoy most is the access to the library.  Actually, I could've gone in last week, but since something went wrong with the administration, and many of us did not receive our student cards, I had to wait the following week to explore my new paradise.
From what I've heard from my MA mates, who did their BA's elsewhere in the UK, this library is equally astoundiing to them as it is to me.  Through all the horrible experience I've had with libraries back in Taiwan, I'm going to have to say this again, and again: I love Sydney Jones!
There are actually two libraries on campus, and this one contains all the arts and humanity collections.  The sciences and engineering library is elsewhere.  SJL is extremely close to where I live, and the atmosphere of the library is absolutely fantastic! 
There are two wings to this library, one wing, which is called the Grove Wing, is where all the literary collections are.  Needless to day, that is where you'll be able to find me while I'm there.  There are sofas in the Link area for reading, and there are also different study areas designated for different purposes.  I have to say now, that I greatly appreciate this.  Because NO ONE sleeps in the study areas.  NO ONE leaves their crap on the tables to needlessly occupy the tables while they leave for washrooms or even lunch.  You will ALWAYS be able to find a table to study at.
校園裡面有兩間圖書館。這間Sydney Jones是專門收藏人文與藝術的書籍。當然，也是我會常去混的地方。本來第一個禮拜就可以進去晃了，不過行政上面出了點問題，導致許多人沒能在上周拿到學生證。我在禮拜一的時後就迫不及待的去Student Admin.排隊領學生證。就是為了要進去瞧瞧這間圖書館。果真，第一次進去還真的差點迷路，走不出來了。
我在台灣圖書館遇到的鳥事，在這裡是絕對遇不上的！畢竟這裡當然是英文書最多，所以除非是special collection系列的，否則不可能會有我借不走的書啊！另外就是，你每次去『絕對』找的到讀書唸書的地方！因為不會有人在那邊睡覺。也不會有人東西放在座位上然後人走掉，一走就是一整天。請問那你把東西放在那是幹嘛的？
這裡的讀書區分三種：1. 可以跟朋友聊天的 2. Quiet Zone 是可以輕聲細語談話的區域 3. Silent Zone 就是連屁都不能放的。
當然，在我第一次進去之後，感覺真的像到天堂的感覺。每一本書的年齡都比我還要老。每一本書幾乎都已經快爛掉了。更恐怖的是，這種書，還很大方的讓大家借回去看。每一本拿在手上，感覺我的心臟病都快發作了。要是好巧不巧這書烙在不愛書人士手上，那可怎麼辦呢？
以下就是這幾次去借到兩本讓我非常難以置信的書：
Upon my first exploration, I was completely dumbfounded by the fact that almost all of these books are way older than I am.  The following are two of the books that instantly caught my attention:
This version of Morte Arthure was published in 1865 from the fifteenth century Robert Thornton's MS .  Impressive isn't it.  I think I almost had a heart attack holding the book in my hand, then later when I found out that I could actually 'check the book out'!!
這本是最原汁原味的圓桌武士傳奇。當然是講亞瑟王的啦！
The binding remains well intact.
The intro and first few lines of Morte Arthure.
This is all in old English, so please don't feel bad about your ability if you can't understand that.  I can hardly understand it myself.  I overestimated myself when I checked out this book.  I returned it the next day, but only because I knew I had to reserve my borrowing quota for academic reading.
不要因為看不懂受打擊。因為我也看不懂。當初借回來真是太高估自己了。我隔天就把他還回去了。藉口是：要讀得已經夠多了，不要再折磨自己了。哈哈！
Volume 10 of Complete Shakespeare's First Folio!
These were reprinted from the acutal First Folio!  It is extremely interesting to compare how the language has evovled, and not to mention the fact that this is THE Shakespeare all Willy-doting nerds have to take a look at.  This is incomparible to any of the modern editions of his works. Yes, even Oxford and RSC cannot compete with this.
這還需要我解釋嗎？當然是莎老頭的書啦！不過這跟現代版本的非常不一樣。就連Oxford或RSC的Complete Shakespeare都比不上的。因為前幾天教授才說：每一個版本一定都有被編輯過。這個是從First Folio直接轉印過來的，所以最接近原汁原味的莎老頭。
Please notice the difference in spelling from the modern editions.
We, meaning students in taught MA programs, are allowed to check out 15 items, with the addition of 2 more on short loan.  The best news of all is that this library is open 24 hours from Monday to Friday, and it is also open on the weekend as well!   
像我這種 taught MA的研究生，一次最多可藉到15樣東西。外加兩樣短期的[只能借一兩天]。令人最興奮的是，這間圖書館週一到週五都是24小時開放的！周六跟周日雖然不是24小時，但是照樣有開放！

It's an interesting experience to witness the change of season through the changing color of leaves.
I've waited to write my first journal after my first tutorial, as they call it here, because I knew that I would certainly have something to say after it.  It's been wonderful to finally be around people who actually like Shakespeare, instead of those who are either intimidated by his works or pretending to like him just to look and sound smart.  These people have a genuine passion for Shakespeare, poetry, and literature in general.  I'm ashamed to say that I'm actually the least passionate among them when it comes to Shakespeare. 
We're doing four modules this semester, two of which run two hours fornightly and the other two are weekly one-hour sesisons.  There is one other international student doing the same MA, from Saudi Arabia.  Apparently, she's having a real difficult time adjusting to the culture here.  She is, afterall, Muslim, and all the diverse culture that England has to offer could be extremely intimidating.  Other than her, I'm the only person from Taiwan out of the nine of us.  Two of my mates are part-time, and they will only attend two modules with us. 
My MA mates are extremly nice and friendly.  They have been very thoughtful and considerate to both me and the other girl.  It may be too early to say, but I like to keeps my hopes up and believe that my time here is going to be well-spent and extremely rewarding.
I have heard of all the terrible things that could happen in university accommodations, but fortunately, I have yet to experience any of those.  The girl who lives next to me is from China, but she seems to be sensible and responsible.  Most of the people that live on the same floor are girls, with the exception of one boy who is here with either his wife or girlfriend (I do not know because they live in a self-contained flat, and thus they are not sharing the kitchen nor the toilet/bathroom with the rest of us).

This article is in Chinese, about the two items I bought at the LFC club store.  I have not forgotten about the jersey.  It's just that, it's so bloody expensive, I have to be in the mood for it.  Perhaps once Christmas comes 'round...
將～將～～
你猜我敗了什麼？球衣？阿哈哈...
其實我本來是想敗球衣的。可是呢...拿起標籤來一看，還是不忍心花下那£42。這已經比成人的便宜£10囉！本來想敗來穿去看LFC v PSV的，可是到最後還是作罷。或許在聖誕節吧！就會有那股衝動想要敗一件回來。
不過呢，這次去Superstore，我差點迷路。好不容易找到，雖然£42花不下手，但又捨不得空手離開。左看看、右看看，終於看到兩樣可愛的小物可以讓我敗回家，滿足一下。
好口愛的帽帽啊！！我很喜歡這樣低調可是又很有格調的周邊商品呢！
又是粉口愛的小手套。

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。
就利物浦大學而言，就已經有好多選擇了：HSBC、Barclay、Lloyds、Natwest等等的。如果要信用好、服務好的大家在開戶前不仿多聽、多看。從同學口中或是網路相傳哪間口碑比較好。
銀行戶頭分兩種：
1. 基本帳戶
2. 複合帳戶 [這是我自己發明的每家銀行的名稱都不一樣...]
基本帳戶裡面又可以支分兩種：活期[current]與存款[savings]。存在活期裡面的錢，是可以直接從ATM提領的。但是銀行不會算利息給你。存款帳戶裡面的金額才會被算利息。這個基本帳戶的申請手續非常簡單。但提款卡要等一個禮拜才能拿到。所以開戶前，記得還是先留一些££在身邊。不過這裡比台灣好一點的是，沒有什麼跨行提領手續費喔！
複合式帳戶就比較複雜了。除了基本就會有的活期帳戶與存款帳戶之外，還有Debit Card。這是一張可以在許多商店使用的[有點像iCash那種...]也可以在網路上消費。不過呢，每個月的費用大約£5~£6。所以如果你像我一樣是窮學生的話，這可能就非常傷荷包。
你所需要準備的東西有：
1. 護照
2. 學校的信 <-- 這個去administration要就好了。跟他們說你要開戶用的、並告知是哪家銀行他們就會印出來給你。
3. 存款 <-- 其實我去開戶時，等行員去影印護照我才發現我的匯票忘了帶。現金也沒帶。挖哩！結果行員說沒關係。因為我很不喜歡大筆££放在宿舍的感覺，開戶完又下去找同一個行員。他很親切的教我怎麼存進去自己的帳號。所以其實沒有帶的話也不要緊啦！
要注意的是，有些銀行對於複合型帳號會有最低存款限制！所以要問清楚才行喔！
以下是網友補充的資訊與經驗：
一定要確定護照的名字完全正確, 就算是 - 這種小東西都不可以掉*
另外, 旅支最好不用辦美國運通的, 因為英國這邊的銀行會收手續費
HSBC目前我的朋友告訴我每個月要收六鎊手續費**
Loyld TSB的複合式帳戶要收八鎊<但附贈保險, 前三個月不收費>**
另外, 領卡方式可分到銀行領取跟郵寄***
*這種東西，經過申請學校、報考IELTS、申請簽證等種種程序都一再強調過他的重要性。就請大家再仔細點檢查一下名字吧！
**Barclay 與 Natwest的複合式帳號收費為£5。目前看來是最便宜的。不過勸大家還是多比較才不會吃虧。
***我是沒有被告知還可以用寄的。不知道是不是因為這裡的銀行都是在校園裡的，就覺得沒有必要使用這個服務？

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. 
I got to the dorm, and couldn't wait to open the box.  I took a mouthful and decided instantly, that I would become a frequent patron of the restaurant.  Yeap.  It was that good.
到市區閒晃的第一天我就注意到這個招牌了。只是一直對自己說：不到緊要關頭，絕不碰家鄉菜。噗！其實我覺得這裡買到的食材回家煮超方便的。而且我就像個鄉下俗一樣，今天才在跟美國朋友說連微波食物我都覺得好好吃。為什麼大家都說英國的食物難吃呢？我覺得好好吃耶！真糟糕...
不過言歸正傳。為什麼這天會想進去買家鄉菜呢？其實沒什麼特別的原因。我路過的時候看到兩個華人走出來，好奇的上去研究一下菜單。恩！很好！有很多素食。以後可以跟朋友一起來。我負責點菜。不過，大多數的菜色都好貴！看價錢就知道，即使我買的下去，大概也吃不完。吃不完就算了，最怕是買到難吃的。
研究下來看到£1.80的蛋炒飯。當下就決定去採購之後要回來買當作午餐。
進去之後，當然是空無一人。當時已經是一兩點了。不過店內裝潢還真的很『中國』。我當然沒照。人家只是買個蛋炒飯就給他到處拍，我會不好意思啦。而且服務員也穿的很『中國』！我用『英文』點完餐以後，聽到廚房用國語喊了：『炒飯！』。服務員請我坐著等。老實說他不請我坐我還真不好意思坐。哈哈！
兩三下我的炒飯就出來了！
其實我是想說，這種價錢要是不難吃，以後就可以常來。我拎著他回到宿舍後迫不及待的把他打開，吃了一口：恩！真好吃！
看來，不只是能常光顧，還能推薦給朋友們！讓他們也嚐嚐正宗的中國菜呢！
I will definitely recommend the place to my friends who would like a taste of authentic Chinese food!

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。
不過就是郵筒。
This mailbox is just around the corner to where I live.  I will be sending all my postcards through this. 
記得多年前看到某家書店有賣這個造型的存錢筒，還把他敗回家了。現在正在箱子裡。我想等我回國拆箱再看到他，一定又會有不一樣的心情。對了！這個郵筒就在我『家』附近。如果大家在日後有收到我的postcard，就是從這裡寄出的喔！
不用說，大家一定想到哈利波特吧！
Very 'Harry Potter' telephone booth.  But since it's quite easy to obtain a SIM card here, I don't suppose I will be needing these booths.
沒想到這裡申請手機號碼這麼方便。所以我想我應該是用不到這些可愛的電話亭。不過呢，不是每個電話亭都長這樣的喔！我當然是故意挑大家比較想看到的拍呀！
計程車。
Apparently, it would be cheaper to share a taxi fare than to get on a bus with a group of five.  Hopefully, I will be able to enjoy a few taxi rides here.  Should be interesting.
被貼滿廣告的計程車。這裡的計程車不是小黃喔！是小黑。聽導遊說，如果人數有到五個人，其實坐計程車分攤車費比坐公車還划算。所以日後應該是有機會做上小黑去兜風的。
紅綠燈。
Who was it? that told me the traffic lights in Taiwan are for decoration?  The lights HERE are definitely for decoration!  You have to push that button and WAIT.  Most people here just look both ways and run across the street before even touching that button.  The good thing is, the cars actually STOP whenever they see someone crossing, even if it's their green light.
I have no problem adjusting to the way the cars drive here.  Thankfully I have lived in a country where they drive on the left. 
是誰跟我說台灣的紅綠燈是裝飾品啊！這裡的才是呢！過馬路之前要先按一下。等他綠燈了才能走。車子看到有行人要過，是絕對不慧跟你搶的。但是我看很多當地人跟本就連按都沒按。左右看看沒車就趕快衝到對面去了。不過那也是這裡車子其實不算多才能這樣啦。
這裡的行駛方向跟台灣不一樣。不過好加在，人家有住過泰國。所以這點倒是一點都不用適應。反正，只要記得兩邊都看就準沒錯。
令人臉紅的百貨公司雕像。
What is that doing there?  Got no idea.  The department store is so different from ones back home.  So old.  The prices, though, are just as expensive.  Won't be doing any of my shoppings there!
本來想打馬賽克。可是後來想，人家大剌剌的擺在那，我幹嘛拍了照回來就打馬賽克？這叫做藝術好嘛...ORZ
這裡的百貨公司跟台灣的差很多！不過物價是一樣貴的。我是絕對不會在這買東西的。放心！
City Center的麥當當。
The good-o-Mac.  Won't even bother stepping into it. 
我拒絕光顧的地方。但是照相是一定要的！
Superlambanana
This funny looking creature is called 'Superlambanana'.  Apparently, it was designed as a token of celebration of Liverpool being the European Capital of Culture 2008.  There is a larger one on the other side of town, but we'll save that for another day when I have finally figured out how the bus works.
這個奇怪的東西叫做『超級綿羊香蕉』。某藝術家為了慶祝利物浦今年為『歐洲文化首都』設計出來的鬼東西。據說在另一頭可以看到超大的版本。不過這天我是靠11路，所以沒有能走太遠。大家先看這兩隻小的，將就一下吧！

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.
When we arrived, the place was still quite empty.  But the crowd gradually gathered up as the time got closer to kickoff.  Most of the people I've recently met have been fans of the club way before they came here to Liverpool.  I wonder if that affected their decision on where they were going for their MA's...
話說，雖然這場比賽還蠻刺激的，不過我還差點因為約不到人本來要一個人去看的。因為兩個念足球管理的日本人跟韓國人根本不用約，他們一定會飛到球場去看現場的。美國人跑去開會...其他的我也不知道他們洗不喜歡足球。還好，新同學說有空可以陪我去看。我們兩個人就約了中午在圖書館碰面在一起去pub。
這家pub就在我家附近耶。所以若是晚上的話應該也很方便。
到了的時候其實還空空的。不過這場比賽不用說也知道一定會轉撥。所以呢，咱們兩在大中午的就一人一pint的啤酒，聊天等比賽開始。這個新同學跟我都喜歡Torres哩！
就目前看來，剛認識的朋友們幾乎都是利物浦的球迷。而且許多都是早在抵達利物浦之前就已經迷上這隻球隊了。跟我這個半桶水球迷比起來呀，簡直就是小巫見大巫。