Cycling Show

On March 27, 2009 (Friday), we went to see the Taipei International Cycle Show in NanKang World Trade Center. Particiapnts were Aarming, Alex, Andrea, Brian, Iris, Javier, Marike, Ricardo, Sofi, Vic and me. I got to tell the truth that I did not do any preparation. I thought it was totally wrong. At least, clear understanding of cycle parts was of element.

In the first floor of the exhibition, those booths were exhibiting cycle parts. We saw some interesting pedals; some of them were with jag borders, which could cause friction to avoid slipping. Besides, we also saw all kinds of bells with various patterns and wheels for cycling.

In the fourth floor, brand names of cycling companies were showing their state-of-the-art models. There were Giant, Merida, Trek and etc. Giant had displayed its latest models for female with pink color. Marike asked some information about their new models female and also sought some information from Merida, a local company in ChunHua. The woman who Marike talked seemed not willing to reveal too much knowledge. It prevented Marike from knowing more about their company. So when Andrea coming, Brian and I told her not to reveal her stduent identity. Hearing from her, she prepared some questions for the company and did not show her identity. She received much information. She could differentiate these two companies. They had different culture. She said she would like to do a presentation for us. That would be great!

Alex saw a one-million bicycle and he brought us to see. The bicycle was quite fancy with Swarovske cystal, which account for half million. But actually, I thought it was not beautiful and not worthy buying it. So, maybe it could be bought for showing off instead of pratical usage.

Aarming mentioned that we should bring our business cards next time not with our school printed but some other companies. I did not know whether it would work or not because our words might disclose our real identity due to our unskillful communication. So, we might need some training and do more homework to embrace the upcoming exhibitions.

My Language Learning --- Part II

Started in my second year of the university, I had attended many English competitions, like English speech contests, English-Mandarin Translation Contests. Still remembering my first time to join the English speech contest, I was so nervous that I even forgot what to say during the speech. Winning a prize was almost impossible for me. But luckily, I won the second prize. That really shocked me and encouraged me to continue on polishing my English speaking. The second time, I was ranked third and the third time, I got No. 1. Totally overwhelmed, it was like a dream. My dear teacher, Lois Brook, taught me a lot about speaking skills and had always supported. I would dedicate the honor to her. For me, she played a critical role in my English learning and my university life.
In the same year, I also attended an English-Mandarin translation contest. Actually this was my third time to join the contest. Not winning any prize before, I did not hold any hope to win. But, who knows? I won the first prize. In that time, good luck seemed to fall on me.
Besides those contests, preparing English proficiency exams had occupied my life. Having an English proficiency certificate was considered a requirement for graduation but it would be an important evidence for others to know one’s English competence. I acquired High-Intermediate Level Certificate in General English Proficiency Test (GEPT), 825 points in TOEIC, 600 points in TOFEL-ITP. It seemed I did well in those exams. Honestly, those exams had taken me several times to obtain them. For me, the best policy was to keep doing exercise and taking it seriously like a real exam. This was what I always told people who want to take language proficiency exams.
After entering the graduate school, no much time spared for learning English. But, all my courses and papers are in English, and many friends and classmates of mine all speak English. They are from the United States, UK, Japan, Sweden, Swiss, Mexico, Chili, China, Costa Rica, Turkey and etc. We meet in class so we all speak English. It is good that we have an international environment. It provides not only an all-English lieu but also a good chance to work with people with different cultures and backgrounds. All of these is due to professor Wang’s efforts. I think all the Wang’s Team members feel grateful.
Last year, I retook TOEIC. I got 895 points. It is good about 5 points to 900 points. What a pity! But, without any preparation, I received a certificate in level three of Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Although I do not have time studying languages, I still want to learn languages. Hope I can graduate soon and spend time on learning languages, like Japanese, French, or Spanish. Have my fingers crossed!

My Language Learning --- Part I

In a summer vacation, my mom taught my brother and I English alphabets. At that time, I was only ten years old. We learned around five alphabets a day. It was a slow process and it was never a burden to us. We did not feel much about it. Only did we know was that English is a universal language and everyone needs to learn it. After the summer vacation, we both know how to write and pronounce 26 alphabets. Except for these, we also memorize some Tang poems sometimes.
One year later, a friend of my mom, she has a son of my age. He went to a cram school for English. In order not to fall behind other children, my brother and I were also sent to the same school. That teacher taught at her apartment. The classroom was so small that it could not allow two people to walk in the opposite direction and only accommodates 12 students plus a teacher.
The first time we went there. We were one hour late. Mom was so nervous because she couldn’t find the way to the cram school based on the description of her friend. But finally we got there. Not only did we one hour late but also we have missed two classes. The teacher was a forty something woman. She made up lessons for my brother and I after the class and she gave me an English name, Jerry. That was when and where I got my English name.
Four months past, I was not interested in English. It was so boring and difficult. Even the teacher tried her every effort to trigger our interests. It did not work on me. What could draw my attention were the cartoons. She usually played half-hour Disney cartoon clip before the class ended. That was my only support to carry those classes. But my parents notice my problem. They decided to let us stop learning English. I can still recall what did we learned in the last class. They are four seasons, spring, summer, fall and winter. Four simply words to me now but almost defeated me thirteen years ago. I was afraid that I would do badly in exams and I knew clearly and English wouldn’t become my career tool in the future.
As far as my mother concerned, she never gave us up. For Taiwanese students back to 12 years ago, English classes started in junior high school. She brought us to the cram school to learn English again and the cram school followed school curriculum which was grade 7 level. I was only in grade 6. I did not shun away from English learning and picked it up again. In the beginning, my performance was ok but, as times went by, my grades fell down gradually until I reached 7 grade. I retook the course, and amazingly I ha done great on every English exams. My confidence was rebuilt and felt comfortable studying English all the way to my senior high school.
In my senior high school, Science was my major. But I felt dull and find no interests in it and did not want to have a job related to it. So, I decided to switch to something I am eager to learn. Then that was English!
I applied for two English departments in Taichung. Luckily, both of them gave me the admission to their school and my final decision went to Chung Shan Medical University. I deemed that because the school specialized in medicine and technology, they were closely to my original major. Even one day, I do not like English; I will have many options to come by. For another reason, I prefer no much emphasis on English Literature. So, Chung Shan Medical University was my choice.
When entering the school, I was regarded as a normal student. Some of my classmates spoke fluent English with good accent. Others had majored English before. And Japanese was our major as well. This annoyed me. Like my English, I did not do well on Exams. But what made it different was that I had the enthusiasm in Japanese learning.

(To be continued…)

Trip to Hualien

In late June, my friend and I went to Hualien. It was really an unforgettable experience. Why it impressed me so much is because it broke my image of Hualien, which should have been boring and not much fun. But, we did have lots of fun there.

Our first stop is Toroko Gorge. We walked on a path besides the river. What caught our eyes are gigantic stones scattered around on the riverbed. Those huge stones are so big that they couldn’t be moved by flood and rinsed by water years after years. Scoured by water, those stones’ surfaces are sharpened. So sparkling. Seeing the nature’s power and beauty. Even though our baggage was so heavy, we still felt joyful and get rid of all the tiredness.

The second stop is the night market. Hualien night market has some delicious snacks and it is quite bustling. Full of people. We ate the most famous siao-lung-bao. If you want to buy and take out, you have to wait in the queue for a long time. Luckily, we ate there and didn’t have to wait too long. The siao-lung-bao tasted great. When we bit it, the soup spilled. That was fantastic!

After the night market tour, we went to the beach. Still, people everywhere. But the seashore is so long and we find a quite place. Then sleeping on the big stones. We fell asleep, enjoy the breeze and sea voice’s calling. Relaxed and comfortable. Enjoying the cozy atmosphere, we played volleyball. It was cool. I hadn’t played volleyball for a long time and, not to mentioned, play it on the beach. My team won and had a happy ending there.

I am from Yilan, which is a place close to Hualien. Not many chances to go there. After this trip to Hualien. I think, I love there. Enchanted by its glamour. Next time, there is anyone asking me to recommend a place to visit; Hualian will definitely be the priority. Well… maybe after Yilan, I say.

Dreams say...

I found out that I really dreamed a lot at night. But usually, I totally forgot all of them and feel tired in the morning. Only can I remember is that my “life” in the dream is also hectic on the go as my real life is.
Sometimes, people say things in the dreams are of what we want to do but we cannot, of what are going to happen and we foresee them, and etc..
Sigmund Freud once described dreams as the “royal way to the unconscious.” Dreams can reflect what relies in the preconscious. Is that true? Freud is such a master but, you know, actually some now despite his philosophy.
Should we try to remember our dreams and interpret them to see our true desires? Or just ignore them, live without many burdens?

Steven's Birthday

Thursday morning, Alex, Brian and I went to buy food for Steven's birthday party. The schedule is really tight.

Firstly, we arrived at the shop for vegetable dumplings but it doesn't provide it. So, instead, we bought juice and instant noodles. Why we wanted to buy vegetable dumplings was because Brian doesn't eat meat this month for the reason that he redeems his vow to the Buddha.

Secondly, we walked to buy tiramisu cake at Tiramisu. This shop is located on the Funshin South Road and it headquarter is in Hualian. Many people around the island love its cake and buy it online.

Thirdly, we rode on our scooters and bought dumplings at A-Ui. A-Ui provides a variety of flavors, like celery, leek sprout, cabbage and etc., all of them with meat. Its dumplings taste great and it charges more. 4 dollars for one. Anyway, it deserves.

Finally, we returned to the lab and cooked. Dr. Wang joined us. BTW, all those stuff we bought was paid by him. Many thanks to him!!!

We had a wonderful meal and took out the cake after it. Steven made three wishes. One is that all of us can succeed in our studying at school; another is to see Taiwan win a bunch of gold medals in Olympics; the other is a secret then.

I don't know whether Steven was surprised or not. I hope he loves our devotion to the party. May his wishes come true. (Maybe I should use "hopes," hopes seem to have more possibilities to realize) Taiwan can't lose more games in Olympics. If you keep track with Taiwan's baseball games with others, you will know what I am talking about. Alrite, bye for now!

Prep for Steven's Birthday

Tomorrow will be Steven's Birthday. We are going to celebrate it today. Buy a cake, dumplings and sing songs. Hope it will be great. I will share this event later.