Morocco Food Review

Morocco Spice

I haven’t seen Miwa from Japan since I returned from China, so we went out on Saturday night. All of my good friends love eating and trying various nationality food in London. We discovered a restaurant in Soho called Maison Touareg .

I haven’t tried Morocco food before and I know the food is very popular and delicious. It is famous for their lamb and chicken. John can eat chicken, and I love lamb, so we give it a try.

Food is absolutely delicious and interestingly, you also can order those water-pipe (nor sure the real name.) I gave it 4 stars out of 5. Price is reasonable. Appetite is from £3, main course from £12, and wine is from £17. Each we paid £18, not bad indeed.

All About Music – Alternative Rock

More new music

The Temper Trap

I always love to add new music into my Ipod. An Alternative band from Australia called The Temper Trap’s ‘ Condition’ is absolutely delightful to listen. The famous song ‘ Sweet Disposition’ is so hit and become the sound of 2009 according to BBC. When I listened their first song, I thought it is definitely a British Rock band, surprisingly they are from Australia. Also, They became so famous because this amazing album in the UK, then well-known in Australia afterwards.

Every single song in the Album are my favourite.

Green Day

We haven’t heard Greenday releasing new albums for such a long time. Even though I am not a huge Greenday fan, the new album called 21st Century Breakdown is fantastic. The album is not only random music, but actually tell a story. It is divided into three acts, each loosely following a young couple, Christian and Gloria, as they’re confronted with a manipulative, authoritative culture according from Culturebully. Would it be great that when you’re listening songs, you can imagine a movie?

It seems they wrote many songs for Heroes and Soldiers. I still love some of their songs, and never feel tired of them. Some of their songs always make me feel sad –  I call it as the rebellious sadness.

There are many favourite pieces in the album:

  • 21 Guns
  • !Viva La Gloria!
  • Peacemaker
  • ?Viva La Gloria? (Little Girl)
  • Restless Heart Syndrome

Muse

Great news that Muse released the New album called ” The Resistance” in September. It is more alternative + classical music combination. Great album and I’ve been listening since Sept.

They are all on the tour. Muse and Green day’s gigs are so expensive (£50), and also performed in O2 and Wembley stadium –  too big! We saw Muse in HK, and it was great, same price but you can see them so clear. However, they are too big in the UK, I don’t think they will perform in a small concert then. Pity!

I can’t wait to go to see MEW’s concert next week. One privilege living in London is to see many concerts regardless singers are superb or unnoticeable.

Shantou – relax, food & family

shantou

Back to Shantou

The most important thing in Shantou is to see my niece – Sissy. I remember she was born for a week then I left Shantou, and now she is 14 months and learning how to walk and talk. She is incredible smart and adorable.

Mum and Dad are very happy to see me being home, especially Mum, she always cooks so many food, and I don’t even need to get out of the house. I love our new house in central of Shantou with enormous rooms and space for niece to play. Actually I do very little at home, basically just relax, eat food, help Mum do some house work, and then spend time with niece ( I enjoy being a babysitter. )

However, I haven’t seen much of my Shantou friends. Some of them are in Guangzhou or Shenzhen, or most of them are married and expecting a child.

Though sometimes I got bored in Shantou, maybe because I am so used to the busy life in metropolitan cites or maybe I don’t realise I am in holiday.

I can’t believe that it will be ended soon with few days. The irony thing is that I quite look forward back to London, to have my own life back, moreover I do miss John a lot. Anyway, John and I will be back to China together soon in next few months.

I always love my home town no matter where I am.

回到汕头最重要的事情就是看我侄女-希希。记得我走之前她才刚出生1周,现在也有14个月,高高的个子,还在学走路和说话。她真的太聪明和可爱的,每次看到她会放电的大眼睛,任何人都忍不住爱上她,想亲她一口。

爸妈蛮高兴我回来的,特别是老妈子,整天买这墩那的给我吃,让我其实不用出门天天有好东西吃,也让我少吃了很多汕头的小吃。我蛮喜欢爸妈的新房子的,空间很大,给希希整天跑来跑去玩个够。其实在汕头主要还是休息,吃东西和帮老妈子打扫下房子,但最多是做希希的玩伴和保姆,我真开心能陪她这么常时间,以后不晓得她还认得我不?

但这次我却少走亲戚和朋友了,有些在外头,有些也结婚生孩子,大家有了家庭,出来的机会就少很多。虽然有时候会觉得在汕头蛮无聊的,也许我习惯了大都市的生活,或许我忘记了我在度假中,当你忙碌总想有休息的时间,休息的时候想忙碌点什么,这就是人生啊。

觉得无法相信很快就要结束我的假期。实际上我蛮期待回去过自己的生活,重要的是我蛮想念约翰的!但我们过年时候2人一起再回来吧。无论身在何处,我都是爱我家和汕头。

Exciting going back to China

back to China

Since 08/08/2008 last year till today 09/09/2009, I have been away from China and my friends for over 1 year. It seems very long, but it also feels like just yesterday. I guess I could not adjust the weather when I am back to Guangzhou. The weather here in London is perfect temperature about 19-25 degrees, however, Guangzhou is about 35 degrees and very humid. Then I properly will spend one week to adjust the jet-leg.

All these things do not matter when I think of meeting friends, eating delicious food and spending time with my niece and family. The joy will be overcome the bad sides. Yuki and other friends plan to drive to Yangjiang and eat seafood there at the weekend I arrive. On one hand, I can’t wait flying on Tuesday. On the other hand, I do feel sad that John could not join me back to China this time, maybe we will be back during the Chinese New year Next year!

One sad thing is that sister told me Mum has rented out our old house. It means that the house where I had spent 20 years is gone – my white cat, my usual place, and everything. Although the house is old and small, it contains all the memories of my childhood, friends who came to visit, and normal life. I know that sooner or later it will need to be re-decorate it, or sell it, but I will miss it so much!

Anyway, see you soon, my friends! Thanks Trini of her bubble tea and Shantou pictures!

兴奋的快回中国!

从8月8号2008年离开中国,到今天9月9号2009年,差不多一年没有回国,想起来好像很久,但实际又好像是昨天,1年中发生了很多事,大家都为生活努力奋斗着!伦敦的天气十分清爽-19-15度之间,回到广州我可能不太适应广州的闷热35度的温度,再说,要1个星期才能调节好我的时差。

但这些都不要紧,一想到见到老朋友和吃很多中餐,海鲜及最重要是见我姐的女儿,从她出生到现在1年了,我很想念希希!Yuki 已经安排好到达的周末去阳江吃海鲜!我太兴奋了。下周二就飞,但我又舍不得约翰一个人在伦敦,可惜他不能请假太久回去,过年我们再一起回去吧。

一个很伤心的消息,老姐告诉我我家的老房子租给别人了,老房子储存了我20年生活的点滴 - 从小学到中专,朋友来来回回去我家作客,老家虽旧,但很多朋友都感觉是他们的另一个窝。我可怜的白猫,很多角落的点滴,回忆就这样很快消失了。其实我知道老家需要重新专修或租出去的,只是时间问题,我会想念它的!

总而言之,我太兴奋的飞回去啦,等我哦,朋友们!封面珍珠奶茶的照片是旖旎同学汕头的照片哦!

A new Job and a different life

a-new-life-and-expensive

After all the exams finished, I had been trying to find a part-time job during this summer holiday. It was quite hard and I guess there are many competitions in London. Over few days out for hunting jobs, and submitted over 100 copies of resumes, luckily, I had several  interviews, however, employers were keen to have full-time employees rather then part-time.

However, today it was my happiest day. After 3 interviews, one was offering me on the spot, and another one called me back today and said I was hired out of 3 competitors. Moreover, I went to school to pick up my final transcript, and I was nominated by the tutor that I was the best student in the class, and received 25 pounds for buying book. I was so thrilled in a day, and I felt that my hard working finally rewarded it.

I will work hard and meet more new people. At the first time, I felt like I am part of this country rather than being a student or a visitor. Everyone was so happy for me and me too. Life is not easy, but I will find a way to fight for it and enjoy it.

一份新工作,一份不同经历

自从5月底所有考试结束后,2个星期都在不断努力为这个夏天找兼职。一切都不容易啊,虽然伦敦遍地是机会,但因为大家都知道,所以更多的竞争着来自世界各地,加上欧洲国家的人都纷纷来伦敦工作。简历都投递了超过100份,也有了几份面试的机会,但他们大多要求一年4季长期工作,而不止是兼职。

但今天是我的最幸运的一天,昨天有3份面试哦,时间都安排的蛮紧的,第1份说很喜欢我,但他们希望我能全职,第2份工作在面试就说马上请我,周一上班,第3份工作今天打电话说请我,(面试时候见过3个和我竞争的对手,显然我打败她们)我十分开心,当然我选择个最合适我的。惊奇的另一件事是,今天去学校拿最后的成绩单,不但我考得蛮不错的成绩,一打开信封,教授提名我最佳的学生,奖励我25英镑买书卷呢。哦,天啊,又找到兼职,又有奖励,我的心甜过蜜糖呢!整天都超级开心,真的很想大喊几声,谢谢自己一年来这么努力,很辛苦很辛苦的付出才拿到好成绩的!来之不易啊!大家别看我吃吃玩玩的多,辛苦的时候超级辛苦,压力十分大,只是没有和大家说而已。不过我十分满意我这1年来的付出和努力!常言道,生命短暂,辛苦时候还是要努力享受生活的。

我会好好努力工作,同时也认识多点新朋友。第一次感觉到自己不只是这个城市的游客或过客,而是真正的生活在伦敦!谢谢大家的支持和鼓励哦,让我们为生活继续努力吧!

Keane’s Concert in Shepherd Bush

keane-in-shepherd-bush

John bought Keane‘s tickets for my birthday gift in March, and finally this is the night. We went there at 6 pm, and there were already many people queueing, and luckily we got the great seats to see them very clear. Surprisingly, there were many middle-age fans to see Keane as well.

The show was to celebrate 50th birthday of the Island Record Company. The island members took all the fans pictures and said it will post it their website, can’t wait to see myself in there. The show was started at 7 pm, and the warming brand was Ladyhawke, she sang about 8 songs, and she performed well, however, the microphone could be louder because audiences could not hear her voice clearly.

When Keane came out, the whole stadium was crazy with a lot of applause. Keane sang about many songs from first album Hopes and Fears including ‘everybody is changing’, ‘ We might as well be stranger’ , and ‘somewhere we only know’; then ‘crystal ball and ‘nothing in my way’; then many songs from third album as well including ‘again and again’,’perfect symmetry’ and ‘spiralling’…

Tom’s voice was absolute amazing and with his professional performance. He talked to audiences, even shook hands with audiences, and asked audiences to sing with him as loud as they could, (to be honest, every audiences could easy burst out everyone song from Keane). The background lights, the band performance and the atmosphere was stunning. It felt likes that Keane music was melting with audiences voices, and everyone was so indulging into their music and lost themselves.

Their music was so perfect and ‘ I lost my heart, I buried it too deep into the under the iron sea’. It was a remarkable concert and I wish they will continuously create great music.

I recorded one song on the spot only for one of Keane’s best fans from GZ – Syrinx Ye.

约翰在我3月份生日时候送给我Keane演唱会的门票,终于等到今晚的到来。早早6点就去排队,已经一条长龙,蛮多中年岁数的歌迷呢,幸好我们早去,找到2个正中不错的位子。

这个演唱会是为了庆祝 island 唱片公司50岁的生日而搞的,工作人员给歌迷各个都照了相做纪念,我也照了张,不知道去哪里看呢?7点就正式开场,第一嘉宾是ladyhawke,约翰蛮喜欢的新西兰女歌手,她长了8首主打歌,歌曲还不错,可惜麦克风不够大声,听不是很清楚她的声音。

当Keane出场时候,掌声雷雷,歌迷超级疯狂的叫喊。Keane唱了很多第一张成名著 Hope and Fear,每一首歌迷都跟着一起唱,然后唱了2首第2张专集under iron sea,唱得最多的是第3张专集,场面十分感人,歌迷的声音做为背景,和 Keane的声音融合在一起。

主唱的Tom的声音真的很棒,歌喉和歌底很好,加上他十分卖力和专业表演,和让大家感受到他对音乐的那种激情,从他的歌词和歌曲中流露出来。看得出他对歌迷很好,在场常和歌迷交流,惊奇的是,居然还跳下场和歌迷握手。现场的表演,灯光,气氛真的太完美了。当然我也和其他歌迷一样一起和Keane 合唱,虽然不算是他们的疯狂歌迷,但十分喜欢他们的所有的专集。

当场的气氛就象忘掉自我,沉溺在Keane的音乐中,就象歌词中 ’ 我的心遗失了,把它深深的埋在铁海中,埋在音乐的铁海中’…这场演唱会是我见过Muse之后最棒的一场show。希望他们继续创造好音乐给大家。

我录下下了一段片断献给最爱 Keane 的广州歌迷 - 叶嘉雯!

A Romantic Spring – Cherry Blossom

cherry-blossom

It was a moment
Blue sky was background
Green leaves were subordinate
Your pink blossom stood out

When the wind blew
You fell
I feel pity for all the falling flowers
Because it takes a year to see them
You sacrificed the flowers in Spring
Without you
London is not as pretty as it is

Slowly without notice
Your blossom left no trace in Summer
You are so beautiful, but momentary
It makes that you are so charming
Maybe because you are momentary!

一个浪漫的春天 - 樱花盛开的季节

那是一个瞬间
蓝天白云是你的背景
绿叶是你的配称
粉红的花瓣是万中一红

你牺牲你的漂亮花瓣
换来春天这刹那的点缀
我怜惜你的凋落的花瓣
因为要等一年才盼到你的到来
没你的存在,
伦敦的春天逊色一般

渐渐地,你的所有花瓣随风下落
慢慢地,你静静地消失来迎接夏天
漂亮的东西总是短暂的
或许因你的短暂生命才显得它漂亮

Jason Mraz in Hammersmith Apollo

jason-mraz-concert-in-london

Discovered Jason when he had released his first albumMr. A-Z in 2006, and since then, his music is pleasure to listen to. Friends saw Jason performed in HK last month, and said it was an amazing concert. So we finally arrived Hammersmith Apollo last night, where there were many young fans already standing outside, trying to get the good spots to see Jason. We also lined up before it might get too late.

It started at 7: 30, and surprisingly, Jason came out and introduced the warm-up bands, one was Priscilla Ahn, who also sang with Jason for the song called “Lucky” later on. I like Priscilla’s music and her voice was pretty good.

After 8: 30, the whole concert was full. When Jason came out, fans started getting so crazy to welcome him. He basically sang his latest album – We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things. When he and Priscilla were singing “Lucky”, then “I’m Yours”, all the fans were singing together and it was a fantastic atmosphere!

Overall, Jason performed very well, and he gave fans many surprises. We did enjoy his concert and look forwards his new album soon. (Jason cover picture is from Flicker.com)

在2006年发掘Jason出第一专集Mr.A-Z 的时候就喜欢上他的音乐,他的音乐让人感到十分阳光和放松,很有California, 沙滩,享受生活的味道。朋友们都去看他在香港演出,说他的表演超级棒呢。终于等到他在伦敦演出拉,昨晚,很多歌迷6点还没到就在排队,要抢最好的位子看Jason.伦敦演唱会都是一个价钱,只是你选择要站还是要做。所以歌迷都纷纷要提前排队,抢个头位。 我们7点也就排上队,等着开场。

7点半就准时开场,惊奇的事,Jason亲自出来介绍‘热身’队 - 一个叫Priscilla Ahn的吉他女歌手,声音和歌曲都不错。到了8点半,全场的坐位都爆满,当Jason出场时,歌迷尖叫声不断。当他和Priscilla唱 “Lucky” 和 “I’m Yours” 的时候,全场歌迷都纷纷和他一起唱,气氛超好!他主要唱他的最新专集,虽然没有唱很多首我的最爱,但他的表演功和调动歌迷的气氛十分棒。疯狂的歌迷被他的声线迷倒了。我们都期待他另一张新专集。

River Trip and Parties

day-trip-on-thames

The school has organised a boat trip to Greenwich on Wednesday. We were on the top boat and saw all the tourists’ attractions such as London Eye and Big Ben. Additionally, I also met some new friends from other classes and had some crazy laugh with thousands pictures taken. It was a windy cold spring day, but it didn’t reduce our fun at all.

After we arrived in Greenwich, we walked around a little because I have been there with John’s family last summer. Friends decided to go to the pub and have some beer! Then all of us – 16 people went to the restaurant I had booked, ate some delicious food and went to another bar.

So we decided to try the popular Buddha Bar near London Eye. I heard that it is a franchise which is based in Paris and all over the world. It is a very posh and fancy bar / restaurant. We had some talks, laugh and dance till 12 am, then we went home, the rest of friends went on continually till 5am! It was properly the last time all the friends gathering – I will miss you of my friends. Here some pictures to share with you

因学期快结束了,所以学校组织周三大家坐船一游泰晤士河到格林尼治 – (英国伦敦东南一市镇,为本初子午线所经过的地方〕虽然当天风很大,大家兴致还是不减,坐在船顶,照相聊天和在船上看伦敦出名旅游景点。大家到了格林尼治之后决定去当地的酒吧喝上几杯,接着16个朋友去我订的餐厅(就在伦敦眼50米的地方,餐厅面对着泰晤士河,风景绝佳)。之后当然再接下场,自从离开广州之后,好久没有这么疯狂过了 – 去了很出名的(佛吧)听说它的基地在巴黎,然后世界各地都有。佛吧里面超级高级,看得出是很多政客去谈生意或疯狂的地方。我们喝了很多鸡尾酒,快到12点,我和约翰先回去了,他明天要上班,其他的同学疯狂再换去跳舞的地方疯狂到零晨5点。太疯狂了!可能大家分别后也没有很多机会大家一起吃饭疯狂,我会想念你们! 这是一些最新照片

Spring in London

spring-in-london1

It was John’s birthday yesterday, and it was sweet to spend with him relaxing at home and eating some great food. Today, it was a nice crispy sunny day of Spring in London, so we decided to have a walk along the Regent Canal with Miwa. Luckily we had finished all the school projects and essays, so we can enjoy our free time.

We talked two miles to reach Angel in Islington. On the half way, John discovered a local market called Broadway Market next to Victoria Park. Surprisingly, it is a very trendy area – all you can see there were full of fashionable young people, who were shopping some local food, picking their sandwiches, drinking some fruit smoothes, as well as purchasing some second hand clothes.

Miwa and I first picked some German sausage hot-dog to share, and then we bought some French fusion food – coconut tiger prawn with some rice for £7. 50 each. John picked some healthy vegetable burger. The normal lunch price is from £3 – £8, and dessert from £2 – £5. It is not bad with so much fresh and home-made food or desserts – a perfect for a Spring panic in the Park. I do like this market – funky, trendy and fusion style. Then we walked another mile to reach Islington and had some chill Mango Passion fruit Frappuccino – so nice and cool to call a day.

春天的伦敦

昨天是约翰的生日,我们买了很多东西在家下厨,本想买礼物给他,出去逛街,结果买了很多自己的东西,却没有买给他,哈哈,他不介意的。我们把所有学校的功课都完成了,决定好好休息和享受春天的到来。所以今天,一个清爽蓝色的周末,我们决定和日本朋友 – 美和一起沿着学校的小河散步到另一个城镇。

我们漫步走了2公里,半路约翰发掘靠近维多利亚公园的一个当地的百老汇市场。很多时尚的年轻人溜着狗,骑着单车,带着旧式的太阳眼镜,搭配着十分时尚的衣服买着三文治,新鲜蔬菜,自家做的蔬菜派和独特午餐,还有很多甜点,蛋糕,朱古力布朗尼,看到都流口水。

首先我和美和先尝试下德国的出名的香肠热狗,超级好吃!然后去了家法国买了虾椰子饭,一份£.7.50磅,约翰用5磅买了一个素食汉堡包。普通午餐在3到5磅不等,甜点从2到5磅。价格还可以接受,虽然分量小点,但是自家做的,新鲜程度和用料方面都很下功夫,所以还是值得的。一群朋友一起买着三文治,在公园野餐,是最好不过的春天周末约会。我十分喜欢这个市场,时尚,新鲜,大把食物。我们再走了1公里路,然后喝上杯芒果热情果冰爽,结束今天的散步,真是超级爽!