Barcelona & Rome

If Barcelona is the city of Gaudi, Rome can be the city of Bernini - that's only my personal opinion. But I do find some similarities between them.

When I was taking photos of "old" architectures in Barcelona, Laia was teasing at me, "You are going to Rome!"

Exactly, those "old" architectures in B are modern imitations of antique style buildings. Rome...unlike China, both have thousands years of history, but Rome does a good job in preserving ancient civilizations. For example, the whole city only has two metro lines (Barcelona has more than 5). When they were digging the ground for the third metro line, people always could find ancient ruins. Then the construction stopped and the team had to change a route...but soon they would find another ruin site...

I went to the famous fountain, which is the one for making wishes. I only threw a penny into it...hope god would not mind. According to Anke & Jelle, the first time people make a wish at that fountain means the wish maker will come back to Rome again. Second time, people will find love in Rome.

Well, I'm waiting for the return...but, finding love in Rome? At least not around that fountain! When I was in the high school, I read a lot of romantic novels. One of them was based in Rome, and the story happened at that fountain. The girl was reading a book on the steps of the fountainl, and the boy noticed her because of her lovely reading behaviour blablabla...total imagination. Even in this low season, numerous tourists keep moving aside...I can't believe anyone can read a book there! (of course, except guide books.)

Today I saw several Bernini's works. He is a genius. Words are too pale, so I stop repeating nonsense compliments. Now I like him even more than Gaudi. 300 years later, maybe Gaudi can be another Bernini. It takes time.

What a pity the museums I've been to in Rome don't allow any photo...Barcelona's MNAC is much more visitor-friendly.

Tomorrow, I'm going to Vatican. That's my aunt's dream. Life is so unpredictable. When I was chatting with her about Catholicism three years ago, we would never know I could go there so soon. What a shame I'm not the pope's fan, otherwise I would go there today, because pope makes a public speech every Sunday. I give up the chance of taking photo of pope because the Vatican museum closes on Sunday. For me, museum is more important than pope.

new blog

Because Mainland China blocked blogspot.com, I have to move to a Chinese blogger service website to let my family read my diaries.

welcome~
http://kanonkanon.blogbus.com/

4th Day's reflection - the arrival

I started to enjoy life in Morocco from yesterday.
The first day was a mixture of every emotions - excitement, worris, anxiety, release, appreciation, shock, insecureness, and uncertainty.
After more than 30 hours journey, I arrived in Rabat airport. My new beautiful suit case was broken by Air France. I wanted to declare the damage as what I did in Hong Kong, but the long line of declaring missing baggages stopped me...What an Air France...
When I stepped out the airport, the second fact I just realized...there was no train station as my AIESEC contactor said, and soon I understood from other people - I should go to Casablanca~~Although Rabat is the capital of the country, but the airport is really small, and I have to take taxi to go to the center of city - awkward transportation...and the AIESEC friend didn't notice that I would arrive in Rabat, because almost all the other interns arrive in Casa...
Before I accepted this fact, I almost used up a telephone card and got really anxious. Finally I took an over-priced taxi. When I was waiting for AIESEC students in the centre ville station, I had to think about a question, what if we couldn't find each other today? Where should I go? This is a terrible question. Because for most Moroccans, Arabic is their mother tongue, their French is not as good as I expected, and their English doesn't exist...for me, my French is not as good as I hoped, and my Arabic doesn't exist at all...I have to thank people in airport where at least some of them can speak both English and Arabic and helped me contact AIESEC and get on a cab.
Luckily, I didn't need to think about it too long. I was recognized in half an hour.
From then, verything went through smoothly. At AIESEC Rabat, I knew some board members of AIESEC Maroc, and some of them are very impressive. Hicham, Hatim, Chacha, Salma, Ouafae are the friends I met on first day.
After dinner (...I fell asleep during dinner again...exactly repeated the dinner at HK,time leg!!!...what a shame...), they brought me to the manager of AMOSE organization, Rachid, whom I would be supposed to work for this summer. Then I met Anke, the girl from Netherlands. She lives at Rachid's house now. Thanks to her, who can speak perfect English, French, Italian, and of course, Dutch. Anway, she became the interpretator of me. Rachid's family can hardly speak English, and few of the family members can speak French. Anke and I chated a lot. She told me only 3 Dutch youths were qualified to take internship in Morocco, and a lot of applicants were not eligible because of their weak French foundation...I wonder how did I make it...
My first night in Morocco was in Rachid's home. I was a little shocked by the facility...especially the toilette...I haven't seen similar environment for more than 10 years...Whatever, now I've accepted everything.
The stay at Rachid's house is a total new experience for me. Imagine 6 people sleeping in one room everyday...so my first impression of Moroccan family is crowdy.

First Night in Morocco

I've already been to many places, but it's my first time to encounter strong cultural shock.
Language barrier...People here speak Arabic, little French, English? It doesn't exist.
Food...
No internet at home...The computers in internet café are using French keyboard, and even no Chinese display...

Since I left home at 8AM, July 1st(Beijing time), I did't get a satisfactory rest until 10:30 PM, July 2nd (GMT). That means I didn't get a chance to lay down for over 40 hours...Now I really hate sleeping in chairs.

But I met many friends, nice young guys~~

New Camera

I just sold my Canon Rebel XS and bought a new one! CANON Powershot SD 780 IS~~lalala~~what a cute new DC~~I love it!

2009.05.06 Back from the States

West Great Canyon. I love it.
Thank Joyce for such a wonderful photo.

2009.04.18 A Day with Art

Key Words:
Seven Days in the Art World
Dorothy & Herb Vogel

A wonderful day.
CASV, Rice Magazine. Julie.

2009.04.14 Chinese's View on History

Nice talk with Ozgen. I find something interesting, about people's perspectives on history.

China is a special country. We have a very continuous record of 5000 years history.
Some countries may have a longer history but do no have that long written record.
Some countries, before they settled down, they were nomads.

In short, not every country values the past as high as China.
Learn the lesson from the past, then move on towards the future. That's all.

As a Chinese, I love histories. Not only the history of a nation, but also the history of myself.
Time to move on? I feel I'll become a nomad. No need to remember the trivia in the life.

2009.04.09 Mei Mei

Thanks Laura.
Thanks Nicole.
Thanks Summer.
Thanks FIVER.
Thanks Dad & Mom.

Every time my emotion lost control, soon later I felt I was getting rid of something. I don't know what I lost, but the pain is eased too.

I'm moving on.
Don't worry about me ^_6, although I may need several more weepings. I've got a stronger mentality.

I'm a lucky girl, I still have so many friends around me. Everyone has its own problem, but not everyone can have this asset.

I Ching

The photo is one of the works of Huang Yong Ping in his exhibition at Vancouver Art Gallery, 2007. (I missed his exhibition...I was in Vancouver at that time, now I regret)

I'm reading Huang Yong Ping's "House of Oracles". That's one of the things I love UBC that much - UBC's library is real, I can have the books I want in hand. To be honest, I really hate reading from the computer screen.

Last Friday, Professor Tsao introduced the installation work "Dialogue" by Xiao Lu. That is an interesting piece. She created this meaningful work in an extreme emotional trauma.

Today I re-encounter the book, I Ching, or "Book of Changes", is also a book of changelessness, in terms of its ageless classic.

I love the scenario that Huang usually uses I Ching to solve his hesitation or indecisiveness. His photos are so cute.

2009.04.02 Uncertainty

I love Cindy's signature - How to appreciate uncertainty?

2009.04.01 Morocco

This summer, I will go to Morocco!

2009.03.21 Bookstores @ Van

Photo: Macleod's Books

My boss recommended us a multilingual bookstore in downtown.
It's called "Sophia Books", on Hasting, between Richards & Homer.
So cool! I love it. Several years ago, my dream was to operate a bookstore like Sophia, having a bunch of books in several languages.
But I know the reality is, this kind of stores in China will hardly be as popular as in Van.
Business destroys dreams.

Their website: http://www.sophiabooks.com/index.html

BTW, during the adventure of finding the Sophia, Alex & I ran into another bookstore, on Pender, I'm not sure about the name, probably "Macleod's Bookstore"? Yes, it is, I find it from the internet. It reminds me "84 Charing Cross Road". Right, another packed second-hand bookstore.

Here it is: http://www.yelp.ca/biz/macleods-books-vancouver

Both of them are very attractive to me.

2009.03.17 French Presentation

Presentatin is about .

Un drole de film,
Je l'aime.

key word: télécharge...

cap ou cap: Est-ce que tu es capable de le faire?

2009.03.07&08 Seattle

Just came back from Seattle.
Too tired. I will fill up this diary later.
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Pieces of Seattle:

It is a city of American art.
I love the Seattle Art Museum. I had a lot of fun wandering in the streets.

Shopping in the outlet is another main goal of the trip.
But I hope I went there last year...when the US dollar was so weak then...

2009.03.04 Arts

Today, I updated my student status, from Year 2 to Year 3, and declared my major as Art History.
My confidence was beaten again by FREN 123. Why didn't I quit a course I know I probably cannot manage? The reading is too difficult for me...I admit my French is poor, mute and deaf (I cannot speak neither understand, but I can read and understand a little...)

This is another complain diary... pls ignore my irritation.

2009.02.23 The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Notes from the movie:

Sometimes it's easier to be mad at the people you trust, because you know they'll always love you, no matter what.

Our lives changed because they had to.
It felt like nothing would ever be the same again.
Something's never would be.
But we know now that no matter how far we travelled on our own separate paths, somehow we would always find our way back to each other.
And with that, we can get through anything.
Together and Apart.

2009.02.19 Cape No.7

Don't leave! Or let me go with you.

A movie is worth watching.

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I feel too lazy for any essays, totally blank for any work. I want to quit...but I know I'll submit everything in time. What a terrible manner.

2009.02.16 Swimming

I went to swimming yesterday. What a progress! Finally, I feel I can swim! After 20 years try!

My upper arms are soring the whole day, but what a sweet sore!

2009.02.14 Thank Everyone

I got much support from CSD, thank you are staying with me all the time. The past four weeks can't be worse to me. Miserable performance in everything. Those memories hurt, but I have to face all my failures by myself. My boss told me, you have to take responsibility for your errors, as others are. Thank this four weeks' mental training.

Thanks many people - PP (and the other 4 in FIVER), Laura, Dibo, Frances, Joyce, Ian, Ozgan, Belinda (Tong Yang), Christie, FY, Franklin etc. I list these names because some have left a message to me, or some are participating in the same activity with me.

Although I haven't figured out a way to reply viewer's comments on this blog, I can keep your greetings in my heart and your every message will not be a waste.

Happy V Day everyone!

2009.02.11 Result

It looks my suffering is coming to an end.
I received a new perspective, but something is lost forever.
Maybe several years later, I will know what's the cost.

2009.02.08 A Day Hard to Describe

Disappoint, Restrain, Cry, Shout, Complain, Smile, Apologize, Thank.
All the things have a connection, should I say "nothing" is an island?

I'll add more verbs if I catch more.

2009.02.06 Provence

It looks like the only dish I will order in a restaurant is shrimp or salmon.

But I regret this time. I'll chose boeuf next time, absolutely.

Nice dinner, thanks ladies.

2009.01.31 Mess

I feel my life is a mess.
It's too late to drop FREN 123.
Too many things are colliding with each other.
No rhythm any more.

It's time to learn how to manage my time.
An old topic, I know, but in different context.
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Jeux d'enfants
Un rendez-vous dans dix ans, cap pas cap?

2009.01.29 Some Amazing Chinese Architectures

This is a hotel in Beijing!!! (lol)
This is the National Theater in Beijing. Someone comments it is a UFO among ancient buildings.

This is the daylight view of ChinaMerchant Bank, in Shenzhen.

This is the night view of the same building...

2009.01.26 AIESEC UBC

I spend almost an hour in filling the application form. Short answer questions are inevitable in any kind of applications. Annoying. Same as interviews.

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Textbooks, exams, essays, vocabularies (English & French), CAC lab, studies, extra classes (ie. photography & CPR), career events, climbing, traveling, exchange -> My life is composed of these elements.

Good luck to you, good luck to me.

2009.01.25 New Year

One & a half hours later, the new year is coming.
Hope everyone can have a fancy year of ox.

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Vicky, Christina, Barcelona.
Scarlett, Gaudi, Crazy Love.
Un drôle de film, je l'aime.

2009.01.24 La Vie en Rose/La Môme

La Vie en Rose / La Môme (2007)

Actress Marion Cotillard played Edith Piaf in the movie

Edith Piaf

Marion Cotillard won 2008 Oscar.

I shed tears when Edith's father gives her the doll. This is the most moving scene to me. The second one is when her father takes her away from Titine.
I miss my parents so desparately...Happy Chinese New Year! Happy Everyday!

2009.01.23 Tank

Apparently, there will be a filming scene taking place at UBC, right in front of Buchannon tower.

I saw students around the tank were using their cell phones to take photos, just as me.

2009.01.22 Arts Career Expo

I'm still a little shy to post my photos online.
A proof of my volunteer experience.
January 21, 2009.
Working at registration, for students with surnames starting from K to M.
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Today's activity - Hearing study
I got my ear tested, good news is they are both normal.
I've been sitting for 3 hours, watched movie .
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Tonight's homework, FREN 123 composition (250 words) & ENGL 112 assignment 1.
I really want to go to bed early~~~~~~dreaming...