tag:blog.vcu.edu,2007:/yuf2//843 2007-08-01T22:15:18Z Movable Type 3.34 tag:blog.vcu.edu,2007:/yuf2//843.7250 2007-08-01T22:04:26Z 2007-08-01T22:15:18Z

We've got 11 days left before we go back. How time flies, right? To tell the truth, I wasn't used to everything here at first. I wasn't used to the food I ate here; I couldn't get used to the...

We've got 11 days left before we go back. How time flies, right? To tell the truth, I wasn't used to everything here at first. I wasn't used to the food I ate here; I couldn't get used to the price of food and drink here...There were so many things I didn't like so much about America at first. However, now I quite like the place here. I sort of integrate myself to the American culture now. On the morning, I say 'Good morning' to strangers too now. I can even cook pizza for myself now and quite enjoy it. But I will be back in a few days...It is really a pity. We've just gone to Short Pump. I remembered the first time I went there I didn't buy anything. I just took some pictures there. However, this afternoon I found that I had so many things that I wanted to buy for my parents and friends. But time is so limited, I just bought a dress to my dear sister. I hope tomorrow some of us can go there together. Talking of things here in America, I'd like to say that people here are very friendly, at least in Richmond. Although I also met some guys who were not so kindly to Chinese people, I still think that most of Americans are friendly to us. It seems to me that people here have a quite peaceful life. I enjoy the life here. The summer program has taught me a lot of things which I believe will help me a lot in my future. I will never forget the people I've met here and the things I've experienced here. I suddenly remembered on the night of my thanks giving in July, Jennifer told us to do what they usually do on Thanks Giving Day. Now I want to do it again: I feel thankful for my parents who brought me to the earth so that I can experience happiness and sorrow in the world, and for those who have ever helped me in my life. I feel thankful for everything. tag:blog.vcu.edu,2007:/yuf2//843.7177 2007-08-01T01:39:45Z 2007-08-01T02:09:15Z

We had a lecture on painting this morning. It was good. Before that, I didn't expect that he was going to paint there for the whole lesson. Many of the students may think it was boring watching other people painting...

We had a lecture on painting this morning. It was good. Before that, I didn't expect that he was going to paint there for the whole lesson. Many of the students may think it was boring watching other people painting for almost 2 hours. However, since I am interested in painting and drawing, I consider it quite interesting. Anyway, I don't want to say anything more about the painting skills of his for he seems to be quite famous, thus I guess his skills must be excellent. As a matter of fact, I learn much more about pursuing dreams from him. During his painting, he allows us to talk with him. We asked him many questions about painting and himself. He said that neither of his parents supported him when he decided to be an artist in the future. But he stuck to his own idea and went straight for it. It must take great courage to do so, I think. Anyway, he succeeds. I really appreciate his words about dream and rules. Rules are made to be broken. Well, this is an interesting sentence. But it's really hard to make. I mean, how many people have the courage to break the rules that have been designed for many years? It takes time and efforts. But few people dare to risk. I admire those who can stick to their dream no matter what others say or do. Seeing him successful, I believe that you can be what you want to be. I hope I can be the one I want myself to be. tag:blog.vcu.edu,2007:/yuf2//843.7069 2007-07-31T00:05:39Z 2007-07-31T00:18:34Z

It is an interesting title, right? But we did have a wonderful Thanks Giving in July~!^_^ It was so wonderful~~ After the Hawaii Party we went home and found a new friend. That's Jeniffer. She is Phuc's good friend. I...

Our dear Jeniffer. Thanks for the food~~ When she was doing the cooking, we went to the kitchen and helped her.(Actually, we were just looking around and taking some pictures) We helped her to peal the potatoes and smashed them so that we can have smashed potatoes that night. And it was the most popular dish that night. The smashed potatoes. We also had some bread and turkey. They were all very delicious. It was a fantastic Thanks Giving in July. I will never forget it. On the second day, Phuc took us to the church. I was moved by the atmosphere. Later, she drove almost two hours to another shopping mall and the waterside. Phuc is very kind. She did a lot of things for us, which makes us deeply moved. During these two days, she prepared so many interesting activities for us and spent most of her time driving. It must make her tired. However, she always seems so energetic. Thank you so much, Phuc! We all like you~ ]]> tag:blog.vcu.edu,2007:/yuf2//843.7066 2007-07-30T23:49:56Z 2007-07-31T00:05:15Z

I slept quite well in Phuc's house. After a nice breakfast, we went to the flea market where you can buy really cheap things. I searched carefully to see whether there were anything I want, however, I didn't buy anything...

I slept quite well in Phuc's house. After a nice breakfast, we went to the flea market where you can buy really cheap things. I searched carefully to see whether there were anything I want, however, I didn't buy anything for I thought it should take efforts when I go back to China. But anyway, it was a good experience to see the market. Later, we went to a supermarket to buy something for the 'Hawaii Party' that was held in her friend's house. At first we were all puzzled at the 'Hawaii Party'. Phuc' told us that it was a party held by them almost once a year. Everyone will bring something there and take his/her friends to the party. But you're supposed to wear like Hawaii in that party. She dressed us up(with all kinds of colorful clothes) and we went to the party. The party was fun. We ATE a lot there.^_^ Among all the food there, we still think Phuc's fried rice was the best one~~It was really delicious. Americans are very friendly. Although people in the party may not know each other quite well, they still can talk and become friends. Sometimes, I wondered why Americans would hold such kind of party. Because it seemed to me quite troublesome to some extent. After the party, you have to clean the house and do many other things. Later, I came to a conclusion that, unlike Chinese people, maybe they don't have so much time to get together. Thus they hold some parties like this once in a year so that friends can get together and meet each other. I think holding parties is a good way to maintain friendship and making new friends. I like this party. tag:blog.vcu.edu,2007:/yuf2//843.7062 2007-07-30T23:25:47Z 2007-07-30T23:49:19Z

Last Friday night, we went to Phuc's house. She is really kind to us. Because her house is a little far away from school, she drove us to her home at that night. After the canal walking, we were quite...

]]> tag:blog.vcu.edu,2007:/yuf2//843.6944 2007-07-27T18:05:50Z 2007-07-27T18:19:39Z

We had two lectures this morning. I am not interested in business, thus I don't quite like the first one. I really like the second one. It's very interesting. Mr.Yang seemed to be telling stories to us. It's fun. There's...

We had two lectures this morning. I am not interested in business, thus I don't quite like the first one. I really like the second one. It's very interesting. Mr.Yang seemed to be telling stories to us. It's fun. There's one sentence that I appreciate most in his lectutre. "Wherever you go, never give up your dream." It's really wonderful. It's exactly what I always believe in. Be yourself. It's always easy to say but hard to do, right? You will meet a lot of difficulties when you really want to be youself. Some people say, those who want to be themselves and who don't care about what others say are actually to some extent self-contempted. I don't know. Perhaps, it's ture in some aspects. However, they may be confident. It's hard to say. I am not confident, but I want to be myself. But sometimes, people don't accept you for who you really are. They usually accept you when you are what they want you to be. That may be one of the reasons why it's so difficult to be oneself. Pursuing happiness is our goal of life. Sometimes, we say, we want to make our dreams come ture but it's very hard. I know it's hard. But I still will try my best to realize my dream even if it seems so hard to achieve. Human beings are...hard to expect. You don't know how strong they are and how powerful they can be. I think that once you've decided what you want to do, you can make it as long as you've tried your best. Even if you don't achieve your goal at last, you will feel good because you've ever tried. I hope I can make my dream come ture. I belive I can. tag:blog.vcu.edu,2007:/yuf2//843.6756 2007-07-25T13:41:26Z 2007-07-25T14:03:47Z

Harry Potter is very populars all over the world. I guess there are many reasons for people to love it. I like the book mostly because the life that J.K. Rowling introduces to me. The magic spare, the magic stick,...

Harry Potter is very populars all over the world. I guess there are many reasons for people to love it. I like the book mostly because the life that J.K. Rowling introduces to me. The magic spare, the magic stick, the funny spirits and the exciting game... All these are the things that will attract kids' eyes. I like the courses they take. Different from ours, theirs are more interesting. I mean, aren't the history of magic and the study of magic medicine interesting? But there are still some similarities. That's why I usually imagine that I am learning the lessons they've taken instead of history and geography when i think they're boring. In the magic world, there are also many things not magic. I guess that's what Rowling wants to tell children. Love and Courage are the themes of the novels in my mind. Harry, as the hero of the novel, gets love from others and has courage to overcome many difficulties. The headmaster has once told him that magic is not the strongest weapon in the magic world. It's the think that saved him from being killed by the Dark Lord that is the strongest in the world. That is love. The love of Harry's mother saved him. That's what the Dark Lord doesn't have and what makes harry win. When Harry grows up, he meets many friends. He gives his love to them and receives their love. Time from time, he wins the war with the Dark Lord because of his courage and help of his friends. However, there are also tragedies in the magic world. I don't know why she wants to add tragic elements in the book for kids. I mean, is it better to let the kids have some dreams? When Harry's god father died in the fifth book, I cried a lot. And in the sixth book, the headmaster died too. Somehow I felt angry about the story Rowling told us. Life is already hard for people, why not give them some illusions? Now I think maybe she doesn't want kids to live in dreams. She wants to tell them the truth of life that people you love will leave you some day. You need to fight by yourself some day. However, I still don't like it. I mean, kids will understand this as time goes on. I prefer to make things happy even if it is only an illusion. You will never live in illusion as long as you know it is only a dream. But you can still enjoy the happiness it gives to you, right? Why not let people escape from the real world and finds some pure happiness in the imaged world for a while? I don't know what is the ending of Harry Potter. I hope it can be the one that satisfies me. tag:blog.vcu.edu,2007:/yuf2//843.6752 2007-07-25T13:03:09Z 2007-07-25T13:39:44Z

Last night, we went out to have Thai Food with John. It was delicious. I waited for a long time and was already hungry then. I guess that's part of the reason why I think it was delicious.^_^ Later, John...

Last night, we went out to have Thai Food with John. It was delicious. I waited for a long time and was already hungry then. I guess that's part of the reason why I think it was delicious.^_^ Later, John drove us to a bookstore to buy Harry Potter and the final hollows. I wanted to buy The Complete work of Sherlock Holmes in US because I am a big Holmes Fan and I want to collect different versions of it.^_^ Next time, if I have the chance to go to England, I will definitely buy a British version. The bookstore is very huge. Carol bought Harry Potter as a present for her friend and I got my dear Holmes~~ Talking about Holmes, he is the only character that I like so much. I am not a very passionate person. I don't have many curiosities as others and I don't give many things a lot of passion. But for Sherlock Holmes, I liked him since I was in primary school. He is handsome and smart in my mind(and he really is). Some people say he seems to be too rational that he doesn't have emotions. However, that's not true. Although he mentions that he doesn't have special feeling towards women, but he forms deep friendship towards Walson. I think he is the kind of person who is cold to people he doesn't care but very kind to people he loves. Once you make friends with him, you will know him better. And I guess not being emotional is crucial to his professional work. Wow, I've talked so much about him~ By the way, I had a good time last night. Thank you, John~ tag:blog.vcu.edu,2007:/yuf2//843.6635 2007-07-24T01:22:07Z 2007-07-24T01:36:46Z

We spent a day and two nights in Virginia Beach. It was a wonderful place. Although I don't know how to swim, but i like the place. I took a lot of fantastic pictures there. Want to see them? Let's...

the beach in the morning. I like the wind there. it is very comfortable. And the clouds there are beautiful too. See the sky and the sea. the sun shines at the sea and the water seems to be shining. it's fabulous~ Look at the man,I mean, when compared with the sky and the sea, human beings seem to be so small... I wrote something on the sand so that the sand can remember me~^_^ Actually, I wrote all my family members on it. I hope we can be together forever. Even now i am alone in Virginia Beach, I want to make myself feel that they are there with me. someone took a picture of my taking pictures...^_^ But I like this one~ It looks good~~ Virginia Beach is really a good place. No wonder so many people go there on vocation. The people there seems to enjoy a casual life. ]]> tag:blog.vcu.edu,2007:/yuf2//843.6634 2007-07-24T00:36:52Z 2007-07-24T01:21:14Z

I'm back now. I really missed VCU. It seems to be a home to me now. I guess it is because I am more familiar with it. Actually, not only me, but also many of our schoolmates. The holiday is...

the scared GRIFFON~~ It seems that...I was in Germany at that time.. I thought it could only emerge in the fairy story... But it exists in reality~~^_^ I like this picture~ ]]> tag:blog.vcu.edu,2007:/yuf2//843.6513 2007-07-20T12:51:16Z 2007-07-20T17:07:50Z

Last night was a wonderful night! I was so glad that I didn't go to see Harry Potter. Since I had made an appointment with one of my classmates in China that we would go to see Harry Potter together,...

Some serves ice cream, some serves CDs and Videos. I saw someone playing beautiful violin in front of a shop. John said he was playing it for money. People went by might give him some money. There is same thing happening in China. I looked at that guy for a long time and I thought he played wonderful. But anyway, I didn't go and give him any money because I don't know how much should I give to him. Later, we had ice cream in a shop which John and Terrence recommended a lot. It was really nice! I like it. I chose a chocolate flavor. And other girls chose something like Coffee. We used spoons so that we could all have a taste of others' ice creams. But finally, we decided that the one that someone chose was the best for herself.^_^ John and Terrence laughed when we came to such a conclusion. It rained soon. I always like rainy weather. I like reading a book beside a window when it is raining or walking on a street with an umbrella on a rainy day. We bought an 'UNO' and went back. Chinese students have never heard about "UNO". They say it is a kind of card game. It is fun. "UNO" is the Spanish saying of "Win". I don't want to tell you about how to play it here, because i should use the cards with me to explain it or else nobody will understand. But anyhow, it is interesting. We even added punishment, which made the game much more interesting and made us laugh a lot. Well, it is really fun last night. Thanks for John and Terrence knocking the door. It's really kind of you~~ By the way, I am Olivia~^_^]]> tag:blog.vcu.edu,2007:/yuf2//843.6361 2007-07-18T22:52:20Z 2007-07-18T23:29:08Z

I am so glad that we have a tour of the James Branch Cabell Library. It is wonderful. I mean, in China we don't have something like tour around a library.(I don't know about the situations of other places, but...

]]> tag:blog.vcu.edu,2007:/yuf2//843.6357 2007-07-18T22:12:23Z 2007-07-18T22:48:41Z

During these two days, I've had lectures on American history. They are given by different professors and I think they are quite good in their field. I major in International Relations and I am very interested in history. Through the...

View image View image View image View image ]]> tag:blog.vcu.edu,2007:/yuf2//843.6229 2007-07-16T21:27:02Z 2007-07-16T21:55:44Z

Well, today is quite an interesting day. But the beginning of the day was not so good. I got up at 2:40 am this morning and I could not get asleep. It was horrible. I didn't know why then. I...

Well, today is quite an interesting day. But the beginning of the day was not so good. I got up at 2:40 am this morning and I could not get asleep. It was horrible. I didn't know why then. I guess it is because my biological clock hasn't got used to the time here in the United States. So I got up and took a bath. But it was still too early to go out when I finished everything, I could only sat at the sofa and read books. I wonder how I got through the 3 hours, wondering something I don't know what I was wondering about. Anyway, I fell asleep at 6 o'clock and got up at 7 this morning. Then the fire alarm went off. I ran out and found nothing. It was an interesting experience. Later, I went out for a morning walk. I like walking on the campus alone in the morning, watching people and thinking things. I took some photos of strangers. I took photos of people jogging and students reading. It's fun for me. Sometimes I think I should major in photography but not International Relations. After the meeting in the morning, my roommate and I went for a walk around the campus to get used to it so that we won't get lost later. We came across some book stores and restaurants. I saw a post in one book store that if you go to the book store at 12:00 pm on July 20 ~ 1:00 am on July 21, you can buy the latest Harry Potter at a 70% account. It is a good news but I don't know whether I can make it. We had a bus tour around Richmond in the afternoon. It was a very nice trip. The man introduced to us a lot of things about American History, especial history about Virginia and Richmond. He is very talkative and knowledgeable. It is just like having a history lesson on the bus. After talking to him, I knew that he had retired and he just did this for a couple of days. Because he liked it. I'm deeply moved by his words. He reminded me of Professor Yang in my school. Both of them have great passion for their work and they like doing these things. I think it is very good to work for the things you like and I hope one day I can do the same thing. I took some photos houses in Shockoe Slip because I like old architectures. Americans do the "Adaptive Use" quite well. Those old houses are kept their styles outside. But in China, there are some places which have been completely changed or at least changed a lot. I don't like that. I hope we can keep many traditional things. We also visited the Government's Mansion of Richmond. It's the third Capitol of Virginia. The building is very beautiful although they say it is not as magnificent as other capitols in other states. There is a building near the capitol which caught my eyes. It is building for the senators to work now. I really envy them for having such a nice place to work in for it is the kind of building that I'm fond of. It is a busy but interesting day. Although I'm a little bit tired but I am happy. In my mind, Richmond is a peaceful place. Just like John said, it was not as busy as big cities like New York or Washington, but it had places for entertainment and refreshment. I like it because it isn't as noisy and busy as Beijing. Places are not crowded and people are not in a hurry. Life here is quite quiet and in a slow pace. People who live here can enjoy their life. tag:blog.vcu.edu,2007:/yuf2//843.6189 2007-07-15T21:25:48Z 2007-07-16T21:56:47Z

After a long trip in the plane, I' am here in the United States finally...= =\\\ It is not comfortable if you stay in the plane for about 12 hours. It's even worse when you have to wait for a...

After a long trip in the plane, I' am here in the United States finally...= =\\\ It is not comfortable if you stay in the plane for about 12 hours. It's even worse when you have to wait for a long time and then transfer into another plane. Anyway, it's a short trip to get to Richmond from Washington D.C. Thus, it is kind of fine. We arrived at the school at almost 12 p.m last night. However, we were not tired at all. I guess that's because we've slept for a long time on the plane. We cleaned the room and took a bathe and did some washing and then we went to bed till 2 am. I got up at 7 this morning. It was earlier than we were required to gather, so Chen Meng and I went around the campus. We saw many beautiful buildings on campus and took some photos. We even went to a Cathedral. It's quite magnificent and beautiful. Although we are not Catholics, we went in and sat for a while to feel the atmosphere there. I felt refreshed and calm there. Listening to the songs they played there, I felt comfortable and relaxed. It's really good. We have interns to guide us. Later, we had branch and then we went around the campus with the interns. Americans are very friendly actually. We talked a lot of things, including politics and customs. It's fun to communicate with people from different cultures. My first day in US is quite good except for that I haven't got a phone card and I can't type in Chinese to my friends and relatives in China...^_^...But anyway, I believe I will have a lot of fun here. ..^--^..