How It's Made
The big surprise…
Hi everyone,
I am sure; this title is known to most of you who like the Discovery Science channel. I am also one of those who watch this program on TV with great interest. Have no fear! I do not want to explain to you how rubber, a piano or something else is made. I just chose this title because I have had the chance to learn how the BBC Learning English webpage is made. Interested?
Well, I told you in my first entry that I have recently visited London. When my daughter, Csilla was at home in October she suggested that I visit her in London. At first I did not agree as I did not want to go alone and leave my husband and son at home. But she was quite stubborn – as usual - she had given me some time to consider before I made the decision and I said: “Why not.” And I flew there. So it was a mother and daughter meeting – just for 6 days. I stayed in Csilla’s and her friends’ shared house. I had known that Csilla would not be able to spend the whole time with me as she would have to work. It meant that I would have to spend some days without her so I had had to think of a plan what to do in London alone. But I had an idea!
I had written a letter to Caroline Dunton – to our lovely Carrie, about my heart’s desire to meet the BBC LE team, spend some time in the office and see what they do. Of course, she was very lovely and arranged it all. We agreed that Friday afternoon would be good. I went there very excited. My heart leapt when I stepped into the Bush House. ‘Don’t lose heart now.’- I told myself. And when I saw smiling Carrie at the door everything was OK. I was warmly welcomed by the team in the office. Carrie invited me for lunch in the canteen which was a good way to break the ice. After lunch we went back to the office where Carrie, William, Callum, Neil, Nuala, Jackie, Dima and finally Catherine showed me what they work on, how the page is made. I spent about a half hour with everyone and then they handed me over to another. I know some secrets but a secret is a secret and should not be told to others. I met the head of the BBC LE, Andrew as well. However, when we took the pictures he had already gone away. Unfortunately, Paul was out of the office. That is the reason why he is not in the picture. Everybody was really nice and I spent an unforgettable, lovely afternoon with the BBC LE team. I had a whale of a time in the office. Thank you so much for this opportunity to everyone, especially to Carrie. 
Hello friends,
I trust you are all well. I do also hope that you are all happy and healthy. The most interesting part of this open blog is to respond to your comments. I see that the “Christmas spirit” have already hit most of you. Although I started to decorate our house with Christmas ornaments the other day I think I have not been in a Christmas mood yet.
Cris, your tree is really nice. We put our Christmas tree up only on 24th December.
James, I have told Santa to stop at your house but I cannot guarantee he will speak Taiwanese. Yes, mulled wine is called varene vino in Slovak and forralt bor in Hungarian. (You might remember that we speak Hungarian at home as my family belongs to the Hungarian minority living in Slovakia) James, you are a technophile. Your write-ups are really interesting.
Naheed, I have not started any yoga class yet but I will follow all your advice and tips on yoga. Thanks.
Leila, oh, your Santa Claus is really nice-looking. Thank you for the site. I was absolutely amazed to discover this site.
Ana Paula, Adriana, Kiran, Satya – hope it is all well with you.
Filippo, thank you for your kind wishes. Yes, Little Jesus brings gifts on December 24th.
Ewa, I am sorry for the lost comment. I am happy that you have not lost your patience to write a new one. Keep it up. Thank you.
Pary, I am glad you have been reading my entries. Oh, Pary you are in the enviable situation of having a new born. You know, I have two grown-up children I am always green with envy if I see a little baby. Wish you and your family all the best.
Toni, I am glad to read your comment on my blog. I spent a two-week holiday in Barcelona in 2002 and I felt immediately in love with the city. We also visited the Picasso Museum, of course. Hopefully, one day I will have saved up enough money to visit Barcelona again. I would also like to go to Madrid and see the Prado Museum – it is a must to see. Do you agree?
Dear Tiasha! I am well, thank you. I will never forget your kind words when my daughter was ill. How are your daughters? Thank you so much for the effective remedy. Please, keep commenting.
Dehghani, Thank you. I wish all the best for you too.
Lidia, Antonio,Yumiko! It would be nice to hear your news. I am looking forward to meeting you too.
Well, I should probably stop here for today. Have a nice evening. Take care,
Anita
Comments
Hi Anita! What a fantastic experience you had. I am really happy for you, and the other hand, I am quite jealous of you(just kidding!). I bet the team were thrilled to see one of the most decent students bloggers. I definitely feel Christmas is in the air and I am looking forward to having a meal with some of my family. It’s nice to follow the path of what you have done since last year open blog. I am off now but I’ll write to you again. Bye now!
Hi again Anita! Lucky you!!! You must have felt so special when you got a chance to visit the BBC headquarter. Thanks for your explanation. I thought kids would have received presents only on 6/12. Hope your last lesson went well and have a nice evening!!
Now we all know, how the BBC LE back side looks like :) Anita, thank you for these photos! To be honest I expected to see creative mess, people chained to their desks even in the night time :) You've broken my picture of this! It looks like a family portrait.
Hi Anita! I´m a bit worn out because of these days of intensive study and because of the exams itself. Well, I just need a good night of sleeping and then I´ll be fine :-). Anyway, how wonderful you could meet the BBC LE staff on Bush House street :-). By the way, I´ve read that your sister would like to teach English in the South America. Is there any chance of hes is coming to Brazil? See you soon, Ana Paulaxxx.
CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS... WHY NOT ??? Hello everyone !!! how a great opportunity of writing our own blogs. Anyway, Here in Spain, although the crisis, we all are waiting for Christmas day, you know the fabulous meal,the sweets ( turrón) cava... Today we can see the streets with hundreds of lights, many flowers of Christmas ( they are red or golden ). And what about the presents??? We are going to spend so much money on presents; yes!!! our families deserve all the best... so we are going to buy almost the moon if we can. On the other hand, we can't forget we are very lucky because we have more than we need. HAPPY CHRISTMAS FOR EVERYONE. Jerónimo xxx
Dear Anita,Thank you for sharing about your surprise visit to BBC(L/E) team. It is like your dream came true. On behalf of every student blogger and commentators around the world you have visited the BBC (L/E)team and talked to them. It is a great privilege to visit them. It was a wonderful experience for you. Anita, I am little envy of you. Anita, my daughters are doing great. Thank you for your concern. My elder daughter is coming from Uni for December holidays.We all are very glad to see her. She is such a kind and very caring person in our family. She love to cook different varity of food. Usually she make cakes and pies during the holidays, which makes us un healthy. Merry christmas!
Hi Anita, You were very lucky to have the opportunity to know those wonderful people at BBC LE. I always thought that if one day I had the chance to visit London, the first thing I would do was meeting them there. It's one of my dreams. Oh! by the way, it's a pity you only put the Christmas tree up only on December 24th. The task to assemble it is so tiring that I wouldn't set it only for one day:-( See you soon. Cris
Hey Anita! Thanks for sharing with us your BBC LE tour. If I were in London, it'd never have ocurred to me! Must have been interesting to see the behind the scenes. I also live on my own in Argentina, my family's in Peru and it's nice when mom comes and visits me and we spend time together. Problem is when I want to study and she can't keep her mouth shout because of all the things there is to talk about! haha but at the end it's worth it. have a nice week, Liz
Bingo Anita! I knew that that your secret has not been yet revealed! And I had my suspition you did the same thing as I would have done if I´d ever understood and managed to speak this speach. Mind the fact the first sight on your post gave me the weird feeling I do know those faces somehow and I thought you work at home and it´s strange something there but I have read only the part with responses at first and rushed to write a comment to James´ post. Yeah, my sight is yet good when it goes to remember of faces which once atracted my attention! Big HELLO to all the staf especially to Carrie and PAUL! Everything is so exciting!
Hi Anita, great experience to enter at BBC LE office and to know personally its staff. Yes, Museo del Prado is a "must to see" although I recommend you Dali's Museum in Figueras. See you, Toni.
Helloo Anita thank you so so much for this amazing entry!! it helped us to build a true picture of the bbc team. Without being curious, it would be great if you tell us about your daughter's study and work as I think she's the same age as me! All the best I love your entries. Bïa
Hello Anita. What a GREAT idea, and it shows something GREAT about your personality that you pursue your dreams and change them into reality. Congratulations dear and many thanks for sharing that wonderful blog with us. Best wishes, Hania
Hi Anita, you were so great to connect the members of the BBCLE team, and told us the experience of being with them, and posted those Photos. I always have an idea that all the readers(bloggers are the readers as well) could have a chance to visit BBCLE's office, and be together in London someday. Now, you pop a start. See you around, James
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