I Should Have Done This Before
I just went online to see whether Soyoung has blogged yet – she hasn’t, so I’ve got a bit of time on my hands. I checked the readers’ comments, as usual, and I thought it was about time I spoke direct to some of you. I should have done this earlier, especially to people like Hyoshil and Paulraj and Farida and lots more of you who have posted comments so regularly.
The first was from Monica in Brazil. Monica, my favourite drink is caipirinha (and I just love saying the word). Here, in London, it is extremely popular. Purely in the interests of social science, you understand, I have discovered that the best caipirinha in London is made by the bar staff at the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts), in The Mall (very near Trafalgar Square and The British Council’s headquarters). They have a Brazilian barman and a Polish barmaid both of whom make excellent caipirinhas. However, they are not cheap. £6 is a lot of money for such a small drink, even if it does taste like something the gods have made especially for you.
Then Diego, also from Brazil, asks about eating out in London. Personally, I don’t think it’s expensive. I am by no means a rich man but I guess we can afford to eat out once or twice a week. I also have breakfast out, at a local coffee shop, most days. That costs around £5. If Lucy and I, for example, go out for lunch we can expect to pay between £30-£45 for the two of us. Of course, if we went somewhere very special it would be a lot more expensive. Lucy and I are both members of the ICA and we often eat at their excellent restaurant, and go to movies and exhibitions there, for a little bit less than it would cost if we were not members.
Diego also asked a bit about Lucy’s future. She will read History of Art at university and then she wants to become either an art detective (finding fakes, I guess) or a museum curator. Last week I was in Bond Street, in central London, where there is a (private) gallery which has two paintings by Marc Chagall (one of my favourite painters) and one by Picasso, for sale. I went in and asked how much. There was a slim, elegant, young woman sitting behind an enormous, expensive-looking desk. She was wearing quietly expensive clothes, discreet jewellery, gorgeous shoes and practically no make-up. She spoke with a soft mid-Atlantic accent (although I’m pretty sure she was British) and she told me, almost in a whisper, that if I was interested in the Chagall I would need about two-and-a-half million pounds (about five million US dollars). I thanked her very much, took one final longing look at the painting, and quietly left the gallery. That is the kind of young woman I think Lucy would like to be. And then, of course, there’s her crazy, wild side – but I don’t think she’d thank me for telling you about that!
Hyoshil will pay for our big party if she wins the lottery. How generous! Wouldn’t it be good? I don’t suppose you’d fancy buying a Chagall, too, would you, Hyoshil?
Jill Huang is another faithful regular, and I liked her questions about Beijing. Jill, I’d love to find that old vegetarian restaurant I last visited almost 30 years ago, where everything is made to look like meat. My first visit, if I returned, would have to be to The Forbidden City, at dawn on an autumn morning, before it is opened to the public. I don’t have any close friends in Beijing, but I have a dear old friend, Professor Rao Dujun, in Xi’an. He was fantastically supportive of me when I first arrived there and has remained a wonderful friend – even if we don’t have much contact nowadays. Another good friend, Jiang Dengzhen, still teaches at the Foreign Languages University, in Xi’an. He was an excellent teacher, a good friend and had a nice sense of humour. Other Chinese friends now live in the United States.
Adriana, with your question you expose my complete mathematical stupidity. Yes! Please! Post the answer with your next comment (I think I’ll try to get hold of the book, though. Thanks for that.). Is it three-and-a-half bottles to one friend, two full and three half-bottles to another, and two full and three half-bottles for me? Or am I too stupid even to see that that is wrong? Don’t answer that last question. Can’t I just drink some of it first?
Farida made some lovely comments about my house. I don’t know why I didn’t include a photo of my bedroom. It’s quite a nice room, I think. I’m not sure I’ve got the time now. I tried moving the plants, Farida, but I’m afraid I prefer it the way it was. Anyway, a huge ‘thank you’ to you and everyone else who has posted comments (and not just today).
OK, I’ve got to go. I’ll check out Soyoung’s blog later this afternoon and will reply tonight (before going to the movies, to see Venus).
Comments
Hello, Stephen. It's the last day of January. Is this your last blog on BBC Learning English? It's 21:47 Beijing time. I just went online to see whether you has blogged yet. Yes, I saw your blog. Firstly I read through quickly but not carefully, suddenly I saw your answers about my questions! You know how excited I am now? It's the first time I saw your reaction about my comments. I'm VERY EXCITED. I'm SO HAPPY! You answered my questions. I know you read our comments quite often from the very beginning. Thanks Stephen. Thanks for your kind answers. I just want to leave a comment first, and then I will read and learn your blog again, carefully! Bye for now, I will come back later.
Hi Stephen. Unfortunatelly I'm not at home to comment properly. Just today in your last blog, I have a double jorney of my work part time. Then, I 'll still work in my other job a few hours and only later I will be able to make a special comment for you and finally give you the answer key. I am in a cyber cafe just to read your blog and let you know I like very much your blogs and you as a teacher and friend. If someone gain the lotery, pleeeease invite me too. Kisses
How nice to hear that caipirinha is one of your favourite booze!But I must say they are not cheap, we are expected to pay 12 reais for one here which I guess is around 3 pounds.But anyway the globalization has its advantages and one of them is to give us the opportunity to taste the good stuff from other countries without leaving ours.I remember when I was a kid in the 60ies(ops,I've just revealed my age) and travelled to Europe with my parents I always wanted to bring home things I'd miss from there, because there was no way we could find them here. But now living in this global village nothing is impossible. Even the Parisiens now have the Ipanema beach by the river Senna.Isn't it great???Well changing subjects.... Even though being a new arrival I feel sorry that this fun will be over so soon. It was nice to meet you and like everybody else I really liked your rapport with us. I could feel a good vibe in the air. I hope you all the best in your trip to Tanzania. By the way is Lucy going with you? Take care, Monica
Dear Stephen!I guess that it is probably the last day of your blogging and I want to say THANK YOU!I think that we'll never meet in the real life,but these 2 months that I read your blog I really feel as if I knew you!It has been such a pleasure to read your letters,every time I've found something interesting,useful or funny in them.I regret that this wonderful time is coming to an end,though nothing 's eternal under the Moon,I know :) However,if some day you come to Moscow,I'll be very happy to meet you!!And I want to thank you for writing the list of your favourite books,I posted my thanks about 2 weeks ago,but strangely enough my comment didn't appear.I want you to know that I'm very grateful to you for your kind attention to numerous and willing readers!I wish you to conquer your Mountain and I'm looking forward to hearing news about your trip.By the way,will you post it somewhere on the BBC?The best wishes to you and all the readers,from Russia,with love,Katya :)
dear stephen, i enjoyed reading your blogs. but i feel sorry for you coz i don't see similar activity on the students' part. still how can you go on being so enthusiastic? you have made so many elaborate notes all this while, to which soyoung has responded to practicaly none. what can keep you going (except perhaps money;) amidst so much...what?...brutality?...is that too strong?
Now,I 'm feeling so sad for your leaving. I never post anything here,because I don't have enough confidence for my English. Today is the last chance I can read your blog, I just want to say Good-bye to you,I'll miss you! I am a Chinese working at Canada. I do need improve my English skill, you are the best teacher I've ever seen. .Now I made big progress during the two month .I have more confidence than ever. Many,many thanks for you ,I really appreciate. Best wish to you and Lucy!
Hi,Stephen You are right.I wouldn't buy the art of Chagall.To be honest with you,I am not cultured enough to enjoy such a fine art.I always wished to understand art but I don't have an artistic streak.I would rather spend the money to travel all over the world.Thank you for your mention of my name on your blog. I felt honoured and very happy.I can clearly see the picture of Lucy working in a gallery or very posh office as a curator or an art detective.She will be someone in her field one day as long as she chases after her dreams and works hard.have a good time!
Hello Stephen. In your blog today, you told that you go to the movies to watch Venus. I haven´t heard about this film. What is it about? Did you enjoy? Regards.
Stephen, I´m really impressed with how much you care about your ´students´ around the world. It´s very nice of you to read all our comments. You are really an enthusiastic teacher! It´s a pity that January is already ending because I´ll miss your blog and Soyoung´s too. I wish one day you would be the teacher blogger again! Thank you for your hard working teaching us so many new stuff about your fascinating mother tongue. Finally, I hope all the best for your trip to Tanzania! Best wishes.
Hi, Mr. Keeler, I just want to say you are a wonderful teacher, and sojoung is a lucky girl. If only I can get the instructions on my English learning from you.
Hi, Stephen, yesterday night I posted my comments and said I would come back later. Now, I'm back. Your answers to Adriana's questions, I think you missed something. There are still seven empty bottles you didn't mention. Is it three-and-a-half bottles and three empty bottles to one friend, two full and three half-bottles and two empty bottles to another, and two full and three half-bottles and two empty bottles for you? I don't know whether I am right. I'm looking forward to reading the right answers by Adriana. It's 1st February now. Will you post your blog today? I'll go online to see you later. Best regards!
Stephen, is this your first blog without words and expressions? I don't know why I feel very sad now. Maybe because I will by no means read your articles here. After coming back from Kilimanjaro, will you please come and leave your comments here? I'm sure I will miss you, Lucy and Soyoung. In the future I will come here as often as possible. I want to live up with your comment---'I'm a faithful regular.'
Hello Stephen, I am pleased to see my name in your blog. You have made me especial. I am feeling great. I am really honored and take this opportunity to thank you for your "big Thanks" and kind words and of course for your precious time that you have given to your readers. As I mentioned earlier you are an excellent writer, the way you describe the things, situations, scenes and places with every minute detail involves the reader as if he/she is himself/herself present there. Today, you described the art gallery and the pretty young lady over there with every detail of her looks so well that I could very well imagine how she looked like. Like you, I was thinking of Lucy in place of her. But I don't know how she would compromise with the dull environment of museum with her crazy wild side. I think with age she might change her plans. Stephen, only art lovers, who understand the art (as it is not the game for an ordinary person) and are filthy rich can buy a painting with such a huge price. May be one day you will be able to get the desired painting in your home. Keep your hopes high. So, come on the topic again, I mean your writings, I would suggest that you should publish your experiences in traveling different countries with their culture, food, places etc. I propose the names of some of your books. For example: A journey to China by Stephen Keeler. Traveler’s Guide for Brazil; Russia a country to travel; Tracking Experiences in Tanzania: A memoir by Stephen Keller. What do you say Stephen about this, one day we all readers will love to read your books. The puzzle of Adriana was quite interesting and I also reached on the same conclusion as you have written in your blog. However, I gave 3 empty bottles to the 1st person and 2 each to others two to make the number of bottles equal i.e. 7. We have to wait for the correct answer from her. Okay Stephen it is time to leave and say Good Bye. Good luck to you and Love to Lucy. Take care, Farida.
Stephen, I think if Professor Rao and teacher Jiang saw your descriptions about them, they would feel very warm. Have you to be a friend is a happy thing. If you came to Beijing this autumn, maybe you would see a young woman jogging around The Forbidden City at dawn, please don't hesitate to talk to her, because it's me. Haw-haw!
Hello Mr Keeler! My name's Minh.I come from Vietnam. I've just discovered your blog today, and it will be grateful if I am welcomed to your blog. Although I've studied English for a long time, my English writing is not quite good and I frequently make mistakes.Please don't mind if I ask for your advice to improve my English writing skill. Have you ever been to Vietnam?I'm glad to be your voluntary guider once you travel to our peaceful country. I've graduated from university in December and now I'm looking for a job.My major subject at school is foreign trade economics, therefore some types of job doing business with foreigners is quite suitable for me.Unfornately my English skill is probably not enough to do such types of job well.Nevertheless, my English could be more completely if I am to practise hard. Practice makes perfect. Is that right? I'm so happy to write for you and looking forward to hear from you soon. Take care !
Stephan, hi, Is it too late to ask what it means when someone speaks 'with a soft mid-Atlantic accent'? That young woman from Bond Street reminds me of The Tomas Crown's Affair, the movie. Don't you think so? If so, Lucy has chosen a great job! Being an art detective must be exciting. Wow. Meanwhile, let me wish you, Stephan, a very successful trip to Tanzania and looking-impossible-but-safe- and-sound-in-the-end climb to Kilimanjaro. And once again, thank you very much for the fascinating blogging and your comments on your trip to Russia. Although I myself have never travelled along the BAM and never read the books you’ve mentioned, I feel very much flattered for my country and especially Siberia. Olga, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
No, no, no Stephen. Each one has to receive 7 bottles. One friend will receive 3 full bottles, 1 half bottle and 3 emptty bottles. The two other friends will receive 2 full bottles, 3 half bottles and 2 empty bottles. In this way each one will receive the same quantity of bottles and the same portion of wine. Explanation: If we call "2" the portion of wine from the empty bottle and "1" the portion of wine of the half bottle, the first friend will receive: 2+2+2+1=7(unit of wine). The 2 other will receive 2+2+1+1+1=7. So, this is right and honest. You can use this to share the french wine with youtr friends but these 21 bottles of wine are only for you, my teacher. It's been such a good time since I hv decided to join this website and hv started to read your blogs. The time was too short for you to give me all the lessons I am needing but my improvement is an incontestable fact. Indeed the internet is wonderful but I think it could be better. I'm looking forward in the coming decades to transport myself trough the internet to wherelse I want to go. I'd like to jump through the computer screen and give you personaly the 21 bottles of wine (completly full). My present for your devotion to your students. And what if my tridimensional image suddenly could appear in front of your computer screen and I could be able to say how I am grateful. I would give you a big hug and say: " Stephen, apart from dreams, you are the best of the best teachers and excellent writer I have ever seen.. Believe me". A good teacher is smart enough to extract the best of us. Isn't that what you did for me? Thank you for cheer up me with your always funny and more than interesting blogs. I'd like to see the photos from Kilimanjaro and many other photos from different places you have visited around the World. I have finaly read the house rules and I don't want to break them typing my email address here. Bye Bye. So long. Tchau. Adeus, Stephen. I wish a good time in Kilimanjaro for you. How did Cinderela said to her fairy...? "Thank you...thank you so much"!!! Kisses
Your work is marvelous!!%
Many interesting information on your site - keep up good workc
hello everybody first of all ,i would like to tell you thank you for your help to improve our english. i am an Algerian girl and i am studing english,and it is dream for me to speak english fluently. i have many problemes to keep vocabularies ,i forgot them easily. please could you advice me ,how can i improve my english. a lot of thanks.
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