Snail mail shocker

I’m sure that many of you write letters and will post them expecing that they might arrive the next day or perhaps the day after or at least within the week. Perhaps if you are writing to someone in another country you might expect the letter to take ten days or two weeks or maybe even three weeks if you live far from a major city or town. But none of these things apply in this case! In May this year Sophie was in France visiting her family and friends and she sent me a postcard, nice. I received the card on the 3rd of July. “When was it sent?” I hear you ask. It is clearly post marked the 13th of May! Over seven weeks later! I couldn’t believe it! Of course it is as we say ‘Better late than never’ but still seven weeks! I wonder if any readers have stories of letters, which have taken ages to reach you or their destination?


Today I’d like to concentrate on our student blogger Rosalba.
Hi Rosi don’t think that you have been forgotten! Thanks for your fantastic blogs! I had a great time in New Zealand a few years ago. I travelled all over the country for a month. I did all the usual thing like tasting wine, whale watching and counting sheep, but no bungee jumping.
As for your blog well from the first I selected a section, which seems fine but actually contains numerous typical errors, I wonder if you can see them
“….I like suggestions and advices but I think New Zealand is not a very known country and it would be nice discover new places and traditions.” Which you could change to “…I would like any suggestions and advice because I think New Zealand is not a very well known country and it might be nice for people to discover new places and traditions.”
In your second blog I liked “I even saw raining cats and dogs!!!” In Japan it often rains like this as well! In total there is twice as much rain in Japan as the UK but yet students still ask me if England has any dry days! I have to agree with you that Spain were the best team of the 2008 European Championships and deserved to win. What are the chances of England winning the next World Cup? Because the last time Spain won (1964) England won two years later 1966! Now that we have an Italian coach maybe it can happen! I can dream!
In your third blog you asked about living in Egypt. Well to start with I only needed a light jacket on a few winter days! Winter isn’t something that people really think much of in connection with Egypt but many houses can be quite cold in the winter because they only have AC for heating which isn’t very efficient. As most people know most of the year it is REALLY hot and sunny in Egypt so you need to be especially careful to drink enough water. The main problem I found with living in Cairo were the terrible traffic jams, which can be really trying on your nerves. Also the thick smog can be really upsetting if you live there for a long time. On the positive side, however, the people of Egypt are cheerful and helpful and it is a great place if you enjoy a bit of haggling. Of course this all takes place in English. As for the sites well, going into the desert was a real highlight, swimming in the Red Sea was also amazing and oh yes don’t forget those ancient Egyptians as well, fantastic.
From your next blogs about Auckland, the Maori people and the Haka all I can say is “fantastic stuff!” I love the photos as well, really good camera work Rosi. Finally you asked me about the food in Japan.
Well that could take a LONG time! For Japanese people food is a BIG deal. Sushi is well known but Japanese people also love fresh vegetables and they won’t buy anything that is less than perfect. However, you might be surprised at the number of fast food joints in Japan and the many very high calorie Japanese foods that people here eat in restaurants. I’ll try and get some photos of various things so that you can see them. As for drinks beer is a favourite here in Japan and especially during the long hot summers when it is served very cold. The taste is very light and refreshing. I personally like Yebisu (pronounced ‘ebis’ by most people) or Sapporo, which is quite well, known. Sake is also famous as the drink of Japan, like gin from England or whisky from Scotland (or Ireland). Sake is about half the strength of these types of alcohol. Most people know that sake is served hot in a small cup and I especially love this in winter. However, the best quality sake is actually served at room temperature to maintain the delicate flavours.
For your homework I’d like to ask you to think about any communication problems that you’ve had while you’ve been in New Zealand, funny ones are ok too! I’d be interested to hear about any as I’m sure would many of the other readers.
Best wishes Rosi and I look forward to reading more of your blog. Simon


Better late than never It is better to get something or for someone to arrive than not to get something no matter what the time.
Post marked Print over the stamp with the time and date that it was sorted.
Bungee jumping Jumping from a high point, often a bridge, with thick elastic around your ankles!
Raining cats and dogs One of many phrases used in Britain to talk about especially heavy rain.
Traffic jams Very slow movement of cars, buses and lorries in cities
Smog Polluted air in a thick cloud, which is low over a city.
Haggling A discussion of price between buyer and seller. One wants to keep the price high and the other wants to get the price lower.
Sushi Raw (uncooked) fish on a small amount of rice.
Fast food joints Restaurant, cafe or diner.
Delicate Not strong, fragile, subtle.

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