小妮旅遊日誌

互動英語教室 - Choosing your own accessories (2)

2011-03-05T04:38:00.000-08:00

Lily intends to create an image of a fashionable "working women" (事業女性) for Barbara, so that she can illustrate (說明) her consummate (使完美) use of different accessories in her new album. The producer shares the same thoughts with Lily and suggests her to produce a video in which Barbara and Coney show the audience (觀眾) how to wear the hottest new trend in scarves (頸巾).

Lily: Hey Coney, our producer suggests making a short video demonstrating how to wear a scarf.

To Barbara, scarves conjure up (使人想起) an old-fashioned (老土) and uptight (煩躁的) image. She is rather reluctant (不情願的)to do a video about scarves. Coney tells her that scarves are not only used for warmth (溫暖) and comfort. A designer scarf can be tied in many different styles. Even a very plain (簡樸的) coat or shirt can be made to look fantastic by using a brightly coloured and trendy scarf. Barbara changes her idea and gives this a try.

Coney: It’s a good idea!

Barbara: Hi guys! Scarves are one of the favourite clothing items of women. You can be chic (別緻的) with classic silk scarves. A chunky (厚厚的) wool (羊毛) scarf can add a touch of warmth. Coney is my stylist today. She is going to show you the easiest ways to wear a scarf.

Coney: We are going to start with “the loop”. (圈)

Coney demonstrates how to wear scarves in fashionable ways without an obvious tie to the past. Barbara now believes that a scarf can represent her unique (獨一無二) personality (性格) and preferences (喜好).

Barbara: There are scarves made of different materials such as viscose (黏膠) and cotton (棉).

Lily has the impression that eyewear can change people's look and asks Coney for more advice.

Lily: Hey Coney, do you have any eyewear accessories?

Coney: Of course we do. Here are the fashion sunglasses (太陽眼鏡).

Coney is fashion conscious (意識到的) and into elegant (雅緻的)things. She immediately shows Barbara the newest sunglasses.

Barbara: Can I choose the ones that suit my mood?

Coney: Sure!

Lily: Barbara, this pair can enhance your fashion image and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays at the same time.

Barbara: They look great!

Lily: Barbara, the name of your coming album should be…”Barbara’s fashion world”!

Questions:
1) Can you name some materials used to make scarves?
2) Why Barbara is reluctant to demonstrate how to wear a scarf in the beginning?
3) Besides making a person to be fashionable, what is the other advantage of wearing sunglasses mentioned by Lily?

Answers:
1) Silk, wool, viscose and cotton.
2) Scarves conjure up an old-fashioned and uptight image.
3) Sunglasses can also protect ones’ eyes from harmful UV rays.

Script: Louise Chow / Lily Poon
Article: Lily Poon
Director: CP Chan
Actresses: Barbara Li, Coney Ko, Lily Poon

文匯報互動英語教室 (10) - Choosing your own accessories (1)

2011-02-13T23:37:00.000-08:00

Barbara has signed a contract (合約) with Angel Music, a famous record label (唱片公司) in Hong Kong. Her manager, Lily, is aware of the importance of a singer’s image (形象) but initially has no idea what Barbara should wear while on stage. Lily decides to ask her professional (專業) stylist (設計師) friend Coney to create the best image for Barbara.

Lily has arranged an appointment (約會) with Coney for Barbara.

Barbara: Hi Lily, how are you? What’s the schedule for today?

Lily: You desperately need a makeover (改變外觀)!

Barbara: A makeover? I think my style looks just fine. Don’t you think so?

Lily: No way! I have to create a stylish (時尚的) and chic (有型的) look for you. Look at what you are wearing now! Who believes that you are a rising pop star? My friend has a jewelry shop (首飾店) around the corner. She designs and sells costume jewelry (人造首飾) and should be able to give you some style tips.

Barbara is excited about the opportunity to meet up a professional stylist. Lily thinks that Barbara has high potentials as a good singer but definitely had to improve her outlook. Coney is very confident that she can help to create the best image for her. Barbara is very impressed with the large variety of jewelry in the store. The materials that Coney uses to make her very own jewelry include precious stones (寶石), crystal (水晶), sterling silver (純銀), shell (貝殼) and many more.

Barbara: I am impressed by your unique (獨一無二的) collection of jewelry! Necklaces (項鍊) , bracelets (手鐲), earrings (耳環) and hats (帽子).

Lily: Coney, can you give her a glamorous (迷人的) makeover using your accessories (飾物)? She is going to have her first performance (表演) tomorrow.

Coney: Sure! You have come to the right place! (你找對了地方)

Coney tells Barbara to choose clothing that can represent her free spirit while staying stylish. One of the big advantages of wearing the right jewelry is that one can stay up with the latest looks. That’s why Coney is choosing the jewelry for Barbara carefully.

Coney: They are mainly vintage (古色古香的) style jewelry

Barbara: I read from a fashion magazine that the term “vintage” means nostalgic (懷舊) style!

Coney: Do you like this one?

Barbara: Not really. I prefer something simple. How about these hair clips (髮夾)?

Lily: No way. I am sure we will find something right for you.

Coney: How about this one? (Coney chooses a necklace made of fresh water pear (珍珠)

Barbara: Yes! It’s simple but elegant (雅緻的). This pearl gives me feminine (女性) charm (魅力).

Do you want to know what Barbara has chosen next? Don’t miss the next episode!

Questions:
1) Can you name some materials that can be used to make costume jewelry?
2) What kind of jewelry do you like the best?
3) What is the meaning of “vintage jewelry”?

Answers:
1) Precious stones, crystal, sterling silver and shell.
2) Necklaces , bracelets, earrings and hair clips.
3) The term “vintage” means nostalgic style.

Special thanks to Coney @ TAKA Accessories
Article by Lily Poon
Script by Louise Chow
Director: CP Chan

互動英語教室(9) - Let's go to an atelier (2)

2011-01-23T03:39:00.000-08:00

After the interview, Sun and Chrissy shared the joy of painting with Lily and Louise as a way to relax and express what they had in themselves. Lily and Louise closely observed (觀察) the uses of colour and learned the basic principles. Lily had great fun while sketching (素描) though she ended up in using the eraser (橡皮擦) a lot. They both agreed that they could rapidly (迅速地) polish (磨鍊) their talent (天資) and skills (技巧) with a teacher’s guidance.

Louise was impressed by the drawing on a wall in the garden. Sun told them that drawing on walls had always been enjoyed greatly by his students. He encouraged (鼓勵) his students to draw whatever they could think of in their mind. This free-form (自由) style reminded Lily of graffiti (塗鴉)…

Chrissy: Did you enjoy yourselves?

Louise: Sure! I like the drawing on the wall.

Sun Ho: My students love to draw on walls.

Lily: I heard that drawing on walls is very common in the States. It’s “gra”, “gra” , “gra” …(Lily couldn’t recall the term)

Chrissy: Do you mean “graffiti”?

Lily: Oh! Yeah!

Chrissy: Graffiti means "to write". Now it refers to writing, drawing, or symbols (符號) applied to any surface without the permission (允許) of the property (物業) owner. Graffiti is often related to hip hop culture and can occur anywhere such as on railroad (鐵路) boxcars (貨車) and subways (隧道). People use a variety of materials such as automotive car paint (車油), spray paint (噴漆), crayons (炭筆) and permanent ink (不脫色墨水). Never draw any graffiti without permission from property owners. But now, you can create graffiti legally (合法) here!

Sun gave Lily and Louise a small paint brush and taught them how to paint on walls. He also showed them some common graffiti fonts and encouraged them to use more colours and be creative most importantly.

Chrissy mentioned that what made street graffiti so different from other forms of visual (視覺) culture was that the production of the image was unauthorised (未被授權的). Lily suddenly thought of Tsang Tsou-choi (曾灶財), also known as "The King of Kowloon". She told Chrissy that Tsang was a local poor man who scrawled (亂塗) on lamp-posts (燈柱), walls and phone boxes. Basically, his script could be found throughout Hong Kong. He was also known for the Chinese calligraphy (書法) he invented. He later became famous around the world after some of his works were displayed (展出) at the Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition (威尼斯國際藝術雙年展) in 2003. Lily and Louise both thought that his unique art had become a part of the city's collective memory (集體回憶) after his death.

Lily and Louise discussed with their chef editor (總編輯) and decided to write an article about “painting and creativity” for the coming issue.

Questions:
1) What are the benefits to learn painting with a teacher’s guidance?
2) Are graffiti legal?
3) Where can you find graffiti usually?
4) What kinds of materials are used to draw graffiti?

Answers:
1) We can rapidly polish our talent and skills with a teacher’s guidance.
2) No.
3) Walls, railroad boxcars and subways.
4) Automotive car paint, spray paint, crayons and permanent ink.

Actress: Chrissy, Louise, Lily, Sun Ho
Director: C.P.
Article: Lily

文匯報互動英語教室(7) - It had all been a dream...

2010-12-19T06:37:00.000-08:00

文匯報互動英語教室之《餐廳篇》將帶你到中西餐廳學英文!

Lily and Louise just finished a video shoot (拍攝) for an upcoming “Quick and Easy Recipes” show on Italian cuisine. Louise couldn’t wait to leave when she thought of the dinner with her best friend from London. Lily was left alone to enjoy this fully refurbished (翻新了的) apartment(公寓). She was a great admirer (讚賞者) of English literature. She had installed herself on the sofa and started reading Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Lily was in a state of exhaustion (精疲力竭) after such a long day and fell asleep (睡著). After a while, she woke with a start (驚醒) and saw a little boy who looked like Daniel. Yet she was not very sure if he was the little boy whom she had been acquainted (認識的), but not very long ago. Looking at him, she felt that he was a little bit different. He was warmly dressed in a black pullover as if he had exposed to cold air. They entered into a conversation (對話)

Lily: You must be Daniel!

Daniel: Lily, welcome to the Wonderland.

Lily: “Lily in Wonderland”? Impossible! I should have met a rabbit instead of a kid! Has the story line been changed?

In spite of Lily’s agitation (不安), Daniel seemed extremely pleased.

Daniel: Follow me.

Although Lily was a bit sceptical (懷疑), she followed him into a hole in the middle of the bathroom. Suddenly, Daniel stopped and shouted at a lady.

Daniel: The Queen!

Daniel greeted the Queen and ran away. Lily could scarcely (幾乎沒可能) believe her eyes, and was almost scared at seeing her.

Queen: I am the Queen. What’s your name?

Lily was confused and mumbled (含糊地說) to herself.

Lily: Oh, no! I should be meeting the Chesire-Cat or the flamingo (紅鸛) but not the Queen.

Lily pretended to be delighted and introduced herself to the Queen. She was always off doing daring (大膽) things that often got her in trouble. She mocked at (嘲笑) the Queen’s outlook and even bursted into giggles (傻笑) afterwards. The Queen was outraged (憤怒).

Queen: Idiot (笨蛋)! Can you do tongue twisters (饒口令)? If not, you should be beheaded (砍頭).

Lily: Your majesty (陛下), I can do one.
The big black bug bit the big black bear.

The Queen became excited and happy. She continued the second part of the tongue twister.

Queen: but the big black bear bit the big black bug back!

Lily delivered another one:
How can a clam (蜆) cram (塞進) in a clean cream can (金屬罐)?

Queen replied without hesitation (猶豫): Send toast to ten tense (緊張的) stout (肥胖的) saints' (聖人) ten tall tents (帳篷).

Lily had run out of (耗盡) tongue twisters. She begged (哀求) the Queen to forgive her and let her go. The Queen grew furious (盛怒的) and lost her temper again.

Queen: No. Off with her head!

Lily: Your majesty! I can do another tongue twister.

Queen: Can you do Peter Piper picked a peck (少量) of pickled (醃製的) peppers (甜椒)?

Lily: No….

Suddenly, Lily woke up in a shock and discovered (發現) a deck of (一副) playing cards (撲克牌) with the Ace of Hearts facing upward (向上朝) next to the book. She was so frightened (驚慌) and left the apartment right away. Had it all been just a dream?

Contributor: Louise Chow/ Lily Poon

文匯報互動英語教室 (6) - Can I cook?

2010-11-24T00:04:00.000-08:00

文匯報互動英語教室之《餐廳篇》將帶你到中西餐廳學英文!

Lily and Louise are the hosts of “Quick and Easy Recipes”. It is one of the highest rated live TV cooking shows that presents the preparation of easy-to-prepare (容易煮的) food. One of the things the audience (觀眾) love about this show is that the hosts showcase (展現) produce from a different country each time and invite a local chef to prepare the items.

Lily and Louise invited a chef to demonstrate (示範) how to make a simple yet tasty pasta. Unfortunately, he couldn’t come because of a car accident. They could not find another chef to cover for him with such a short notice. Louise suggested to Lily that they could cook together. Lily hesitated (猶豫) because she lacked experience and self-confidence (自信心). Daniel, a 5-year-old cook, was in a buoyant (活潑的) mood when he knew that the chef was unable to show up. He volunteered (自發) to teach them how to make a smoked bacon penne pasta (通粉).

Louise: Hey guys! Welcome to “Quick and Easy Recipes” I am Louise.

Lily: I am Lily.

Louise: Today we are going to make a quick and easy smoked bacon penne pasta.

Lily: You need the following ingredients: penne pasta, smoked bacon, olive oil (橄欖油), garlic, parmesan cheese (巴馬乾酪芝士) , salt and pepper.

Lily got so nervous she forgot what to do next. Louise reminded (提醒) her to take out all the utensils (用具).

Louise: chopping board (砧板) , fry pan (平底鍋), tall pan (高身褒) and colander (濾鍋). Now fill the tall pan with water and place it on a high heat (高溫). Add a little bit of salt and olive oil.

Lily added a large amount of salt to the pasta unintentionally. (非故意地) Louise tried to suppress her anger and continued making the pasta.

Louise: When the water is boiling. Add the pasta and cook for 11 minutes. Now. Place the frying pan on a high heat. Fry the bacons and garlic until brown.

Lily put the unpeeled garlic in the frying pan and forgot to switch off the stove after 11 minutes. Overcooked penne was a sodden (過濕) pile of pasta that was not very appetizing!

Louise: Serve the pasta and bacons on a plate and sprinkle (灑) the parmesan cheese on top.

Daniel could not hold his laughter when he saw them cooking. Lily was annoyed when she saw Daniel laughing at her. She was thinking how to best get revenge on him and finally decided to invite Daniel to taste the pasta!

Smoked bacon penne recipe:

1 package dried penne pasta
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped smoked bacon
3 tablespoons minced (切碎) garlic
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Questions:
1) Name the ingredients that you will need to make a smoked bacon penne pasta
2) Name the utensils that you will need.

Answers:
1) penne pasta, smoked bacon, olive oil, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
2) chopping board, fry pan, tall pan and colander

文匯報互動英語教室(5) - A vertical garden

2010-11-11T07:07:00.000-08:00

文匯報互動英語教室之《餐廳篇》將帶你到中西餐廳學英文!
我的直立式花園!

Lily does not care about environmental protection (環保). She uses all kinds of single-use disposable (即棄) plastic products including trash bags (垃圾袋), cups, plates and bottles. Her friends keep telling her that plastic is one of the major toxic (有毒的) pollutants (污染物) and disposal (處置) of plastic products on land makes harm to soil. Unfortunately, she completely ignores all their advice and keeps using plastic products.

Lily is suffering from allergies (敏感) because of the poor quality of the air in her office. She complained to the property management company (物業管理公司) several times but for some reason her efforts didn’t take. She gave up finally. She felt asleep after a busy work day and had a strange dream in which she met Angel of the Forest…

Liz: Would you like to join me for a coffee and cake?

Lily looked at Liz quizzically (疑惑地).

Lily: Who are you?

Liz: I am Liz, Angel of the Forest. Why do you use so many plastic products?

Lily: Why not? They are so convenient. I can just throw them away after a single use. I never wash the dishes. I’d rather spend more time on playing online games.

Liz: Do you know many plastic products contain harmful chemicals?

Lily: I don’t care.

Liz: Oh! You are wasting paper and killing trees for nothing!

Lily: Who cares? I live in Hong Kong, a polluted big city anyway.

Liz: You are wrong. We can make Hong Kong a better place to live.

Lily: Are you sure?

Liz: Yes! Come with me.

Lily followed Liz to a café. She gave Liz an astonished (驚訝的) look when she saw so many beautiful tropical plants in this café.

Lily: Oh! Am I dreaming?

Liz: Welcome to The Village. Would you like to join me for a tour?

Lily : Sure! I have never seen so many plants in such a small area before! Amazing!

Liz: Like many other big cities, lack of space is a reality in Hong Kong. We should think of ways to maximize the use of any available space.

Lily: Like how?

Liz: Can you notice anything special about the plants here?

Lily: Some plants grow on the wall.

Liz: You are very smart. This is what we called “vertical gardening” (直立式花園). Plants are not restricted to growing on the ground or in pots, they can also grow on the wall.

Lily: Oh! The green walls! Are there any other ben

efits (好處)?

Liz: Of course. Plants can lower temperature of the walls and thus cool down the surrounding space.

Lily: I want to create an attractive garden in my small apartment too. They have a large variety of plants here.

Liz: You are right. Since no soil is used, there are no mosquitos (蚊子) and other insects.

Despite the fact that land is limited in Hong Kong, we can still improve our living place by adding plants to help keep our home and office atmosphere healthier. Vertical gardening, gardening with upright (向上) structures, is ideal for the urban city areas. Walls are often used to create practical (實用) gardening spaces. It is space saving and environmentally friendly.

Lily has decided to make small moves to keep her home green and clean. She stops using plastic bags and starts building a framework for a small vertical garden at home. She believes that these small things can add up to a better future.

Questions:

1) Why plastic products are harmful to the environment?

2) What is vertical gardening?

3) What are the benefits of having a vertical garden?

4) What will you do to help protect our environment?

Answers:

1) Plastic is one of the major toxic pollutants and disposal of plastic products on land makes harm to soil.

2) Plants are not restricted to growing on the ground or in pots, they can also grow on the wall.

3) You can build a vertical garden in a small area. Since no soil is used, there are no mosquitos and other insects.

By Lily Poon

Special thanks to The Village as our venue provider

If you have any suggestion, please email us! wwpenglishcolumn@gmail.com

PURCARI 普加利葡萄酒的故事

2010-11-04T21:50:00.000-07:00

老友記從摩爾多瓦(Moldova)的著名酒莊普加利(Purcari)入口葡萄酒, 為香港酒迷帶來新驚喜! 想更了解摩爾多瓦葡萄酒? 請看"普加利葡萄酒的故事"!

歡迎您於11月4 - 6 日前來假香港會議及展覽中心舉行的香港國際美酒展(三號展覽館 booth no. 3G27)品嚐如此特別的佳釀!

字幕/ 聲音演出: Lily Poon
技術支援: C.P. Chan
Copyrighted by: Ghvino

展覽會上酒商對普加利酒莊的葡萄酒十分感興趣!

小妮在品嚐百聞不如一見的「黑色普加利」!

普加利葡萄酒於日本著名漫畫『神之水滴』中亦有提及!

最後我試了甜酒!

我們很期待您的到訪!

按此瀏覽香港國際美酒展網頁

互動英語教室(4) - Coffee or tea?

2010-10-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

文匯報互動英語教室之《餐廳篇》將帶你到中西餐廳學英文!
本集和大家飲咖啡...

Gary has been working for an Italian company for a few years and was recently promoted (升職) to Assistant Manager in January. He spent the last few months traveling from Hong Kong to Italy for work. His Italian colleagues (同事) are nice enough to introduce him to the Italian culture by taking him to restaurants, bars and concerts.

Coffee bars are one of the most impressive (印象深刻) places in Italy that Gary has visited. He thinks that Italy is a country of great variety (多元化) and coffee is an important aspect of the diversity (多方面的) of its culture. He is determined (下定決心) to bring the Italian coffee (咖啡) culture (文化) to Hong Kong and be a qualified (合資格) barista (咖啡師) one day. He understands that transplanting (引入) the Italian coffee bar culture to Hong Kong is a big challenge (挑戰) as the local market is dominated (被支配) by a few American brands (品牌). In order to minimize (減低) the risk (風險) of starting a small business, he has been going to different coffee shops in Hong Kong to understand the market before taking any further steps. His research has been aided (協助) immeasurably (不能計算地) by his friends who are coffee lovers. They keep sending him information about the latest (最新) coffee-industry trends in the world.

One day, while he was looking for the right equipment to brew (泡) coffee at home with his friend Louise, a sign (招牌) of a café caught their attention. He immediately has the impression that an attractive sign can increase the sales by attracting customers to see what you are selling. Gary and Louise decided to have a coffee in this café.

A young and polite waitress greeted Gary and Louise.

Waitress: Welcome. How many of you please?
歡迎，你們多少人?

Gary: Two please.
兩位。

Gary: Do you have coffee and cakes?
你們有咖啡和蛋糕嗎?

Waitress: Yes. We serve a large variety of coffee and cakes here.
有的。我們有很多不同種類的咖啡和蛋糕。

Gary: A cappuccino for my friend please.
我的朋友要一柸cappuccino。

Waitress: Sure, sir. How about you?
好的，先生你呢?

Gary: I’d like to have one iced lemon tea.
我想要一柸凍檸檬茶。

Louise was a big fan of cakes. They ordered a piece of cheese cake and a cool, refreshing (提神的) Italian dessert called tiramisu (一種義大利著名甜點，用咖啡及甜酒泡過分層海綿蛋糕，在各層之間塗有巧克力及義大利特產的mascarpone乳酪). She saw a customer having a British breakfast in the café and told Gary that full breakfast was traditionally served at breakfast time but it was also popular at other times.

Louise had never been to Italy and was very curious about Gary’s experience there. Gary introduced the most common types of Italian coffee to her. They were:
Caffè/ Espresso – a small cup of very strong coffee. The foam topped on the coffee is called "crema”.

Caffè latte – Coffee with hot milk

Cappuccino - a shot of espresso in a larger cup with steamed milk and foam

Caffè macchiato - also known as espresso macchiato, is espresso marked with a little milk

The history of coffee in Italy dated back to the 1600s. Coffee was exported from Turkey to Europe, landing for the first time in Venice (威尼斯). The first coffee shop in Venice was opened in 1683. During the latter half of the 17th century, coffee consumption spread to Italy, France, England and Germany. Coffee is now one of the most popular beverages in the world. The Italians like to follow their meals with a dessert and ended with a strong espresso.

Needless to say, Louise was very impressed with Gary’s profound (深入) knowledge (知識) of the Italian coffee culture. Louise told Gary that she saw a wide variety of tea types and flavours in London. The English enjoyed tea with milk and Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka was one of the most popular kinds of tea in England. She was surprised to know that this café served eight different kinds of tea including the Hong Kong-style milk tea!

It’s almost 5 o’clock…

Gary: Can I have the bill please?
我們要結帳。 (即廣東話”埋單”)

Waitress: Sure.
沒問題。

Gary: Do you take credit cards?
你們接受信用卡付款嗎?

Waitress: I am sorry sir, we only accept cash. Thank you!
先生對不起，我們只接受現金。

Gary not only paid the bill, but he also gave Louise a gift from Italy. She was very surprised and said,’ Thank you! You have become as romantic as the Italians!’

Questions:
1) Can you name some popular Italian coffee drinks?
2) Where is Ceylon tea from?
3) After a meal, what do you say to the waitor when you want to pay?

Answers:
1) Cafe Latte, Cappuccino and expresso
2) Sri Lanka
3) Can I have the bill please?/ Check please.
By Lily Poon
Special thanks to mIN+ café & kitchen 民家 as our venue provider

If you have any idea, please email us! wwpenglishcolumn@gmail.com

互動英語教室(3) - In a French Grocery Store

2010-10-13T19:29:00.000-07:00

文匯報互動英語教室之《餐廳篇》將帶你到中西餐廳學英文!
本集和大家到法國小店...

Eating out is one of the most common sources of entertainment in Hong Kong. Lily and Sharon seldom cook proper meals at home because they dislike washing dishes. Pizza, spaghetti and fish ball noodles are always on top of their list. One day, they were looking for something different and exciting to do for their friend’s birthday. Lily came up with the idea of hosting a surprise party. Sharon found this idea fabulous but she had no experience in organising a birthday party at home. Lily suggested having a party theme which could help make shopping easier. Sharon was worried about finding a suitable venue too. While they were discussing about their plans, they walked past a French grocery store called “Monsieur Chatte”. Sharon found the food sold in that shop very interesting and decided to take a closer look.

Caroline, the owner of this store, greeted Lily and Sharon.

Caroline: Hello, may I help you?
你們好, 有什麼我可以幫忙?

Lily: Yes. Can you suggest some ideas for a birthday party?
你可以給我們一些有關生日派對的建議嗎?

Sharon: We are looking for something special!
我們想找一些特別的東西啊!

Caroline: Sure! We are selling French food and beverages. In France, we eat a lot of cheese. Do you and your friends like cheese?
當然可以! 我們售買各式各樣的法國食品和飲品。在法國我們吃很多芝士的。你和你的朋友喜歡芝士嗎?

Caroline: This is comte and this is camembert. Would you like to try?
這是comte，這是camembert。你們想試試嗎?

Lily and Sharon: Yes. Thank you.
好的。謝謝。

This was the first time they had ever tried French cheese. Caroline explained to them that cheese and wine were central elements of the French diet and there were around 400 sorts of Cheese in France. Lily and Sharon had the impression that French food and drinks were very expensive. That’s why Sharon decided to ask for the price of the cheese she liked before buying. She was happy to know that they were affordable.

Sharon: I like this one. How much is it?
我喜歡這種。要多少錢呢?

Caroline: $52 per 100 grams.
每100克52元。

Lily: Can we have 100 grams please?
我可以要100克嗎?

Caroline: No problem.
沒問題。
Sharon was curious to know more about the sausages hanging in the shop.

Lily: Caroline, what are these?
Caroline, 這是什麼?

Caroline: They are French sausages, “sacisson” in French. You can cut them into pieces.
這是法國香腸。你可以把它們切成小塊吃。

Sharon told Caroline that Chinese people also had preserved food and was surprised to note the similarities in French and Chinese cooking philosophies. Sharon found some small cakes in the shop and asked Caroline for more information.

Sharon: Excuse me, Caroline, they look very cute, what are they?
Caroline，請問這是什麼? 樣子很可愛啊!

Caroline: Oh! These are “Cannelé”. They are little cookies from a region in France called “Bordeaux”.
噢! 這是“Cannelé” 。來自法國一個名為” Bordeaux”的地區。

Lily: We want 10 of them. How much do they cost?
我想要10件。一共要多少錢呢?

Caroline: It costs $12 each. The total is $120. Let’s go up to the second floor, we have French wines up there.
12元一件。一共120元。不如一起上二樓，那裡有法國葡萄酒。

Caroline: These are French wines. We usually drink white wines with seafood and red wines with meat.
這是法國葡萄酒。我們一般吃海鮮時飲白酒，吃肉類時飲紅酒。

Caroline: Have you found a place for your friend’s birthday party?
你們找到開生日派對的地方了嗎?

Lily: Not yet.
還未。

Caroline: Would you like to consider having your party here? Our private lounge can be used exclusively for parties. Let me show you the way.
你們會否考慮這兒? 我們的私人會客廳可以用來開派對。
Lily and Sharon followed Caroline to the second floor.

Lily: Oh! The setting is very stylish!
噢! 多麼時尚的裝修啊!

Caroline: It can accommodate 20-25 people.
這裏可以容納20至25人。

Sharon: Is there any minimum charge?
有沒有最低消費呢?

Caroline: Yes. You can consume our food and beverages. Let me send you a proposal tomorrow.
有的。你可以在這兒消費，享用我們的食物和飲品。我明天給你一個建議書吧!

After their visit to this French grocery store, Lily and Sharon find experiencing the food and drinks of a country being the best way to understand its culture. Although there are fundamental differences between Chinese and French food culture, it’s not a bad idea to have something different occasionally!

Special thanks to Monsieur Chatte.

If you have any suggestions, please email us! wwpenglishcolumn@gmail.com

小妮新地獄遊記(4) - 遊割腎鼠咬小地獄

2010-09-30T05:41:00.000-07:00

My Trip to Hell...

濟佛: 小妮，我們將遊多個小地獄。

小妮: 好的!

濟佛: 我知道你因為早上要上班，晚上又要遊地獄，太辛苦了。我賜你靈丹三粒，快服下，以準備遊冥。

小妮: 靈丹可唔可以減肥呀，師傅? 哈哈!

(到了地獄...)

小妮:師傅! 前面是什麼地方？我聽見人聲慘叫和老鼠聲啊!

濟佛: 前面乃是六殿所管轄十六小地獄之「割腎鼠咬小地獄」。

小妮:啊! 成地老鼠向罪魂侵襲，每個罪魂被綁坐在地上不能動，他們犯了什麼罪？

獄官: 此獄全是男罪犯，都因在世貪淫好色，或犯清規戒律之色鬼。因生前好淫，敗道壞德，故除割下陰根陽物外，並由老鼠猛嚼其根底，要其「斬草除根」之意。

小妮: 吓???????????????? 「斬草除根」? 死啦!

濟佛: 死?

小妮: 師傅，我諗我有D friend 好危險，佢地成日北上。

濟佛:北方? 有何特別?

小妮搖了搖頭:生前北上，死後落硬「割腎鼠咬小地獄」。

濟佛: 男人一受割咬比什麼都痛苦，俗語說：「斬草不除根，春風吹又生。」

小妮: 電話係邊? 要盡快call Derek、Jonathan...可能已經上晒大陸。

濟佛: 我勸世人，切勿犯淫業，此罪最重，尤於修道之士，更應提高警覺，犯淫不赦。除五殿「誅心地獄」有份外，有者尚要再來此獄受刑！小妮，時刻已到要回陽間。

小妮第二天早上在中環巧遇Derek...

小妮: Derek，你尋晚係咪上左大陸?

Derek: 唔係，去左Disney Land 囉! 仲買左件禮物比我個仔，你睇吓...

Derek從袋中拿出一個米奇老鼠的公仔。

小妮反眼:我暈啦...

Derek: ?

待續...

互動英語教室(2) - In a Chinese restaurant

2010-09-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

文匯報互動英語教室之《餐廳篇》將帶你到中西餐廳學英文!
本集和大家到大牌檔...

Confucius once said, "The way you cut your meat reflects the way you live." The preparation (預備) and presentation of the food can be a work of art in Chinese culinary (烹飪). Basic cooking methods in Chinese cuisine include frying (煎), stir-frying (炒), deep-frying (炸), boiling (煮), stewing (炆、燉) and steaming (蒸).

Juliet, a food-curious tourist from England, came to Hong Kong for holiday. She wanted to try all kinds of adventurous (大膽的) Chinese recipes (食譜). A dai pai dong (大牌檔) called Royal Kitchen was a recommendation from the travel guide book she bought in England. She found this kind of open-air food stalls very unique and decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, she got lost on her way to Royal Kitchen and became frustrated because she couldn’t speak Chinese and ask for assistance. Laura, who lived nearby, saw Juliet and did her best to help.

Laura: Hi, may I help you?

你好，有需要幫忙嗎？

Juliet: Oh yes! I am looking for a Chinese restaurant called Royal Kitchen.

你好。我在尋找一家名為御膳廚房的中式餐廳。

Laura: Oh, it’s just right here!

哦！就在這裡啊！

Juliet: Cool! Thanks!

太好了！謝謝！

Juliet couldn't have felt more welcome and invited Laura to dinner. Laura hesitated at first but then accepted the invitation.

Laura: Is this your first time to Hong Kong?

你第一次來香港嗎？

Juliet: Yes, I am alone actually. Do you want to join me for dinner?

是啊，一個人來。你賞面跟我一起吃飯嗎？

Laura: Sure! Why not?

好的！

Juliet was very upbeat (樂觀的) and warm. According to her guide book, deep fried calamari (椒鹽炒鮮魷) was the signature dish (招牌菜) of Royal Kitchen that best showcased (展示) the chef’s deep try skills. Juliet highly recommended it to Laura. They also wanted to have some all-time favourite (時常都很受歡迎) vegetarian dishes but had no idea which vegetables were in season (合時). They asked the waitress (女侍應) (waiter “男侍應”) for advice. The waitress said that they had morning glory (通菜), lettuce (生菜), choi sum also called “flowering cabbage” (菜心) and broccoli (西蘭花). Laura ordered morning glory with beef. Juliet was surprised to know that most Chinese dishes were cooked with meat and vegetables together.

As a tourist, Juliet wanted to explore a Chinese cook's arsenal (“兵工廠”. 比喻廚房像個兵工廠). The waitress was so generous (大方的) that she allowed them to observe how the chef (廚師) prepared their dishes. It was such an eye-opening (大開眼界) experience to Juliet! Inside the kitchen, they saw some common Chinese ingredients (材料) such as spring onions (蔥), garlic (蒜茸), ginger (薑), peppers (辣椒) and corn starch (粟粉).

Chinese people like to put dishes in the middle of the table for all to share and use individual bowls of rice for each person. Laura and Juliet ordered two bowls of plain rice. The waitress offered Juliet knife and fork as she knew those were European cutlery (餐具). Juliet declined (婉拒) her offer as she could manage chopsticks (筷子) very well. The food was delicious!

To remove food residue (食物殘渣) from teeth with toothpicks (牙籤) is a common practise in China. However, Laura avoided doing so as she thought it was not hygienic (衛生) and could appear to be rude (粗魯的).

Questions:

1. Can you name some cooking methods in Chinese culinary?

2. What are the ingredients mentioned in the video?

3. What is the most common cutlery do Chinese people use?

Answers:

1. fry (煎), stir-fry (炒), boil (煮), deep-fry (炸), stew (炆、燉), steam (蒸)

2. spring onion (蔥), garlic (蒜茸), ginger (薑), peppers (辣椒) and corn flour (粟粉)

3. Chopsticks.

Special thanks to Royal Kitchen
Contributor: Louise Chow

小妮新地獄遊記(3) - 與冥王敍談

2010-09-26T05:22:00.000-07:00

My Trip to Hell...

濟佛：今天準備遊冥，小妮你心神為何不靜？

小妮：公事纏身，一心數用，一個頂三個人的workload，所以精神散亂。

濟佛：遊冥非兒戲，心若不靜，你的靈魂難入陰府，我賜你一粒「定心丸」，快服下，準備起程。

小妮：地獄Panadol? 感謝師父，我已"0拍"左粒丸，精神為之一振!

濟佛：起程吧！

小妮：師父! 師父!這是什麼地方? 前面有一個大殿，人頸湧湧啊!

濟佛：前面就是「冥府第一殿」，我們快前去參見冥王。

濟佛見到冥王：參見冥王

冥王：勿客氣，隨我入殿。請在會客室稍坐。命將軍速奉仙茶。

將軍：遵命。

冥王：濟佛、小妮小姐請用茶。

小妮：我唔敢飲呀! 聽人講，若係凡人到地府，飲用食物，上唔返去陽間，所以您地飲啦。我唔飲啦! (小妮心裏很害怕)

冥王：小妮你不要信，世俗所傳陽人不可食陰物，此乃對一般人而言。陰陽各有主，當然不可混亂紊綱。但你是奉旨而來，屬貴賓身份，怎會不能回陽呢？

小妮: 你...你唔好玩我呀!不過"奉左旨"就應該冇事，公司都係咁之嗎，D人"奉左老細旨"做咩都得啦。好啦! 我飲。

冥王：世人都是貪生切死，但如小妮生怕死不敢喝茶，還情有可原。有一般世人，明知為非作歹，只有死路一條，仍不回頭，勇往直前，真是可悲。

小妮：世途險惡，我唔信人係人知常情啊! 請問冥王，外面咁多人排隊是為什麼？

冥王：我掌管「第一殿」，凡人死後，陰差便將亡魂押至本殿，我查其善惡，善功多者，帶入陰府各殿參觀，或可再修煉，或發送至賞善司或聚善所；罪過多者，發令交二殿審判，或押進罰惡司；但如罪重者，必先押上孽鏡臺，照現其原形，再送二殿。

小妮：嘩! 好有系統! 外面亡魂點解啼哭哭啼啼？

冥王：世人到本殿，明白自己已經離開世間，亡魂深知將受陰律審判受刑，個個心寒而慄，痛哭後悔。

小妮：做得壞事多，知衰啦!

濟佛：對! 今晚時刻已到，要回陽間。

冥王：送駕！

小妮心想：可惜人世間，太多事情在於灰色地帶。人在江湖，身不由已。冥王你可知人心可比鬼心更難測呢。

小妮新地獄遊記(2) - 「清心池」

2010-09-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

My Trip to Hell...

濟佛：小妮準備遊冥。

小妮：唔係呀嘩? 咁早去遊冥? 我成11點先放工呀! 精神疲勞，好想睡覺，下次先啦！

濟佛：你太懶散了，香港人受一點風霜就畏苦，還能成什麼大器！

小妮：你試下一日做12個鐘呀大老! 呀呀呀唔係..."大師"! 算啦，算啦。你等我換件衫一齊出發啦。

小妮：大師！地獄好凍呀。前面個池好大呀，池水好清，個天好藍啊! 一D都唔似去左地獄呀! 水中浮出三個字「清心池」。係咩東東呢?

濟佛：你前日遊冥，因用凡胎俗眼看地獄，所以能見到到的事物很少，我今天帶你到此地，就是要你下池洗去塵埃，自然「凡眼」成為「法眼」。

小妮：吓? 你要我落水? 好凍啊! 我怕感冒，唔敢落去。

(濟佛一手推了小妮下去)

守池將軍：拜見濟公活佛，失迎！失迎！剛才您將一凡人推下池內，不知濟佛用意如何在？

小妮：喂! 實Q! 實Q! 快D拉我上去呀喂!

濟佛：將軍您不知，現時世人都是醉生夢死，塵埃滿身，喪失原來靈明本性，他們看不見人生真理的。

(守池將軍拉了小妮上岸)

小妮：嗶! 你個地獄公務員呀! 枉我清明燒金銀比我阿爺時順便燒比你地? 你咁遲先來拉我上岸?

濟佛：小妮! 不要大鬧! 走吧!

(他們一起向前走)

小妮：那兒滿天風沙，有人哭哭啼啼。莫非真的可以見到鬼魂?
(小妮心裏開始有點怕)

濟佛：那是世間人死後之靈魂，剛到陰間。這是陰陽界。

小妮：前面兩排高樓寫上「交簿廳」...啊! "Registration"!生死註冊處。

濟佛：什麼"純"?

小妮：哈哈! 大師，英文你唔會明啦。原來我地係地獄個個人都有自己的record ，每個人都好特別，真的不可小看自己。

交簿官：歡迎濟佛及小妮駕臨本廳，在八月十五日，就接到玉帝諭旨，獲悉貴堂為著作「地獄遊記」一書，將到地府觀察詳情。

小妮：啊! 有本 tour guidebook?

濟佛：因時刻已到，改日再來拜訪。

交簿官：可也，送駕。

小妮：Bye bye!

交簿官：?? 啊! 拜拜小妮小姐!

濟佛：先回陽間吧!

小妮：OK!

濟佛：?

待續...

小妮新地獄遊記(1) - 「心頭山」

2010-09-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

My Trip to Hell...

濟佛：小妮！今夜起我們二人將要到地獄一遊，你感覺如何？

小妮: Who are you?

濟佛：很久以前和楊善生去過地獄的。事隔太久了，又要找一個人到地獄一遊。

小妮: 要帶D咩?

濟佛：什麼都不用帶，天亮前可以回家，你上班不用遲到。

小妮: 咁好啦，見唔洗錢。

濟佛：小妮一起喝酒吧！因為看破了世情，人心太可怕，世人難度，讓我心碎，所以只有藉酒解愁，我看你乾脆也喝些酒，讓它一醉到九泉吧！

小妮:邊個 Château ?

濟佛：什麼?何謂"沙吐" ?前面是「心頭山」，所以古聖曰：「心可做天堂，心可做地獄。」全憑一念之差而分別。

小妮：心頭高的喝Château 、心頭低的喝清酒，亦快樂。「心頭山」是我們心中的標準，是高是低由自己決定，快樂與否亦如是。

濟佛：今夜時刻有限，暫時遊至此，回程。

待續...

文匯報英語互動教室(1) - In a Western-style Restaurant

2010-09-13T23:05:00.000-07:00

小妮文匯報互動英語教室之《餐廳篇》將帶你到中西餐廳學英文!
本集和大家到西餐廳...

於文匯報刊登日期為9月14日

Europe is always a top holiday destination (目的地) for many travellers. Lily and Louise are planning their summer holiday to London. They are looking for opportunities to improve their English communication skills before their trip. Food is always the first thing that comes to their minds. Lily and Louise are not used to speaking English in Hong Kong. They are intimidated (生畏) when they have to order food in English. These are the reasons why they want to practise restaurant phrases including ordering and food words.

One day Lily and Louise passed by a unique (獨一無二) and charming (吸引) restaurant in Central. They were particularly impressed by the decoration (裝修) and the ambiance (氣氛) of this restaurant. Indeed, it was no disappointment! This restaurant offered different types of delicious food and beverages (飲品). Let’s watch the video and learn some common restaurant phrases in English.

When Lily and Louise arrived, a waiter greeted them with a delighted expression.

Waiter: How many people are you?
你們一共有多少人?

Lily: Two please.
兩位，謝謝。

The waiter showed them to a table. Lily was so hungry that she asked for the menu immediately.

Lily: May I have the menu please?
可否給我餐牌?

Waiter: Sure. Do you want something to drink?
當然可以。你要不要飲品?

Lily: Can I have some cold water please?
可否給我凍水?

Waiter: Sure. Sparkling or still?
當然可以。有氣還是沒有氣的?

As Lily and Louise were saving money for their trip, they preferred something free of charge.

Lily: Tap water is fine.
自來水(水喉水) 可以了。

Lily seldom went to Western-style restaurants. Louise explained to her that a typical European meal consisted of an appetizer (頭盤), a main Course (主菜). and followed by a dessert (甜品).

Lily: Can we have a potato salad to share?
我們要一個薯仔沙律一起吃呢。

Waiter: How about main course?
那麼主菜呢?

Louise: Can I have a seafood pasta?
我要一個海鮮意粉。

Lily: Same for me please.
我也一樣。

Waiter: No problem.
沒問題。

The seafood pasta was big enough to serve two people. Although Lily and Louise were very full, there’s always room for dessert.

Louise: Excuse me, what dessert do you have?
請問你們有什麼甜品?

Waiter: We have ice-cream and chocolate cakes today.
我們今天有雪糕同朱古力蛋糕。

Lily: Let’s have both!
不如兩款也要!

There is always both an a la carte (點餐牌上的菜)and set menu (套餐) option (套餐) offered in a Western-style restaurant. The French language phrase “à la carte” means "according to the menu". You can choose your favourites from the a la carte menu. A formal meal can consist of three to four courses or even more. A menu with four courses is called a “four-course menu” (四道菜餐). Appetizers (頭盤) are to be served before the main course. Salad is a popular appetizer.

Questions:

(1) What do a typical Western-style meal consist of?
(2) What is the different between an a la carte menu and a set menu?
(3) Can you name some main course options?
(4) How to order food? Please complete this sentence:
______________ a seafood pasta?

Answers:

(1) Appetizer, main course and dessert followed by tea or coffee
(2) You can choose the dishes you want from the a la carte menu while the choices of a set menu is fixed.
(3) Steaks, chicken and fish fillets.
(4) Can I have/ May I have/ I would like to have a seafood pasta.

Special thanks to Fridge.

If you have any idea, please email us! wwpenglishcolumn@gmail.com

Blog:
http://wwpenglishcolumn.blogspot.com

文匯報網址:
http://paper.wenweipo.com/2010/09/14/ED1009140015.htm

文匯報英文專欄拍攝花絮(1)

2010-08-24T05:43:00.000-07:00

小妮將於9月份為文匯報推出新一輯英文專欄，和大家一齊開學!

小妮、Louise、導演C.P.和一班美少女於一連6集的《餐廳篇》中，帶你到各中西餐廳的廚房，包括大排檔、西餐廳、法國和意大利食品店等，以英語介紹材料、餸菜、飲品和實用詞彙。實行「走遍香港，反轉廚房」!

The Making of ...

導演C.P.和一班美少女工作人員走進大排檔廚房拍攝，C.P.即場生吞通菜(English name: morning glory)，令美少女大叫:「食得的都是草!」

小妮表演怒斬...紅辣椒(English name: red chilli) 一條，小心!

大廚和鬼妹???

請密切留意更多搞笑花絮!

特別嗚謝: 御膳廚房

敗家女- 香港Wine Bar系列

2010-08-18T07:11:00.000-07:00

香港Wine Bar系列

Philia

http://buynowgirl.blogspot.com/2010/08/wine-bar-philia.html

Dominic 新書發佈會 - 8月15日

2010-08-15T02:42:00.000-07:00

Dr. Dominic Chan 新書發佈會
日期: 8月15日
時間: 下午
地點: 中環

朋友Dr. Dominic Chan是劍橋大學畢業生，他撰寫了新書《八載劍橋》，今天小妮出席了其新書發佈會啊!

(左起: Dr. Dominic Chan, 小妮, Dominic太太Irene)

Dominic 介紹其新作時，打趣說此書不是教人如何能升讀劍橋大學，而是分享他的校園生活，哄得來賓哈哈大笑。

出席的嘉賓均獲贈精緻瑞士朱古力禮包，我很幸運可和品牌創辦人Francesca MAEDER交流，原來她到不同機構講解有關朱古力的知識，如朱古力和葡萄酒的配搭，十分有趣!

Francesca Maeder公司網址:
www.enrichyourpotential.com

Grand Barista Championship - 8月14日

2010-08-14T06:46:00.000-07:00

日期: 8月14日
時間: 下午
地點: The Blend of Danes,G/F, Midas Plaza,1 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong

咖啡天天飲，參觀咖啡師比賽都是第一次。Grand Barista Championship在位於新蒲崗的The Blend of Danes舉行兩天初賽。

參賽者用咖啡機泡出不同的咖啡給評判評分。

判評團嚐過參賽者的咖啡後便給予分數，十分專業。

觀眾亦可品嚐不同牌子的咖啡，包括來自意大利的Flavia。我嚐了一柸，感覺比其他意大利品牌如Lavazza淡口，有點像美國咖啡。

Orchestra? 世上有咖啡樂團嗎?

Orchestra原來是另一意大利咖啡機品牌!

咖啡迷千萬不要錯過9月7日於香港餐飲展(Restaurant & Bar)舉行的Grand Barista Championship決賽呢!

香港餐飲展(Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong 2010)
www.restaurantandbarhk.com

巴黎來回機票 (4) - 法國香檳

2010-08-08T08:25:00.000-07:00

I need a return ticket to Paris...

同學娜姐問 : 「小妮，一起去Reims City玩好不好? 」

我說 :「吓? 去 Sims City? 打機咩? 」

第二天，我們坐TVG從巴黎出發到香檳區的經濟首府Reims。

法國 Champagne Pommery酒莊

法國香檳區

法國香檳區地圖

法國香檳區位於巴黎東北部。三個主要葡萄園為Vallée de la Marne, Montagne de Reims 和 Côte des Blancs。

可用來釀製香檳的葡萄 (Grape varieties)

最常用的:
Chardonnay
Pinot Meunier
Pinot Noir

其他葡萄:
Arbane
Petit Meslier
Pinot Blanc

釀造法 (Vinification)

葡萄被採摘後便立即放入壓榨機中壓榨，根據法國法例，製造100公升的葡萄果汁，必須要用160公斤葡萄。之後，果汁便會於不鏽鋼或橡木桶中發酵。香檳不同的種類包括:

Non-vintage (無年份香檳)
Vintage (年份香檳)
Pretige Cuvée (頂級香檳)
Rosé (玫瑰香檳)
Blanc de Blanc (白中白香檳)

造酒者選定了香檳的種類後，於香檳入瓶前或入瓶時，加入小量的liqueur de tirage(即酒、糖和酵母)，果汁會於瓶中進行第二次發酵。香檳中的泡泡就是於這個程序製成的啊! 瓶子會被暫時封口，橫放在架上，室溫要保持於10~12℃。

室溫要經常保持於10~12℃，酒都放在地低去!

無年份香檳須要於擺放最少15個月，年份香檳須要最少3年呢! 下一個步驟是清除瓶中的沈積物。之後，瓶子會被倒轉直放。有時你會看到造酒者把瓶子轉來轉去，就是因為這個原因了。現在很多酒莊已用機器代替人手做此工作。而加糖入酒中的過程叫"dosage"，加多少糖就要看那款酒的style了。

術語 (Terminology)

只有於香檳區製造的才可稱為香檳(Champagne)，其他只可叫做有氣酒(Sparkling wine)。

支酒好"dry"是什麼意思呢?

Dry不dry就是指酒中的糖份比例啦! 糖份高是Sweet，糖份低的就是dry。香檳瓶上的label常見的字眼:

Brut - 好 dry
Extra sec - dry
Sec - Off-dry
Demi-sec - Sweet

下次再介紹另外一個地區的葡萄酒給你啊!

敗家女日記 - Domaine Chanzy 葡萄酒

2010-08-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

Domaine Chanzy 葡萄酒

http://buynowgirl.blogspot.com/2010/08/domaine-chanzy.html

巴黎來回機票(3) - 巴黎夢

2010-08-04T08:06:00.000-07:00

I need a return ticket to Paris...

請你先看此video，才看文章...

下課後我在昨天同一位置等阿明。

阿明在我耳邊大聲說:「喂! 小妮! 跟我來。」

他走得很快，我只好跟在後面。我剛才幻想巴黎街頭的浪漫情景，現在被他粉碎了!

我投訴 : 「有個巴黎男生對我說，法國人是"Walk according to their feelings"的(跟隨自己的感覺而走路)，多浪漫啊!」

阿明盯著我然後抽了口煙 : 「巴黎咁多車，walk according to your feelings? 車死你啦! 法國仔嗡咩你都話浪漫啦，超!」

巴黎交通的確比較亂，現在很多巴黎人為了省錢，改開電單車，情況更不堪。我們走了幾個街頭，到達了一間中餐館。

阿明指著一對亞洲男女 : 「他們已經來了。」

中餐館內的燈光很暗，裝修很土氣，人客又不多。阿明向我介紹兩位日本留學生阿沙和他的女朋友和子。我們點了個雲吞麵和炒飯，都是比較便宜的。

日本人很講究面子，阿沙告訴和子中國人不喜歡把食物通通吃光，要留下一點不吃才算有禮貌，表示主人家預備了很多餸菜，和子點頭向我微笑，樣子很淘氣。

我說 : 「我們這個年代的人沒所謂的了。阿沙，你正在唸什麼?」

阿沙也抽煙 : 「我先唸法文，之後想在巴黎報讀經濟學位。」

原來和子也在唸法文，她以前沒想過來巴黎生活，但為了維繫這段感情，只好放棄日本的工作，來到巴黎和阿沙一起生活。

一天下課阿明氣衝衝地告訴我：「和子因為不適應巴黎的生活而在家大哭，精神受到困擾。我要立即到他們家! 」

我看得呆住。

各人在巴黎追尋找一個夢...都付出了很多。幸好我知道何時會回家，因為我的是張來回機票，但有些人只買了單程。

(待續)

巴黎來回機票(2) - 抽煙的人

2010-08-02T19:58:00.000-07:00

I need a return ticket to Paris...

巴黎夏天陽光充足，晚上十時許太陽才下山，正中『不夜天』。

初到貴境，我於巴黎法國文化協會報讀了一個法文班。第一天早上，拿了一些紙和筆便離開房間。我輕鬆地走在石板街上，此刻的巴黎很實在，沒有名店，亦沒有觀光客，只有路人匆匆擦身而過。巴黎地鐵沒冷氣，幸好天氣乾爽，才沒出現大汗淋漓的尷尬情況。電視看到那些豐富的法式早餐，實屬欺騙遊客，跟其他巴黎人一樣，我每天只吃朱古力包或牛角包當早餐。

巴黎法國文化協會吸引了來自世界各地的學生入讀。第一天上學，沒朋友，下課後第一時間進行重要活動 - 「搭散」(注: 廣東話「搭散」即是主動跟不相認的人閒聊) 。遠處有堆中國人，其中一個男生在抽煙，他留意到我在看他。

他走過來問 :「Ca va? Je suis Ming。」(你好嗎? 我叫阿明)

我考慮了兩秒後，有禮貌地用普通話回答:「我是中國人，叫小妮。」

阿明抽了一口煙說 :「香港妹。」

我瞪大了眼說:「你為什麼會講廣東話?」

阿明說 :「我係廣州人。」他抽了一口煙又繼續 :「香港妹......最難溝。」

我指著他說 :「哈! 你你你!!!」

阿明問我 :「你香港妹來巴黎幹嗎?」

我說 :「學法文。那你來巴黎幹什麼?」

阿明說:「我不想來歐洲的。不過申請不到美國簽證，所以先來歐洲，我最終都會跑到美國去唸設計的!」

我沒響半聲，看不出他的理想如此偉大。

阿明說:「香港妹，明天我約了兩個日本朋友到附近的中餐館吃飯，你一起來吧。」

我說:「好的。」

阿明抽著煙，轉身便走了。好的，明天見...

(待續)

法國文化協會校內的"吹水園地"。

巴黎地鐵圖

巴黎法國文化協會設有短期課程，方便在職人士就讀。
http://www.alliancefr.org

Swedish Crayfish Party @ fridge - 31 July

2010-07-31T06:55:00.000-07:00

fridge 於8月份推出瑞典小龍蝦節，並於7月31日舉行了launch party!

你看我們上手上的小龍蝦

嘉賓品嚐小龍蝦意粉和伏特加酒

記者朋友一起party!

fridge 推出瑞典「小龍蝦派對」午餐。

日期: 8月14日及21日(星期六)

時間: 下午1時至3時

地點: fridge中環卑利街48號地下

價錢: $180 (不另收加一)

午餐美食以小龍蝦和三文魚沙律為頭盤，主菜是fridge的特色小龍蝦意粉，您更可以即場自製瑞典薑餅。當然不少得瑞典伏特加酒和咖啡!

fridge

地址: 中環卑利街48號地下

訂座請致電Carole Wong 93577125或電郵致 carole@fridge.com.hk.

舞台劇《陌生客》"LÉtranger"

2010-07-25T05:50:00.000-07:00

一天老友記Gary告知他將參與改編自法國小說《陌生客》"L’Étranger"的舞台劇演出。

我十分驚訝，因為本人N年前看過這本小說，睇極都唔知講咩。可能當時年紀太小，對生命充滿熱誠，不明白為什麼主角阿莫對身邊人和事均表現得如此冷漠。現在被社會洗禮過後，已經向現實低頭，為5 kilo米折腰，成為一條"軟皮蛇"。

眾人認定主角阿莫殺了人，因為母親死後他亦沒哭。他的行為反映了很多香港人"行屍走肉，心靈空虛"的生活嗎? 如果你只是想對世事的無奈抽離一下，別人便對你的"冷莫表現"認定為"麻木不仁"，那麼，我們要事事表現熱情才合情合理?

法國小說陌生客"L’Étranger"依然在我的書架上!

陌生客導演Walter十分熱愛法國文學作品。他對主角對世事麻木不仁的態度有一番見解:

陌生老友記Gary:

有關《陌生客》"L’Étranger"作者Albert Camus
http://manwithoutqualities.com/category/liberalism

他們就在此Rehearsal:
九龍石硤尾白田街30號賽馬會創意藝術中心

巴黎來回機票 (1) - 木樓梯

2010-07-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

我從小便喜歡巴黎，但決不迷戀她的繁華，反而愛上當地古老的建築物。每幢大廈都有過百年的歷史，而且保存得很好，像雕在古董上的美女，容顏永不褪色。

巴黎生活水平並不低於香港，留學其間我只能入住小旅館。留學生的日子雖然沒什麼享受，但亦樸實得符合邏輯。小旅館離盧森堡公園(Jardin du Luxembourg )不遠，還記得剛到步時我拖著行李箱，朝公小旅館位於的小區裏走。經過盧森堡公園時我不禁停下來休息片刻，在附近的麵包店買了條法式長飽當午餐，然後找了一張長椅坐下。

我終於到達了公寓大廈，大門小得可憐，除了一張小型桌子當前台外，便什麼都容不下。巴黎的地價也是寸金尺土，很多年青人買不起房子，工作多年依然與父母同住。前台旁邊是條長長的木樓梯，大廈樓齡高，因此沒有安裝升降機。房間位於三樓，我立即略躊躇了一會，才拖著行李箱慢慢往上走。我每踏上一步，殘舊的木樓梯便發出「依呀、依呀」的聲音，有如一位歷盡滄桑的老婆婆正在回應我的到訪，不抗拒時，亦不表示歡迎。中學時代在香港就讀一間天主教女子中學，校舍主樓有一條長長的木樓梯，可直達天台，古色古鄉。木樓梯陪著我成長，而我則看著它被拆掉。新校舍快將落成，社會就是如此長江後浪推前浪。

打開公寓的房門只見簡陋傢俱，門左邊是床，床頭放了個木櫃，僅僅夠一個人用。水龍頭有點生銹，活像第二次世界大戰時製造似的。

天啊! 這就是巴黎了嗎?

(photo from About.com: Paris Travel)

盧森堡公園
地點: Place Edmond Rostand, 6th arrondissement
Metro: Odeon or Cluny La Sorbonne (Lines 4, 10)
RER: Luxembourg (Line B)
Bus: Lines 27, 38, 82, 83, 85, 89

敗家女- 香港Wine Bar系列

2010-07-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

香港Wine Bar系列

TIVO Wine Bar

http://buynowgirl.blogspot.com/2010/07/wine-bar-tivo.html

不帶Passport去旅行 - 咖啡實驗室(2)

2010-07-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

牙買加出產的藍山咖啡(Blue Mountain)是世界上最貴的咖啡，現時90%的牙買加藍山咖啡豆出口到日本。藍山位於Kingston 和 Port Antonio 中間，是加勒比海最高的山脈，土壤肥沃，是種植咖啡豆的最佳地區。

真正的藍山咖啡是有出世紙的! 拍得住你個LV呀!

藍山咖啡豆木桶

評咖啡的品質有以下幾項:
1) 香味 (Aroma)
2) 酸度 (Acidity)
3) 稠度 (Body)
4) 味道 (Flavour)
5) 回韻 (After taste)

非洲出產的咖啡酸度較高，而且味道較苦，例如Kenya AA。南美洲的咖啡一般帶有甘香味，很平衡，不太苦。亞洲的咖啡很苦啊！我嚐了一口印尼咖啡，真的比其他咖啡苦。「做個人上人，亞洲咖啡你必須飲！」

你有沒有想過種咖啡豆工人的血淚史？他們大熱天時背著載滿咖啡豆的袋...

咖啡是一門藝術

小妮蒲點:
Barista CAFFE
3/F, 18 Ashley Road
Tsim Sha Tsui
Hong Kong

Attention! 敗家女今日有update!
http://buynowgirl.blogspot.com/2010/07/blog-post_21.html

不帶Passport去旅行 - 咖啡實驗室 (1)

2010-07-19T01:13:00.000-07:00

咖啡豆如何變成一柸美味的咖啡?

From Coffee Beans

A cup of coffee

原來泡咖啡的方法有很多，今日一起研究日式虹吸壺(Syphon)煮法吧!

Step 1:

把水倒入下壺

Step 2把濾芯放進上壺

把上壺斜插至下壺

Step 3

用火把水煮沸，切記勿把火源開的太大，下壺的水便會慢慢被吸上上壺。

Step 4

下壺冒出水泡時，移開下壺火源。
當下壺水完全煮到上座時，等待溫度稍微平穩之後，把咖啡粉倒入上壺。

Step 5

然後攪拌，木棒要保持平穩方式由前後攪拌，不要打圈攪。

Step 6

將咖啡倒入溫熱過的咖啡杯中，一杯香濃的咖啡即可享用。

下回小妮和你品嚐傳說中的藍山咖啡!

Swedish Food Festival @ fridge Launch Party - 31 July 2010

2010-07-17T00:56:00.000-07:00

小妮派對 - 瑞典派對@fridge(2)

2010-07-16T03:30:00.000-07:00

第一次世界大戰前，瑞典以農業為主，因天氣寒冷，薯仔便是瑞典人的主要食糧。

瑞典菜Pyttipanna意思是"平底鍋中的小粒"，是他們的傳統"農夫食物"。只要把薯仔、洋蔥和肉切成小方粒，然後放在平底鍋中炒至金黃色，再加一隻太陽蛋便成。簡單方便又飽肚啊!

請密切留意「fridge瑞典派對」的詳情啊!

fridge地址:
中環卑利街48號地下

小妮派對 - 瑞典派對@fridge(1)

2010-07-15T08:28:00.000-07:00

夏日炎炎正好...開派對!

瑞典派對你玩過未? 瑞典天氣寒冷，一到夏天瑞典人就會走晒出來搞party。小妮老友Carole於中環SOHO開設餐廳fridge，今個8月將和你玩轉"瑞典"。首先一齊認識瑞典菜吧!

瑞典派對當然少不了伏特加酒(Vodka)。伏特加酒有多種口味，包括不同種類的水果和草莓味道。

伏特加酒酒精含量達40%，加入果汁可做成可口的夏日雞尾酒! 讓我為你介紹伏特加酒雞尾酒的調法吧!

瑞典草莓種類之多。越橘(Lingonberry)汁大受瑞典人歡迎!

請密切留意「fridge瑞典派對」的詳情啊!

fridge地址:
中環卑利街48號地下

我在瑞典的日子(6) - 伏特加酒

2010-07-14T00:21:00.000-07:00

瑞典天氣寒冷，我居住的南部城市隆德 (Lund) 冬天亦下雪。冬天下午2時便天黑，天黑黑就無心情溫習(其實都是藉口)。但一到週末，成個人精神晒! 瑞典每個大學生都被安排加入一個學生會("Nation")，學生會的活動包羅萬有，週末當然是的士高時間啊!

我結識了來自英國倫敦的學生Rita M，她打遍天下無敵手，每逢週末便到不同的學生會的士高劈酒。

小妮和Rita M又一起去學生會的士高。

小妮：「搞咩? 呢柸係Vodka(伏特加酒)加可樂? 一 o的 Vodka味都冇!」

Rita M：「咁平，你想點?」

沒錯，學生會賣的酒很便宜，所以Vodka加可樂等於純可樂。有時我們在超級市場買Vodka回宿舍，自製伏特加酒雞尾酒，平靚正!

北歐人很喜歡喝伏特加酒。早於17世紀，俄國皇室已經開始於宴會飲用伏特加酒。於斯拉夫語系中，"Vodka" 意思是"心愛的水點"，反映他們多麼熱愛伏特加。伏特加由馬鈴薯、玉米、祼麥釀製，用麥芽或黑麥芽作糖化劑。於第二之蒸餾後的純正蒸餾酒的中間部份加以過濾，成為伏特加酒。

在瑞典開派對，點少得飲Vodka?

瑞典Svedka伏特加酒

加入敗家女日記

2010-06-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

小妮新blog

敗家女日記

http://buynowgirl.blogspot.com

歡迎你把各式各樣「貴夾唔飽，買左一定被阿爸鬧」的產品介紹給全香港敗家仔敗家女。大家齊來為產品的包裝、外觀、服務、價格評分!

如你有產品和好去處想介紹，請電郵至buynowgirl@gmail.com。請提供產品圖片、價錢、零售地點，歡迎你簡短地介紹產品來源等背景資料。

法國芝士知多少?

2010-06-19T04:37:00.000-07:00

法國芝士講座
日期: 6月17日
地點: 法國領事館

小妮「食芝士，抄note屎」，有咩好玩呢? 星期四我參加了由David Guillon主講的法國芝士講座，對這個芝士王國作更深入了解。

大家多專心上課，只有我在倒蛋

Mr. David Guillon

法國約出產1000多種芝士，跟葡萄酒一樣，原來歐盟和法國政府對芝士亦有法列管制。當中以Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC)級數管制最嚴厲，其次有Label Régional (LR)。

法國人吃芝士十分講究，要色、香、味俱全。首先，碟上要有一張美觀的紙放在芝士下面，好使外觀大大加分。切芝士要由中間開始切，把一片片的芝士放在麵包上便可以吃了。

Cheese presentation

名叫Camembert的芝士十分受法國人和外國人歡迎。我們當晚品嚐了新鮮的Camembert，裏面的芝士由中央慢慢地流出來啊! 原來法國政府對Camembert芝士盒子形狀和大小亦有管制。

新鮮的Camembert

Camembert盒子

我們還品嚐了一些很少見的法國南部地道芝士，例如St Nicolas和Cornes Du Diable，St Nicolas帶有香草芬芳味道，十分特別。

St Nicolas和 Cornes Du Diable

味道極濃的藍芝士(blue cheese)，最適宜配紅酒啊!你喜歡嗎?

我們品嚐了Bleu d'Auvergne 。

下次到super market你會多留意法國芝士種類嗎?

Island School Staff Band @ The Wanch

2010-06-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

Island School Staff Band
Date: 18 June 2010
Venue: The Wanch in Wanchai

Where are the Islanders?

I am listening to you....!

Gareth - Drums
Chris - Saxophone
Robert - Bass

Mark - Vocal

留法舊生會週年晚宴 FAA Annual Dinner

2010-06-07T04:50:00.000-07:00

留法舊生會週年晚宴
日期: 2010年6月6日
地點: W's Entrecôte
好玩! French Alumni Association 2010 annual dinner 於昨晚在W's Entrecôte餐廳舉行。著名品酒師兼W's Entrecôte老闆郭偉信(Wilson Kwok)先生亦是我們的會員。當晚Wilson為來賓解答有關葡萄酒的問題，我們上了寶貴的一課啊!

我們和郭偉信先生合照

大家都很留心聽郭偉信先生講解法國葡萄酒的知識

我們為來賓安排了一場blind tasting遊戲! 看誰猜中葡萄酒的種類。

法國領事館文化及科學參贊Mr Gilles Bonnevialle(後排左4) 和FAA委員會委員

CP和小妮示範最潮 "我愛法國"服飾! Oui!

剛從法國留學回港的Alice(左)當司儀

音樂系畢業生Florence 為大家唱出La Vie En Rose，觀眾掌聲如雷。Bravo! 我也彈了首 Les Miserables 中的 Do You Hear the People Sing?

FAA副會長Jacky (右) 和法國戲劇導演Agnes Seelinger主持猜字遊戲，緊張剌激!

Yuki、小妮、Louise! Santé!

à bientôt!

French Alumni Association網址
http://www.faa-hk.com/

The French Alumni Association is supported by the French Consulate.

美國死亡筆記(4) - 快樂漢堡包

2010-06-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

西雅圖夏天有時下雨，一天放晴，大家相約燒烤去。

身為港女代表，當豬排燒好後，我不顧什麼儀態便立即放進口裏去。眼見日本妹拿了兩片麵包，一些生菜和一塊豬排，慢慢地把所有材料弄成一個漢堡包才吃。我看著她手上的漢堡包，十分驚訝。

小妮:「真是完美的食物啊!」

日本妹笑了笑，什麼都不說，慢慢地咀嚼她的漢堡包。她穿著連身裙，油了手指甲，手帶上可愛的小飾物，連燒烤都穿得如此kawaii呢!

日本妹曾經對我說，日本社會把所有人定了型，男人必須事業有成，負責家庭開支。女人在三十歲前不結婚便受到歧視，大學畢業的日本女性依然很難當上高職位，做日本人的壓力真的不少。

有次她來香港旅遊，我和她走過九龍公園，她問我有沒有人在公園內住，我感到很奇怪。原來日本近十多年經濟衰退，很多中年人，甚至年青人都找不到工作，日本妹說很多失業人士要露宿於公園中。怪不得日本近來多了班「衘宅族」，躲在家中逃避現實，品嚐他們的「快樂漢堡包」。

美國死亡筆記 (3) - 一身債

2010-05-31T08:09:00.000-07:00

晚飯後大家都在休息室看電視，只有日本仔在房間溫習。

小妮：「美國仔，人家日本仔如此努力溫習，你只會看電視，日本人經濟強是有理由的。」

美國仔目不轉睛地看著電視說：「YOU! 多好看的電視劇啊! 一班大壞蛋逃到墨西哥去了!」

美國人一出了事便逃到墨西哥去，有如香港人逃回中國大陸一樣 - "著草去"。

美國仔：「小妮，我剛買了部Apple手提電腦啊!」

小妮：「天啊! 是最新型號，你何來有這麼多錢?」

美國仔：「我用了我阿媽的credit card找數。」

小妮：「吓?? 那一樣要還錢啊!」

美國仔：「那我只好逃亡到墨西哥了! 哈哈!」

美國人的「先洗未來錢習慣」早已傳至亞洲，當天我對美國仔欠咭數但依然天掉下來當被冚的態度感到反感，現在對我們來說，"live on our credit cards"已十分普遍。小妮四眼妹時代到美國Wall Street 一遊，夢想一天會發達，當然夢想並沒有成真。

「破產管理處公布，09年全年破產申請宗數超過15000宗，較08年同期上升逾三成半，亦為03年以來的最高數字。星展銀行表示，本港破產宗數上升趨勢平穩，并無出現突然跳升情况，未來有關趨勢會否回落，則難以預計。」香港商報 2010年 01月 16日

...一身債

不帶Passport去旅行 - 香港巴赫合唱團

2010-05-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

我昨晚欣賞了鋼琴老師於香港巴赫合唱團的演出，表演曲目為巴赫的《B小調彌撒曲》。沒合唱經驗的我本來睇到張票上寫有"彌撒曲"三大個字，就立即好眼瞓。但合唱團歌聲之美妙，還有獨唱家舒瓦爾茲(女高音)、潘徹拉(女中音)、根茲(男高音)和盧格思(男中音）於指揮何博文的帶領下，把巴赫的《B小調彌撒曲》演繹得淋漓盡致。

香港巴赫合唱團原身由十五名歌手於1969年組成演出一場巴赫的清唱劇。經過多年的發展，合唱團迅速擴大，現已擁有超過一百名不同國籍的團員。雖然很多團員的職業並不是音樂界，如銀行家、公司管理層，但他們的水準十分專業。而且巴赫樂團由一些香港管弦樂團成員組成，可想其音樂造詣之高。

有關香港巴赫合唱團audition的資料:
http://www.bachchoir.org.hk/en/join_us.html

不帶Passport去旅行 - Vinexpo - 5月25至27日

2010-05-27T05:43:00.000-07:00

一年一度的酒展Vinexpo於今年5月25至27日載譽重臨香江，一如往年，參展商來自不同國家，當中的法國館陣容相當頂盛。

Vinexpo海報十分奪目

來自法國不同酒區的酒莊前來香港參展，向亞洲入口商介紹新酒。我當然不會錯過機會，試試不同產區的酒啊!

隆河區 (Rhone Valley)

北隆河區的主要紅葡萄品種是Syrah(施克)，丹寧較重，白葡萄為Viognier。南隆河區除了Syrah外，便以Grenache為主要紅葡萄品種，白葡萄為Roussanne, Clairette, Ugni Blanc等。我品嚐了多支紅酒，帶有blackberries的味道啊！

勃艮地 (Burgundy)

可能我曾於城市Dijon(第戎)居住，我對勃艮地情有獨鍾。勃艮地一共有6百多個 Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC)，氣候較冷，白酒都是乾身的。主要紅葡萄品種是Pinot Noir 和Gamay，白葡萄為Chardonnay和Aligoté。我試了一支入口價已經要EURO55的勃艮地美酒啊!

勃艮地展館

我於展覽館內認識了一位比利時商人，他在法國開設酒莊，由於他以前是名賽車手，其公司的logo和賽車亦有關呢!

Vinexpo! 下年於法國波爾多見!

不帶Passport去旅行 - 香港國際藝術展

2010-05-26T07:40:00.000-07:00

小妮今晚參觀了香港國際藝術展，此盛事是亞洲區內展出國際現代及當代藝術的主要平台，來自 29 個國家共逾150 間畫廊參展。於會場上更巧遇多位好朋友，大家前來觀賞及購買來自不同地域的優質藝術品。

是莫札特的畫像啊!

小妮於會場巧遇好朋友...

小妮、港樂巿場推廣總監Paul、任職畫廊的Michele、留學法國朋友Ellen

日本熊貓! Kawaii!

末日救地球?

馬術表演!

大會邀請了香港小交響樂團駐團藝術家楊嘉輝(左三)，帶領觀眾用ipod演奏樂曲，十分有創意。

iPod Symphony

大家看著譜子，用ipod奏樂

特別介紹:

我於會場遇上十年前在越南認識的朋友Stella，她現於胡志明市開設會所Temple Club，很受名人明星歡迎:

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/hochiminhcity/D52821.html

Hong Kong International Art Fair

http://www.hongkongartfair.com/

不帶Passport去旅行 - 品嚐香檳

2010-05-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

香檳十分受女士們歡迎，今晚到位於上環的法國小店Monsieur CHATTE 品嚐香檳，還遇上不少老友記。說是小店有點不準，Monsieur CHATTE 有三層高，賣法國食品和葡萄酒，老闆還自家生產鵝肝醬呢!

用以製造香檳的葡萄有Chadonnay, Pinot meunier 和 Pinor Noir。今晚品嚐了用白和紅葡萄混合製成的Rosé香檳，我們叫了點Comté芝士吃，很法國啊!

酒商從法國來香港介紹其香檳

品酒會上巧遇在SciencePo留學的小師弟，他對法國食品很有研究啊!

店員忙過不停，還為我們切芝士呢!

Monsieur CHATTE

www.mrchatte.com.hk

不帶Passport去旅行- 豎琴堡新鋪開張

2010-05-21T05:06:00.000-07:00

提起豎琴，你會想到希臘神話中的天使嗎? 老友記Kitty於尖沙咀開設豎琴堡(Harp Chamber)分校，並在今天開張的大日子安排了一場師生表演。年青華人豎琴家于丹是豎琴堡的老師，我有幸能欣賞到她的演出啊!

小妮與著名年青華人豎琴家于丹合照。

2001年七月，于丹成為首位贏得第五屆美國國際豎琴大賽的華人，憑著演繹珍納斯特拿豎琴協奏曲和以色列現代作曲家馬阿雅尼的現代作品《馬卡瑪特》，贏得金獎及兩個特别獎。她曾在倫敦、紐約、法國和日本等地舉行個人獨奏會。

小妮扮彈豎琴!

一眾老友前來到賀豎琴堡分校開張

小朋友表演豎琴

Harp Chamber Website
http://www.harpchamber.com/E16.html

Biography of Yu Dan
http://www.ywgs.edu.hk/html/yudan.pdf

美國死亡筆記(2) - 開Party

2010-05-19T22:27:00.000-07:00

美國仔很喜歡看電視，正宗沙發馬鈴薯 (Couch Potato)。今天下課後又躺在宿舍休息室的沙發上看電視，卻不久突然離開。

我問：「你為什麼不繼續看?」

美國仔說: 「因為現在是新聞報導。」

我說：「天阿! 什麼垃圾電視劇集你都看，唯獨不看新聞報導?」

美國仔說: 「美國的新聞報導有什麼好看，全是以美國人為中心的故事。」

我說：「因為美國人自稱"世界警察"，要保衛地球。經常說外星人侵略地球的都不是美國人嗎?」

美國仔發悶說: 「不如開party?」

我說：「好, 開個Tea party。」

美國仔哈哈大笑: 「Tea party不是 party! You!!!」

1773年12月16日, 美國殖民者不滿英國，因而在位於麻薩諸塞州(Massachusetts)的波士頓傾倒和消毀茶葉，對抗英國，引起了著名的美國獨立戰爭。現在美國以反傾銷關稅打擊中國入口，不是保障自己利益的行為嗎?

我沒好氣，起來想著回自己房間休息。

美國仔立即問：「你要走了，不開Tea party?」

我說：「我今天的態度是"Leave me alone policy"，你不要找我了。」

美國仔表示他不明白...

之唔係中國人的「各家自掃門前雪，休理他人瓦上霜 Policy」囉! 咁都唔明? 世界警察...

Boston Tea Party

你看到什麼? 你相信什麼?

CNN
http://edition.cnn.com

China Daily
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn

BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk

Le Figaro
http://www.lefigaro.fr

不帶Passport去旅行 - 智者的花園

2010-05-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

熱愛中國文化的法國人真的不少，昨晚我欣賞了名為《智者的花園》(Garden of the Sage)音樂會。法國作曲家Thierry Pecou利用中西方樂器，包括鋼琴、長笛、單簧管、低音古提琴、女高音和中國古琴表達中國古代哲學，而且台上播放如中國水墨畫的動畫。

於音樂會上巧遇法國戲劇導演Agnes Seelinger，她形象百變，有如法國詹瑞文呢!

留學法國學生，法國領事館代表和Agnes Seelinger(右一)

Le French May

More about Agnes Seelinger:
http://www.timeout.com.hk/stage/features/14291/on-a-feule-chez-mr-sloop.html

美國死亡筆記(1) - 美國夢

2010-05-08T08:51:00.000-07:00

某年暑假我到美國西雅圖華盛頓大學讀summer，入住學生宿舍Terry Lander Hall。我的房間在二樓，不算高，但宿舍的升降機慢得很，光是等它到達Ground floor的時間，已足夠我爬樓梯到達，但是拿著行李走上去又很累。唉!一轉眼已N年，現在我的人生又何嘗不是很「二樓」...「唔上唔落」?

我對面的房門貼了張大海報，是從月球拍攝地球的照片。原來住了個美國仔，一天我跟他問好說:「你好，我是小妮，香港來的。」

他跟我握握手說:「你好，我是美國仔，西雅圖人。」

美國仔喜歡穿著加大碼的T恤，我們經常和其他同住二樓的學生在飯堂午膳。飯堂地方寬敞，西雅圖夏天天色特別好，陽光透入飯堂，令人心情開朗。一天無聊，我們舉行了一場不可思意的大食比賽。我吃了很多肉後終於因太飽而放棄，但美國仔依然繼續吃...

我問他:「為什麼你可以吃這麼多?你們美國人什麼都是oversize，穿的，吃的無不是加大碼。」

美國仔打趣地說:「對! 我們美國人ego(自尊心)很大，什麼都要比別人強。哈哈! 我吃完第五碟肉了! I win!」

我清楚記得美國仔的口頭蟬是 "We Americans" (我們美國人)。他經常說:「Come to America! We have dreams! (來美國，我們有夢想)」

我心想，老土到震。

美國仔的祖父母於第二次世界大戰時從德國逃亡到美國，展開人生新一頁。美國是個移民國家，怪不得美國仔有如此思維，認為美國是世界的希望。

現在歐洲掀起「反穋斯林化」浪潮，比利時國會通過法案，禁止婦女於公共場所穿穋斯林罩袍。法國亦禁止學生於校內穿宗教服飾。排外是人的天性，融入是理想烏托邦。如今美國夢何處尋?

二樓宿生在Suzzallo圖書館前留影，美國仔身穿他最愛的 oversize T恤!

California Dreaming
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0UcQDUR-fU

小妮遊記 - 美國死亡筆記 The American Death Note

2010-05-05T19:51:00.000-07:00

下星期節目預告:

N年前到美國西雅圖放暑假 , 順便在UW (讀"U Dup") 即University of Washington讀了個美國政治班，學美國人如何投票，不過讀完都一舊雲。在學生宿舍 Terry Lander Hall認識了一班朋友，不可思議的事就在二樓發生，不同國籍的人如何共處同一層樓? 請密切留意小妮的《美國死亡筆記》The American Death Note。

Terry Lander Hall 住客:

Room 201
Nationality: 美國
Name:美國仔
Faculty: 工程系

Room 202
Nationality: 日本
Name: 日本妹
Faculty: 新聞系

Room 203
Nationality: 日本
Name: 日本仔
Faculty: 法律系
Room 204
Nationality: 馬來西亞
Name:馬拉妹
Faculty: 工商管理系

Room 205
Nationality: 南韓
Name:韓國妹
Faculty: 科學

Room 206
Nationality: 印尼華僑
Name:印尼妹
Faculty: 英文系

Room 207
Nationality:中國香港
Name: 小妮
Faculty: 政治系

(為了配合香港政府, 我用了這個 logo代表自己, 政治正確)

Terry Lander Hall:
http://www.washington.edu/admin/ada/lander.php

University of Washington
「公立長春籐」華盛頓大學
http://www.washington.edu/

小妮遊記 - 我的芬蘭筆友

2010-05-03T20:17:00.000-07:00

記起唸小學時流行交筆友練英文，一天不知誰給了我一張申請筆友表格，便立即填上個人資料寄出。我的第一個筆友是來自芬蘭的Maija Renko。當時看著世界地圖嘗試找出芬蘭的位置。嘩! 原來芬蘭在地球的最北部! 第一封信當然是介紹"我的家"，Maija 告訴我芬蘭地方很大，而且有千多個湖泊，風景優美。我回信實說香港面積很小，人多車多，屋子又細...倒了香港旅遊局米。

上大學時參加了國際工商管理同學會組織，有機會到芬蘭和瑞典兩星期參加研討會。這是我人生第一次到北歐，心想很快便會見到和我通了信十多年的筆友，真的很期待!

首都赫爾辛基(Helsinki)著名的白色教堂

我到了Maija為於土庫 (Turku) 的家作客，土庫是芬蘭最古老的城鎮之一，於1812年以前是芬蘭的首都。芬蘭人的屋子一般只有一層高，以木建造，而且必定設有桑拿(Sauna) 。我告訴Maija香港的芬蘭浴室是壞人才去光顧的，她十分驚訝。

芬蘭的夏天依然有點涼

Maija的爸爸送我一隻芬蘭音樂家西貝遼士(Jean Sibelius) 的CD，我保存至今...下班回家可以聽聽芬蘭音樂relax一吓呢!

紀念西貝遼士(Jean Sibelius) 的建築物

Made in Finland

芬蘭科技先進，手機Nokia暢銷全球。由娜威 band D'Sound唱出 2001年Nokia廣告歌"Talkin Talk"，紅極一時。
http://www.youtube.c om/watch?v=rX16lVP38pw

位於蘭桂芳的北歐餐廳FINDS
http://www.finds.com.hk/

Marimekko
http://www.marimekko.fi/eng

西貝遼士的芬蘭頌 (Finlandia)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgwr3wrenkQ&feature=related

卡通片Moomin

華裔大提琴家Trey Lee將與芬蘭室樂團於
5月30日假香港大會堂演出。

當一天波希米亞人@ Fridge - 5月2日

2010-05-02T05:09:00.001-07:00

當一天波希米亞人@ Fridge
日期: 5月2日
地點: Fridge , Upper Ground 48 Peel Stree, Central

享受生活，不一定要到五星級酒店或米芝蓮餐廳。老友Carole於中環開設餐廳Fridge，供應歐洲美酒佳餚。餐廳室內設計以綠色為主色，一派自然清新氣息，是中環人忙裏偷閒的好地方，好讓你當一天波希米亞人。

Fridge麻雀雖小但五臟區全，酒架放滿從歐洲、南美洲等地入口的葡萄酒。我品嚐了一支智利白酒，雖然是table wine，但很清新，還配火腿和芝士當下午茶。

酒架放滿從歐洲、南美洲等地入口的葡萄酒

小妮和老闆娘Carole相識十多年，小時候一起學法文。Carole留學法國波爾多，對歐洲食品很有研究，因而開設餐廳引入歐洲美食。當天我品嚐了多種火腿: Jamón serrano, Serrano Ham和Parma Ham 。Carole還特別介紹風乾48個月的 Jamon Iberico，配以白酒吃，盡享南歐風味。

餐廳有個小陽台，猶如致身歐洲小街!

Fridge Fine Food ‧Wine
Tin Hau
Shop B 63 Electric Road
Tine Hau Hong Kong
Tel: 2887 0188

Central
Upper Ground 48 Peel Street
Central Hong Kong
Tel: 2810 1098

西班牙豬腿派對 Spanish Ham Party - 4月30日

2010-05-01T01:33:00.000-07:00

西班牙豬腿派對
日期: 4月30日
地點: 中環蘭桂坊

提起西班牙，你會想起鬥牛勇士? 美女歌舞?老友Kitty到西班牙旅行，手信是西班牙豬腿! 我們開了個西班牙豬腿派對(Spanish Ham Party) ，自製西班牙美食。

豬腿天然風乾了18個月，我們輪流切豬腿，用的刀非常鋒利啊! 越接近骨的腿肉越鮮嫩，餘下的骨可以先出水，再用來煲湯。

豬腿肉配上哈蜜瓜，便是美味可口的西班牙前菜了。美食當前，不少得美酒。我們以CAVA(即西班牙有氣酒)配豬腿肉，perfect match!

我們把新鮮蕃茄汁和橄欖油放於麵包上吃，極盡南歐風味。美酒佳餚當前，又怎可能沒音樂?我們即興夾band，自彈自唱多首中英文流行曲。平時官仔骨骨的中環仔，原來夾band亦得!

香港大學校友會 Alumni Nite 2010

2010-04-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

HKUAA Alumni Nite 2010
日期: 4月24日
地點: 馬會 Club House

香港大學校友會於4月24日舉行Alumni Nite 2010。當晚衣香鬓影，嘉賓包括沈祖堯醫生、楊鐵樑爵士、梁智鴻醫生、周梁淑怡女士、勞永樂先生等等。晚宴三日前我才接到老友Joseph電話，告知米雪有要事不能出席，問我可否當司儀。好彩一切順利，明年再接再厲!

(左起: 小妮、Joseph、Kitty、楊鐵樑爵士)

當晚大會主題為" A Journey Through Time"，我們還於幾星期內完成一本有關香港大學的校園生活場刊，鳴謝所有嘉賓、贊助商及工作人員。我前幾晚一放工便回家做Proof reading，核對文字和相片，幸好大家對場刊一致好評，心機才沒白費啊!

(左起: Joseph、小妮、Kitty、謝會長、沈祖堯醫生)

香港大學人才輩出，我們邀得不同學系畢業的校友演奏鋼琴、豎琴和唱歌，是一個極具心思的音樂會。

來自不同學系(電子工程系、法律系、英國文學系、社會科學系等)校友表演音樂

所有工作人員和嘉賓大合照!

明年香港大學100周年校慶見!

小妮遊記 - 奧地利學琴記

2010-04-12T05:56:00.000-07:00

2008年6月的某天興之所至，決定到奧地利學鋼琴。帶了點錢、琴譜、電話、化妝品便走了。這回能否找到莫札特的足跡呢?

維也納以音樂聞名於世，這次並非我第一次到訪，因此不甚感到新奇。其實我最終的目的地是南部小鎮Liesing，相反地我對小鎮風光充滿期盼，城市人少見多怪，總是覺得得不到，留不住的事物才是最好。

奧地利的山脈，有仙樂飄飄處處聞的感覺

聽說莫札特被妒忌他的人落毒至死，妒忌本是人性，聰明的人把妒忌化為推動自己向前走的能量，蠢人卻因妒忌把整個人生破壞了。莫札特天生聰明，可謂當時的世界仔。1791年7月的一天，一位陌生訪客帶來了一封匿名信件，委託莫札特為他的妻子撰寫安魂曲，他正受病患折磨。莫札特於未完成此安魂曲便過身，天才如平凡人一樣，亦難免一死。

音樂學校的正門，這為期十天的課程雖短，但能認識來自各國的業餘音樂愛好者，已經足夠了。

禮堂中的鋼琴

下課練習用的鋼琴

課外活動是到訪音樂家馬勒故居和布拉姆斯博物館。馬勒是位作曲家及指揮家。馬勒的女兒於4歲時因病離世，又加上有猶太人的血統，更覺與這個世界抽離。他就此精神委靡不振，生命中的打擊卻令他寫了盪氣回腸的交響曲，音樂家都是多愁善感。

馬勒的故居現已私有化，我們只可從船上遠觀

下船後我們步行上山，到了小小的馬勒博物館，他可想到有個中國人到此一遊...還看了他的譜子?

法國老伯是我們同班最年長的，他很喜歡告訴我第二次世界大戰德軍打法國的事跡。但當我問他上課時拉了什麼樂曲，他就一定記不起，我天天問，他天天說:「記不起了，第二次世界大戰時德軍打法國呢....」他總是令我笑逐顏開。

很多香港朋友女的怕年華老去，男的怕事業無成，被無數的憂慮困擾。法國老伯年齡雖然高，但比很多年輕人還要活得自在，天天拉著小提琴。如果我的人生沒什麼經歷就此死去，不就更可憐嗎?

法國老伯天天告訴我第二次世界大戰德軍打法國的事，快樂跟年齡沒什麼關係

著名華人大提琴家李垂誼(Trey Lee )是導師之一，我有幸一睹偶像風彩並和他合照!

布拉姆斯博物館中的鋼琴，我想起正在抽煙的他

布拉姆斯家很貧窮，十二歲便到酒吧彈鋼琴賺錢幫助家計。他又煙又酒，但彈得一手好鋼琴，在1897年他因肝癌於維也納去世。音樂家看似浪漫可人，但大多一生糊塗。音樂表面上是一派胡言亂語，情感的舒發，但音樂這門學問卻科學化得很。人生本是荒謬的。

我...與朋友開音樂會

Friends, See you again somewhere in the world...

德國香腸再見了!

Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJpYJdoY-18

All about Lily

2010-04-06T21:48:00.001-07:00

Lily Poon was born in Hong Kong. After finishing her Bachelor's Degree at the University of Hong Kong, she completed her Master's Degree at Lund University in Sweden majoring in Business Administration and Business Laws. She has been on academic exchange to SciencePo Paris in France for a course on European politics. She is currently in the Marketing and Communications industry.

Lily enjoys reading and writing. She is a columnist of Wenwei Pao (文匯報) .Her articles have been published in various local press including Ming Pao Weekly magazine.

Lily is a fan of classical music. She has helped organize the annual French Music Festival and participated as an amateur pianist. In 2008, she took a chamber music course in Austria and performed at the student concert.

Lily is native in Chinese and fluent in English. She is conversational in French and belongs to the French Alumni Association in Hong Kong.

CONTACT HER
lilypoon2009@gmail.com

PHOTO GALLERY

French Music Festival at ifc Mall

Lily performing at the student concert of Alpen Kammer Musik in Austria

Lily and friends were interviewed by Apple Daily about life in France...

Lily went to a cheese tasting event at Four Seasons Hotel.

Reported in Review Asia Magazine.

See you soon!

小妮的斯里蘭卡假期3月27日至4月1日

2010-04-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

或許我是香港人，對前英國殖民地總帶著一點點情感。一天老友記巴巴拉問我有否興趣到斯里蘭卡一遊，我一口答應，果然此行令我樂而忘返。

我們一行五人攪旅行...

前英國殖民地

歷史記載印度孔雀王朝的阿育王於公元前247年派兒子到斯里蘭卡，公元前2世纪前後南印度的泰米爾人亦開始遷入這片土地。 1820年英法兩國簽訂了條約，斯里蘭卡被正式宣佈為英國殖民地。1948年2月4 日斯里蘭卡正式宣布獨立，成為英聯邦的自治領域。

斯里蘭卡是個島，為於印度南部。天氣晧熱，當地人皮膚十分黑，我和導遊Traminda拍照，黑白膚色相影成趣啊!

雖然斯里蘭卡已經宣布獨立，但街上還留下英國殖民時期的種種，揮之不去。

英式紅色郵筒(左圖)
我和街上穿著英式校服的小孩(右圖)

我們參觀種滿了香料的香料園，其辦公室是典型的英國殖民地時期建築

當地政府依然保留殖民地時期的英式建築物

宗教信仰

公元前5世紀僧伽羅人從印度遷移到斯里蘭卡。自印度孔雀王朝的阿育王派兒子到斯里蘭卡後，僧伽羅人由婆羅門教改信佛教。旅程中我們參觀了位於Pinnawala的丹布拉皇室岩廟。

一排排的佛像貴麗堂煌

佛像上頭是條蛇

皇室岩廟的拱形設計 (左和右圖)

信眾在另一廟內拜神

首都可倫坡(Columbo)的佛像金碧輝煌

當地人信奉的神和自然界有關，如蛇神和鳥神。

和泰國人一樣，斯里蘭卡很愛善良的大象，還於Pinnawala為牠們建了間大象孤兒院。

服飾

沙麗(Sari)是斯里蘭卡女性的民族服裝，我亦入鄉隨族，穿上沙麗呢! 右圖是小和尚的衣著。

如何穿著沙麗:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1XbPDqF0GQ&translated=1

民族歌舞表演者身上穿有很多配件，跳舞時發出聲響

我曾於樂團工作，對場刊有特別的感覺! 哈哈!

茶"業"

斯里蘭卡以出產茶葉而聞名於世，英國人是個嗜茶的民族，在殖民地時代將茶葉帶來了斯里蘭卡，其「錫蘭紅茶」更為人所熟悉。我們於Nuwara Eliya入住了由昔日茶廠改建而成的酒店，一大清早更到茶園採茶葉。

Cheers Cha!

位於Tea Factory酒店內的古老升降機。

我們採茶葉去!

(左圖Photo credit: Simon Lee)

工作人員磅我們採得多少茶葉，我是不達標的啊!

採下來的茶葉在機器上煎乾

自然環境

斯里蘭卡以農業為主，到處可見稻田。

稻田

位於Sigiriya 的獅子岩

岩上壁畫意識開放，後來一些僧侶更把裸體的畫雕走。

社會民生

一路上看到很多當地選舉的海報...

交通工具很簡陋

小孩子很可愛!

小妮問:「What is your name?」
小孩反問:「give me a pen! a pen!」

首都Columbo的青年人

這就是我的斯里蘭卡假期...

我們乘搭Singapore Airline從香港出發前往斯里蘭卡，回程時停留新加坡，我們五人的真面目啊!老友鬼鬼，像不像我們背後的動物呢？（攝於新加坡Universal Studio. Photo credit: Simon Lee)

Sri Lanka Tourism
http://www.srilankatourism.org

Singapore Airline
http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/flights_hongkong.jsp

如果你有任何感想，請留言給我呢!

The Standard 報導歐洲高等教育展

2010-03-13T16:43:00.000-08:00

Study in Europe

Ivy Ong-Wood

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Don't let the language barrier deter you. You don't have to parler Francais or sprechen Deustch if you want to study in Europe these days.

The European Higher Education Fair Hong Kong, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, began two years after the European Union started a concerted campaign to boost Europe's competitiveness in higher education and research.

Since then, traditional European degree systems have been replaced by the conventional bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees - with many now in English.

A total of 51 institutions from 13 countries will present their study programs and discuss individual needs with the visitors at the fair. English- language study programs will be highlighted.

Date: March 13 to 14,

1pm to 6 pm.

Venue: Hong Kong Central Library, 66 Causeway Road,

Causeway Bay

《不帶Passport去旅行》- 歐洲高等教育展 - 3月13及14日

2010-03-10T07:15:00.000-08:00

本星期六 (3月13日) 小妮將與一班老友記於歐洲高等教育展2010 和大家分享留學歐洲經驗，出席座談會的留學生來自不同行業，包括公關、fashion、資訊科技、教育等等。

小妮將於以下座談會和你見面:

歐洲高等教育展
日期: 3月13日
地點: 香港中央圖書館 Exhibition Gallery 1-5
時間: 2:30 留學法國 / 4:00 留學瑞典
網址: http://www.ehef-hk.org

同學們於畢業典禮穿上民族服裝

瑞典風景如畫

Sciences Po 舊生會活動

2010-03-08T06:15:00.000-08:00

本地法文雜誌Trait - d'Union於三月號報導Sciences Po 舊生會香港分會活動!

小妮的文章《到底是香港人》

2010-03-06T03:41:00.001-08:00

小妮的文章《到底是香港人》於今期(3月6 日)的明報周刊刊登。

小妮設計的留法舊生會簡介

2010-03-05T04:24:00.000-08:00

French Alumni Association leaflet designed by Lily

《不帶Passport去旅行》- 歐洲高等教育展 - 3月13及14日

2010-02-19T20:19:00.000-08:00

《不帶Passport去旅行》為你搜羅香港有趣的事物，不帶Passport也可以去旅行!

第十屆歐洲高等教育展將於3月13及14日假香港中央圖書館舉行。參展院校來自歐洲不同國家，留法舊生會一班老友記將於展覽會中協助解答升學查詢。約定你啦!

留法舊生會朋友於歐洲高等教育展酒會上與 Ms. Maria Castillo Fernandez, Head of European Union to Hong Kong and Macao(中)合照。

展覽會詳情請瀏覽以下網址:
http://www.ehef-hk.org

我在瑞典的日子(5) - 香腸冷麵

2010-02-17T00:25:00.000-08:00

我拿起酒瓶輕輕搖晃，不知不覺米酒已經喝完。

唐家俊隨即問道 :「多要一瓶Sake嗎?」

我點頭說 : 「No objection, Sir! 」

每個國家都有自己的特色佳釀，北歐天氣寒冷，半年不見陽光，烈酒能保體溫，所以深受瑞典人歡迎。有次一位瑞典朋友帶來一支他父母在家中自製的馬鈴薯烈酒，令我眼界大開。

侍應把米酒送來，我說 : 「瑞典人真奇怪，政府為了減少醉酒對社會的破壞，只准國家經營的酒鋪 “Systembolaget”出售酒精類飲品。他們對酒又愛又恨吧! 」

唐家俊喝了一口米酒說 : 「還有瑞典人的 “Queue number”! 」

每個政府部門如Systembolaget和一些店舖都設有“Queue number”機，人客先要取一張印有號碼的票，當櫃臺的螢光幕顯示的號碼和你票上的相同時，方可走到櫃臺。

我說 : 「香港一些大型店舖好像City Super 都有Queue number制度，只是我們中國人排來排去都很亂，是民族性，沒法子改變。」

唐家俊說 : 「北歐人表面很持秩序，但一到週末便喝酒喝得天昏地暗的，政府還要攪Systembolaget來控制國民的喝酒習慣，有點諷刺。」

我說 : 「北歐自殺率很高，可能半年不見日光，人很容易抑鬱吧! 上次到Stephan (我們的瑞典同學) 家開派對，他告訴我們有一男生從天台墮下死亡，不知是否自殺。」

我每次提起這件事都不寒而栗，侍應此刻送來冷麵。

「北歐人生活在極端環境之中，少一點耐力都不能。」唐家俊先吃麵條。

我反對說 : 「北歐人生活在極端環境之中? 那麼中國人呢? 不是生活在更極端環境嗎? 北歐人有良好的社會福利制度還想著要自殺，中國人不就要死光嗎?」

唐家俊沒好氣，一副吃飽再說的態度。

論秩序，不得不提德國人。我想，他們真的希望活在秩序中嗎? 過分的秩序等於壓迫。我突然想起Pink Floyd 的Another Brick in the Wall，小時候看過，至今依然不寒而栗。小孩一個一個掉進碎肉機中，變成人肉香腸。活在壓力下的香港人，可會變成一條條的冷麵 ?

活在壓力下的香港人，可會變成一條條的冷麵?

Pink Floyd 的Another Brick in the Wall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_bvT-DGcWw

我在瑞典的日子 (4) - 安樂茶飯

2010-02-14T07:39:00.000-08:00

唐家俊的父母是台灣人，在他小學時已經舉家移民美國加州，所以他的成長和土生土長的美國人根本無異。

我喜歡海膽壽司那種入口即溶的感覺，簡直是一種享受。

我還未吞下口裏的壽司便問唐家俊：「加州人都喜歡日本菜嗎?」

唐家俊說：「當然喜歡。加州有很多亞洲移民啊! 但美國人喜歡的壽司和香港的不同。」

我笑說：「那你得要個加州卷啊! California boy!」

我忽然想起於學生宿舍認識的台灣人蕭美玲 :「你認識同校的台灣人美玲嗎? 她經常和來自北京的阿菲一塊兒去Fika。」

Fika是瑞典詞彙，意思是咖啡時間，和香港人的下午茶時間同意。

唐家俊想了想，嘻一聲笑出來說 : 「那個專門研究胡蘿蔔根部為什麼會生病的女生?」

我瞪大眼看著唐家俊說 :「天啊！她唸的是“植物病理系”! 」

我起初對阿菲有點防範，始終她的父母是外交官，跟她說話時不像和蕭美玲一起般暢所欲言。有次和她們參加了由隆德市華人舉辦的中秋晚會，認識一班當地的中年華僑。他們於文革時跑到歐洲以當翻譯為名，離開國家為實，一去已不知多少個秋。

唐家俊哈哈大笑說 :「那個中秋晚會 ? 哈哈! 只有上了年紀的人才參加! 」

唐家俊說得對，晚會上還有瑞典人表演功夫，絕對引不起香港人的興趣。

我說：「阿菲後來和一個瑞典男生拍拖，沒打算回國，很多大陸女生都是這樣，能不回國的都不回。」

唐家俊多吃一件壽司又說 :「幾百年來中國人都是一樣，能跑掉的都跑掉了，像我父母一樣。」

我說：「形勢有點不同吧！這十多年來不是很多香港人和華僑都回到中國大陸工作嗎？」

唐家俊點頭，然後把壽司吞下，再喝一口綠茶。

壽司分成三層，表面的魚生各有不同，中間的綠芥末看不見但嘗得到，每件壽司的底部都是白飯，根本沒任何分別可言。

中國人幾百年來都拚命地往外跑，香港人如是，大陸人如是，台灣人亦如是。正如廣東人所說：「為的是一餐安樂茶飯而已。」

現在中國大陸經濟迅速發展，我們又拚命地跑回中國工作，搵錢至上是中國人的民族性。

全因我們的底部都是白飯，表面上好像各有不同，但本質都是一樣。

每件壽司的底部都是白飯，根本沒任何分別可言。