I've been living in China for nearly 3 months now, and hands-down it is one of the most interesting countries in the world. With twists and turns round every corner. As a student studying abroad this world is completely new to me and here are some of the things I've learnt.
1. Foreign people are basically like celebrities. If you go to a tourist attraction you will for sure be asked for a photo with people. You will be pointed at as people shout '外国人‘ and chuckle. Children will stop and stare at you blankly. And to tell you the truth, it takes a lot of time to get used to!
2. Foreign food will never taste quite as nice as home. I've tried everything, burgers, burritos, sandwiches and more, but it's just not the same. Especially the cheese. God I miss cheese.
3. Tourist attractions are so much better on weekdays; an obvious one, but an important one.
4. Chinese food is not the same as it is in the uk. I don't think I've had any spring rolls or even 1 portion of chow mien since being here. But EVERYTHING is so much better in china, the authentic flavours and the variety means you never get bored. Although to be honest I don't even know what I'm eating half the time!
5. The weather is so unpredictable, in the time I've been here its gone from 35 degrees to -5, and right now i am freeeeezing (at least this gives me and excuse to go shopping!)
6. You're probably gunna get hit by a bike at least once. There are so many motorbikes in Beijing and they seem to never obey traffic lights, or any road laws in that case. So you have to be extra careful when crossing the road because they come round the corner at the speed of lightening. You don't want to pay for hospital bills so be careful!
7. Baozi will save your life, especially pork ones. Hungover? eat Baozi, Ill? Eat Baozi. Poor? Good job Baozi is cheap. It's cheap, tasty and fills your stomach, what else do you want?
8. Never trust the alcohol in clubs (especially if it's free!) Speaking from experience, it'll give you a hangover from hell and you won't want to eat for at least 4 days.
9. Although you'll look stupid; wear a mask! The pollution is so dangerous, especially if it's over 100, and although they're uncomfortable and other people don't wear them, a mask will help you so much. The amount of coughs and illnesses from the pollution is crazy, why would you risk getting ill when you can just wear a stupid piece of cloth for less than an hour?
10. TAOBAO IS LOVE TAOBAO IS LIFE. (Although the sizes are a bit off!)
Monday, 28 November 2016
Monday, 21 November 2016
Half-way
Half Way
Whilst in Shanghai, I was having cocktails on The Bund, when I was suddenly hit with a toxic wave of nostalgia, gratitude and excitement. In that moment I wrote a piece of writing and saved it on my phone，here it is:
Sometimes I think about my life before; lovely, humble and stable. A life where you know who you are, what you do and where you come from. This life is happy. You have you friends, family, traditions and habits. You know what to expect from the people around you, as they have been there from the start. I loved this life, slow and steady, tranquil and secluded. A routine set in stone. The comfort of the faces you know and the food that warms your soul. You are sane. You are safe. But you are not excited. This is the life I always thought i'd live, no pressure, no one watching your every move, no attention, just life.
Now I think about my new life. A life of excitement, luxury and discovery. A life where there is something new around every corner. New places, people, food and friends. A life where books are only half written and a plot twist could be on the next page. With tales to scream from roof tops and stories only to be shared with the people you're with. A life where stress is constant and anxiety is high, but the relief of beauty and astonishment take your breath away when you discover a world you never thought existed.
They say our life is measured in our happiness, but my happiness is split. On one hand I long for the people who mean the most to me and the comfort that makes my heart melt. But on the other, the excitement, thrills and culture wish for me not to go back to the lowly countryside and leave a country I've always dreamed of living in.
I've always been a half way person. Intelligence with little common sense. Thrill seeking but anchored by anxiety, Even my hair is indecisive, blonde with brown roots. But it is my heart that controls where I feel at home, whether comfort beats craziness or luxury beats lowly.
They say we always miss what we cant have. The past few months have taught me, luxury is nothing unless you're laughing, wonder does not come without fear, and the memories you make are nothing without the people you love. But most of all, if you dream of somewhere else, you forget to live. I wish I could share this year with the people I love and I wish I had my mums cooking here with me (as well as her hugs), but i cannot wish time away. I know I will always go back to by lowly life and then return again to the adventure. Who ever said being a half way person was bad?
Whilst in Shanghai, I was having cocktails on The Bund, when I was suddenly hit with a toxic wave of nostalgia, gratitude and excitement. In that moment I wrote a piece of writing and saved it on my phone，here it is:
Sometimes I think about my life before; lovely, humble and stable. A life where you know who you are, what you do and where you come from. This life is happy. You have you friends, family, traditions and habits. You know what to expect from the people around you, as they have been there from the start. I loved this life, slow and steady, tranquil and secluded. A routine set in stone. The comfort of the faces you know and the food that warms your soul. You are sane. You are safe. But you are not excited. This is the life I always thought i'd live, no pressure, no one watching your every move, no attention, just life.
Now I think about my new life. A life of excitement, luxury and discovery. A life where there is something new around every corner. New places, people, food and friends. A life where books are only half written and a plot twist could be on the next page. With tales to scream from roof tops and stories only to be shared with the people you're with. A life where stress is constant and anxiety is high, but the relief of beauty and astonishment take your breath away when you discover a world you never thought existed.
They say our life is measured in our happiness, but my happiness is split. On one hand I long for the people who mean the most to me and the comfort that makes my heart melt. But on the other, the excitement, thrills and culture wish for me not to go back to the lowly countryside and leave a country I've always dreamed of living in.
I've always been a half way person. Intelligence with little common sense. Thrill seeking but anchored by anxiety, Even my hair is indecisive, blonde with brown roots. But it is my heart that controls where I feel at home, whether comfort beats craziness or luxury beats lowly.
They say we always miss what we cant have. The past few months have taught me, luxury is nothing unless you're laughing, wonder does not come without fear, and the memories you make are nothing without the people you love. But most of all, if you dream of somewhere else, you forget to live. I wish I could share this year with the people I love and I wish I had my mums cooking here with me (as well as her hugs), but i cannot wish time away. I know I will always go back to by lowly life and then return again to the adventure. Who ever said being a half way person was bad?
Monday, 14 November 2016
Dypraxia
As much as I try there are somethings I will just always be bad at, ice skating, short term memory, spatial awareness and reading out loud. For other people these are innate skills that take little or no thinking, but not me.
My name's Lois and I have dyspraxia.
I have always felt different and for most of my life I have had my diagnosis, however it's only been in recent years that I have fully accepted it. Dypraxia, also known as developmental co-ordination disorder, is a neurological disorder and specific learning difficulty affecting motor co-ordination. However, this is not all. Dyspraxia affects every aspect of my life.
They say that everyone's case of dyspraxia is different and I could not agree more. For me, I am an athlete and a straight A student, so from the outside people may not see how much I struggle on a daily basis, but here are my symptoms.
Firstly, spatial awareness. For me, I can play football with no problem, I can do handstands over and over again, but if you put a chair in front of me, the chances are i'll fall over it. It's not that I don't see it, I try to avoid it, but it just always ends up being in the way and somehow one of my limbs just bumps into it. The bruises and bumps are remains of all the door frames, table corners and people that I bump into everyday.
Hand-eye co-ordination is also a big thing for me, I love sport, I love using up all the left over energy. But if you give me a racket or make me use my hands i'm useless. To watch people do sports you know you'd love but just can't do it heartbreaking.
An overlooked symptom of dyspraxia is fatigue. The extra effort and energy needed to process the information we are given is forever making me tired. Can you imagine if you had to think over every little action, walking, writing or even just standing still? At the end of the day my brain crashes, often making me feel ill and disorientated,
For me one of the biggest difficulties associated with dyspraxia is sensory perception. I can't eat certain foods because they are cooked in a way that makes their texture weird, I cant wear certain clothes because they make my skin feel weird, and I like sitting in the dark. However, this also means I have an unusually high pain threshold!!
In the classroom I have many issues with short-term memory, concentration and organisation. Making exams a nightmare as i'm constantly distracted by other people's pen clicking and tapping. As well as the pressure of having to remember facts and vocab short term and having to recall on the spot in class. Although I've always been a good student the struggles of the class room always knocked my self esteem.
These are the main symptoms of my dyspraxia, however there are many more small things that are constantly challenging me. Such as, indecisiveness, low self esteem, anxiety and emotional outbursts.
Dyspraxia is often forgotten about in the world of specific learning disabilities, however we must raise awareness. I hope to write more about dyspraxia in the future as I become more open about it, in hope that soon i will live in a world where people don't say "don't you mean dyslexia?"
My name's Lois and I have dyspraxia.
I have always felt different and for most of my life I have had my diagnosis, however it's only been in recent years that I have fully accepted it. Dypraxia, also known as developmental co-ordination disorder, is a neurological disorder and specific learning difficulty affecting motor co-ordination. However, this is not all. Dyspraxia affects every aspect of my life.
They say that everyone's case of dyspraxia is different and I could not agree more. For me, I am an athlete and a straight A student, so from the outside people may not see how much I struggle on a daily basis, but here are my symptoms.
Firstly, spatial awareness. For me, I can play football with no problem, I can do handstands over and over again, but if you put a chair in front of me, the chances are i'll fall over it. It's not that I don't see it, I try to avoid it, but it just always ends up being in the way and somehow one of my limbs just bumps into it. The bruises and bumps are remains of all the door frames, table corners and people that I bump into everyday.
Hand-eye co-ordination is also a big thing for me, I love sport, I love using up all the left over energy. But if you give me a racket or make me use my hands i'm useless. To watch people do sports you know you'd love but just can't do it heartbreaking.
An overlooked symptom of dyspraxia is fatigue. The extra effort and energy needed to process the information we are given is forever making me tired. Can you imagine if you had to think over every little action, walking, writing or even just standing still? At the end of the day my brain crashes, often making me feel ill and disorientated,
For me one of the biggest difficulties associated with dyspraxia is sensory perception. I can't eat certain foods because they are cooked in a way that makes their texture weird, I cant wear certain clothes because they make my skin feel weird, and I like sitting in the dark. However, this also means I have an unusually high pain threshold!!
In the classroom I have many issues with short-term memory, concentration and organisation. Making exams a nightmare as i'm constantly distracted by other people's pen clicking and tapping. As well as the pressure of having to remember facts and vocab short term and having to recall on the spot in class. Although I've always been a good student the struggles of the class room always knocked my self esteem.
These are the main symptoms of my dyspraxia, however there are many more small things that are constantly challenging me. Such as, indecisiveness, low self esteem, anxiety and emotional outbursts.
Dyspraxia is often forgotten about in the world of specific learning disabilities, however we must raise awareness. I hope to write more about dyspraxia in the future as I become more open about it, in hope that soon i will live in a world where people don't say "don't you mean dyslexia?"
Tuesday, 12 July 2016
Book Review: Always with Love by Giovanna Fletcher
Book Review: Always with Love
The much anticipated sequel to Giovanna's debut book 'Billy and Me' was released last month and oh my lord it 100% lived up to it's expectations! I got this book for my birthday, only 2 days after publication, but read it in little over 48 hours as I just could not put it down.
The book follows the characters we met in the first novel. Billy, the global phenomenon and BAFTA winning actor ( and everyone's dream man), and Sophie a girl from a little town in Kent, as they continue their love story. However, this time it's over long distance.
What I love most about this book is how real the characters are. Every emotion they feel seems normal, over exaggerated jealousy, unnecessary anger and overwhelming joy are all emotions us normal folk act on regularly and that is portrayed here. Even the characters that are mega superstars are viewed as normal people. Much like they should be! (Yes that is a dig at the media) This connection to real emotions is what makes this book so easy to read, as you can be inside Sophie's head feeling the loneliness that she feels. Giovanna makes you truly understand their situation and what it would feel like to be in it. That's what literature is supposed to do, right? Let you escape your world for someone else's and be able to step in their shoes and feel their emotions, and if their shoes involve a beautiful young actor then I will gladly wear them.
My connection to this book could not be stronger and I feel this is because of the character of Sophie. We are very similar (apart from the famous boyfriend). We're both from small villages, love reading, work in small coffee shops and have both been devastated from lives lost by cancer. Sophie is an adorable character, introverted but headstrong she always seems to do what she truly believes is right, and not just for herself. She goes on an emotional roller-coaster in this book (potentially even more of a roller-coaster than in Billy and Me) but still remains true to who she is.
Giovanna's writing style is bubbly and fun as well as being smooth and connected. Her descriptions of emotions and her ability to make you truly envision somewhere you've never been ( or doesn't even exist!) makes this book a gem. Although the story line sometimes takes twist and turns, some of them I wasn't too keen on, the undeniable love between the characters is what keeps you wishing for the best outcome. This book makes you feel at home even if you're away, in love even if you're not and as confused with your emotions as if you're writing a diary.
All of Giovanna's books are a must read (Especially dream a little dream!!!!!) and are now quite cheap on amazon so pick them up ASAP
Speak soon,
Lois Mae
P.S Gi, if you ever read this;thank you for that Disneyland scene, it was magical!
The much anticipated sequel to Giovanna's debut book 'Billy and Me' was released last month and oh my lord it 100% lived up to it's expectations! I got this book for my birthday, only 2 days after publication, but read it in little over 48 hours as I just could not put it down.
The book follows the characters we met in the first novel. Billy, the global phenomenon and BAFTA winning actor ( and everyone's dream man), and Sophie a girl from a little town in Kent, as they continue their love story. However, this time it's over long distance.
What I love most about this book is how real the characters are. Every emotion they feel seems normal, over exaggerated jealousy, unnecessary anger and overwhelming joy are all emotions us normal folk act on regularly and that is portrayed here. Even the characters that are mega superstars are viewed as normal people. Much like they should be! (Yes that is a dig at the media) This connection to real emotions is what makes this book so easy to read, as you can be inside Sophie's head feeling the loneliness that she feels. Giovanna makes you truly understand their situation and what it would feel like to be in it. That's what literature is supposed to do, right? Let you escape your world for someone else's and be able to step in their shoes and feel their emotions, and if their shoes involve a beautiful young actor then I will gladly wear them.
My connection to this book could not be stronger and I feel this is because of the character of Sophie. We are very similar (apart from the famous boyfriend). We're both from small villages, love reading, work in small coffee shops and have both been devastated from lives lost by cancer. Sophie is an adorable character, introverted but headstrong she always seems to do what she truly believes is right, and not just for herself. She goes on an emotional roller-coaster in this book (potentially even more of a roller-coaster than in Billy and Me) but still remains true to who she is.Giovanna's writing style is bubbly and fun as well as being smooth and connected. Her descriptions of emotions and her ability to make you truly envision somewhere you've never been ( or doesn't even exist!) makes this book a gem. Although the story line sometimes takes twist and turns, some of them I wasn't too keen on, the undeniable love between the characters is what keeps you wishing for the best outcome. This book makes you feel at home even if you're away, in love even if you're not and as confused with your emotions as if you're writing a diary.
All of Giovanna's books are a must read (Especially dream a little dream!!!!!) and are now quite cheap on amazon so pick them up ASAP
Speak soon,
Lois Mae
P.S Gi, if you ever read this;thank you for that Disneyland scene, it was magical!
Monday, 11 July 2016
Top 10 Tv Shows
Heya,
As it's summer and I know many people will be binge watching Netflix instead of going out adventuring, (as much as we want to) it will undoubtedly be useful to have a guide to the tv shows that grace our screens and change our lives. Here are my top 10, although some of them are very cliche, some of them are 100% underrated! So without hesitation lets get underway!
10. Making A Murderer.
This is a documentary series recalling the case of Steven Avery; Who wrongly served 18 years in prison for rape and then shortly after being released was charged with murder. The documentary explores the trial from his lawyers' point of view. Undoubtedly written in order to make Steven look not-guilty this show must be taken with a pinch of salt. It is easy to get into the mindset of the program and begin to believe that he was set up by the police, however you must keep reassuring yourself that not all the evidence is shown in the show and there are two sides to the story. Never the less this is a gripping show and i watched all 10 hours in 1 day as i just needed to know what happens! It's both information and emotional and keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
9. Skins.
This is a British drama following teenagers as they struggle with love, school and a lot of drugs.The over exaggerated passion purely displays the feelings that teenagers are going through. Melodramatic and raw the show portrays gripping issues with mental health, death and drug abuse. This show changes its cast every 2 series. Although this allows lots of room for new story lines, relationships and families, it also leads to you missing certain characters and begging to know what will happen to them. Thankfully, many of these concerns are concluded in the final series when the program focuses on the characters 10 years later. This show has a one in a million feel, although it is set in my city so I am a bit biased, it is hard to forget the stories you witness and the characters you meet, it is both haunting and sweet at the same time.
8. Gogglebox.
Another British classic. The concept is simple, watch people watching tv. The show shows normal people watching normal programs. The hilarity of sarcastic British humour over politics, dating and documentaries as they say exactly what the public are thinking. However, do be warned there are often tears!! But this show is perfect for a light pick me up.
7. Sherlock
One of the best tv shows produced by the BBC. Following the books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's, Sherlock Holmes is bought to life in television. With modern twists on the classic novels such as A Study in pink (Based on A Study in Scarlet), The Hounds of Baskerville (Hound of the Baskervilles) and The Empty Hearse (The adventures of an Empty House). There are never ending plots twists, moments that make you gasp and writing that makes you question every single movement. Although the episodes are an hour and a half long (basically a movie!), there is never a boring moment as your mind ticks away trying to work out what the next twist will be. The writing is consistent and keeps you waiting, Gatiss truly owns this show and makes it into a masterpiece.
6. Louis Theroux
Louis Theroux is one of the best documentary film makers of our time. He has series upon series of timeless documentaries, ranging from weekends with celebrities, to helping film gay porn, to gambling hundreds of pound in Las Vegas. The beauty of Louis Theroux's documentaries are that he is never afraid. Never afraid to join in, he's even had liposuction in order to see what it's like. Never afraid to ask the questions we all want to know the answer to, he once asked white supremacists is they would be offended is he was a Jew. Never afraid to interview celebrities with secrets to hide. Louis travels the world showing the conflicts our society faces in all subcultures, ethnicities and religions. However, his documentaries never seem to lack humanity as the often show the humans behind the worst crimes in the world and how more often than not they are just humans with mistakes. Many of Louis' documentaries are on Netflix, so deffo check them out!!
5. Gossip Girl.
4. The People Vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story
Oh wow would you look at that, another crime documentary series. This series follows one of the biggest court cases in the history of modern america, the case of OJ Simpson. Using the book The Run of His Life: The People v. O. J. Simpson by Jeffery Toobin the series shows the behind the scenes of the case as well as portraying real life scenes from the court room itself. For me the best thing about this adaptation is the portrayal of Marcia Clark. When the case was happening she was seen as a stone cold bitch who messed up. However, the series shows her background, everything that was going wrong in her life at the time and the pain of her portrayal in the media. A portrayal by Sarah Paulson that was inspiring and flawless. This series taught me so much about the case, rather than just the facts it showed the people and the feelings behind it.
3. Sense8.
One of the hottest tv shows in the world right now, and it deserves everything. Underlying humour, intense character development and the topical issues discussed are everything that makes this tv show great. It's crazy to think of the success it has had considering it was never actually shown on tv, only on Netflix. What I love about this show is the devotion to every character, with the thoughtful background stories and the relationships with other characters the show relates to ethnicity, brutality, sexuality and religion. All of which are problems in america and society all over the world. It just goes to show how raw everything is when it is condensed down into a small population, and suddenly the few ethnic people become the targets, just like in society. However it truly is the humour and the personalities of the characters that make this show great.
1. Gavin and Stacey.
So, it turns out this list solidifies my love for documentaries and British humour and although there were many other shows I could've added (GOT, PLL) these are truly shows I could watch over and over again and be happy. So I hope no matter What you're feeling you'll be able to find something here.
Speak soon,
Lois Mae
Wednesday, 8 June 2016
Dear Maria,
Dear Maria,
You asked us to tell you your strengths, and since you're a nagging lil bitch, I thought i'd tell you over the internet, considering you've been persuading me to start my blog again.
Where to start... You, my little Bulgarian friend, are one of the most influential people in my life. I know that with wisdom beyond your years and a gleam in your eye that never fades, you touch the lives of everyone around you, undoubtedly for the better. The confidence you have is spellbinding, you take life with ease and confidence and achieve your dreams without fail. If I, or my kids, ever have as much confidence as you, I will be the proudest person alive. This confidence is what makes you a life changing person, your ability to take life in your stride and your energy to persistently say yes when the world is constantly saying no, is what makes me most proud to be your friend. But, your smile when you reach a goal, is what makes me most happy to be your friend. I hope no one ever budges this confidence because I know with it you can conquer the world.
Kindness is something everyone aims to have, but many people genuinely lack. You, however, have as much kindness in your heart as knowledge in your brain. It's endless. You put others first and want to make their lives just as amazing as yours (and for your shortness, you give pretty good hugs). No matter how shit your day has been, you are always there to give people a positive push in the right direction. And although I have heard you bitch about many people (mainly when you're drunk), I know that every bone in your body is used in order to help others.
However within people are there are always differences, their interests, their opinions and their styles. It is your fascination in other people's interests and your thirst for knowledge that I truly love about you. Whether it's me rambling on about sport, psychology or Cecelia Ahern, you always listen with full attention and take everything on board, remember it and then add it into later conversations. You truly are a friend that remembers the little things. Our lives are made up of big life moments that change our paths, however it is the little moments that make our happiness and create our fondest memories, and I know deep in my heart my fondest memories are with you.
Me and you, we're completely different. You're an organised business woman, and i'm a disorganised mess. I love fiction, you love facts. My wardrobe is a floral disaster, yours is stylish and chic. However, we just click, hours of pointless conversations, hysterical laughter and DMCs are the purest form of friendship and that truly is what we have. So, before this gets too soppy. You asked us to make lists of the things you're good at, but that list is truly endless. You're a selfless, driven, inspiring, knowledgeable woman who deserves all the recognition she deserves. Your time is coming and it's all down to how amazing you are.
Love always,
Lois Mae
You asked us to tell you your strengths, and since you're a nagging lil bitch, I thought i'd tell you over the internet, considering you've been persuading me to start my blog again.
Where to start... You, my little Bulgarian friend, are one of the most influential people in my life. I know that with wisdom beyond your years and a gleam in your eye that never fades, you touch the lives of everyone around you, undoubtedly for the better. The confidence you have is spellbinding, you take life with ease and confidence and achieve your dreams without fail. If I, or my kids, ever have as much confidence as you, I will be the proudest person alive. This confidence is what makes you a life changing person, your ability to take life in your stride and your energy to persistently say yes when the world is constantly saying no, is what makes me most proud to be your friend. But, your smile when you reach a goal, is what makes me most happy to be your friend. I hope no one ever budges this confidence because I know with it you can conquer the world.
Kindness is something everyone aims to have, but many people genuinely lack. You, however, have as much kindness in your heart as knowledge in your brain. It's endless. You put others first and want to make their lives just as amazing as yours (and for your shortness, you give pretty good hugs). No matter how shit your day has been, you are always there to give people a positive push in the right direction. And although I have heard you bitch about many people (mainly when you're drunk), I know that every bone in your body is used in order to help others.
However within people are there are always differences, their interests, their opinions and their styles. It is your fascination in other people's interests and your thirst for knowledge that I truly love about you. Whether it's me rambling on about sport, psychology or Cecelia Ahern, you always listen with full attention and take everything on board, remember it and then add it into later conversations. You truly are a friend that remembers the little things. Our lives are made up of big life moments that change our paths, however it is the little moments that make our happiness and create our fondest memories, and I know deep in my heart my fondest memories are with you.
Me and you, we're completely different. You're an organised business woman, and i'm a disorganised mess. I love fiction, you love facts. My wardrobe is a floral disaster, yours is stylish and chic. However, we just click, hours of pointless conversations, hysterical laughter and DMCs are the purest form of friendship and that truly is what we have. So, before this gets too soppy. You asked us to make lists of the things you're good at, but that list is truly endless. You're a selfless, driven, inspiring, knowledgeable woman who deserves all the recognition she deserves. Your time is coming and it's all down to how amazing you are.
Love always,
Lois Mae
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