"Chinese Moon Cake We Like!"

I have just returned from filming my Wuhu TV debut. Joe, Ahmir, Merim and I all went to the local bake-your-own shop this afternoon and were filmed making the Moon Cake. Merim studied Chinese at University for one year so he was interviewed, which was highly amusing. Meanwhile, I focused on perfecting my delightful little doughy balls, which soon transformed into traditional Chinese 'Yue Bing'. The finished products were pretty good and tasted ok, too. The two fillings used were chesnut puree and red bean puree; not exactly the same as the cakes you find in the Three Cooks in England but surprisingly yummy.
We have asked for copies of the film because we don't have a telly in our flat, just a DVD player, so we'll need to watch our fifteen minutes of fame after it's been aired. I can't wait to see it - so randomly amusing, especially as we are all wearing bright orange polo shirts with Aston Language School printed on them.

From the little screen to the silver screen, I am being taken to the cinema this evening to watch The Banquet, a Chinese film based loosely on Hamlet. I don't think it has come out in england yet, but it is apparently it's set to be a bit of an international blockbuster. I'm not going to have a clue what's going on, of course, but I think the cinematography is meant to be amazing so it should be fun anyway!

Last night, I was treated to traditional dumplings or 'Jiao zi' at Rex's house. His mum cooked them for us and she was so hospitable and eager to feed me that I must have eaten about 20 of them! The dumplings tasted so much better than any Chinese food I have eaten in England, despite being everyday food to them.

I have been continuing with my chinese lessons this week and feel as though I am really progressing, albeit painfully slowly. Paul gave me a great way to remember new words through the use of images so I am using that as much as possible. The funnier the image the more effective it is in staying with you. For instance, the word for wine is 'pi jiu', with jiu pronounced like Jo. Obviously, I think of my Mum, Jo, when I hear the word wine (!!!!!) so, hey presto, I can remember this highly important word any time I please. Plus, there is the competitive element involved now: I want to learn enough to get up to Merim's standard by the time I leave!

I am going for a meal soon but, next time I write, I may well be a minor celebrity in the eyes of the general public of Wuhu! Who knows, I might not be able to walk down Walking Street without hoards of people calling my new Chinese name, Su Xiao Ya. This was given to me by my two chinese teachers and effectively means that my surname is Su (for Sarah) and my given name is Little graceful. I am well chuffed! x