I Learned to Read as Until 8 Year Old, Why?

I Didn’t Learn to Read Until I Was 8 Years Old, Why?

by

Alberto Ortega Servin

I didn’t learn to read until I was 8 years old. Why? I have several different reasons.

EL Tecuan Ranch, where I lived, was far away from cities. At that time, the roads were made from gravel and sand. We had a small school, but often we had no teachers. No teachers lived in our town.

The teachers took a bus to our town. They often arrived late to teach my class. And the teachers didn’t teach for very long. Also, the teachers went out on strike for long periods of time. They protested in Morelia, the capitol of Michoacán.

Also, the teachers were very lazy. They only came to our school a few days a week. Sometimes they came three days a week. Sometimes they never came.

The teachers were fanatics.

Now, in 2007, the teachers belong to a movement in Mexico City. They say that the government has stolen their money and violated their rights. They protest about ISSSTE laws.

They really don’t have any reason to protest because the new laws are intended to shelter their retirement.

Please write a last paragraph that connects (and summarizes) to the title of the story.

A Little Feeling About the United States

Hi, everyone. My name is Tina.

I can't say much about this country because I just came to the United States around three weeks ago. But I feel deeply in my heart that this country is my second motherland. I think the United States will make me become better.

My husband's father gave me some advice. He said that I should study at the university. He thinks I should go to the university before I look for a good job.

I am confuse, because I don't know which university would be good for me.

In the United States everyone can attend a university, even if they don't have a lot of money. That is a great thing to me. I will be able to study without worrying about money.

Not all countries are like that. I still worry about my future.

I am going to choose the "Travel Industry" major at Laney College.

Deaf and Mute

I want to tell about a movie. This is my favorite movie. This movie was made ten years ago and I still keep it in my mind. The movie tells about a deaf and mute woman.

Her parents were best friends with another couple. They agreed that if one couple had a boy baby and the other couple had a girl baby, the children would get married when they grew up.

Both couples did have babies. The girl baby had a problem. she couldn't hear and she couldn't speak either. Ater twenty years, when they had grown up, and it was time to get married, the boy didn't want to marry the deaf mute girl. His parents wanted him to marry her.

In those days, the didn't ever see the girl before they were married.

They did get married. On the wedding night he saw his new wife for the first time. She was very beautiful. He fell in love with her.

The young husband and wife lived with the husband's brother and sister. They didn't like the deaf mute bride. She always treated her in-laws nice, but they treated her very badly. When she was cooking they put a lot of salt in the vegetables. They hoped that the boys parents would be angry with her, but the parents still liked the young bride.

After one year, the young bride gave birth to a baby girl. Her husband and his parents were very happy. When the baby was ten months old her father called the baby's name, but the baby did not turn her head. The father took her to see a doctor at the hospital.

The doctor said, "The baby is like her mother. She can not talk and she can not hear."

The young husband's parents were very angry about that. The husband left his wife and baby and went to another country. The young mother's sister in law and brother in law treated the baby and her mother very badly.

Every day tears flowed down the young mother's face.

Meanwhile, her husband met another woman and married her. They had two children, both boys, together.

The deaf mute bride did not know that he had remarried. Every day she wrote him a letter. He never received the letters because his new wife hid them from him.



The deaf mute woman's father-in-law was very rich. His children wanted him to divide his money among among them.

Later, the old father-in-law became very sick. The deaf mute took care of him every day. One day she needed to buy medicine for the old man, but she didn't have any money. She asked her brother-in-law and sister-in-law for money for their father's medicine. They didn't give her any money.

The deaf mute woman sold her own clothes and jewelry to buy medicine for her father-in-law. After a while, her father-in-laws health improved. He found out that the deaf mute woman had helped when his own children refused to help him.

When the old man died, he left most of his money to his deaf mute daughter-in-law.

Five years later, the deaf mute woman's husband received a letter from her. He asked his new wife to give him the letter's she had hidden. He became angry at her when he read the letters.

By then, his sons were five years old. The deaf mute woman's husband left his new wife and their sons and returned home to see his first wife. Unfortunately, the deaf mute woman became sick and died before he arrived.

He saw his daughter and cried.



The end.

Hello Class!

Hi everybody! How are you? I'm very very very sorry, teacher, but I forgot to tell you that I'm not coming (Present Continuous...) at school this afternoon (neither on Friday and Monday) because I'm going to travel to L.A.
If you want you can send to me a Complaint Letter...
Have a great weekend! See you on Tuesday!
Bye!

When I Was Child...

When I Was Child
By
Alberto Ortega Servin

I am remembering now that I learned to read as until 8 year old, but topic this story is about the different activities I make in the days the week and weekend. On Monday through Friday. When I went to school also I woke up at 7:00 am. So first activity was to milk the cows then my family sold this product (milk) other people of “El Tecuan” Town council “Penjamillo, Michoacán Mexico. Or other ranch called San Jose de Rabago of same Town council.
My family and I when we milked lot milk it was became in cheese this cheeses we ate in the lunch and also we drank of the milk with bread, sweet pumpkin and sweet potatoes on the morning and on the night as dinner.
Finish this activity I went to school with my cousin and friends we began the classes at 9:00 am and ended at 1:00 pm after school I brought my horses to drunk water I finishes this activity so I went to took care the cows on the field with my friends and relatives they took care their cows.
Where we other people have harvested of sorghum and corn. So there is enough pasture for the different animal as cows, horses and goats. It is main activity in my small town. When we harvested this product my father went to sell a La Piedad where, there are different companies collected of sorghum and corn. My father bought some toys for my brother and sister with this money.

Nothing Left to Do But Cry (Non ci resta che piangere)

Yesterday, in the afternoon class, since it was Columbus Day, we talked about how the discovery of America by Cristoforo Colombo is related to many others issues, like the extermination of native Americans.

Actually, I think we don’t have many things to celebrate on this day because after the Europeans came ashore in America they started many years of genocide and exploitation. They not only exploited the indigenous people of the Americas, but they also exploited people from Africa, through the slave trade. We are still paying the consequences of this exploitation.

On days like Columbus Day I’m not very proud to be Italian…Although I want to recommend an Italian movie to you. “Nothing Left to do but Cry” covers this topic, but ironically. It’s a very funny comedy starring Roberto Benigni (the director of “La vita e’ bella”) and Massimo Troisi, the actor in “Il Postino.”

The movie is about two friends that get lost in countryside of Tuscany. They travel back in time to 1492. The character played by Benigni has a sister. The sister broke up with her American boyfriend. Benigni tries to convince his friend that they have to stop Columbus’ departure explaining to his friend about how much pain this trip has caused. He tells his friend if they stop Columbus they will be heroes. This will be a deed that can change the world, but actually, he is only moved by a personal purpose – he wants to save his sister from the pains of love.

They start with a trip through Europe. They meet many historical characters and are involved in many absurd situations. Will they finally be successful in stopping Columbus?

Only a Thought

Hello class.

This post is my thought for tonight, but do not pay me much attention. We are changeable people. Today we may believe in something, but tomorrow we won’t. It is one of the good parts of being a human being....... I hope

I am happy to be here, to be learning another language, to be living in a different culture. Sometimes life away from home can be hard, especially when you can not see your family, your friends, and the people who support you.

I think many people are in the same situation as me. I am not just talking about people who came from other countries. We need to be sure that this is really what we want, if this is the best option. We have to try to find in ourselves what really makes us happy.

I think that is the reason to be here in this world. We do not have to do big things in life, or try to be somebody who we are not. We only have to find a balance between who we are and what we do. That is all. A good scientist does not have to spend twenty hours every day looking into a microscope trying to find a cure to some virus.

It was very interesting to read what Dr. Palmer wrote about "becoming the person you have always been". He talked about how people can find their true nature by remembering their childhood. We have to know our limits and potential.

But also, I think it is not just what we can do on the job. We need to know what to do with our lives. Maybe some people just want to have a family, and that is ok. Maybe some people just want to live in the mountains, to sleep in a truck and that is respectable also. Everything we do affects the people that we love and the people who surround us.

Only be happy. Don’t make other people unhappy. , and this, That is the hard part of happiness. All the things have his price?

Alex

Some Interesting Quotations

Click here to read some interesting quotations from the English playwright and philosopher George Bernard Shaw.

My Thursday Evenings

My Thursday Evenings

by Alice

Every week, on Thursday evening, my American sister and I have dinner together with her teenage cousins. The cousins’ parents aren't at home and my sister and I cook for them and stay with them until their parents come home. Yesterday evening, I cooked pasta and the cousins made a good salad and banana bread for dessert. I had never tasted banana bread before.

The cousins are very curious about me and life in Italy and they question me about many things. I do the same with them and they help me a lot with English because when I am with them I feel comfortable and I talk without the fear of making mistakes. They are very nice and smart even if they are much younger than me. We can talk about almost everything. They have many interests like dancing, playing sax, reading and they are very open-minded.

Yesterday, we talked about the feeling of awkwardness. It was intense because we were talking about an intimate feeling and also funny because they made strange gestures to explain to me the meaning of this word. They tried to explain this feeling by making a sort of turtle with their hands but neither my sister ( She is American and is a native English speaker) nor I could easily understand them!

I like this "new tradition" of spending Thursday evenings with them. We eat good food, we compare cultural habits, we learn new things about each others and we laugh a lot. I think that sitting around a table together is a good way to relate with people and to share feelings. Maybe this thought is very Italian...

Another Song

You're Beautiful
by James Blunt

My life is brilliant.

My life is brilliant.
My love is pure.
I saw an angel.
Of that I'm sure.
She smiled at me on the subway.
She was with another man.
But I won't lose no sleep on that,
'Cause I've got a plan.

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw your face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.

Yeah, she caught my eye,
As we walked on by.
She could see from my face that I was,
Flying high, [ - video/radio edited version]
Fucking high, [ - CD version]
And I don't think that I'll see her again,
But we shared a moment that will last till the end.

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw your face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
There must be an angel with a smile on her face,
When she thought up that I should be with you.
But it's time to face the truth,
I will never be with you.

A Song

Wish You Were Here
by Pink Floyd

So, so you think you can tell
Heaven from Hell,
Blue skys from pain.
Can you tell a green field
From a cold steel rail?
A smile from a veil?
Do you think you can tell?

And did they get you to trade
Your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze?
Cold comfort for change?
And did you exchange
A walk on part in the war
For a lead role in a cage?

How I wish, how I wish you were here.
We're just two lost souls
Swimming in a fish bowl,
Year after year,
Running over the same old ground.
What have we found?
The same old fears.
Wish you were here.

The first trip

The First Trip
by Su Juan Chen

Last year I went to Los Angeles with my family and friends. We went there to visit a friend. We also went to Disneyland. It is a wonderful place.

We saw a show and some animals. We rode on a ship and saw different kinds of birds sing. They sounded like music. At night we saw a wonderful show. The show was in a lake. It was like a movie. Actors rode on the ship singing and dancing. They danced gracefully. There were fireworks.

We walked around Disneyland all day. The weather was very hot and the things were very expensive. We were there for four days. I was very excited by the trip. I will go there again because I would like to see many more wonderful shows.

we are very lucky

Hello class

(First, I would like to say that I published this in the morning class. If you are in the morning class and you read this post before, just ignore it and run ..... ok)

I’m Alejandro from Mexico and I have been in the United States for two months. I am here for two reasons, the first is because I was very tired of the monotony where I was living, not because I didn’t like what I was doing. I love my country, my friends, my work and my family, but, after many years in the same city, with the same people, visiting the same places and having the same expectations, sometimes we need to take a rest and learn different things and experience in another places. The second reason is that I want to learn to speak English.

When I first came to the United States, I was living in Berkeley with my brother and my almost sister in law, and I started looking for schools where I could study. Finally, after maybe ten days I found the Adult School in Berkeley, a big school with many classes and students from all over the world (maybe ten thousand), so I was very excited with my new school.

Exactly like in the Oakland Adult School, there are three different levels. After my test I stayed in the intermediate class. That class was just for pronunciation and it was only one hour each day, so I was bored and I was feeling that I was not advancing very much. All the students just sat in chairs to listen to the teacher. I never talked with my classmates more than ten words. All of us were only echoing the teacher’s pronunciation. I could not take a second class because all the different classes were offered in the same hour (stupid, no?).

For all these reasons, I think we are very lucky to be here in this school, and we are very lucky also to be in the 101 class, with Richard, somebody how really worries that their students learn to speak, read, and think in English. Thank you!

And I believe that we, as students, should be contributing in some way.We can offer ideas to do some personal or group activities. For my part, I propose we could learn some songs. I have a guitar and I could learn the chords and maybe somebody could play another instrument or something else.

Perhaps Richard could dance to the song, Would not they like to see it??

Alejandro Campa

My favorite Meal (Omelet)

My Favorite Meal (Omelet)
Alberto Ortega Servin

Alberto’s Omelet

2 eggs (maybe 3)
½ small onion
1 ½ ounces dry cheese (grated)
1 green Serrano chile (chopped finely)
9 or more tortillas
Refried beans
Salt (to taste)

Corn Oil(one teaspoon)

Crack the two or three eggs into a bowl.

Chop the onions and the green Serrano chile into smaller pieces.

Grate the cheese.

Mix these ingredients in a bowl.

Add salt to taste.

Heat a frying on the burner.

Pour the oil into the pan.

When oil is hot add the egg mixture and cook slowly for about 2 minutes. Flip over. The eggs should brown slightly.

When the omelet is done, serve it on a plate. You should eat it with hot tortillas and refried beans.

This is my favorite meal because when I was a child my family was very poor. For us, an omelet was a delicious treat.

My father and mother sowed wheat, corn, beans, and sorghum. They had a cow, a bull and some hens. The hens laid many eggs.

We didn’t have a lot of money but we could make delicious omelets. Maybe that is why omelets are my favorite meal.

Also my family and I ate beans cooked in many different ways. The cost of living in Mexico is cheaper than in the United States, but there aren’t enough jobs for Mexican farmers.

Now the situation is different because Mexican President Felipe Calderon pegged the price of different products like wheat, corn, beans, and sorghum to the with the price international market.

Now farmers have more money. Now I think so that many people in Mexico are looking for job. Also there are new opportunities for Mexican people.

My Favorite Place

My Fovorite Place.

Alberto Ortega Servin

My favorite place is “National Park Cupatitzio Hillside” This Park is staying in the city of Uruapan, Michoacán Mexico. Why? Because this places is very fresh and colorful. Other things to me are. It has a “Cupatitzio River” running along it. It is beautiful river its water is very crystalline and to be transparent the sound of water is delightful and magical. There are many trees. And other important plat in this park is “banana with bone” it is important because we know bananas only small seeds of black color. The tree is very old maybe some tree are hundred of years old. In this park there are many different bushes. These plants give to aspect romantic this place. It is beautiful. In this place so there are many different fountains of different size these fountains is working with gravity of water this thing is very important because it does not use of electricity other sources power. Also there are beautiful waterfalls inside of the park.
Many people put up small stands, they are selling souvenirs. But many people have visited this park they have bough to different handicraft for friend and relatives. I am recommending to visit this place.

The portraid

Portraid

Hello everybody

I am Alex, and I have one sad history for my, perhaps funny for all of you. I am Architech, but before studying this, I wont study visual arts, because since was child I draw all the time, I like paint people and human figures, also landscapes.

I was trying to find somework about this, and finally the secretary, from my brother's job, wanted a portraid of her with her daugthers, and she sending me the photography.

I bought the papers, and all the necessary material to begin, y was very happy, because finally I had a job doing what a like my, and she was going to pay me $100 dolars, because it was going to be a big portraid.

I was painted the portraid for five days, and finally finish of paint it on a Friday. The Monday I sent the portraid to her with my brother, and she said to him it was very nice, and she promise send me the money the next friday.

The friday came, and she did not sending the money, and my brother say my, "She already did not go to work, she resigned" and we was traying to call her, but she does not answer the calls.

So, my first job in USA did not have success.

funny or sad? I think that both

Hello!

Hi everybody!
My name is Alice, I'm 26 years old and I'm from Modena, a city in northern Italy. I'have been here in Oakland for 3 weeks and I live with my "american sister's" cousine. I'll be here untill February because I'd like to learn a fluent spoken English. I graduated two years ago in Cultaral Studies and before coming here I worked as a librarian for one year. I have always wanted to learn English because if you learn English you can find a job easily and you can also trip around the world and communicate easily with people. I also hope to meet new friends from different countries and cultures and to visit as many places as possible here in California. See you in the afternoon room 101! Bye!

The First Trip In The U.S

On April 15, Sunday morning, the sky was as blue as the ocean. The sunlight was really brilliant, so my husband and I decided to take a trip. Since the weather was so beautiful and chose to take a long walk outside.

We decided to go to the Oakland Mormon Temple (Jesus Christ). When we arrived there, we were surprised that it was very nice and serene. The temple is built on the top of the mountain.

The bottom of the temple is gray and the top is gold and it looks like a tower. There is a reflecting pool in front of the gate. Pure water flows through the pool into a creek. There is an arched bridge over the creek. We walked on it and enjoyed the breeze, the sunlight and the birds' singing.

Suddenly, we noticed that the reflection of the sunlight in the creek looked like sparkling diamonds. We found a lot of pebbles under the water. Alongside the creek there were a lawn on each side and a lot of flowers. We felt that we were standing in an ocean of flowers. It was really as beautiful as a picture or a poem.

We continued our walk up some stairs. Flowers surrounded the temple, also. We saw a couple. They were about middle age. They cuddled together and sat in front of the flowers. This atmosphere made me remember a Chinese proverb: “A person who looks at a beautiful view will become part of the view.” I thought, they and we had an empathy.

Fortunately, we were alive. We shared many things: sadness, happiness, cold, warm, sweet, bitter......

Song

This is the song's lyric, perhaps you can learn this song and then sing all together. I promise soon to give the music to Richard for this way he can download the song in the blog, and you can hear that. And try to translate the song, is like a poem with music, I think is really beautiful

Pink Floyd
Wish You Were Here

So, so you think you can tell
Heaven from Hell,
Blue skys from pain.
Can you tell a green field
From a cold steel rail?
A smile from a veil?
Do you think you can tell?

And did they get you to trade
Your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze?
Cold comfort for change?
And did you exchange
A walk on part in the war
For a lead role in a cage?

How I wish, how I wish you were here.
We're just two lost souls
Swimming in a fish bowl,
Year after year,
Running over the same old ground.
What have we found?
The same old fears.
Wish you were here.

Hello Class

I'm Alex, and if you saw the blog in the class I am not there, I think you now that right? and if you hear my movie story in the Richard's telephone, don't laugh at my ok? soooo I just want to say hello to everyone and have a good day!\
Alex

Homework for Friday, September 28th

Call me.

Don't forget to tell me your name (please, spell it and pronounce it slowly) and tell me which class you are taking.

Describe what you did on Sunday.

Remember, you will be describing actions that took place in the past. Use the past tense!

Please speak for at least two minutes but not more than three minutes. Speak clearly and slowly.

See you in October.

Thanks,
Richard

Wednesday Homework

Call me on the telephone.

You know the number.

Tell me about an interesting movie you have seen.

Please begin by telling me your name and what class you are taking.

Then, tell me the time and date you are calling.

Tell me the title of the movie. (Today I am going to tell you about the movie, "a Conversation with God.")

Tell about the plot of the movie.

Finally, tell me why you like that movie.

Please, talk for at least 2 minutes, but don't alk longer than three minutes.

Thanks,
Richard

Lyrics for "You Can Get It If You Really Want"

You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
But you must try, try and try
Try and try, you'll succeed at last

Persecution you must bear
Win or lose you've got to get your share
Got your mind set on a dream
You can get it, though harder them seem now

You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
But you must try, try and try
Try and try, you'll succeed at last
I know it, listen

Rome was not built in a day
Opposition will come your way
But the hotter the battle you see
It\'s the sweeter the victory, now

You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
But you must try, try and try
Try and try, you'll succeed at last

You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
But you must try, try and try
Try and try, you'll succeed at last

You can get it if you really want - I know it
You can get it if you really want - though I show it
You can get it if you really want
- so don't give up now

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP

HI! TEAHER, HOW ARE YOU FEELING TODAY. DO YOU MISS US? LONG TIME NO SEE, I MISS YOU SO MUCH. I ALWAYS MISS YOU ABOUT YOUR OPERATION. DO YOU OPERATE? I HAD SEEN YOUR VIDEO ON THE BLOG VERY THIN. I WISH YOU GOOD HEALTH.

I ALWAYS REMEMBER PROMISE WITH YOU, BUT WE DON'T HAVE FREE TIME EAT LUNCH WITH YOU, WE EAT WITH YOU TOGETHER NEXT TIME, I HOPE SO. ALSO THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP ABOUT MY SON CHANGE THE SCHOOL. NOW MY SON IS STUDYING AT NEW SCHOOL VERY WELL.

HOW ABOUT YOUR VACATION? WE HOPE TO SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER.

Video, too!

Can you see the vido just to the right of the blog?

What do you think about it?

Please leave comments.

The Music Player is Up

Your comments are needed!

Tell me which of these songs is your favorite. Also, please suggest songs that you would like me to post on the blog.

Thanks,
Richard and the lovely Miss Xica

Picnic Photos

Click for photos of the 2nd Annual Jean Mulligan Neighborhood Centers Picnic at Redwood Regional Park.



All the photos were taken by our phtographer extraordinaire, Kai Yan Lok.

Information about Oakland Schools

WHO AM I

I am a famous figure who has white hair and a white beard. I always wear a red suit .Adults and children all like me .I take a long trip in a special night every year. Itravel with a magic sleigh .It doesn't have wings or an engine. It is pulled by eight reindeer thought the night sky. I fly all over the world to vist the houses where children live. I know if children have been good or bad during the year. I bring candy and toys to the good children and pieces of coal to bad children. you gauss who am I

Remenbering a good friend

When I was younger I liked to ride my bicycle in my free time. I usually went out with my friends on weekends to ride the bicycle around the park and the streets of the city.

One day, I went out with my friend. She always takes a lot of risks. We were riding when we went down a very steep street She was going very fast when she ran into a rock, flew into the air and struck the ground.

I got off my bicycle, and ran to help her. She was lying down. Her head was cut because she hadn’t been wearing a bicycle helmet, and her head began to bleed a lot.

I was very scared. There wasn’t anybody to help me. She got up but immediately fell down again. I was shouted for help. I was worried because I had never seen before so much blood coming from a head wound. Fortunately a man appeared and helped me to take her to the hospital.

Happily, the doctor said that she only had a big cut on her head and that she would be fine.

A story

This is an allegory.

A long time ago, an old man lived in a small house. There was a big mountain in front of the door of his house. If he wanted to go anywhere, he had to go around the mountain so he decided to remove the mountain. Every day he dug the mountain.

One day, a person was passing by and he saw the old man digging the mountain.

He asked the old man, "What are you doing ?"

The old man answered, "I am removing the mountain because it is blocking my way."

That person said, "That is impossible! When will you ever finish?"

The old man said proudly, "It will be done. I will work without stopping. If I can't finish it in my lifetime, my son will continue. It will be finished!"

Some may think this old man is stupid, but others will think that this is a good allegory. It tells us –“You can get it if you really want, but you must try, try and try. You’ll succeed at last!”

A Mistake and a Lesson

A Mistake

An elderly woman was walking slowly in a park when she saw a paper on the ground in front of her. She thought it was paper money so she bent down to pick it up. It was only a receipt, so she threw it away.

A park security guard was walking nearby and saw her action. He fined her $50. She tried to explain her action but he didn’t forgive her.

The woman called her daughter. Her daughter arrived the park post haste. The daughter tried to explain her mother’s action, too. However, the guard decided insisted that the old woman pay $50. He said, “If you picked it up, you should have put it in the trash can. If you picked it up and then you threw it back on the ground, you made a mistake.”

The old woman paid the fine.

The guard put the $50 in his pocket. He said, “If you had found a $50 bill, you would not have thrown it back on the ground. You would have put it in your pocket. I hope you have learned from my example.”

Father's Day

Father’s Day

On Father’s Day was a bad day for my father-in-law. A few days before Father’s Day, his wife and he went to San Diego to visit their daughter’s family. They drove back to their house on Father’s Day. On the way, my mother-in-law wanted to stop in Santa Ana because she wanted to buy some Vietnamese food. But, my father-in-law didn’t want to. He wanted to get home quickly, so he didn’t stop. They arrived home at 2 pm. He dropped his wife at the front door to their house. Then, he drove away. He went to an apartment building that he owned. He fixed some things inside one of the apartments. After 20 minutes, he went outside to pick get some tools from his car, but he didn’t see his car. Somebody had stolen his car. He called the police immediately.

Now, Father’s Day is not my father-in-laws favorite holiday.

My first day in United States

September 30, 2006, was my first day in the United States. It was an unforgettable day.

As soon as I walked outside from the waiting room of the airport, I saw my parents. They were waving their hands to me, and I saw a little red in their eyes, and we exchanged a big hug. We were very excited, because we have not seen each other for 3 years.

My cousin drove us from airport in his car. My cousin said, “I’ll take you to buy a lottery ticket and a bottle of wine."

"Why?" I asked.

He said, "You arrived here and that means that you are lucky, so you should buy a lottery ticket. You should buy a bottle of wine to celebrate!"

I smiled and said, “Ok,no problem!"

Then he took me to buy a lottery ticket and a bottle wine. After we got to my parent’s house, we had a big dinner and drank the wine with my family and we chatted until midnight.

Although I didn't win the lottery, I felt lucky!

Machupicchu the new marvel of the world

Do you know Cameron Diaz?, The beautiful actress is now visiting Peru, and she is walking by the streets of Cusco, then she will make a trip to Machu Picchu and, later, she will enjoy the festivities of the Inti Raymi.

Machupicchu, is one of de marvels of my country Peru, everyone who likes to do tourism dreams some day to know Machupicchu.

Machupicchu is surrounded by an immense jungle of impressive mountains. Located in Urubamba's, province to Cuzco, this sanctuary Inca is one of the most important archaeological remains of the world.

Machupicchu's value, for the Incas, had been religious, magic, and had a special fascination: the hills, mountains, forests. They shaped in Machupicchu a singular landscape, because the landscape was for the Incas, part of their religion.

Machupicchu is one of the archaeological remains that wakes a particular interest in the entire world and is, without doubts, the best expression that demostrates the capacity of the Andean man.

These days Machupicchu is taking part to be chosen among 7 marvels of the world, and is between the last 21 finalistas, between The Great Wall of China, The Christ Redeemer of Brazil, The Effiel Tower of France, The Estatue of Liberty of USA, and others.
You can visit this sight: www.new7wonders.com , and of course vote for Machupicchu or for any of the new marvels of the world.

My Fear

My Fear

Last Tuesday, there is a black man followed me when I walked on the International Street after school. I went step by step, the man went step by step, too. But I strode fast, the man strode the same. I really scare but I kept calm. Suddenly, the man went up in front of me, turned back and talked too much. But I didn’t understand.
There is police car drove pass, the police man saw the black man. He stopped and said,
“Do you know him?”
“No, I don’t”, I answered
“What did he say to you?”, he asked
“I didn’t understand”, I replied
“OK’’, the police man said
The police man asked the black man some questions. Then, the black man went another way and the police man drove away.
If anyone asks me, “What thing do you want this year?’’. I will answer, “A car”.

My Happy Day

My Happy Day

by Dao Juan

My happy day was in May last year. One day, I received an advertisement book from Macy’s and I put it on the table. That day, I was sitting and watching TV with my husband on the sofa. My son was playing in front of us. While I was enjoying the TV, my son brought the advertisement Macy’s book and pointed to a necklace.

He looked at me and said carefully, “Mom, it’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

I was curious and answered him, “Yes, it is. Would you like one?”

“No, I don’t want it. I want to buy one for you for a Mother’s Day gift.”

I was very surprised that he thought it that way. I answered him, “Thank you, but it is very expensive, and how could you buy it?”

He said that he had red envelopes and he would ask his father for help. I saw his earnest face and almost laughed, but I didn’t want to break his dream. I thanked him and told him that he could give me this gift when he could buy it by himself. He thought a little bit and promised me he would buy it when he got his first job. When I heard that I felt very happy. I felt very happy because I had a filial son.

Dao Juan's Story

My Happy Day

by Dao Juan

My happy day was in May last year. One day, I received an advertisement book from Macy’s and I put it on the table. That day, I was sitting and watching TV with my husband on the sofa. My son was playing in front of us. While I was enjoying the TV, my son brought the advertisement Macy’s book and pointed to a necklace.

He looked at me and said carefully, “Mom, it’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

I was curious and answered him, “Yes, it is. Would you like one?”

“No, I don’t want it. I want to buy one for you for a Mother’s Day gift.”

I was very surprised that he thought it that way. I answered him, “Thank you, but it is very expensive, and how could you buy it?”

He said that he had red envelopes and he would ask his father for help. I saw his earnest face and almost laughed, but I didn’t want to break his dream. I thanked him and told him that he could give me this gift when he could buy it by himself. He thought a little bit and promised me he would buy it when he got his first job. When I heard that I felt very happy. I felt very happy because I had a filial son.

Mr.Yie likes dragon

Mr. Yie likes Dragon

I’m going to tell you a legend, It’s not true, but it’s funny.

Hearsay that long time ago, A man , He name is Yie, he very liked dragon, He engraved dragon on the post, the table, the chair, and the bed etc. Wherever of the house, He hung up a lot of picture about the dragon. Every day he drew picture only about the dragon.

Dragon was liveing on the top of the sky, It heard about Mr.Yie that he like it so much. The dragon think that is it’s honour, It want to meet Mr. Yie.

One day ,The dragon flew into Mr. Yie’s house from the sky. and it stayed near by Mr.Yie, Mr. Yie was scare, He never saw a dragon can move. He was dizzy and fall down. The dragon is disappointingly and flew away.

The Lucky dog and the unlucky men


Last weekend was a hot weather; I went to my uncle house to fix his house
I helped him fix the roof, but it was a hard work, because the sun was very strong
I felt very hot, then I wanted to leave roof to drank some water, but my uncle his big dog
Lucky, he hit the stair fall down. So I couldn’t leave the roof I talked to my uncle the
Stair fall down, my uncle said what the stair fell down how could we go down?. Oh man,
I said let me try to went down, I tried to climb down but the house too height, I couldn’t
Climb down, I said we can call some people help us, did you bring your phone uncle,
He said no I put my phone at the living room, then I said we can loudly call your
neighborhood for help, but his neighborhood weren’t at home, so we stayed at the roof
for three hours , then my aunt came home, she see us sit on the roof , she said you’re so
work hard , I said help! Aunt my stair fell down on the ground helped me put it up, then
we went down to the ground and went in to the house ,I saw lucky at the living room ,
I said; no more hot dog and no more ham.

A STORY

After work, a woman ran into a stranger as he passed by.

“Oh excuse me please,” the woman said.

The man replied, “Please excuse me, too. I wasn’t watching for you.”

They continued on their way together. They talked, laughed and, finally, said “Goodbye” to each other. They were very polite.

Later, at the woman’s house, she was cooking dinner. Her son was standing beside her and he asked her something. She turned and nearly knocked him down.

“Move out of the way,” she said with a frown. The boy walked away with his eyes full of tears.

At midnight, the woman woke up and went to the kitchen. She saw some flowers on the kitchen counter. She quietly went to her son’s room. She said,

“Wake up, honey, wake up”.

The boy opened his eyes and looked her surprisingly.

The woman said, “Are these the flowers you picked for me?”

“Yes, I picked them up because they’re beautiful like you” he replied

“I’m sorry for the way I acted today. I love you.” She said

He said, “Oh, mom it’s okay. I love you any way”.

The woman hugged her son and smiled.

Do you think about the story?. We are always polite with a stranger but we are rude with our love ones. This story that I want to share with everybody

Now I understand!

Just Joking!

I read these jokes in the newspaper. I am going to write on the blog to share them with my classmates.

One day a man went to casino for fun, but he lost all his money. The next day a neighbor asked the gambler’s wife. “Did your husband win money yesterday?”

“He went to casino in a car that cost twenty thousand dollars ,and then he returned home in a car was that was even more expensive. Now what do you think, did he win or lose?” the gambler’s wife answered.

“Of course, he won money,”the neighbor answered quickly.

The gambler’s wife shook her head and answered sadly, “No, he lost all his money

“How could that be?” the neighbor asked:

“Because when he went to casino ,he drove his own car. When he came back home, he took the bus. Do you understand now?”.

“Oh my god,” said the neighbor. He understood immediately.

Mangos in Fish Sauce

My Trip to San Jose

Last weekend I went to the flea market in San Jose. I bought some cleaning supplies. I bought a screwdriver. I walked around. I looked at the vegetables. I looked for green mangos then I saw some big green mangos. I bought them and I took them home with me.

I made a fish sauce and put in some sugar. I peeled the mangos and put them in the sauce.

It was delicious!

By Anh Thi Pham

Arequipa's Earthquake

Arequipa’s Earthquake

It was a quiet and beautiful Saturday when an earthquake happened in my city, Arequipa, six years ago. The seismographer said that it was 6 on the Merchalli scale.

On the Merchalli scale a six means that the earthquake was strong. It was felt by everyone. Many people were frightened and ran outdoors. Windows, dishes, glassware were broken. Books fell off shelves. Some heavy furniture moved or overturned. Damage was slight.

That day I went with some friends to the International Club to celebrate the anniversary of my work. We had a lot of fun. First, we played some games and then we had a barbecue.

We were dancing when the earth began to move. The trees shook a lot. All my friends were shouting and crying, and some of them ran to their houses. They were very worried about their families.

I was frightened, when I saw how the earth came down in a landslide. I started to cry.

Then, on the way to my house, I saw people running on the street. Some ancient walls had fallen down and in one store I could see broken bottles scattered on the floor. It was incredible.

When I got home, I could finally breath. All in my family were well, even my nephew, who was playing in the park. We only have had a big scare.

Review of the Present Perfect

Hi, classmates, recently our teacher, Richard, taught us about the present perfect tense. I felt that it was not easy to make use of the present perfect. So, I wrote down some examples of sentences for my understanding and reviewing. Our teacher made corrections for me. And he asked me to post those sentences on the blog. I thought, if it is helpful for our classmates, I am willing to post it.


Present Perfect Tense

Subject + have (has) + past participle

Usages:
1, recent past action that is important now. (Just, already)
2, past experience, indefinite (now) past time. (How many times, ever, never)
3, past experience (past action or situation) that continues now. (Since, for)
4, with yet.
5, with a superlative.
6, with “the first”, “the third”, etc.
7, repetition of an action.

Examples:
Usage 1:
Key words: just, already.
1, I’ve just gotten up.
2, I’ve already bought one. I don’t need two.
3, Taame has just learned that his friend is alive.
4, Susan has just gotten back from China. She told me that she had a great time.

Key words: finish, realize, come cook, take, run.
Sam: I have just cooked some spaghetti. Would you like some?
Dean: No, thanks. I have just (means recently) finished eating lunch.
Pete: Hey, the next time you go to the post office, would you pick something up for me?
Gwen: It’s too bad you didn’t ask me sooner. I have just come back from there.
Keith: Can you give me a ride to the store now?
Jim: I’m sorry, but my car has just run out of gas.

Woman: Excuse me, sir. Has flight 663 left yet?
Man: Yes, it has already taken off. Why do you ask?
Well, I’ve just realized that I have left my carry-on bag on the plane.

Usage 2:
Key words: How many times, ever, never.
1: “Have you ever gone there?”
“No, I’ve never gone there, but my uncle has traveled there many times.”

Key words: Have, think, hear, study, eat, be.
Emily: Have you ever eaten tempura?
Laura: No, I haven’t. What is it?
Emily: It’s a Japanese dish. It’s fried vegetables or fried fish.
Laura: Really, I have never heard of it.
Emily: You should try it. It’s delicious.




Vic: Have you ever studied a foreign language? (Present Perfect – indefinite)
Carl: Yes, I studied French when I was in college. (Past – definite)
Vic: Have you ever had a chance to use it? I mean, have you ever been (traveled) to France?
Carl: Unfortunately no. I have never traveled (have never been) a broad.

Ben: I’m sorry I’m late, but I had car trouble again this morning.
Jean: Why do you keep that old car? Have you ever thought about getting a new one?
Ben: Sure, I’ve thought about it many times, but I have never had (don’t have) enough money to buy one.

Usage 3:
I have been studying (Perfect continuous) here for two years.
I have studied here for two years, but I’m going to go to Laney this summer

Use Since with a beginning date or time (yesterday, 2:00 am, 1993).
Use for with a period or length of time (2 weeks, 1 minute, 3 years, decade)
I live in Oakland. (Present Tense)
I moved here five years ago. (Past Tense)
I moved there in 2002. (Past Tense)
I have lived in Oakland for five years. (Present Perfect Tense)
I have lived there since 2002. (Present Perfect Tense)

Apples are on sale. The sale started on Monday.
The apples have been on sale since Monday.

Cam owns a BMW. She bought it in 2001.
Cam has owned a BMW since 2001.

We know the mayor. We met him ten years ago.
We have known the mayor for ten years.

I began to work at this office two years ago. I still work here.
I have worked at this office for two years.

Henry has a huge house. He bought it when he moved here.
Henry has owned a huge house since he moved here.


Keith plays tennis. He learned how to play in 2003.
Keith has played tennis since 2003.
Keith has played tennis for 4 years.


Usage 4:
1, Ben always eats dinner at 7:00 pm. It’s 6:45 now.
Ben hasn’t eaten dinner yet.
2, The weather report predicted rain for today. The sky is dark, but the ground is dry.
The rain hasn’t fallen yet.
It hasn’t rained yet.
3, The monitor says the plane will arrive in 10 minutes. The plane is still in the air.
The plane hasn’t arrived yet.
The plane hasn’t landed yet.
According to the monitor, the plane hasn’t landed yet.
4, We are all very hungry. The stew is on the stove. It needs to cook some more.
The stew hasn’t finished cooking yet.
5, I wanted to speak with Dr. Adams yesterday, but I didn’t have time. I need to speak to him.
I haven’t spoken with Dr. Adams yet.
6, The big game is tomorrow. I forget to buy my ticket this morning. I need a ticket.
I haven’t bought my ticket yet.

Usage 5:
1, Key words: long, take, trip
That was the longest trip that I have ever taken.
2, Key words: good, mojito, drink.
That was the best mojito (that) I have ever drunk.
3, Key words: expensive, car, drive.
It was the most expensive car I have ever driven.
4, Key words: delicious, meal. Eat.
That was the most delicious meal I have ever eaten.
5, Key words: beautiful, flower, see.
It was the most beautiful flower I have ever seen.
6, Key words: expensive, shirt, buy.
This is the most expensive shirt I have ever bought.
7, Key words: busy, day, have.
It was the busiest day I have ever had,
8, Key words: fun, movie, see,
It was the funniest movie I have ever seen.
9, Key words: hard, time, experience.
That was the hardest time I have ever experienced.
10, Key words: bad, day, have.
Yesterday was the worst day I have ever had.

Usage 6:
1, This is the second time that you have given me yesterday’s paper.
2, It’s the third day that I have seen Frank and Tony, but I still have trouble remembering
their names.
3, that is the fourth time that you have dropped a ball in this game. Are you trying to set a
new record?

Usage 7:
Paolo: Yeah, it’s crazy. We’ve had six tests so far this month. (Key words: six…so far)
Weiping: You know, in my biology class, the teacher has given only one test this semester.
(Key words: one…this semester)
Maybe so, but I’ve had a lot of classes like that here. (Key words: a lot)

A Good Mood Day

HI! My classmate. Do you have good weekend?
My honor teacher Richard I feel so sorry! Because I haven't written some story for long time. I hope you could forgive me,because I was so busy,I need to work almost every day. I had best weekend,because I could use computer at home. I connected high speed Internat on yesterday,but my cousin helped me that how to connected the Internat.
On yesterday. We spent three hours to finish. Because I do many thing wrong. At first,I forgot my password,it was big letter or small letter. I tried many time, but I discovered when I called the company,I could passed these part, so when I couldn't passed, I surely called the company.

U Pick Farms

Click here to find a list of farms where you can pick your own fruit.

OUR RESPECTABLY TEACHERS!

Dear honored teachers, Ms. JOLI FORTH, Ms. SHIRLEY MITCHELL and Mr. RICHARD BLUM. My name is Nghia Tran. I come from a distant country, Vietnam. We, my classmates, are immigrants to the USA, with a lot of strange questions and a lot of difficulties to confront in our new life. We are very lucky to be studying English at the Neighborhood Centers Adult Schools with no fees. We are really happy that we met teachers like you. You always listen and share our worries, ambitions and problems. You always encourage us to try more and more to get success.

We come from different countries with different languages, but you are always patient. You try to understand us and explain everything that we don’t understand. Sometimes, we are absent. There are a lot of reasons: work, taking care of our children, nobody to take us to school or we may just feel lazy that day. But you always come to class five days a week and bring a lot of smiles. We feel that you love your job and your students very much.

I wrote this lesson, but my writing represents all of students who study at our school. We thank you for your enthusiasm and dedication. We wish you good health and that you continue to have a passion for your job. We hope you continue to teach newcomers like us.

Thank you, thank you and thank our honored teachers.

My Father's 50th Birthday

For me, my father's 50th birthday party, was a memorable experience.

My father is the oldest of nine siblings (eight boys and one girl)

and all of them came to his party. Even my uncle, who lives in the United States, came and brought a big bottle of tequila to share with everyone.

The party was in my house and it started early in the day. In preparation for the party, we decorated the house with flowers and golden ornaments according to the custom.

My mother cooked delicious food.The guests talked and danced until midnight. Some of my father’s friends like to sing, so they sang typical Peruvian songs for my father.

My father was very happy. Whenever my family gets together, we remember that day. We hope to have a similar kind of party for my mother on her birthday in October.

THE MEANINGFUL OF A FLOWERBUNCH

In outlandish of countryside had a new teacher came to taught elementary school.

The early morning, the teacher opened the door and saw a bunch flower in front of her house.

And then, second day, third day also had offer a bunch flower.

To the fourth, she decided got up early to find out who did it.

From distance, a child step slowly to her house. In his hand was a bunch flower. He was caught in the act, he was puzzled and said:”Dear teacher, not only me. This is an agreement with us. Before you came here, we had a teacher. Unexpectedly had a man came to the city? Every time he visited our teacher, he offered her a beautiful and fresh flower.

For a little while, our teacher came with him. We felt very sad and thought” Why she left our, we didn’t had a present the same him for her, is it a reason why?”

So, this time before you have another man come, every day morning you have a bunch of flower from us.

My first day at Oakland Adult School

Hello classmates,

I’m Cecilia and I grew up in Peru. I came to US three weeks ago. I came because I want to know how is life here and for many other reasons. So, I decided to study English because this is important for all the things that I want to do here.

Therefore, I started looking for classes where I could study English. I asked my family and some friends what was the best place to study English. They all said Oakland Adult School.

On May 21st I took the placement exam and I was pleased because I did well even though I studied English so many years ago in my country.

I went to my first day of classes and I thought everyone spoke Spanish like me. However I was very surprised because I found out that many students came from other countries. And that made me realize that we all had to learn English if we wanted to communicate each other.

MY FEELING!

"Do not run through life
so fast that you forget
not only where you have been
but also where you are going.
Life is not a race,
but a journey to be savored
each step of the way."

February 24, 2007 was the day I left my hometown. I left the bones my parents and my close friends and I moved to another country. It was the United States of America.

When I stepped off the airplane, I felt scared. The police stood in front of the door. They looked bigger and taller than me. They didn't look friendly and especially their skin looked very different from the skin of Asians like me.

Everything for me was very strange, My new life confused me. I didn't know the street I lived on. I didn't know how to use money. I didn't know the prices of anything. I didn't know how to drive a car. My skin dried and I got acne. I had allergies from the California grasses. The language was different. The weather was also different. I felt scared by criminals when I went outside alone. I had to depend on others for everything. I couldn’t do anything myself.

Teacher, I miss my parent so so much, but I never and forever will see them again, because they went far far away.

I try to always remember ,"I need to try more and more, because everything is just beginning."

Hello, Classmates

Hi, my name is Cecilia.

I am going to write a story on the blog soon.

See you in class!

Jelly Belly Visitor Center and Factory!

Jelly Belly Visitor Center and Factory

Hi, teacher and everybody! How is your weekend going? Did you get a chance to relax yet this holiday?

I want to introduce you and your family to a tourist destination where you can go shopping and dining. That’s the Jelly Belly Visitor Center and Factory.

L ook at these pictures. What are they? Can you guess? The flower on the cake, the egg and butterfly on the grass, the flower basket, and the cottage with a pine tree all were decorated with Jelly Belly candy. It’s wonderful

During the 40 minute free tour, a tour guide will walk you through the factory. She will you the state of the art candy making machines. More than 150 different flavored candies are made there. The process is clean, automated and professionally administrated.

You will enjoy the natural aromas of cappuccino, lemon, kiwi, coconut, cinnamon toast and more. If you on a diet, don’t worry, they have a lot of candies without sugar for you choose from. At the end of the tour, you’ll receive two free bags of jelly beans with their compliments.

The Jelly Belly Visitor Center and Factory is located in Fairfield, California, approximately one hour driving time from San Leandro. It’s open from 9am to 5pm. You should come before 4pm if want to take part in the free tour.

I hope you and your family have a nice tour!

THE PRICELESS

The mother was repairing dinner in the kitchen, suddenly little boy ran in and gave her a piece of paper. After she wiped up her hand on apron, his mom opened and read:

- For cutting the grass: 5$

- Clean up my bedroom: 1$

- For go to the market with mom: 50 cent

- For babysitting my young brother: 25 cent

- For take out garbage: 1$

- Good final test: 5$

- For sweep the yard: 2$

Total you owe me: 14.75 $

After she read, looked at her son who waiting for the answer. She took a pen, turns the paper over and wrote:

- Nine months ten days I carried you in my belly: free

- Beside and took care when you felt sick: free

- The tears you made my cry years ago: free

- Sleepless to worried for your future: free

- All the toys, food, clothes you had: free

- And the most expensive, that’s my love for you: too free

After he read this page, he feel moved and said: “I love you very much”. And then he wrote the sentence with big letter: “YOU WILL BE PAY FULL”

Source: www.tuoitre.com.vn if you don't read Vietnamese, scrool to the bottom half of the page - Translate from: "Condensed Chicken Soup for the Soul"

THE MYSTERY SPOT

If, on occasion, you come to Santa Cruz, California, don't forget to visit a famous place called The Mystery Spot.

It was discovered in 1939 and opened to the public in the 1940's. In this spot it seems like the laws of gravity do not apply. Things seem very strange. It can make you dizzy.

When you stand on one side a line you may seem shorter than your friend. If you and your friend change places than you will seem taller than your friend. If you drop a ball put down a slide it looks like the ball is rollingup hill. I didn't believe my eyes. I was stupified!

The plants in the forest are odd, too! The branches of the plants are all leaning toward one side. When you walk around this spot your body inclines forward 30 degrees even though the ground looks level. You need to be in good health when you go there because it will make you feel dizzy. I felt dizzy for several days.

If you don't believe me, go and find out for yourself!

MOTHER`S DAY!!!!!!

HELLO! Class,Today i talking about Mother`sDay.In must latincountrys,we celebrated in May10.On this oliday,Im send money and flowers to my mom,money to my sisters and my mother-in-law.This mont is very special for me, is my birthday too.im feeling little sad becose my family is in my country but my two dauthers,and my husban, give me; happines.In this country celebrate at secon sunday from this monts,the people was on restaurant,or gotten some gifs,Althroug some peoples thougt this is bad is only business,stores,and merchant to take advantage,sale more expensive.If you felt good done this is O.k,My father told; each head is a word.

Welcome to Viet Nam!

WELCOME TO VIET NAM!

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is the first place in Viet Nam that you should visit. It's beautiful, animated, noisy and friendly. There are a lot of famous places you can visit: Independence Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum - Nha Rong Wharf, Lotus Lake Park, Suoi Tien Tourist Area (Fairies Stream), Van Thanh Park and Ben Thanh Market are worth seeing.

At Ben Thanh Market you can buy handmade souvenirs including traditional Vietnamese clothing like the "Non La” - hat made of latanier leaves and the Ao Dai formal dress.

The second place I want to introduce is Hanoi. Hanoi is the capital of Viet Nam. Life in Hanoi is calmer. It isn't as noisy and animated as Ho Chi Minh City. Ba Dinh Square is the place where Uncle Ho read the "Independence Declaration" on September 2nd, 1945.

There are also many other interesting towns, cities and beautiful places to visit. Ha Dong is a small town famous for its silk. Ha Long Bay (the Bay of the Descending Dragon) is often touted by proud Vietnamese as the world's eighth wonder. Among the main attractions of Ha Long Bay are the calm water and the thousands of limestone mountains dotting the seascape.

Sapa is an old French hill station, nestled among the Hoang Lien Son Mountains near the Chinese border. Because of its situation near the tallest mountain range in our country, it is possibly the most scenic location in Vietnam. Members of the Black Hmong ethnic minority live near the town. Other ethnic minorities come to Sapa for the weekly market.

Vietnamese are funny, friendly and open-hearted. Welcome to Viet Nam, I hope you have a good trip!

Hi, Classmates

My name is Nghia. I will write a story very soon!

See You Later

Hello: teacher, classmates, how is ever body?
My name is Yue Hua, I'm a studen in afternoon classroom 101. Because I move to a house , I can't go to school. So maybe I'll stop go to school. But I 'll not stop learning English . I will learn English harder on Computer and TV . Maybe , I will come back.
During the school time, thank you very much teacher Richard Blum, you have taught me English well, and I learned fast in class room101. You was a very good teacher in school. I like classroom 101.
I will remember you, and I will remember classmates . I will miss ever body . Thank you! Bye-bye!