Scotland Movenote Cédric Benet

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My first impression about England

When our bus got down from the boat, I saw that cars were driving on the left, and there, I had the confirmation that I was in England. It’s very disturbing to drive on the left, to take roundabouts on the left  and to overtake on the right. I have had the feeling that the English want to do everything opposite to the French.

The weather was mild, and the sky was grey. After two hours on the road we arrived in Staffordshire University, where people have been very friendly and welcoming.

To my surprise, the food has been delicious and sometimes better than French food but it’s so expensive. Everything is more expensive here except clothes. At the beginning I had trouble to accustom myself with the currency. I’m expected to see people take tea in the afternoon (5PM) but it is not the case.

I have noted that people drink a lot of alcohol but not the same way like in France, it’s not a surprise. The English are very eccentric. At the parties women wear very revealing outfits. They like football it's nearly a religion here. However the English are very open minded and we can easily feel like at home. We feel and we see also the cultural diversity everywhere.

My life in England.

 Whereas I wanted go to the USA because I was not attracted by Stafford, my trip in England is a good surprise. Indeed, I discovered new beautiful places like Stafford, Birmingham and especially London. On the other hand, this trip allowed me to judge if French and world prejudices about England and its population are correct.

Although I live in a great city like Paris, I was born in a small town and especially in the country next to Calais and the Channel Tunnel. That's why, I wanted to rediscover a small town with a lot of green spaces, trees and quiet neighborhoods. 

However, I am disappointed because every day, in these green spaces, I don't see pleasure and cheerfulness. Indeed, there are never children playing. In place of this, there are boards forbidding, for example, ball games. I think it's dull. On the other hand, the Staffordshire University is amazing! Indeed, it can find in this university a Sports Centre, including Fitness Suite, a Nursery, a Television Centre & Lecture Theater, a Careers Centre & Student Recruitment Centre and a lot of other things. I would like to have the same things in EFREI.

One of the first prejudices that I find with Google: English population forbids to open up to other countries. It's possible...they drive on the left, they don't have Euro and they don't like really the European policy. However, I think it's false. Indeed, whereas France says she wants to accept foreigners, it seems me that England is more open to the difference and multiculturalism. Writing this, I think of Samir Nasri, a French footballer. He plays in English championship with Manchester City. Last week, he said English population is may be more tolerant than France, especially with footballers and Muslims. And...he may have good reason. I stopped to count the number of foreigner that I saw working in shops...with a large smile and ever very kind! Besides, generally, all people in England are very happy and approachable and I love this!

Finally, in my opinion, this foreign trip is beneficial for us. Indeed, it allowed me to meet new people or to come closer to some EFREI students.

A Day Trip to North Wales

A Day Trip to North Wales

The International Student Centre is organising a Day Trip to the North Wales Coast on Saturday May 17th

Visiting the historic towns of Conwy and Llandudno. Depart Stafford 08:00 Depart Stoke 08:30 Return time: Llandudno 19:00. Tickets cost: £12 From: (Stafford) The Finance Office 1st floor Beacon building. The Finance Office, Cadman Building (Stoke).

The contrast between Stafford and the civilisation

Recently living in Stafford, I realize that the silence here was killing me. 

However everything was fine at the beginning. 

Stafford is a town which has astonished me a lot.

First of all, the apparition of a second tap that induces a mass of sensitive issues from the awakening, the politeness of people, the fresh smell of the trees in full photosynthesis and the most important, a central hub that everybody can see and where they all  meet : ASDA. 

  

ASDA, little brother of the Wall-Mart –Big supermarket in the United States- wishes to be the best in England. 

Moreover, it works very well in Stafford. 

Indeed , there isn’t a day without hearing about ASDA:

« Have you been to ASDA today ? », « this morning I come up with a discount on Bazinga tee-shirts, it makes my day better »  «  I have an appointment in ASDA tomorrow between 2pm and 3pm, I have to meet a friend »

It’s a lovely town. 

…

But, the habit of doing and talking about the same things becomes frightening.

Welcome to London ! let’s go to Piccadilly circus and let’s dance. 

Time of the two separate taps is over.  Say hi to the howls and the yells in front of the TopShop sales 

A little digression : my point of view isn't an objective it shouldn't be taken seriously. 

Some people who came from bigger towns will understand, but the others would think that my remarks are caustic. 

London is a town located between Paris and New York. 

We recognize the rustic aspect of « l’entre guerre » buildings. Thus a dynamic extension of a Times Square junior in Piccadilly-Circus. 

Anyway we felt nice when we are Parisian. 

Nevertheless, what we have to know about the Union Jack between those towns with all their contradictions, is that the mentality doesn't change. The English are amazing by their kindness. 

We are surprised.

My first impressions about Stafford and English people

My first impressions about Stafford have been generally good, even if the first day wasn't a good day with regards to the weather. Now I can confess, I thought it was England after all, should I ? My home family told me it is a place where we can have 4 seasons in one day, I hope not.

For a small city, there are a lot of different activities like sports, bars, bowling, shops and others, mainly in the center of the city. Even if we can visit everything in few days, I’m glad to see that we can do things without going too far. However, I don’t understand why almost all shops close at 5pm, when our courses finish of course.

On another point, I was pretty impressed about drivers that don’t care about pedestrians crossing the road. Sometime I wonder if they don’t want to kill someone. Maybe because crossings don't really exist ? Even if  I also see sometimes some crossings like in France and with a road sign showing directions. Anyway, this is not so different from Paris…

If I had to find a cliché that the French say about the English, it is certainly the tea. My home family like this for breakfast, lunch, dinner and certainly a lot of other occasions and I think it’s a habit for a lot of English people.

To summarise, Stafford is a pretty good place, the Staffordshire university brings also some ambience to the town and is a reason  for a lot of young people coming here. I find it sad that the university will move to Stoke in 2 years.

First Impression of English People and London

Royal Guard

Last week-end I went to London, it was the first time. I went there to visit the city and to discover what is like. I have visited many places like Trafalgar square, the Tower Bridge, big Ben, and the Westfield Shopping centre in Stratford town. At the end we went to Buckingham palace and we watched the changing of the guard. So it was amazing to see London. I had a lot of impressions about London and English people generally.

Tower Bridge

 

The first one is that they are so friendly and smiling. They are always happy to help. The second one is their passion for football. I went in a pub with my friends and it was amazing how the fans support their team with songs and by their way to celebrate when a goal get scored. And I noticed that English people love too much their royal Family and are so respectful. They drink nonstop spelling at any hour of the day.  

 

 

 

 

London is a very clean town so it is also a great tourist destination. There are many historical monuments in London that allow us to understand the history of this nice city. So in London there are always a lot of activities to do from morning till night like going to night clubs, watching football in a pub, shopping, etc.  

I think that I could enjoy living in London.

A BIG BIENVENUE TO ALL OUR FRENCH STUDENTS! 

 Please feel free to add posts about your experience of being in the UK.

 How are things different to France?

 Perhaps you have seen or been somewhere unusual or interesting? 

 So don't be shy......just blog! Lorenzo


Why not use your free time to explore Britain?

Places like Wales and the beautiful Roman town of Chester are not far from Stafford.

Lichfield. Staffordshire's best kept secret.

Several weeks ago I visited Staffordshire’s best kept secret- Lichfield. This small, but ancient city attracts locals and visitors from far and wide.  Saturdays in Lichfield are particularly busy, since like most English towns it is market day and the central market square buzzes with stall holders selling all kinds of basic products.  Overlooking the market square in a well restored Georgian building is the Samuel Johnson museum, Lichfield’s most famous citizen. Dr Johnson (as he was later called) was born here in 1709. His father was a bookseller with a small shop on the ground floor. The house is very well preserved with numerous authentic contemporary exhibits and admission is free.

It is St Chad’s however that attracts the tourists. As the oldest building in Lichfield, it glorifies in its central position, its three majestic spires dominating the valley and making an impressive landmark that literally takes you the visitor by surprise. Inside, the cathedral is equally spectacular, with lofty ceilings and hidden chapels carved out of rich soft sandstone. For many years prior to the reformation, St Chad's was a place of mass pilgrimage.

Besides Dr Samuel Johnson and St Chad’s cathedral, the city also boasts another museum, dedicated to another famous resident: Erasmus Darwin, Charles Darwin’s grandfather. Erasmus Darwin was a renowned 18^th century philosopher and his museum is situated just opposite the cathedral.

Lichfield is probably the most photographed destination outside Alton Towers. It has several well restored medieval buildings and numerous examples of elegant Georgian town houses. It also has several traditional tea shops, and of course, restaurants,  pubs and cafes to rest your tired feet. So why not pay it a visit?

How to get there?  Lichfield is situated only 18 miles from Stafford, from where there are regular train and bus services (Arriva Midlands 825).

My very first impression of the United Kingdom

                                             My very first impression of the United Kingdom

            I have been here for more than a week now, and I am beginning to get used to the British habits. Since I took my first steps in London, I felt I was made to live there. Actually, I am not French and it is not the first time I have had to adapt myself to a new way of life and a new culture. I really like the English ones, and I feel great in this country. The most different thing is the way people drive. I already heard about this but it is still surprising to see it in reality. Most of the people here are very friendly and nice. I have noticed it in the bars, pubs and even in the street! I still have difficulties adjusting myself to the meal times in the United Kingdom as they tend to be earlier than in France. Specifically about Stafford, the fact that all the shops are open every day is useful, but they close too early; indeed, for instance if I finish my courses late in the afternoon, I will not be able to purchase anything but the general goods in the supermarkets. During the week, Stafford is quite boring, especially if we don't have friends here. There are a few good places to go, but also beautiful landscapes to visit, if the weather allows it. Stafford is a beautiful place to live. But as a student, I would probably prefer living in a big city like London. I really like the United Kingdom and enjoy being here.

                                                                                       

Stafford Castle.

By Ludovic De Kerpel, EPITA.

    

My first impressions of the UK

                       My first impressions of the UK

I took the train on 16/01 at 7:47 Am. I arrived at San Pancras station from Paris to London  at 9 Am. My first impression was: “This is a big city!” I saw a lot of buildings, and some were under construction. London has a very large population, such as in Paris and there were lots of cars, so it seemed to be a dynamic city.

I had the impression that the British were strange. I had this feeling, because one of the first things I realized is that, they drive on the left of the road, and the steering wheels of their cars are on the right. It was strange for me, because in France, we drive on the right and the steering wheel is on the left. Currently in France I am taking courses in order to get my driving license and in my mind I knew that I will not be able to drive in the UK, because I will put my life in danger

I was surprised when I saw for the first time the British police cars, the ambulances, the currency and the uniform of the policemen. They were different from what we have in France and, I thought they were cool. I saw some of the British taxis. It was funny to see that they were the same as those I saw in English movies. In England when you call a taxi he engages his meter when you sit in his car whereas in France he does it when you call him.

Lastly, I was happy to see that British people love many sports, in particular Football and Rugby. In France I used to watch the Barclays Premier League and my favorite team is Chelsea. I realized that a lot of things are cheaper in England than in France (the food, the clothes, the taxi, electronics devices...).

MBADI BAYEBEC Prosper Emmanuel

My first impression in the UK

Kevin AVOGNON

January 2014

          This wasn’t the first time I came to England. I came twice when I was 9 or 10 so I’m used to going abroad. But when I came again on last Thursday, knowing that I will be staying here for 3 months, I really was happy. Because in France, I live in Disneyland and I have to travel nearly 2 hours daily to get to EPITA. So, knowing that my family is only 5 minutes from the school, it will be a great thing for me to be close to it. Then, I wanted to improve my English comprehension before having the final TOEIC test. So these 3 months will be worthwhile for me regarding my English comprehension and my spoken English.

          I was actually sleeping during the last 30minutes I was in France and the first 10minutes in England, but before I took the Eurostar, I didn’t want to speak English and once in England, but  I told myself that it was time to speak. Once in London, when I saw the English sky, it wasn’t raining so I thought that was a nice start. But when we arrived  Stafford, the sky became grey.

          As soon as we arrived in Stafford, we decided to go to the university by using a Taxi. The people we met were very nice, and I prefer them to the people in France, because they aren’t used to stopping for a few seconds to help people who are lost or something.

         So to conclude, my first impressions in the UK were good

Chinese new year celebration in the UK

This is my first Chinese new year celebration in the UK.

1.The Chinese paste spring couplets on the gateposts when celebrating Spring Festival.

 (Its pray for best wishes in the next year.)

2.Making dumpling.

(Its necessary food. Thats my job,because no one knows how to make it.)

3 Dinner

4 This is most important step--- Drinking.

(Chinese wine is too strong ,so some of my mates drink beer.)

5 Fireworks

5 This is part of my room.

6. In the first of new year we need to make contact with our family.

Finally,I wish every one peace all year all round,and May all your wishes come true.

Thanks for Mr Lorenzo Ball 

Thanks for watching.

"WAIT FOR YOU, PLEASE"

In "Cafe": as you can see, the French language seems to be very difficult to practice for Londoners...

They know that there is a big mistake but they don't do anything about it!

My first impressions of the UK

I am going to explain to you my first feelings of the UK: for this let's start at the beginning.

When, I arrived in Stafford by plane the first things that I noticed was the amount of greenery in Stafford and the important number of houses (not buildings). In fact, there are a lot of trees, open ground and little houses in relation to Paris where you can see less vegetation and numerous buildings.

Secondly, the jet lag between Stafford and Paris is very small but I felt this change because darkness falls very quickly in the UK. I was very surprised when I saw that a lot of stores close very early: approximately at 5.30pm or 6pm. In Paris, stores used to close at 7pm and even later.

Moreover, I felt the cultural differences between France and Great Britain by the fact that people eat very early. I'm used to eating at 8pm but here people eat at 7pm or even earlier.

Thirdly, I was very impressed by the big size of the university and the numerous activities proposed to the students.

Furthermore, I am going to confess you something very funny: sometimes I don't succeed in flushing the English toilet. I don't understand what I must do! Fortunately I succeed in some toilets.

Finally, I have discovered that the food in England is very good: I went to a brasserie and I have discovered that I was fond of chicken with cheese and bacon! I have also discovered, the pleasure of drinking a beer with friends.

In conclusion, I discovered some differences between Paris and Stafford but these changes are not disturbing.