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.