Staying with a Home-stay

Well, after more than 18 hours’ journey, I arrived at Nottingham. When I reached my home-stay, we found my home-mother Jan had already prepared everything for me, the cosy bedroom, the warm bed, the wardrobe and a collecting basket. Then she explained to me how to use the bath room and the wash room. I said to myself: She would be a nice lady to stay with for my six-week-study in Nottingham.

When I was woken by my alarm, I realized that my life in Nottingham had begun.

“Good morning, Jessie! Did you have a nice sleep last night?”

“Do you want some more toast or bread? Would you like coffee or tea for your breakfast?”

“What do you like for your packed lunch? Are tomatoes and ham OK for you? Do you like crisps or a chocolate bar? And what do you prefer, an apple or an orange?”

“I will go out to see today’s temperature for you. It’s 16 degrees, you will have to take your jacket with you?”

“The weather report says it is going to rain today. Remember to take your umbrella.”

“You can take the 8:03 bus, but you have to be quick, it’s coming in 2 minutes. Run, run, run, Jessie.”

“Remember to say good morning to the driver when you get on and say thank you when you get off. Be polite and if you are a little bit late some day he will stop for you.”

“Have a good day, Jessie. See you.”

“Jessie, did you have a nice day today? Anything interesting happened?”

“Jessie, are the sandwiches OK for you?”

“Would you like to have a cup of tea or hot water first? Dinner will be ready in 20 minutes. You can go up and have a rest.”

“Jessie, supper is ready.”

“They are fish fingers. Do you eat fish in this way in China? And they are sprouts, a very good vegetable! ”

“This is the pancake. Do you like it?”

“The dumplings are very nice! I finished about 10. I can’t believe it myself. Thank you!”

“Look! I can handle the chopsticks! Isn’t it amazing?”

“You know what? One day a bear came to visit me…… Is it funny? Now it’s your time to tell me something interesting, isn’t it? ”

“Good night, ladies! See you tomorrow.”

“……”

Well, that’s my home-mother Jan. She is a nice, kind, interesting, careful, hospitable, elegant and humorous lady. Actually I just can’t think about any more good words for her. And the last thing I want to say is: I have been so lucky to stay with Jan in England!

(By Jessie Chen)