I Come, I Chill, I Conquer

Hello, everyone, good evening! Do you think I am shy? (NO) Well, even though I’m not a shy person, (actually, my friends don’t think I am a shy person.) but, this summer; I used to be a chicken in London. London!!! You must think it like this: “Going to England? Good for you, try to have an exotic romance there.” (Pause) But let me tell you, it’s not that romantic and sweet in the very beginning.

In the first couple days in London, I was terrified; their British accent beats me overwhelmingly. I was thinking, “Gee, what are British talking about, are they actually speaking in English?” In class, I felt upset. And that wasn’t the only challenge for me. After class, all of the students gathered in front of school, waiting to explore the London life and having fun. I was there alone. No any familiar faces surrounding at all. (Moving to the corner of stage) ~. With an uneasy heart I thought I am too old, they are way to young, how could I possibly make any friend here?

At that time, I took out a mirror, looked at myself. “Wow” then I looked around, then again looked at myself. “Wow” Apparently, I looked as young as them. Being a Fluency toastmaster’s beauty salon’s member, I felt encouraged. So I walked forward to the youngest boy in the language school. With my young-look-smile, I asked (big smile) “Hello, I’m Angie, where do you guys plan to go?” “Ooh, I like that, can I join you?” Sooner, we had been forming a solid team, which had 6~8 students. Most of us were around 20 years old. (Pause) Ever since, no matter wherever we went we moved together, to museum, to picnic in the park, or go for musicals. Everyday, we even drank beer at bars.

London is well-known for its traditional bar. The pub culture definitely plays a major role in Londoner’s social life, so did mine. Even my home-stay lady asked me to fancy a beer. How many pubs in London? If you go to a different pub every night, you couldn’t accomplish them even in a year. I never got bored there; amazingly, the fresh beer always aroused my gut to be good communicated. At pubs, teachers and students were talking and laughing happily. Pubs were such wonderful places to practice English instead of school. The place was not as quiet as school, you could speak bala, bala, bala more confidently. And the atmosphere was more joyful too, it just made everybody talkative. Imagine this, talking in English and listen to English for hours and hours, non-stop. Firstly, it’s really tiring, but after you get used to it, a~ha, you would sharpen your English.

Since I conquered my fear, I had made many friends there. And we did have lots of fun together. But, however, before long enough, the good-bye was in the corner. In fact, we made farewell parties almost every Friday, parties were so delighted, but we couldn’t bear to part so soon. I felt sad when I hug my friends saying good-bye. Now, I keep in touch with these good friends from different countries. We still chat together online. And I’m planning to visit some friends in Russia in the coming week.

To sum up my opinions, if you feel like traveling abroad, three reminders, first, bring a mirror to see how charming you are. Two, drink some wine or beer to soft your tongue. The third, the most important one, carry toastmasters’ spirit with you.

Travel alone, you might be afraid in the beginning. Once you overcome the fear, pressure will turn out to confidence. You will find a new yourself inside. Step out of comfort zone to explore more about yourself and the world.

Toastmaster.