Lake District Holiday - Spring 2008

Eurovision Song Contest - Saturday 24th May

The Eurovision Song Contest 2008 was the 53rd edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, which was hosted by Serbia. The semi-finals were held on 20th May and 22nd May, and the final was held on 24th May 2008 in the capital, Belgrade. Russia was declared the winner, with Jim Beanz and Dima Bilan's song ‘Believe’ performed by Bilan. The Belgrade Arena, venue for the contest, is among the largest indoor arenas in Europe, with a total capacity of more than 20,000 seats. Serbia gained the right to host the Contest after Marija Šerifović won the 2007 Contest in Helsinki, Finland.

With the BISC lounge decorated with flags the backdrop was set to create the atmosphere for viewing the Eurovision in its entirety, which some 30+ of us enjoyed, or should I say endured?! Pizza, ice-cream and popcorn were served while we enjoyed the live entertainment, some acts more than others. Opinion was divided as to who was the best, but Terry Wogan, the BBC commentator, whilst providing much amusing commentary, was of the opinion that the voting these days has become more about politics that musical talent. You can form your own opinion!

BRUNEL TRAIL - SATURDAY 17th MAY 2008

It was a lovely Saturday morning that a group of more than 10 students gathered at 9.20 a.m. by the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Elvyn our guide shared his extensive knowledge on Brunel with insights on a competition that conceptualised the present day bridge. We were also given a glimpse of Brunel’s life.

It was through two design competitions that were held, and the great bridge designer Thomas Telford was the committee's expert. Brunel presented a total of four designs and won the competition. Unfortunately, he only got so far as to put up the end piers in his lifetime. The Clifton Suspension Bridge was completed in his honour by his engineering friends in 1864.

The walk continued to Clifton Village towards the docks. There are plenty of Brunel features around the docks. Brunel himself had a hand in their construction and there are capstans and swing bridges in the Cumberland Basin that can still be seen today. The Great Western Dockyard is commemorated with a plaque above the entrance to the industrial museum on Spike Island.

Our next stop was one of the best features of the day - the ss Great Britain. The world’s first propeller-driven, ocean going iron ship was salvaged from the icy waters around Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands in an operation made possible by the property tycoon Sir Jack Hayward. Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s ship almost ended her days as a rusting hulk but was rescued from decay by a dedicated team of salvage experts who oversaw the process of preparing the ship and sailing her back across the Atlantic to her homeport of Bristol. The ship came back to Bristol exactly 127 years after her launch (back in 1843) and was returned to the same dock where she started her ocean-going life.

We continued on towards Queens Square where Elvyn shared more interesting facts about Brunel before the walk ended at 3.00pm.

The BISC Lake District Holiday 2008

The best way to measure the success of the Lake District Holiday was to experience the warmth of different greetings as friends were reunited to view photos and share stories for the reunion evening. Great friendships had been formed amidst the back- drop of some splendid scenery and some very enjoyable activities.

On our penultimate day, we crossed the lake at Derwent Water and saw a fabulous rainbow. It seemed a symbolic emblem for the trip. A rainbow signifies the presence of both sunshine and rain (we also had snow on the mountain tops). For many a rainbow is also the reminder that God keeps His promises and a symbol of peace. Despite the varied weather patterns the trip involved much laughter and many new experiences.

As we drove around the corner towards the Youth Hostel on the first day, there was a sharp intake of breath. This was the sound of thirty nine world citizens from fourteen different countries, simultaneously amazed by the view: majestic, snowy peaks above the still waters of the lakes, bathed in colourful rays of sunshine. It was enough to make anyone’s heart skip a beat.

Every day the students were treated to a traditional cooked breakfast: sausages, bacon, eggs, toast, cereal, fruit, yoghurt, tea, coffee and orange juice. In the evenings the portions were equally as generous.

The activities ranged from snow ball fights to gentle journeys on steam trains, river cruises and rowing to hill walking and visiting museums and an aquarium . In the evening there were a wonderful sing-songs provided by our very own “Wild Rover” Tony Carey whilst Jo Jo frequently entertained us with her exquisite voice and unusual Chinese songs. As there had not been many extreme sports, Hannah decided that mud sliding was also to be an essential part of the itinerary.

Just like Wordsworth, we hope that as you return to the library and to everyday tasks, you might make time to see a glimpse of the beautiful scenery that we experienced on the trip on your “inward eye” and to remember the smiles of new friendships formed:

For oft, when on my couch I lie,
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

Kite Making Madness - May 2008

Plastic bags and bin bags, string and sweet wrappers, glue, scissors and sellotape. What could be done with such an array of apparently useless, cast off objects?

In the UK there is a popular children’s TV programme called Blue Peter with experts who make amazing objects from recycled materials. Our very own Mr. Kevin Yau was just as skilful as he demonstrated to the BISC students how to make a kite with the famous words
“..and here’s one I made earlier.”

Nobody could have imagined that from such plain and basic objects that such graceful and beautiful vessels could be created, far more vibrant and delicate than the sum of their parts.
Kevin ably demonstrated the step by step approach to making the kites and, amongst an atmosphere of steady concentration and jovial conversation, these simple creations came together in all their aero-dynamic glory.

After a test run in the BISC garden, with sweet wrapper tails flapping in the wind, the kite making troupe headed for Brandon Hill. There was glorious sunshine and a warm breeze that was perfect for the kites to take flight.

The kites came to life in the wind: some twisting and twirling energetically, darting about in an untamed manner, whilst others took to the air easily and soon reached extra-ordinary heights. Elena appeared to have perfected the art and it seemed that the real secret was to whisper to the kite as it took off. Her kite certainly won the award for flying the highest.

The BISC kite was also a success: it had a tail of many different flags and the BISC logo proudly flying high above the city. Whilst there were one or two kites which needed to go “back to the drawing board,”it was a truly unusual event which was touched by something magical. A reminder that in the midst of exam time, and the worries and cares of this world, it is still possible to take childish delight in simple pleasures.

Cambridge Trip in May 2008

In the dreariness of the dawn, international students all over Bristol peeled themselves from their warm pillows. As they met the cool morning air they strayed toward the woodland (road, that is) soon, many found themselves drifting off again against the background of a gentle hum. Their hibernation soon came to an end and they found themselves beside a small field where just beyond lay the gently flowing river Cam. Half of the group went beyond the river to explore further, and the rest stayed to play and relax and punt along the river. On the river, some seemed to prefer movement laterally and in the spectrum of elegance, there was displayed, every degree. Being a lovely and warm spring morning, one even went for a swim!
The other half who had ventured past the river discovered an old and historic, bustling urban settlement. There were three who wore blue badges who led them through the city and spoke of its history, its culture and its fame. Some reputedly saw a certain Stephen Hawking as they wandered about the city. Later on the students all gathered back into the small field before being taken home and back to their warm pillows.