Farewell BBQ - June 2010

I always find this one just a little emotional! The Farewell Barbeque. Well, once again Dr Chill’s request to head office for good weather was truly answered, and we had an excellent summer’s evening. It was an evening marked by merriment, gaiety and some sadness.

Joe Bain, who is joining BISC as a team member for the next academic year, introduced some games and fun. This was held further up the lawn, whilst at the lower end were the more seriously minded discussing the attributes, (if there are any) of post modernism traits in English fish and chips! The barbequed food was exceedingly good and the catering was undertaken by the BISC staff and cooked by two stalwart volunteers from Yate Community Church. The barbequed sausages with the sauce were my favourite.

This year for Dr Chill has been one of his happiest yet, having just finished his second year as a BISC Team member, and staying on for a third year. I now know where the kitchen utensils live, and Jacqueline just loves the bespoke washing up and the clean toilets! Yet BISC could not have happened without your support. International students are important to us, and for those leaving or who have already left, we hope and trust that your stay in Bristol was a good experience and that BISC was part of that experience.

If you are staying on in Bristol over the summer recess, for example, postgraduate and doctoral students, we are still here. You can come in from 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm for a coffee, tea and a chat until the end of June. After that, it’s best to phone to check if we are open as we need to have our holidays too! Don’t forget, Dr Chill’s advice regarding proof reading and general academic advice is still available.

Perhaps think of your experiences of BISC as a new start to your life. Indeed perhaps you will view the British culture as having something positive about it. I have gained much experience over the past two years in working with international students from across the globe. Indeed the experience has taught me much about improving my own character and skills. Much has happened to me during my lifetime, not all of it pleasant. Two years ago I thought that I would never be able to use my academic and other skills. But the Boss at Head Office raised me up from my sickbed and directed me to BISC. This is the only organisation I have been involved in where there is no ‘backstabbing’ or ‘backbiting’. Also I now know a few words of German, French, Italian, and Spanish. I’m still trying to master a few Persian words though.

I will conclude now, the photographs speak for themselves.
Cheerio God bless and may your God go with you.
This is Dr Chill signing off until the start of next term.

River Cruise - JUNE 2010

Hi there all of you lovely international students! This is Dr Chill reminiscing about the River Cruise. It was a beautiful summer’s evening (yes that’s right, England can have beautiful summer evenings: it’s the England football team that is dodgy!) Dr Chill had spoken to Head Office requesting favourable weather and his request seemed to have been heard.

The boat was built for fifty and we all boarded her on time except for one guest who was waiting at the other end of the Watershed, but she made it in the end!. The Bristol docks area is quite fascinating. As a young lad Dr Chill remembered Bristol docks as a fully functional working dock. The main cargo was bananas from the Caribbean islands. The company was called Fyffe’s and the banana boats were painted white. Cruising along the docks, we passed the artificial cut. This was constructed in the early 19th century by French prisoners of war captured during the Napoleonic Wars. The cruise took us past the back of Temple Meads and a derelict concrete 1960s office block; I remember it being built and opened. Then out into the suburbs, the fishermen and ducks. The ducks seemed to be interested in us when the food was served. There was much jollity and waving on board when we passed other boats coming in the opposite direction. One boat that we passed appeared to have had a champagne party on board.

We cruised along the rural part of the river, where we passed some wonderful houses that looked onto the river. Some people were having a bbq and watching the England World Cup match. The journey was three hours long, and I think we all enjoyed it and thought it was definitely worth the money. It was Hazel’s birthday and we sang happy birthday and applauded and gave her a present.

One of our guests was on another cruise the following day, from Bath to Bristol, so our River Cruise was used as a preliminary training ground for the big trip the next day. Well done E, I hope you made the Bath trip on time!

International Feast - May 2010

Yummy yums, it was the International Feast evening and what a spread of food representing varying cultures and dietary needs! The food ranged from Indian lamb curry to traditional British; yes someone brought fish and chips! Perhaps a tad too much vinegar on the chips! I digress, as there was Libyan rice, Iranian dishes and potato salad from Germany There was laughter and merriment, social interaction and fun. The food was absolutely delicious and Jamie Oliver was nowhere in sight! The overseer of the event was Ruth, and Dr Chill undertook the washing up!

The beauty of the International Feast and indeed BISC generally is the international guests who visit us from all over the Globe. It is part of the extra-curricula activity, where we learn more about nations, customs and traditions.

Between the main course and the sweet there was half an hour of fun and games, led by the CU. For instance there was a game that appeared to resemble the concept of ‘Chinese Whispers’ but involved miming. There was certainly a lot of laughter coming in through the kitchen windows from the BISC garden.

Once again you lovely people, another glorious success for BISC! There are two more functions this term the river cruise on Friday 12 June and the Farewell Garden Party on Wednesday 16 June. See you then. This is Dr Chill signing off until next time.