A New “Lifestyle”

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Federica Capuzzoni, Italy

The Zen philosophy is more than a simple religion, it is a life style near Buddhism. The “Zen” is a philosophy of life that helps the individual to find happiness and serenity, and it helps to remove a negative thoughts and stressful things. To understand, and to catch the real meaning of this religion, it is not necessary to become a real follower of it, but it is only necessary to open our hearts and live with broad minds.

The most important teachings of Zen are:

  1. the JOY IS NOW: Often people concentrate more about their past actions or think about a future instead to live in the moment but, it’s wrong. We need to learn to live every moment of our lives and to appreciate every thing. For the Zen’s philosophy the individual’s joy depends only on himself and how he lives in the world. So how can we be happy ? We need to remove negative thinking. We should’t get swayed by external factors and also every human has the conditions to be happy.bbb
  2.  LIVE WITH A BROAD MIND: Living with serenity without any stress means living with a broad mind. We need to always stay ready for the changes that happen in our lives, because if you have a narrow mind this prevents you from understanding what is happening in your life. If we want to see life from another view, you must forget the rules that the society requires of us. To understand better what is meaning we can use this quotes:

“In the sky there is no difference between east or west, but the people create this difference in their minds and after they start to think that it is real.”

3.     PAIN IS UNAVOIDABLE, SUFFERING IS OPTIONAL: People can only be hurt by what they decide to give importance to, so that means that is possible to avoid the suffering in vain; in fact, if you decide to emotionally break away, you can see the problem from another point of view. This teaching takes time and diligence, but it is  important for your life.ddddd

Simplicity in the Buddhist lifestyle is essential. Simplicity as way of life focuses attention on the really important thing. How can you practice simplicity?

First, you must examine your life to see what stressful habits clutter your life. Are you running around too much? Are you trying to do too many things at once? Once you ask yourself these types of questions and make an inventory of habits, then you can change to simplify your life. Simplicity is the way of life that helps us put more attention on what is happening in our lives every day, and helps us to search all the positive things that are happening every day.

After this you must realize that you have choices. Every person is the writer of his/her own life. You are 100 percent unique in your own special way. You have the right to spend your life doing the things you love to do, and experiencing things that bring you massive joy.You-have-a-choice

 

The trick is to enjoy your life. Don’t waste away your days, waiting for better ones ahead. You must give the possibility of every day to be the best day of your life.

Marjorie Pay Hinckley

When the day is finished and you are in your bed, close your eyes and think about the whole day and search all the “happy moments” and reflect about all the good things that  happened. It helps you to appreciate your life more! 

Let’s Ride the Wave!

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Yuki Mizumoto Japan

In the year 2020, Tokyo, I see a new official Olympic event. What is this? Surfing! I’m so happy because I can see many professional surfers in Chiba, Japan. I love surfing, but I don’t know the history and details of surfing. Do you know where the origin of surfing is? Surfing was born in Huntington Beach, California so this is the best place for beginning and enjoying surfing. There are a lot of surfers are surfing at Huntington Beach.

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Surfing is pretty profound because it’s going to change depending on which surfboard you choose. This sport uses three different board length. These are longboard, funboard and shortboard.

Longboard

A longboard is 9 to 14 feet (2.7 to 4.3 met). If you choose this board, you can walk on the board while riding the wave. This board has strong buoyancy. Therefore, you’re able to ride even small waves easily so you don’t have to check weather charts and wave conditions. Even though there aren’t big waves, you can enjoy surfing almost everyday. However, when hurricanes and thunderclouds are coming, don’t go into a sea, please.

RinconDo you know Rincon? This place is a very famous and holy place for surfing so if you begin surfing, you should go there.

Funboard

A funboard is 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 met). This is the best choice for beginning surfers. A funboard is thick and wide like a longboard so it will catch the waves easily. This has  a wide nose like a longboard so you can stay afloat on the wave face, balance easier, and  do longer rides. This board works exceptionally well in small and middle waves.

Shortboard

A shortboard might be classified as anything under around 6 feet 6 inches. That is about 2 metres, however the definition is not specific. Whatever the board size, the meaning of shortboard is a board someone chooses for high performance surfing in small to medium waves.  In addition, a shortboard has a pointed nose, a rounded or squarish tail, and typically with three skegs (fins), but sometimes with two ,or as many as 5, since the late 1960s, when Gordon Clark found the optimum formulation of urethane foam. I think if you begin surfing, you should choose a thick board because a thick surfboard has better buoyancy than  a thin surfboard.shortboard

Surf Brand

A lot of surf brands exist in the world. Surf brands sell clothes, shoes, watches, surfboards and wetsuits. These are very stylish and cute!! So if you go to a surf shop, you should see clothes and other things. Quicksilver, Hurley and Volcom are representative surf brands. On other hand, Vans, Patagonia and Stussy are surf brands, too. So many famous companies have surf lines.surfbrand

Therefore, surfing is a complex and cool sport. I’m in Santa Barbara, California. My favorite surf point in Santa Barbara is Campus Point. Anyway, I want to surf at Huntington Beach, but surf points are around the world. I think most of surf points are so beautiful! So, if I have money and time, I want to go on a surf trip!! For sure. Let’s ride the wave and go trip to beautiful place!!!

 

Soccer Is More Than a Game

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Collin Blunier, Switzerland

One of the most popular sports is soccer,  which is the most controversial sport in the world. There are headliners about professional soccer players  salary, their influence and their lack of sportsmanship.

Soccer is more than just a sport or a game, it brings people together, it makes friends and last, but not least, it is healthy.

If you play soccer you have to concentrate every single second. You have to be present to win, but sometimes you also need a little bit of luck. Everybody in the TV or in the stadium is watching you. The half of them hope that you will miss the goal, the other half hope that they can cheer.

One of the most important things are the supporters. They are every age, from 10 up to 90! They support the team with songs if they need it, they stay behind them if they have a bad game.

Two of the most popular players these days are Lionel Messi, Barcelona,  and Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid. They are not just players, they also make a lot of social supports. They support foundations or they have their own one.

Famous players do a lot for the soccer. They promote it, help children if they are in need and they show us if you are focus in something, you can get/be it.

Soccer is global and helps people to cross cultural barriers. It is allowing you to share your love with it and makes fans throughout the world. It doesn’t matter if you are American, Swiss, Japan or Australian, you will find people with the same interest in soccer.

Image result for soccer emotional goal      Image result for soccer fans brasilian

About me – Tim

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by Tim Schwehn from Germany

Hey! 🙂

My name is Tim and I am from Germany. I just arrived in Santa Barbara and I love the city by now. The beautiful streets and houses with the Spanish style look great. That’s one reason I chose this location for my EF study time.

What do I normally do in Germany?

I finished my exams in January and want to start my university studies in business education in October. So I have enough time to explore the world. For my study time I want to improve my English speaking and writing skills so I chose an English speaking country, but also one where the sun is shining quite often.

I like to do sports very much. I play soccer at a local German soccer club and go the gym at least two times a week. Playing sports is a very good balance for learning or working and you can turn your head off for a time.

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Furthermore, I love music. On the one hand, I like to listen to different kinds of music as well as making music on my own. I can play the piano and the guitar and I really enjoy creating music with some friends of mine.

My favorite food is pizza, but I can’t wait to eat some good Mexican food or beef burgers in Santa Barbara. I already went to one Mexican restaurant and the food tasted great. Maybe you can give me some suggestions about where to go. I will try as much as I can.

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I will stay in Santa Barbara for at least two months. I think it will be a beautiful time that I will never forget. So if you have some questions, feel free to ask. J

ASSEM AL-HAJJI, SAUDI ARABIA

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Maria Jose Ayala Zambrano, Ecuador

 

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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?

KABSA IS RICE AND MEAT IS A TRADICIONAL FOOD OF HIS COUNTRY

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE KIND OF MUSIC?

CLASSIC BECAUSE HE THINKS IS THE BEST KIND OF MUSIC AND IS COOL FOR THE MIND

WHICH IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE YOU HAVE BEEN?

SIDNEY AND GOLD COAST BECAUSE THIS CITY HAVE GOOD WEATHER HE THINKS IS PERFECT

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORT?

PLAY SOCCER BECAUSE IS A FUN COMPETITION AND IS GOOD FOR HIS HEALTH

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TEAM?

MANCHESTER UNITED BECAUSE THEY ARE ON THE BEST

 

 

Trip

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Stian Glatthard | Switzerland | 3/22/2018

 

Japanese TV Drama

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Nami Matsuzawa, Japan

I like TV dramas that give me a lot of different emotion.I like these exciting times. Sometimes we are affected by TV dramas.When I’m tired, I watch TV dramas.After I can get my energy back. I think ” I will do my best tomorrow.” I don’t know why TV dramas have this strange power, but I am always encouraged by them.

Have you ever watched Japanese TV dramas? I will introduce them.

The first one is “HANA NO ZUBORAMESHI.” The leading role is a woman” Hana.” She is married, but lives alone because her husband works at a distant place.She is so lazy. She is not good at cooking, but she really likes to eat food. So she tries to cook easy and short recipes.

 

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Her cooking food look  so delicious.The stories are a little bit funny and exciting . I think people are absorbed in this drama. Now, this kind of  food TV drama is in fashion in Japan. If you watch this TV drama , you will be hungry.

The second one is “Miss pilot.”  The leading role is a woman,” Haru Tezuka.” She couldn’t find a job, so she tried to apply to take a test for the airline company. She had never thought of working in the airline industry, but one day she saw the scenery of the sky from the airplane.  She fell in love with the pilot’s job. Her pilot trainer’s life begins. This story is  about Haru trying to become a pilot.

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The highlight of this TV drama is her character.  She does not speak English well, andshe has not talent about  plane operations. Everyday, she was scolded by her instructor, but she is honest and full of energy. In addition, she never gives up. I was given courage by her. Her attitude makes me think that my dream may come true with my efforts.

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What is more, I want to pay attention to her friendships. She is always helped by someone. Her best friend is “Chisato Oda.” whose father is a pilot. So she has great skills. She graduated from the most prestigious university in Japan, but she dropped out of the pilot trainer course. I don’t want to tell you the ending , because I really want you to see this moving scene with your eyes.

There are many interesting TV dramas in Japan. I would like you to watch one.

 

T

Food Recommendations in Santa Barbara

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By Pierina, Kayan, Vivian

All around the world

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Dana Lazzaro

Switzerland

Traveling is a way to see new places, learn new things and different cultures. It is a way to see different points of view and to grow up as a person. Every trip changes you a little bit, and when you come back home you’re a different person in some way.

 

Lately, I had the chance to go to lots of places with my family because they like traveling as much as I do. Last summer we went to Florida for two weeks and we traveled around Florida so that we could see all the different cities. We saw “small” cities, like Fort Myers and Daytona, and also big cities, like Orlando and Miami. I could see the differences between those cities, the small neighborhoods with a lot of lovely houses in Fort Myers and the big ones in Miami with a lot of mansions, the small and empty beaches and the crowded ones.

I liked everything about this trip. I had the chance to see a lot and to see how real life is in the USA. I live in Switzerland and I always watch American movies or tv series, and I’ve always dreamt about going there. So this trip was a kind of dream that became true.

This year I also went to London and Amsterdam for a few days.

I had the chance to see a lot of history and museums and they were really interesting but it was also interesting to see some characteristics of the countries.

For example, did you know that in Britain all the people always stay in line on the escalators on the right side? Because in this way the people that are in a hurry can go on the left side. I was really impressed about that! I’ve also been to Italy and to the seaside of Greece, but that was more of a relaxing holiday than a real trip.

I would really like to go far away, like in Asia or Africa to see some really different cultures.

Another way to see new places and new cultures are going abroad to learn a language.

You can learn a new language and you can actually live like a native of the place. You can change your lifestyle for a period and I think that this is really a great experience!

I study a lot of languages at school, and I like to travel in the summer and improve my additional languages. I’ve already been to Germany a couple of times to study German and I really liked that. So this summer I’m in Santa Barbara for a month to work on my English.

I think that this has been a really great experience, an experience that I will remember forever!

You live for a month away from your home and you are away from your everyday problems. You live a different life and you learn new things. When you come back home you will be an improved person, and maybe you will see things in a transformed way.

In conclusion, traveling is a way to change your personality and it is an experience that you won’t live again, and you will always have it in your heart, because it’s going to become a part of you. This experience is going to become something that you’ll never forget.

 

Eating Is the Most Important Thing in My Life

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Mengye Qian, China

Eating is the most important thing in our lives. If you don’t eat anything all day, you will be hungry. If you don’t eat all week, you will be sick. If you don’t eat a whole month, maybe you will die.

Through eating, we can get the nutrients that are needed for the human body. So, enjoying my every meal becomes more important. I like food, not only my country’s(China) food, but also the food from all over the world. I like to share food with my family, my friends, and also I’d like to share with you in front of the computer. I hope we can become friends by sharing foods.

In my country, there are so many delicious foods. Different areas have their own special types of foods. I just want to share what I eat.

Hot Pot, the most popular food in China, Chongqing and Sichuan Hot Pot is the best. The Chinese Hot Pot meal is perfect for social gatherings. An experience not to be missed!

In the winter,  if you have no idea what to eat, just DIY your own Hot Pot at home, you can put anything you like to the hot pot.

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Another typical representative is Guangdong Cuisine. If you have never been there, you have to go. Trust me,  Guangzhou and Hong Kong are food paradises. Speaking of which, I really want to introduce the “Yum cha” culture. In the morning, people are used to sitting down in a tea house, make a pot of tea, order a few delicate snacks and chat with their family and friends

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“Yum cha” culture in Guangzhou and HK.

 

And another food paradise is Chengdu. If you like spicy food, you should go there one time and you will never regret it.

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This is Shanghai Local food. I’m from Shanghai and I love these foods.

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Like I first said, I not only like my country’s food, I like delicious foods from all over the world. And I want to try different type of foods.

This is the Indonesia Pilaf, I ate it in Bali.

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This is Korea Food. Korean Spicy Pickled Cabbage/Korean spicy rice cake Tteokbokki.

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This is Thai food. Curry and Mango rice are their well-known dishes. Thailand’s fruits also are very amazing, durian and mangosteen are my favorites.

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In the end, I would like to share you some photos with my friends, though the they are my nice memories. I hope I can make more new friends through trying food from all over the world.  I will keep doing it.

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