Sunshine! / 雨過天晴

有一天坐在書桌前什麼事也不想做，便上網玩起塔羅牌，其中一張正義牌說：因為你之前實在做太多好事了，所以現在會不斷地收到回饋，有股力量會把你往成功的路上推去。

One day I was sitting at my desk in no mood for doing my assignments. I was so bored  that I began to play free tarot card reading online. One of the cards Justice said, "Because you have done too many good deeds, now it's time for everything to come back to you. You'll be led to success in the end." 

同一天晚上我收到了兩封令我興奮到睡不著的電子郵件。因為最近做的報告，我必須寫信給某些博物館的專業人士或藝術家，問他們可不可以撥冗和我面談，我已經找到幾個我有興趣訪問的業界人士，但沒有把握他們會給我正面的回覆，當天硬著頭皮寄信到童話之屋的詢問信箱，結果經營本博物館的館主藝術家之一黛伯拉一兩個小時之內便回覆給我，因為童話之屋本週六在肯特有活動，黛伯拉說我只要去到那，有很多藝術家可以訪問。

The same evening I received two email which so excited me that I couldn't fall asleep that night. Because of my industry report, I have to email four practitioners to see if they can spare time for me for short interviews. I had found certain names, but I was not sure if they would be willing to do so. I forced myself to send an email to the generic email address of House of Fairy Tales. Deborah Curtis, one of the artists that are in charge of the museum, got back to me very soon afterwards. Since House of Fairy Tales hosts some activities in Kent this coming Saturday, Deborah said that I'll have many artists to interview then. 

另一封信則是有關上週投稿參加的明信片比賽，博物館寫信來說我的明信片會出現在五月的展覽裡，還會印成書，並且邀請我五月四日去博物館和明信片合照。雖然以英國之美為題的比賽走善良路線，有投稿都有中獎的感覺，但是這可是我在英國留下的一點小痕跡啊！然後我和嘉蕊又有地方可以去玩了。

Another email was about the postcard I sent in for a competition last week. The Corinium Museum wrote to tell me that my work has been chosen and that it will be published in the book as well. I was invited for the private view on May 4. Though this competition based on the theme of Best of Britain seems to give out a prize to everyone that participates in the contest, this is a trace, however small it is, that I leave in the UK! Meanwhile, Jazel and I can travel somewhere again. 

這幾天每發信詢問藝術家是否能接受訪問，總是立刻收到正面的回信。今天和露提到童話之屋時，露說：如果我沒記錯，這週六其實是黛伯拉和蓋文（童話之屋的另一名藝術家經營者）的婚禮，和童話之屋的活動一起舉辦。什麼？我就這樣要去到一場婚禮，真是太神奇了！之前我對英國人的冷淡難道是誤解嗎？

This week when I sent email to artists or practitioners, I always got nice replies. Today I mentioned House of Fairy Tales to Lu, she said, "If I don't remember it wrong, Deborah and Gavin (Turk, the other artist in charge of the museum) are going to have their wedding this coming Saturday. It will be held at the same time as the activities." What? I am going to a wedding without my even being aware of it? How amazing! My impression of the polite yet distant Britons turned out to be SO WRONG? 

露姐上週邀請插畫之家的教育部門負責人愛蜜莉來演講，她因沒有時間婉拒，我又很厚臉皮寫信去問可否去她的辦公室訪問她，愛蜜莉說已經派了兩名插畫家在五月中來畫室和我們做交流，但她很好心地說：我還是可以幫你，還可以把去學校做推廣的作品給你看。一定是上天希望我離開時可以帶著美好的回憶，我最近真的有好人卡兌現的感覺啊！

Lu told us that she had invited Emily, the education manager of House of Illustration, to give us a talk last week, but the latter turned down because of lack of time. I felt like giving it another try, so I sent her an email asking if I could interview her in her office. She said two illustrators will come in around mid-May to share their experiences with us, BUT she offered to meet me in her office in May and show me the physical outcomes of the illustration projects done in schools! I bet God wants me to leave with good impressions of the UK. I do have the strong feeling that my accumulated brownie points are being put to good use! 

早知道之前的黑暗和眼淚最後會讓我看到這樣的光明，應該要多哭一點才是！

If I had known that the darkness and tears would result in bright sunlight, I should have cried more! 

Rainbow maker / 彩虹製造機

最近倫敦進入雨季，每天傍晚散步回家，運動鞋底盡是花瓣和落葉。宿舍網路斷了兩天，我過著認真做作業和閱讀的生活，還好凱特送我的彩虹製造機讓我的小房間繽紛不少。

Lately we have been experiencing a rainy London spring. Every evening after my walk, I take home with me fallen petals and leaves stuck to the soles of my sneakers. The Internet was disconnected for two days in Brooke Hall. I was thus able to focus more on my assignments and reading. Luckily, the rainbow maker from Caterina adds colors to my little room. 

嘉蕊和我就在寒冷又淒涼的雨中唱起「Singing in the Rain」‧‧‧

Jazel and I are not baffled by the icy rain at all. We still walk in the rain and wind. Finding the spring rain and sunset so poetic, we can't help humming "Singing in the Rain" like two happy madwomen...

Cambridge 2 / 劍橋 2

去年來到倫敦的第二天就去了劍橋，不過這次去的主要目的是去探望J，我沾了J的光，可以藉此機會進去各學院逛逛。

Cambridge was the first place I visited on the day after my arrival in London last year. I went again last week mainly to visit J. There was a big plus though because I thus could walk into several colleges for a look.

劍橋大學有三十一個學院，學院是學生住宿的地方，有庭院、小教堂、圖書館、學生餐廳、酒吧等等。學院之下也有學生社團。而學生上課的地方就是一般現代的建築。

There are 31 colleges in Cambridge University. They are students' residential halls. A college is like a small community in which you will find a courtyard (lawn), a chapel, a library, a canteen, a bar etc. There are also students' societies in each college. As for studies, students have classes in modern buildings like in any other university.

J說學院在開學時門戶大開，遊客可以輕易地走進去瞧一瞧。我去的時候學生還在放假及準備考試，所以學院裡感覺特別幽靜。

J said that at the start of a new school year, the colleges are usually open so that tourists can easily go in to look around. When I was there after Easter, it looked like students were still on the holiday break. It was also the Quiet Period when students prepared for the final. 

教授和學生混住，但劍橋有古老的傳統，老師在食堂拿菜之後可以去自己的吃飯空間，也有老師專屬的交誼室。

Professors and students might live in the same hall. However, there is a hierarchy based on the traditions of Cambridge. After getting food in the canteen, professors have their own space for dining. They also have their own common room. 

這是另一座學院。劍橋學生除了繳學費、學院費、每年還有一筆學院管理費要交，因為有專人在維護花園和草皮。學生不能踐踏草皮，但老師可以。

This is another college. Apart from tuition fee, students in Cambridge have to pay the housing fee, and also the maintenance fee to the college because there are people who are in charge of taking care of the gardens and lawn. 

劍橋也有穿長袍用餐的傳統，可是學生吃早一點的時段是較不正式的。

There is also the tradition of having very formal dinner in robes in Cambridge. But you can also go for the early informal dinner. 

來到著名的國王學院，這位先生在做什麼呢？因為英國日漸貧窮，現在連拜訪劍橋有知名度的學院都得付入場費。

Here we were in front of the renowned King's College. What is the gentleman doing? As Britain suffers great recession, some famous college require visitors to pay admission fee. 

國王學院的宏偉教堂。

The magnificent church of King's College. 

國王學院腹地廣大，我們沒有傻傻地付入場費，猜猜我們繞這麼一大圈要做什麼呢？

The territory of the King's College is vast. We were not so resigned as to spare some pounds for a visit. Guess what we took such a detour for? 

對了，從後門進去就不用錢，因為英國人的風格不太嚴謹，所以儘管他們前門派了人收錢，卻忘了後門也得有人駐守。請安靜地記住這個小秘訣，不要大家告訴大家，要不然下次再去後門就多了個守衛員。

Right, if you go in from the back door, you can do it for free. The Britons are not very strict. Despite their desperate attempt to earn money, they forget to send someone to guard the back door as well. However, please bear this secret in mind without telling the whole world, or next time when you go, you'll see someone at the back door as well. 

如法炮製進入國王學院隔壁的聖約翰學院。

We entered St. John's College next to King's College in the same way. 

劍橋的生活環境很優雅，再加上這些美麗的學院，我在倫敦的宿舍真是令人自慚形穢，雖然我付的錢可能是差不多的。妹妹們要加油喔，有機會來劍橋讀書吧！

The living environment of Cambridge is peaceful. I could imagine how wonderful it would be to live in these elegant-looking colleges. In comparison, my hall in Cambridge is so bare, though I might pay as much money or even more. Girls, one day you might get an opportunity to come here for studies, which will be a very extraordinary life experience! 

我們家J的學院，走現代風。

J's college is modern. 

寬敞的交誼廳，還有古味十足的木頭鋼琴。

The common room is very spacious. I was impressed by the ancient wooden piano. 

劍橋總圖書館，這裡應該蘊育了很多了不起的人類！

The main Cambridge library. I bet this must be cradle of numerous amazing human beings in the world. 

神奇的數學橋，本來是不用釘子就可以把木頭組合在一起，但是仔細看現在是有釘子的。

Incredible Math Bridge. By arranging the wood at specific angles, the bridge was firm without nails. However, if you look closely, they are nailed together now. 

J還帶我去劍橋大學裡面的高雅餐廳用餐，只能說我們的英倫經驗很不同。儘管如此，現在我要出門去充滿黑人風味的坎貝爾商圈買菜，今天有閃亮的陽光，我要煮悠閒的午餐給我家妹妹吃了！想想這樣的藝術學生生活也不賴啦！

J took me to a very high-class restaurant in the university for lunch as well. Well, I can only say that our British experiences are different. Despite that, now I am going out to Camberwell Green, which is a very typical multicultural southern London place, to do some grocery shopping. There is bright sunshine today, and I am going to prepare lunch for Jazel. What can I complain about such a life of art students?

MY school / 我的學校

我從小在學校裡長大，長大之後又在學校工作，雖然我從來都不是教育萬能的信徒，我相信學校存在的價值，最近卻強烈感受到太多人生經驗是在學校以外以直接快速的方式獲得。

I grew up in my parents' schools, and I worked almost all the time in school after growing up. I am never a believer in the omnipotence of education, but I sincerely believe in the value of school education. Lately I have learned again that too many life experiences can only be obtained outside schools in straightforward and fast ways.

現在的我可以清楚了解為什麼有些人不喜歡上學，我和凱特琳娜說，不去上學是種反抗，她說，反骨的人不會離開學校，他們會建立自己的學校。今天讀到卡謬的一句話：唯一對抗不自由的方式就是變得絕對自由，直到你的存在本身就是種反抗。

Now I can perfectly understand why some students are reluctant to go to school. I told Caterina that not going to school is a way to rebel. She said that rebels don't leave school. They found their own schools. Today I came across a quote  by Camus:
"The only way to deal with an unfree world is become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion."

但其實我骨子裡是個非常喜歡學校的人，這兩天準備期末報告發現了好多有趣的東西都是我想學的，還好我沒有逃走，也很高興這一年是用這樣的心情結束，不然我怎麼回學校去教人家呢？

In fact, in my genes, I love school. I have discovered so many interesting things while preparing my industry report over the past two days. Luckily, I didn't run away. I am glad that this year ends with this realization, or how am I going back to school to convince students that going to school can be fun?

a room with a view / 窗外有藍天

早上六點半我的早餐景色。

Six thirty a.m. Part of my breakfast. 

Enjoy the ride / 享受人生

話說我去了波隆那之後，對於倫敦的教育走過一段幻滅期，本來計劃第三學期就在家自修，當所有人都說可以理解之際，凱特琳娜姐很嚴肅地和我說，要當插畫家不能這麼輕易放棄，因為覺得自己的確有想逃避的心理，我還是去上學了。

After going to Bologna Book Fair, I was disillusioned with the education in London. I had planned to do home schooling for the third term. While most people said they could understand, Caterina pointed out that I can't give up so easily if I still want to be an illustrator. I was aware of my tendency to escape though. Anyway, I went to school.

剛開始我和自己說，出現總比不出現好，於是帶著我可能不會交作業的心態，同學們覺得我看起來很放鬆。我也照樣和老師談話，但各位也知道，我在春假中是從頭玩到尾的。

In the beginning, I told myself that showing up is better than hiding at home. With the mindset that I might not hand in the assignments in the end, my classmates found me to be quite relaxed. I also had tutorials with Lu as usual, though as all of you know, I played throughout the whole Easter break.

好玩的事來了，今天已經談到第二次了，我還是沒有什麼準備，但我提到想寫插畫作教育用途的主題，老師丟給我一些資料，露說：我們得為你的報告特別開一個題目，你真的想寫吧？我回答：這和我的工作有關係，我覺得很有趣。雖然抱著遊戲人生的心境，我覺得我最後真的還是交得出來。這和我過去「好學生」的想法大不同，但也許這樣做出來的品質會更好，因為我神經不再緊繃了。

Then came the funny thing. We had our second tutorial today. I was still not prepared, but I mentioned I'd like to focus my report on the application of illustration in the context of education. Then Lou gave me tons of clues. She even said, "We have to give a specific title to your report. You really feel like doing the topic?" I replied, "This has a lot to do with my work. I find it interesting." Though I am not that committed, I have a feeling that I'll still come up with something in the end. I have tried to break free of my past image of being a perfect student. I am wondering maybe I'll produce something better since I am not so stressed like before.

倫敦要進入最美的季節了，日照時間也變長許多，不過我現在欣喜自得的心情可是在黑暗中掙扎幾個月之後才得到的答案。目前我對自己的要求是：好好生活，好好睡覺。因為我知道將來的幾十年裡我還會很快樂很認真地畫圖，這一年只是一個華麗的開始，不是結束。

I am witnessing one of the most beautiful seasons in London now. The daytime has stretched, but my current serene joy is the answer I deserve after months of groping for my direction in the dark. Now I don't ask much of myself except enjoying the ride and sleeping well. Since I know well that I'll still be drawing happily into the next 30 or 40 years of my life, this year is just a grand beginning, not an end. 

Seacoast of NI / 北愛爾蘭海岸線

北愛爾蘭的天氣變化多端，早上明明是如此晴朗的天空，過沒多久就下起雨。

The weather in Northern Ireland is very unpredictable. Our trip started with such a sunny sky, but soon it rained. 

這種漁村的景色很熟悉，讓我想起家鄉。

This kind of small fishing village feels so familiar. It reminded me of home. 

這是凱瑞克佛格斯城堡，它在眾多外軍入侵之際扮演重要的軍事地位。

This is Carrickfergus Castle. It played an important military role when the coast was beseiged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French. 

北愛的風光很純樸，沿路沒有太多過度開發的觀光點。

Much of Northern Ireland remains primitive and natural. There aren't many over-developed towns along the way. 

這讓我如何不想起台灣呢？

It'd be hard for me not to think of Taiwan upon seeing the sea and rocks.

狹窄的沿海道路、路旁的高山、和海水的顏色特別讓我想起去年夏天的蘭嶼之行。

整理照片時邊聽陳建年的「海洋」，感覺我又回到了海邊。

The narrow roads along the coast, the mountains that the road lie against, and the color of the sea especially made me recall my trip to Lanyu last summer. 

I was listening to the song Ocean by the Taiwanese singer Jien-nien Chen when I was editing the photos. It felt as if I was back to the sea again. 

唐路斯城堡，是中古世紀留下來的建築。

Dunluce Castle, a ruined medieval castle. 

海邊的羊群們很悠閒。

The sheep living by the sea lead a very relaxing life. 

來到超級有名的巨人海岸！

We came to the super famous Giant's Causeway. 

由於古早的火山爆發，形成了這一大片巨大的玄武岩石柱地形，共有四萬個喔！

The ancient volcanic eruption resulted in the huge area of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. 

另一邊是山。

The other side is the mountains. 

太陽的另一邊是家，我就快回去啦！

The other side of the sun is my home, where I'll be soon!

Dublin / 都伯林

都伯林位於愛爾蘭東海岸線的中間點，在愛爾蘭語的意思是「黑色的水灘」。是個適合散步的城市，感覺很平易近人，但也很有自己的個性。

Dublin is situated near the midpoint of Ireland's east coast. In Irish, the name means "black pool." It is a city for taking walks because of its size. Though Dublin doesn't have impressive grandeur, it is quite idiosyncratic.

利非河將都伯林分成南北兩邊。

River Liffey flows through Dublin. 

城市裡處處可見到名人或傳奇人物的雕像。這是虛構人物茉莉馬龍，是在都伯林街上賣魚的美麗女子，因高燒早逝，她的主題曲已成為都伯林的國民歌曲。

Statues of celebrities or legendary figures can be found everywhere in the city. This is the fictional character Molly Malone, w beautiful fishmonger on the streets of Dublin. She died young of a fever. Her theme song has become the unofficial anthem of Dublin. 

雪茄專賣店，就像這個城市，不是很搶眼，但很有想法。

Cigar shop. It is right like this city. If Dublin were a person, I would think of him as not someone who shines on the outside, but he definitely had his take on life. 

這年頭還有人用公共電話！

I was surprised to see the pay phone used in an era of smartphones!

都伯林是個名符其實的文學之城，眾多諾貝爾文學獎得主來自愛爾蘭，更不用說英國文學史上的文學大家如喬依斯、王爾德等等。喬依斯的大作尤利西斯和都伯林人都是以都伯林的背景和人們作為靈感來源，雖然喬依斯離開愛爾蘭之後旅居歐洲，他寫作的題材總是以故鄉的首都為主，他曾說過：如果我能到都伯林之心，我就能到世界上所有城市的中心。

Dublin is a city of literature. Many Nobel laureates come from Ireland. Also, there are also influential writers in English literature such as James Joyce, Oscar Wilde etc. Joyce's renowned works Ulysses and Dubliners are both based on the city and its people. Though Joyce emigrated to other European cities in his early twenties, his writing always revolved around Dublin. He once said, "Because if I can get to the heart of Dublin, I can get to the heart of all the cities of the world." 

走在路上連酒吧的玻璃窗上都印有詩句，儘管我之前很努力想閱讀喬依斯的作品，最後屢屢放棄，我還是被都伯林的氣息影響，買了王爾德的短篇故事集。

Take an ordinary bar on the street for example. I found a poem printed on the glass window. I made several attempts to read Joyce's works and eventually gave up. However, I was still influenced by the literary atmosphere of the city and bought a collection of Wilde's short stories. 

愛爾蘭的傳統產業包括啤酒製造，酒吧看起來比英國的多彩。

Brewing and distilling is one of Ireland's traditional industries. The bars look more colorful than the British ones. 

要嚐道地的愛爾蘭食物就得去酒吧。

We believed that we could find really local food in bars. 

啤酒燉牛肉配上馬鈴薯泥。

Guinness beef stew with mashed potatoes. 

依莉莎白一世為了將都伯林改造成新教徒城市，於1592年建立三一學院為唯一的新教大學。

In order to make Dublin a Protestant City, Queen Elizabeth I of England established Trinity College in 1592 as a solely protestant university. 

在有校園的大學裡漫步感覺真好！我一直想我在倫敦的求學生活如此疏離是不是和我讀的學校有關，因為倫敦藝術大學沒有校園，每個分校都是獨立的建築，認識的人也都念藝術，而藝術家多半活在自己的世界裡。

It was wonderful to walk on campus of a university! I've always wondered if my feeling detached in London has much to do with the school I go to. UAL doesn't have any campus. Every school has only a building to itself. People I know all study art, and most artists live in their own worlds. 

我們來到三一大學是為了一睹凱爾斯書，它是世界上年代最久遠的手抄新約聖經，可追溯到八世紀，其中包括了西方書法和島風字體和各種書寫的華麗裝飾。

We were here to take a look at Book of Kells. It is the oldest illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin, created by Celtic monks in the 8th century. It is also a masterwork of western calligraphy and Insular illumination. 

都伯林城堡建於1204年，當時的目的是防禦用。

Dublin Castle was built in 1204 as a major defensive work. 

不過自從1922年愛爾蘭脫離英國獨立之後，這裡就作為政府辦公用建築。這是城堡花園。

However, since the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922, the castle has been used a major Irish government complex. This is the castle garden.