One Whole Year in Beijing
Jerry and Fei reflect on what they've done in the past year.
Fei: Jerry, you've been in Beijing for a whole year now.
Jerry: Oh, that's right. I hadn't thought about it. This is my first anniversary!
Fei: What do you think of your first year in Beijing? Was it a good one?
Jerry: Yeah, it was wonderful. Now that I think about it, I really did a lot... I've learned a lot of Chinese. I can read more than 500 Chinese characters now.
Fei: And you've visited lots of new and interesting places.
Jerry: That's for sure! I've seen all of the great sites in and around Beijing, plus I visited
Guizhou Province. Not too many people from my hometown have been there
before! But how about you Fei. You must have done some special things in the
past year.
Fei: Yes, I had a great year too, thanks to you, Jerry! I've really learned how to do
many things. My English is better than it was... you taught me how to succeed at
a job interview... you taught me how to play tennis...
Jerry: Hey, it wasn't me! You did it all yourself. You should give yourself some credit for being such a good student.
Fei: Don't you think it's important to be modest?
Jerry: Sometimes it is. But sometimes you have to show confidence in your ability, too.
Fei: Okay, I'll do my best. Now, how about this year? Have you made any special plans? Many Americans make some special "resolution" for the New Year, don't they?
Jerry: Yes, I've made a couple of New Year's resolutions. I've decided that this year I'm
going to learn even more Chinese. I hope I'll be able to speak fluently by the end of
the year. Also, I want to travel all around the country.
Fei: That will be fun. You'll be able to practice Chinese while you travel. Are there any
special places you want to visit?
Jerry: I want to go all over - to the old capital city, Xi'an, to see the ice festival up north in
Heilongjiang, to see the beautiful island of Hainan, and most of all, to visit Qingdao.
Fei: Why do you want to see Qingdao most of all? Is it because of the old style
buildings? Or for the clean, sandy beaches? Or maybe because it's famous for
having the most beautiful women in China?
Jerry: No, no, and no! I want to go to Qingdao because of the beer!
Fei: You're silly, Jerry!
Jerry: Well, what about you Fei? What would you like to achieve this year?
Fei: Let's see... I'd like to learn more English, so that I can watch movies and sing songs in
English. And I'd also like to improve my performance at work.
Jerry: That shouldn't be too hard for you. I mean, for such a good student and a hard worker.
Fei: Thank you Jerry. It's very kind of you to say so!
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