英式周末派對－shinyshine的部落格

Sunday’s House Party

　　This Sunday, one of our dear professors, Rose, invited all the class to go over her house for a party. For us, it’s the greatest chance to experience the authentically traditional English living style. We were extraordinarily excited and accepted her invitation as soon as we were informed. Of course, we were asked to bring our own dish to please other guests’ taste buds. We are glad because it means we can help share the responsibility to treat other people.

　　這個星期天，我們全班應邀到我們其中一個親愛的教授Rose家中做客。對我們而言，這可是體驗道地英式傳統生活方式的好機會。我們非常高興得答應了。當然，我們也被要求帶一道菜讓其他客人嚐嚐。我們非常高興能有這個機會讓其他人試試看我們的手藝。

　　What should we make for a dish so as to make some other guests happy rather than drive them to hit the ceiling? Lots of nibbles come along to our minds, ranging from shortbread fingers bought from the local supermarkets to hand-made desserts. In the long run, we decided to make a dish that my father-in-law had taught my wife to do in Taiwan. My wife Amy wrote down the recipe in detail and I did the cooking. The process of making such dish was like a breeze and the preparation was done in no time. We called it the “Hakka meat ball” just in case that someone would ask. The name also reminded me of a very special student that I had taught before.

　　然而我們該做哪一道菜讓客人高興，而不是氣到去撞壁呢？我們想到很多吃的，從超市買的奶油小餅乾到自己做的點心。最後，我們決定做一道我老婆家傳菜。她詳細地寫下食譜，我照著做。準備過程很快，而做這麼一道菜很簡單。如果有人問的話，我們決定叫這道菜”客家肉丸”。Meatball也讓我想到一個我以前教過的一個很特別的學生。

　　When we got there, we found that we must have been very desperate for such a banquet because we were the first group of students that came. We were showed around by the hostess, Rose, and we marveled at the elegance of the house’s decoration and the thoughtful arrangement for guests. Refined wall papers, neatly-arranged bookshelves, warm lighting and polished carpets really grab our attention, let alone the tasteful feast settings. We mustn’t take their efforts to make guests comfortable for granted. Rose and her son are so hospitable that we can eat to our hearts’ content.

　　當我們到那裏之後，發現我們一定對這頓大餐非常饑渴，因為我們是第一批到那裏的學生。教授親自帶我們到處參觀，而我們對她家裝潢的精緻，貼心的陳設感到非常驚奇。典雅的壁紙、整潔的書架、溫暖的照明，以及華麗的地毯吸引了我們的注意，更不用說合適的餐桌擺設。我們真的要珍惜他們對待客人的用心。教授和她的兒子是如此殷勤好客，以至於我們可以盡情吃喝。

　　The food and drink is fabulously provided as an international food buffet. Most of us were so merry because it might be the biggest welcoming festival ever since we have been in England. We found ourselves pigging out in piles of delectable international cuisines, moving on from starters, side dishes, main courses, and further to desserts. Drinks like juice, wine, coffee and even soy milk were in abundant supply. Our “Hakka meatball” turned out a wonderful success, ending up something left in the plate but sauce when I want to grab a mouthful.

　　飲食是以國際佳餚自助餐式的擺法提供。大家都很高興，這是來英國之後最豐盛的歡迎饗宴。我們發現自己在堆積如山的每位國際佳餚當中大吃特吃，從開胃菜、副餐、主菜再到點心。像紅酒、白酒、果汁、咖啡甚至豆漿都充分供應。我們煮的客家肉丸相當成功，當我想吃一口的時候，發現盤子裡只剩下醬汁了。

　　Time flies especially when people are delighted. We really didn’t want to say goodbye if we could choose. We do look forward to such a ball if there is another time.

　　快樂的時光總是特別短暫。如果可以，我們真的不想說再見。真期待下一次還有這樣的饗宴。