Tribute to my classmates

The second term has already started. I survived all the Chinese tests, the numerous typhoons, earthquakes, Taiwanese gossip backlashes... and a Faye Wong concert (actually it was nice). I have admit I wouln't have been able to get through if it wasn't for my beloved classmates. We did lose a couple of them on the way... Derek - the daddy of all parties in Taipei, Jennifer "Canada" - though you were the shooting star of our class I hope you're well wherever you might be, Tchad - be the lord accompany you in your endeavors... and you still owe us a farewell drink, amigo!

All in all, the ones who remain still keep a real class spirit going and I reckon it's rare among all the students I see everyday at our school. I'm just glad we got to stay united. So here's my little magazine cover tribute, something that only sums up a tiny portion of our friendship.

Here's a short intro/personal message so this will look less private a post:

• Michiyo (the big pic): well, if cute was a person... ...I love learning useful Japanese with her, e.g. "There's a lot of sand!" or "The wind is strong!"
• In order of appearance in the Tips section:
  - Kaori: always looks tired, knows her way in Taiwan (lived here 15yrs, no wonder) and has a mysterious boyfriend who we assume rides a motorcycle and carries a Japanese sword
  - David: my rosbeef bruv, wears fashionable clothes (too fashionable) and likes to drink Smirnoff ice because our bloody British comrades think it's a girl drink there... Bruv, keep it up
  - Fanlin: a very "healthy" vegeterian girl... keeps saying she wants to lose weight (really she doesn't need to) but keeps saying: "I want to eat something sweet" or "I want to eat Tswooa Ping (ice cream made with ice chips, sweet sirups and toppings), because it's only water"... yeah right!
  - Jennifer: a very smart girl who eats slow but that's probably because her order always comes last. And I will never be able to remember how you say Happy Birthday in Swedish.
  - Albert: he's been having problem with his eyes recently... probably thanks to the fresh and pure air of Taipei. With David, we ended up becoming frequent patrons at a very likely lesbian bar and we get discounts there too. Isn't life great in Taipei? Next time I'll ask for Platinum Member cards...

Well, hope you guys like the cover... Hum, hum! I already received some complaints from the "victims". All I can say is: "Excuse my French... and I'd love to see some retaliation."

Love :-p