1. Do you like music?
Yes, of course I like music. I couldn’t live without it. It’s what allows us to escape from reality. Furthermore, it connects people. I think no matter what country, religion, or culture we come from, we all enjoy music.
2. What kind of music do you like?
Well, this is a bit of a tough question because I have a diverse taste in music, but I’ll say my favorites are modern pop, 90’s alternative, and hip-hop of all ages. I can always sing along to pop songs and I enjoy keeping up with the modern hits. 90’s alternative takes me back to my childhood and makes me feel so nostalgic. Lastly, who can resist moving and shaking when you hear hip-hop beats?
3. Do people in your country like music?
Yes, people in my country are a big fan of music. As the US leads the entertainment industry, I would say people are really into music and that it is a big part of all of our lives. It has played a large role in telling our history, such as the blues and jazz, and will continue into the future.
4. Were you listening to music when you were younger?
I would definitely say so! 90’s songs are the soundtrack of my childhood. I remember driving along old country roads bobbing my head to the sound of 90’s alternative and pop hits. As my parents were both into music, they always brought their love of music to my sister and I. When I hear those songs now, it triggers bittersweet memories.
5. Do you think music will change in the future?
As with all things, I believe music will continue to change in the future. Firstly, I believe it will rely on technology even more than now. I wonder if there will even be like humans playing music then. I could imagine robots playing songs that are programmed into their brains. It’s tough to say!
1.Please describe your hometown a little
Where do I begin? My hometown is marvelous. It was the heart of (the center of) the Inca Empire, and is home many ancient Inca ruins, especially Machu Picchu. It lies at 3,100 meters up in the mountains. You can do a lot of trekking, site seeing, visit incredible natural landscapes, etc. It’s a perfect mixture of the ancient and modern world.
2. How long have you been living there?
I was born and raised in Cusco. I’ve lived there for my entire life, except for when I went to Lima, the capital city, to study my Bachelor’s Degree. After that, I needed to escape the hustle and bustle (noise from a big city) and come back to my lovely town.
3. What do you like (most) about your hometown?
I love that it’s a mix between the ancient and modern world. Furthermore, I like the mix of the indigenous (native people) and Spanish influence. Sometimes it feels like I’m walking in the shoes of the Incas. Furthermore, there is definitely a warm, friendly feel to the town which makes it a pleasant place to live.
4. Would you like to live there in the future?
Although my city is magical, I would consider moving somewhere else in the world. I think sometimes people become too accustomed to (used to) their daily routine. So, perhaps when and if I have a family, I would consider moving to another country in South America or to Spain. It would be our adventure!
1.What is your favorite color?
I would have to say it’s a tie (equal) between deep purple and golden yellow. Actually, these colors quite complement each other. I love how mysterious purple is, and yet how bright and versatile yellow is.
2. What is the color of your home?
Since I rent my apartment, I am not allowed to paint the walls, so they are plain white. However, I do have a lime green backsplash (the area behind the kitchen sink). To go along with this, I have a dark purplish-blue bedspread, gray sofa, dark blue bean bag chair, and yellow and teal lanterns hanging around.
3. Did you use bright color when you were a child?
Absolutely. I was so into it that I convinced my father to paint each wall in my bedroom a different color. So, I lived in a cube of lime green, light orange, bright yellow, and a medium pink color during my high school years. Looking back, it was quite distasteful (ugly, not fashionable)!
4. What color would you like to paint your bedroom?
If I could, I would paint my room a turquoise color. Considering the decorations and furniture I already have, I think this would be suitable. Moreover, I think turquoise is a cheerful color which could change the environment in my dark apartment.
5. Are there any colors you dislike?
Orange! Especially highlighter orange, like hunters wear. I find that orange doesn’t look good on anyone, especially not me, considering I’m a redhead. Whenever I wear orange, I feel like a pumpkin. Eek!
6. Is color very important to you when you are buying something?
Depending on what I’m buying. Color is critical when I’m buying clothes, accessories, furniture, or decorations. On the other hand, I don’t really mind what color if I’m buying non-fashionable items like school supplies, bathroom rugs, laundry hampers, etc.
7. Do you prefer light or dark color?
Definitely dark. In my later years I’ve become more into bold colors than bright. I like the mystery of dark colors and I think they look better as decorations. Moreover, I prefer darker colors for my own personal fashion sense. As I have a beer belly (a fat stomach from drinking beer), I think black helps camouflage (hide) that.
1. How long can you remember your dream when you wake up?
2. Do you like hearing about others’ dream?
3. Do you think dream will affect life?
4. Do you often have dreams at night?
5. Have you had a bad dream before?
6. What was the strangest dream you have had?
7. What do you usually dream about?
1. How long can you remember your dream when you wake up?
Well, when it comes to nightmares, I usually wake up in the middle of the night in a state of terror for a few minutes, then fall back asleep, forgetting the dream. On the other hand, if I have a vivid (detailed) dream that leaves an impression on me, I could quite possibly remember it for a long time, even a lifetime (entire life).
2. Do you like hearing about others’ dream?
Yes I do. I find it quite interesting. As I have a lot of weird dreams myself, I enjoy listening to those of others. By hearing about their dreams, I feel that I can gain a greater insight (deep understanding) into their subconscious. On a lighter note, it’s simply just humorous!
3. Do you think dream will affect life?
Definitely not. I do not believe that dreams mean anything significant. I think that they are simply a manifestation (showing) of our subconscious worries, thoughts, fears, desires, etc. For example, if I’m worried about my job, I may have a nightmare about it. All in all, they aren’t a sign of what’s to come in the future.
4. Do you often have dreams at night?
Always. I am a heavy dreamer. I have had many vivid, impressionable (unforgettable) dreams in my lifetime that I will never forget. I would say I have these kind of dreams a few times a week, sometimes even every night depending on how busy my mind is at that particular moment in time.
5. Have you had a bad dream before?
Countless times! I would say I have a disturbing nightmare a few times a month ever since I was a child. I was even notorious (famous) for going into my parents’ room during the night to ask to sleep with them after a bad dream. I’ve found that I especially tend to have nightmares after hearing a disturbing story or watching a gory (bloody) or violent, TV show, or movie close to bedtime. Moreover, I tend to have an overactive mind and imagination, which I believe could be a factor as well.
6. What was the strangest dream you have had?
It’s hard to choose just one! But let me see. Well, once when I was anxious about to go away to college and furthermore what kind of random roommate I would have, I dreamt that when I got to college, a giant human-sized tarantula was my roommate! Although I dreamt this 8 years ago now, it still feels like yesterday (doesn’t feel like a long time ago)!
7. What do you usually dream about?
I would say I mostly dream about my subconscious thoughts and worries. For example, I often feel anxious about my job, so I dream up crazy scenarios, such as going into a board meeting (a work meeting) unprepared or with unfulfilled work.
1. Do you like any teachers of yours?
There were a few teachers that I was particularly fond of. I’ll tell you about my high school PE teacher, Mrs. Burrier. Since she knew I was painfully shy and especially clumsy (can easily trip or fall) when it comes to gym class, she allowed me to do the dance routine that she assigned to us in a private room only in front of her to save me from embarrassment. I so appreciated it!
2. Do you still keep in touch with your teacher?
I’ve lost contact with all elementary and middle school teachers, but I keep in touch with a couple university professors. As uni professors are allowed to have more of a relationship with students, it was easier to get to know them. My Spanish professor and I message back and forth every year to catch up.
3. Do you want to be a teacher?
As I’m not a patient person, I don’t think teaching is for me. Furthermore, I dread (don’t look forward to) the thought of standing in front of the classroom trying to get the class’s attention while the children fool around (play). I think it takes a special person to be a teacher, and unfortunately I don’t meet the criteria!
4. Do you remember your fav teach from primary school?
Of course! I’ll tell you about my second grade teacher, Ms. Puleo. She was always kind, encouraging, and incredibly patient, even with us little rascals (slang for kids). I always felt a sense of warmth in her classroom, which the students responded well to. The world needs more teachers like her.
5. Did you pretend to be a teacher in the childhood?
Oh yes! I remember playing teacher with a small chalkboard my friend had at her house. I used to think it was so entertaining to be the teacher and give the class assignments to do; I usually focused on Math and Art. I loved pretending to give orders!
6. What qualities should a good teacher have?
Firstly, I think a teacher needs to be patient. Secondly, I think the teacher must be kind and encouraging, which creates a warm, open learning environment. I also think they should have interpersonal skills to be able to understand the needs of all different students. There are different kinds of teachers, but I would use this as rule of thumb (a general rule).
1 . When was the last time you were alone?
Last night, I had come from a stressful day of work so I decided to stay in for the entire evening with some Netflix and hot tea. Although I’m kind of a social butterfly (a social person), I have come to enjoy nights in by myself from time to time. I think all of us need that as a balance.
2. What do you like to do when you are alone?
As I’m a tea addict, that’s my number one activity to do alone. Furthermore, I enjoy reading a book or a series on Netflix. I tend to get lost in (to become fully involved in) those two activities. Moreover, I enjoy taking a walk alone around town and people watching (observing strangers).
3. Do you wish to have more time alone?
Definitely not. As I live alone in a studio apartment, I sometimes get lonely, so I take every opportunity to have social interactions to avoid sitting at home alone. I would consider myself a mixture between introvert and extrovert, but definitely leaning more towards extrovert. Although I definitely appreciate my time alone, I certainly don’t crave (have an an urge to do) anymore.
4. Is it important to have some time alone?
Without a doubt! I think we all need some time alone for self-reflection (thinking about yourself and what you do). Furthermore, when we spend too much time with people, we tend to get annoyed with them, even take them for granted (not appreciate them) at times. With this said, we all need a break from people to remember just how great they are.
1. Do you like watch films?
2. What kinds of movies do you like best?
3. Do you prefer foreign films or films made in your country?
4. How often do you watch films?
5. How often do you go to a cinema to watch a movie?
6. Do people in your country like to go to a cinema to watch a film?
7. What was the first film that you watched?
8. Do you like to watch movies alone or with your friends?
9. Would you like to be in a movie?
1. Do you like watch films?
Absolutely! They are an excellent way to unwind (relax; free your mind). Moreover, my friends are reallt into films, so it’s a fun, relaxing way to spend time together. Afterwards, we discuss and debate the film that we have just watched. Apart from just relaxing and enjoying the film, I like to delve deeper (get to the deeper meaning) to discover the subliminal messages.
2. What kinds of movies do you like best?
Well, I would say I’m still a kid at heart (a person who still feels like a child in their heart), so I really enjoy watching kids’ movies. Although they seem simple and innocent, there are often many life lessons packed into these films. Moreover, I’m really into drama and historical movies. When I watch these, I feel that I can more deeply understand human emotions and re-live historical moments, like the Vietnam-America War or World War II.
3. Do you prefer foreign films or films made in your country?
Since my country doesn’t have a huge film industry, I’ve always been really into American films. Not to knock (to insult; discredit) other film industries, but American ones are incredibly entertaining and well-made; the evolution of film continues to amaze me. Moreover, I only watch films in English so it helps me to learn new slang and expressions.
4. How often do you watch films?
Well, I am quite a busy bee (a busy person), but I manage to see about one or two films a week at home. After a long day of studying, I love snuggling up (getting comfortable with blankets) on the sofa and watching a film to unwind. I tend to do this on Friday and Sunday evenings with my friends.
5. How often do you go to a cinema to watch a movie?
Not too often actually. As the prices in my country are quite high, I usually opt to (choose) watch a movie at home instead to save on costs. Actually, I think it’s kind of a waste of money to see a movie at a cinema when you can watch it from the comfort of your living room. I only go when a friend invites me, which is maybe 4 times a year.
6. Do people in your country like to go to a cinema to watch a film?
I would say so. Since people like to go out with their families on the weekends, this is often an activity that they would choose. Moreover, teenagers enjoy this activity as a way to get out of the house. Furthermore, it’s often a popular date option for many people!
7. What was the first film that you watched?
Hmm it’s hard to say the first, but I think it was the Lion King. I know it first came out in the early 90’s when I was a child. It was my absolute favorite- I used to watch it repeatedly until my parents were really tired of it! I even built “pride rock” out of rocks that I found when we would go to visit my relatives who have a garden.
8. Do you like to watch movies alone or with your friends?
Both! On one hand, I find it extremely relaxing to chill out and fall asleep to a film by myself, but it’s also enjoyable to have company. So, all in all, I prefer films with friends, since they are also into film. Afterwards, we can discuss the meaning and carry on inside jokes (jokes among friends) from quotes from the film later on!
9. Would you like to be in a movie?
Not one bit! As I have stage fright (fear of being on stage), I would never have the guts (never be brave enough to) to do it. Secondly, I feel awkward when I try to act and I have the memory of a goldfish (short memory) so I know I could never memorize my lines! All in all, acting is simply not my thing.
1. Is your voice different to when you were young?
I’m not sure but I don’t think there have been any significant changes in my voice. Since I was a small girl, I’ve always had this high-pitched and soft voice. To be honest, I don’t like my voice because it doesn’t sound “mature” at all.
2. Is your voice similar to that of a family member?
I don’t think so. My parents have heavy local accents from central Vietnam, while I don’t. I guess it’s because I was born and raised in the south. Not to mention that my parents’ voices are much thicker than mine.
3. Do you enjoy recording your voice and listening to it?
I used to feel quite awkward when recording and listening to my own voice, but now, I really enjoy it. Actually, it’s the thing I do every day to become more fluent at speaking English. By listening to my voice, I can easily check my pronunciation, fluency and intonation.
4. Does everyone have the same voice?
Absolutely not. I have never met two people with the same voice, let alone everyone. Voices vary from person to person and it will be different in pitch, volume or tone.
1. Do you have a garden where you live?
Well, I’m currently living in an apartment in a condo near the heart of Hanoi, so as you can imagine, there is no space for a garden in there. However, I do have a lovely garden in my parents’ house where I grow all kinds of flowers and plants.
2. Is there a park near your house?
Fortunately yes, my house is located near a large park with a wide variety of flowers and big trees, so it is an ideal place for me to stroll around and blow off some steam every weekend.
3. Would you like to change anything about the park?
The park itself is really nice, but it would be better if there were more lights around the park to make it slightly brighter. To be honest, I find it a bit scary when jogging there at night, so I only go there during the day.