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G Tuifaasisina Fiona Leaupepetele
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Female,
17
- from Otara, Auckland, New Zealand
- Profile views: 484
- Last active: 4/19/10
- www.bebo.com/FionaLeaupepetele
Post a Comment:- Me, Myself, and I
- Talofa lava and Hi hi to everyone, or anyone out there!!!
Hmmm what can I say? At the moment it's crazy, a good kinda crazy. Making the best of moments no matter what.
Quote for April 2009?
“From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere.” Dr. Seuss
- Music
- Pretty open-minded
- Films
- Aaaah - Im starting to build up on Adam Sadler, Uma Thurman... for now
- Sports
- Ummm... how about community volunteer and poker?
- Scared Of
- Same ol, same ol...
- Happiest When
- Drinking, sleeping, and of course upsetting the guys at poker!
- Profile Pic
- Oh me and my Aunty Ruta (Lepa side) out West Auck... taking a break...
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Back in Auckland
Kia Ora, Talofa lava and Nimen Hao
Firstly, most sincere apologies in not updating this site at least every month but things happen in which I am unable to avoid, delay or even the time to "think" since back here in Auckland.
Well, for the first few weeks, I really really did miss Ningbo, China. Naturally the good friends made, the mischievious things that I would NEVER do either here or in Samoa (thanks to Alek from Sweden and Sara from UK!!), the food (especially the vegs and peanuts), and funnily enough the blasted ongoing trauma of walking, walking, and climbing up no matter where I went. It's pretty hard, as the emotional longing kicks in... the Chinese way.
One of the first things I noticed when I got back and going through Otara, was "Shiitt look how fat our people are.." Its amazing... honestly, you're looking at lovely young faces and unfortunately the big arses take over the 'image'. In saying this, it is not being critical (I've been a big person most of my life, and still am!!), BUT we here in Auckland or NZ, are so bloody damn lucky!! There is no discipline or belief to think healthy or to even incorporate some level of manual labour into our 'modern western' lifestyle. The Chinese do it, our grandparents and parents did it in the islands and some are still doing it today here). We have the luxury of jumping into vehicles rather than walking to the bus stop (no trains running thr Otara), or txtg or phoning someone for a lift; and the worse part? We are so bloody scruffy... it's not even grunge, nor gothic... Observing physical appearances, well, Im wondering since when did PIs (in general)become part of American Black pop culture, yet we live and breathe here in NZ? With all due respect to music and mass media, well... its "too mmmuunnnccchhh" - Quite scary...
I think what China has done for me... is that I've gone abit more girly girl (thanks to the hairdressing guys at Wanli who tried to make me look Chinese by straightening/trimming my hair, but they couldnt do anything for the PI figure
but I cant bear the thought of going out looking "scruffy"... even if its a walk up to the shops)... And when I look back to compare, it is no different to the way how our older generation hold themselves. Hmmm cant believe that it took this trip to China to solidify this thought
Overall I cant wait till my woks get here... honestly because our household is starting to eat 'healthy'... with the exception of the normal 'Sunday to'ona'i'.
My dear friends in China both Chinese and foreign are in good spirits, and yep.... I sure as hell miss them. The consolation here is that it is enough to encourage my friends at MIT to "take the plunge" in going to Ningbo, China. China is definately in a league of its own.0 Comments 301 weeks
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Rewind - Goodbyes...
Goodbyes are terrible, especially when you are in a country or living culture that is not your own!
My dear friends (Chinese students) at Wanli started to pack and head for their homes as soon as their finals were over! Friends came over to say their farewells leaving their gifts to remember them by; Txt messages, phone calls to give their best wishes and hopes to meet again; emails in which to express their regrets in not being able to come by as their tickets were booked or the fact too that I was already in Beijing. Our campus at Wanli is looking rather empty, even our usual Monday to Friday "wake up" call has ended! The shop/ restaurant/ hairdresser operators are also packing it in for the long Summer break here in China - it is pointless to continue with business as approximately 18,000-20,0000 students have 'migrated' back to their hometowns either by bus, train or picked up by their families.
For those of us who are left on campus, eating out becomes a little dead as there is minimal 'noise' of the usual daily communications both verbally and physically(ie basketball etc). For our teachers this time has been longed for, and they relish it as a time to re-energise, visit their own families or visit places out of Ningbo.
For this Kiwi, it is the reality of my journey to this wonderful city and country that brings closure. The sadness of leaving good friends both Chinese and foreigners behind, and wondering if those relationships will last due to distance. But maybe it could reinforce those friendships thanks to technology of internet and SKYPE? Only time will tell, and even if the worse was to happen, ie deterioration, then I could only be thankful of what did take place and why those friendships are appreciated/valued in that moment (.... thanks Sara - UK!!!!).
So my Kiwi/Poly gifts to friends in China? Well, this fob definately tried to make sure almost everyone (teachers, students, friends, cleaner(s)) got something!!! From MIT satchel/neckties, Kiwi/Samoan earrings, 2x tapa, Samoan handbag, Kiwi teapot, Samoan sei's, household items/a few groceries/linen (for Alek), frozen meat/cleaning/laundry pdts (for the Supervisor/cleaner, Kiwi goodies (nutbars/manuka honey)etc, porridge oats/small 1st Aid kit/diahorrea medication (for poor Sara who ends up with guys on her door looking for 1st aid ) - Pretty much got it covered!!!
It is greatly hoped for that the networks of friends in Ningbo and Shanghai, the students at MIT who follow through next year, will very much indeed also enjoy this network of friends who will be waiting for them.
0 Comments 312 weeks
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Rewind - Exams in China
Chinese exams is exactly that! You never know what to fully expect and sometimes it's best not to think too hard about it! The exams (I felt) were just as intensive as studying Chinese. By the end of it my brain was fried, my poor body starved of food for almost two days, and feeling pretty disorientated.
This particular experience felt by this foreigner after it was all over, was one of sheer relief! There were times where I felt I was hallucinating of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel "the oasis or mirage in the desert effect" ; that seeing the size of the exam paper (A3) wasn't all that intimidating; and the most important? The fact that this was the only serious time that my dear friend/bro Alek and I could not light up a cigarette !
I think the most torturous part of the studying for Chinese exams is when you are given like a total of 180 characters and pinyin to study for one exam - you do it, turn up for the exam, go through the questions only to find that approximately 30-40 of those characters are in the exam, and then you only remember like 30 of the characters that aren't in the questions!!! Terrible!! Uuuuhhhh why? The expectation of having at least most of the 180 characters/pinyin that you studied should've been included, however, it's funny how the mind and your own expectations clash at times. But it did (very slowly)started to filter from brain to hand to pen to paper!
The results came out when I had returned from Beijing (Saturday), and the good news? Passed 3x Zhongwen (Reading, writing, Listening), and Intrntal Trade (basics)! Oh jeepers, I don't think I could have coped with being put back another semester of being at school, no work - no dosh.... worse if you don't have a partner to financially support thee Vicious cycle!
With the exams over, you feel relieved at not having pressure and funnyily enough, more relaxed and able to converse (basic) in Chinese; recognise and understand Hanzi (Chinese characters); and definately make the effort to improve the current stage of speaking, reading, and listening in Chinese.
Whhhhheewwww!!!!0 Comments 312 weeks
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2009 Maliu o Falanaipupu (West Auck) - (a)
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2009 Maliu o Falanaipupu (West Auck) - b
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3 - Hangzhou - China
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5 - A Yu Wang Temple
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7 - Cruising in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province
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9 - May Holidays Part 1
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910 - 1st Trip to Shanghai
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910 - Part B Shanghai 1st time
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911 - May Holidays Shanghai
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913 WenLing - June weekend
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914 My baby brother's art
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915 - June
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916 Packing it in Zhongguo
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917
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917 - Beijing
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Beijing II
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The Others
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Unveiling - Dec 6
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Unveiling - Dec 6: p2
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7/22/09
Uno
Hi gorgeous, looong toime no c and no chat aye hehehe how have u been? u must be bc with work a ea .. well hope ur keeping well this winter sis. tc and have a good week
alofa atu
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6/14/09
Barb Kaawhooee
Hey I'll be on holiday in 2 weeks. Im studying at the moment in Auckland City. Me and Dj live in Auckland City too. How are you doing? Get back when you can. Ive got the same mobile too, just don't have credit...lol
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4/13/09
Uno
Hi darling, how are you?? Ua leva foi a kakou ke le i story aye
how's things on ur side?? well hope all is well sis. Here's wishing you a hapi belated easter much love
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2/13/09
A.M.T
Hey SISTA!!! hahahaha yeah you like my pic??? Well dat goes to show how bored i really am! Me and Dad are doing fine, and hope your Fambam are all in good health. Well sis hope 2009 started of wonderful for you and hope your improving in poker. You should play poker on bebo, jus to get the hang of it!!! Anywayz sis hope you have a good weekend and will keep in touch now and den. Much alofas for you Sis ANGIE ps....did you just comment on your own page? lol
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2/12/09
Uno
Heya darling, thanks for the holla & the lovin'
all is well here on this side of town, praise be to the Man upstairs. Things have calmed down a bit from the huge rush we just had ... fai o mea ole aiga, a'o le loku foi lakou, okach ua e'eva lava oka kigo ma oka maso but for sure sis, if there's a get-together ile makou pikoguu o le a faailoa aku lava ia oe darling. on the other hand, foa is doing well ... she's busy with usual, her family, work & her family hope all is well with you guys, with ur parents as well as sis & bros. alofa tele atu lava mo oe sis wil keep in touch ... much love
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G Tuifaasisina Fiona Leaupepetele2/11/09Hi hi Cuz!! Jeepers, what the heck is wrong with you? Chances of me getting married? Probably zilch... BUT could be lucky with dates ha! ha! ha! Jeepers, I've gotta lose the beef! Not free this weekend. Let me know when you free. (txt ok)... I come over - Big hugs to Si'i, Isaac, Sale, and Tavita!!
oh and you have to make me lunch or dinner snack ok?
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2/11/09
Lesina Leau
hello Galu what you been up 2 getting any love lately l don't no what the hell you waiting 4 there is no such thing as prince charming lol l would like 2 c u married b4 l go to the heavens any way txt me if you wana have lunch or get drunk ofa atu cuz Sina
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12/16/08
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Uno12/16/08
heya chika, kafefe so this is where you are
i was just browsing thru Nape's page & saw ur comment suga will definitely heart you tomorrow & continue by faikakalaring on ur page much love to you darlz hope all is going well miti
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12/12/08
Nape Te'O Fauatea
hiya gurl! saw ur lite...how are you? anyways, thanks for your help last week...it was good to see you especially tama and tina & aunty sapi & sister tino... how was the concert? yous are lucky - well hope you guys enjoyed it. just stopping by to share the LOVE and say HELLO Enjoy the weekend & keep safe xoxo nape
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Sapi Leau1/10/08Hey Cuz, Gee haven't heard from you, and I know I have been slack. When it comes to the end of the week I am knackered and can't be bothered doing anything. Still want us to catch up. Lets find a time when we can go out including Sina. dont think that woman has been out in years.
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Shawtahney9/17/07Hey there cuz, VERY NICE!! LONG TIME AYE! WEO, SORRY FOR THE DELAY AND REPLY AFTER 10 YEARS LATER, BUT SIS THINGS HAD BEEN TOO HECTIC HERE @ THE ROCK AND I'M JUST NOW STANDING MY COURSE. THEN THINGS WERE CRAZY, NOW E'RTHING IS ALL GOOD ~LEAI SE MEA O FA'ALETONU~ MANUIA UMA MATOU I LE MOTU O FIAFIAGA, U KNO' HOW EVERYONE CALLS PAGO ~ MOKU A KAMAIKI MAI GA 'I MA GA 'O..HEEEEEHEEEEEE....WEO, MY LUV FOR UNCLE N AUNTY OF COURSE MZ.GEE-DENISE...LUVLUV, G.LIZ.NAGASEU
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7/18/07
Lesina Leau
Hi cuz sory l havnt got bak 2 u been so buzy with every day life u no just got bak from Tonga went 4 unveiling then came bak then Kapu uncle died so had 2 go bak 2 Tonga again so its been full on, by the way l would love 2 come 2 your presentation so let me no the time and date so l can make sure lm not working any way have a safe journey hm and c u soon love cuzee Sina
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K-Fed T7/13/07Hi Fi Just a quick hello, good to see you doing really well there reading your updates are always fun. Well i have yet to win a poker game, me and princessMana met in the final of the last game but shes a cheat, thats all i can say when i lose they cheaters! lol Better get back to work, and hey! if you havent already go watch 'Transformers' a brilliant drama that will reduce you to tears ok! a dont-miss movie! Kope
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Sapi Leau7/7/07
I have really enjoyed reading your blog's. You write reallygood stories and the jokes they crack me up, gonna steal those. Well I can tell you are really gonna miss China and all the friends you made there, but like I said good on ya for making the leap. Talk to you soon. Luv ya
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7/4/07
Sapi Leau
I would love to catch up with you when you get home. i would love to hear your presentation,can I come as well. let me know when you get back. Can't wait. I can't believe that it takes you to leave the country and bebo for us to keep in touch.
Very relaxing to slow the mind whilst here in China 2007. I think abit like "Tai Chi".
G Tuifaasisina Fiona Leaupepetele 0 Replies