There were many exciting things that happened this month: my best friend K’s 22-year-old birthday, the first outing after nearly 3-month lockdown; my first drive-in cinema experience; first time skateboarding.
I must say the nearly 3-month lockdown doesn’t really affect me that much mentally. I still go out to the library every day just for getting out of the house. And if the weather is nice, I would go out for a walk with my friends with a takeaway coffee on hand. I am content in this way. I guess the introverted side of me made me feel that way.
K persuaded me to ride a skateboard with her. I had never done it before, and I must admit that it scared me when I first step on the skateboard. You know how when people grow older, you don’t feel as invincible and strong as when you are a teenager. I was worried about falling over and getting myself hurt, but it turned out that I am pretty good at it (not trying to brag though lol).
I went to the drive-in cinema in Birmingham with my friend to watch the very first Jurassic Park film released in 1993. It was a very special experience to me, partly because it’s my childhood favorite film that reminds me so much of my childhood, and partly because I have never visited a drive-in cinema before. Even though it was cold and raining and we needed to use the windshield wipers all the time, but my friend brought blankets and it was one of my favourite moments here.
After nearly 3 months of lockdown, I finally went out to my favourite café, Takk, to have brunch on a sunny Saturday. It was so crowded in the Arndale area.
Literally every café and pubs had a long queue waiting outside to get a table outside. It was so nice to see so many people out having a nice time. I missed seeing people’s smile and hearing their laughter. It made me happy too! People couldn’t wait to chuck down cold beer even at 2 in the afternoon.
It is K’s birthday on the 3rd of May. We woke up at 8:30 am to secretly put up some decorations and place her presents on the table to surprise her when she came out to the kitchen. Funny thing is that I didn’t know people sing a birthday song, have birthday cake, and open presents in the morning in the UK!
I thought I still have some time to write her birthday card in the afternoon that day but my plan was ruined when I was told everything would start in the morning! It was quite embarrassing when I told K I hadn’t written her card yet! Anyway, she was very excited about her 22nd birthday even though it means it is her last year of Uni. We went out to a bar in the evening (follow the rule of 6 for sure) and were treated to some nice food and drinks. I love to see her happy. I felt especially grateful for her that day because it reminds me how lucky I am to meet her in a foreign country.
