philosophie.

2009-05-21 08:41:43

This trip to NYC has proven many things and did me, yet again, some good. Even though I was so sick I had literally thought I was infected with swine flu – but luckily I got better, thanks to Eric’s amazing care-taking and my two Columbia friends’ giving me a place to rest.

Two nights ago we went to hear a chamber music concert – I think chamber music has really become one of my favourite musical forms, and is such a delightful kind of concert to attend. It was my first time hearing Beethoven’s string trio, and I loved it. Afterwards, we sat at a Starbucks near the Lincoln Centre, as we were sipping our way through the gourmet tea, a trail of police cars passed by and this middle-aged gentleman besided me told us that they were there to protect Michelle Obama because she was at the American Ballet Theatre giving a speech. “This is how much security it takes for the First Lady.” He remarked.

New York City.

What can I say. I am very excited to be here for the next two years of my life. As I was taking a walk this morning, after recovering from the sickness yesterday, seeing the sunshine of spring, happy faces of the Columbia graduates, busysiness of the city, I realized that this is going to be a new begining, just like how it was four years ago sitting on my balcony at home looking out, almost exactly the same feeling, except I think I have become a little wiser, just a little.

road trip time!

I think never in my life had I been as occupied as I am now with another human being who is neither of my parents, for more than one month. And I have been living for already twenty-two years.

After I had come to realize this yesterday, sitting in the middle of Dundas square amidst flashing neon lights and urbanization, I think that now it is time for me to learn, how to really love someone and make a relationship work.

After my recital last Tuesday, Eric and I went on a road trip and we had just gotten back to Toronto yesterday, and now again we are on the bus heading to New York City for another five days. We went to visit his family and friends at Buffalo and Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, and this trip had come to realize more of the difference between the “Canadian” culture and the American culture. Very interesting trip.

Eric in a beautiful vally in Pennsylvania as we drove by. Looking like a true composer.

Just as these shots were taken, Eric told me that we cannot stay at this place for too long because it’s in the middle of nowhere and for people who lived there, if they didn’t like you they would come out and shoot the gun towards the sky. Kind of scary no? Sometimes I think some Americans who live in the secluded areas are perhaps just as, if not even more ignorant of the world as, say, a Chinese countryman. But the problem lies in the fact that these Americans totally have the access to the knowledge, but they choose not to, whereas in the Chinese case it’s vice versa.

Anyway. I think I have decided, by and large, that I will be attending Manhattan School of Music in the fall for my master’s degree. I am heading to NYC right now to take some lessons and to check out some apartments. No more $$ spending until I go back to China on June 10 (!!!!!!!!) becuase I just bought myself a pair of Burberry rainboots for an uber amazing discount price and my mom a Chanel bag.

I suppose I could bear spending this much money right? Afterall, it was my birthday and graduation, and mother’s day. Actually, the birthday gift I got myself was this book I found in a discount book store, with Jacques-Louis David’s painting on the front which partially contributed to my decision to purchase it.

At the mean time, I think I have either developed a spring allergy or I have caught some sort of flu in the US of A. Can’t wait to come back home and just chill for the rest of May. And I hope whatever you are doing, wherever you are, May will also treat you well – it certainly has to me!

Love.

2009-05-07

Written for may7.blogbus on May 7: happy birthday Brahms!

I have a big piece of news: I am now officially graduated from the four years of Bachelor-degree pursuit! Next year I’ll be in New York City for my two years of master’s degree。

:)

grad recital

This will officially graduate me!

Programme:

Schubert: Fantasie in C major, Op.15 “Wandererfantasie”

Ravel: La Valse (solo piano)

- intermission -

Rachmaninoff: Sonata No.2, Op.36 (revised)

Perhaps I’ll see you there? :)