★The Houses of Parliament★

The British Parliament is the British political center. It is built lie on the River Thames in London central. It is one of the most important Engish Gothic architectures of mid-19th century also. And it consists of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

The House of Lords has about 700 non-election of members, including England Archbishop or Lords Spiritual of 26 Churches, and more than 600 Lords Temporals. It different from the House of Commons is that it did not checks and balances on Prime Minister and its Government. Only the House of Commons could force the prime minister has resigned, or through a no-confidence vote in order to hold elections. The House of Lords on the Government's oversight is quite limited. Most Cabinet ministers are from the House of Commons, it is rather than the House of Lords. However, the House of Lords is still the source of new cabinet members.
The House of Commons is an organization generate from democratic election and it is the most influential one. It consists of 646members, known as Members Of Parliament. The members of the House of Commons were elected by 'first past the post' voting system. Each member is elected by voters from different constituency, and the member who was elected also on behalf of the constituency in Parliament. They can not assume longer than five years per period. Based on majority voting system is applied to elections of the House of Commons, the ruling party would most likely get a substantial majority, so that the ruling party will more reluctant to cooperate with other political parties.

★National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay★

We visited the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay on November 19th afternoon by school coach. Although it was continuous raining for a whole week, the weather was queit good that day.

This is the Welsh Assembly building names 'Senedd'. It opened in 2006 and became one of the most typical buildings of Wales. Its architectural style is very special.

It has an interesting wooden roof, shaped like the flow of waves. The staff who work in the assembly building introduce to us the reason for this design of the roof is used to collecting rainwater, and then re-used in the  pubilc conveniences. For example, the water we used in toilet of this building is the collected rain water. It is not only an innovative design, but also beneficial to environmental protection.

There are also a very environmentally design is the windows of Senedd. It made from strengthened and insulated glass.On the one hand, it has a very good light transmission, so it can save the energy from light. On the other hand, it will automatically open and close with temperature change. In summer it minimises the use of air conditioning and it helps the building retain heat in winter.

After visiting the building as a whole, staff take us into the conference hall. He told us the Assembly is made up of 60 assembly members who represnet different areas of Wales. Jane Davidson is one of the assembly members who represents Pontypridd where our place to live. And the assembly members meet every week to discuss issues of Wales and people, such as, Welsh people's health, transportation, education, medical care and so on. Luckily, we have met one of the 60 assembly members during the introduction names Christopher Franks. He is the regional members of South Wales Central. And he was very friendly and very patiently answered our questions. He also stated that they will continue to strive for well being life of people who live in Wales. I have a deeper acquaintance of the Welsh Aeembly after that day.

★History of Halloween and Bonfire Night★

Halloween Festival and Bonfire Night are the main festivals in Autumn. We can see many activities and relational productions during the days. Now, I'm going to present a brief history of the Halloween festival and Bonfire Night..

History of Halloween

Halloween festival's origin should retrospect to a Celtic festival called Samhain. The Celtic celebrated the beginning of the new year on November 1st. Then, in October 31st, Celtic believed that the ghosts of dead would return to the earth. And the ghost would to do damage to the crops and do some prank to them.So, on the night before November 1st, they would pretend the same kind of ghosts and dress in the scary costume, expected to drive away the fear.

History of Bonfire Night

People celebrate with the firework on November 5th to commemorate one person names Guy Fawkes.

Guy Fawkes and his group of Catholic rebels planned to ignite the barrels fill with gunpowder to blow up the Parliament and the King.Unfortunately, he was caught in the cellar of the Houses of Parliament on November 5th.After that, every November 5th, people have a great opportunity to get together and enjoy the fireworks party and campfire party.

Here is a traditional rhyme about the Bonfire Night:

"Remember, remember the fifth of November,

gunpowder, treason and plot.

We know no reason why gunpowder treason

should ever be forgot."

Here are some photograohies of my party on Halloween Night. :)

wow.. michael??

smile :)

so many 'ghosts'...

nice dress up

cheery with 'miss' red nails

In the end, wish everyone has a nice Bonfire Night!