INTRODUCING THE MORGANS (XII), VANESSA MORGAN

Hi, I'm Vanessa Morgan. I'm Chinese. I was born in Suzhou, Jiangsu and I am a vampire.

A few months ago, I discovered that the famous Welsh pirate Henry Morgan was an ancestor of mine and that I had brothers and sisters to meet. Thanks to The Grandma, an Andorran grandmother, who made every effort to locate us, today I know them all and to celebrate this meeting we decided to spend two months together travelling and reviewing our level of English because we have all decided to retire to Kingston, Jamaica, to enjoy the Morgan fortune, and English is its official language.

-What's your full name?

-My name is Vanessa Morgan Lin.

-How do you spell your second surname?

-L-I-N

-Are you a student? What are you studying?

-No, I'm not a student. I've spent many years learning about history, literature, and different cultures.

-Are you working? What is your job?

-Yes, I am. I'm a vampire. I spend my nights travelling, meeting people, and learning about the world.

-Do you like your job? Why?

-Yes, I do. It allows me to experience different cultures and historical periods. Every night brings a new adventure.

-Where are you from?

-I'm from Suzhou, in Jiangsu Province, China.

-How long have you lived there?

-I lived there for many years before travelling to other places. Suzhou will always be special to me because it is my birthplace.

-Why are you studying English?

-I'm studying English because I meet people from many different countries. It helps me communicate and learn about their cultures.

-How long have you been studying English?

-I've been studying English for a very long time. Over the years, I've had plenty of opportunities to practise it while travelling.

-Tell me about your city.

-Suzhou is famous for its beautiful classical gardens, canals, and traditional architecture. It is often called one of the most beautiful cities in China.

-What music do you like?

-I enjoy classical music, traditional Chinese music, and modern instrumental music. I find them relaxing and inspiring.

-Can you play any instrument?

-Yes, I can play the guzheng. I learned it many years ago and still enjoy playing it on quiet evenings.

-Tell me about your favourite place.

-My favourite place is Humble Administrator's Garden. I love its peaceful atmosphere, elegant design, and beautiful scenery.

-What do you like doing in your free time?

-In my free time, I enjoy reading historical novels, visiting museums, walking through gardens, and learning new languages.

-Do you practise any sport? Which?

-Yes, I do. I enjoy tai chi and swimming. They help me stay active and focused.

-How long have you been a vampire?

-I've been a vampire for many centuries. During that time, I've seen many changes in the world and learned a great deal about different cultures.

-What is the best thing about being a vampire?

-The best thing is having the opportunity to learn continuously and travel to many different places.

-What is the most difficult part of your life?

-The most difficult part is moving frequently and saying goodbye to people I care about.

-Are people afraid of you?

-Sometimes they are at first because of the stories they have heard. However, once they get to know me, they usually realise that I'm friendly and respectful.

-What has changed the most in the world during your lifetime?

-Technology has changed the most. Communication and travel are much faster than they were in the past.

-Would you like to live in another country?

-Yes, I would. I enjoy discovering new cultures and meeting people from different backgrounds.

-How is a normal day with The Morgans?

-We haven't got similar days. Every day is different and this is something very important because it offers to you the possibility of living fantastic experiences every day and you can enjoy them with all your heart because you know that next day you're going to put the score to zero and we're going to start again. It's a non-stopping life.

-Which is your best memory with The Morgans?

-It's difficult to choose only one. I remember when we were invited to visit the British Museum and we created a great performance in the Egyptian room. I had a special performance and my role was of particular importance in achieving the final success.

-Which is your favourite song?

-As everyone knows, China is not a democratic country at all and we do not have the freedom that other people in other countries enjoy. Artists are always among the first victims in repressive states and, for this reason, we do not have a powerful and modern cultural industry, so I will choose a classic.

The most famous Chinese song in the world is 茉莉花 ('Mo Li Hua'), which translates as 'Jasmine Flower'. This traditional melody originates from Jiangsu Province, where I was born, and dates back to the 18th century.

好一朵美丽的茉莉花
好一朵美丽的茉莉花
芬芳美丽满枝桠
又香又白人人夸
让我来将你摘下
送给别人家
茉莉花呀茉莉花

Hǎo yī duǒ měi lì de mò lì huā,
hǎo yī duǒ měi lì de mò lì huā,
fèn fāng měi lì mǎn zhī yá
yòu xiāng yòu bái rén rén kuā,
ràng wǒ lái jiāng nǐ zhāi xià,
sòng géi bié rén jiā, mò lì huā, mō lì huā.
    
Beautiful jasmine flower
Beautiful jasmine flower
Sweet-smelling, beautiful, stems full of buds
Fragrant and white, everyone praises
Let me pluck you down to give to someone
Jasmine flower, jasmine flower.

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