今天是2012年的夏至，
由於太陽在今天幾乎直射北回歸線，因此今天也是一年當中白天最長的一天。
從今天之後，白天的時間將漸漸的減少，太陽直射位置也將慢慢地往南移動。
天文學上將這天定為夏天的第一天。
根據BBC氣象顯示，英國今天的日出時間為04:43，日落時間為21:44。
說真的，太陽這麼早起床還真是滿困擾人的，
想想看五點多就被太陽叫醒，六點多外面的天空就亮得像是中午12點；
這樣的鬧鐘還真是無奈～
話說今年的碩士班同學又到了寫論文的階段了，
換句話說，又會有新的一批人過來，而這批人在不久的將來也即將離開英國。
俗話說：『長江後浪推前浪，一代新人換舊人。』
經過了這些年，看著人來人往，感覺也漸漸麻痺了。
新生們剛來時總是對各種事物驚喜連連，
之後正式開學的震撼教育，又讓大家心驚膽跳。
總算熬過了第一學期，第二學期又是一連串的報告與考試。
最後本來以為應該是要解脫的第三學期，
運氣不好的則是要趕快補考第一學期的貪玩，
運氣好的則開始變宅，每天面對電腦數寫了多少字數。
每個人都說這是他們人生中最難忘的一年，
每個人回家之後都很懷念這裡的一切。
似乎那些對這裡的抱怨與怨恨早已轉化為無限的美好回憶。
有人趁著假期又回來了，但是人事已非，自己已經不是當初那位開心上課的學生了；
有人千方百計想要回來，卻身不由己，只好翻翻照片追憶往事。
這就是所謂的文化衝擊吧！
只是，現在的狀態又會在哪個階段呢？
（文化衝擊的曲線）
1. The “honeymoon” stage
When you first arrive in a new culture, differences are intriguing and you may feel excited, stimulated and curious. At this stage you are still protected by the close memory of your home culture.
2. The “distress” stage
A little later, differences create an impact and you may feel confused, isolated or inadequate as cultural differences intrude and familiar supports (eg family or friends) are not immediately available.
3. “Re-integration” stage
Next you may reject the differences you encounter. You may feel angry or frustrated, or hostile to the new culture. At this stage you may be conscious mainly of how much you dislike it compared to home. Don’t worry, as this is quite a healthy reaction. You are reconnecting with what you value about yourself and your own culture.
4. “Autonomy” stage
Differences and similarities are accepted. You may feel relaxed, confident, more like an old hand as you become more familiar with situations and feel well able to cope with new situations based on your growing experience.
5. “Independence” stage
Differences and similarities are valued and important. You may feel full of potential and able to trust yourself in all kinds of situations. Most situations become enjoyable and you are able to make choices according to your preferences and values.
