5 min read

Level: Pre-intermediate

Why does Flora want to go to Taiwan? What does she miss in lockdown? Which type of people does she get on with the most?

You may have already gotten to know Britcent teacher Sam. Now it's time to get the lowdown on Flora. Do they have much in common? We'll see! Before teaching English online with Britcent, adventurous Flora taught in the UK, Europe and Asia. Learn about her travels, her music tastes and her principles in this short and sweet interview. If you fancy seeing Flora in action, check out her most recent live English class, which anyone is free to join.

How do you relax after a hard day's work?

I've been running a lot recently so I like to let off steam by running down a big hill! I live in Brighton which is a very hilly place. I also like to just chill around the house with my housemates.

What fictional place would you most like to go?

The Shire from Lord of the Rings. It seems very idyllic. Hobbits seem lovely!

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What's your guilty pleasure?

I don't believe in guilty pleasures. But I do love cringey noughties tunes and artists, like Evanescence or Anastacia.

Which personality traits do you dislike and value the most?

I value silliness. I always get along really well with people who are really, really silly. I dislike passive aggression the most. It puts everyone on edge.

What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend?

Pre-lockdown I'd go out on Friday night to see a DJ or I'd to a gig. I'd have a duvet day on the Saturday, get a takeaway and tidy the house. And then a classic wholesome Sunday; a long walk and an art gallery.

What are you famous for in your family?

Saying things the wrong way round! When I was little I picked up the phone to my friend and said 'au revoir' instead of 'bonjour'.

Where would you spend all your time if you could?

I really love swimming so any body of water: a lake, river, or beach. My favourite is Lake Bled in Slovenia.

What are two interesting facts about you?

I studied dance for fifteen years—mainly ballet and contemporary, and two years of ballroom. I tried everything at school— even bhangra and cheerleading!

I've also been a vegetarian for seven years, almost eight.

What do you wish you knew more about?

History—it's a very important subject. And politics—I'm interested in it but I do find it quite tricky to understand at times.

What's on your bucket list?

I need to go back to Asia and finish my travels in Vietnam. I couldn't do the top three things I wanted to do because of coronavirus, sadly.

I also want to go to Korea and whilst I'm there I may as well see Japan. Taiwan is also on my list as I want to eat bao buns—I love them so much!

What's the most interesting experience you've had in life?

Living in Vietnam. I really loved my teaching job there. I had so many interesting experiences— we once went to visit some sand dunes at sunrise. We hadn't really slept so it was a very dreamy experience.

Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?

Hanoi—I lived there for six months. It was very different to the UK. There's always something going on. My friend saw someone driving a moped with two birds of prey perched on him!

What are you most excited about in the next 10 years?

Leaving my house and getting on a train! I really miss trains. I'm excited about getting the simple pleasures back after lockdown. At least coronavirus has made me appreciate the small things—every cloud has a silver lining.

What annoys you the most?

I don't get annoyed that often. But people being inconsiderate does annoy me.

What is the best compliment you’ve received?

That I'm kind, empathetic and intelligent.

Which skill would you like to master?

I'd love to speak another language fluently. I've never just sat down and committed myself. It'd probably be French as I did it in school.

What job would you be terrible at?

I would be a terrible scientist as I'm really bad at maths and science. I've noticed that I just make up facts!

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What's something you're interested in that most people haven’t heard of?

A programme called 'Questing' which is about British folk music. It's on an independent online radio channel called 'NTS'. I'm quite interested in British music, history and traditions.

Which personal 'rules' do you never break?

I don't eat meat. I've only broken it once as I was on a long haul flight and they only had meat.

If you had your own flag, what would be on it?

My name's Flora so of course a flower. A sunflower—that's my favourite. And it would be a deep emerald green. I think I've just described the 'Flora Buttery Spread' packaging!

Vocabulary takeaway

low-down

blow/let off steam

may/might (just) as well do something

bird of prey

every cloud has a silver lining

If you're like me, you loved getting to know Flora. Share her love for food as well? Check out her cookie tutorial on our YouTube channel, or watch it down below. Why not take a trial lesson with her—she might share her bao bun recipe with you, if you're lucky...

Watch this video on the Britcent YouTube channel, where you'll find videos, podcasts, audiobooks and more...

Please note: These blog posts are written in informal, conversational English.