Diary - It's been three years since I visited my grandparents.

[Maybo]

This is an entry from my diary. Please check it and correct any mistakes.

It's been three years since I last visited my grandparents. I've been missing Shanghai food very much! In October, we will spend two weeks in Shanghai. Apart from browsing around the city, we might also go to another city, maybe Beijing. It's a shame that I've never been to the ancient palace. I'm also excited to meet my uncle's son. I met him when he was seven years old. He's now probably grown up a lot. I would say he's the smartest child I've ever seen.

 

[Tarheel]

I wouldn't use "It's a shame" there. (But it's not terrible.) Instead I would say I have never seen the ancient city, and I would very much like to.

By "ancient city" do you mean all of Beijing or just part of it?

Abe: Do you know what they call Chinese food in China?
Bob: Food.

 

[Maybo]

I wouldn't use "It's a shame" there. (But it's not terrible.) Instead I would say I have never seen the ancient city, and I would very much like to.

By "ancient city" do you mean all of Beijing or just part of it?

Abe: Do you know what they call Chinese food in China?
Bob: Food.

Not ancient city. It's an ancient palace which is in Beijing.

 

[Tarheel]

@Maybo Oops! Now I remember that (about the palace). (Sometimes my memory plays tricks on me.)

 

[emsr2d2]

I find "It's a shame that I've never ..." entirely natural in BrE. Is there a reason you didn't use "cousin" instead of "uncle's son"? If you met him when he was seven, you need to say that you're excited to meet him again. Also, say he's the smartest child you've ever met/known.

 

[Maybo]

Is there a reason you didn't use "cousin" instead of "uncle's son"?

I just didn't think of that.

 

[Tarheel]

@Maybo You could say it this way. (See below.)

I'm also excited to meet my cousin (my uncle's son). I met him when he was seven years old, and he's probably grown up a lot. I would say he's the smartest child I've ever met.

Notice that I combined two of your sentences.