WUHAN

PHOTO ESSAY

2009-04-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

when the guys were in the gym doing work out.
i saw this kid with his grandpa wondering around.
wonder what he went there for?

the baby's face is very red right?
don't really know the reason why.
but the baby have been crying for quite some time.
either because of the people smoking, or the noise level
if not it would be the mother ignoring the child.

our tour guide for the day.

our driver for the bus ride around the lake!
and he smokes when he drives!
he's not the only one, the rest of the drivers did the same thing.

found this lady cleaning!
she's like the one and only one there cleaning.

while visiting yellow crane tower, this boy stood beside us with a fake rifle!
he just stood there and aim at the ground for quite some time! weird right?

jayden and wenhao's favourite stall at wu quan.
as the sotong she fry is marvellous.
after eating once, you would want to eat more!

her mother asked her to pose for me. as she saw me taking pictures of her
took when waiting on the stairs for the rest of the people to reach to head for yellow crane tower.

this girl had been playing with the umbrella for the whole of the visit of yellow crane tower.

2009-04-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

day42

woke up early this morning, as mr chua said that he would bring a weighing machine for us to weigh our luggage, luckily mine wasn't overweight, thanks to wenhao and nicholas, for letting me put my BIG SIZE teddy bear and my food in their luggage. after everyone weigh their luggage, we started shifting everything to the bus. the journey lasted for about an hour, was sleeping throughout, too tired. when we reached wuhan airport, mr chua treated us for lunch! thank you mr chua. then we check in our luggage. and when we reach guangzhou, we had to rush as we were late.

11pm, reached singapore, first thing that everyone did was to take our their phones and call their parents to ask them where they are. and then went to the duty free shop, as they had to buy gifts for their parents or relatives. after that collect our luggage and find our parents!

it's so nice to be back in singapore after such a long time.
but i will definately miss wuhan.

2009-04-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

day41

okay, this morning woke up early, around 7 as we wanted to go to shou yi guang chang which is located at the yellow crane tower, the shopping mall that sells fake goods. so this time round we took a bus there, but somehow we all slept in the bus thus we missed the shops, and the distance from the shopping mall and the place we alight was super far, so we had to take another bus there. we reached the mall at 9.30 so we walked around to look for a restaurant to sit down and have breakfast. ate you tiaos which is crispy but oily. the boys ordered some noodles which was far too spicy for me, and the taste was weird. after breakfast, went to the ATM mall to buy stuff, but we were sort of in a rush, as there would be a closing ceremony later in the afternoon, so after shopping wen to have lunch at the beefsteak restaurant. then back to the shopping mall to buy something for jeremy and cab back to school. love the lady at one of the shop selling vans shoe and porters bag.

took group photos outside school, then rest at dorm, before heading for the closing ceremony. waited for almost an hour for the china students, and first we played some games and then performance by the students. love the dancing part when arvind was sabo-ed, it was so hilarious. after that went to an empty space between the foreign language school and the business school. we were given some of the fireworks, but managed to play with just 2 of them, as benson forced me to, but it's a good experince, as the feeling was so nice when you lit the firework yourself and also the effect was marvellous. and the fireworks were so beautiful, after that went off for dinner!

2009-04-13T11:24:00.000-07:00

day40

woke up late, as we played games till 4 in the morning, then headed to luxiang for the last shopping, didn't really buy things, as i have already finished buying them, then headed to IT mall, as the boys wanted to buy earpiece and mouse pad then back to school for dinner.

time really passes fast here during this trip! its already the last few days!
we really should even cherish the time more!
and leave some good memories

2009-04-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

day39
woke up late, and had lunch at the same fishball restaurant that we went too. this time round didn't get to eat the vegetable and the egg dish that we ordered last time, so we had to change to tomato and egg, but in the end no one ate the tomato, and they only had one serving of rice, but they went to cook for us again. and then when we manage to finish everything, the rice came so we order another dish, but the vegetable sucks! and thanks the boss, he recognize us and therefore gave us some advantage. after lunch went back to dorm, to finish up abit of the work, then headed to wu quan, as we wanted to finish buying stuffs for our friends and relatives. thanks marc, he's super good at bargaining! and i mean it. he's seriously good at it!

2009-04-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

day 38
today we went hankou for another round of shopping, the weather was much better as compared to the previous time that we came, as the previous time when we came, it was raining, and also to the time constrain we didn't walk around that much. this time we manage to go to a shopping mall that is similar to the ATM shopping that is located at yellow crane tower! and for lunch, we have beefsteak at another restaurant, this time the restaurant looks more high class, but yet the price is still quite alright! the difference is that the beefsteak is much more delicious that the previous one. after that we also went to another shopping mall, it is older as compared to the previous ones, and the things that are not really what we are looking for!
thanks to the weather, it makes shopping easier for me, and also thanks that we manage to find more shopping malls and manage to walk through more parts of hankou!

counting down; 4days

2009-04-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

day37

this morning jayden, wenhao and me went to show mr ma our project together, and when it was my turn mr ma started to ask questions, didn't really understood what he said. but well, it was still alright. after that went back to IT mall as the boys wanted to get razer mouse and ear piece! but before that we had lunch at the cheap fastfood restaurant, now then NICHOLAS took out a vip card, but the vip card doesn't really work. after lunch, we went to the original shopping mall where we saw all these things. then we stood at a particular booth for 1 hour plus, as after bargaining for the earpiece, they bought mp3. but the lady gave them the wrong price so they had to give 20RMB back to the lady. then headed off to buy razer mouse. after that we walk down the street to buy shoes at the warehouse and went back to dorm.

2009-04-08T10:26:00.000-07:00

day 36

counting down; 6 days!

today is free and easy day, as the theory test 2 was postponed to the second day of school reopen. this morning went to shou yi guang chang which is a shopping mall near the yellow crane tower, first thing thing there was lunch at a beef steak restaurant called hou caller, the steak is super nice! and in the end we had a VIP card, as we ate quite an amount, and after eating the meal, i was so full. then went off to shopping. bought one pair of VANS shoe and a t-shirt. and we went to streets that we missed last time round, but half way through, benson marc wenhao and arvind left as they wanted to go to gym. after they left we continue shopping then met up with nicki dave jeremy and stepfan and head back to school.

reflection.
when you want a van, there's none, when you don't need, there's tons of them. and there really is nice food in china, such as the beefsteak restaurant, even though its expensive, but its worth it. and one thing i don't like shopping in china is that when you step into a shop, they will follow you all around, another thing is that there alot of road stalls in china, everywhere there will be someone who will tend a stall along the street.

2009-04-08T09:49:00.000-07:00

day35
counting down; 7 days!

today we had a training session, it looks like outward bound singapore. the day started by doing some bonding games! like the girls is 50 cents, and the guys are a dollar, so when the instructor give us a price we have to form the groups, and another one is the squirrel the trees, so when the earthquake comes everyone have to change, when fire comes, the trees have to change, when the hunter comes, the squirrel have to run! then the other students came, and we were seperated into 4 groups! then we had think of a logo, the group name and a song! then we had to do trust fall! and another one which we had to jump across the bridge! these activities were alright, as i went before outward bound singapore so i did before, it wasn't scary for me! but i missed out the rock climbing, as i was too lazy to climb, but anyway i tried before. then we went to gym, and dinner at another different fishball restuarant. only the vegetables in the shop is delicious and the fishball! to my horror, i saw them selling dog meat, or even BUGS!

reflection.
i hate it when you are stand outside a shop to consider whether you want to eat at the restaurant, and the sales person would come forward to you and urge you to go into the shop, like their shop is the best. just like yesterday at the fishball restaurant, when they see customers they are so delighted, that they could snatch customers and tell us that their shop are having discount. their restaurant serving is very different from singapore, they start from all the dishes then to the rice. and the portion of the food is very big!

2009-04-07T08:40:00.000-07:00

day 34

went for APPG remedial, which started at 10. mr chua didn't really teach much, but understood the main points for chapter 6 and 7! or rather i do hope that i really understood. then headed to canteen for lunch! was suppose to have another remedial lesson at 2, but i didn't for it, instead i stayed at dorm, to do abit of my miniproject. then went to jog with the guys around the campus, so this is another chance for me to look around the school, didn't realize that the are so many houses at the back! seriously i hate the weather in china, it's so dry, have difficulty breathing when i am running! but well, exercise is good for health. after running went to the fast food restaurant near school for dinner!

2009-04-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

day33

finally another day, that i managed to sleep for 12 hours. it has been some time since i slept for so long! it felt so good, then headed to canteen for lunch and back to dorm to do some work, then dinner at some roadstall near the school, we ordered fried rice and noodles. but i prefer the noodles, as i think that the noodles taste much better as compared to the rice, even though its dry! ernest then called us up to his dorm to celebrate his mother's birthday! such a good boy! i wonder when was the time that i did this for my mum! the cake was quite delicious! but still i prefer those back in singapore, its much more delicious, as the cake is here is full of whip cream, and its fattening to have too many of them!

2009-04-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

day 32

10 more days and we are back to singapore!
today is free and easy time, because the trip to visit the valley of beautiful ladies was cancelled, so went out at 1 plus, as we wanted to go to shi ji guang chang, because that time we saw this place at the map, and we thought it was a shopping mall, but turns out to be an empty space for outdoor activities, so we explored around and got to know thats, there's another supermarket around. turn out that the supermarket area is a whole stretch of food stalls! then benson and wenhao went to cut hair while we walked around! after they finished, went to wu quan to shop and have dinner!

reflection.
sometimes exploring maybe fun, just like today, we thought that the place was a shopping mall, but it turns out that we were wrong, so we had to walk around or ask people, and it was raining.
and its good to know that there are other shopping malls that we have yet to visit! another thing was that when we were resting at KFC, there this little girl who walked around and ask for money, but khoonfong said that she saw this girl eating ice cream even before she went around asking for money, this is so ridiculous! how can they do such a thing? aren't they embarrassed by their own action?

2009-04-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

day 31

got back theory test 1 results, even though i didn't fail, but the result wasn't that good, due to the careless mistakes that i made! even mr chua say that i am not that bad, just that i made alot of mistakes! so during morning lesson, went through the paper, suddenly i feel that the paper isn't that difficult to do, if i have study harder and pay more attention in class! after class went to IT mall to search for earpiece! after that went to a shopping mall call " chicony " it's like paragon in singapore, they have some branded stuff, but i have never seen them around! then headed to converse warehouse, and dinner at luxiang!

reflection.
i realize that some stuff that they have here, singapore doesn't sell them! and some of the branded stuff here, they sell even more expensive as compared to those in singapore!

2009-04-02T06:26:00.000-07:00

day 30

I realize something, the weather in Wuhan is very unpredictable, as maybe yesterday the temperature may be double digit but the next day, the temperature could drop to single digit, it’s even worse when it starts raining and it gets windy. So I really hate the weather, and maybe this may be the reason why we are all getting sick. This morning’s lesson is the second part of the presentation that teacher didn’t manage to finish yesterday. it was mostly about taoism and buddhism, both are not my religion, but still have to give respect, so when reading the slides i realize that the words of zhuang zi is quite different from those in bible, even though it's good advice! for example, bible mentioned that if someone scold you, you shall not scold him, but praise him/her, or don't be greedy. as for the words of zhuang zi " have little you will gain, have much and you will be misled ".

had another different IS lesson in the afternoon, it was about different type of weddings and also fengshui. how different colours bring different luck.

2009-04-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

day29

The whole day we would be attending IS lesson, so firstly in the morning, as usual, there would be a china teacher who would give us a lesson. This time round the presentation is on “ Chinese traditional thoughts” so basically is about the history and some of the important people that made an impact on the teachings that have been past down. i think that some of the analects are true, for example " a little impatience spoils great plans ". i agree on this, as if your friends are late for 5 minutes, and you are angry for that, then what's the point of not enjoying yourself for the rest of the day, being angry with your friends doesn't solve anything but make it worst, they might be unhappy too. After lesson, waited for the boys to finish their basketball match before going gym with them! Just when I was about to finish running my sixth round, there’s this kid there who pull out the key from the trackmill, so I was forced to stop. After that, the kid stood on the trackmill and run, but somehow they adjusted the speed too fast, one of the kid at the back nearly fall, but marc carried him away! I didn’t continue running after they finished, as I hate to stop running and then run again. After gym, we went out to collect our laundry, it isn’t as bad as I thought, it was quite alright. So if you live in Singapore, you would know that having your clothes to be washed at the laundry is something that we wouldn’t do normally, as it is expensive, but here, its so much cheaper as compared to Singapore, we had 4 jeans, 2 pull over, 1 hoodie, 1 windbreaker, 1 shorts, 1 sweater, 1 jacket, and it costs us just 55RMB.

2009-04-01T03:15:00.000-07:00

day28

exactly two weeks time, and we are leaving this place. so another day of APPG, but well it's the last chapter already! so mr ma said this is the most important chapter, but i don't really understand it. then headed to canteen 1 for lunch, as the noodles there was quite nice! then headed back to dorm, to rest! after afternoon lesson, went for a run!

i realize one thing, since i seldom go to the canteen and eat! the food in the canteen is super cheap! so many cheaper than those in our canteen! just that the quality of the food here isn't as good as those in Singapore. As you know they add salt to everything or maybe spice! and i don't really trust whether the food is clean, as when i first reach the school, i wanted to buy a drink, and yet when we were buying the food, diyana and I saw a rat running around the stall!

2009-03-31T04:54:00.001-07:00

Assignment 1

Think about what you want to learn from the trip? Why would you want to learn it?

I have been to Beijing and Shanghai, these two cities are considered one of the biggest in China, and I heard that Wuhan is also one of the biggest city, so I want to compare these three cities together to learn about the similarities or the differences. Why I would want the comparison, because the environment in both Beijing and Shanghai is not that bad, and the scenery is marvelous, so are the food there.

What do you already know?

The things in china are selling at a much lower price as compared to those in Singapore, especially those in supermarket. But for the more popular brand such as Converse, they sell at a more expensive rate or at the same price. However, these shops have more varieties as compared to Singapore. There are some things here which Singapore doesn’t sell. Subsequently, you can’t trust all the things selling in China, as the quality might not be as good as those in Singapore, especially those in the flea market, even though you could bargain for a lower price. Another thing is that China is not as clean as Singapore, as people spit everywhere; dump the rubbish on the streets and hence I wouldn’t dare to eat the food selling along the streets, as I don’t think its that clean. Also, China people doesn’t have much manners, the way they speak is very rough and loud, For example, when they bang into you, they would just walk away without saying a simple “ excuse me “. and they could just argue right in the middle of the road, also you have to be careful when crossing the road, because the car doesn’t look out for people, it’s suppose to be the other way round. The driver seat is on the left side of the car whereas the seat in Singapore is on the right side. When you are going shopping, you have to be careful, as there are thieves or shoplifters everywhere, so you have to grab hold of your belongings tight.

What don’t you know and would be interested to find out?

The culture, the environment, the food, the people, or rather everything about Wuhan.

What motivates you to study?

Friends and self-motivation.

How to you intend to use your learning?

Working life, as maybe I might interact with people from china, and then I may use the information I have and meet the customer’s expectation, and please him, knowing the background information of the customers would leave him a good impression, that you are interested in doing business with him.

Define your focus

My focus is to learn more about the culture, as every different country got their own culture, I think this is because of the teachings that the ancestors passed on! As we know that Singapore used to be ruled by the British, therefore we have more of the western culture, whereas china is different, they were ruled by many leaders such as Mao Zhe Dong, he was a communist leader, and some of them still follow the teaching of . I also want to get to know more about the different festivals and different ethnic groups here, as Singapore has only 4 different types, but China has definitely much more than 4, and also can get to know more details about each of the groups, about their history and why it was called this way! Culture includes the different type of foods, I can get to find out what’s the most unique food in Wuhan, and also the way they cooked the food! Lastly, I would like to know more about the fashion in China, as it is quite different from Singapore, they don’t wear slippers, like Mr Chua said, and they think that it’s disrespectful, but in Singapore, everyone is wearing them, and also if you wear shorts to go for exercise, people would stare at you, as the girls would wear track pants!

Write at least five questions to frame and scope your learning journey.

Firstly, I want to research on why China people don’t know their manners, as they always cut queue, smoke even though there is a No Smoking, speak so loudly, drive carelessly [ for example, they could cut in between the lanes and they could drive on the passengers pathway. ], spit everywhere they like!

Secondly, why China don’t have much dustbins on the road, or rather if they have, it always not a proper one! The dustbin is just a pail, without any trash bag! I want to research on this, as the streets outside WUST is very dirty, there is always a pile of rubbish on one side of the road, and it never seems to be cleared, the pile is always there!

Thirdly, why is the educational system so different from Singapore, as I heard from a lady while I was doing manicure that they start to learn English when they are in college, while in Singapore, we learn from young. Another example is their mathematics. They are of a much higher standard than us as compared to those in Singapore. `

Fourthly, slowly I get to know why the hole in the ozone layer is getting bigger, I realize this when I first reach Wuhan, the vehicles produce black smoke, the factories give out a lot of black smoke also! I wonder why the government isn’t doing anything to stop this things from happening, and also why didn’t the government give fine to those who produce black smoke! Smoking of cigarettes also contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer.

Lastly, I would like to know why China people smoke that much, everywhere you go, there will be some people smoking, and worst, the taxi drivers would also smoke while they are driving, and they could even smoke inside a shopping mall, which makes the shopping mall stinks. Either they are too addicted to smoking, if not they ignore the No Smoking sign if not they are blind to see the sign! The government should increase the price of the cigarettes, so that lesser people would buy, or the government should follow Singapore, for example, they could install the sensor that whenever people smoke inside the mall, the siren would go off, or even give fines to those who smoke!

Define three global skills you want to acquire/improve.

First global skill that I would improve is comfort level with strangers, as I wouldn’t really talk to strangers when I first met them, because firstly, I do not know them well, and I have nothing to say to them. So I like to spend some time to know them, before really making friends with them. I would improve this by trying to speak more often, find some common topics to say!

Second global skill that I would improve is patience, even though when I go out with my friends, I would be the only one who reach early, while the rest would reach late, and I really mean late, the latest was an hour plus but I am sort of used to it already, still sometimes I would be angry, as it’s not the first time that they came late! So I would like to increase the limit to my patience, so that I could wait more patiently.

Third global skill that I would improve is sense of personal control, actually I am quite short tempered to certain things, but sometimes I just don’t really show, I just keep quiet and smile! But if the person was to go overboard, and I already reach the maximum, I would just get angry, show my friends attitude, or sometimes even scold vulgarities! So I would like to change this sense of personal control, so that I wouldn’t show my attitude that easily, and also I could tolerate and not let it out on them! How I would accomplish this, maybe I would just hide my emotion or talk to my friend!

First step, I would do some research on the internet, then whenever we are going out, I would take the chance to observe the environment and the people, their behavior, lastly, I would take the opportunity to talk to someone who would give me an explanation and details about their culture.

2009-03-30T08:25:00.001-07:00

Day27

Woke up at 8, but didn’t know that lesson starts at 10, because we had to clear the rubbish at the BBQ pit, however some of the boys did the job, so we didn’t have to make a trip down! THANKS PEOPLE! What you did would be appreciated. So mr ma said that today he would finish the whole of chapter 6, and tomorrow chapter7, it seems that everything in this week is very rush! As a matter of fact, that we would be leaving soon too! Therefore, I shall work hard now or rather till the end of the theory test then I could relax all the day, as I heard that we have 5 days of free and easy! Anyway, a lot of people are getting sick, not very sure why, but everyone take care alright! So had lunch at KFC again, tried another meal, this time I ate beef roll, it’s quite delicious and I changed the fries to corn salad. After lunch, return to school for class, was doing lab6, then after lesson went to run at the field, and then to the gym! After exercising, went to canteen3 for dinner, and also went out to the laundry shop to wash our clothes. One thing that I realize is that running in china is better than running in Singapore, even though the weather isn’t as good as Singapore, the air here is very dry and dirty, and I always have difficulty in breathing! Even though I have been running for a few times, but still I can’t stand the way china people look at us when we wear shorts to run, as china people always wear long sleeve and jeans or track pants! Another thing is that the girls in china is always very thin and also during their physical education, they only run two rounds around the field when they are being tested like our NAFA test in Singapore! It’s like much easier than Singapore, and also the boys in china always sprint around the field, especially the guys playing basketball!

2009-03-30T02:17:00.000-07:00

Day26

Woke up at 9 to go for a morning jog, but didn’t manage to run 8 rounds, as the weather was too cold, and I was having a sore throat, so sort of having difficulty to breathe, then went to the computer world with jayden and wenhao, as they wanted to buy thumbdrive, but before we went to shop, we had our lunch at macdonald’s, tried the pork burger, it was quite unique, as the macdonald’s outlet in Singapore doesn’t sell this burger, after lunch we walked around the different shopping malls that we missed out the previous time. So now I know why when we told Mr. Ma that there was only 3 malls, he said it was impossible! I think we went in to 4 different malls, and there are still other shopping malls. But to my surprise, there were people selling guns on the street! Then after that we back to dorm, as we are having a BBQ session with the china students. But I didn’t really eat the food, as I wasn’t feeling that well. So we left the BBQ pit to have dinner at the fishball restaurant opposite, it was different from the one that we went to previously, the soup was nice, so was the prawn and the vegetables, we even ordered two plates! Then headed to the mart, to buy some stuff before going back to dorm and rest for the night! An opinion of mine, why can’t china change their transport system, by using cards to tap, instead of asking someone to stand and ask for money when the person boarded the bus, it’s very irritating when the lady just push her way through to get to the front or the back! That lady who collects money is not very thin. Another thing is why can’t people just board the bus by using the front door, isn’t the other door build for letting people to alight!

2009-03-30T02:16:00.001-07:00

Day 25

The weather today was super cold and it was raining heavily, and we had to wait for the bus driver for quite some time, as he was stuck in the traffic, but thanks to mrs chua who lend us her umbrella, 8 degrees! We took a bus down to hankou, about 90 mins! Then went we reached the Wuhan Beach Park, the weather was still quite bad, so the tour guide decided to change, he allowed us to go JiangHan Road Shopping Area, so thanks penghoe for his umbrella, but still we got wet! We had lunch at a fastfood restaurant, it’s quite similar to KFC, but then the restaurant sell chicken rice, which looks abit like long john silver! Then we started to walk around, saw a lot of sports shop, like converse! Then jayden and khoonfong bought fried chicken! We then saw this shopping mall, which sells all the fake stuff, and also there is a food street, we bought egg tarts, they also buy sushi, and takopachi! Somehow when we finish walking, it was about time for us to return! so teacher told us that we are going back dorm, but some people told the teacher that they wanted to go shopping at the building opposite the yellow crane tower, so all of went there, except for sebastian’s group! The building that we went was a shopping building that sells all fake stuffs, like fake converse, porter! Then I bought one porter back, which cost like 100rmb, thanks to khoonfong who bargain for me! And a lot more people bought porter things like the wallets! Then also a lot of people bought shoes, as it was much cheaper! Then headed to the food street, the food there is delicious! we bought dumplings which contain corn, dumplings that contain vegetables, fried chicken wing which was super spicy, rice cake, scallop, fruits and a lot more! Then we took a cab back and went to a meeting, and rested for the night! somehow I wish Singapore would have all these food street too, as the food was really delicious, I would use one of the free day to go back there and try their food. Even though I admit that sometimes the food along the streets is not clean, but still they are awesome. Another thing is that china really is good at making fake branded stuffs, some of them look so real, but there’s some which is really fake, as I didn’t see before the pattern! I realize another thing is that in china, they sell a lot of caps, and pullovers, especially those with cute design.

2009-03-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

day 24

the day started by making a trip to the YANGTZE OPTICAL FIBRE & CABLE factory. the bus trip took about 30+ mins, as it was located near the school. when we first alight, we were warn not to take photos when we walk around the factory, we could only take pictures at the main lobby. so we stood at the main lobby while the person in charge was explaining the process of how they make the optic-fiber cable, and also a summary of the company's history. also mr chua was the translator, after that we started to walk around the factory, the person in charge showed us a video, i was surprise when the background music for the video was CANON IN D, the feeling is so werid, so not suitable! around 12, we headed back to school, went to have lunch at a restaurant located outside school, the food was alright. After lunch, went back to dorm to study for the APPG theory test! overall, the test was alright, just that i don't really know a few questions, but just hope that i will pass, and i will be satisfied! after test, we headed to kfc for dinner, if i am not wrong, this is my first time eating one whole meal, and ordered the meal whom some of them said was delicious! but i was disappointed, the burger isn't nice! then headed back to dorm!

2009-03-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

day 23

started the day with IS, due to the fact that mr ma wasn't feeling well, so i took the chance to complete my assignment 1, and also think of what i should do for the photo essay, then headed out of the school for lunch, we ate at a restaurant, the food was quite tasty, especially the vegetable! damn nice! then went for APPG, was doing another theory test paper! how i wish that tomorrow's paper would be of the same standard then i could score well also! after lesson went to gym to run as the weather outside was terrible, it seems like it would rain, and heavy rain! then watched marc benson jayden and wenhao playing table tennis, as usual marc is damn hilarious! and we saw mr chua, he is super good! really very good!

2009-03-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

day 22

full day of APPG again, but had to do a practice paper for the theory test this coming friday, the paper seems alright, not that difficult, how i wish that the paper on friday would be of the same standard. some of the questions in the paper are like giving away marks, so those are the questions that i should try to aim for full marks, while the back part of the paper, is the more tedious ones! it's like writing out parts of a program! however, i shall not give up, shall mug hard for the paper and score well, so that my GPA for next semester would be better! after school, we went to wu quan again! due to the fact that we were bored at dorm, so we decided to walk around. i ate the food from the fastfood restaurant, it was quite alright, just that the corn cup was super small and it cost 4 yuan! even though it's cheap, but not worth the price. so we bought the stuffs that we needed, or giving away and headed back to dorm, as khoonfong wanted to go to the gym and run!

2009-03-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

day 21

woke up early in the morning, for my final revision for the APPG lab test later on. but in the end, the test was alright, as it was quite similar to the trail lab test, but i forget one part, about the total cost, i forget about the sequence and what to type inside! so i left it blank! i was thinking about that for quite sometime, but still didn't figure it out! so i gave up! still it was alright as i knew how to do the rest! after lesson, we went to wu quan, the night market again, [ second time ], khoonfong and i ate alot, first we tired the burger, it was alright, just that the chicken they had inside the burger was super small, then i ate the vegetable bao, not bad, while khoonfong ate the dan zai, strawberry flavour, also quite delicious, then i ate the rou juan, and khoonfong ate the popcorn chicken from a fastfood restaurant that was somehow similar to KFC and it was much cheaper! and lastly the dumplings, which is our all-time favourite. Even though the food was quite oily, but well it's tasty, in the end we bought the stuffs we needed and headed back to dorm to rest for the day!

2009-03-23T06:21:00.000-07:00

day 20

what a bad day! first of all, the weather was so cold thanks to the wind and the rain! just when i got used to it, it turn bad! secondly, didn't manage to do the APPG trail test on myself, but i understood how to do thanks to penghoe! actually i do know how to do, but just that i don't know what to type the details! and i took one whole hour to type a 20 marks part! now i just hope that i would remember how to do for tomorrow's lab test! wish me luck! shall study hard so as to achieve good results!

2009-03-22T08:45:00.001-07:00

day 19
another day at wudang mountain, so we had to take a 50 mins ride to the cable car station, then we had to queue for an hour plus before reaching the peak, and during the waiting time, something happened. here the story goes, there's this lady who placed his son in the middle of our queue, just to help her queue, so that they could slowly cut in the line without people noticing, but too bad, we did, then suddenly she asked the whole family to cut in! but thanks to both the tour guide who called the security, and the lady kept insisting that her son was here all along, but in the end the security got half the family out, the elder ones! they are so inconsiderate, they are not the only people cutting, when the two lane combined to one, they kept squeezing like there's some sort of prize waiting for them. Not only the younger ones, but the elder too! they are so strong! another thing was that, there's this guy who kept staring at us, he treat us like one alien like that, like he never see before singaporean! he stare at us all the way, till arvind stare back then he stop! and whenever we hide, he would keep staring too! last thing was that china people kept smoking, and either they can't read the sign if not they are too lazy to bother, because there was this huge NO SMOKING sign hanging on the wall, and yet they still can smoke! so one thing i learn about the culture! weird! we had to climb up the stairs to reach the top, and the view there was awesome! after touring the mountain, we were the first group to come down, so we did abit of cam-whoring, and MR CHUA joined in, when we were doing the jumping shot! then we had lunch at another restaurant, the food there is quite alright, but still prefer the previous restaurant! after lunch we had a long journey back to school, but it was fun at night, when the bus driver started playing music, and everyone was singing to it! like a karaoke session.

2009-03-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

day18

so had to wake up early, as the trip from our school to wudang mountain is long, 6 - 7 hours! and the bus seat wasn't that comfortable, due to the fact that the chair infront was spoiled therefore the space i had was limited. then around 12 - 1 we reached wudang mountain, but before that we had lunch at a restaurant, the food was alright, but not that perfect, still singapore's food is the best! then we took a bus to one of the temples on the mountain, " tai zi bo " then after that took another bus to another temple, but this time we saw the students doing their wushu practice! the teacher was super strict, and there were quite a number of girls in the team! and their physical training was to jump up the stairs, and i meant literally jump! so tough! then after that we went back to the same restaurant to have dinner! but i think lunch was better even though the meals are like vegetarian. after dinner, went to the place we were staying for the night, it was like a hotel, but an older one! however the hotel opposite was like haunted house, luckily we were not staying there! and thank god, it wasn't raining even though teacher said there was a storm! if not i would be freezing to death!

2009-03-22T08:20:00.000-07:00

day17

another day of APPG, so was doing lab4 in class, thanks jayden and kangliang for helping
out, even though i still don't really know what i am typing but well, shall study hard since the test is on next tuesday! just wish somehow before the day of exam i can understand the whole module! anyway, thanks mr ma, for letting us go early due to the fact that we finished the whole of lab4! so we rushed back to dorm, to put our things down and then we went to hu quan, as we heard that the things are are cheap, really cheap! so we took a cab down, and the taxi driver was hilarious, she told benson that his foot and hand are big, and somehow it will bring him good luck! after that we seperated from the guys and shop ourself, so i bought 1 bear, 2 purse, 1 bag, 2 shirts, 1 pullover, 1 long sleeve! most of it are for friends and the shui jiao there is also damn nice! khoonfong and i got cheated as they were selling one of the purse that we bought the another day at a much cheaper price, so we were kind of disappointed but there's nothing else we could really do! I really miss singapore's food, and also we get to know our results, so disappointing, even though i sort of expected it, but well, at least i did pass all, and shall mug hard for the next semester, so as to make up for this semester.

2009-03-22T07:33:00.000-07:00

day 16

a day full of APPG, finally i took the time to revise chapter 1 - 3, sort of understand, but still doubts here and there, but shall get a chance to ask my friends one of these days! tomorrow would be the day of us getting results, quite worrided, but there's nothing else we can do but to wait and hope that it would be a good one! how i wish i could just pass and be promoted to year2! so during break, due to the fact that mr ma, released us early, me and khoonfong went for a jog, and since i lost count of how many laps i run, khoonfong told me i ran 9 rounds! then after 5, went to watch the boys to play basketball, forget to take picture, but there's still chance. the way marc and arvind play basketball is hilarious, a half court game turns out to be a full court!

2009-03-19T02:53:00.001-07:00

day 15

The day started with a lecture by the china teacher, the lesson was all about doing business with people, like what you have to watch out for. Then teacher told us that our afternoon lesson was shifted forward to 1 – 3 because he wanted us to go to the IT mall, then had lunch in our dorm, ate bread, seriously the bread is nice! The bread from the imperial cake shop! Then had IS lesson which we had to summarize the powerpoint slides which teacher went through in the morning. After lesson, rest and unpack our bags before taking a bus there. The IT mall is somehow like Funan It mall or Sim Lim Square in Singapore, but somehow the prices are about the same, if not it’s a little more expensive than those In Singapore. But one thing that I hate about the mall is that, people could smoke freely as they wish, and the mall is air-conditioned! They are so inconsiderate, seriously they should fine people who smoke, because the sign “NO SMOKING “ doesn’t seem to work on them. After that Khoonfong and I went to buy mantou, its so nice, like those in Singapore, or maybe there is a little more variety! But at least its delicious, and now I am missing those food in Singapore. After that Khoonfong and I went off first, while the rest went to have dinner, so we walked down the street, and to our surprise we found a food street, so we tried the dumplings, its nice, we tired two different type! And we ate Chou Tofu, actually it’s the normal toufu that we usually eat, just somehow the smell makes the food look not that appealing after that we took a bus to Lu Xiang Guang Chang, as we wanted to buy some stuffs, then took a taxi back to dorm. I realize that I could understand what the lady was saying over the radio, but I couldn’t understand what the taxi driver told us, I think its because of their accent. It’s so weird, and I get to know that, there are actually a lot of shopping malls out there that I didn’t know. But I will make sure that I will go there one day!

2009-03-19T02:37:00.000-07:00

day14

I Had to wake up early this morning, as we have to go a factory to take a look at the process of making it. Before arriving we had to take a bus to the same university but at another location, after reaching we had to change to another bus to go to the factory. First thing, the first bus that we took was super dirty, and I really meant super dirty. Second thing, the bus was small, some of the guys had to sit one another lap. When we reached the factory, we walked one round or rather there’s only one way to the exit. After visiting the factory, we went to Lu Xiang Guang Chang again, as teacher decided to drop us there. But from the factory to the place it took us about 2 hours, when we could reach there in an hour time. Thanks to the bus driver, either he don’t know how to go if not today is his unlucky day. First we waited for quite some time for the train to pass by before we could move, not once BUT twice. Then he decided to drive through a alley instead of the main road, then we got stuck because there was a construction going on and therefore the road was block. Finally, when we got to the road, there was a traffic jam. We had lunch at Pizza Hut. First thing, the food is expensive, way more expensive than those in Singapore. Second thing, the food stinks! I ordered a salad for 22 yuan, and the portion was so small! As for the soup, I ordered clam chowder but in the end they gave me cream of mushroom! What’s even worst is that the cream of mushroom is so watery! After I finish my food, I went shopping with KhoonFong while the rest continue eating, bought something for my friend again then meet up with the rest to go back to school! Something disgusting happen, we saw a uncle SPIT in the bus, GROSS, even worst, he was standing right behind KhoonFong! Seriously, I think China should put some signs or give fine to those who do that. It’s super disgusting, but lucky that guy step on it, I think due to the fact that we stare right at him when he did that. After lesson, continue on with khoonfong’s manicure and bought stuffs!

2009-03-17T08:15:00.000-07:00

day 13

Starting with APPG lesson again, then lunch at the same restaurant again but this time I had chicken fried rice, somehow managed to finish it, after that went to the supermarket to find khoonfong, as she was doing manicure, due to the fact that she broke her fingernails when she was catching marc’s ball, when we were playing volleyball yesterday. But she only did half the manicure, as the lady came late due to the fact that she was having lunch at that time, then after that we went back to class. Mr Ma released us early therefore we put down our bags and left for the supermarket again to finish the rest of the manicure, but guess what, it wasn’t fully done yet, because we have to go back for the interaction program. So the program started with a girl singing, she’s not that bad! Next up was some self introduction, then a dance by Sebastian’s group, then we had to pass a flower around, when the music stops, whoever has the flower have to go up the stage and use their butt to write a Chinese character. After that the china students had a dancing diva, then musical chair followed by ShuGen’s group performance which was singing of ANJING by jay chou after that we played another game. Subsequently wushu performance by christofer, after that we had another game which you had to memorize the position of the line and then make your way across without touching it, then Mr chua and another teacher sang the song PENGYOU which means friends, and another performance from the china students which was a skit. Finale, everyone had to go down to the dance floor to dance. After the program, went back to dorm to rest for the night.

2009-03-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

day12

Same as yesterday, woke up at 6.30 to have breakfast which is at 7, and within half an hour we have to finish eating to pack our bags and leave the ship. Then we had to board the bus, an hour trip ride to YiChang, so I was sleeping throughout the whole journey, then we came to a shopping mall, or rather a supermarket which the tour guide told us to buy something back, as the snacks are unique and only YiChang have. So I bought quite a number, as mum reminded me to buy for other people. Then 5 hours trip back to the school, I was sleeping all the way. After that went back to dorm, to unpack my bag and also to bathe and wash clothes, but in the end didn’t managed to wash finish, as half way through, the guys asked us whether we want to play volleyball, so we went down to look for them, then headed to the indoor sports hall but there wasn’t any one in the reception desk, so we had to change to the outdoor court. Before joining the rest of the people to play, I ran 8 rounds around the field with KhoonFong, after that I joined marc’s team while KhoonFong join jayden’s team in volleyball, then we changed to netball as our hands were all pain especially KhoonFong’s, but it wasn’t a proper game of netball, as in the actual match, different positions run different places, and yet, we all ran all over the court, even worst, we ignored all the rules, like taking more than 1 step when you already have the ball in your hand, we defend the opponent without leaving three steps away. After exercising for 2 hours, we went back to bathe and out for dinner, however we didn’t return on time for the meeting at teacher’s room hence teacher gave us a warning saying that if we are late for the third time we would be send back to Singapore, then went down to the boys dorm to do programming and also help them to do their blog for the online journal.

2009-03-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

day 11

Woke up at 6.30 because there was the sound system that would play music to wake us up, and worst the music is those classical old songs! The cruise didn’t have any hot water until a certain time, its so pathetic! Seriously, after people finishing bathing, then they know that they have to wait for another 30 minutes. I didn’t have breakfast, only drink the soybean milk, which is cold and not as sweet as those I normally drink in Singapore. The rest of the people who had breakfast said that it wasn’t that nice, as firstly, the porridge is tasteless same goes for the noodles, then the bun (mantou) is cold and tasteless also. After breakfast, went back to the dorm, to wait for the cruise to reach it’s destination so that we can change to another boat and go to the next location, the trip lasted for 1 hour, then we had to take a wooden raft to tour around the site, when the river becomes more swallow, the uncles who have been rowing the raft, got off and took ropes with them, as they had to pull the boat across the swallow parts of the river, as the turn was steep and the surrounding were all rocks. During the ride back, the tour guide say us a song which had the meaning of friends. same boat back which lasted for another hour, I slept throughout as I was too tired. When we reach the cruise it was 2 in the afternoon, had lunch, once again, the food wasn’t that delicious, so I didn’t eat much, went back to dorm to eat bread, and then we rested and played some games at jayden’s dorm again till the lady announced for us to go to the platform to look at the scenery, and then went down to cruise to visit a temple, and we had to climb so many flight of stairs before reaching, in the end I wasn’t paying attention to what the tour guide was saying, as there was another group of ngee ann poly students there, also as per usual, other people crowd around the tour guide again! After exploring went back to cruise, and didn’t sleep well for the night. I think Its very heart breaking to see those uncle helping us pull the boat, we are so comfortably sitting on the raft and yet they have to go down to the river and help us! thank god!

2009-03-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

day10

Woke up at 5 plus, as we had to prepare for the cruise tour which last for 3 days and 2 nights. Before reaching YiChang which is another part of china and also the next tourism attraction we had to sit a 5 hours bus trip to reach. Then before proceeding to three gorges we had our lunch at a restaurant, there’s only one dish that we like which is the sweet and sour pork, it’s the most delicious food that I have during the trip. The rest of the food is not that appealing if not it’s tasteless or even worst disgusting! Then another 1 hour trip to reach the three gorges. Took a bus around the whole area and the whole tour lasted for 2 hours. The scenery was marvelous, super nice! Like the proverb “ pictures speak a thousand words “! Then after touring, we went back to the same restaurant to have our dinner, which is even worst than lunch, but we had our dinner in a rush, as we were supposed to board the cruise at 6pm, but instead we had our dinner at 6. By the time we board the cruise it’s already 6.40, and everyone In the ship dislike us, as we made the whole cruise delay, that’s what I think. After that we went to own dorm and rest. Then there was this announcement that asked us to go up to the platform to watch the water level to raise and wait for the dam gate to open. But we asked mr ma whether we can go back to our dorm, then we went to jayden’s dorm to play cards as it was too early for us to go to bed. after getting bored of playing dai di, we changed to another game which was heart attack, and Benson’s reaction was damn hilarious. After playing that, we changed to game which we have to guess what the person is acting about, half way through we gather more people to play, arvind’s acting is humorous, and exciting. I should have recorded the whole acting period, surely you guys will laugh like mad! After playing, we went back to dorm to rest for the day. I think that I am disappointed with the cruise, as when we went to explore around the cruise, I found out that the cruise is very small, seriously small. Then it’s alright, worst, the floor is very noisy, it creeks when you walk on certain parts of the floor.

2009-03-15T12:02:00.001-07:00

DAY9

Started the day with APPG, teacher started to teach chapter 2, which is much more tedious than the previous one, as there much more functions than before. After the morning lesson, we went out to buy windbreaker, as the next day we were going on cruise and the weather seems to be much colder as compared to Wuhan. So I bought a yellow windbreaker, then headed back to class for the afternoon lesson, was supposed to release at 5pm but instead teacher release us at 3, due to the fact that teacher want us to enable our Wuhan phone card and also to pack our bag for the 3 days 2 nights tour. After resting for awhile, we went to the indoor sports hall, to watch a basketball match between Ngee Ann Poly and the WUST students. The first half of the match, WUST was leading, then before the beginning of the second match, I ran towards the players and told them that Wenhao wanted to play, and everything change, Ngee Ann poly started to win, as Wenhao is quite experienced in playing, due to the fact that he is a school team player and he is from Jurong Secondary School, which is a famous school for playing basketball, they have won quite a number of trophies. But still, the rest of them did put in effort, so here I am to list out their name and thank them. The players are JitSiong, Stefan, Wenhao, Kenneth, Shu Gen, Christofer, Dave and Jeremy. I am so envious of JitSiong’s height and he is very good at defense, even though his shooting isn’t that accurate. After watching the basketball, we went down to gym as KhoonFong wanted to do some running, then headed out for dinner, but half way through me and KhoonFong bought some bread then went back to dorm and rest for the night, as the next day we have to wake up early. I think feel that they should have more basketball matches between the students as the matches are interesting, if not they should play a full court match or even play a normal game, which has 4 quarters.

jeremy

mr chua

2009-03-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

DAY8

The day started with IS presentation, which we stop last time, so it started with KhoonFong’s group, hilarious happening, Benson didn’t know that he only had to say one slide and so he was so shocked that when he finishing reading the list of foods, the slide THE END came out! due to the fact that they didn’t describe the food, so teacher asked them to add on, halfway through the lesson, 4 china girls came to us, of course we self-introduced then they told us that one of the days if we want to go shopping we can ask them, and since they know Wuhan much more better than us, and they can communicate with the local here, then it’s our turn to present, teacher asked us not to read from the slides, and those who read from the slides have to present again in the afternoon, so I told teacher that we might as well present in the afternoon. After that went back to dorm to have lunch, I ate longans, as I wasn’t hungry! Then Wenhao asked us to accompany him to KFC to buy food, then they ate there while take away for the rest of his group members. There goes the afternoon class, so we have to present first, I continued from where I left it, as I was so tired from starting from the beginning, after groups presentation, teacher was tired of us reading directly from the slides, so he ended the class early. Then we went to the boys dorm to slack while Khoonfong went to gym, so the boys were playing Counterstrike (CS) then headed out to KFC for dinner as we had no idea where to go, then back to the boys dorm again, to ask help from them for the programming again, as yesterday went I asked help from another group of guys they didn’t know why my speaker didn’t work, then Wenhao told me that they put at the wrong place. Then after that we helped the boys to clean their room as the whole dorm was so dirty, footprints, empty bottles everywhere, since Khoonfong and I dislike, so we cleaned for them, and after cleaning, Jayden said he like the floor! And we also did some washing of clothes for them! After cleaning we gossiped in the room, as such an coincidence that Wenhao and friends are in the same lecture class as our friend, so we told them maybe we did see them walk past but last time we didn’t know who they were! Another coincidence that they happen to know most of our classmates, so now we know that ngee ann poly is so small! After that we rest for the day! It’s true that girls are much more neater than guys, based on the fact that every single time that they told us that they would clean up their room, but in the end, they didn’t and the fact that they don’t really wash their own clothes, only a few of them! Another thing is that the bread from imperial cake shop is super delicious, and also the sundae from KFC, as the ice cream is nicer than those in Singapore, and also that the food is quite different from those from Singapore!

2009-03-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

DAY 7

Started the day with APPG lesson, it’s very similar to computer programming that we learnt last semester, and such an coincidence that I am not that good in that module, as I wasn’t really paying attention in class, also the teacher didn’t teach that well, our class would rather read ourselves rather than relying on the teacher, therefore I need to mug hard and pay attention in class so as to keep up with the class and score well. Then for lunch we went out to have noodles, as khoonfong said she wanted to eat. Then continue of APPG lesson, didn’t really understand what the notes was saying, but after getting help from friends, manage to figure out already! After class, headed to gym with khoonfong as she said she wanted to run, and since it has been sometimes since I went jogging, as I said in the previous journal, that the gym looks appealing, but when we wanted to use the equipments, one of the track mill and some other wasn’t working. Then headed out to dinner with the boys, they ate but we didn’t as we weren’t that hungry, then headed back to their dorm and play for awhile before going to bed. I realize something for the past week, the people in china kept thinking that we aren’t Singaporean but we were from other parts of china! It’s so weird, it’s not like our Chinese is that bad or anything, maybe it’s just the way we speak and the accent we have that makes them think that way.

2009-03-15T11:53:00.001-07:00

DAY6

So we had to wake up 6 because there was a guest speaker who wanted to give us a lesson on Hubei and Wuhan. Actually I already did know about some of the history, as I did study them during my secondary school days. But now I did know more about the history of Wuhan and Hubei, for example then we went to have lunch at our dorm, I had egg tarts, the egg tarts were bought from the place called huang jia dan gao! The bread there is nice, I like it, so does my friends. Then went back to classroom for afternoon lesson, so we had to do essays or rather summarize the powerpoint slides that teacher used for the lesson before. I had to summarize the one on Hubei, and yes, the slides are much more lesser than the slides on Wuhan, but the problem was that the words were way more than the slides of Wuhan, as basically they had the basic facts, then the history, the food and the culture. After lesson, went back to dorm, before heading out for dinner again, this time we went to a restaurant that sell parts of duck like the neck. The guys wanted to try it, but only kang liang ate it, and he said it was not bad just that it’s abit spicy, then peng hoe and Nicolas ate the wing, they said it’s alright just that It’s abit cold. Then went to the supermarket, as I wanted to buy milk, and the rest bought drinks and instant noodles again, then headed back to dorm to play poker cards while waiting for the teachers so that we can explore the sports hall. So apparently they only opened the rooms at second level for us, the rest were closed, but still it looked appealing, then headed back to the boys dorm again to continue playing cards, then at 9 we went up back to the dorm and rest for the night.

2009-03-15T11:51:00.001-07:00

DAY 5

This is the first time in the trip that I slept for 10 hours straight. It has been some time since I last slept for so long. Before leaving the house, I did some house chore, like sweeping and mopping the floor. So instead of taking a bus ride to lu xiang guang chang, a uncle offered to drive us there by paying him 4yuan each. Had lunch at macdonald, due to the restrictions we have. After lunch, we went to walk around the mall, and we walked past by the manicure store, then KhoonFong suggested that she wanted to do, so I accompanied her, while the rest went to find something to do! Thanks to the lady who was doing the manicure, she persuaded me in doing it too, as she said why not just do the basic while waiting for your friend. After doing manicure we went shopping, in search for presents and also personal stuff. KhoonFong bought her bag and clothes and she is super happy! We even played a little hide and seek with the rest of the clique. They walked past the shop without even noticing that we are in there. When we ended shopping it was 6 plus, so we decided to call the same uncle who fetches us to the mall. [ p.s He was the one who suggested that when we are going back, we should call him ] but still thanks to the uncle that we didn’t have to take the bus which was damn packed. Even though the bus was damn full, the people still went up the bus. The uncle drop us outside a restaurant so that we can have our dinner, [ it’s the restaurant the tour guide recommended ] but too bad didn’t have the chance to eat, as I was too full! After dinner, the boys walked back to their dorm, while we girls went to buy bread and jacket. After that went back to dorm and went down to play cards [ supposed ] but in the end we help the boys out with their journal and went to briefing. I realize another thing was that China people are very small in size, even though they eat a lot, and the food portion that they order is huge, much bigger than those in Singapore and yet they are still so small in size, I am so jealous.

day 4

2009-03-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

DAY4

Started the day by visiting wuhan dong hu. When we reached we had to sit the bus that would take us all around, and it was so cold when the driver started to drive, but the scenery is super nice, they have this building that looks like castle, and even have a small roller coaster. Then we headed to the museum, didn’t really hear what the tour guide said, as whenever she is speaking other people would crowd around her and listen too. Half way through the museum, we went outside to grab something to eat. Then left for lunch which was at one of the food streets, even though the tour guide introduced us to some of the nice food there, but it doesn’t seem that appealing to me. So we skipped lunch, and sat on the stairs at the meeting place. After that we went to yellow crane tower, walked around, then went back to school, rest awhile then headed out for dinner, we went to a restaurant near the school area, ordered the food, which only the vegetable is delicious and the potato, the rest is either it’s too spicy if not the taste is weird. Then went to have ice cream, and shop around the streets. I think that china people have their own habit of cut queuing and also gathering around to listen to people talk to find out what happen, and then their attitude, if you buy things they will treat you differently.

one of the stalls

yellow crane tower

" wo de niao " can you find it?

day 3

2009-03-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

DAY3

We were late for lesson, due to the fact that we woke up late! The weather is getting warmer and warmer, which is good! So basically during the lesson we did nothing, then group 1 & 2 starts to present the IS powerpoint slides. Then we had lunch at our own dorm, instant noodle! Then the afternoon lesson starts, so we were suppose to choose a topic to research on and also a topic for the photo essay and the deadline for us is at 1^st of april. Then after lesson headed back to dorm, and went out for dinner at KFC. Hilarious, because two of the guys wore shorts, so all the people were looking at them like they were some sort of alien. And we had a hard time crossing the road, as the cars are coming at both directions. Then on our way back, we bought fruits and the lady told us that she don’t understand what we are saying. After briefing we went to jit siong’s room to play poker cards. Hilarious happenings, we cheated, we peeked at people’s card! Strange happenings, whoever shuffles the cards will get the 2 of spade! Maybe it’s just coincidence. I think that the weather is getting warmer, which is a good thing, and I am starting to get use to it.

day 2

2009-03-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

DAY2

Woke up to realize that the weather is not as cold as it was! So didn’t have breakfast because that’s not my normal routine. Then while waiting for the arrival of the meeting time, we played poker in our dorm. So we had a campus tour, the school is like much bigger than schools is Singapore, way bigger, and the location is near the ocean, that’s why it’s so cold. Had lunch in the canteen, and once again shared food with diyana because I wasn’t that hungry. Went back to our room because we were suppose to meet the teacher at 1.30. So, we played poker again. Then we packed our stuff. We were suppose to ask for directions to go to the mall, but instead we just follow the crowd, then boarded the bus with the teachers because the previous buses were packed. Then I realize that their transportation system is different from ours, we have to tap our card, while they have to pay cash to get the ticket, and there will be one lady who will walk around to collect money and ask the passenger who wants to get off! But I took quite some time to understand what they are saying in the bus. They are too fast. So the first shopping mall, I saw some stuffs which Singapore doesn’t sell. After finishing walking around the first mall, we went on to the second which has Carrefour, bought some snacks and stuff again, then had dinner at mac, there’s a slight difference! Usually, the Mcnugget meal has 6 pieces of nugget, but in here, there’s only 5 pieces. And the coke taste different. Then thanks to my friend who bought me a huge teddy bear! And they themselves, bought things that they like too! Like wallet, umbrella, jacket and socks! After shopping went back to the first mall, because we are suppose to meet there, then this grandma who kept looking at my teddy bear, like she wanted it! Or even worst treat it like one big pack of trash! Finally, we saw the teachers then we took the bus back to school! 830 had briefing session, khoonfong’s teammate weren’t there, apparently, they were still at the mall, worst then a lady right! after that we went to supermart again to buy washing powder and pail! I think that the buses in china is not that well as compared to those in singapore, because didn’t like the way the lady collect the ticket, don’t like how the bus driver drives, don’t like the attitude of the people, even though the bus is packed, they will still come up and squeeze!

Lu Xiang Guang Chang

our classroom block

school of art

library

information engineering school

2009-03-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

DAY1

5.30, I arrived at Singapore Changi Airport, waited for quite a while before checking-in our luggage as the teacher had to do some administrative stuff! After checking in, Diyana’s mother wanted to pass me some breakfast, but it’s not my habit to have it. Then we went to cheers as Diyana wanted to buy sweets and water, subsequently we went back to the meeting point, but apparently teacher wasn’t there yet, so we went to the shop selling chocolates, finally we saw the teacher, so he asked us to board the plane, as some of them are already in there. I was separated with my friends in the plane, but it’s alright, as I was sleeping all the time, and I didn’t eat anything on the plane, as I cannot eat it, because once I ate in the plane, I vomited so didn’t dare to try again. When the plane was about to land, the guy beside me kept cursing the plane, saying that something will happen to it. We arrived at Guangzhou airport at 11.50, and while we were waiting for the transit plane, we went to walk around the airport, and we saw this 7-11 that was triple the size of Singapore’s 7-11. Even worst, what shock me was that I saw people smoking inside. After exploring, we went to find a seat to rest, and we played NDS/PSP while waiting for the teachers. At 305 we board the plane, the plane was an hour plus trip, so again, I rested as well, as the guys beside me were playing black jack again. We were told that the bus trip was around 2 – 3 hour bus trip, but then within 2 hours, we reached, as the bus driver was speeding, he kept horning his way through switching lanes as he didn’t want to be behind a slow car. When we reached, teacher asked us to find our names on the door, before shifting our luggage, so the girls dormitory was at the fifth floor, but really appreciated to those guys who carried our luggage up. Then went to canteen to have dinner, the whole canteen was oily and smoky! But Diyana and I managed to share the food, without finishing it, after dinner went back to dorm, but after awhile went to the supermarket within the school campus to buy some stuffs. I think this might be the first and the last time that I am eating in the canteen as the food spoils my appetite, it’s so oily and salty.