Cimin Embracing China

Last day of embracing china. =(

2009-04-14T00:48:00.000-07:00

Our trip back to Singapore. Everyone was busy packing their stuffs the night before, trying to stuff their china purchases into the suitcases! Including me. So early in the morning, we have to take our luggage for weighing and also to empty the rooms. Seeing the room, so bare. Reminds me of when we first came to wuhan. Everything feels so weird and unfamiliar. But within those 6 weeks, it became a home and sanctuary for all of us, filled with joy and laughter. I will miss room 117.
The china students, they came early to help us out. To help carry luggage, and to send us off to the airport. Some were already crying before we head for the airport. During the 6 weeks, i can say they have been really taking care of us, bringing us around and i guess, we have formed a special bond. I'll miss them, guy, yellow, fire and the rest.

J02 with our new found friend =)

I'll miss this path.

At wuhan's airport

YELLOW =)

I'm bringing my babies home!

GUY =)

Lost in the sea of luggage!

FIRE =)

Guess whose legs!

Waiting for our plane

Emo mengzhen

My air ticket!

Our yummy food on board the plane!

P.S I WILL MISS CHINA =)

Day 38 of embracing china

2009-04-13T23:03:00.000-07:00

Today's presentation was at 9.30am! This time round, room 117 really worked hard for it. As in, we had constructive discussions and even went to Mr wong for help! But the flexism was really hard to do, we started out three days in advance rather than our usual last minute routine. It was the last presentation in china!

We full of energy yo! hahahahha

When the presentation was over, everyone was too happy and started spamming photos

Day 36 of embracing China

2009-04-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

Today, was us waking up at 7am to go over to the ece's side for leadership/teambuilding day. It was also a first to visit their campus. The ride was about an hour long. As usual, everyone fell asleep in the bus! We started off having this bonding game whereby, we have to form newspapers into a "belt" and everyone have to go into it and move together with it. It's quite an interesting game i think, considering that i've never come across this in singapore.

We are Teamers!

Next up is lunch! They have this whole row of resturants just outside the campus that sells fishballs. I think, the ece people eats fishballs for breakfast, lunch and dinner? haha. Anyways, we had fishballs for lunch. It's very smooth and soft, almost like tofu. It doesn't have the bouncy feeling that singapore fishballs have. And, i liked it!

After lunch, we continued with the teambuilding games. There was this high element whereby you have to climb up, walk along a plank, jump to the next plank and then to jump down. The next is free fall. It was very scary for me i guess. Im not used to so many hands catching me! I rather, just fall to the ground ? haha. And last one was rock climbing.

Then, we went to tour the surroundings of the campus.

Day 34 and 35 of embracing china

2009-04-07T20:12:00.000-07:00

Sunday - Lulin Resort

It was a 4 hours ride to the resort. The journey was a very bumpy one. Best ride ever. The bus driver is crazy. He likes to speed, overtake and honk at every moving object he sees. But i guess, its good? Since he speeds and it took us 4 hours. I can't imagine if he's a slow driver. We'll go crazy over the long journey.

Lunch first, at this restaurant.

Most of the dishes prepared are spicy. See the reds?

Our spacious bedroom.

Rock climbing wall near the resort

Next stop, the waterfalls. On our way there.

These flowers are going to be turned into vegetable oil

journey to the waterfalls

they're catching fishes!

Yup, we reached!

Ain't it pretty?

We take group photo without fail for every outing =)

Overview of the scenery

See the round stones over there, they are dinosaur fossils. Eggs i think.

The village there

They grow mushrooms everywhere

lifestyles of the chickens in china?

The old-fashioned china homes

Then its sunset, and ready to head back for dinner!

Crossing the bridge from the waterfalls to the village.

The night's activity

He's gonna step on GLASS

All of us on stage, singing songs then we headed back for a good night's rest!

Monday

TO BE CONTINUED

Day 32 of embracing china

2009-04-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

Today was free and easy again. there wasn't any lessons. Okay, actually its just time for us work on our assignment 3. Which is on the flexism. I think, if you guys knew room 117's history of flexism, you should know, we're gonna be GG. But, but, we'll try our best!
So, mengzhen, huimiang and clive went to run again and i joined them.

Run baby, run!

The four of us. as usual. Guess who didn't run?

Then later on, the two of them pop up!

My usual practice with jay chou.

Yays, running group photo!

The stadium! It's quite clean there. And, fresh air in the morning!

2009-04-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

NE message: We must ourselves defend Singapore.

We are proud to defend Singapore ourselves, no one else is responsible for our security

and well-being.

After living for quite some time in china, i've somehow gotten used to the environment here. Be it the throwing of rubbish everywhere, the atrocious traffic conditions or even the high rate of crime. Over here in china, we don't have to get fined for jaywalking or for even throwing litter and there are truckloads of gums. Transport wise, Taking taxi was even faster and better; just cause the driver can beat red lights. Smoking can be done almost everywhere, even in air conditioned places.

However, i'm starting to miss the laws in singapore. Yes, you've heard it, the LAWS that we have in singapore and the very ones that we also resent. I'm missing the clean streets, clean food, clean air, crossing roads at ease and going out without fearing for the safety for my belongings. I miss them all. We've have been resenting the laws and the fines. But, these are the rules that the government imposed to make singapore a better place for living. Without these rules and regulation, singapore wouldn't be what we are today; a clean and green city and being crime-free.

To be continued ....

Day 30 of embracing china

2009-04-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

We went to visit the new WUST campus for some interaction program with the local students there. And also, the main highlight is to let us envy the new campus!

The huge library

I love ceiling shots

The library looks so new and cool right?

The entrance of the museum. The museum shows about the history of the university.

The ceiling of the entrance of the museum

The year book during the past

This would be the exercise book! boo for them no laptop.

Equals to no e-learning!

The model of the new campus

Peijie's classic pose. I LIKE

I can sit anywhere, everywhere

Lots of greenery

Then, we went to their labs to look. There were rows and rows of preserved dead human parts. Its part of a learning journey for the science students. I think, its a great eye opener. One that you can't get to see in singapore. Or at least have to pay to look at it!

And these are what they have! like omg. I LOVE

And yes, they are real preserved human parts

Its not for the faint hearted.

THE BRAIN

Yes, babies too.

This is what you get, when you smoke. LUNG CANCER DUDE.

After that, we went to look at the students having their practicals.

Then, it was interaction time between us and the locals. Again, we presented the same slides to them. And yes, they were again shocked about singapore being a FINE city. It was the same WOW reaction like the local students in our campus when we told them how much fines usually are.

On our way to the canteen for lunch.

Ben and mengzhen.

Yongqi and meee.

Mengzhen and meee

The dormitory there. Looks pretty

Lost in CHAIRS

While walking back to the library. Everywhere here is like a never ending park

Look, they even have a pond too!

Lost lonely kids. Waiting to go homee.

Just for you.

2009-03-31T05:40:00.000-07:00

31 March 09

Today was huimiang's birthday. We had a surprise for her eariler on at 12am. Well everyone collaborated well in the planning, she had no idea at all. So, good job guys! =)
Well, shall let the pictures do the talking!

Guess the celebration's at where?

Us behind the door. The initial plan was for meiyun to go tell her to come into my room to catch spider! But, she told her that i was looking for her! Haha!

First wish for the day!

The eleventh of us. Mr wong came to kpo! haha

Because group C is like GLUE

Our fave pose with black black and white white

Haha, Mr wong so happy!

Her attempting to cut the cake. I took over her job in the end thou

Later part of the day in class. 10am. Little did she know that there was another celebration in for her! This time round, a much bigger cake! It was good. The cakes here can be customized exactly to your preferences. They have this book full of pictures of the designs of cakes to let you choose from. After u have selected the kind that you want, u can pick the size of the cake. Yes, any size you like. Ours was 18 inch. And then, you can choose the flavour, the kind of fruits you want to have, to have soft coating of chocolate or the hard coating. Whatever you want, if they can do it, they'll do it! The best part is that its cheap and you can get it in a day's time unlike in singapore whereby you have to order much in advance.

HUR, looks big right?

Well, IT IS BIG! And yeah, the ball is a basketball

Second round of bithday songs. We had the english, chinese and malay version!

Class photo =)

2nd attempt to cut the cake!

In the end, i did the job again! haha HUIMIANG i know you will be reading this! 10 yuen per minute hor! THANKS

Everyone enjoying breakfast

Forver unglam

My fave picture of her =)

Mr wong with Clive's headphones!

Hehs, MY TMM

P.S To the birthday girl!

Hey girl, HAPPY 18th again! Well, i've nothing much to say but hope you know how i feel? haha okays abit the rou ma. Anyways, enjoy the rest of the stay in china. I'm glad to know you, my fail member and TMM and suppermate and black black and white white's friend. You know you count on me when you emo at 1am! =)

Day 26 of embracing china

2009-03-30T03:13:00.000-07:00

City tour - A walk down bu xing jie

Randolph's red umbrella ella ella ella a a a a a

Group pic for the win!

Im in love with the umbrella

Haha, he's DA MAN

So cute right, i know =X

A new fastfood chain we're found

My love: C. Ronaldo

New found friend, Jit Siong

Our lunch yo!

Curry rice, damn nice

Me, acting cute again! LOL

My partner in crime! wahaha

We tryna act cool yo!

Day 25 of embracing china

2009-03-28T05:36:00.000-07:00

Friday

We went to visit Yangtze optical fibre and cable private limited. In case you guys were wondering whats optical fibre, its this tube of glass that carries light along its length through internal reflection. It can be used as endoscope that can be used for medical purpose. Because its still quite a new technology in China, the process was kept strictly confidential. No photos were allowed.

The picture depicts the part whereby the glass rod is being treated by heat

the roll of the glass that is being thinned down and the raw material which is the glass rod

The end product which comes in variety of colours

After the industrial visit, we went to the walmart area to sing K! Its damn cheap and good. It was my first time visiting K in China. The experience was not bad thou they have very little selection of english songs.

PEPSI clothes?!

Day 24 of embracing china

2009-03-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

Class at 10 as usual. Today was the end of our daily quizzes. Hurray for that! After class we went to the fake kfc again for lunch. It's like officially my fave fast food in china. i swear. The food is cheap(or at least cheaper than mac) and good! But sucks that the whole place was green.

WARNING: PICTORIAL POST BELOW

Our advertising for fake kfc campaign

Doesnt the menu looks good here?

Eh, Mengzhen likes the menu better!

And i thought it was some discount coupon

I think, we promote DA BEST. lol

SEE, such golden fries!

Because, there wasn't anyone around!

Speak no evil, hear no evil, see no evil

While waiting for food to be served. See, what clean mirrors they have!

we actually are zi-lian-ing. haha

Our happy lunch buddies

The number to call, when you want delivery!

On our way back, i saw this sign which is kinda cute.

But then, i wonder, if the drivers here do really give way after seeing the sign ?

After lunch, we went to the lecture theatre to present our ppt to the local students. Its a combination of LSCT and MDE's works. We showed them the religion, malay culture, food and fruits, transportation, educational systems and law. Overall, i thought it was quite well done. The presentation was done in a manner whereby it wasn't just us talking all the way. There was interaction with the students and skits to entertain them. I must say, Good job people! The students here seemed very interested when we mentioned the food we have back in spore and also our laws there. I hope, through our ppts they can have a better understanding towards us and also why we behave differently from them in certain aspects.

MDE rocks.

Our lovely hashanah

Fines, fines, and more FINES

Xiang Yu, showing our transportation system

Our dear randolph, representing group C !

Lastly, all of us went up to sing the rasa sayang song!

P.S Tomorrows the visit to check out the fibre optics =)

Can't wait!

You know you love me.

2009-03-24T07:36:00.000-07:00

These two days were the usual. Waking up, go for class, lunch, class again, hostel, dinner and lastly supper. My usual routine. Anyways peektures:

Day 19 and 20 of embracing china

2009-03-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

DAY 19

Saturday was WUDANG SHAN day. We set off early at around 7. It was a 6 hours torturing bus ride to get there. And so, we reached there at about 12 coming to 1 and had our lunch at this local restaurant. I have noticed that at every restaurant there are a few particular dishes that most of them offer and it tastes almost the same. Haha, i think i will dedicate a post solely on the local cuisine and the snacks here for you guys. =P Anyways back to the topic. So basically our aim to Wudang shan was the climb the mountain to reach the highest peak.(btw, you can take the cable car up if you want to). There are also other places of interests around the mountain region too. So, on Saturday we were supposed to go climb the highest peak. However, due to rain and lighting it is unsafe to do so. Thus, we went to view the other areas which is tai zi po. Translation: prince hill? and this other place which is the purple heaven palace.(I have no idea whats the chinese name for it).

It takes like another 30 minutes or less to reach the two places. We have to take this internal bus ride which is within the Wudang shan area to get there. The roads were very narrow and winding. I think, it takes lots of skills and practice for the bus driver to manoeuvre through the bends. The bends are so sharp it looks just like some initial D scene.

The ticketing counter.

Our ticket. It actually works like an ez link card. tap and go.

First stop. The prince temple

Haha, some holy turtle. Turn me holy too please!

Because, we need group pics.

Master Wong and his disciples

Their training is very tough and serious

Me trying to act cute. haha

We so cool yo!

The mountain map

Second stop. The purple palace. From the prince temple we took the internal bus again to a higher terrain. And then we have to climb quite a distance to the purple palace. It is actually a temple. So photos were not allowed in there. If you have realised by now, there are many temples located at mountain areas. Because, well it is good fengshui and also due to the fact that it's nearer to heaven where the gods are.

blow wind blow!

I can't bear to leaveeeeeee

Cool right, the bend

Did i mention? i like pretty lights

When we came down from the mountain it was already at night. Again, we went back to the very same restaurant we had for lunch and have our dinner. Our stay for the night was at this 3 star hotel. It was damn good compared to the cruise trip. Our room has a heater, towels, toothbrush, clean bedsheets, toilet roll, and even a kettle! It was everything an overseas immersion program student in china could wish for. HAH!

Winson likes my bed. I dont know why~

This was taken in the day. Outside the restaurant.

DAY 20

Today was climbing to the REAL Wudang shan. Mans, the flight of stairs CAN KILL. Its like a never ending path mans. Or rather, path of no return? Once u start right, you can't turn back halfway cause the path is equally long to go. However, i think i enjoyed the walk? Haha, i'm not the hardcore kind who wanna race up. Strolling is good for health you know, you know. In between, our dear friend winson koh cannot make it already. So, there he went up to the top for 100 yuen. haha. His face was cramped throughout the ride thou, fearing for his safety!

So cool right, walk up to the mountain still got nice bridges for us to take pictures.
You cable car people are missing out man! haha

Winson, shuang right?

The first door

Never ending stairs

Trying to catch my breath

Ben and winson!

I was too tired to move. he have no choice but to take his picture with me there!

Second Door

The Third door i think, hurmp. couldn't remember anything except for all that climbing

We've reached the temple!

It is said that the locking will give you everlasting love

Our goal. Like finally!

Finally, our turn to descend the mountain. It was by cable car. Poor winson was stuck with me. In case you guys don't know, he has a fear of height. haha, i think it was a torturous ride for him? During the whole journey down, i was like walking around the cable car trying to shake it. Hahaha, he was damn scared like hell lah. Only when we were reaching did he finally relax and felt relieved.

Its amazing how that flimsy cord can hold so much weight

Lastly, many thanks to our wonderful tour guide whom has been with us for the past two trips. She has been a very great tour guide, always there to answer our questions and accompanying us. It had been a pleasure travelling with her =)

P.S Credits to randolph for some of the awesome pictures here

P.S.S Ignore my cui face. I mean, how can you look glam when you're CLIMBING STAIRS right?

Day 18 of embracing china

2009-03-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

Wells, today we had our first test 1. I didn't have time to finish the paper lah. Mr Wong, next time give us more time can! hah. Then we went to Han Zheng jie to shop around. Mans, there was really alot of stalls there selling shoes, clothes and every other thing you could wish for. But then, i didn't manage to get anything. The rest did thou. We went with rand and co. this time. Haha, they are GREAT SHOPPERS. And i thought guys didn't like to shop, boy was i wrong mans.

Aren't they cute? i bought them on the way back =)

P.S I think, one thing i'll miss about china is the calmness of campus during the night? I like to just sit around with my earphones plugged and take in the chilled air while waiting for my friends to finish their run. The added bonus is that nobody knows who i am =)

Day 17 of embracing china

2009-03-19T05:46:00.000-07:00

Morning's class was cancelled. Thanks Mr Wong! haha. But even without morning class, i think i have taken up the habit of waking up early. Today i woke at around 7 plus. Super early. Then we went to the canteen for brunch. I wanted you tiao thou! but they didn't open the store. So winson and I walked out to the food street and bought my you tiao. hehs.

At 1, was xiao ling lao shi's class and also our last IS lesson with her. Xiao ling lao shi is a very joyful and patient person. She was always smiling without fail. And she does not lose her temper with us even thou sometimes we are so noisy that she cannot continue her lesson. She would always calm us down with her patience. Xiao ling lao shi is also always so friendly and helpful. During class she will ask about our upcoming excursions and always find our information for us on her own enthusiasm. Last of all, what she does best is to impart her knowledge to us!

Today we learnt about china's business etiquette. So these are the informations that have gone in my brain today. Not in order thou.

1. Calling people by their job tittle. For example, you address the salesperson as shou huo yuan and call waitress fu wu yuan. In Singapore we call them xiao jie(miss) but over here in china xiao jie is a form of discourtesy. It has another meaning to it .. haha go search yourself.

2. The host from china will treat the guests to dinner. It is impolite to reject them. And so, the next time the guest will have to treat back the host.

3. Birthday gifts cannot be opened in front of the giver. It is also a form of disrespect. However, usually gifts are not wrapped.

4. People cannot give clocks as birthday gifts. As it means sending funeral in chinese. They dislike the number 4 as it meant die in chinese.

5. Giving face(mian) is of utmost importance in China. It is very rude to shout or insult at people on the streets or in front of others. Because the chinese want to feel superior, they do not like showing their weakness in front of others. Another thing that was told to us was that in class, students would usually keep quiet when the teacher ask questions. Even if some of the students know the right answer, they would still not reply to the teacher as they were afraid that their answers might be wrong and thus lose face.

6. The chinese are generally polite. When receiving a gift, they would refuse for 3 times before actually taking it at the fourth time.

Okays, till now these are the points that i can remember okays. Its just that at this moment i can't recall all of them. I do pay attention in class most of the time =X

So, thats all folks! Till then.

P.S i'll add more points when i can think of them =p

day 16 of embracing china

2009-03-18T05:52:00.000-07:00

Today was the first presentation we have had since coming to WUST. In order for fair game., Mr Wong did balloting. Our group went the fifth. Man, i was very nervous. Most groups did almost the same topic. So, when my turn came, i was afraid that i wasn't able to reach their standard. Which i think, i didn't? haha. I had so many points left unsaid. Over and over again, i memorised those points in my head before the presentation. Turns out that, i didn't forget them but i was too nervous so i read everything from the slide. Which, there wasn't much to read from. Man, 2 years of presenting in np did nothing for me. However I think, the rest did quite well? Even Mr wong said so too. haha.

My teammates: Meiyun, fran, me

Haha, me at work

See, im so hardworking!

Lots of LOVE, Cimin

Day 15 of embracing china

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

Meeting at 8 today to go to wuhan steel mill. Also known as WUGANG which is the short form as WUHAN GANG TIE QI YE. Direct translation to english is wuhan steel enterprise? haha. Its the third largest steel mill in china. The first being ANGANG and the second being HAOGANG.

Green day! The wang wang gummy is nice! Apple flavour

And thats mengzhen's pocky in green tea flavour

I love this picture alot

Thats just randolph being randolph-ish as usual -___-"

Haha, don't they look so cute ?

See this picture? The whole area is owned by WUGANG. Because their company is so huge, they have their own transport within the area. There are about 30 to 40000 workers that stay in the dormitory there.

We can only take the exterior of the factory as cameras are not allowed in there. I can say, it has been another eye opener going into the factory. We saw the steel going through many different processes along the way. Its the first time i'm seeing the making of steel components so up close. Amazing! The whole area was so warm. We were viewing the steel making process by walking along this narrow corridor and we can already feel the impact of the heat. Moreover, are the people working there. I guess the workers have to be tough in order to survive this kind of working conditions. There wasn't very good ventilation and also the noise was horribly loud. But i guess, the pay should be good ? haha. Or, the people love steel !

P.S in case you didn't read my paragraphs, cameras are not allowed inside the factory so there wasn't much pictures.

Day 12 of embracing china

2009-03-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning was spent going to Sheng Nong stream. I shall let the pictures do the talking.

Our transit to a smaller ferry

At the Sheng nong stream. We took even smaller boats(sampans?)

Then we have to go through this very narrow and shallow stream. Thus the boatmen have to get out to pull the boat along.

Tough work man. It used to be like that in the past. But now, because we are tourist, they showed us how they do it.

The men were wearing these sandal made of rope i think. It gives them grip over the rocks and also has massage effect. How cool is that?

And so, we took back our small ferry and travel back to our cruise.

Check this out. This view is at the back of the 10 dollar note.

Seeing the similarity yet?

And this mountain, doesn't it looks like a frog facing towards the right?

Enjoying the river breeze? haha

Because we're cute together? wahah

There were many housing and farming going on along the riverside

The houses look so homely!

The bridge with the pretty lights during the day

During the night, we went to this place where they held tribute to liu bei and company.

Eerie looking temple

Dragon much ?

My fave of them all

This is the coffin where they hang off from the mountains earlier on.

I wonder how they do it?

P.S because my camera ran out of battery. So pictures were limited =X

Day 11 of embracing china

2009-03-15T08:13:00.001-07:00

On Friday morning, we have to rise and shine at 6am to meet the rest of the people at 7. Our destination was the three gorges. 3 days 2 nights of cruise. People, in case you have no idea what the three gorges is, it is a dam along the Yangtze river and is said to be famous for its beautiful scenery. Anyways i was quite excited about it as it had been a long time since i last went on a cruise. Mr Wong also said that its a local 4 star cruise, so it can't be that bad. Thats an bonus for me, 4 star! So we have to take this long 5 hrs bus ride to Yichang which is another city in the Hubei province. Man was it tiring. the whole journey left us feeling so lethargic. Lucky for us, once we reached Yichang, it was lunch time! Lunch was awesome. One of the better restaurants i've had since i've been here. And so. after lunch we continued with another 1hr of bus ride to the three gorges.

The model room. It shows the overview of the dam.

Its so unbelievably huge

I wish, i can jump right into the water. Or go sailing?

Forever having group photos. haha.

Thats where we can get a better view of the dam

Oh no, the ships are trapped! just kidding.

And then, we took this free shuttle bus to a nearby area which is sort of like a museum cum park. They exhibit the constructions of the dam and also how the conditions were like when they were building it. Also, the equipments that are being used when building.

Thats the entrance

Haha, the BIGGEST bulldozer i've ever seen.

rock much?

Dry ice were used to depict the scene
The rocks were used to block out the water from gushing in when they were building.

I was praying damn hard the water won't stop suddenly

artistic exhibit. no?

Candid

After sightseeing, we were ushered to get on board the cruise. It was around evening when we boarded. Man, the ship was not what i expected. When Mr Wong said it was a local 4 star, i think to Singapore standards it's 2 or 3 star? haha. I'm not complaining much thou. It's better than living in squatters. Anyways, the most amazing part was when the ship is docked right, the flushing and heating system won't work. And i have the tinest suspicion that there isn't any reception too? However the good thing is that after the ship travels for 30 minutes then, it will work. Thou, it isn't working very well too! haha.

MeiYun and my room =)

The ship's lobby. We act only!

No prizes for guessing whose idea for the poses. haha

So, after travelling for quite some time, we have to pass through this dam. Because the water level at each area is different so in order for the cruise to get to the next area, the ship has to be lifted up. Okay here is how it works: First, you have to queue up to get into it. I think, the maximum is 3 ships that can stay in there? Then, when you get into it, they will close the gates. So you're like stuck in an enclosure. After which, they will pump in water to get the ships to float up to the next level of river whereby they will slowly open up the gates at the other end of the enclosure to let you out.

I think, it's seriously an eye opening experience. I've never seen anything so cool before. I mean, how do they even think of such an ingenious idea.

See the narrow passage? the ships are supposed to get in there.

And then, they closed the other side of the gate and water comes in.
I took this picture when we're nearing the top.

By the way, its 5 storeys high of water level.

We have reached the top! The gate is slowly opening to let us out.

And now we're floating to a higher water stream!

Blow, wind blow

You can't tell but it's actually freezing cold out here.

The rest went in after taking a group photo!

And so, because i was still so amazed by the earlier episode of "floating" i wanted to see more! haha. There's actually like five more gates to pass through. But then, i only stayed awake long enough to witness one more. This time, it was a bigger gate whereby the enclosure can fit up to 8 ships.

I love pretty lights on pretty bridge

They are all queuing up to get pass the gate

Finally, our turn! See, this was much bigger than the previous one.

And so, it was around 2am when we went into the enclosure. We were all so cold and tired thus we couldn't stand watching the whole process. Right after the gates closed, all of us went to hit the sack. =)

Day 9 of embracing china

2009-03-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

Lessons starts at 1pm today as the morning class projector's is spoilt thus class is cancelled! So i get to enjoy the bliss of sleeeping in untill 10am. Mengzhen, Meiyun and Clive went for an early run at 8.30. Those healthy people! And so, we went to have our brunch later on. I'm proud to say that, I ATE THE SAME FOOD FOR THREE DAYS ALREADY. haha. AND, AND, COULDN'T FINISH THE FOOD AGAIN! Well, i've no choice. The rest of the food in the canteen wasn't to my liking at all. Either they are spicy(which i can't take) or they have too much veggie(Which i don't like) or they are too oily(now, who wants extra fats right?). Haha, actually, i think, im just a picky eater =p.

And so, after brunch we went to have Xiaoling laoshi's class. Today was her teaching history of china. We learnt about the how the name china(Chongguo) was derived from. The accomplishments of China. Mainly the great canal and the great wall of China. The four great inventions from China. We were told to guess what are they and the person who got it right gets to receive something from her. Cool, ain't it? Anyways, they are the The compass, gunpowder, paper and printing. Fun fact about gunpowder: it was said that in ancient times, gunpowder was created by accident because some Taoist alchemist wanted to attain immortality and then later on the people used it to invent firecrackers and fireworks and then the americans went on to create weapons out of it.

After class was dinner. Mr wong introduced us to this restaurant near the macdonals. It was good! The taste wasn't so extreme and the best was that it's cheap!

Day 8 of embracing china

2009-03-10T01:12:00.000-07:00

Hello All. From me in class to you =)

My sweet and sour chicken fillet. Before.

The aftermath. Looks the same ain't it? LOL

Today i woke up at 9. The weather's getting warmer and warmer. We can now see the sunlight compared to the first few days of being in wuhan where it was rainy and cloudy. I manage to sleep through the nights now by just wearing 2 layers of clothing. However, the winds are still chilly even thou it is bright and sunny outside. So, when we go out of the hostel, we still have to wear our outer layer. I hope the weather remains the same or gets warmer. Because now its the transition period from winter to spring so the temperature varies everyday during this period. Man, i can't wait for spring to come! Then we'll get to see the flowers blooming! And don't have to wear thick layers anymore!

So as usual, we set off to class at 9.45 and reach there at 10. Yeah it was that fast. Mr wong taught chpt 3 today. It was a short yet enriching one about business process concept. So after that we have our daily open book quiz and go off for brunch. I ate the sweet and sour chicken fillet rice today. I had that for yesterday too. It isn't too oily and salty, just right to my liking. The food was filled to the brim for just 6 yuen. Maybe ard 2 dollars sg? I can only manage to just finish up the meat and potates. The rice was just overwhelming! No wonder, there are no extra charges for adding rice cause normally you'll feel so full!

So we went back to class for another 2 more hours of practical. It was learning flexism again. It is a program for us to create a 3D models. From the model, we can learn how to stimulate the conditions in business and also learn how to cut down cost.

Day 6 of embracing china

2009-03-09T03:00:00.000-07:00

Highlights of the day: At the amusement park.

Crowded bus. Suddenly randolph so tall ? LOL

WINSON KOH

Thats ME

Taking pics with our new found friend!

Haha, grumpy seok and me.

Actually its just me and guy. randolph wanted to be extra!

Look like HUGE hair curlers don't they ? Well there are kids inside those.

Looks fun!

We took the viking. Was very scary! I was holding on and screaming all the time.

Queuing for the roller coaster! Very "CI JI"

The tickets.

At the centre of the pack. The ox is made of pepsi cans!

You would be scared if you saw it turning. Its a ride i haven't seen it before.

Sugary candy floss!

Thats guy, haha. He did the twisting of the candy for me!

Day 5 of embracing china

2009-03-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

Today was the township tour! Mans we have to wake up damn early to meet in time with the rest at 7.50am!
First stop: "Dong Hu" which also means east lake in english.
They have all sorts of recreational activities available.

Group pictures first !

So many "botak" trees

Eh, pretty pink flowers! Dunno what they are thou.

See! SO BIG the lake

Winson and I. So cold. Brrr.

Where's randolph?

Rommies!

water boats ? So cutee

Ah gong practising qi gong after cycling

bet you didn't know that I love to eat signboards too? LOL

We are one happy group C !

Second stop: hubei museum.

Was very large too. They have a wide collection of various items from the different timelines of china.

the entrance!

Im about to show you ....
my favourite pieces of them all ! ....

The weapon! bow and arrows.

Glass beads. Aren't they cute?

A smart guy!

Coins with faces used in ancient times?

Big musical instuctments for the loyalty. Its found in the tomb.

Amour for the horse. poor horses.

Amour of soldier

They are tiny pieces of animals. They are used to put under the tongue of the dead.

Me and HuiMiang

Third stop: TO EAT !

we ordered 2 baskets of soup dumpling!

its damn yummy

She is hungry!

Her too!

Of course, im always hungry!

Wanna eat octopus tentacles?

Soya bean milk

Last stop: Yellow crane tower

I couldn't resist the pretty ceilings!

Then. we had dinner at around 7. Went to nearby o have dinner. Which is this fast food restaurant that is very similar to KFC. They are damn cute here. They provide gloves for customers who are eating chicken.

Clive eating happily ~

All of us with our meals

Winson and steph looking very contented with their burgers.

Day 4 of embracing china

2009-03-06T06:52:00.000-08:00

Today was woken up by siang yu's wake up call to inform us to bring laptop. Weather was good today! A balance of warmness and coldness. Today's lecture was with Mr wong. He teaches Business process engineering. I like Mr wong's lesson too! More than xiao ling teacher! LOL. Only that the quiz he gave us was quite hard to do ? Even if its an open book quiz. So we had 2 hours of lecture then at around 12.3o when we finished the quiz, we left for lunch.

We were all good students hor! Paying attention

Haha, take pictures more impt !

Yeah, u two, too!

Sitting beside me and mengzhen!

Cramped face!

Lunch was at the back alley behind the school. I think it's even better than the school canteen's food. Im actually not really a fan of the canteen's food. So, this time i had a kind of bread/biscuit that looks like prata. Only that its like 3 times bigger than the normal prata size. So the auntie cuts into pieces and sell them. So initially i thought it would be crispy. But then, when she passed me the "prata" it was damn soft! And when i bit into it... it was chewy ! Tastes salty and abit of sour? I LIKE! Then we had dumplings too. the bowl was full of dumplings. Its like more than the soup. But most dumplings don't have much filling, we are eating more of the skin which tastes nice!

Enjoying the soup! slurpppppppp

The "prata" I miss the prata back home =(

My dumpling soup!

Haha, we love dumplings!

The street there. And see the guy with the strip shirt. Thats the area where they cook. Amazing yah.

Very the CLEAN WOR. EHEM.

So after eating, we went back to our dorm to slack! haha. Usuallly we would go online, or pack our stuffs or WASH CLOTHES! Theres like an never ending pile to clothes to be washed! Then later in the night we met up with fire and gang to go for dinner! We went back the same area that we went to yesterday. Only that today we went to somewhere near there to eat. We took the bus there. One person 1.5o yuen for about 2omins ride. Haha the bus ride was about as scary as the texi ride. Its like the bus doesn't wait for you? Fran was the last one to step into the bus and when she had one leg up, the bus driver started to drove off already! Talk about manners man. Anyhow, we enjoyed the ride. Can get to see the surroundings. Oh and the bus is dark! haha. There isn't any lights at the second floor.

The dark dark bus

Winson's fried rice

Failed face -_-"

Meiyun and fran's

Not forgetting ours too!

On our way back i bought corn! But den i threw it away after the first bite. It tastes rubbery! I guess the taste appeals to wuhan people alot ? When i bought it, there were quite a few people queuing for it too =)

Okays. The weather isn't that COLD today. Hopefully it doesnt turn colder in the night. I'm off to shower then find my supper! Have to be up by 7.30 tomorrow! Cyahs folks!

P.S ignore my "cui" face. I dont know why im deforming in China. haha?

Day 3 of embracing china

2009-03-05T09:02:00.000-08:00

Gosh, i haven't been sleeping well for two nights already. Usually i have to freeze till 4 or 5 am in the morning before i actually feel very tired then i will fall asleep. Haha, i think i will be a panda when i return to singapore! Human no more! So i was waken up by meiyun this morning. I was very very sleepy and tired. It's like i just fell asleep not long ago and then i have to wake up again. argh. I hate the nights most when i can't sleep! So, we were then hurried by the rest to turn up on time for class. Turns out that there was a misunderstanding between Mr Wong and our IS lecturer. The class was supposed to be at 1pm and not 9am. Argh! i could have slept more! Anyways, we went to the nearby macdonalds for our breakfast. I had this mac spicy chicken meal. Cause i felt like eating mac chicken burger? But they only have the spicy version and i don't take chilli. At all. End up, i still bought it to satisfy my cravings! Only to regret that it was damn spicy. Seriously, the first bite left my lips feeling like i just had liposuction done. And i teared cause it was too spicy!

My Fat Dry swollen lips after Chilli

Pardon the messy hair! I just got out of bed

Macdelivery much? Call 86854368 for 24 hrs delivery!

Us at the main entrance of wust

On our way back to the campus!

We met the student union people! They are ever so friendly

Playing table tennis is one of their fave past time!

So, we went back to class at 1pm. Our lecturer in charge was Xiao Ling. Aka Sally. Suits her eh? She was very nice and friendly towards us! And we could understand the lesson better as she has quite a good command of english compared to the rest. Anyways, she teaches about history of china, culture, politics etc. It's quite interesting! I like! Just that i'm too sleepy to actually listen to whole of her lecture? =p But, but, i still absorbed some infomation in okays! Like today she was telling us about the celebrities in Wuhan, for example the 4 great beauties. Also, story of how dumplings came about. I find it all very interesting! Can't wait for the politics part!

Our cute lecturer

Randolph trying to act cute

My phrase of turning into panda and meiyun's hand as an extra

Haha, our daily cam whoring

mr wong so cute wor!!

My teammates!

Anyone care to photoshop my face ? haha

So after lecture, we met up with FIRE(president of the student union) and the rest of his members to go out for dinner. Up till now, the student union has been very helpful to us? Without them, i think our lives will be suffering in china. They are a bunch of warm and helpful students =) Bringing us around and catering to our needs! We went to this restaurant nearby where we had our yummy dinner! Oh and thanks to them for the treat! After which, we took the bus(2 yuen) to a nearby shopping centre(20 mins ride) to walk around. The shopping centre was quite a new one. They have all the facilities that a shopping centre could need! haha. Arcade, starbucks, KFC and more! Okays another cultural thing i experienced is that the shopping centre closed at 9.30pm excatly. And what's worse is that, there isn't any warning that they would close, they just switched off all the lights in the shopping centre. So when we left, it was all dark! And a student even got lost over there. I guess, in a way i prefer singapore's shopping centres? They aleast ave securit guards to inform us that it is closing. And will wait till everyone is out before they pack up and close the mall.

While waiting for food. Bunch of HUNGRY people

Our table!

We had meat, fish, veggies and even tofu! Scrumptious meal

Our china hosts =)

The shopping mall!

They let dogs in! Its a husky!

HUGE ARCADE

Guess who is that blue girl? haha

Our group pictures with the wust students! Many thanks to guy(first row, third guy) for showing us around =)

Oh and on our way back to the campus, we saw this old uncle, he just unzip his jeans and pee at a corner ?? OMG. He will so get caught by the police if it's in spore! It's like my first witnessing such appalling scene.

Long and tiring day. Its now 2.55am in the morning! I'm so sleepy! Another 3 layers of clothings and i'm off to bed! Class at 10 tml! omg

Note: (i edited the post again on friday)

Day 2 of embracing china

2009-03-04T07:06:00.000-08:00

Wow, last night was really cold! I had to get through the night with 3 layers of clothing and two layers of socks, not forgetting the heat pack. Wished i could have brought along my gloves with me. I was freezing throughout my sleep. Didn't sleep well at all!
So, we were woken up by our lovely friends seokhui and mengzhen early in the morning. Thanks ah, guys -___-". Then well washed up and headed to the university's canteen to have brunch.
Food is really cheap here. I think around 2 dollars can get you a full bowl of rice and 2 dishes. So, everyone chiped in and bought a dish each then we shared. But, the food was really oily and salty thou.

Us, at the long table sharing food!

Then, we met up at 11.30 to gather with the rest to tour around the rest of the campus together with the wuhan students. I realised, the campus is quite cool? They have soft music played at the campus. Makes me feel very relaxed early in the morning. We went to view the lecture theatres and classrooms where we have to study. The classroom was used to taught the china students english. There are alot of posters written by the students which i find it interesting!

This is the classroom. I like carpeted floorings!

Hui Miang and I!

The entrance to wuhan university of science and technology. Taken from the level of the classroom.

Great way to learn english!

Front view of the class

And the class ...

Seok trying to act cool!

After touring around the school, we proceed on to buy our phonecards to call home and also do abit of shopping at the nearby area. Not much luck with the shopping, but we had macdonalds! I wasn't really full from the brunch that i had eariler on so the fries at mac did fill up a tiny portion of my stomach? Then we went back to the campus and had to find dinner. Mengzhen, meiyun, fran and I walked to the nearby streets to get food. Man, they have all kinds of roadside stalls there! They even set up tent like areas for patrons to sit there and eat. However, the roads weren't really clean, it gives me the feel of chinatown? Only that there is alot more people and the stalls are more disorganized. We eventually settled on a stall and ordered minced meat noodles. Tastes quite well, but i don't really like it. Prefers the singapore's style of cooking it! Ah, talking about it makes me miss my favourite eating place in singapore =(

Looking happy, waiting for food

The roadside stall scene

I'm hungry!

My cheap, good bowl of noodles!

After dinner, we went to the lecture theatre as part of the orientation too. The china students were supposed to play an english movie as part of their learning campaign for english. Then we are supposed to join them. Turns out that the movie couldn't be played. So, we had interaction time. All of us end up introducing ourself to everyone. Some students even had a singing session! It was fun! And that marks the end of second day of orientation.

Their chairs can go 180 degrees! Ah-mazing!

We were cam whoring as usual!

Bursting with people!

Its 1.20 now. And i've lesson tomorrow at nine. So early! And as usual, im wrapped in 3 layers of everything. Gonna be another sleepless freezing night!

P.S I bought my gloves! But they don't seem to keeepp me warmer? =(

Day 1 of embracing China

2009-03-03T08:19:00.000-08:00

We were gathered at the airport at 5.30 am. The flight was at 8am. Everyone had our loved ones sending us off to china. All of us were equally excited about the trip ! We departed from singapore at 8 am sharp and reached guangzhou at around 12 pm.

Our class group photo!

Mengzhen and I

Stephanie and I

Just us Girls!

All of us from ngee ann polytechnic

We took the southern airlines whereby we had our breakfast taken onboard the plane. The food faired fairly well, not as bad as i thought it would be. And the view from the plane's window was just breath taking! During the flight, the air con was so blasting fully that i had to actually wearmy winter coat even before i reached guangzhou. Whats worse is, the flight was long! Upon reaching, when i stepped out of the plane, i could immediately feel a gush of wind that made me want to sneeze! yes, it was THAT cold! around 12 degrees to be exact.

The breakfast onboard the plane!

Fran and me high-ing

We wandered around guangzhou's airport for two hours before we take a domestic flight to wuhan. During that two hours we went to explore the airport to fill our hungry stomachs. In the end we settled for the 7-eleven there. Cause food was mainly too expensive for our little stomachs. While waiting for the rest, we took cam whored alot! A funny experience that i would also like to share is that china people are quite open minded? I was queuing up in the washroom to wait for my turn. When it was mine, i saw this cubicle that was empty (door closed half) so when i went to open it, there was actually a lady in there doing her business! When she saw me, she didn't seem to appear embarassed at all. Instead, she ignored me and continue what she was doing ? Man, was that a cultural shock. It was later when i asked a china fren about it that she told me in some parts of china, the toilet cubicles don't even have doors! Just a wall separation only. Well, i hope i won't get to chance upon these toilets! I certainly won't use it!

Thats me acting cute? LOL

The huge 7-eleven

Outside the 7 eleven

Because we were too bored while waiting for the flight to wuhan

So, the flight to wuhan was a short one, thankfully! However, there were many turbulences inbetween which scares me alot. hah!When i reached wuhan, the weather was even worse than in guangzhou. It was 6 degrees. Even thou it was so colder, i was hoping for the temperature to drop lower for us to experience snow. We were told that the day before, wuhan was snowing. Thus, i was hoping for today to snow too! At the airport, the students of logistic from the university of wuhan came to fetch us. They were so welcoming and ever ready to help. We took an hour ride from the airport to reach the university. By then, i was so hungry!

Just arrived at wuhan's airport!

Outside the airport. FREEZING

We went to put our luggage down and had dinner at a nearby chinese restaurant. During dinner, we interacted with the china students alot and i think that we do get along well. We made introductions to each other and even had group photos.It was an hearty meal whereby we left the diner feeling full and satisfied. After that, we were brought to the nearby supermarket to get provisions for our rooms and also for breakfast tomorrow.

Us at dinner, with the wuhan students

When we walked back to our rooms, the journey was FREEZING. Actually, to think of it, i was glad it didn't snow. As the day grew darker, the weather got even colder! i had to wear two layers of thick jacket, scarfs and socks in order to feel just cold.

My not-so-comfy bed

In the mist of unpacking

Okays! this post was supposed to be uploaded last night. Just cause i was feeling too cold and sleepy, i decided to do it today! BRRRRrr ....

2 MORE DAYS

2009-03-01T07:43:00.000-08:00

Woah, i just opened the npmail regarding the weather in wuhan. It's predicted that it's going to be freezing cold there! I'm partly excited and also feeling abit reluctant to go over there? Well, it will be the first time i'm experiencing such an extreme weather! It would be good to see some snow! But i'm also worried that i might not get used to the cold weather there. Also, one month and a half seems so long ! It is again, the first time that i'm being away from my loved ones for such a long period of time! However, i think this is the part and parcel of life? I would have to learn to be independent someday and face challengers myself!

Well, i hope i will go china with an open heart and come back with all the wonderful memories =)

GIMME GIMME MOREE

2009-02-16T19:42:00.000-08:00

Good news from Mr Wong, we can apply for extra 10 kg worth of luguage! wahaha! So can buy more things back?! I'm thinking, more clothes/plushies and many other nonsenses. wahahah.

P.s With regards to my previous post, i would like to rephrase to RANG WO MEN HE ZUO YU KUAI due to mulitple mistakes. Thanks to the correction of mengzhen and jianxing =)

Hello again!

2009-02-11T08:53:00.000-08:00

Today, we went back to school at 12 to change our visa applications and had our first group meeting to decide on the cultural item.

A SHOUT OUT TO: MENGZHEN, RANDOLPH AND HUI MIANG

RIANG WO MEN HE ZHOU YU KUAI BAH!
(TRANSLATION IN CASE MY CHINESE FAIL: LET US WORK HAPPILY TOGETHER BAH!)

HELLO EVERYONE

2009-02-09T07:32:00.000-08:00

In about 3 weeks time, i would be leaving for china. Can't wait! Yay for me!