Finally, today was the final presentation day! After so many sleepless night, and today was the day to present our hard work! Even though my group didn’t do well in the presentation just now, and I felt that we screwed up the whole presentation, but I didn’t blame on other people but myself. As a group leader, I am the one who didn’t communicate well with my group members and lead to this situation. Instead of feeling sad after the presentation, I chose to concentrate on others group. By listening to them, observing their presentation way, I learnt something from them. The most important thing is COMMUNICATION and TOLERATION. Anyway, it’s finally OVER!! And everyone of us took a group photo where each and everyone of us looked so handsome and pretty with the formal look (: After the presentation, we also invited the vice-principal and 2 teachers to come to formally closing ceremony, 我们毕业了! I can remember as the vice principal was saying how bright we were and how we are going to ‘go far’ in life. She said all of us will be blessed and we should try our best in our future! Suddenly, I felt that my tears were in my eyes coming out, I believed that most of us attended the ceremony with watery eyes.
After the short closing ceremony, we invited our China buddy to come over. My buddy cannot attend again. To be frankly, I more close to Luyang they all compared to with my own buddy. ): anyway, after everyone was here, Dean they all showed us a short video clip and talk about our experiences here in Tianjin, China. After we present, Mr. Tan asked the local students to tell us their thoughts too. Thank you Luyang for the Chinese song, even though most of us do not understand what was going on, but still, it was a very nice song sung by Luyang. Mr. Tan showed us MAGIC again to let everybody laugh. And then, we went to 紫园餐厅for dinner.
Throughout the 5 weeks, not only I have learnt about the module – APPG and IS, but also the classes that we will never have again in our life. Those classes not only changed my personalities, also train my responsibilities and self discipline. I just wanted to say thank you to both Mr. Tan and Mr. Chua for what they did for us and I would like to say sorry for what I have done to them. Besides, thank you for giving me such an opportunity to join the OIP together with 18 of them.
This trip has been the most meaningful one in my life and it would and will always stay in my mind. (:
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Day 30 *A Tour to WuQiao*
It was 7.30am and we were gathering at the hotel lobby before we set off to Wu Qiao. This is the tour that planned by the teachers to let us enjoy ourselves before the final presentation. As the saying goes, “上至九十九，下至刚会走，吴桥耍杂技，人人有一手”. That is why吴桥is called “世界杂技艺术的摇篮”.You will never believe how good the performance inside was until you see it with your real eyes. We reached Wuqiao at around 10am, and we walked straight to watch the first performance, called “Gui shou”. Looked at the old uncle, you will never believe that he is the one who wants to perform to us. His motions looked so slow, like he did everything in a very relax mode. Before the performance started, he repeated the same things for 3 times. He keeps advising to the teenagers, do not GAMBLE. I felt that he is very cute, he said that he never study before, he said that he is not a 文明人, but he knows what is the disadvantages of gambling. When the performance has started, he doesn’t allow others to interrupt his performance, including small kids. I was impressed by his action, it was so fast! He is a very interesting person. From the performance just now, not only I can enjoy the show, but I also learnt his advice – do not join gamble.
(The entrance)
(The 鬼手 performance)
After the Gui Shou performance, we went to the next one. We watched the performance so called “新江湖八大怪”. I saw the performance right in front of my eyes. Those performances are the one we can only see it on TV, but now, right in front of me! What I can say is… “WOW!” Even though the performance is a bit disgusting and most of the people don’t really dare to look at it, but I still felt that they are awesome! I was thinking when they were having training or when they were learning the skills, how much pain they need to take it? What I’ve learnt from them was to do everything that we were asked to do, even though it is pain and suffering!
We went to enjoy another next performance, and followed by the 滑稽动物园 (funny zoo). The first animal to performance was a dog. It was a clever dog that could do math’s question and can differentiate different Chinese word. BUT, what I can see from the dog was FEAR. It looked so fear; it scared to get the wrong answer card. I think… most of us saw that, right? The next animal was a tiger! The tiger came out from a small case, started to perform right in front of us! (: It acted as a kid, played with the trainer. It was CUTE! (: I could remember the last performance that we watched. I could not use any simple words to describe the feeling and their performance, because the performance was fantastic and it was the best performance that I ever watched in my life!
(Entrance of the zoo)
(Picture of tiger is performing)
The most surprising incident was during the lunch time. When me and my friends went to the toilets to wash our hands, we saw this little girl washing her own clothes at the basin. The weather is still cold and the little girl washed her clothes with cold water, I felt heart pain when I saw that. After that my friend went to ask how old she is, she told us she is 5 years old. A 5 year’s old little girl was washing her own clothes at the basin outside the toilet at such a cold weather and there was nobody beside her. I felt that the China people are more independent than us. We should feel that we are actually very fortunate to have our parents or maid to help us when we were at this age. I believe that most of us would not wash our own clothes at 5 years old, right? I really respect the little girl and I told myself that I really have to be more independent!
The trip to 吴桥, really made us 增广见闻， 获益良多 (:
(The entrance)
(The 鬼手 performance)
After the Gui Shou performance, we went to the next one. We watched the performance so called “新江湖八大怪”. I saw the performance right in front of my eyes. Those performances are the one we can only see it on TV, but now, right in front of me! What I can say is… “WOW!” Even though the performance is a bit disgusting and most of the people don’t really dare to look at it, but I still felt that they are awesome! I was thinking when they were having training or when they were learning the skills, how much pain they need to take it? What I’ve learnt from them was to do everything that we were asked to do, even though it is pain and suffering!
We went to enjoy another next performance, and followed by the 滑稽动物园 (funny zoo). The first animal to performance was a dog. It was a clever dog that could do math’s question and can differentiate different Chinese word. BUT, what I can see from the dog was FEAR. It looked so fear; it scared to get the wrong answer card. I think… most of us saw that, right? The next animal was a tiger! The tiger came out from a small case, started to perform right in front of us! (: It acted as a kid, played with the trainer. It was CUTE! (: I could remember the last performance that we watched. I could not use any simple words to describe the feeling and their performance, because the performance was fantastic and it was the best performance that I ever watched in my life!
(Entrance of the zoo)
The most surprising incident was during the lunch time. When me and my friends went to the toilets to wash our hands, we saw this little girl washing her own clothes at the basin. The weather is still cold and the little girl washed her clothes with cold water, I felt heart pain when I saw that. After that my friend went to ask how old she is, she told us she is 5 years old. A 5 year’s old little girl was washing her own clothes at the basin outside the toilet at such a cold weather and there was nobody beside her. I felt that the China people are more independent than us. We should feel that we are actually very fortunate to have our parents or maid to help us when we were at this age. I believe that most of us would not wash our own clothes at 5 years old, right? I really respect the little girl and I told myself that I really have to be more independent!
The trip to 吴桥, really made us 增广见闻， 获益良多 (:
Day 29 *IS & Interview*
Another day I spent at school. Early in the morning, while others still having their breakfast, Zhiting and I went to school. We decided to go to school earlier because we wanted to interview the stall owner of “Jian Bing Guo Zi” (one of the Tianjin famous breakfast). The interview video will be inside my video for the presentation. Thank you Zhiting for accompany me to the stall and record down everything. I saw how they made the wrap, how they prepared their ingredients. While we were waiting for the uncle to finish the ordering, he asked us whether we want to learn to make the Jian Bing Guo Zi. He was very happy when I told him that I want to know more about this famous food and I want to interview him. I think that we are the first one to interview him and asked him so much about this food. He also told me that he hoped to go to Singapore and set up a business there.
Everything went smoothly from the beginning of interview until the end of interview. The uncle was friendly and he told us a lot of things about Jian Bing Guo Zi. Now, for me, not only I know how to make the wrap and ingredients, but I also learnt some of the story and history about the cuisine in Tianjin, especially Tianjin breakfast. Even though the uncle was from Wu Qiao, but he came to Tianjin for about 20 years, to be a chef. He told me that Jian Bing Guo Zi can found everywhere, but the taste would never be the same. Tianjin’s one will be the BEST because of variety of ingredients that they used.
（Picture of I was interviewing the chef）
(me and the chef)
After the interview, we went back to class and continue our preparation. We crop the video, edited the slides and the videos. A good morning just ended with all the preparations. In the afternoon, we continue with our video. What to put inside the video, what to add to the video, we were confused. That was the very first time I felt helpless. This will be my first presentation without my dad’s support.
Anyway, tomorrow will be the Wu Qiao tour; I shall finish my work and enjoy myself tomorrow. Everything is going to be fine.
Jiayou!
Everything went smoothly from the beginning of interview until the end of interview. The uncle was friendly and he told us a lot of things about Jian Bing Guo Zi. Now, for me, not only I know how to make the wrap and ingredients, but I also learnt some of the story and history about the cuisine in Tianjin, especially Tianjin breakfast. Even though the uncle was from Wu Qiao, but he came to Tianjin for about 20 years, to be a chef. He told me that Jian Bing Guo Zi can found everywhere, but the taste would never be the same. Tianjin’s one will be the BEST because of variety of ingredients that they used.
（Picture of I was interviewing the chef）
(me and the chef)
After the interview, we went back to class and continue our preparation. We crop the video, edited the slides and the videos. A good morning just ended with all the preparations. In the afternoon, we continue with our video. What to put inside the video, what to add to the video, we were confused. That was the very first time I felt helpless. This will be my first presentation without my dad’s support.
Anyway, tomorrow will be the Wu Qiao tour; I shall finish my work and enjoy myself tomorrow. Everything is going to be fine.
Jiayou!
Day 28 *Back to SCHOOL again*
It was Monday again. Today was the first day we back to school after 3 days break. Even though we didn’t go to school for only 3 days, but I got a feeling that it has been a long time since the last time we went to school. Today we had been doing for the blogs and everything for the whole day. Mr. Tan asked us to sort out our photos and save into the disc given by him. That took a lot of time from me ):
After I done with the photos, I started to edit my blogs: added captions to the photos, added more information to my blogs and also edited some languages that I used. That took me a whole morning to finish it. After the blogs, we were asked to submit the APPG. It has been a long time since we ended our APPG theory test 2. I miss those moments in class with the others.
After lunch, we went back to school again. We started our preparation for the final presentation which coming on Thursday. I failed to assign the work to my group members. That’s why some of us still editing the blog and do the own stuffs. Time flies, Mr. Tan asked us to go back at around 5pm. We went to laundry shop and then we had our dinner at around 6pm. After dinner, Zhiting went to have a haircut and I waited for her there in the salon. I saw a mother sat down there waiting for her daughter to finish the haircut. That reminds me my mum. Since I went to poly, I cannot find a chance to go and have a haircut with my mum. ): I observed how they work and how they assigned the jobs. The salon was big and the staffs have their own responsibilities. It was a good experience to sit down there and look at their salon.
What did I learnt today was to be a better group leader by having a group discussion. Besides, I learnt not to finish the things last minute. If we finish the work day by day, we won’t feel that the homework is a lot. Anyway, I have done what I asked to do now. And now is the time to continue with my preparation of presentation and video.
After I done with the photos, I started to edit my blogs: added captions to the photos, added more information to my blogs and also edited some languages that I used. That took me a whole morning to finish it. After the blogs, we were asked to submit the APPG. It has been a long time since we ended our APPG theory test 2. I miss those moments in class with the others.
After lunch, we went back to school again. We started our preparation for the final presentation which coming on Thursday. I failed to assign the work to my group members. That’s why some of us still editing the blog and do the own stuffs. Time flies, Mr. Tan asked us to go back at around 5pm. We went to laundry shop and then we had our dinner at around 6pm. After dinner, Zhiting went to have a haircut and I waited for her there in the salon. I saw a mother sat down there waiting for her daughter to finish the haircut. That reminds me my mum. Since I went to poly, I cannot find a chance to go and have a haircut with my mum. ): I observed how they work and how they assigned the jobs. The salon was big and the staffs have their own responsibilities. It was a good experience to sit down there and look at their salon.
What did I learnt today was to be a better group leader by having a group discussion. Besides, I learnt not to finish the things last minute. If we finish the work day by day, we won’t feel that the homework is a lot. Anyway, I have done what I asked to do now. And now is the time to continue with my preparation of presentation and video.
Day 26 *3rd day and also the LAST day in Beijing*
Today I woke up late so didn’t join them for the breakfast at the hotel. Thir helped me massage my fingers yesterday so I felt much better this morning. After breakfast, we went to check out our room and set off to the GREAT WALL of CHINA!
Most of us fall asleep when we were on the way to The Great Wall. Today, we went to do what most tourists would do when they went to Beijing. When we reached the destination, the first impression of mine was… oh my god; I can’t even walk properly because of the freezing weather. ): Everyone of us try to bare with the weather and we continue to walk to the entrance of The Great Wall. When I reached the entrance, I was amazed by the advancement of Chinese construction. They were able to build the solid barriers out of stone; some more is on the mountain region. The Great Wall last for so many years, and it is still firm and strong. For me, it was like a strong man that will never collapsed even if he meets with whatever disasters.
(Everyone at the entrance of THE GEAT WALL)
(From left: Alif, Thir, Me, Mr. Tan and Eugene at the Great Wall!)
Actually for me, we could not say that we have climbed the wall because we scaled the wall. Climbing is different from scaling. We set a goal and we told ourselves that we must reach there! When we were on the way up to our goal, we felt tired, not feeling well, cannot breathe, some of them gave up because of the height. When we slowed down, Mr. Tan asked me to look at the elder people around me, compare myself to them. I am just 19 years old, and fell tired after a few steps up, but look at them, the elderly, they can even talk to each other, eat something, and crack jokes with each other when they were climbing up, and I don’t even see the tiredness on their faces. I think that this is the thing we should learn from, their attitude and their lifestyle are good. Compare to Singapore, the elderly at most play Chinese chess with one another at downstairs of HDB. That is the reason the elderly in China are all very tough. (:
At the beginning, I felt scare and panic because the road was steep. Really STEEP! But after that we, as a big family, we encouraged each other so that we can reach our goal together. Mr. Tan who is 50+ years old, keep walking at the front and sometimes even walk back to check everyone. We had a good bonding session today as each and everyone encourages others. Compared to the first OIP meeting before Tianjin, most of us were like strangers to each other, we only stick to our own clique. But now, we don’t really care who is who, we talked, we played, we encouraged each other as a family.
I hope I got the chance to go to The Great Wall again, and that’s the time with my grandpa. Looking at the elderly around me just now, that reminded me of my grandpa, who used to climb The Great Wall too. He used to be very healthy, walked a long distance won’t be a problem or worries for him. But, his health was in bad condition this few months. I hope I can still go to Beijing with him again, kind of homesick now. Hope he is getting better.
(不到长城非好汉sign)
Learning point for today: I learnt to be persevering in doing something, not to give up too easily. Besides, as a group, I learnt to encourage people in a right way. Even it was only a few words, but when they need it, it can be very useful. “不到长城非好汉” meaning that all of us are real man! (:
Beijing trip ended like that. I feel like going again!
Most of us fall asleep when we were on the way to The Great Wall. Today, we went to do what most tourists would do when they went to Beijing. When we reached the destination, the first impression of mine was… oh my god; I can’t even walk properly because of the freezing weather. ): Everyone of us try to bare with the weather and we continue to walk to the entrance of The Great Wall. When I reached the entrance, I was amazed by the advancement of Chinese construction. They were able to build the solid barriers out of stone; some more is on the mountain region. The Great Wall last for so many years, and it is still firm and strong. For me, it was like a strong man that will never collapsed even if he meets with whatever disasters.
(Everyone at the entrance of THE GEAT WALL)
(From left: Alif, Thir, Me, Mr. Tan and Eugene at the Great Wall!)
Actually for me, we could not say that we have climbed the wall because we scaled the wall. Climbing is different from scaling. We set a goal and we told ourselves that we must reach there! When we were on the way up to our goal, we felt tired, not feeling well, cannot breathe, some of them gave up because of the height. When we slowed down, Mr. Tan asked me to look at the elder people around me, compare myself to them. I am just 19 years old, and fell tired after a few steps up, but look at them, the elderly, they can even talk to each other, eat something, and crack jokes with each other when they were climbing up, and I don’t even see the tiredness on their faces. I think that this is the thing we should learn from, their attitude and their lifestyle are good. Compare to Singapore, the elderly at most play Chinese chess with one another at downstairs of HDB. That is the reason the elderly in China are all very tough. (:
At the beginning, I felt scare and panic because the road was steep. Really STEEP! But after that we, as a big family, we encouraged each other so that we can reach our goal together. Mr. Tan who is 50+ years old, keep walking at the front and sometimes even walk back to check everyone. We had a good bonding session today as each and everyone encourages others. Compared to the first OIP meeting before Tianjin, most of us were like strangers to each other, we only stick to our own clique. But now, we don’t really care who is who, we talked, we played, we encouraged each other as a family.
I hope I got the chance to go to The Great Wall again, and that’s the time with my grandpa. Looking at the elderly around me just now, that reminded me of my grandpa, who used to climb The Great Wall too. He used to be very healthy, walked a long distance won’t be a problem or worries for him. But, his health was in bad condition this few months. I hope I can still go to Beijing with him again, kind of homesick now. Hope he is getting better.
(不到长城非好汉sign)
Learning point for today: I learnt to be persevering in doing something, not to give up too easily. Besides, as a group, I learnt to encourage people in a right way. Even it was only a few words, but when they need it, it can be very useful. “不到长城非好汉” meaning that all of us are real man! (:
Beijing trip ended like that. I feel like going again!
Day 25 *2nd day in Beijing*
The place we visited: Forbidden City (故宫)，城市中心广场，国家大剧院，鸟巢.
Yesterday was the first day we slept at Beijing, Tian Tan Hotel. The bed was so comfortable and fluffy!! (: I had a good night rest yesterday night. We woke up at 5.30am, this is the first time I awoke by the “morning call” from the hotel instead my own alarm clock. We had breakfast at the hotel at 6am and we set of to Tian An Men （天安门） at 6.30am. The weather is freaking cold. ):
We went to Tian An Men square this morning and we saw the ceremony that called “CHANGING OF THE GUARD”. This particular ceremony happens every morning in Tian An Men. As the sun rises, the ceremony BEGINS! The Chinese soldiers marched out of the building and raised their flag. It was really awesome when you see the crowd that went to join the event. I wonder how they feel during the ceremony. This is what I could not find in Malaysia. China people are very proud of their country, their government. This is what I learnt from LiuLi, Dean’s buddy. When she saw the picture of 毛泽东，毛主席 her face lighted up with joy instantly. She felt proud of her own country. As I look at her, I can feel the feeling of other China people when they showed up for the event. The event was much cooler than what I described here. According to the tour guide, the soldiers’ height are almost the same, their weight are almost the same and the soldiers that they chosen for the ceremony are more better looking, more handsome. I don’t know whether she is telling us the truth because today is APRIL FOOL! Haha. Liu Li told me the soldiers were not handsome at all ):
Apart from that, I have visited the Forbidden City. We walked only a small part of the place because of the limited time. Our tour guide told us that if we really want to walk finish everywhere, we need to take about 3-4 days. It was interesting as I have learned that ancient building where the emperor or scholars are staying. For example, there are small animals’ statues on the top of place to determine the rank of the place. The more animals mean the more important the place and the higher position he is holding. The Emperor himself has the most little animals (11).
What I have learnt today was something that I could not found from books. “读万本书，不如行万里路”, nothing is better than you go and visit the place with your own eyes. We travelled all the way to Beijing, we must know what we want to learn. The palace, the stadium, the culture and the people are something that totally different from Singapore. What I observed today, was the people keep following you to persuade you to buy things from them. This is different from Singapore, we will never find people selling things on the road, even is sell things to the tourists.
We had our 2nd dinner at restaurant. After dinner we went back to hotel and had our roll at the hotel lobby. We intended to go out but the weather doesn’t allow us to do so. ):
Another learning point is the importance of our group bonding. Left 2 weeks before we’re going back to Singapore, I felt that our group bonding is getting stronger. Through this few weeks, we get to know each other more; team dynamic could be affected if something happened on one of the member. Lecturer’s advices were the best thing that we could learn from. After few weeks in Tianjin, I not only learnt the modules, and culture, but I have also learnt how to stay with others. Everyone has different temper, different character, we could never assume that everyone is the same. We must try to avoid every conflict with one another, then, our trip would be AWESOME.
There was another call just now at 930pm, which is called “fun call” instead of “roll call”. Dean and Yiwen shared the jokes and Mr. Tan performed magic. Today will be the last night we spent together at Beijing. ): After all the laughs, we went back to our room and pack up everything. We’re going to the GREAT WALL OF CHINA (万里长城) tomorrow!
Sleep early guys (: Tomorrow will be extreme cold, wear more shirts uh! Hope as the morning comes, Alif, Dean and Tresca all those who not feeling would be fine. (:
Yesterday was the first day we slept at Beijing, Tian Tan Hotel. The bed was so comfortable and fluffy!! (: I had a good night rest yesterday night. We woke up at 5.30am, this is the first time I awoke by the “morning call” from the hotel instead my own alarm clock. We had breakfast at the hotel at 6am and we set of to Tian An Men （天安门） at 6.30am. The weather is freaking cold. ):
We went to Tian An Men square this morning and we saw the ceremony that called “CHANGING OF THE GUARD”. This particular ceremony happens every morning in Tian An Men. As the sun rises, the ceremony BEGINS! The Chinese soldiers marched out of the building and raised their flag. It was really awesome when you see the crowd that went to join the event. I wonder how they feel during the ceremony. This is what I could not find in Malaysia. China people are very proud of their country, their government. This is what I learnt from LiuLi, Dean’s buddy. When she saw the picture of 毛泽东，毛主席 her face lighted up with joy instantly. She felt proud of her own country. As I look at her, I can feel the feeling of other China people when they showed up for the event. The event was much cooler than what I described here. According to the tour guide, the soldiers’ height are almost the same, their weight are almost the same and the soldiers that they chosen for the ceremony are more better looking, more handsome. I don’t know whether she is telling us the truth because today is APRIL FOOL! Haha. Liu Li told me the soldiers were not handsome at all ):
Apart from that, I have visited the Forbidden City. We walked only a small part of the place because of the limited time. Our tour guide told us that if we really want to walk finish everywhere, we need to take about 3-4 days. It was interesting as I have learned that ancient building where the emperor or scholars are staying. For example, there are small animals’ statues on the top of place to determine the rank of the place. The more animals mean the more important the place and the higher position he is holding. The Emperor himself has the most little animals (11).
What I have learnt today was something that I could not found from books. “读万本书，不如行万里路”, nothing is better than you go and visit the place with your own eyes. We travelled all the way to Beijing, we must know what we want to learn. The palace, the stadium, the culture and the people are something that totally different from Singapore. What I observed today, was the people keep following you to persuade you to buy things from them. This is different from Singapore, we will never find people selling things on the road, even is sell things to the tourists.
We had our 2nd dinner at restaurant. After dinner we went back to hotel and had our roll at the hotel lobby. We intended to go out but the weather doesn’t allow us to do so. ):
Another learning point is the importance of our group bonding. Left 2 weeks before we’re going back to Singapore, I felt that our group bonding is getting stronger. Through this few weeks, we get to know each other more; team dynamic could be affected if something happened on one of the member. Lecturer’s advices were the best thing that we could learn from. After few weeks in Tianjin, I not only learnt the modules, and culture, but I have also learnt how to stay with others. Everyone has different temper, different character, we could never assume that everyone is the same. We must try to avoid every conflict with one another, then, our trip would be AWESOME.
There was another call just now at 930pm, which is called “fun call” instead of “roll call”. Dean and Yiwen shared the jokes and Mr. Tan performed magic. Today will be the last night we spent together at Beijing. ): After all the laughs, we went back to our room and pack up everything. We’re going to the GREAT WALL OF CHINA (万里长城) tomorrow!
Sleep early guys (: Tomorrow will be extreme cold, wear more shirts uh! Hope as the morning comes, Alif, Dean and Tresca all those who not feeling would be fine. (:
Day 24 *First Day in Beijing*
It was the first day we are going to the Capital of China, Beijing! (: Everyone woke up at 5am to get ready for the 3 days 2 nights Beijing trip!
It was 7am in the morning; the sun light was strong but no effect for us. Today was a cold day too. We set off to Beijing at around 7.15am by our own private bus!! How cool was it. The journey took about 2 hours to reach Beijing. The first destination in Beijing was the SUMMER PALACE. I heart this place before but I don’t really know about the place until I saw it with my own eyes. Chinese idioms say so, 百闻不如一见. It was true. China trip proved me that this idiom was correct! (: SUMMER PALACE – a place where one of the China Emperors stayed. It was very interesting as we see the REAL artifacts and getting to know the history of the place from the tour guide. We have been told that the palace was beautifully landscaped by YU LAN HUA. Yu Lan Hua is a tree that only blooms at April.
I also learnt that they used the paint and different kind of plants to prevent the insects and bugs from entering the place. By knowing all the history, we knew that how clever was the people during that time. I didn’t follow the rest to visit the art gallery because Alif was sick. I didn’t blame him but at the same time, I want to thank him because he let me know how to take care of people. As a group leader, I know that I shouldn’t leave him alone with the tour guide; he and the tour guide will have difficulties in communication, so I followed them. Hope he could recover soon ):
When I was waiting for Alif outside the toilet, I saw different people from different country. The most unforgettable part was when I saw 2 families, one from China, and the other from America. The American guy was waiting for his wife outside the toilet together with their child while the China people were taking photos here and there. Suddenly the China woman approached to the American. I was thinking of what she going to do with him? Then I saw she used her hand (with she just used the hand to dig the nose) to touch the American baby’s face. The father was unhappy with it and I heard that he told the lady to stop but the lady could not understand and continue playing with the kid. After that she even asked her own child to climb down from the rock and play with the American kid. The American guy gave the China woman a very unhappy and even angry face but the China woman still continue doing that until the guy pushed his baby away. I felt that even if there is communication error also we must know how to see faces.
(Took picture together with Ngee Ann lecturer that we met at Beijing)
After the SUMMER PALACE, we went to visit the 天坛公园. I saw many old aged people exercising there in the park. This is what we could not find in Singapore and Malaysia. The old aged people in China played as a whole big group, exercised together with many people. One thing that very surprising was that the elderly danced with the Hip Hop music! Although some of them might not really dancing, but I can see the passion inside them. That reminds me the dancing time with my friends in Malaysia. We danced in the park too. (: Besides, some of the old aged people were playing feather ball (踢毽子). I was wondering is it all the old aged people in China know how to play that? They were like professional player ((: This is perhaps something that Singapore’s and Malaysia’s elderly could learn from. The interaction between one another could help them bonded up. The relationship between one another could become better and closer too (:
After that we went to check in hotel. WOW! The hot water is unlimited here!! (: Unlike Tianjin hotel, the hot water is limited ): After we settled down everything, we went to have our dinner!! ((: PEKING DUCK!!
The dinner was super nice!
Mr. Tan asked us what did we learnt today, the main learning point for today was to take good care of ourselves and how to take care of other people. Sleep early, drink more water is a MUST now for everyone of us after we witnessed a friend admitted to hospital due to food poisoning, more and more people fall sick.
Take care guys! So that we can enjoy ourselves to the max! (:
Get well soon, Alif ^^
It was 7am in the morning; the sun light was strong but no effect for us. Today was a cold day too. We set off to Beijing at around 7.15am by our own private bus!! How cool was it. The journey took about 2 hours to reach Beijing. The first destination in Beijing was the SUMMER PALACE. I heart this place before but I don’t really know about the place until I saw it with my own eyes. Chinese idioms say so, 百闻不如一见. It was true. China trip proved me that this idiom was correct! (: SUMMER PALACE – a place where one of the China Emperors stayed. It was very interesting as we see the REAL artifacts and getting to know the history of the place from the tour guide. We have been told that the palace was beautifully landscaped by YU LAN HUA. Yu Lan Hua is a tree that only blooms at April.
I also learnt that they used the paint and different kind of plants to prevent the insects and bugs from entering the place. By knowing all the history, we knew that how clever was the people during that time. I didn’t follow the rest to visit the art gallery because Alif was sick. I didn’t blame him but at the same time, I want to thank him because he let me know how to take care of people. As a group leader, I know that I shouldn’t leave him alone with the tour guide; he and the tour guide will have difficulties in communication, so I followed them. Hope he could recover soon ):
When I was waiting for Alif outside the toilet, I saw different people from different country. The most unforgettable part was when I saw 2 families, one from China, and the other from America. The American guy was waiting for his wife outside the toilet together with their child while the China people were taking photos here and there. Suddenly the China woman approached to the American. I was thinking of what she going to do with him? Then I saw she used her hand (with she just used the hand to dig the nose) to touch the American baby’s face. The father was unhappy with it and I heard that he told the lady to stop but the lady could not understand and continue playing with the kid. After that she even asked her own child to climb down from the rock and play with the American kid. The American guy gave the China woman a very unhappy and even angry face but the China woman still continue doing that until the guy pushed his baby away. I felt that even if there is communication error also we must know how to see faces.
(Took picture together with Ngee Ann lecturer that we met at Beijing)
After the SUMMER PALACE, we went to visit the 天坛公园. I saw many old aged people exercising there in the park. This is what we could not find in Singapore and Malaysia. The old aged people in China played as a whole big group, exercised together with many people. One thing that very surprising was that the elderly danced with the Hip Hop music! Although some of them might not really dancing, but I can see the passion inside them. That reminds me the dancing time with my friends in Malaysia. We danced in the park too. (: Besides, some of the old aged people were playing feather ball (踢毽子). I was wondering is it all the old aged people in China know how to play that? They were like professional player ((: This is perhaps something that Singapore’s and Malaysia’s elderly could learn from. The interaction between one another could help them bonded up. The relationship between one another could become better and closer too (:
After that we went to check in hotel. WOW! The hot water is unlimited here!! (: Unlike Tianjin hotel, the hot water is limited ): After we settled down everything, we went to have our dinner!! ((: PEKING DUCK!!
The dinner was super nice!
Mr. Tan asked us what did we learnt today, the main learning point for today was to take good care of ourselves and how to take care of other people. Sleep early, drink more water is a MUST now for everyone of us after we witnessed a friend admitted to hospital due to food poisoning, more and more people fall sick.
Take care guys! So that we can enjoy ourselves to the max! (:
Get well soon, Alif ^^
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Day 23 *APPG Final Exam & Birthday Celebration*
Today was the last day of APPG! I woke up at 8am because we intended to have breakfast together at 9am. Actually I don’t feel like leaving my bed in this morning until I felt the pain on my stomach. My stomach cramped like hell ): I got a feeling that gastric pain is coming. I didn’t take note on it as I always have a gastric so I went to Macdonald for breakfast together with Aijing, Kristabel, Gary, Dean, Teckkwang, Jiawei, Eugene, Chiachun and Zhiting, We found that the breakfasts of fast food in China usually end at 10am. No wonder normally we went to Macdonald at 9 plus, we cannot order what we want anymore. I think this is the difference between China fast food and Singapore fast food. Because based on the observation, the fast food in Singapore normally ends at 11am during weekdays or 12pm during weekends. We went to class after breakfast although our final exam started at 3pm. We studied APPG and everyone is still in the relax mode. As the time getting closer, more and more people started to feel the stress. As the time passed, left 1 hour before exam!! ): I felt that the more I studied, the more confused I am. Actually I felt that learning APPG, or maybe other modules in oversea is more fun and interesting than just study in a classroom everyday in Singapore. This is because we didn’t waste a single day here.
3pm, exam started. 4.30pm, I said bye-bye to APPG! At the same time, I said bye-bye to my A ):. I don’t think I did well for the exam but I still hope that my result will not be that bad as I want to maintain my GPA): We went to have a look of their 文艺晚会. It’s awesome! I don’t mind staying there and enjoy the show. But the time doesn’t allow us to do that.
At around 9.30pm, all of us went down to BUDDY’s CAFÉ to celebrate Mr. Tan’s birthday!! (: 19 of us bought a 3 layers cake for Mr. Tan. That was the biggest birthday cake I ever seen. We sang a happy birthday song for Mr. Tan and we took many photos. They were playing with the cake during the party. It was fun to play, but I think we must know the limits. There were quite a number of customers inside the café and what we did just now may affect them. I think we should be more considerate towards others, some more we were at a foreign country.
I think that we shall be more conscious that we were at a foreign country, must be more considerate towards others. We can play anytime anywhere as long as it is not affecting others. And of course, we must know the LIMIT! (:
It’s 12 midnight! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MR. TAN!! (: hope you like the cake and the advanced celebration just now. Have a blast! I personally would like to thank Mr. Chua and Mr. Tan for giving me this opportunity to join the OIP 2011. I knew that when M. Tan came to BME and tell us about the trip, the deadline was over. Thank you for letting us joined the trip together with others from ECE. This is an awesome trip for me!
We’re going to BEIJING tomorrow. (:
3pm, exam started. 4.30pm, I said bye-bye to APPG! At the same time, I said bye-bye to my A ):. I don’t think I did well for the exam but I still hope that my result will not be that bad as I want to maintain my GPA): We went to have a look of their 文艺晚会. It’s awesome! I don’t mind staying there and enjoy the show. But the time doesn’t allow us to do that.
At around 9.30pm, all of us went down to BUDDY’s CAFÉ to celebrate Mr. Tan’s birthday!! (: 19 of us bought a 3 layers cake for Mr. Tan. That was the biggest birthday cake I ever seen. We sang a happy birthday song for Mr. Tan and we took many photos. They were playing with the cake during the party. It was fun to play, but I think we must know the limits. There were quite a number of customers inside the café and what we did just now may affect them. I think we should be more considerate towards others, some more we were at a foreign country.
I think that we shall be more conscious that we were at a foreign country, must be more considerate towards others. We can play anytime anywhere as long as it is not affecting others. And of course, we must know the LIMIT! (:
It’s 12 midnight! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MR. TAN!! (: hope you like the cake and the advanced celebration just now. Have a blast! I personally would like to thank Mr. Chua and Mr. Tan for giving me this opportunity to join the OIP 2011. I knew that when M. Tan came to BME and tell us about the trip, the deadline was over. Thank you for letting us joined the trip together with others from ECE. This is an awesome trip for me!
We’re going to BEIJING tomorrow. (:
Day 22 *Last Day of APPG Preparation*
Today was the last day we study APPG before the final exam. Time flies, now is already the last day we could study for APPG before final exam. 3 weeks before, we came to Tianjin, know nothing about APPG, just keep thinking of coming Tianjin to have fun, to enjoy and to learn the culture here. Now, we’re going to sit for the APPG final exam tomorrow!! HOW FAST! ): We did all the pop quiz, common test in 3 weeks while others are enjoying their holidays.
Today, Mr. Chua told us that “Mark is not everything”. I kept thinking about the sentence, yes, I care too much about my marks. Did I really learn something? Or I just care about how many marks I get? We always care about the marks we get, most of the time we have neglected the main thing. I think Mr. Chua was right, we should concentrate on the things we learn instead of the outcome that we get. Mark is only a part in our life, if you get 100 marks in a module, but actually you know nothing about the module, then the 100 marks is wasted. If one study very good, but the personalities ain’t as good as the module mark, then what is the point by getting such a high mark?
This is what I learnt today, I think I should change my thinking, change my attitude in learning. I keep thinking of the same thing when I was back to hotel. My dad did tell me the same thing before, but how come I don’t even take note on it until today mentioned by Mr. Chua? ): The feeling of homesick started today; this is the 5th week since the last time I left home. I hope by the time I go back to Malaysia, my family can feel that I became more independent.
I did learnt a lot of things today, learnt all the moral values from both lecturers and also others from the group.
Today, Mr. Chua told us that “Mark is not everything”. I kept thinking about the sentence, yes, I care too much about my marks. Did I really learn something? Or I just care about how many marks I get? We always care about the marks we get, most of the time we have neglected the main thing. I think Mr. Chua was right, we should concentrate on the things we learn instead of the outcome that we get. Mark is only a part in our life, if you get 100 marks in a module, but actually you know nothing about the module, then the 100 marks is wasted. If one study very good, but the personalities ain’t as good as the module mark, then what is the point by getting such a high mark?
This is what I learnt today, I think I should change my thinking, change my attitude in learning. I keep thinking of the same thing when I was back to hotel. My dad did tell me the same thing before, but how come I don’t even take note on it until today mentioned by Mr. Chua? ): The feeling of homesick started today; this is the 5th week since the last time I left home. I hope by the time I go back to Malaysia, my family can feel that I became more independent.
I did learnt a lot of things today, learnt all the moral values from both lecturers and also others from the group.
Day 21 *Revision on APPG*
Good morning to everyone!!
Today was the 3rd Monday in Tianjin!
We spent the whole day for APPG because APPG final exam is just around the corner!! ): I had one bubble tea as my breakfast. As when I was waiting for the others to buy drink and breakfast, I saw 3 international students came in. I think they are European. They can speak perfect mandarin to the staffs. They use mandarin to place their order, chit-chat with the staffs and even joking with the staffs. I was impressed by them. Their mandarin was totally same as china students. When they want to leave the shop, they wave to every workers inside the shop and say “zai jian” to them, it was something the local students wouldn’t have done. During this trip, I felt that most of the local students will not say “thank you” to the one that helped them. For example, we have a habit of saying thank you to taxi driver, bus driver, hotel staffs or even the cleaner. But I felt that most of the local people took things for granted. They don’t feel that they should be appreciated with what others had done for them. There is a culture of adaptation within the international students. Besides, they treated everyone equally, no matter who are they, they won’t look down on others. The warm words and small actions had brought smiles on other’s face. *SO SWEET*
Words are very powerful. It can bring smile, bring happiness to others but at the same time, words can kill ones. Maybe the words are meaningless to most of the people, but I think if you know how to make good use of words, you may change the WORLD! (:
Today was the 3rd Monday in Tianjin!
We spent the whole day for APPG because APPG final exam is just around the corner!! ): I had one bubble tea as my breakfast. As when I was waiting for the others to buy drink and breakfast, I saw 3 international students came in. I think they are European. They can speak perfect mandarin to the staffs. They use mandarin to place their order, chit-chat with the staffs and even joking with the staffs. I was impressed by them. Their mandarin was totally same as china students. When they want to leave the shop, they wave to every workers inside the shop and say “zai jian” to them, it was something the local students wouldn’t have done. During this trip, I felt that most of the local students will not say “thank you” to the one that helped them. For example, we have a habit of saying thank you to taxi driver, bus driver, hotel staffs or even the cleaner. But I felt that most of the local people took things for granted. They don’t feel that they should be appreciated with what others had done for them. There is a culture of adaptation within the international students. Besides, they treated everyone equally, no matter who are they, they won’t look down on others. The warm words and small actions had brought smiles on other’s face. *SO SWEET*
Words are very powerful. It can bring smile, bring happiness to others but at the same time, words can kill ones. Maybe the words are meaningless to most of the people, but I think if you know how to make good use of words, you may change the WORLD! (:
Day 19 *Free and Easy time Before FINAL*
I woke up at 9am because we need to go down to hotel lobby to study and do revision of APPG.
But when we reached the lobby, Yiwen is the only one that sitting there. Others were still in bed, then only I realized that we were all lack of sleep. Haha. Today was a whole day free and easy time but most of us stayed at the hotel. Liu Li came to hotel to meet us and we supposed to eat lunch with her in school. But, I just had my breakfast, so I didn’t follow the rest to school for lunch. Me, Teckkwang, ChiaChun and Jiawei went to the restaurant in hotel at around 1pm. I realized that we’re getting familiar with the language, the words that the Tianjin people used. After lunch, we went back to room and continue the revision. I looked down from the window, I saw one kid was peeing just beside the road, next to a car and the mother was just beside him.
We will never meet this situation in Singapore. I think the China people should take note of the cleanliness in their surroundings. Also, the toilet’s cleanliness. As the day pass, we started to get use to the smell of the toilets here, especially the school toilets. I can still remember the tour guide told us that China is a very beautiful and good country, but the cleanliness of the country is totally sucks. From the information he said, we knew that they are actually aware of the weakness of their country, but they didn’t put in effort to change the situation. China, a country that with huge population is hard to maintain everything in perfect state, but I think as long as everyone did contribute a little bit, soon and later the condition could be changed. However, if each and everyone just point their finger towards each other, the condition will still remain the same.
At night, 5 of us went to the roadside to settle our dinner. *As usual*
The uncle can remembered our faces already, 19 of us from Singapore, always say hi to him whenever we saw him. After dinner, we went to the saloon beside vanguard, because Felicia, Eugene, Weiling and Rachel were still doing their hair there. The first impression that the saloon gave to me is “WOW!”. The decoration is just nice. I love the decoration inside, simple. I can only remember one question that the barber asked me, he said “is it all the Singaporean like to trim their hair?” I laughed when I heard the question. What kind of question is that? Is it China people don’t like to trim their hair? I shall ask him next time when I go there again.
The outcomes of their hair are NICE!
After everyone was done, we went back to the road side stall because most of them haven take their dinner. Aijing and I have the same thought that we don’t want to go back to Singapore. The life here is just awesome! The weather is nice, the people are friendly. The main thing is, we spent almost 20 hours everyday together with one another. That was the thing that could not be done when we’re back to Singapore. ):
The roll call is cancelled.
I shall stop here and continue with the work. ):
Tomorrow is a SUNDAY!! :D
But when we reached the lobby, Yiwen is the only one that sitting there. Others were still in bed, then only I realized that we were all lack of sleep. Haha. Today was a whole day free and easy time but most of us stayed at the hotel. Liu Li came to hotel to meet us and we supposed to eat lunch with her in school. But, I just had my breakfast, so I didn’t follow the rest to school for lunch. Me, Teckkwang, ChiaChun and Jiawei went to the restaurant in hotel at around 1pm. I realized that we’re getting familiar with the language, the words that the Tianjin people used. After lunch, we went back to room and continue the revision. I looked down from the window, I saw one kid was peeing just beside the road, next to a car and the mother was just beside him.
We will never meet this situation in Singapore. I think the China people should take note of the cleanliness in their surroundings. Also, the toilet’s cleanliness. As the day pass, we started to get use to the smell of the toilets here, especially the school toilets. I can still remember the tour guide told us that China is a very beautiful and good country, but the cleanliness of the country is totally sucks. From the information he said, we knew that they are actually aware of the weakness of their country, but they didn’t put in effort to change the situation. China, a country that with huge population is hard to maintain everything in perfect state, but I think as long as everyone did contribute a little bit, soon and later the condition could be changed. However, if each and everyone just point their finger towards each other, the condition will still remain the same.
At night, 5 of us went to the roadside to settle our dinner. *As usual*
The uncle can remembered our faces already, 19 of us from Singapore, always say hi to him whenever we saw him. After dinner, we went to the saloon beside vanguard, because Felicia, Eugene, Weiling and Rachel were still doing their hair there. The first impression that the saloon gave to me is “WOW!”. The decoration is just nice. I love the decoration inside, simple. I can only remember one question that the barber asked me, he said “is it all the Singaporean like to trim their hair?” I laughed when I heard the question. What kind of question is that? Is it China people don’t like to trim their hair? I shall ask him next time when I go there again.
The outcomes of their hair are NICE!
After everyone was done, we went back to the road side stall because most of them haven take their dinner. Aijing and I have the same thought that we don’t want to go back to Singapore. The life here is just awesome! The weather is nice, the people are friendly. The main thing is, we spent almost 20 hours everyday together with one another. That was the thing that could not be done when we’re back to Singapore. ):
The roll call is cancelled.
I shall stop here and continue with the work. ):
Tomorrow is a SUNDAY!! :D
Day 18 *Last Semester Results & Wine Factory*
*RESULTS!!*
Today I got my last semester result. I was shocked when I saw my result. GPA 3.95! I was so happy as my first semester GPA was only 3.57.
*No matter what result you get, just keep the hard work or even work harder next time.*
This is what I told myself.
After we checked the result from NPAL, we get ready to go to school!!
This is the day we had our APPG lab test ): I’m not sure what result will I get, because I always screwed up my practical test. I hope that this is a special one. We started our lab test at 10.20am, the test ended at 11.30am. Mr. Chua asked us to go out after the test because he wanted to check our laptop and our answer. This is the first time I had my test without study together with my study group. I felt weird and not used to it. But, study together with 18 more friends gave me different feeling too. (: The weather outside was cold, really cold. We went to buy breakfast, or brunch? After that we went back to classroom to pack our things. We left the classroom at around 12.20pm, we need to buy our lunch but we have to be at hotel lobby at 12.45pm. So, we just bought some food and eat while on the way back to hotel. My stomach pain was killing me, I thought I will be late just now. Luckily all of us were on time. We then set off to WINE FACTORY!! (:
The journey took about 40 minutes. I intended to do some revision on the bus but end up sleeping throughout the way to wine factory. Before the trip to the wine factory, wine is just a type of alcohol or a normal drink to me. We tasted high quality Red Wine and XO from the well – known Wine factory (Dynasty). Besides, we have learnt the way to identify the quality of wine and the process of making wine. Before the trip to wine factory, wine is just a kind of liquid with alcohol for me. But at the end of the journey, I have learnt the benefits of drinking wine and the uses of alcohol. Besides, we also learnt about the steps and the procedures that we need to take note when drinking.
Apart from that, we have been told that the wine factory can manufacture 12000 to 15000 bottles in one hour. We have been told that there are also statues of the god of wine. The producing of wine and the manufacturing of wine is not as easy as we thought. I found that encouraging quotes is everywhere in the wine factory in China. I asked one of the workers inside, he told me that when they look at the encouraging quotes, will increase their working spirits. I don’t know whether there are also many encouraging quotes in Singapore’s factory but I think that the working attitude and the way they encouraging the workers are the things that we should learn from. Most of the peoples think that China is a very backward country; everything in china is low class. But, this trip proved me they are wrong. I can feel the high technology in the wine factory as most of the machines were imported from Italy! HOW COOL eh! (:
After the wine factory, we decided to go back to hotel before our 2nd time to Dong Fang Zhi Zhu. *k-time* this time, Mr. Tan followed us there. He sang tian mi mi, mei jiu jia ka fei…etc. 20 of us had a fun time together just now. We went to vanguard again after sing-k.
Called home just now, mummy told me about grandpa’s health. *SIGH*. Hope he will recover soon. I hope I can go home before school reopen.
I felt that the effort you put in might not be proportional to the outcome you got, but it doesn’t matter as long as you have tried your very best. Let’s work harder together!
Jiayou! (:
Today I got my last semester result. I was shocked when I saw my result. GPA 3.95! I was so happy as my first semester GPA was only 3.57.
*No matter what result you get, just keep the hard work or even work harder next time.*
This is what I told myself.
After we checked the result from NPAL, we get ready to go to school!!
This is the day we had our APPG lab test ): I’m not sure what result will I get, because I always screwed up my practical test. I hope that this is a special one. We started our lab test at 10.20am, the test ended at 11.30am. Mr. Chua asked us to go out after the test because he wanted to check our laptop and our answer. This is the first time I had my test without study together with my study group. I felt weird and not used to it. But, study together with 18 more friends gave me different feeling too. (: The weather outside was cold, really cold. We went to buy breakfast, or brunch? After that we went back to classroom to pack our things. We left the classroom at around 12.20pm, we need to buy our lunch but we have to be at hotel lobby at 12.45pm. So, we just bought some food and eat while on the way back to hotel. My stomach pain was killing me, I thought I will be late just now. Luckily all of us were on time. We then set off to WINE FACTORY!! (:
The journey took about 40 minutes. I intended to do some revision on the bus but end up sleeping throughout the way to wine factory. Before the trip to the wine factory, wine is just a type of alcohol or a normal drink to me. We tasted high quality Red Wine and XO from the well – known Wine factory (Dynasty). Besides, we have learnt the way to identify the quality of wine and the process of making wine. Before the trip to wine factory, wine is just a kind of liquid with alcohol for me. But at the end of the journey, I have learnt the benefits of drinking wine and the uses of alcohol. Besides, we also learnt about the steps and the procedures that we need to take note when drinking.
Apart from that, we have been told that the wine factory can manufacture 12000 to 15000 bottles in one hour. We have been told that there are also statues of the god of wine. The producing of wine and the manufacturing of wine is not as easy as we thought. I found that encouraging quotes is everywhere in the wine factory in China. I asked one of the workers inside, he told me that when they look at the encouraging quotes, will increase their working spirits. I don’t know whether there are also many encouraging quotes in Singapore’s factory but I think that the working attitude and the way they encouraging the workers are the things that we should learn from. Most of the peoples think that China is a very backward country; everything in china is low class. But, this trip proved me they are wrong. I can feel the high technology in the wine factory as most of the machines were imported from Italy! HOW COOL eh! (:
After the wine factory, we decided to go back to hotel before our 2nd time to Dong Fang Zhi Zhu. *k-time* this time, Mr. Tan followed us there. He sang tian mi mi, mei jiu jia ka fei…etc. 20 of us had a fun time together just now. We went to vanguard again after sing-k.
Called home just now, mummy told me about grandpa’s health. *SIGH*. Hope he will recover soon. I hope I can go home before school reopen.
I felt that the effort you put in might not be proportional to the outcome you got, but it doesn’t matter as long as you have tried your very best. Let’s work harder together!
Jiayou! (:
Day 17 *Interaction with Local Students*
Yuhoo! Today was another new day in Tianjin! We reached the classroom at 8.25am, but both Mr. Tan and Mr. Chua were not there, so we went to buy our breakfast. In the end, we were the latest group to go for class. >.<
We had finish APPG TOPIC 7 , and Mr. Chua discussed the APPG theory test 1 answers. I can’t describe my feeling just now, but I am just worried about the outcome. After the discussion, Mr. Chua asked us to get ready for the lab trial test. The trial test took around 1 hour and 10 minutes. Thank god! I think I know how to do. (: After trial test, LUNCH TIME! Because of the weather, I didn’t go out to have my lunch, it was so cold! ):
When 1pm reached, everyone started to arrange the tables and chairs because the next moment we will be interacting with the local students. Aijing and I went for “rehearsal” for our dance performance at upstairs of our class room. That was the very first time I dance outside the classroom in this freaking COLD weather. We decided to dance “KISS & TELL” instead of “SOMEBODY TO LOVE”. 1.30pm reached, everyone is inside the classroom including the local students and some of the buddies. Mr. Tan asked us to introduce ourselves to the local students. Our introduction was a bit boring because all of us just told them our name and nothing much. Next, local students introduce themselves to us. Their introduction was interesting. Almost everyone of them introduce their hometown, for example Shan dong, Guang xi and Fu jian. They even told us about the specialties of their hometown. They were very proud of their own city and country. I think this is the thing that I should learn from them. Besides, I think we should take the initiative to talk more to them, introduce our own country to them. I remember one of them mentioned this Chinese idiom, “天涯若比邻，海内存知己” which means good friends are everywhere. Regardless which country are you from, everyone could be your friends.
After introduction and laughs, Mr. Tan started the show with 2 magic. The whole class laughed because of his fantastic magic and his humor. It was very entertaining and attracting. I bet that all the local students were impressed by Mr. Tan’s magic. After the magic show, here come our presenters to tell the local students about Singapore. The presenters were Felicia, YiWen, Kistabel, Dean, Thir and Jiawei. They talked about Singapore’s background, Singapore food, races in Singapore and etc. Although their presentation was based on the Singapore, but that gave me a feeling of home. They did an awesome job. The local students looked very interested towards Singapore, and I think they had better understanding toward Singapore now. After the presentation, dance time. Aijing and I danced a little bit of KISS & TELL that we practiced yesterday. It was not perfect, but hoped that the local students were entertained by us. (: The last part of the show, Mr. Tan showed us more magic. Mr. Tan really talented in performing magic, that reminds me the time when we having ENPS, Mr. Tan always show us magic after class. Everyone of us was impressed by Mr. Tan’s magic, especially “The Prophecy”. Mr. Tan ended the day with his prophecy. After that we used the free time to interact with the local students. We chatted about our country, we took pictures, and we exchanged our phone numbers.
(Yiwen is presenting)
(interaction TIME!)
(Me and Alif together with 2 local students)
(My new friends!!)
After that we went back to hotel and start our APPG revision. I think we should take the initiative to talk more to the locals. Tianjin people are very friendly.
We had finish APPG TOPIC 7 , and Mr. Chua discussed the APPG theory test 1 answers. I can’t describe my feeling just now, but I am just worried about the outcome. After the discussion, Mr. Chua asked us to get ready for the lab trial test. The trial test took around 1 hour and 10 minutes. Thank god! I think I know how to do. (: After trial test, LUNCH TIME! Because of the weather, I didn’t go out to have my lunch, it was so cold! ):
When 1pm reached, everyone started to arrange the tables and chairs because the next moment we will be interacting with the local students. Aijing and I went for “rehearsal” for our dance performance at upstairs of our class room. That was the very first time I dance outside the classroom in this freaking COLD weather. We decided to dance “KISS & TELL” instead of “SOMEBODY TO LOVE”. 1.30pm reached, everyone is inside the classroom including the local students and some of the buddies. Mr. Tan asked us to introduce ourselves to the local students. Our introduction was a bit boring because all of us just told them our name and nothing much. Next, local students introduce themselves to us. Their introduction was interesting. Almost everyone of them introduce their hometown, for example Shan dong, Guang xi and Fu jian. They even told us about the specialties of their hometown. They were very proud of their own city and country. I think this is the thing that I should learn from them. Besides, I think we should take the initiative to talk more to them, introduce our own country to them. I remember one of them mentioned this Chinese idiom, “天涯若比邻，海内存知己” which means good friends are everywhere. Regardless which country are you from, everyone could be your friends.
After introduction and laughs, Mr. Tan started the show with 2 magic. The whole class laughed because of his fantastic magic and his humor. It was very entertaining and attracting. I bet that all the local students were impressed by Mr. Tan’s magic. After the magic show, here come our presenters to tell the local students about Singapore. The presenters were Felicia, YiWen, Kistabel, Dean, Thir and Jiawei. They talked about Singapore’s background, Singapore food, races in Singapore and etc. Although their presentation was based on the Singapore, but that gave me a feeling of home. They did an awesome job. The local students looked very interested towards Singapore, and I think they had better understanding toward Singapore now. After the presentation, dance time. Aijing and I danced a little bit of KISS & TELL that we practiced yesterday. It was not perfect, but hoped that the local students were entertained by us. (: The last part of the show, Mr. Tan showed us more magic. Mr. Tan really talented in performing magic, that reminds me the time when we having ENPS, Mr. Tan always show us magic after class. Everyone of us was impressed by Mr. Tan’s magic, especially “The Prophecy”. Mr. Tan ended the day with his prophecy. After that we used the free time to interact with the local students. We chatted about our country, we took pictures, and we exchanged our phone numbers.
(Yiwen is presenting)
(interaction TIME!)
(Me and Alif together with 2 local students)
(My new friends!!)
After that we went back to hotel and start our APPG revision. I think we should take the initiative to talk more to the locals. Tianjin people are very friendly.
Day 16 *Business in China*
As usual, we had our APPG lesson early in the morning. Mr. Chua went through the lab one more time as we are going to sit for the lab test on Friday. After APPG lesson, Mr. Tian Hui came to our class again. He talked about the China’s economy again. Maybe is because of the tour to ECO city yesterday, I felt that I can understand better about the things on TEDA compared to last time. Apart from that, Mr. Tian shared some of his own experience working with people from various countries. I felt that I was more interested in his own experience compared to the facts that he told us. He worked with people from Singapore, America, German, Korea and also Japan.
Mr. Tian told us that it was easier to work with Singaporean in terms of communication. This is because Singapore business men have much better understanding of Chinese culture compared with other countries. After Singapore, he continue his experience that work with Japanese and Koreans. I get some information from CCTV that Japanese and Koreans are very serious towards their business. I doubt on how serious they are. But after being told by Mr. Tian, I know started to respect their working attitude. They will be very serious during the working time but when comes to drink, it is more in the relax form. For them, it is a respect to “drink until you drunk”. As the Chinese always say,不醉不归. I think that the Chinese also will think that is a RESPECT to finish the drink that others poured for you. However, they normally do not pour for themselves but for others. As for the Americans, they are more relaxed as long as you are serious when it comes to business discussion.
This is what we could not find from books. I would like to thank him for sharing his own experiences with us. Besides, we know that it is not easy to start a business in China, a place where you get find many competitors. There is a different of retirement age between Singapore and China. In china, the male retire at the age of 60 while the female retire at the age of 55. However in Singapore, both male and female are the same, around 62 to 65 years old.
Even though the talk only last for an hour, but I learnt quite a number of things from him. My relative is having a business in China; maybe the information could help him too! (:
Mr. Tian told us that it was easier to work with Singaporean in terms of communication. This is because Singapore business men have much better understanding of Chinese culture compared with other countries. After Singapore, he continue his experience that work with Japanese and Koreans. I get some information from CCTV that Japanese and Koreans are very serious towards their business. I doubt on how serious they are. But after being told by Mr. Tian, I know started to respect their working attitude. They will be very serious during the working time but when comes to drink, it is more in the relax form. For them, it is a respect to “drink until you drunk”. As the Chinese always say,不醉不归. I think that the Chinese also will think that is a RESPECT to finish the drink that others poured for you. However, they normally do not pour for themselves but for others. As for the Americans, they are more relaxed as long as you are serious when it comes to business discussion.
This is what we could not find from books. I would like to thank him for sharing his own experiences with us. Besides, we know that it is not easy to start a business in China, a place where you get find many competitors. There is a different of retirement age between Singapore and China. In china, the male retire at the age of 60 while the female retire at the age of 55. However in Singapore, both male and female are the same, around 62 to 65 years old.
Even though the talk only last for an hour, but I learnt quite a number of things from him. My relative is having a business in China; maybe the information could help him too! (:
Day 15 *APPG Theory Test 1 & ECO City Tour*
Today was the day we had our first APPG theory Test! Stress stress stress! It's not that I didn't study for the test but I felt more pressurized during the exams. Even though I did a lot of preparation for the test, but the atmosphere of exam kills me silently. What I do is to get use of the pressure and overcome it. Maybe is because of the environment that doesn’t look like an examination hall, most of us forget the terms and regulations of exams. I think that we should remember about this all the way until we quit. Exams mean exams; nothing could change the terms and regulations. It was quite rude for us to talk to each other with the exam papers.
Anyway, the test is over! Worrying about it doesn’t make a difference to the marks but it will change your mood. We went back to hotel before our ECO city tour. We must be contented that we have a tour guide all along with us. He introduced the different places of Tianjin to us along the way. But, most of us fell asleep on the bus as we were studying until very late yesterday night. I know what we did was quite rude to the tour guide, but he did not just stop talking. He is very passionate about his job. I felt that he can’t stop telling us about his HOME. Everything he said makes me feel that he is very proud of his own country. The tour guide also made some jokes about Japan. Although they might think that the joke was funny, but we were not. Due to some history between China and Japan, some Chinese still cannot forgive those Japanese who ruined their HOME. We cannot blame the Chinese though, if we put ourselves in their shoe and think for them, they are the victims too. Even though some of the Chinese felt happy for the incident that happened to Japan not long time ago, China still sends some rescue team over to help them. From here, we can see that the people now are more open minded. Regardless where you come from, if you were in trouble and need help, there are always people out there to help you.
I saw Singapore’s flag was there. I felt proud of Singapore and I had a sense of home even though there might not the place that I belong to.
We went back to hotel after we took a group photo. Thank you so much to the tour guide that speaks all the way from hotel to ECO city. The tour had cleared all my doubts on it. We appreciate the effort.
Anyway, the test is over! Worrying about it doesn’t make a difference to the marks but it will change your mood. We went back to hotel before our ECO city tour. We must be contented that we have a tour guide all along with us. He introduced the different places of Tianjin to us along the way. But, most of us fell asleep on the bus as we were studying until very late yesterday night. I know what we did was quite rude to the tour guide, but he did not just stop talking. He is very passionate about his job. I felt that he can’t stop telling us about his HOME. Everything he said makes me feel that he is very proud of his own country. The tour guide also made some jokes about Japan. Although they might think that the joke was funny, but we were not. Due to some history between China and Japan, some Chinese still cannot forgive those Japanese who ruined their HOME. We cannot blame the Chinese though, if we put ourselves in their shoe and think for them, they are the victims too. Even though some of the Chinese felt happy for the incident that happened to Japan not long time ago, China still sends some rescue team over to help them. From here, we can see that the people now are more open minded. Regardless where you come from, if you were in trouble and need help, there are always people out there to help you.
I saw Singapore’s flag was there. I felt proud of Singapore and I had a sense of home even though there might not the place that I belong to.
We went back to hotel after we took a group photo. Thank you so much to the tour guide that speaks all the way from hotel to ECO city. The tour had cleared all my doubts on it. We appreciate the effort.
Day 14 *APPG & Chinese Philosophy*
Monday blues oh Monday blues...
I really hate Monday ): Before Tianjin, when Monday comes, that means I have to go back to Singapore already. And now at Tianjin, Monday is the day that hardest to get up from the bed.
Today, as usual in the morning was APPG lesson. Mr. Chua went through the past year papers for us one by one so that we would be prepared for tomorrow's test. As I mentioned before, Mr. Chua is a very caring lecturer. What he did is already more than a lecturer. He take care of his students more than himself, this is what I realized during DEL lesson on last semester. Even though I don’t really like DEL and programming module, but because of Mr. Chua, I tried my best to understand. The level of understanding for this module is still not as strong, I shall just say is still weak. Maybe this is due to the mindset that APPG is difficult for me. So I think I should just try my best in it.
We had a Chinese philosophy class in the afternoon. I want to share something that I learnt today during Chinese philosophy class. The first one is set your own goals; don’t feel sad or disappointed because you are unable to be at other people’s standard. This is because everyone has their own abilities. This sentence touched me the most as I admit that I always like to compare with others. I thought that comparing can make someone become better but I think that I was wrong after the philosophy class. Besides, don’t look down or admire other people’s life because everyone has their own way of living. Different people would have different thinking, each and everyone should know what the best is for them. As long as it is natural, that is the best. We find the way the locals speak weird, but to them, they feel that the way we speak is weird because it is not natural to them.
Besides, I also learnt that the Chinese character has quite a great impact as people should help one another regardless of the condition, but of course for good deeds and not bad deeds. Apart from that, we learnt the courtesy. For example, when we meeting each other, we must greet no matter who is the one. When walking with elderly, it is a form of courtesy to walk slightly behind them but when you want to enter a place, it is a courtesy to walk in front and help them to open the door. Also, when we are sitting, we have to maintain a good posture and position. When we are eating with chopsticks, don’t use it to point at people and it is rude to use the tip of the chopstick to poke the food.
I learnt something after every lesson here. Hope you guys too! (:
I really hate Monday ): Before Tianjin, when Monday comes, that means I have to go back to Singapore already. And now at Tianjin, Monday is the day that hardest to get up from the bed.
Today, as usual in the morning was APPG lesson. Mr. Chua went through the past year papers for us one by one so that we would be prepared for tomorrow's test. As I mentioned before, Mr. Chua is a very caring lecturer. What he did is already more than a lecturer. He take care of his students more than himself, this is what I realized during DEL lesson on last semester. Even though I don’t really like DEL and programming module, but because of Mr. Chua, I tried my best to understand. The level of understanding for this module is still not as strong, I shall just say is still weak. Maybe this is due to the mindset that APPG is difficult for me. So I think I should just try my best in it.
We had a Chinese philosophy class in the afternoon. I want to share something that I learnt today during Chinese philosophy class. The first one is set your own goals; don’t feel sad or disappointed because you are unable to be at other people’s standard. This is because everyone has their own abilities. This sentence touched me the most as I admit that I always like to compare with others. I thought that comparing can make someone become better but I think that I was wrong after the philosophy class. Besides, don’t look down or admire other people’s life because everyone has their own way of living. Different people would have different thinking, each and everyone should know what the best is for them. As long as it is natural, that is the best. We find the way the locals speak weird, but to them, they feel that the way we speak is weird because it is not natural to them.
Besides, I also learnt that the Chinese character has quite a great impact as people should help one another regardless of the condition, but of course for good deeds and not bad deeds. Apart from that, we learnt the courtesy. For example, when we meeting each other, we must greet no matter who is the one. When walking with elderly, it is a form of courtesy to walk slightly behind them but when you want to enter a place, it is a courtesy to walk in front and help them to open the door. Also, when we are sitting, we have to maintain a good posture and position. When we are eating with chopsticks, don’t use it to point at people and it is rude to use the tip of the chopstick to poke the food.
I learnt something after every lesson here. Hope you guys too! (:
Day 12 *Yang Huo Shi Chang Tour*
Today was another day where we had an eye-opening experience. Lu Yang and Rao Jie came to meet us at hotel lobby just to tell me that they could not join us today. It was like a great disappointment to me, because I felt that both of them are the one that I can chat with. Even though they’re not my own buddy, but both of them are like our own sisters. After we said good bye to them we went to explore the 洋货市场 (Foreign Goods Market). When we were on the way to the subway station, we met a guy that stays at the stop we would be alighting, so he offered to bring us there. I was so surprised to know that the guy was actually a stranger. At first I thought that our China buddy know him. Personally I felt that the guy was really NICE! Before he goes, he told us that not to buy the things from the street because we might get cheated. This shows how a local think. After lunch at KFC, we went to the marker. The Foreign Goods Market is like Malaysia’s flee market. HOWEVER, you wouldn't believe what kind of stuff they sell there. All I can say is that gave me a real Malaysia feel.
(Photos of us at Yang Huo Shi Chang)
They sell loads of items that are Dangerous and illegal for example teasers, Green Lasers and Axes! The whole group of us was shocked to see almost every stall selling those items. If I want to compare this to Malaysia’s flee market, there was no much different because some of the things selling there were almost the same as in Malaysia. The thought of wondering what the items for sale used for are, constantly send chills down my spine for the whole duration being there. That was the same feeling I had when I went to visit the flea market at Malaysia. Now, I learnt to really appreciate how well maintained is Singapore's security even though at times it could be very troublesome. One's life is precious no matter who you are. I think that Singapore’s government really did a wonderful job!
I could not feel the secure at that place, so we headed back faster before KTV session. Some of them wanted to go to bing jiang dao to exchange their clothes so 7 of us went to bing jiang dao while the others back to hotel. On the bus, one of the friends found that he lost his wallet. The problem is he didn’t know that where he lost the wallet. We reached bing jiang dao and we went to the KFC to ask for the KFC number at 洋货市场. That was during the eating time so the KFC was flood with people. I went to ask for the number, but the manager asked me to go back later because they were busying. I felt that we could not waste our time in waiting for the manager to give me the number, so we decided to go and do our stuffs first. When we’re walking in, I saw another KFC in front, so I ran into the shop and asked for the number. This time round, the manager gave me a number and asked me to call. I personally wanted to thank her and appreciate of what she did. She helped us even though she was busy. Although we still could not find the wallet in the end, but at least we did try.
There was another major incident today where one of our friends was almost pick pocketed. During weekends the bus is always packed with people and, the guy who almost got pick pocketed was on his way up to the bus. Fortunately, he had smacked the hand before anything could happen. What’s appalling is IT was A GIRL that wanted to stole his wallet. There was nothing much we could do but to contact our lecturer. It was no use to cry over for split milk, so I think that perhaps this will be a good experience for him so that he will become more conscious about himself next time.
(Me and July at KTV)
(Me and LuYang at KTV)
(Fron left: Angel, Raojie, belle, Luyang)
We went to KTV after that together with our China buddy. It was fun to have karaoke session with the group of people. Too bad, Mr. Tan and Mr. Chua didn’t joined is today. Lu Yang and Raojie, so as Belle and Angle joined us just now. They sang English song with us too. It was good to know that we had an interaction with China students today.
What I learnt today was, we should be more alert to the surrounding and the people around us. No matter where we are, we shall pay more attention to our belongings. Some more, we’re now in a FOREIGN COUNTRY!!
After all the fun, we shall start our revision on APPG!
(Photos of us at Yang Huo Shi Chang)
They sell loads of items that are Dangerous and illegal for example teasers, Green Lasers and Axes! The whole group of us was shocked to see almost every stall selling those items. If I want to compare this to Malaysia’s flee market, there was no much different because some of the things selling there were almost the same as in Malaysia. The thought of wondering what the items for sale used for are, constantly send chills down my spine for the whole duration being there. That was the same feeling I had when I went to visit the flea market at Malaysia. Now, I learnt to really appreciate how well maintained is Singapore's security even though at times it could be very troublesome. One's life is precious no matter who you are. I think that Singapore’s government really did a wonderful job!
I could not feel the secure at that place, so we headed back faster before KTV session. Some of them wanted to go to bing jiang dao to exchange their clothes so 7 of us went to bing jiang dao while the others back to hotel. On the bus, one of the friends found that he lost his wallet. The problem is he didn’t know that where he lost the wallet. We reached bing jiang dao and we went to the KFC to ask for the KFC number at 洋货市场. That was during the eating time so the KFC was flood with people. I went to ask for the number, but the manager asked me to go back later because they were busying. I felt that we could not waste our time in waiting for the manager to give me the number, so we decided to go and do our stuffs first. When we’re walking in, I saw another KFC in front, so I ran into the shop and asked for the number. This time round, the manager gave me a number and asked me to call. I personally wanted to thank her and appreciate of what she did. She helped us even though she was busy. Although we still could not find the wallet in the end, but at least we did try.
There was another major incident today where one of our friends was almost pick pocketed. During weekends the bus is always packed with people and, the guy who almost got pick pocketed was on his way up to the bus. Fortunately, he had smacked the hand before anything could happen. What’s appalling is IT was A GIRL that wanted to stole his wallet. There was nothing much we could do but to contact our lecturer. It was no use to cry over for split milk, so I think that perhaps this will be a good experience for him so that he will become more conscious about himself next time.
(Me and July at KTV)
(Me and LuYang at KTV)
(Fron left: Angel, Raojie, belle, Luyang)
We went to KTV after that together with our China buddy. It was fun to have karaoke session with the group of people. Too bad, Mr. Tan and Mr. Chua didn’t joined is today. Lu Yang and Raojie, so as Belle and Angle joined us just now. They sang English song with us too. It was good to know that we had an interaction with China students today.
What I learnt today was, we should be more alert to the surrounding and the people around us. No matter where we are, we shall pay more attention to our belongings. Some more, we’re now in a FOREIGN COUNTRY!!
After all the fun, we shall start our revision on APPG!
Day 11 *Tea Culture & Shopping*
Today, I walked to school with the others. I had my breakfast on the way to school. *The HOLILAND MUFFIN* We had APPG lesson this morning also, today’s lesson quite ok. I felt that I have been fighting with the APPG this few weeks. I hope I can beat it one day! (:
(Hope that it’s not too late).
(Photos of the Tea House)
After the APPG lesson, we went for lunch and after that went back to school. We gathered at school before we went to the 紫砂茶馆. We took bus to the 紫砂茶馆， it took about 1 hour to reach there. After we reached there, one of the staffs came to introduce the history of the 紫砂壶. At first I thought that our whole lesson will be like that only, I started to feel bored. But after that we went in, looked at everything and we divided into a few groups, sat at different table, and we started to learn to make tea. (:
The first tea that we tried is the 铁观音. The 铁观音 that I drank today was totally different from the one that we always drink. The taste is nicer and it is more fragrant. After that the tea hostess asked me whether I want to try to make tea and learn the way to pour tea. I went for a try. It was interesting but I hurt my fingers because the way I hold the teapot was incorrect. ):
(Photo of a cute teapot)
ANYWAY, at least I know the correct way to hold the teapot already.
After me, Alif was the one to go and try and then Zhiting’s turn. After we tried, the tea hostess taught us some etiquette on the tea table. From that lesson, I knew that when we’re pouring tea, it’s always from left to right. Everyone on the table is equal status, even though there is always a different between elderly and us, but when we’re drinking tea on the table, everyone is the same.
Each type of tea has different boiling time. For example, the 铁观音 the most can pour until 6 times. China people always said,“ 第3第4是精华”, that means when people usually drink 铁观音, they always drink the 3rd time and the 4th time. Because that will bring out the best taste of the tea. But for black tea (红茶), it can be cooked until 9 to10 times. Apart from that, from the lesson, I knew that when you want to thank the person pouring tea, use the index, middle and ring finger knock the 3 times on the table to represent thanks. There is no need to speak out the word “THANK YOU” on the tea table. Also, there is a correct way to hold the teacups, which is to use your first 3 fingers. After that session, we went to buy the tea. I bought some for my dad and mum too! (:
When we walked out from the 茶馆, we met a group of SINGAPOREAN!!
That group of people is from Singapore polytechnic, and they’re from engineering course too! (:
now I felt that China is actually not that big uh. All of us were overjoyed! Just by taking a step back and observing the smiles on everyone's faces,
I felt that we were back to SINGAPORE. That sense of "HOME".
We shall take the initiatives to talk to them, asked them how they think about Tianjin.
i regretted already, I shall ask them how they think about Tianjin's Cuisine.
Anyway, it was a memorable moment when 5 of the students from SP met with 20 of us from NP.
(Photo of girls together with student from SP)
(Everyone of us! Including SP students)
After we done everything, we went to our favorite place 槟江道!! :D And today, I bought 2 shoes + 1 bag that the picture looks alike to me -.- This is the first time that I asked a question, 10 among the 10 gave me exactly same answer. Everyone is saying that the picture really looked alike to me, even Mr. Chua and Mr. Tan also said like that. As we were short of time, we went back to hotel after we bought everything that we wanted to buy. We took cab and when we reached the hotel, it was almost 9pm. After roll call, we went back to our room.
What I have learnt today was that everyone has their own limit, no matter where you come from, no matter what place are you in, everyone around you has the limit in themselves. Don’t ever over the limit, otherwise 佛都有火.
Today was a very tiring but HAPPY & MEMORABLE day! (:
GOOD NIGHT PEOPLE! ^^
(Hope that it’s not too late).
(Photos of the Tea House)
After the APPG lesson, we went for lunch and after that went back to school. We gathered at school before we went to the 紫砂茶馆. We took bus to the 紫砂茶馆， it took about 1 hour to reach there. After we reached there, one of the staffs came to introduce the history of the 紫砂壶. At first I thought that our whole lesson will be like that only, I started to feel bored. But after that we went in, looked at everything and we divided into a few groups, sat at different table, and we started to learn to make tea. (:
The first tea that we tried is the 铁观音. The 铁观音 that I drank today was totally different from the one that we always drink. The taste is nicer and it is more fragrant. After that the tea hostess asked me whether I want to try to make tea and learn the way to pour tea. I went for a try. It was interesting but I hurt my fingers because the way I hold the teapot was incorrect. ):
(Photo of a cute teapot)
ANYWAY, at least I know the correct way to hold the teapot already.
After me, Alif was the one to go and try and then Zhiting’s turn. After we tried, the tea hostess taught us some etiquette on the tea table. From that lesson, I knew that when we’re pouring tea, it’s always from left to right. Everyone on the table is equal status, even though there is always a different between elderly and us, but when we’re drinking tea on the table, everyone is the same.
Each type of tea has different boiling time. For example, the 铁观音 the most can pour until 6 times. China people always said,“ 第3第4是精华”, that means when people usually drink 铁观音, they always drink the 3rd time and the 4th time. Because that will bring out the best taste of the tea. But for black tea (红茶), it can be cooked until 9 to10 times. Apart from that, from the lesson, I knew that when you want to thank the person pouring tea, use the index, middle and ring finger knock the 3 times on the table to represent thanks. There is no need to speak out the word “THANK YOU” on the tea table. Also, there is a correct way to hold the teacups, which is to use your first 3 fingers. After that session, we went to buy the tea. I bought some for my dad and mum too! (:
When we walked out from the 茶馆, we met a group of SINGAPOREAN!!
That group of people is from Singapore polytechnic, and they’re from engineering course too! (:
now I felt that China is actually not that big uh. All of us were overjoyed! Just by taking a step back and observing the smiles on everyone's faces,
I felt that we were back to SINGAPORE. That sense of "HOME".
We shall take the initiatives to talk to them, asked them how they think about Tianjin.
i regretted already, I shall ask them how they think about Tianjin's Cuisine.
Anyway, it was a memorable moment when 5 of the students from SP met with 20 of us from NP.
(Photo of girls together with student from SP)
(Everyone of us! Including SP students)
After we done everything, we went to our favorite place 槟江道!! :D And today, I bought 2 shoes + 1 bag that the picture looks alike to me -.- This is the first time that I asked a question, 10 among the 10 gave me exactly same answer. Everyone is saying that the picture really looked alike to me, even Mr. Chua and Mr. Tan also said like that. As we were short of time, we went back to hotel after we bought everything that we wanted to buy. We took cab and when we reached the hotel, it was almost 9pm. After roll call, we went back to our room.
What I have learnt today was that everyone has their own limit, no matter where you come from, no matter what place are you in, everyone around you has the limit in themselves. Don’t ever over the limit, otherwise 佛都有火.
Today was a very tiring but HAPPY & MEMORABLE day! (:
GOOD NIGHT PEOPLE! ^^
Day 10 *Another APPG Day*
We had another APPG quiz today! ):
I do not dare to think for the outcome of the quiz.
I felt that I have screwed up my APPG!!
Anyway, Mr. Chua is a very responsible lecturer. The way he teaches is very detailed. We knew that he actually sacrificed his time to do revision with us. Even though we were lagging behind, Mr. Chua insists to teach us until the very details.
Mr Chua and Mr Tan, don’t worry! Our group won’t let you down!
Hope Mr Tan and Mr Chua can also enjoy the time spending with us. (:
Today's weather is not that bad, although we can feel the coldness in the morning, but we can feel the warm in the afternoon. After we had our lunch at the back alley beef noodles shop, we went to buy ice-cream!
That was the first time I ate ice-cream in such a cold weather.
By the way,
eating ice-cream gave me a "HOME" feeling.
Don't know what is the temperature in MALAYSIA?
Don't know how's my grandpa's health.
Anyway, Ii started to get used to the lifestyle here, in Tianjin.
I do not dare to think for the outcome of the quiz.
I felt that I have screwed up my APPG!!
Anyway, Mr. Chua is a very responsible lecturer. The way he teaches is very detailed. We knew that he actually sacrificed his time to do revision with us. Even though we were lagging behind, Mr. Chua insists to teach us until the very details.
Mr Chua and Mr Tan, don’t worry! Our group won’t let you down!
Hope Mr Tan and Mr Chua can also enjoy the time spending with us. (:
Today's weather is not that bad, although we can feel the coldness in the morning, but we can feel the warm in the afternoon. After we had our lunch at the back alley beef noodles shop, we went to buy ice-cream!
That was the first time I ate ice-cream in such a cold weather.
By the way,
eating ice-cream gave me a "HOME" feeling.
Don't know what is the temperature in MALAYSIA?
Don't know how's my grandpa's health.
Anyway, Ii started to get used to the lifestyle here, in Tianjin.
Day 9 *APPG and STUDY*
Once again, I was very tired this morning. But I managed to wake up early on time. We walked to school as what we did every day, and we had our APPG lesson today until noon. After we dismissed,
We went to the qing zhen restaurant again for lunch. We didn’t follow the gangs to the 滨江道, 5 of us supposed to go back to hotel for revision but in the end we went to the van guard (a hypermarket) to buy stuffs. After we bought water and food, we took cab to go back to the hotel. I found that different taxi driver treats differently. Some of the taxi drivers cannot stop themselves from telling us about Tianjin, but some of the taxi drivers totally ignored us even if we asked about Tianjin.
We reached hotel at around 3pm, we started to do some revision and blogs at the lobby. The 9th day in Tianjin, I found that china people can smoke everywhere, seriously. After I went to Singapore, I realized that Malaysia is a country that full of smoke, people smoke everywhere except in the air-con place and transportation. BUT in China, they can even smoke inside the hotel lobby which is air-conditioned.
ANYWAY, we shall learn to be more open minded. I think we shall spend our time more wisely so that we can have enough time to STUDY and PLAY.
p/s: weather is getting cooler, PLEASE TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF PEOPLE. GOOD NIGHT.
We went to the qing zhen restaurant again for lunch. We didn’t follow the gangs to the 滨江道, 5 of us supposed to go back to hotel for revision but in the end we went to the van guard (a hypermarket) to buy stuffs. After we bought water and food, we took cab to go back to the hotel. I found that different taxi driver treats differently. Some of the taxi drivers cannot stop themselves from telling us about Tianjin, but some of the taxi drivers totally ignored us even if we asked about Tianjin.
We reached hotel at around 3pm, we started to do some revision and blogs at the lobby. The 9th day in Tianjin, I found that china people can smoke everywhere, seriously. After I went to Singapore, I realized that Malaysia is a country that full of smoke, people smoke everywhere except in the air-con place and transportation. BUT in China, they can even smoke inside the hotel lobby which is air-conditioned.
ANYWAY, we shall learn to be more open minded. I think we shall spend our time more wisely so that we can have enough time to STUDY and PLAY.
p/s: weather is getting cooler, PLEASE TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF PEOPLE. GOOD NIGHT.
Day 8 *Visiting Hostel*
I pulled myself really hard to wake up so that I won’t oversleep. After we done with everything, we went to school as usual. TODAY WAS A WHOLE DAY APPG CLASS!!
Once again, we had a quiz today. I don’t think I did well. Hope next time can do better. Mr. Chua told us that we were lag behind, even the other group has started Chapter 4. Anyway, all of us think that understanding is the most important thing in learning!
After the quiz, we went for a short break. We went to the restaurant in school to buy soya milk. I thought the soya milk will be very nice, but I was wrong. The original soya milk taste like the blended of plain water + soya bean.
After that we went for lunch. Alif and Thir said that the beef noodles that we ate yesterday was super nice and wanted to eat again so we went back to the place to have beef noodles. We went for a walk in school area after lunch, and we met BELLE and LU YANG accidentally. They invited us to go to their hostel. All of us wanted to go but the hostel was separated into 2 places, (guys and girls) so only few of us can enter their room while the guys were waiting outside. Their room looks very small and squeezy.
Belle and Raojie, together with another 2 girls shared 1 room.
(Photos of the hostel and toilet of local students)
It is totally different from the hostel in Singapore. The china students told us that they wish they could go to Singapore one day, because they envy our lifestyle and our study environment. I glanced at their toilets too. The toilets were totally different from the toilets in Singapore. Even the toilets in the HOSTEL at Singapore also will NOT be like that. After that we went back to class and start our APPG lesson! ^^Class ended earlier, and we went back to the hotel.
After we settled down everything and put down the laptop, we went out for dinner. Chiachun brought us to the restaurant which is HALAL. Me, chiachun, jiawei, zhiting, Alif and Thir had our dinner and I did something hilarious in the restaurant. They even told me that I will become clever after eating nuts. Anyway, that was a very nice dinner! We went back straight to hotel for APPG lesson after dinner. I got no idea of what to write on the encouraging letter, seriously. I felt that I need to think more about how to encourage people.
*SIGH*.
Mr.Tan taught us one COOL magic using the drinking straw. THAT WAS COOL uh? Hope Mr. Tan can teach us more magic yeah~
The Moral of the story, I had learnt not to trust people so easily. Besides, I wanted to thank Belle and Raojie for letting us visit their dorm, so that I got the chance to know more about the China’s university hostel. I felt that we must be contented with what we have now, because what we have is already much better than others. We should learn not to complain here and there and try to accept the changes.
Once again, we had a quiz today. I don’t think I did well. Hope next time can do better. Mr. Chua told us that we were lag behind, even the other group has started Chapter 4. Anyway, all of us think that understanding is the most important thing in learning!
After the quiz, we went for a short break. We went to the restaurant in school to buy soya milk. I thought the soya milk will be very nice, but I was wrong. The original soya milk taste like the blended of plain water + soya bean.
After that we went for lunch. Alif and Thir said that the beef noodles that we ate yesterday was super nice and wanted to eat again so we went back to the place to have beef noodles. We went for a walk in school area after lunch, and we met BELLE and LU YANG accidentally. They invited us to go to their hostel. All of us wanted to go but the hostel was separated into 2 places, (guys and girls) so only few of us can enter their room while the guys were waiting outside. Their room looks very small and squeezy.
Belle and Raojie, together with another 2 girls shared 1 room.
(Photos of the hostel and toilet of local students)
It is totally different from the hostel in Singapore. The china students told us that they wish they could go to Singapore one day, because they envy our lifestyle and our study environment. I glanced at their toilets too. The toilets were totally different from the toilets in Singapore. Even the toilets in the HOSTEL at Singapore also will NOT be like that. After that we went back to class and start our APPG lesson! ^^Class ended earlier, and we went back to the hotel.
After we settled down everything and put down the laptop, we went out for dinner. Chiachun brought us to the restaurant which is HALAL. Me, chiachun, jiawei, zhiting, Alif and Thir had our dinner and I did something hilarious in the restaurant. They even told me that I will become clever after eating nuts. Anyway, that was a very nice dinner! We went back straight to hotel for APPG lesson after dinner. I got no idea of what to write on the encouraging letter, seriously. I felt that I need to think more about how to encourage people.
*SIGH*.
Mr.Tan taught us one COOL magic using the drinking straw. THAT WAS COOL uh? Hope Mr. Tan can teach us more magic yeah~
The Moral of the story, I had learnt not to trust people so easily. Besides, I wanted to thank Belle and Raojie for letting us visit their dorm, so that I got the chance to know more about the China’s university hostel. I felt that we must be contented with what we have now, because what we have is already much better than others. We should learn not to complain here and there and try to accept the changes.
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