Wuhan Trips

2009-04-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

day 42.

Finally, we are going back to Singapore. I have endured 42 days independently oversea.

For this OIP, i have improve quite a number of things. Learning about the history, culture. This information still save inside the memory of my brain. Getting to know more about friends, improving the bond between friends. I also get to made new friends in CHina.

Being in foreign places, learning to adapt to the environment, being prepared for what is coming.

At first, was kind of missing Singapore. But the day we were going back, the feeling was i am missing Wuhan. When we are at the place, we don't tend to miss it as we are having it. But losing it, will cause the miss in it.

2009-04-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

day 41

Final day playing in Wuhan.

Around 5+, Jeremy, Xin Rong, Dave, Ben and i went to the foreign school to set up the place and decorate it.

The closing ceremony started with a fews games. So after games, we had interaction sessions. We were toasting to each other too, with soft drinks.

after that was firework sessions.

In Singapore, we ain't allow to play fireworks due to safety concerns. So, we must enjoy when we are able to fire it too. This is also the first time looking at the fireworks at such a close range.

2009-04-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

day 40

Today was nothing special, just stay in the room for quite a long time.

So basically, i went up to Mr. Chua's empty room together with XIn Rong and Jia He as he was not using the room.

Instead of doing our work, the three of us opened a LAN Room there. 3 of us were playing computer games together.

Night fall, went to the 4th floor to had poker games.

2009-04-15T19:25:00.000-07:00

Day 39

Today was the last day to shop if you want to do so. 10 of us went to Si Men Kou, located near yellow crane tower, splitted into two groups. 1 group took the taxi while another took a mini van. The taxi group reach first and started shopping at the ATM shop. As we shop, the time got longer and longer, wondering why the other groups took so long.

Thus, when they reach. They had a story to tell. The mini van group got into an incident. The mini van was scratch by another vehicle. The driver of it wasn't very happy but angry. So he took out a wrench and hit the owner of the vehicle at the arm. Isn't it good that they did not got into trouble?

China people are scary huh. Just scratch on the vehicle and they use weapon. Why can't they just pay for the repair fees for each other? Isn't there another solution for it? Using violet can't solve anything will it?

Since it's the last day that we are able to have steak, xin rong, jia he, ernest and i decided to have our cheap steak.

All of us wanting to head back to school in A taxi as we did not know how to get back to our shcool with Bus. The rain was quite heavy and we were outside by the roadside for a long time. Hailing for taxi but to no avail. Most of the taxi with a sign on the windscreen saying their destination to HanKou. Luckily, we still managed to get on the Taxi. The driver was quite young. And this is the first time i saw a young driver. He was about the age of 25 i guess. He was rushing for time most probably. He was speeding and turning fast, cutting lanes, overtaking cars and the most dangerous case, driving at the opposite lanes. The weather was raining, the road were wet, brakes does not work effectively too.

Due to the weather, the fireworks sessions was cancel and postpone to the next day. So for dinner, we joined Mr. Ma as he was alone.

2009-04-11T07:18:00.000-07:00

Day 38
Today, Group 2 together with nicki took a van to Hankou. Today bought quite a number of items.

We had dinner at Pizzahut ( 必胜客）. The pricing there was less than Singapore's by a little. To my surprise, Pizzahut items are more expensive than those steak we had all eaten. Isn't steak suppose to be more expensive? It seems that Pizzahut is more high class in China than those steak resturant.

One incident happen in Pizzahut. The waitress at first wanted to take our order, but, she thought that we couldn't speak Chinese as we are speaking in English with each other. Therefore, she went to ask for her colleague's help who know English. After a while, we change our language to Chinese. As speaking to her in English is kind of weird. But, her speaking of English was quite fluent.

After telling her where were we from, as she prompt us this question, she told us that she had a friend who is also studying in Singapore at Republic Poly. She question about those rates in Singapore. She wondered $600 Sing dollar is it possible to survive there for 1 week including air ticket.

Two incidents which the topic was almost the same happened.
The thing was we did not know what happen, we just saw a taxi driver came out of his vehicle and a motorcyclist quarreling. The taxi driver was walking out fiercely toward him. In the end the taxi driver was in the fault, he quieten down and entered his vehicle. Then an injured man with a bandage left arm enter his vehicle. Weird isn't it? if it was me, i wouldn't enter the vehicle of a guy i don't know after he had been in a quarrel. 1 weird thing was, along the whole stretch of street, there was around 10 or lesser police cars. But there was no police around. Where are they? Are they slacking around? The problem is i think of was, why did they have so many police car there?

Secondly was between a group of businessmen. They were standing right at the center of the path, quarreling. They were yelling quite loudly. We did not stay to watch the incident.

Likely all the person we met was friendly enough. China people have attitude problems or even hot-tempered.

2009-04-09T06:18:00.000-07:00

day 37

From today onwards, it will be free and easy. So today our group went to this IT world in Wuhan. A place full of IT stuffs. At first wanted to buy the ipod nano that mr chua bought, however, we cant find it. So in the end, we did not bought.

Somewhere near there, there is a building which is kind of high class. All the stuff was branded inside. Therefore the price was also very nice.

China people are very persistence in doing things. They will keep bugging you till you say yes. When we enter the IT mall, lots and lots of people keep asking us to sit down and listen to their products. Even though we denied or ignore, they keep following us. Another case was, on the street, there was this auntie giving cards. First time we walked pass, she keep pestering dave to take the card. So dave finally took it, then he carry on walking. After 2 steps, she just say if you dun want to buy, give me the card back. So second time we walk pass, the target now was me. she keep pestering me for like 30meters. While pestering, she kept dragging my arm till i am fustrated and swing my arm away. Luckily, Singaporeans ain't like China people.

2009-04-09T05:56:00.000-07:00

day 36

Today was the last day to go back to the classroom for studies. I had my APPG mini project interview at 1030am. Basically, Mr.Ma just see how our program work, what did we use for the programs, how to use the codes.

So after that, went to guang gu to rebond my hair together with jit siong, chewy and xin rong. We took a bus there and overshot by 1 bus stop. In China, 1 bus stop to another is kind of far. And we walk back.

When we entered the place, the hairdressers and stylists kept asking us whether if we have the VIP member card. Every single one that attend to me ask me that. Does that mean having a member card will have different treatment? Having a member card will have a better treatment uh? the member card was actually just for the 10% discount from what i know and borrow from jeremy as he borrow from China friend. Why must we tell them we had this member card or not? i don't get it.

[ in processing straightening. ]

[ The rest are dying colours ]

2009-04-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

day 35.

Counting down to 7 days left to be back to Singapore. Today whole day was basically so called OBS in Singapore. All outdoor activities.

So this morning, was to meet up at 8am. For that period in the morning, what we did was some sort of team building game or rather a little of ice breaking game. Those game were squirrel and trees, guy and girl represent different team and after that we must group ourselves.

All this game doesn't suit us luh. This game suit more for secondary 1 when they come in for orientation camp. i don't understand a need for this game, unless they are waiting for another group to come. But they could have another better idea.

After the next group came, we were group into 4 groups. We were given 40 mins and newspaper. So we were suppose to make use of the newspaper to make ourselves into this Tank tire. This team building game is quite challenging. With no other materials, just pure newspaper, we must connect them to make a Wheel of a Tank. With this done, while the whole group members enter into the "Wheel". We were supposed to travel from one place to another. So, we have to co-ordinate making sure the newspaper does not tear too.

For the afternoon session, was such more fun. First was the thrust fall. In order to have more challenge and trust from the team, the instructor tie both hands and legs together. The actual meaning was not to let you open your arm and leg to prevent you from hitting others.

Secondly was the broken bridge, for that isn't much of a challenge as we are able to hold the safety line which is attact to us while we jump over. For me, adding more challenge to it, i didn't hold it.

Lastly it was the rock climbing. Wasn't able to reach the top but nearly, 3 more square. my hand isn't long enough! the peddles were getting farther apart.

In china, 26 years old can already become a University Lecturer. Their pay was around 3000+ RMB. To us, Singaporean, it's kind of little. But to them, it's quite a lot. Their standard of living is lower here, compare to us. The safety equipments here is almost the same as Singapore.
The certificate of those rope courses took up 3 to 4 years then you are qualitfied. And this cause about, 5000 - 6000 RMB. Over that 3 - 4 years, the course is considered cheap.

2009-04-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

day 34

Today lesson was only half a day. Anyway today was revision day for APPG. Mr. Chua went through Chapter 1 - 7 summary. Summarizing all the important points of all chapter. After that, Mr. Chua went through the practice theory test paper.

For dinner, went to the same old usual place to eat. This time, we had free 11 dumplings. the dumplings they gave got more and more.

In china, Qin Ming Jie is also a public holiday. Today, the school was really deserted. Canteen, quite a number of stall also didn't open. However, those that open. It seems like they were stuck with jobs. Everyday they keep doing the same routine as though there was no holiday for them. Today, there was no lesson for everyone except us. The whole building of Foreign language is empty and the front gate was even lock. In china, they really respect their ancestors, therefore having Qin Ming Jie as a public holiday? This is probably the answer.

2009-04-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

day 33

Today was another day of free and easy. Due to yesterday had such a long day, had a very good sleeping night, and long time to hide in the blanket. Woke up at 10am.

Actually today was suppose to be the day for me to complete my studies on Chapter 7, my part on the group essay assignment, and assignment 4. But there was so much to do. Today, had only done 50% of my group report essay, and that's all.

Went to play basketball together with jeremy and my group. Play with some China guys too. When China people play, they are kind of fierce.

During night time, went out for dinner. As usual, went over to the opposite school to eat. We had special treat today, having an extra tangyuan again. After that, i help mr. chua buy, again extra tangyuan and extra dumpling. They must really like us. I heard the aunt who sell say, she already know us, and told others that we are singaporean. China people are warm-hearted uh. So welcoming us.
saw this chocolate, appear in Xin Rong's chocolate. The barcode is in the chocolate itself. Is it safe to consume it? why the hell did they put in the chocolate, why not the box? When i see this, i think of a show. What did you think of? To me, is like charlie and the chocolate factory. And the barcode is some sort like the golden ticket. So meaning, xin rong won something.

2009-04-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

day 32
=====
10 more days back to singapore. Time is get nearer to fly back to singapore. Lesser time for us to get our tasks ready. Now, we doesn't have the much time for us to slack around unless we have completed our work. Even though today is free and easy, never touch on anything. So tomorrow free & easy will complete it.

today went out to han kou with my group, jeremy, peng ho, wen qian and wen si. The two of them just accompany us shopping throughout the whole day. Firstly, we went to mac to have our lunch. After eating, we went around to shop.

Till around evening, we went to this night market or nearby. The place was alike in hong kong. The place lighting was kind of nice. It quite like night city to me. Went in to the building which is call the ATM. Bought 2 jeans, 1 bermudas and 3 pairs of shoe.

We are in this toilet, when i was about to go in, chewy came out and say there was a "dead snake "inside. Which i thought was real. After that, i found out was just a long long piece of shit. The shit was serious long. This is the first time i see such a long one. wondering how china people make it.

Went to eat steak again for dinner. This is the second time our group ate. But, this time with the same pricing from last time we could have a better food. The place look much more high class. 39 RMB settle with a steak meal, which consists of the main course, soup, bread, and red wine. How cheap can it be? This meal is certainly filling.

after our dinner which is like 1030pm already. So we cabbed back to school which took us about 1h, reach sch at 11.30 pm.

China food is cheap, even in a set meal with 39 RMB, you could already get 1 glass of red wine to drink. Does China people also learn history when they are small? The taxi drivers from what we know as we took their cab. All of them know the history of places. If you grab anyone in Singapore, i might not sure if they know singapore history. And something i learn from the taxi driver. the Wu Chang Chang Jiang Da Qiao was build 52 years ago, in the year 1957.

2009-04-03T06:36:00.000-07:00

day 31
=====
today, there is only one lesson in the morning. The lesson was about APPG revision. First, Mr. Ma go through the test paper question. At first, i find it similar, didn't notice that it was our test paper till xin rong reminded me. After which, we all got back our test papers. anw i am satisfy with my results. I think i am quite good from chapter 1 - 4, but average on chapter 5 & 6, and seriously weak in chapter 7. There will be a few free days on sat, sun and monday. So sun will be my study day.

In the late afternoon around 3, went to Q pai han bao to tried out the spaghetti there. They shouldn't put the word spaghetti if they ain't selling. Marcoroni was replaced for it. The food isn't quite cook at all. This is my first and last time eating spaghetti here. I wonder why everytime the food there always took such a long time to serve? Such a long time and the macroni still isn't cook. It's still hard luh, with so much oil in it. And! do i seem like a toddler or so? why did their ustensils look like those toddler who just starting to learn how to eat their own, or parents feeding them de.
After which, went to the supermarket to buy some snacks back to the hostel to munch. Followed by Ping pong at the clubhouse. We implement this rule at the back when we playing double. whoever lose by 20 points first do push-up. In one way, we are having fun. another way is exercise.

Bought a cake for 10 yuan, but it's full of cream.
Cheap cake might mean low quatity of main ingredients. So next time, should have bought a more expensive one. It's the first time i saw a green cherry, the taste of it is similar to the one in red.

2009-04-02T06:58:00.000-07:00

day 30
=====
Today whole day having IS. Morning IS was continuation of yesterday powerpoint. However, today was on the topic on Taoism and Buddhism. This is some sort of religion presentation to us.

During the afternoon lesson, we swap classes. It's the classroom that most student in WUST use. The one with headphones. During the lesson , we are supposed to put on the headphones to listen to the lecturer as he speak through the mic.

I think the afternoon lecture is much more interesting than the rest of the lectures we had taken. Firstly, even though the slides are a bit wordy, the presentation was kind of interesting. Feng Shui isn't just about the arrangement of thing which bring you luck. It even goes to the health of body all of those. Till now, i only know this through the presentation.

Went to play table tennis again. During that time, some kids were playing too. they were like around the age of 7 or less. They started playing at so young age, i wonder when they grow up. How good will they be?

After table tennis, went to play chess with a China lecturer? i guess. Lost a game to him, but not so badly, but with 3 hints from him. Is all China people so good in Chinese chess? even though it's their tradition to play as it is invented in their country. But i guess there are some others which can win China people isn't? i think Chinese Chess is more of playing and get the experience and know the unique moves of those play. Chinese Chess also require a lot of thinking, and need to think a few moves ahead. The need to understand of the opponent thinking when he/ she move the chess piece is important too, if not the game will be theirs.

2009-04-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

day 29
+++++
13 more days back to Singapore. Whenever there is a IS lesson, the lesson always start at 8am. So today had a IS on the powerpoint, Chinese Tradition thoughts.

Today our lecturer was the dean, if i am not wrong. At least this time the lecturer was much better than the previous. His English is much more clear. Today learnt about the past few dynasties and some sort of religious for China.

we Lunched at canteen 1, after that went back to hostel. After we were back a while, there were 2 person who come to change our bedsheets all these.

Afternoon lesson spend 2h to do summary, only manage to do 17 slides. that's pretty long isn't it?
After lesson, went to play table tennis with jia he. Just the 2 of us, and we spend 2hours in there playing. Time really flies when we were playing.

Went for dinner after playing just outside the school. We went to buy tang yuan again. This time from a different stall. This stall were mend by 2 person. a mother and a daughter. They were very cartoon about their commotion. Like the saying goes, like mother like daughter, also they look quite alike.

i have been thinking about the title of the powerpoint slides. Shouldn't the name be like History of China or so? why traditional thoughts? i don't really see thoughts in it, just like dy nasty of the past. More and more work due date are almost up, meaning we have more things to do. Final test is coming too. Have to work harder for Chapter 7.

2009-03-31T07:03:00.000-07:00

day 28
+++++
Lesson as for normal, 9am class. And today is finally the last day of APPG. But, chapter 7, for me, still kind of blur, not so sure of how to do it.

whole day was doing lab 7, lab 6 and mini project. Now i have problem with my mini project. Going to continue tomorrow

went for dinner just outside hostel again. today tried new things. the yang zhou fried rice and tang yuan. First time in China ate tang yuan. the taste of it isn't bad. it's just that it's small and the filling it little. you have to bite into half to taste the taste of the filling. the soup for the tang yuan taste like mi jiu ( rice wine )

after dinner, went up to siew bo room to seek help from him. Only understand quite a little from him. the rest will study next time.

2009-03-30T04:53:00.000-07:00

day 27
+++++
Start of chapter 6 today for APPG. Due to yesterday having BBQ, today lesson start at 10am.
yesterday lost my specs there do today 8am leave the hostel to find it. Luckily, those art student did not go to the place to draw their drawing. so, it is easier for me, jia he and xin rong to help me and myself find. luckily manage to find it. But the spec, is very loose already.

after that went to the canteen to have our breakfast. Jia he and Xin Rong went to withdraw money. Lesson as usual after that. Keep having error for chapter 6. Trying over and over again, figuring and mastering it.

During evening, went to play ping pong. Quite a fun game with sebestian, jia he and satish. learn a few moves from sebestian. Learn how to curve the ball, sebestian is good at it. i am starting to get more and more interested in ping pong.

when we come back to the hostel, dave was sick. he got food poisioning. So mr chua and us accompany him to the hospital, taking turns to have dinner to accompany dave till 10.45pm. Now back to hostel doing works.

i wonder why china hospital all injection were all in the butt? is it easier to inject? I think china is a bit too exaggerated. just a little bit of food poisioning have to drip 4 bottles of gloucose. But it seems it help too. Dave got much better after it.

2009-03-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

day 26
+++++
It's free & easy day. The day where everyone could sleep till quite late to wake up. If not, have to wake up early everyday to study, or go for an outing.

So today, wake up at 8am, doing the last touch up on the mini project till chapter 5. Do 2h to do that. After that, went for lunch at canteen 2. It's been weeks since i last went to canteen 2. Usually for fried rice, it will be ready in around 5-10 mins. However, today was kind of slow. the timing was almost double.

Went back to the hostel and watch DVD that i have bought for 4hours. Soon, it's time for us to leave the hostel, bringing food and drinks to the BBQ place.

group 2

This is quite a new experience for us, having BBQ oversea. quite interesting isn't it? The BBQ doesn't have grills for us to put. It took us quite a long time to start a fire, which is like 40 mins. But we are the first group to have it started.

i had lost my spec during the BBQ, wondering how am i going to survive?

starting a BBQ fire in china is tough. Without fire starter, plucking out grass, dried grass, leaves, using chopsticks for eating to burn to start the fire. In order to create a long lasting and big fire, have to use a large amount of that and having it continuously burning. at first, manage to burn a little bit of those charcoals. But persevere till the fire started. Slowly, adding ''fuel'' to it, the charcoal become hotter, and finally done. Without grills, BBQ-ing is also kind of tiring, holding on to the sticks of meat. in some ways, you are BBQ-ing your hands too and it is tired to hold there for long. As there is no grill, if you placed the stick on the metal for support, the stick will slowly turn black and burn, break and drop into the charcoal.

2009-03-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

day 25
+++++
Went off in the morning with chewy to canteen 1.
i thought today was weekday, wanting to buy you tiao.
while approaching there, saw the canteen was black, which means the stall isn't open.
we then found out that the canteen, most of the stall was close on sat.

The bus was late due to traffic jam. Took a 1h+ journey to han kou. After arriving there, due to the weather not co-operating with us. we ain't able to go to the garden. So, the tour guide decided to let us go to shop first. So we spend out time shopping till 3. Meet back at the place we alighted. the place there have a lot of statues.

Went to Wuchang, near huang he luo there to shop.
the fish is kept inside this bottle. some bottles, the fishes were dead. I wonder did the owner feed the fishes? or just leave it in there till people buy it. This look like somehow torturing the fishes.
today, heard another different version of story of the yellow crane tower from the tour guide. Overall was quite tiring, as today seems to be free and easy which let us shop all day long.
China people doing their business are kind of lazy. When you enter the shop, they just stare at the television, PSP, or laptop if they have one or having friends to chat with. they don't even care you enter the shop and even offer you an assist. Some of the shop even doesn't have assissant in it for more than 10 mins. You can eventually just take the things and go. What's the mindset of those people i wonder.

2009-03-27T06:14:00.000-07:00

day 24
+++++
Today lecturers had this plan to have us visit an industry. An industry about optic fibre and cable. we took this bus there which took us about 15mins.

the Company

Basically this company, or industry is into making just only this two main thing, optic fibre and cable. Before seeing at the processes, the guy in red was actually explaining the basic of creating it. the actual way was a secret to prevent copyright. The making was like chemistry. Mixing things here and there, and Poof, your results are out. while we are inside, we seen how they create the things, process it and "package" it. The optic fibre was roll into 200km rolls. when it is being roll, it just look like metal rounding the rolls as the fibre is silverish. 1 glass tube could make to 2000km of optic fibre, so it's around 10 rolls.
Here are some of the products:

The tour end around 12. we Took back the same bus back to the hostel. we went to canteen 2 to have our lunch. So i went to but this 无骨鸡柳（boneless chicken ). so she ask me whether i want chilli sauce. i replied her, No. Does she have 茄汁(tomato sauce ) and she heard as brinjal. At first i didn't know till she gave me.

4pm was out APPG test. This time the test was somehow different from the rest of the trail theory test. Especially the last question. Previous trial test was kind of difficult, like the olden days maths when we are in primary school, those question with a * on it. The thinking of those question is almost the same. However, today the test paper, had this try/ catch and for loops. Somehow know how to do, and somehow don't know how to do.

Went out of WUST to get our dinner. Went opposite to the food street side. while waiting for our food, suddenly the sky went bright and BOOM sound ring our ear drums. There are fireworks. The fireworks was just fire up which is less than 100m from us. First time seeing such a up close fire works.

Today i know that, some words in chinese is different meaning from what we speak in Singapore and CHina. Tomato sauce in chinese can become brinjal in chinese. When we were going to packet our food, we told them we don't want to have plastic bag in Singapore chinese, they doesn't what it mean. Fireworks can be set freely in China. Almost everyday hearing the sound of the fireworks. But it's very dangerous, you see all the gunpower remaining all drop to the ground when it is on fire. Now i understand why singapore government banned it. Even though it's fun to watch and play it, but it hurt people easily too.

2009-03-26T04:54:00.001-07:00

Photo Essay

+++++++++

First arrival in GuangZhou Airport, waiting for time to pass to transfer plane

Our first dinner, also first food in Wuhan. In WUST canteen

That's how WUST ( zhongnan branch ) main front part look like.

Presenting our powerpoint slides to our friends on Singapore history and culture
Trying out the fishball here, the one in the mid. Different texture and softness from singapore.
Visit to dong hu. nice scenery there.
Even archery is in dong hu. Beginner can try here.
Common food here, BBQ cuttlefish.
Yellow Crane tower at the back.
A picture in the yellow crane tower, having stories about it
one of the sword that use in red cliff battle
Statue of people's action in the olden days
it is very pitiful, however, another way to beg for money
Goreng Pisang adding sauce to it. Nice.
Cheap & delicious steak
the Dam is behind me
Group photo: At the peak where most view can be seen
That's how cruising ship in china look like
the ship in between of the dam
cruising in a small boat in shennong stream
visiting a metal processing industry
tai zi po, one of the attraction in wudang mt.
cable up to wudang mt.
Wudang Mt.
Learning kungfu at wudang mt.
one of the product, optic fibre, made in china with colours
BBQ-ing in Wuhan

2009-03-26T04:23:00.000-07:00

DAY 23
=====

This morning lecture was change to IS as Mr. Ma was feeling unwell. Did a bit of photo essay, mini project, watch a little bit of anime.

Afternoon lesson was APPG. Mr. Ma was back to the classroom. We were given a set of theory Test paper to practice as tomorrow will be the test. After 1h or so, we were given answers to the paper. After that, we were released.

We went to canteen 3 to have dinner, upon finishing, the sky start to darken a little. After stepping out of the canteen, found out that it was drizzling. adding a little speed to our foot.
When we walk till outside the library, there was lightning. The China people started to run.Are they so scared of lightning will strike them? Almost all the China started running when there was lightning. Why are they running? afraid of lightning, or afraid that it might rain suddenly? Even though, we are on the hill. There are building around, but, do they have the lightning conducting rod? i am not sure about that. If don't have, that the reason they run.

2009-03-26T02:47:00.000-07:00

Intercultural Readiness Self Assessment

The first column itemizes personal characteristics that are helpful for cross-cultural interactions.
Evaluate your own current intercultural readiness on a scale of 1-100.
Also set a target for day when this Overseas Immersion Programme (OIP) in Wuhan, China ends. Do this honestly and intuitively.

Characteristic:
Current self estimate
Score: 1-100

Target upon completion of Wuhan, China OIP:
Score: 1-100
Comments

Open-mindedness

Characteristic: Current self estimate : 50

Target upon completion of Wuhan, China OIP: 85
I hope to know more information and culture others have around me so that I am able to expose myself further instead of living in my own world.

Respect for other beliefs

Characteristic: Current self estimate :30

Target upon completion of Wuhan, China OIP: 60

As a Buddhist, i sometime do not believe in Buddhism. therefore, quite hard for me to believe in others beliefs and respect it. Therefore, when it come to society, we must respect each other for what they do, even their beliefs. So i must try to work on it.

Trust in other people

Characteristic: Current self estimate :70

Target upon completion of Wuhan, China OIP: 90

When it comes to Group Work or Teamwork, Trust is very important criteria. If you doesn't trust them, sometime you won't be able to go forward or even do something else. Having a strong team bonding also need trust to go along with. Without it, a team isn't a team anymore.

Tolerance for discomfort

Characteristic: Current self estimate :65

Target upon completion of Wuhan, China OIP: 90

Living in another different type of environment is certainly hard. You does not know the condition of the place and even familiar with it. In order to get adapt to the place, you need to be tolerating for a while. For example, having people cutting queue when you are queuing up and it's your turn soon.

Tolerance for ambiguity

Characteristic: Current self estimate :60

Target upon completion of Wuhan, China OIP: 75

Life isn't perfect at all. For most of the time, the things you didn't expect to happen or things you won't want to happen, it will happen. How you going to solve it is the problem, not just tolerate it.

Patience

Characteristic: Current self estimate :80

Target upon completion of Wuhan, China OIP: 90

To me, i think i am very patience already. There are a few times, my friend were late for 2hours and i just sat there waiting for him. Most of the time, patience can help do things better, or even strengthening relationship.

Sense of personal control

Characteristic: Current self estimate :50

Target upon completion of Wuhan, China OIP: 80

Personal Control is very important factor to consider while staying oversea. Living alone oversea with no income has to control on a lot of things. For example, Finance. the things you have to buy must be cheap in order to control the money you have.

Interpersonal skills

Characteristic: Current self estimate :45

Target upon completion of Wuhan, China OIP: 85

To have a effective interaction and communication, interpersonal skills is needed. Going oversea, as a singaporean, your action will tell the locals there how singapore is. If you leave a good impression, they will think that Singapore is a good, fine country and impressed.

Willingness to take initiative

Characteristic: Current self estimate :55

Target upon completion of Wuhan, China OIP: 75

Having to take initiative mean that the person do a task volunteerly. Sometime taking iniative will one to improve in terms of skills and knowledges.

Willingness to take risks

Characteristic: Current self estimate :65

Target upon completion of Wuhan, China OIP: 80

Adverture suits me. I am a person who sometime take risks depending on what i do. Taking risks would be fun but depending on how u take it. if there will be a high disadvantage of it, i certainly won't do it.

Sense of humor

Characteristic: Current self estimate :50

Target upon completion of Wuhan, China OIP: 70

Hanging out with different cliques will have a different character from me. Some cliques will have the fun side of me. So i usually joke with them. Sometime sense of humor is important as it can help you release stress or make you more relaxed.

Curiosity about other cultures

Characteristic: Current self estimate :45

Target upon completion of Wuhan, China OIP: 75

Staying in China, help to generate the interested for some types of culture. Making me wanting to know more about it.

Comfort level with strangers

Characteristic: Current self estimate :60

Target upon completion of Wuhan, China OIP: 85

Comfort Level with stranger for me does not varies. I am quite comfortable with strangers, but speaking or interacted with them depends on them too. Having a common topic with each other will be easier to chat and interact with

2009-03-25T05:20:00.000-07:00

day 22
+++++
4th week of OIP has begun, 2 more weeks to go. And singapore here we coming soon.

3 weeks has passed, i am still not getting use to the taste of china food, the oiliness, the spiciness, the weird taste of the food. I still prefer Singapore food. This morning, ate the 油条. From the name, you can tell it's oily. but, the one's in Singapore has a different taste compare to China. i find it that China's food tend to be more oily. All the food in China has some sort of a same taste.

Carried on back to class, i was trying to complete Lab 5. the program is complicated to me. After completing, having errors here and there. Till i gave up solving it, so got help from chewy. He understand the program faster than me. So, he just click here and there, and it's done. The thing is the code wasn't change at all. I was trying to figure it out after he did the thing, but couldn't. So i ask him again. he told me he forget.

Doing programming means having to understand all the codes completely. If doesn't, when having errors, you won't know what it means or how to even correct it. *poof* there goes your programs.

2009-03-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

day 21
=====
Today had my lab test for APPG. Comparing the paper to trial lab test, the paper today was much easier. After doing the trial lab test yesterday was indeed a help to score for the lab test.

My lab test started from 9am to 10am. after that was free period. i was staying inside my hostel, watching the red cliff. Due to the presentation the china lecturer gave, made me interest in it. Therefore , bought a DVD from WUST canteen 3.

During the afternoon lesson, was chapter 5 again. For me, Chapter 5 was difficult. Maybe it's a total new chapter which is different from chapter 1 to chapter 4. So, need more time to absorb it.

During the evening, played basketball. this is the first few time i played a match. i totally have no teamwork. keep banging into my own teamwork. So i need to train up on that.

2009-03-23T04:47:00.000-07:00

day 20
=====
the lecturers were good enough to let us have lesson later, at 10am. so today, we have more time to sleep. Today was having lesson from 10-11.30, which Mr. Ma had gone through Chapter 5.

during the afternoon, was having trial lab test. A practice for everyone to prepare for the test tomorrow. The test was a bit different from what we have learn before. Have to understand what the code each means. i was stuck at the last part, after a reference from nickki.

tml will be having lab test from 9-10am. be alert tomorrow

2009-03-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

day 19
=====
second day at Wudang Mt. firstly, cable car should be faster than climbing up the mountain. However, due to the super long queue, we queued up for hours and ended up slower than those who climb up the mountain. When we were queuing up, we experienced people cutting queue and having others scolding them. those who cut queue just ignore what the others say. However, we too somehow miss the climbing of mountain route to the top.

today, basically just spend the day queuing up, cable car up and down, spend like 2-3hours on the peak, down we go have lunch and bus home. reach the hostel near to 10pm.

However, on our way back something interesting happen which we won't be able to see it happen in Singapore. The bus driver was driving in the opposite way, which is the opposite lanes. therefore, the vehicles travelling towards us. It's kind of dangerous. but china people does not horn each other while that happen, they somehow horn each other just for the sake of asking them to move away a little to their left or right to overtake them.

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

day 18
First time going up the mountain. Mt. Wudang! 1.6km high.
i will let the photo do the work instead of words

i think the hotel is much more better than the hostel. i sleep more soundly and comfortably there. the toilet is much more better compare to ours

2009-03-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

i

Today morning lesson as usual. i was doing the last part for my lab 4. after that, there was nothing to do. Therefore, started watching movie and helped jeremy with his lab too.
The afternoon lesson was going through the tutorial 4 and having brief about the Mini Project. The mini project was kind of difficult. i somehow do not understand what the questions want, and how to do.
After lesson, went to play basketball for 2hours. then decided to go out eat. went to a nearby fast food restaurant and had a burger. the burger was not bad. went over to the opposite side and bought some BBQ stuffs. A little chit-chat with the seller.
Went to WuChang supermarket. Just outside, they are a lot of people dancing. i duno what's the purpose but a large group is dancing and their actions are the same. cool uh.. feel like dancing too, but duno how. when decided to take a picture of the large group, a kid who was jumping on the stage and dancing somehow come running in front of us also wanting to take picture.
after that, he went to drag his brother here and parent.

2009-03-19T06:54:00.000-07:00

day 16
=====
Weekdays normal routine are the same. Having lessons.

Basically, C# is getting more difficult. More Understanding is require.
I think the lecturer should set some examples while going through the C#.
It will be more easier for us to understand, if not we just do our stuffs and hand up.
The Lecture note is different from the C prog.
for C prog, there is textbook which guide us from simple examples to more difficult examples.

2009-03-19T06:52:00.000-07:00

day 15
=====
Today is exactly 2 weeks in Wuhan already. The climate is getting hotter and hotter. Soon or later, we will have to be sweating. And the clothes we brought will not be able to use unless we are able to get use to the heat.
Today had business etiquette presentation from the China lecturer. The lecturer is different from the lecturer we had last week. This lecturer’s English isn’t as good as the previous, but still able to understand it.
The presentation today was totally boring. The powerpoint slide were all words without having any pictures or videos to show. The speed he’s going was also very slow. From what he teaches, it seemed to him that we are like secondary school student. But even though is boring, the lecturer is good in terms of having it explain in details and giving examples to support.
After the IS, which the lecturers release us early, we were told to proceed to the computer area. I don’t know what the point of going there but the reason the lecturer gave was to compare the price of the computer here and the price of it in Sim Lim Square. But what’s the point of comparing? We ain’t in need of anything.
The shop loses at 6pm, all the entrance was closed and we need to go through the exit which looks like those emergency exit. After we came out, we saw these 4 puppies. Those were very cute small puppies. The China people are selling it quite cheap. If I did not hear wrongly is 160 RMP for it.

2009-03-19T06:50:00.000-07:00

day 14
=====
Today had to wake up early in the morning for a trip. The time for us to board the bus was 7.15am. As for me, I set my alarm at 5.30am. When it rang, I had it snoozing till 5.40am. I off my alarm and had this thought that I would wake up automatically at 6. But, when the next time I woke up was 6.20am. Now I had to queue up for the toilet.
At first I thought that the bus journey from WUST to the factory was 1hour. But the 1h journey was to the WUST (main branch). From there, it was another 30 or 40 minutes of journey to the factory. On the way, we still have to wait for the train to pass through us, which took quite a long time.
Finally, the destination was just in front of us. All of us alighted, having the safety helm put on. Entering the factory, all of us could feel the heat just before entering. We went touring in just one way down for about 10 minutes. Everyone was seeing how the metal was being processed.
From what I think, I think this is basically wasting of our time. Firstly, everyone woke up so early just to board the bus at 7.15am and have a journey for around 1hour 40 minutes. The thing is our journey is longer than the time we stay inside. Secondly, when we enter the building to see the process. With no one explain to us, how do they expect us to know what’s going on? They think that we are genius? Once we see thing, we will understand what they are doing? If there is no explanation on it, what the purpose for us going there? This journey really had wasted a lot of things. Like time, energy, money. The money could use for something in more other meaningful things. Not waste on this bus trip.
Continuing our lesson at 3pm. Now that Mr. Ma is going through the powerpoint slides, it is better for everyone or rather me to understand easier.
From what I observed just now, I had some kind of curiosity about how the metal from a piece can be stretch till so long. Wanting to know how the things work, without having people explaining it would just make one heart feel uneasy. So the final product was used for what types of usage? I do not even know it.

2009-03-19T06:45:00.001-07:00

day 13
======
href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CSzhPeeps%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml">Today was the thirteen day of me staying in Wuhan. Today, as usual was having lesson. However, the only thing different was that Mr. Ma was the lecturer for today.
The way Mr. Ma taught was totally different from how Mr. Chua taught. But I understand better from Mr. Chua teaching. The way Mr. Chua taught was using the slides from the powerpoint slide or rather from the lecture notes. It is easier for me to understand by seeing and following through. Mr. Ma’s way was he summarized the whole chapter and explained in his own way. This made me more difficult to understand. Now, I am trying to figuring out by trying out the exercise that was on the lecture note to help me understand better.

After the afternoon lesson which lasted for around 2hours. I went to canteen 3 to buy some DVD. I bought 4 different types of shows and the qualities were not bad either. 1 disc cost less than $1 in Singapore currency. But, I do not know whether it is possible for me to smuggle through back to Singapore.
In the evening, there was an interaction between us NP students and the students in Wuhan. There was singing and dancing. Everyone had fun and most of them were being high. Some groups were having exchange of performance to everyone. China people ain’t afraid of being shy. Quite a lot of them were talented and having confidence in themselves. Some were expert in dancing, singing, mimicking. I have enjoyed myself basically today.

2009-03-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

2009-03-18T04:57:00.000-07:00

Day 12
=====
Today was the last day to spend on the cruising. I had my morning bathe. But half way through, there was no water. So I waited inside for 5 minutes or so, when I decided to get the hot flask from outside to wash away the shampoo on my head. When I brought in the flask, guess what? There was water again! Is the toilet playing prank on me?
We had our breakfast almost the same food as yesterday. But missing the yellow bun. The white bun is totally tasteless. I only had a small amount portion of food. Cause there was lack of time and my throat hurt now. Yesterday had too much fried crab and fish already.
At 7.30 am, we alight the cruising ship and board on the bus back to WUST. The trip cost us almost 6 hours of journey. In between, we stop by a supermarket. Almost all the students bought snacks and foods. But for me, was searching the toilet. Finally, I found the toilet after 15 minutes. The toilet was dirty, with shit around the toilet bowl. Even after you finish your big or small business, there isn’t any tap water for you to wash your hands. Therefore, taking out my water bottle use it to wash my hand. On my way back, down the escalator. The escalator suddenly moves upwards when I was going down.
Finally back at the hostel, where usual routine carry on.

2009-03-18T04:48:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, we were told that when the music was played was the time for us to wake up. However, I did not know what time to wake up. Therefore, I set my alarm at 6am. Thus, waking up at 6 and get myself ready. After that went back to the bed and lie down to take a nap. When I wanted to wash up, there was no hot water, only cold water. So, I just wash my hair.

Around 7, the music started to play and the tour guides started knocking on the doors to wake us up. However, the tour guide skips our room. 7.30 was our breakfast time. The breakfast was 丰富. I filled my stomach well.

Soon after breakfast, we were changing to another smaller version of cruising ship, but for view of scenery. The scenery to me, at first was very nice. But, throughout the whole trip, it somehow is getting boring and boring. As it have mountain, trees, plantation and housing which look similar to each other. It is just that the mountain patterns are different.

After arriving at a certain place, where we change to another smaller boat. The boat was a rafting boat. The movement of the boat depends on manual, which depends on the person rowing the boat using paddles. The scenery we view was indeed splendid. The river was also quite clear, but, some dirty small particles. When we reach a certain part, there was a downstream and the boat was going against it. The crews of the boat were holding on to a rope and tie to their body, pulling the boat up against the upstream. This requires a lot of energy and strength. I was really impressed by them.

Whatever goes, will come back. So, we were travelling back and the downstream increase the speed of the boat. It was fun. On our way back, the tour guide sang some of the Tu Jia Songs. Her voice is very good. I think her voice was the best among others. I learnt that when a guy use his left leg to step on the right leg of a girl. It means that you like her and will want to marry her. Quite interesting isn’t it?

Cruising back to our main cruising ship. We had our lunch at 3 plus. The lunch was not bad either, ate finished all the dishes.

Around 6.30pm, we reach our last destination. We need to climb up a very long flight of stairs, which I think have 186 steps. My legs were very tired before even reaching the top. However, still forcing myself to go up. The top told us stories about Liu Bei.

On our way back to the ship, we bought fried crabs and fishes. It tasted quite good, therefore, we bought quite a lot. And it’s dinner time. We shared table with 3 France persons. We had a little chat with them. We also found out that they were lecturers who gave lectures in WUST international.

2009-03-17T05:49:00.000-07:00

day 10
=====
Today have to wake up early for the day. Knowing that I will go back to sleep after the alarm rang, therefore, I set it at 5am. The alarm clock had been snoozing for 1hour, thus, decided to get out of bed and get ready.
The bus left WUST at 7.30am. The tour guide, who was in charge of our entire trip, said that we were on time and had a sense of time. My mind was running, thinking that we were late almost every time. How can we have a sense of time? We had a four hour plus journey to the three gorges Dam. On our way there, the tour guide told us stories about the three kingdoms period.

Our destination, the three gorges, the scenery was very beautiful and splendid. There will three different touring spots in there. Having the local tour guide explaining to us how the Dam works. It is quite interesting too. The Dam was the biggest Dam. The interesting part is that the Dam is able to level the cruising ship up or down to another Damn. It is like a ship elevator.
Today, we were experiencing it. Currently now, I am in the ship just experienced it. It is amazing just seeing it, and now I am feeling it. I was very near the walls of the dam. I could even touch them. Now you can imagine how narrow it is.

From what I see today, even the woman in china, be it old or young, they even did work in public. This isn’t happening in Singapore. For example, the old and young were digging soil and planting in the plants. For this case, in Singapore, this does not happen. It usually is the man doing all this types of jobs.

2009-03-17T05:48:00.003-07:00

day 9
=====
It is now a normal routine for us on weekday to have lesson. However, yesterday was somehow special. There was an interaction between us Singaporean and China people.
Now the early lesson which is from 9 – 12 were having lesson on APPG. We had started on the chapter 2. As for me, I somehow understand the chapter a little bit. But it’s kind of difficult to understand. So now what I need was practice the exercise over and over again. And what’s next which is the test is next Thursday, which had little time to prepare? Or maybe have enough.
Afternoon lesson was special today. We only had one hour of lecture today. It was due to tomorrow there will be a cruise which is 3 days 2 nights. Therefore, the lecturers wanted us to go get ready the items which needed to bring or rather buy from shops.
Before going back to hostel, went to set the china telephone card to be able to call to international. However, due to need to set password and my phone somehow could not set, therefore the lady change a new number and card for me.
We set out to the place where the lecturer s told us that we could find a cheap winter jacket. Wanting to find sleeping bag, but the china people does not know what is sleeping bag. Therefore, we started walking further down to KFC. However, the shopping centre there does not have many things inside. Xin Rong and I decided to buy egg tart from KFC. The egg tart taste quite different from what we buy from the bakery shop in Singapore.
There was a friendly basketball competition between students from ECE and those Wuhan University students. I was not sure of the outcome as I was also playing basketball over at the other court. After the competition had ended, I stayed back and play basketball too. We had a mini match with the china lecturer too. We also found out that he was 30 years old. He was training us physically too, as he said, those who lose a match will do push-up. 1 push-up for 1 point difference in losing. We played till the clubhouse closed.
China people when they played basketball, they were all quite rough. E.g. pushing or forcing their way through. During the friendly competition itself, there were quite a number of fouls made by both teams. I could say that both teams were quite rough.

2009-03-17T05:48:00.001-07:00

day 8
====
As usual, today was having IS classes. Other groups were presenting their powerpoint slides on Singapore history and culture, and Wuhan history and culture. i supposed most of the students in the class didn’t really pay much attention to it. It was due to for me a few reasons. For example, we are Singaporean, and we already know it. However, for Wuhan case, Miss Anna had already gone through the slides on it. Basically, they won’t really presenting too and they were just like reading out story from the powerpoint.
Today was the first time I went to canteen 3 and have my food. I found out that there were more varieties of drinks there and healthier drinks too. For example, lemon tea, grape juice etc. The food in canteen 3 is much nicer than those in canteen 2, with much lesser oil of course.
From what I observed today, canteen 3 does look like a jail to me. As there are two security or police and the food were in metal plate which look like those in the jail. Somehow, it seems like we were the criminals and having our lunch there with 2 guard police looking after us.

2009-03-17T05:47:00.001-07:00

day 7
====
Yesterday I bought bread and cake from outside of the school outside. The bread and cake was rather fragrant. The food in the canteen is too oily already; I could not stand the oil.
Today was the day we really started our Application Programming (APPG) lesson. We were learning C#. It is another version of C programming. For C#, we really need to understand how the function works and apply it.
At first it was quite difficult for me to understand. After doing quite a number of practices, it seems simple. We will be having a lab test soon, so practice more and understand it.
Xin rong and I went to canteen 1 to try out the food. It seems that the food there contain less oil while dave and chewy went to canteen 3. They too also say the food there are nice and less oil. So I maybe will be eating there soon.
After the afternoon classes, went to gym to try it out. However, the facilities inside are no good. Most of it was in bad conditions. Some of it is the cable rubber torn and quite a number of it was rusty. Why can’t they just maintain the machinery?

2009-03-17T05:39:00.000-07:00

day 6
====
Today we had our first lesson, real lesson on the 6th day. Our lecturer was Miss Anna who is from china. She can speak really well English; the essence of her English is of those ang moh types. While her Chinese essence still have those of china Chinese.

From today the presentation Miss Anna gave today, learn quite a numerous things from her. I learnt about the culture, history and the cuisine of Hubei, and Wuhan too. The history of Hubei is quite interesting. There was quite a numerous famous character in ancient time actually from Hubei. After she explained to us about the Chi-bi movie, I am now tempted to watch it. I was interested in those IQ stuff, strategists and mystery stuff.

For the second period of lesson, we did essay on the Hubei and Wuhan. I think is quite a good idea for us doing that. During lesson, we might forget what Miss Anna told us. If we do this essay, this can help me refresh our memories on it and it stays in our brain longer.
After the second lesson, upon hearing one of the famous delicacies in Wuhan is fish balls. There are quite a number of fish balls restaurant outside our school. So we decided to go out and eat. Out of so many restaurants, we were finding which restaurant had the most cars outside and number of people inside. Soon, we found one and decided to go in. The food was good. We had mutton, pigeon, toufu, vegetable, fish balls and fish. The toufu is different from Singapore and is tasty. The fish balls are totally different from what we eat from Singapore. The fish balls here are soft while Singapore’s springy.

Today i found out that the pathway walking to the foreign language school has its fixed direction. The direction that is towards the school should walk at the pathway near to the stadium side. If you are walking towards canteen 2, the pathway we should take is the pathway near the library.

2009-03-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

day 5
====
Finally, today is a free and easy day for us. The day we have to do what we have with all the time we had. Today, our group leader, dave had decided to go Wu Chang Xu.

So we start our day at 1pm. We exit the University, crossed the zebra-crossing to over the road. We were waiting for taxi. But those taxis which came were those being occupied, or else no taxi came. Then, there is one van stopped before us as another guy board the van, followed by us as he told us he could fetch us there. So, we decided to board. Travel for less than ten meters, the guy who boarded the van before us alight. The trip cost us 70 RMP.
It was already noon, we had not had our breakfast and lunch. So we asked for direction to xiao chi yi jie. On our way there, we saw this beggar. The beggar was begging for money with an old lady lying in front of him. He was also shivering. He was really pitiful, but is this real or not?

The food at xiao chi yi jie was really good and cheap. I guess is better than the place where the tour guide brought us there. I wonder why the tour guide from yesterday did not bring us there as it is near huang he lou too. We carried on shopping after eating. We came around this shopping centre where the Taiwan singer, Luo Zhi Xiang, is coming to Wuhan. There was quite a long queue.

The sun is setting soon. Therefore, decided to have dinner before we go back to the hostel. We had steak for dinner. The steak is really good, much better tasting than Singapore. The pricing was also cheap. We taxied back to hostel.

From the taxi driver, learn quite a number of things from him. He told us he was once a tour guide too for 10 years. Then he decided to quit and become a taxi driver.
There were quite a number of taxis that stop in front of us, when we decided to go home. But once we told them where we wanted to go, they just shook their hand. How come taxi driver can earn money, they also would not take the job? There were also bars and video camera in the taxi. This is to prevent people from robbing or extorting money from them. Or even, if they do it, there will be a video.

Another thing is, whenever there is a traffic jam, the traffic police will appear. China people like to hang their clothing very far from their house. And the clothing hanged on was in the middle of the street on the cable. I wonder how they did it and how they collect back. They come out and stand in the middle and hang? Here are examples.

2009-03-16T23:31:00.000-07:00

day 4
====
I had my wash up all those and started using my laptop waiting for all my friends to get ready. But, by the time they were done, it’s already the time that we need to report to go tour around Wuhan. The four of us didn’t have our breakfast before leaving.

All four of us hurried to the meeting place, which is located outside the entrance of Wuhan University. First destination was Dong Hu. Once we alight from the bus, we could feel the coldness. Is it because that we were just near the lake that’s why it was very cold? Each of us paid 20 RMP for the vehicle to tour around the lake.

Our last station was the Archery. Despite of the coldness, I did not wear my glove. 10 RMP for 12 arrows, cheap isn’t it? It cost around $2+ for the shoot. While shooting the arrows, the fingers will felt pain. From what I think the fingers will felt pain was because, fingers were slightly hardened from the chilly air and secondly was because the string had no sponge or any protection for us to pull properly. This bow is much easier to pull compare to Singapore’s. In Singapore, the tension was much tighter.

Next was the museum. It was one of the most important buildings in Wuhan. The security was very strict inside. Before we entered, we have to go through security check just like what we did in airport. Even water bottle also could not bring in. In the past, people that lives, they are very remarkable. They could create or invent things which were very attractive and creative. Their handicraft was indeed professional from what I could see from the museum.
And it’s LUNCH time. I spend 25 RPM on food. The food there was really really great. I bought a lot of food to eat. The scallops and oyster was really nice.

Last was the huang he luo, which is quite famous, was one of the tourists attraction. There were quite a number of poets whose works are constructed there. Once we entered the building, we could see a big portrait picture of Lu dong bing riding on one of the he blowing a flute. I bought some souvenirs from there.

After that, travel back to hostel already. For dinner, we went out of the hostel and walked on the street and bought some food from it. I bought a Korean food which some sort look like burger.

Today I learn some history and some information of Wuhan. Actually Wuhan is one of the big cities in China. But 40% of it is cover with lake. People who come to Wuhan mostly come for its scenery. There were quite a number of rich people. The place they stay in were new building and the street they stay in is called guang gu. Another place is Mei Hua where most of the lecturers from university stay there. Taxis in Wuhan were cheap too. The starting fare was only 3RPM.

I observed that even China people does not know their own history very well too. Maybe they are from different parts of China Let’s start from the museum. China people always gathered around our tour guide, listening to what she had to say. This restricted us to get nearer to her listening. China people also quite surprised for us Singapore student to come? Every time, the tour guide say, “Come on Singapore student, and gather here.” The china people would be surprised and say “Singaporean” and started saying things. On the other hand at Huang He Lou, there was this group of china people. I heard them saying, “Let’s follow the tour guide and listen what she say.” Guess china people are like that, or rather human are like that taking things for granted.

2009-03-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

day 3
====
For the night throughout, the temperature was just cozy enough for me to sleep. I was really sound asleep. Even someone rang me from Singapore during midnight, I also could not hear.

Today, basically wake up and get wash up. After that, pack up my things which were needed for the first lesson today. While walking to the canteen, we thought we have not enough time to eat. However, we still decided to stay at the canteen and finish up our breakfast. Mr Chua came to the canteen to have breakfast too while we were half way eating. Upon finishing our dinner, we went to the classroom. It was already near 9, and it was like not much group was there.

All of us had our first lesson from 9am – 12 pm. However, our informal lesson today was presentation of Singapore history and culture. And only two group present. It was lunch break time; this time ate another type of fried rice. After gobbled all of it up, I could feel that my stomach having heat inside due to the spiciness I ate from the fried rice.

Continued our second lesson at 2pm. However, this time while waiting for teacher, I fall asleep on the chair. The teacher was like late for 15 minutes. This time we need to do 2 projects. First one is the writing about the educational system in china and the second one is the photo essay on faces. So, we drafted out what we wanted to do research on the educational system and need to submit the both project on the first week of April.

I find it weird for us Singaporean to do a presentation on Singapore history and culture. Singaporean should know a bit of knowledge about Singapore. Even if they do not know, once they do their research on information for the slides on it. They would know and understand it already. The staff in the canteen is being concern about our lives. She was asking what the condition of us staying here.

2009-03-16T07:13:00.001-07:00

day 2
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Throughout the whole night, was sleeping uneasily. The room was so cold for both me and Xin Rong. I was waking up and sleeping continuously. I woke up at 6.30 and got myself wash up. Once I stripped, I could feel the cold air in the toilet and started shivering. Quickly I on the hot shower to the max heat so I could have my heat in the toilet.

We were supposed to meet the teachers at the school canteen at 8am. However, when we reach there, there were no teachers around. All of us were thinking, did we hear wrongly for the wrong place to meet. In a while time, Mr Chua came. And soon, more students came. Mr Chua proceeded to the canteen. He talked to the chef and guessed what. We could eat all we want in the canteen for 5 RMP, which is like 1 dollar plus in Singapore currency. Cheap isn’t it?

Upon filling up the stomach, went back to the hostel to wait for time to pass. 9.30am was the time supposed to assemble for the tour. However, there were 2 person came to check about the internet connection. They give reason that their laptop have no battery or so and ask for our laptop. So Chewy gave in his. They checked, set up connection and poof. There is internet connection. However, the person said that we should have an account in order to have the internet. Therefore, the person having chewy laptop delayed the time and made everyone wait.

We had a tour around the school. The school basically is quite big. Even some part of the school look like area in the town. The school didn’t even look like school with stalls like those. There was also construction going on in there. Wasn’t it funny? How come a school was already in operation when some parts were under construction? Our classroom was located at the foreign school second level. Once we settle inside, for a moment, quite a number of us started to turn on the CPU. And that’s the first time I use internet when I reach Wuhan. So quickly, do those things that I wanted. There was this programmed control by teacher. It said something like please concentrate on what the teacher is teaching and stop doing your work. And also were given the password to gain access for the internet.

It’s time to go back to the canteen with our canteen card top up with the money. I top up 50 RMP. This time I ate mushroom fried rice. I was standing there queuing waiting for my food. I ordered mushroom fried rice. WOW! The fried rice was really nice; the fragrant will also make u hungry just by smelling it.

Once lunch is over, went back to the hostel again. Hurry back to on my laptop and gave a try to the internet access. It was a success, now that there is internet. 1.30pm, all were to assemble outside the hostel for briefing. We were told to travel to this lu xiang guang chang, one of the shopping building in the city area. We went as a group and ask for direction to the place. Teachers wanted us to go there ourselves and shop. We cross the zebra-crossing and took bus 901 from the bus stop. All of us made payment for the bus ticket for 2 RMP. Finally, we had arrived at the bus stop at last. There is still a long distance for us to walk to reach the destination. So we shopped at the nearest building first.

During our window shopping, satish lost his gloves. And the gloves disappear very quickly, got pick up by other people already. We decided to end our window shopping from that building and proceed to our destination. Basically, we also did window shopping again. There is also arcade here. But there is nothing much to play compared it to Singapore. The items here were also same pricing as Singapore. Not much difference. We had our dinner at KFC and we proceed back.

But, once we stepped out of the KFC, we saw this dog which is very big. This dog was quite playful; it activated the siren of the motorcycle 2 times and knocked down 1 bicycle. Once the dog and its owner leave the place, we also leave the place to go back to the hostel. That’s all for today.

From what I see from today, actually china people were quite friendly and helpful. On the way to and fro aboard the bus, the passengers onboard the bus helped to pass the ticket or money to the ticketing in charge. Also, the ticketing in charge also chatted with Ngee Ann student and teach us how to get to lu xiang guang chang. Another thing was during lunch, I went to order fried rice. There was this girl who is frying the rice. I can see that her hand was quite swollen up due to the oil spluttering on her hand. She doesn’t seem like in pain for her. She might also be in pain and she endured it. As for me, I don’t even think I can do that. For example, during steamboat, there is this barbeque thing. Once the oil splutter out and touches my hand, I would start screaming. Does girls in china are very strong in enduring?

2009-03-16T06:36:00.000-07:00

day 1
====
Today is the day that the SOE students went for the OIP Wuhan Trip. The teacher in charge told us to meet at Changi Airport Terminal 1 at 5.30am. However, I was already late as I leave my house at 5.20am.

When I reach at Terminal 1, I saw quite a lot of student all assemble there already. So I went to search for the teacher to get my passport back. But the weird thing was among all my friends who came for this trip, I was the only one who was without the passport. So, one of my friends went up to Mr. Ma and confirm with him. Mr. Ma collected back their passport.
The teachers were briefing us on some items. There was this 2 tag that we need to tie it to our luggage with writing our name on it. After that, there is a sticker which needs to paste on somewhere visible for the officers to view. This sticker is for the transferring of plane.
Soon, one by one, all of us queued up to check in our luggage. Till my turn, I wanted to see how heavy my luggage was but, the digital system did not even move. After checking in our luggage, Mr. Chua told us to meet outside the departure hall. So I went to meet my parents and went up to the food court at second level to have my breakfast.
Time’s up. I proceeded down to the departure hall. My fellow friends were waiting there already. The entire SOE student went in before us. I scanned my passport and thumbprint. However one of my friends, Jia He, was behind me. He was able to pass through the first part, scanning of passport, but not the thumbprint part. He tried a few time till he was called to the security area. We also don’t know what had happened. Once he is done, we proceed further in.
This is the second time I am taking the plane, but the first time going oversea without my parents accompany. I learn to be more independent and be careful of the surroundings. The passport is the most important item.

The first destination was Guang Zhou. That’s the place we have our lunch. But it’s the usual fast food which all of us will know, MacDonald. I spend my first 100 yuan to exchange to a smaller notes in order the get less cheated for money at Wuhan. Having finished my lunch, we proceed to the area to board our plane.

Finally Wuhan, here we come! Once exit the airport, it’s very cold. The temperature was almost 1/5 of Singapore temperature. It was 6 degrees Celsius. We can see smoke coming out from each and every single one of our mouth .My toes also went slowly going numb as I only wear a thin layer of sock. We board a yellow bus to Wuhan. On the way there, my toe start to feel warm as my toe was only behind the heater, or might be the engine giving off heat. Anyway, the feeling was cozy. Soon, I fell asleep on the bus.
Once I woke up, the bus just arrived at Wuhan University science and technology. Finally, hostel at last. It was like after 11 hours then I could see a bed just in front of me. My room was at the first level. Therefore, I only need to climb 1 flight of staircase. This help to save energy from climbing up and down. Among 4 rooms, mine and Xin Rong’s room was the coldest I guess. Only our room was still able to see the smoke breathing out from our mouth.

After everyone place their belonging in the hostel, all of us went to the school canteen, second level, to have our dinner. We ate the food which looks like Korean food. Even in indoors, without air-conditioning, was cold. My toes were freezing, starting to get numb. Luckily I ate a bit of spicy food to warm up the internal body. On the way out of the canteen, there is this flight of stairs. I thought I could warm up my toes just by moving it faster and lifting up the leg higher. But the more I do, the more pain my toes get. The feeling was like the toes are going to drop out.

So, I decided to quickly pace back to the hostel. Due to the fog on my spec and there is little amount of light, I could not see the way properly. I also could not recognize the way back to the hostel. Luckily, saw my friends and hurry up and join them. If not, I will be lost in the University.
Finally, back on to the bed!
The officers from China, who were checking of passport, were all wearing a stern look. All were somehow looking very fierce feel like anytime they could just gobble you up. They did not smile or even open their mouth to talk.

2009-03-16T06:22:00.000-07:00

assignment 1
==========
1. I want to see studying as a foreign student, how would china people treat a foreigner? I also want to learn about the delicacies of Wuhan. People lives, one should have enjoy life, having good food. Basically, i have heard nothing about Wuhan from anyone. My family members don’t even know this exist. However, i did some research. I know that Wuhan is the capital of Hubei. Wuhan does also have a lot of University. They are good in dealing with science and technology related things. So, as for my course, aerospace electronics, i might learn something from them. I hope so.

What motivates me to study? The only thing is my parents’ trust. They allow me to go overseas and study. They also come out with a huge sum of money just for me to study. Therefore, i must not let them down and study hard. If i don’t the huge sum of money would just be wasted. Anyway, it’s a good chance to see how others in other place study too. I still have companions.

One will grow up sooner or later. I can understand their culture and language or even how they work with people. Next time, i will be able to work with people too. Different country have different environment too, so having travel outside your own country will let you adapt to another environment.

2. I am interested in the food that is in China. I love delicacies. Therefore, wanting to try out their food. Are they stressed by living in china? What’s the working hour?

3. How different is Wuhan and Singapore?
Basically, Wuhan in some parts has grown their own agriculture. So they will have more varieties of food. With them having their own agriculture, the price of the food will be cheaper compare to Singapore. Wuhan has 4 seasons, summer, spring, autumn and winter but Singapore will have only hot weather.

How safe can Wuhan be?
Wuhan can be considered as quite safe. The only thing which is unsafe is our belonging. From what we know from the teachers, they like to scam money by using counterfeit money. And also, China people like to pickpocket other people stuff. Therefore, in China, we must be careful of our own belonging.

Can we survive on our own independently overseas?
I think we can survive on our own. However, what we need is cash, to have our stomach filled. We will be staying in the hostel. So, if there are hostel in the University, probably student will also stay there. If other students can survive on their own, we can do it too. That’s the life of the university student anyway.
Is a hostel different from a hotel?
From what i think, they are almost similar. They had almost the same items the hotel has, just that, hostel is for student and hostel does not have room service too.
Will it make a difference if we were studying in NP or Wuhan University?
From my thinking, i don’t think that studying anywhere is a problem. It’s the heart you willing to put in to it. If you really want to study, you can study anywhere.
4. Firstly, I will like to improve my skill on Willingness to Take Risk. Why is that? Sometime, we do things; there are things which cannot be done if you dare not to do it. If you dare not, meaning that the certain things you want to do is having certain risk. Sometime we risk making something better.
Secondly, I also like to improve the skill on Comfort Level with Strangers. Everyday, we will meet different types of people who are totally stranger to us. If we need to have something from them or even want them to help, we need to the politeness as not to be afraid they might eat us up.
Lastly, the skill is Tolerance for discomfort. During social life, when people make fun of you, the way is to tolerate and endure. If not once you burst into anger, you might end up in fights or even become enemy.
5. Actions speak louder than words. Basically, i will try to interact with the local people over there. We are foreigner over there, so how will the local treat the foreigner? We could also gather information about Wuhan too.