The day started off as early as 4am on 22 Nov 2004. My dad drove me to Changi Airport before going to work. I didnt sleep much the previous night as it just didnt suit my bio clock.
My first impression of Valu-Air after receiving and gathering reviews of it was overall, less professional. However it was alright due its flight costs. I would fly a better airline in future for flights more than 3 hrs. Valu-Air will be my choice airline when it comes to regional travel.
Landed at HK International Airport at about 11am. Got a little closer to my other groupmates. Had a long bus ride before having lunch at a Shenzhen's local restaurant. Wasnt a filling lunch as we guys usually have huge appetites. Another long bus ride before reaching at Xin Hui's School Hostel, which we will put up for 3 nights. Dinner was far too simplistic, but can fill a person's hunger as it was prepared by the hostel. This was a taste of what the students actually have for their meals. Didnt turn me on a single bit.
Had a walk in the streets after dinner. My friends and I bought snacks and goodies. Since the prices and exchange rates are cheap, goods were considered of an inferior nature at China. This explains why Singaporeans splurge a lot during a holiday trip.
Spent the night playing cards with the others. Cannot sleep as most of us had already slept alot during the bus journey.
Day 2, Xin Hui, 1135h
I was awaken a few times when I was resting through the night. This was because of the cold weather and me being a smart alec, not using the blanket provided. Underestimated the cold weather. Although the morning call was supposed to be a t 8am, I realised that I was awake 1.5h earlier. The primary school opposite was filled with noises from the students, bounces of basketballs, marching of students and cheerful voices.
After breakfast, we proceeded to the mayor's office conference room for a dialouge session. Apparently, most of the conversation was done in cantonese which almost put me to sleep during the speech and presentation. We finally visited our first school, Ping Shan Pri Sch. We were impressed and taken in by the marching squad of the school. They were practising for a school function. It was a much better environment than training NPCC cadets back at Singapore. These *cadets* were really disciplined and put effort in what they did, unlike Singaporean youngsters who dont really care much...
Had a sumptous lunch which was provided by the governor at Gangzhou Hotel. We then walked to a art gallery which wasn't a grand one. However, it had works which were one of a kind. Especially the paintings of the eagles and granite carvings.
The main attraction of the day was when we arrived the Xin Hui's Overseas Chinese Sec Sch. We got a chance to attend lessons in their classroom. As a History student, I decided to join the history class. The history lesson had a textbook and was about China and Taiwan. The class had about 60 pupils, tripled the size in CJC. Students here were generally much well behaved as compared to in Singapore. However, I dont know if that will be a learning process for the students, a double edged sword I put it. It was totally different experience of a history lesson as compared to CJC's.
Their school had more people, bigger in size, many more bball courts, a lively atmosphere. Students wore standardised shoes, and wore a uniformed autumn outfit. After a tour around the school, we got a chance to interact with some of the year 1 students. They had canton accent in their chinese, together with my poor mandarin, had a little problems communicating with them. Hahax. However, after sometime, things settled and the conversation went on much smoother. Visited their science exhibition which was followed by a stunning performance by the host school. On the other hand, we could only sing a few songs as our performance. The most exhilarating part was the combined wushu performance which blew us away...
Took some pictures with the students to leave a momento. Reflecting on what we chatted earlier on, their studying hours, environment was less fortunate than ours. Although they had a lunch break of 1130-1430h, they might have a chance of having night classes as well. Wondering why Singaporeans are still complaining about the long school days and working hours. Glad to have know some one really well from the school, named XieXin. A sweet looking girl and really friendly. I was really touched and surprised that she got me a little gift and a momento, passed it to my friends to hand it over to me, despite that we only knew each other for less than half a day. ^_^
Had a shopping trip with my groupmates around the area. Bought a few more items than usual and found places which could prove a good shopping ground for me. =)
Day 3, Xin Hui, 0215h Had a groggy morning as we did not sleep much because the morning call this time was 7am. Set off for our first tour destination which was gui feng shan. It was a temple and place of worship for a buddhist like me. Had a weird water pool which produce water droplets jumping while rubbing the sides of the bowl. Prayed to the Gods and took a chance at the wishing tree.
Proceeded to the Ex Premier Zhou En Lai's Memorial Place. T o me, it had been a time where he was glorified, well praised of his achievements and contributions, portrayal of his good deeds and attitudes. He had the mentally to care for the common, just like the communist leaders, gaining respect of the majority. Took a few pictures with the group at the scenery outside.
We proceeded to the Ghana Plam Gallery located nearby. It was a native handicraft industry which made materials and goods close to those of rattan . Bought a fan which had a picture of gooses on it made by burns on the ghana leaves.
We had some problems when we were on our way to our next destination. The coach took the wrong turn and landed up at a narrow rural living district which proved difficult manuveur. Reached our next destination which was known as the modern plantation which grew weird fruits, hydroponics and aeroponics. Had a nice lunch with some special dishes like pumpkins, vegetables grown in the plantation. Tried out a drink made by Ling Zhi and other herbs. Tasted herbal which doesnt suit me at all.
We proceeded to Liang Qi Chao's residence, who was a revolutionary. He had great history left behind and his family were all well educated, of which some are famous. Took awhile to read and understand him. Upon reading the articles, saw familiar historical figures like Puyi, Cixi and Yuan Shih Kai. This is what history students' attitudes should be.
Our last destination for the day was at Birds' Paradise. It was an upclose experience with some of the ornipods. Found later that there was a tree of 386 years growing more than 1 sq km wide. This is a first exp with nature's creation so large. Took a beat to see birds upclose in their natural habitat. Stayed until the sun set.
Had our dinner back at the dormitory. Went out to do more shopping for bags and clothes. Bargained with the help of Ming Ming, who knows canton very well. Went to have dinner, Round 2 at KFC. Tze Wei and I had some communication problems with the cashier. China proves to be an obedient country , flavours of chicken cannot be switched at KFC as it has to follow what's shown on the menu.
Met my friend Xie Xin, from Xin Hui Overseas Chinese Sec School. Had to her an *ad hog* gift which I bought earlier. Hope she will like it though... She's a nice and warm girl, who gives me a sincere impression of her. Wonder when will I ever get to see her again... Maybe yes... Maybe no... Hope it will be so..
