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Sunday, December 12, 2004

China Trip Update Part 3

Day 8, Zhong Shan, 0216h

The 2 drunkards Alv and Fish were well today. Fish was still a little groggy as compared to Alv who was well alert tt morning. Had the same bfast as ytd. We packed our baggages and gathered on the bus, leaving for Fo Shan.

During the bus ride, there was a game which I would call it "Musical Cap". The tour guide or whoever the person would sing till the song ends and simultaneously whoever has the cap when the song ends would be called out to sing. I was called out to song, chose Can You Keep a Secret by Hikki, Utada Hikaru. Slept thruout the later part of the journey.

Reached Wong Fei Hong's Residence and the archives of his life and descendants. Unfortunately, we were not able to catch a live performance of martial arts. We toured the area and watched a video clip in a cinema like surrounding, of Wong Fei Hong. This could date back till the 1960s of his first show. Left for lunch at a nearby restaurant.

There wasnt any programme or tour spots after lunch. This was because the bus driver lost his way this we had a 4 hour bus ride instead of a 2 hour one. Listened to my songs and music, slept more than half the time, and chatted with the rest as well. My Mp3 Player burnt out by 3/4 our its life thru out the journey. =S

Went to shop around after having dinner at Zhong Shan. The hotel which we are at has more souls compared to the previous hotel at Qing Yuan. The streets reminded me of DongDaeMon in Seoul last year, where I was at. The dessert, *translated from Mandarin* Double Skin Milk tasted wonderful, being a local delicacy. Did not buy much here as the things were generally more exp as compared to Xin Hui.

Had an unpleasant experience when a small girl suddenly grabbed my leg, wanting me to buy a rose from here. A person like me will bother to get one, besides get for who then? I was rooted to the ground by her hug on my leg like a koala bear. She didnt want to budge so I decide to raise my voice and shouted her off in a ferocious manner. It was a painful thing to do, but I had to do it.

Had a gathering at one of groupmates', Mari and Theng²'s room. Played cards, hand action games(Bombibi, ba xian guo hai, Auntie Chong's idea), chatted on life matters, and of coz eating. This bring back memories of chalets and pri sch gatherings where so many things are going at the same time.

Day 9, Shen Zhen, 1306h

As we were unable to cover all our tour spots ytd, we were now in the hands of time to cover whatever we can today. Firstly, after a quick bite of bfast, we packed our luggages and hop on the bus. We left for Sun Yat Sen's Residence, where he grew up. Knew more abt him as compared when I was studying abt his rebellion during Sec 3. The english articles and letters displayed had difficult handwriting. My friends and I had problems comprehending the messages.

Lunch was slow as the food took a long time to be prepared. Left for the Opium War Memorial which featured a big statue of National Hero Lin Ze Xu. Most of us have come acroos this historical figure of China. The guys were interested in the weapons, cannons, artillery, war tactics and strategies in understanding why CHina Lost to Britain. Partly was due to the military superiority of the Western Power and also due to China's little time to prepare for the counterattack. Saw many relics and artefacts from the war like close ranged weaponary swords, spears and harrows, guns and rifles.

Had a long bus ride to Shen Zhen due to the heavy traffic and the bus loosing its way again/ When we got off the bus, we went for a hill climb not knowing where we were going and end up. The sky grew dark very quickly. Soon, we were at the peak and discovered a area of serenity. It was a good view of Shen Zhen too. Besides tt, it was a also a couple's hangout too. the main attraction was the giant statue of Deng Xiao Ping, former leader of PRC. Took a few shots, look at Shen Zhen and thought through some personal stuff.

Took quite awhile before we reached the hotel for our dinner. Had dinner at the speed of lightning because we were all very eager tp sjop around the area. Bought a few items back after we bargained with the shopkeepers. Brought back a basket of Chicken from KFC together with some bottled beverages from a roadside store. Had a gathering later at Nigel and Alvin's room after midnight. Our last night together.

Day 10, Airplane, --h

It was the epic day, our very last together in China. We woke up early to have breakfast. Looking at everyone, we were so tired and restless. Will miss those times we spent together and moments we cherished together for the past 10 days. Took many photos here and there.

What many had a memorable experience was during the Shen Zhen Customs where crowds were pushing here and there, ppl cutting queues, guards cordoning the area, black faces and shouting. Well of coz, I was one of the those black faces, angered by those ppl's insolent behavior and uncivilised manners. Just cant stand the old ppl this time, who thought they owned the place, pushing whenever they want to. Oh well, just an experience worth in my mind. HK customs was efficient though with many queues and proper sieving of ppl by the customs staff.

Bought a Vivi Magazine (Jan 05) which just came out in Kinokuniya last week. Hahax, slept pretty much on the plane and took some chance to eat and chat with the rest. Bought 3 cans of beer with Ming Ming's help, hehe thanks!! And there I went home, bringing more baggage and wonderful memories~~ Miss The China Gang!! Welcome home to Singapore~