Today, I had the longest sleep in 19 days! It felt so refreshing after being quite deprived for sleep after so long. This shows how important sleep is and how much more energetic one can be after having a proper sleep. But, there was another thing that woke me up. It was Gary and he said "Dean! Bad News! For the Lab Test, everyone might have to retake it as there were problems!" The moment I heard that, I jump out of the bed and asked him why.
He told me Mr. Chua texted him to pass the message on a retest for those who didn't get their checkpoint signed. I thought back and remembered that I had mine signed so I wasn't as worried but I'm still worried for the rest who didn't have theirs signed. We are taking this module as a group and not individually, those who are in need shouldn't be left hanging. I was thinking, since there's the soft copy of the test in the thumbdrive, wouldn't that be fine? After thinking that way, Gary said his thumbdrive was EMPTY so Mr. Chua is going to discuss the issue with him. It's like nothing seem to be going his way!
Later in the day, Gary and I went over to 古文化街 to get his faulty watch changed. Apparently, the shopkeeper still remember us! The reason is because Gary slashed 50% off the opening price. So after that, while on our way back,we had to change to bus 643 at 滨江道. When the bus came, there were alot of people who wanted to board the bus and it's practically quite full so we waited for the next. Normally, the back door would be open so that more people could also board.
Now, some interesting happened. There's the bus conductor standing at the exit door asking the bus driver to not open it, so everyone has to pay for the ride. When he went to flag the other buses to stop, the driver immediately opened the door and a few people rushed up the bus! He saw it and quickly ran towards the front door of the bus, told the driver to stop opening the exit door and drive away. A really funny and rare experience!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Day 18! T.G.I.Friday! - 25th March 2011
T.G.I.F! Amazingly this week passed even faster! As the number of the tests gets lesser and lesser, the time flies faster and faster. Today, we went to visit a wine factory! It's a collaboration between China and France. I have only seen the bottled wine but not the actual bottling process. One bottle of wine might seem to be a drink adults enjoy but the whole process of growing, culturing, and bottling is not simple.
Here are some photos of the making process!
Not only did we get to see the general overview of the making process, we also got to try an expensive bottle of red wine. Not any ordinary bottle but one that cost 4980RMB per bottle! Even though they know that we are students and can't really buy much items or even nothing, they still serve us with top quality products. That is the service that is really commendable. The company is really generous and the Quality of Service is top notch!
Here are some photos of the making process!
Not only did we get to see the general overview of the making process, we also got to try an expensive bottle of red wine. Not any ordinary bottle but one that cost 4980RMB per bottle! Even though they know that we are students and can't really buy much items or even nothing, they still serve us with top quality products. That is the service that is really commendable. The company is really generous and the Quality of Service is top notch!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Day 17 - 24th March 2011
Tired! Finally our hard work has paid off! The hard work in this context is about the powerpoint slides we did up just one day before. Even though the presentation was a little impromptu, we still managed to get it done up just in time! When we were doing the powerpoint on food, it brought back good memories of Singapore which all of us want. Being overseas for 3 weeks now, whatever things we don't really take notice off in Singapore, becomes an item we miss. For example the food in Singapore, we just eat to live. But now, we live to eat Singapore's food, the taste that is missing from our mouths.
Other things that are currently on my mind are Results and Lab Test. For results, I did some self reflection and told myself, results are not based on how smart you are but how hardworking you are. I think back and realised I've actually not put in much effort to work for my grades. I want to really change that mindset of mine but every time it is only valid for awhile and I'm back to my old ways. For APPG in China, I have friends who are pushing me to work for it as it decides my future.
This itself is already heartening as I know that there are friends around me who really care for one another. The group dynamics plays a vital role in ensuring that all the members are happy, healthy and safe. Thank you Mr Tan and Mr Chua on behalf of everyone for guiding us along and be there whenever we needed any kind of help or even as company!
After blogging, the weights have finally been lifted off my shoulders. In the past, I felt blogging was useless as it's like talking to yourself but after blogging for a few weeks, the reflection every day is really useful as I can express my feelings and talk about things that happened on that day. Alright! I better sleep early for tomorrow's test! Wish me luck!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Day 16 - 23rd March 2011
This week so far has been a busy week. 2 APPG Test, 1 done, 1 more to go. So many things going on in my head but luckily I'm still able to cope with the workload. Half of the OIP trip is going to be over and I've experienced lots of situations like a little communication barrier between the shopkeeper and students at the beginning but it's improving each day.
I have to say that Chinese is not my favourite subject but over in China, under these conditions, I have to communicate in Chinese. This being said, speaking good Chinese became one of my goals to achieve. Over the years, English has always been the main communication language be it at home or in school. As a result, not alot of teenagers, including myself can speak Chinese fluently.
We as Chinese should feel quite ashamed to be not able to speak our native tongue and as years goes by, the traditional Chinese language would not be as strong as before. For example, my buddy speaks 5 times when she is speaking with her friends. The speed she converse with me, to me it's relatively fast already! Imagine it being 5 times faster! I would be dumbfounded by whatever she says!
As I'm typing my blog, I'm also doing up the presentation for tomorrow. It is going to be the first time I'm presenting in Chinese and I'm worried I'll say something grammatically wrong and funny! Oh well! A funny experience would be a memorial experience! Let's hope I don't make a real big blunder!
I have to say that Chinese is not my favourite subject but over in China, under these conditions, I have to communicate in Chinese. This being said, speaking good Chinese became one of my goals to achieve. Over the years, English has always been the main communication language be it at home or in school. As a result, not alot of teenagers, including myself can speak Chinese fluently.
We as Chinese should feel quite ashamed to be not able to speak our native tongue and as years goes by, the traditional Chinese language would not be as strong as before. For example, my buddy speaks 5 times when she is speaking with her friends. The speed she converse with me, to me it's relatively fast already! Imagine it being 5 times faster! I would be dumbfounded by whatever she says!
As I'm typing my blog, I'm also doing up the presentation for tomorrow. It is going to be the first time I'm presenting in Chinese and I'm worried I'll say something grammatically wrong and funny! Oh well! A funny experience would be a memorial experience! Let's hope I don't make a real big blunder!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Day 15 - 22 March 2011
Stress stress stress! The first APPG test was held today but I feel I have not done up to my expectations. It's not that I didn't study for the test but it's more of the exam conditions that gives me the pressure even though I know how to do the questions. To get feeling of being pressurised away, all I can do is to try to get used to it.
Anyways! The test is already over so worrying over it doesn't make a difference to your marks but it only makes you unhappy. Unbelievably, it's already the 3rd week! 3 more weeks and we are all back in lovely Singapore. I think at the end of the trip, I'm going to miss Tian Jin and the people here. The livelihood of this place is amazing! Much more active then back home as most people there are either working or studying. As for here, the people balances their work time and play time very well so they can afford to go out and have a day off.
Back to today's trip to Eco-City, it was a new experience. The Singapore Government collaborated with the Chinese Government to develop this area which is self-sustainable. The reason is because due to the rising population and pollution levels, both govenment are trying to make this area as "green" as possible. A really good idea in my opinion because at least I know people are trying their best to make the world a cleaner place.
Day 14 - 21st March 2011
Monday blues oh Monday blues... why do you always comes knocking on my door!
I'm losing my voice after all the singing yesterday at the KTV but it was all worth it! The fun and laugher gained from yesterday was unbelievable! All of us had a real great time as we sang with some of our Local buddies who took time off to accompany us! Thank you so much!
Today, in the morning was APPG where Mr. Chua went through the past year papers so that we would be prepared for tomorrow's test. He is a very caring teacher who takes care of his students and teaches the module very well. The level of understanding for this module is still not as strong. Maybe it could be due to the fact that we didn't have any actual test before this to know where we stand.
Afterwards was the Chinese lesson which the lecturer went through how words were formed from joining the characters together, resulting in a meaning which describes both of the characters together. For example, the word 仁(ren2). It is formed by joining 人(ren2) and 二(er4). The meaning of the word is being humane. This makes sense because 人(people) must help each other and each other is described as 二. It is like a person helping another person.
This 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. Like the current Tsunami and Earthquake situation in Japan, even thought the Chinese had a past with the Japanese, they still sent aid over to Japan to help out in the situation. This is being humane and not think twice to help others out regardless of anything. A real lesson to learn from them.
I'm losing my voice after all the singing yesterday at the KTV but it was all worth it! The fun and laugher gained from yesterday was unbelievable! All of us had a real great time as we sang with some of our Local buddies who took time off to accompany us! Thank you so much!
Today, in the morning was APPG where Mr. Chua went through the past year papers so that we would be prepared for tomorrow's test. He is a very caring teacher who takes care of his students and teaches the module very well. The level of understanding for this module is still not as strong. Maybe it could be due to the fact that we didn't have any actual test before this to know where we stand.
Afterwards was the Chinese lesson which the lecturer went through how words were formed from joining the characters together, resulting in a meaning which describes both of the characters together. For example, the word 仁(ren2). It is formed by joining 人(ren2) and 二(er4). The meaning of the word is being humane. This makes sense because 人(people) must help each other and each other is described as 二. It is like a person helping another person.
This 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. Like the current Tsunami and Earthquake situation in Japan, even thought the Chinese had a past with the Japanese, they still sent aid over to Japan to help out in the situation. This is being humane and not think twice to help others out regardless of anything. A real lesson to learn from them.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Day 12 - 19th March 2011
Today, was another day where we had an eye-opening experience. We met up with a few of our buddies and went to explore the 洋货市场 (Foreign Goods Market). The Foreign Goods Market is like Singapore's Sungei Road Market from what we've heard. HOWEVER, you wouldn't believe what kind of stuff they sell there.
They sell loads of items that are Dangerous and Illegal for example, Daggers, Tasers, Green Lasers and Axes! The whole group of us were shocked to see almost every stall selling those items. It really makes me wonder where did they get all of the items from and why are they even selling it in the first place. The sense of safety changed immediately and we didn't dare to bargain or even walk seperately in smaller groups.
The thought of wondering what are the items for sale used for, constantly send chills down my spine for the whole duration being there. 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 and I really think Singapore has done a good job in keeping that level of peace and security for a safer environment.
They sell loads of items that are Dangerous and Illegal for example, Daggers, Tasers, Green Lasers and Axes! The whole group of us were shocked to see almost every stall selling those items. It really makes me wonder where did they get all of the items from and why are they even selling it in the first place. The sense of safety changed immediately and we didn't dare to bargain or even walk seperately in smaller groups.
The thought of wondering what are the items for sale used for, constantly send chills down my spine for the whole duration being there. 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 and I really think Singapore has done a good job in keeping that level of peace and security for a safer environment.
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