Day 24 in Tianjin ( now in Beijing ) 31/03/2011

Today started our first holiday to Beijing. The temperature there was just fine, not too warm and not too cold. Love this kind of weather. First site we visited is a place where empress Cixi stayed during summer time. It hold lots of history there as it also place where hold the saddest emperor in history. Inside all the room, all the furniture is still well preserved, staying more than century to let the future to know what life was in the past. After that, went for lunch. Not much appetite though, not sure why. Next site is the TianTan. I always thought that this place is called TianAn Men, but apparently I was wrong. Keep forgetting the name. Had free time there and took photos and here come the surprise. When we were taking photo, a group of people, looking at us, were singing our Singapore national anthem. We were shocked, but we replied with the Singapore pledge. LOLS. And what more shocking is, they are also from NgeeAnn. That show how fated we are. Even though we did not know each other, but the feeling to see our own Singaporean in foreign country is still great. Took photo with them, and after that, met a lecturer. She recognised us by seeing us playing with the slide beside the stairs, and she said, only Singaporean will do this kind of thing. Hmmm, good or bad?!?! LOLS. Yea. Good day, went to check in to hotel, and it look GREAT!!! Very nice, I think I will miss this room for sure. For today, I learn that each of us shall not only take care of yourself, but also the others, no matter who are they, as long as they required your help. Oh ya, when we will in TianTan, I and Gary saw a old couple selling things, and the old lady is wheelchair bound. So we bought something from them. Although they charged Gary 1RMB for the thing while me for 8RMB, I did not feel bad as I know I did something good. The feeling of helping people is also good, no matter how small you contribute. That all I want to say today.

Day 23 in Tianjin 30/03/2011

YEAH!!! Finally end APPG today. Felt like a big stone had just disappeared. Today highlight was celebrating Mr Tan’s birthday. Bought a ultra super big cake for him, 3 layer in total. Lols. Went down at the buddy’s cafe to celebrate. Had fun there, with all the cake smashing all that stuff. Damn funny. After all, wish Mr Tan a Happy Birthday and enjoy his day:)

Day 22 in Tianjin 29/03/2011

Today was a great day. The weather, the mood, all perfect. Some of us manage to release some of our stress for the upcoming test through a healthy way, playing basketball. Not long after the game start, there’s some small little things happened. Our basketball accidentally rolled out of the court and sort of roll into others court. Unfortunately, the people in the court are having their Pe, so we went to get the ball quickly, not wanting to disturb their lesson. But apparently, their coach was pissed, and shouted us for disrupting his lesson. But we know is somehow our fault, so just forget it. During lunch time, we went to play again. LOLS, pe for us too. And something happened during the lunch time. 2 of my trip mates did not attend lesson as one of them went to have a haircut while the other accompanied. But it took longer time than what they expected, so they did not attend the whole lesson. And during the roll call that night, they did explain their reason. Actually there’s 2 ways in looking this matter, but apologise is still require as they really did something wrong. So, just let it past and move on with our trip. Tomorrow is the day that our APPG will end, hope so. Lols. Let all do well for tomorrow and carry on with our study. Today shall be all.

Day 21 in Tianjin 28/03/2011

Revision for final test today. This is the last lap for the Oip students here. Therefore, gonna do our best in this module in order not to waste our time here. Mr Chua went through the topic behind to clear our doubt. Although still don’t understand some concept, but think still will do quite ok. Not much confident though. Went to have dinner with the group, although not all, but it’s pleasant. The funny part was, we ordered the same foods, but one after another instead of ordering together. Because we went to the restaurant at a different timing. Lols. After spending 3 weeks together, i found that the group have changed alots, in a positive way. During the meeting before we came here, we are like divided into groups, our own groups with our friends. But now, everybody is together, bonded strongly. The time we spent together are getting lesser and lesser, but sure I know that when we return, we will still take times to meet up with each other. This tells me that this trip is not only letting me study hard and change my study attitude, but also make new friends from other courses. I’m sure that if I did not come here, some of us will still be strangers even if we see each other in school. That all I wanna say today:)

Day 19 in Tianjin 26/03/2011

Get the first full sleep of mine since I reached here. the feeling was like, so~~~~ GOOD!!!!

today is just merely free day. but a study day for me.. Didn go anywhere but stay in hotel.

actually quite relaxing too, just stay inside and do your own things. hehe.

and today is the earth hour day, and I just forget it. But I didn not use any electronic device during that hour, so do i consider as helping too?!?! some of the group mate went for a hair change, so went there to take a look. spend almost 1 hour there, chatting and stuff. got an urge to cut and dye too, but i think not. Not much thing for me to reflect about, but still a useful quote, " All for one, one for All:)"

Day 18 in Tianjin 25/03/2011

had lab test this morning, really too panic this morning, that i almost didn complete the test cause of a stupid mistake that i made. Scare the hell out of me... but still manage to finish, and even did the enhancement part. now shall wait for the result. oh ya, today is the result day for last sem too. although i didn do well, but i still proud of myself as I manage to bring back my grade from fail to a pass, cause I did study very hard for the final exam. Shall pull my grade higher nxt sem then, starting with Appg of course. this is the promise I will keep.. after the lab test, went to visit a wine factory, Dynasty. Get to know how the factory operate and taste some of it's wine. not bad not bad. the wine cellar of the factory is designed in a European style, very nice, make myself think that i really in a europe country. went on a tour in the factory and went back to hotel. as for the night, KTV again. enjoy myself lot. as a summary for today, I learned that when facing a problem, it doesnt help by panicking, therefore, dont panic when you face a problem, or else, it will make it worse...

Day 17 in Tianjin 24/03/2011

today highlight was during IS, the interaction with China mates.

it start off with Mr Tan performing some of his magic. it sure entertained us as everyone was watching in deep. he is a true performer as he knows how to interact with his audiences and stuff.

right after it is a presentation by my fellow mate, showing the chinese our singapore culture, foods and tourist site. while looking at the food section, i'm sure all the singaporean miss the taste of it. nth beat our own food man! hehe. after that, one of my trip mate performed selat, a malay martial arts. it actually look like the chinese Tai-Ji.. quite cool. after it, it's Mr Tan magic again. A series of close up magic he performed. after that, it's time for us to interact with each other. listening those china student who came from every part of china, it make me think how difficult for them to get into some top uni in this big country, which also link me to the talk yesterday that currently for those jobs which are popular, almost each jobs vacancy is being compete by more than 1000 of graduates. this show how competitive their society are. This also show how fortunate we singapore are.

Day 16 in Tianjin 23/03/2011

today we had completed all the APPG topic, which means that the rest of the lesson day will be revision. The time for us in China pass very fast, I even lost count on the day that we had been here. This show me that, when you wanted to do something, don't hesitate, or else the time will pass without you knowing. For today Is, it talk about how to start a business in Tianjin. It interest me as I do had some interest in money$$. talk bout things like have connection in the government to make your job easier when you are having business in china, especially people in the coast guard. Cause they control the port which is important for businesses here. I felt that actually China government had done quite well, apart of all those corruption that always appear in our Singapore papers. cause they manage to control such a big country with everyone united. Today is also the first day that I had to start to eat plain food in order for my cough to recover:( but nvm, when i recovered, i going to spam again. hehe.. it 2 more day before our sem result is release. Feel kinda nervous as I think I did not improve even though I did study real hard this time. Hope the result come out different from my thought yea.

Day 15 in Tianjin 22/03/2011

finally pass 1 hurdle. think the test is quite ok, cause i did studied for it.

yeap, went to visit the eco city that is under development currently.

this is the project between Singapore and China. the area that is used is large, or even huge, to be a better word to mentioned. although it's still developing, but the outcome of the huge project can be imagine. I think that this project not only make businesses for both Singapore and China, but also a bridge for both countries to share their point of view. This also teach us to be cooperative as it take 2 hands to clap. if one of the sides fail, the other will fall. I have a feeling that in the future, the eco city will not only be a business district, but also a tourist site for singaporean. It allow them to see what singapore government had done, when the space is given to them.

the area also show me how china progress from a second world country to it current status. Not because of the money and the manpower, but it's the determination in them that actually bring them to what they are now. so there a point for us to learn from them now...

Day 14 in Tianjin 21/03/2011

today is a whole APPG day as theory test 1 is tmr.

Think the topic is actually quite easy, but cant be too complacent, therefore gonna study for it.

recently, keep going to the road side stall for dinner as it is too tempting. chat with one of the stall holder there and know that they do not need to have a license or a permit to hold a stall at the road side. this area is different from singapore. there's pros and cons in this area as first, those stall holder did not need to pay for the permit, but in other way, they do not have a guarantee in their business. so it just depend on themselves. ok, i think that all for today, as APPG is more urgent( not saying IS is not important) LOLs.

bye~

Day 12 in Tianjin 19/03/2011

went to the flea market of tianjin today. feel shocked aft what I saw after walking a round inside.

they actually sell all sort of things., even weapons. that make me thing how easily can people here having weapon like stun gun, batons and stuff. feel scary in a way. Went back to the bing jian dao again to xchange my pant. lucky the shop owner allow us to change it, if not it will be like throwing money into the sea. Oh ya, before we went to the place, there's something happen. I actually witnessed a lady, try to pickpocket my friends. but lucky he's alert enough, if not GG. but for another friend of mine, he is not that lucky. he's wallet got stolen.. and inside consist his IC and stuff. suay max! oh ya, we also got the chance to took their 'MRT', which is different from us, as it is quieter. lols. yea. went to KTV today and the room we booked is whoa! HUGE! LOLS. and of course. CHEAP!!!! each person just have to pay S$2.60. for 3 hours. cool right. LOLS. went to have bbq for dinner again. and back to hotel aft that. coming tues will be having test. MUST STUDY LE. so bye

Day 11 in Tianjin 18/03/2011

have a morning session of APPG,

completed chapter 5. Cant's imagine how I can squeeze 1 sem thing into my brain by less than 1 month??

after lunch, went to 'drink' tea for IS. HAHA, when the person that ask what tea we normally drink,

I straight away said ' Iced Lemon Tea'. LOLS, drank and waited for some of them to make payment for their order. went to bing jiang dao again..

bought a pant there, but cnt wear. Not sure whether I can xchange it?!?! shall bring it back if I had chance.. if not I will #$@#%$@%@#% the shop owner. Tell me this is the size for me.

betrayed my trust!!

for dinner, had road side stall again. Damn nice i swear.. make it a dinner for me everyday. LOLS

ok, that all for now. ChiaChun is rushing me to play with him to relax.

BYE~~~

Day 10 in Tianjin 17/03/2011

today is another whole day of APPG, this module is confirm more interesting than compro.

But today, I faced a damn problem for my lab, that cause me to redo everything 4 times.

wasted the whole day of my time. Zzz. Really damn it...

but for the test in the morning, if nothing goes wrong, i think i should pass..

yea, actually nth much today. Tmr will be better as we will be visiting a place where we can drink tea. hehe.

bye:)

Day 9 in Tianjin 16/03/2011

today is the first half day lesson for this trip, and it feel so great, dont know why. hehe

went to have lunch straight after sch, and back to hotel to study APPG, as tmr there will be a quiz.

i find that actually APPG is quite easy, as long as you are clear of what you are doing and you follow the step. Dont panic and everything is ok. hehe. had dumpling for dinner. We ordered 1.75kg in total. LOLS, and now i can't finish mine:( going down to study later on for the quiz tmr, just hope i rmb everything. The row call just now was fun, with all the laughter and stuff. It's kind of enjoyable rather than those serious talk. feel lucky to have mr chua and mr tan be our Teacher-In -Charge. LOLS, had a great time with them, and of course, with the rest of the guys:)

Day 8 in Tianjin 15/03/2011

recalling last week, at this time. I had just arrived my hotel and going out for dinner.

but now, i'm doing my tutorial and studying. this show how fast time past...

Today, whole day of APPG, quite packed actually. And i almost lost my money today,

lucky i found it at last, although is a small amount. and today, Mr tan taught us a magic, using 2 straws, and i caught it right after that. that cool. hehe. as day pass, the bond between all of us is getting stronger. therefore, by the time we returned to singapore, i think we will still meet for lunch?!?! hehe. that all for today:)

Day 7 in Tianjin 14/03/2011

today mark the first week I spent in Tianjin, and it's a normal day actually.

today, went to lesson as usual. but what diff today is, I played basketball here.

actually we do sweat, but it evaporated faster than we get to feel it.

and we got tired faster in cold country. maybe we are not used to it?!?!

yea, Afternoon IS is quite interesting. about the economy of tianjin.

actually, the eco city that singapore invested on, it controlled by China government, instead of our own singapore government. I always thought it's control by our government. lols

ok. i think that should be all for today yea?

after 1 week spending time together as a group. i feel that we are getting more and more bonded,

even though starting of this trip we did not communicate much to each other. which is a good thing yea. hope we can continue this way and stay forever.

Day 6 in Tianjin 13/03/2011

Today is the shopping day for the first time in Tianjin. Took the bus again, but today the bus is like crowded like what. The thing that shock us is that the driver actually start driving when most of us to trying to board the bus. The reason was because the driver wants to continue his journey. That dangerous, but nvm, since in the end all of us board it. Reached the place, first look, it’s like our own orchard road, as it’s a whole stretch of stall at the both sides, and of course, it’s packed. We went to the old catholic church first. This is the first time that I actually went into the hall of the church, and sees those believers serving their services every Sunday. After that, went on to SHOPPING! Went around the stall, see how the stall holders attract customer. The most popular way is shouting, everything in the shop cost only 10RMB!!! Those store which said to have a standard price attract the most customer. But actually, not everything is the price they said. Lols. After that, we decided to split into groups so that there is more time for each person to shop around. So, I went with those who are going to the food street. Oh, tell you, the food street is like having sales, as people is just squeezing each other to get through. Tried the bbq stick there, it’s nice and big too. Still craving for it now. After that, accompany the Malay mates to the mosque for prayer. The mosque is actually a simple one, and they did their prayer inside. Went back to shopping after that. And met the rest at 5pm to get back to hotel. Took cab back instead as the bus is really packed at that area. Reached the hotel and went to dinner as we had APPG in the night. When doing the APPG, I realize that I am facing lots of problem, as I did not know where to type the code or what. I guess I need more practice in order to improve. But the time here is so packed, therefore I’m thinking of sacrificing my sleeping time to study bout it. So that all ba. Shall study now…

Day 5 in Tianjin 12/03/2011

Today, went to have a city tour with the whole group. Ok la, not actually the whole city though. Met at 1030 and proceed to the destination by bus. The bus of china is about the same as Singapore. They do have their own season pass too, like our ez-link card. Paid $1.50 per person, a standard price no matter the distance. Quite cheap. Reach the destination, food street. It’s like a place where you can find every food that is available in Tianjin. So those who want to buy some local food, but don’t know all their location, you all can go to the food street and have your food. At the place, we were amused by an street ‘performer’, who are selling ‘ Mai Ya Tang’. He used the ingredient to draw a picture, any picture that is available by the choice, which is more than 10. And guess what he’s tool, a scoop, which he used to heat up the ingredient too. Damn cool. A lot of public gathered around him to admire his skill. And before we leave the place, there’s a seafood restaurant, which actually sell live seafood. The special part is, that sell some seafood that is not seen live in Singapore. And they just leave it outside their stall, maybe is for the customer to choose on their own?!?! Next, we proceed to the old street, just nearby. The place consist of the old building built long ago, but the special part is, it actually surrounded by all the modern high rising building. It show me how china preserve their history, instead of clearing them to make way for the future. The whole street are selling things like stone stamp, instrument in the past all that stuff. We also visited a exhibition there, showing and selling all the antique furniture. Along the way, we stop by a street artist, which draw portray for people. Some of the people in our group try it. It really amazing as it complete in just merely 5 min, which I’m sure that I can’t do it, even daily practice. And so, we went on to buy something and went to have our dinner. So, on today trip, I really get the chance to see the hidden talent of people in china. Even though they are not famous, but they do have their own talent in their own way. It also show me how independent they all, as mostly of them are in their 50’s. They are earning their own living with their skill, which is things that Singaporean should learn from them, especially the youth. We should depend on ourselves, and not giving up when we face a problem.

Day 4 in Tianjin 11/03/2011
today, had a small quiz for APPG, didn't do well. but will try harder next time.
Start on chapter 2 today. This is what I saw before, watching my friend doing it last sem.
So now it's my turn to learn it. It look funnier compare to compro, as this is just type in what you want to do, without those printf. LOLS.
so that is the morning lesson.
had my lunch at the canteen inside school.
The food best, although messy in appearance. Cheap though, 6 person total S$17. hehes
Actually want to play basketball for awhile, but there was match, so yup went back to classs instead.
Afternoon session is IS. first half of it. It's hanyu class. the chinese teacher show us a movie, which is quite interesting. the next half is more interesting. Paper Cutting. I swear the teacher damn pro.
He can cut a pattern with the design in his mind, of course, cause he did it for dont know how long.
Tried it and succeed. I feel that it testing on our imagination and creativity. Looking forward to his next lesson.
And today, tried my first night class. Feel that I stay more awake in the night compare to the day.
Not sure why. Did tutorial in the class and some briefing for tmr.
Going for a city tour with my IS group tmr, meeting at 10. so can sleep longer lo. HAPPY. hehe
yeap, that all for today then. so sign off~~~

3^rd day of Tianjin 10/03/2011

This morning, had 1 hour of APPG lecture, and we did our lab today. And guess what, there’s a small quiz tomorrow, which means that today I had to study for it. Haiz, damn sian. Lols. But what can I do, I had to score well for this. Weather today is great, as it just nice. Plus, the bathing water in the morning is hot. Hehe, but didn’t waste it la. But in the classroom, it’s like aircon room even though it’s fully enclosed. After APPG, it’s our lunch break again. Had it at a food store next to our hotel. Not bad not bad, and cheap too. Lols. And had our IS today, which introduce us to the city Tianjin. Actually after looking at those photo given, the city area of Tianjin is quite nice. They have a ferries wheel as well, like our own Singapore Flyer. After all the introduction, we were shown a video, a talk by a famous tv analysis of china. The talk was about, dream of a Chinese, and china. It’s is a meaningful one as it tell us how china change from 1968 to the modern 2008. The presenter talk about the 40 years of his life, telling others how he become to what he is now, from a boy which lived in a refugee camp. This tell us that nothing is impossible in the world, is only whether you are determined to do it or not. We should all learn about his determination in achieving what we want.

2nd day in Tianjin 09/03/2011

Today , our plan was to visit the university where we going to study at, and meet our partner which is assigned to us. before going there, I went to the McDonald here to have the breakfast. It is cheap as it only cause merely S$6 for 2 set of breakfast. Eat till damn song ah. HAHA. Then, went to meet up with teacher before proceeding to the classroom inside university. The environment of the university is good as it provide us what a student need. After some orientation hosted by the lecturer of the university, I had my lunch break in the hotel we staying, and the foods were not bad as well, and it CHEAP again! LOLS. And after the break, it’s time for us to meet our partner. I was assigned to 2 guys, who are very friendly. They brought me around the school, introduce me around and I had a great time. We exchanged our contact number after the tour. And the activity of the day ended. So, I proceed back to my room and do some admin stuff. Had my dinner in my room too, having my cup noodle. I actually brought is without bringing a utensils. Damn sian. Lols. And that will be all. Tomorrow will be the official start of my study trip here, having APPG in the morning session, and IS in the afternoon session. That all for today

DAY 1 08.03.2011

today is the day that I will be traveling to Tianjin to have my first oversea study trip:)
we are require to change our flight at Guangzhou before reaching the final destination.
our flight time to Guangzhou is @0800, so we have to meet @0545, Changi airport T1.
the flight is quite hellish to me, as I'm not used to travel by taking other airline except for SIA.
but it's still a good experience.
Reached Guangzhou and had Mac for lunch.
Here's the funny part. When we are going to leave for Guangzhou, we all thought that our plane is at a place where we need to take bus. So we waited for the bus but it never come.
So, after our teacher ask the informant, we realise that we had being wasting our time at a place where is not even near to the gate where we actually board our plane, which is right at the end of the airport. And at the time we realise, we had only 10min before the gate close. so we all run to the gate. LOLS.
and finally , we reached Tianjin, and went straight to the place we stayed, which is a hotel.
and aft that, we went to have our dinner at a 24hour 'restaurant'. the food is not that bad, and quite cheap too..
and went back to room straight away.
The water, damn it. Had a limited period for the hot water. so most of the time, I was bathing with cold water. damn it man!
Damn cold~~
And finally, this will be my day 1 life in Tianjin!