Day One.
the slightest thought of spending the next eight days with my bffs in China made me hystrical. major excitement was the expression everyone was wearing on their face when we were boarding the plane. however, six hours proved strenuous. everyone was clearly drained of the energy they previously boasted of. strong piercing winds greeted our face as we step afoot on the grounds of China. it was quite a scene to see all of us struggling to put on our jackets and screaming in delight of the cold temperature. beijing airport is like a replica of our very own terminal 3. the afternoon sunlight fell through the transparent structure, spreading light to all corners of the terminal. the place was oddly quiet and quite emtpty. we took a domestic flight to Shan Dong and were thrilled to find out we're able to 'exhale smoke'. ha ha. my friends and i found comfort at the back of the bus on our long trip to the hotel (-: first taste of local cuisine- terrible. but Jerome said we must treasure the food on our table. shared hotel with yi fan, yaye. hit the bed shortly.

Day Two.
woke up in wee hours, afraid to open my eyes for fear that it was all a too beautiful dream. sets off to Dong FAng Bilingual Experimental after a not quite fulfilling breakfast in the hotel. we were welcomed by a huge group of smart-looking students, playing band instruments. it was grand, and for a moment i felt like a queen making royal visits to school (ha-ha) they performed for us, showcasing their talents of playing instruments and i was totally mesmerized by their amazing choir. we watched xiang shen at night. i couldnt really figure it out what theyre talking behind their thick heavy accents, but just laughed along with the crowd. the last part of the show, however, was hilarious.

Day Three.
we visited the school again today and had art, music and literature lessons. it was a tad boring for me but i guess the experience alone, is worthwhile. after lunch, we headed to climb a small mountain alongside the basketaball players. the route up the mountain was rather long and it was a pretty uneasy feeling to perspire in such cold weather. the view was captivating on top, and cheered me quite alot (-: we had house-visiting at night. me and my friends were really (note: REALLY) lucky to have the family of Changzi to host us because they were such warm and friendly people. they bought us to someplace where we saw a sphinx thats like a thousand times bigger than us (no exaggeration), we had fun yes. the brother of the student who happens to be a restaurant cook, cooked a feasty dinner for us too. we exchanged contact details, and something funny happened on our trip back to the hotel. overall, they are really good hosts and us, as guests were really satisfied and happy bout it (-:

Day Four.
we visited the three kongs today.i got really fascinated by the stories that lies beneathe every little detail of those stunning structures.

Day Five.

We went to Qu Fu, and i felt like a member of a royalty again when we were welcomed by the students who clapped their hands continuously for a period of time. their warm-ness somewhat cleared the hazy weather that day. lessons were more interactive and lively compared to Dong Fang Bilingual Experimental School. friendly locals surrounded me and asked for my contact details. Some even shoved little gifts in my hands :-) literature was hard for me to understand but my newfound buddies aided me. the group of us sang an english pop song to a class of 50 over excited kids. we watched our very own basketball team beat theirs and clinched the medal. when its time to say goodbye, all of us silently hope that we'll get to see them again in some parts of our lives.

Day Six.

The day we conquered Mount Tai. it was an arduous journey up the mighty mountain and every step felt like my last. i made my way through the uneven steps with my friends. Joshua cheered me on and attempted to crack jokes to make me laugh (thank you). when we finally reached the summit, i was suprised to find out im the first few. the scene was breathe-taking and the cablecar ride down was just out-of-the-world.

Day Seven.

All hail beijing! We touched down on the capital of China. We went to Forbidden City and strong gushes of wind messed my hair and blew people's caps away. it was a hilarious scene. The palace is massive/huge/gigantic and the history that lays behind each corners of the palace intrigued me. Later that day, we went to visit the National Stadium and Aquatics Centre. the light the edifice emits is spectacular. it was such major upset that we couldnt enter into the two structures :/

Day Eight.

we visited the Great Wall today, and the place was flooded with diversity of people, both locals and foreigners. squeezing through strangers that lingered around only made me feel colder in the weather. when we finally made it to the great wall, we were treated with stunning scenery that i previously thought only appear in books. it was such fun to visit the symbolic monument of China :-)

Day Nine.
had some serious shopping business done :-D. shopping malls are brilliant. damaged done: an empty wallet to go home with. Took the midnight flight back to Singapore. It was emotional leaving China, the fun we had. the nine days would definitely be stored safely in a corner of my heart, never erased.

Love,
PrisC

Yifan

DAY 2

we went to dong fang shuang yu school today. it just seems weird ; like their way of teaching.
All the teachers there are very friendly. :D

We went to watch 'xiang sheng'. it was actually quite boring at first, but slowly it get more interesting. =D


Day 3

We went to one of the student house, today. All of them are very friendly. ( and they keep asking us to eat ;P) . our new friend"s brother is a chef and that dinner is the best. we chatted and i really hope to see her again.


Day 4

I think kong zi is a very well respected man. we went kong fu, kong miao and kong ling. We learned about kong zi and all the good deeds he did. i think he is very cool =D

1st DAY

When we reached there we,
check in to the JINAN hotel
then rest there
then have dinner,it was like
a feast...:Dthe food was like SOO MUCH.
They kept serving us food
The food was delicious
but some was strange
first day we did nothing
just checked in the hotel then rest

2nd DAY

We went to the school at JINAN
The name of the school is Dong Fang Shuang yu Experimental secondary school
I know it a very long name:D
Their student were so shy...
It was quite bored the 1st day but 2nd day was fun
We didn't take photos there:(
And btw i didn't bring camera:(haiz...
There's also not much thing during the 2nd day

3rd DAY

Went to the school
second day in the school
Did this in the ART lesson
The second lesson is Music lesson
It was fun,the teacher was humorous
he kept laughing and smiling
Then had lunch in the canteen
After school,we went to climb a 40 minutes mountain,it was tiring
It's easier climbing down
The weather was quite cold but we were all sweating
We still have to go to school after climbing that mountain
Today was a house visit day
We get to go to the student house
It was extremely fun
Their mother cooked delicious food for us
We get present from them =D
Really very FUN and INTERESTING

4th DAY

Today went to the other place

Which is QU FU

We went to confucius temple,confucius forestry,confucius mansion
After that we went back to the hotel to check in
Then went to the first floor to have our dinner
Before that we had permission for room visit
So we went up to my friend's room
But didn't relised that we were late
Mr ho was very angry.
Tomorrow we still had to go to a different school

5th DAY

Today went to the school

early in the morning

We sang songs

Songs-'WO HE NI' and 'BEIJING HUAN YING NI"

After that we went to watch the basketball match

YAY...=D

Singapore basketball team WINS...

After that we took a bus ride to Taian,

Cause we are going to climb mount taishan

tomorrow.

6th DAY

Today the first place

we went is Mt.Taishan

Although we start from the middle

but we had a long way to the summit

YAY!!!

When we reached the nan tian men,

the teacher already bought us KFC The food was nice but cold already

When we go down,

we sat the cable car

At night teacher let us go to the supermarket to buy

the things we need

Then went back to the hotel,

we ate orea while watching TV

FUN FUN FUN !!!

Flight to Beijing tomorrow

7th DAY

In beijing,

Took a bus ride to the restaurant for lunch
After that we went to the forbidden city
It's so big and nice
Next is the Beijing olympic stadium.
I thought we can go in but we can't
The watercube is very nice
Today i'm not feeling well also

i almost lose my voice

still got alittle voice...haha

Know a lot of secrets there haha

8th DAY

Today was suppose to meet at

7am at the hotel restaurant

but hui tian is used the morning so we woke up at 5am

the teacher woke up very early too

Then we went to the great wall of china

The senery was very beautiful.

9th DAY

Today we had time to go shopping

at some kind of shopping centre

Where we can bargain

But so coincidence,

i lose my voice today

Totally NO VOICE...

So i asked my friend to helped me

But don't have much time to buy

And it's very difficult for me to buy

We had to catch the plane tonight...

10th DAY

Reached S'pore at 5 plus in the morning

MISS my friends

Anyway we are in the same school...

so we can see eachother next year...

YAY!!!Finally back in singapore

XUEWEN

eh?

no day 9 meh?

chung hang Day 9(

my feelings are pretty numb because im really tired, there will really be a lot of people i cant forget and places that i want to go again.

chung hang Day 8*

the great wall of china really live up to it name. it was so long and it go up and down of hillz that you dont even know where it ends and where the nex connected place is. however it was even more crowded then forbidden city so we had only like 45 mins before we leave.

chung hang Day 7&

i think beiging is a really advanced place and it really somewhere that china can be proud with. the forbiddent city was really magnificent. however you still cant feel that air of forbidding probably cause of the crowd arouynd us. the "bird nest" and "water cube" was really nice as they were really nicely plan. the view of water cube was really very nice and it cant be describe, you really hav to go there yourself to experience it.

chung hang Day 6^

this is the day where we went to climb mt. tai shang. however we took bus and climb from midway. there was a student who was slow and i juz decide to keep her company while take photos maybe breathe some fresh air too. it cool when ur top of the mountain because you feels like ur top of everything in that mnountain. you will start feelin that the mountain is nothing. jinan history is also very old and complicated so it pretty hard to remember.

chung hang Day 5%

today we went to another school to observe them durin classes. they were very quiet but maybe only when we were around :D their classes were quite different from us because they uses chinese in everything. i also was very envy because the chinese they use were very profound especially during the poem lesson where i could not understand a thing....

chung hang Day 4$

"kong zhi" is a rly well respented man for his doing and his talent. i learn about his growth durin his young and found out that he was even rumour to be some1 who is snet by god.althought his after generation live in wealthy but not Kong Zhi. however he still work very hard in is life.

chung hang Day 3#

today we needed to visit one of the students house and this will be one of my bezt day of life. her home was very neat and pretty as theres a collection of barbies and other stuff. i also found out that in jinan most of the fathers know how to cook and HELP in cooking. b4 we ate our dinner we play a board game call "wu zhi qi". it was fun and the winner had to do something like a lucky draw. however the winner was one of the china student and she had to do singing. it was funny when she try to reject but in the end she sang. b4 dinner start there was 2 reporter came to interview us and it pretty annoyin as it break the atmosphere of fun. how the clever mum found a way to make them go away theirselve.my regret of the day was that i dint manage to get present for them.

chung hang Day 2@

the first thing we do today is goin to the school in china to make better relationship with the school there for what i also dont know. but i understnad their life more and it was really very intresting. when we left the school it was very late already and we went to watch a show call "xiang sheng". it the 1st time i watch it so im very excited.

chung hang Day 1!

after a long trip of plane which nearly make me vomit for the first time, we arrive at jinan, china. And when we arrive there we need to take a mini bus or something to the airport but im not tellin you why. Our dinner was eaten at the 1st hotel we will be stayin and i thought i was lucky. however their tofu taste like S*** and i dont even know wat im eating. but i guess it juz their way of making tofu. the worse thing is i cant open hotel room door, iq too low maybe but luckily some1 help me.

Jonathan(Shandong trip- Day8)

We had MacDonald in the morning which was opposite our hotel. Following this, we headed to the Great Wall where we saw some bears of different species in their enclosures near the entrance. Then,we took some kind of roller cars up to the start of the Great Wall. It was fascinating and amazing as it had top and bottom peepholes for spies to look out for their enemies. Also, it was able to stretch from the whole mountain plain. After this, we had our free time to shop and have lunch. The shopping centre we went was quite modern, and I bought some figurines for presents for my family and friends. Next, we took a trishaw around the old Beijing town and I was surprised to find it beautiful though the design is simple. Finally, we went to shop for final items, where I bought a pair of jeans. The food there is very cheap, but I felt the portions given is too big. Anyway, we finished our trip and headed to the airport for our flight to Singapore. I really enjoy and appreciate this trip.

Yifan

Day 1

After a few hours, we reach china. It’s clean. I am getting really excited for the next few days. I am sharing room with Pris.C . Its going to be fun. I am looking forward to the next day. =D

Jonathan(Shandong trip- Day7)

We had a heavy breakfast before going towards the airport. Before we left Shandong, we wrote our leaving messages for our tour guide there. Then, we took a flight to Beijing. I was sitting this time with two other girls. When we arrived at Beijing, we headed for lunch. After lunch, we went to the Forbidden City where we learnt about the history of the different scholars and emperors of China. Later, we had dinner which was average in taste. However, their attitude was very bad, fancy complaining that we were bad customers when they made us wait so long.
We finally took photos at the Bird Nest Stadium and Water Cube before checking in to a hotel. It's facilities were not very good as it had no cupboard and the toilet walls were greenish and small. Anyway, we had KFC for supper which was good. Hopefully, we will not see all this again.

Jonathan(Shandong trip- Day6)

We started our day with a hearty breakfast. I was inexperienced in mountain-climbing, so I wore around 5 layers of clothing, two layers of gloves and socks. The mountain was actually 1450m high. We took a bus up to the mid-point,before starting our climb,which was around 800m high. The temperature there was slightly lower, so I was glad I had prepared enough for this climb. At first, I started alone, until I saw Hwee Yang slightly above me,who wanted to climb with me. We just chit-chat all the way to our first group meeting point. It was slightly more difficult than I thought,but anyway,we had our snack at the meeting point. It was a burger and a drink. We then continued our way to the summit which was around 150m from our first meeting point. Along the way, some of us bought onion pancake to eat. When we reached the summit, we took a photo before taking a cable car down to the mid-point. The view from the cable car was beautiful. After we reached the mid-point, we took another bus down to the base.

After this, we went for lunch. Me, Siravich and Hwee Yang sat with the teachers,but by my two friends' looks, they were not very happy to sit there as the teachers were very talkative. However, I felt it was OK as we will get to see the other side of the teachers and find out more about them. Later, we went to Hei Hu Spring, which had special characteristics, like the water there came from a cave, which had special purification rocks, making it more pure than normal distilled water.

We did nothing much until dinner. Dinner was one of the best I had in this trip. This time, it was me, Hwee Yang and Harrison which sat with the teachers. They kept on offering food to us. Then, we went to buy some last-minute stuff that we might need in Beijing. Some bought food and drinks, but I bought some Durian sweets for gifts. Later, before we went for tea appreciation,some of us performed songs on the bus. Yun yi and Rachel were the main characters of this show as they sang many songs for us. Then, it was tea appreciation which was boring except that it tasted really good. Finally, we checked in to our last hotel in Shandong, where we had to prepare for depature at 5am for Beijing. Me and Siravich played pranks on each other there. It was fun!

Jonathan(Shandong trip- Day5)

It was time to go to Chifu school this particular morning. When we arrived, we were greeted by students holding banners saying, "Welcome all Christ Church students to our school for student exchange programme". We took a picture before being broken up in our groups for classes with the Secondary 1 there. For my group,our first lesson was Chinese literature where we learnt how to describe spring and autumn using famous phrases. I could only understand like 20% of what is taught as their Chinese is very good. Next, we had P.E lesson which was typically like those in Singapore. We learnt basic self-defence moves there.

After this, we had the China Sec 1 students asking for signatures from us. Most students even exchanged information about Shandong with me. To my surprise, when I offered to share the coins I brought from Singapore to them, they just politely rejected and even offered many One-dollar notes with me. Then, we proceeded for lunch,and I felt it was not as good as what we had in the previous school.

After lunch, we were taught how to sing "Welcome to Beijing", the official Beijing Olympic song. It was difficult to master this as the words were not very matching to the tune, so it sounded a bit funny. Then, Rachel and Jerome played the piano,and I would say they are really good.

Next, we went to see the basketball match. I did not really know the result as I was doing Monkey bars and jumping jacks during the match somewhere else. Anyway, the match ended in a peaceful manner and we headed to Tai An, where we will be climbing Tai Shan on the very next day. Dinner was pretty alright and then we went to our rooms. At the middle of my packing, Hwee yang needed my toilet as he and Harrison somehow jammed the toilet bowl in their room. Me and Siravich then spent the whole time packing and playing card games. Soon, both of us fell asleep, hoping to be able to climb up Tai Shan in 3-4 hours.

Jonathan(Shandong trip- Day4)

We left Jinan that morning and headed for Chifu, which is Kong Zi"s(Confucius) birthplace and hometown. Firstly, we visited his house, which has been converted to a place of interest. We also learned about his life story at the same time. It is interesting to know that his parents found him a freak or something when he was born,so they dumped him in a cave. However, later they saw that the tiger fed him and the eagle fanned him when he felt hot. So, they decided to bring him home and take good care of him. He later became a very good scholar, and he served the emperor as a right-hand man.

After lunch, we went to the forest where he was buried after his death. It was nothing interesting. Then, we went to the temple built by his disciples. It was used at first as a memorial by his disciples, however, later it was used to worship him. People who visited this area would usually ask for good results from him. This was the area I liked most as it has some kind of value to me which I cannot explain.

Finishing this, we headed for our next hotel for accommodation before dinner. The hotel is slightly smaller compared to the first one, but it had more facilities. During dinner, some of us came down late. But, what was more interesting was that two girls pretended to go missing, thus delaying our dinner time by half an hour. Dinner to me was better than what we had at the restaurants outside.

Later, at night,we had to do reflection which was boring. The briefing for the next day was conducted, following some interrogation by the teachers for some students who were involved in this "disappearing" act. After this, we were asked to prepare for the next day's activities ,school exchange programme at Chifu Experimental School. It was an eventful day.

Jonathan(Shandong trip- Day3)

We went to Dongfang School again. When we arrived, we went to the classroom to have our own lessons. Our first lesson was about Chinese poems and we learnt the different usages of sentences to describe some flowers. Next, we had music lessons where we learnt how to play the "erhu", a chinese instrument. We were also told of its history. Later, we had a small performance by Yunyi, who is in the Chinese Orchestra. Also, a student showed us how she played another Chinese instrument, the "guzheng".

After lunch, we went for our only mountain training at Qian Fo Shan(Thousand Buddha Mountain). It was easy to me, as it is not very high. Finishing this, we were broken up in different groups for classes with the sec 1s there. First, we had Chinese classes where the students had a test, so we just did our own things. Following this, we had Maths classes which was taught in Chinese. I was so surprised by their vast knowledge, as they were already learning up to Sec 3 maths. What was more surprising was that out of ten questions, most of the students got all correct.

We proceeded to house-visiting, where we were broken up in groups of four. We went to our China friend's house( I couldn't really remember his name) for dinner and sports. He lived on the second floor. The parents specially prepared dumplings for us to eat. It tasted really delicious and we also had fruits. After dinner,we had a friendly game of Chinese Chess with our China friend,where we all won. As it was boring, we decided to go for a game of Table Tennis. He is really good at this! We also tried out Chinese Calligraphy,which I was impressed by their writings. Before we left, we each were given a gift comprising of biscuits and paper cuttings.

Later, on the way back to the hotel, we got lost as the driver found our hotel quite remote. He took around 20 minutes to locate it. Finally we reached the hotel. We had to pack up fast as we would be changing hotel the next day. Me and my roommate, Siravich shared our fun experiences to each other and feasted on most of the food both of us brought back. It was a very fun experience as a whole. Hopefully, I will be more hospitable next when when I get a chance to host a family visit for foreign students.

Jonathan(Shandong trip- Day2)

We had a hearty breakfast,before heading to Dongfang Bilingual Experimental School. The students there greeted us warmly and then we headed to the hall. Firstly, the principal of this school gave a speech. Next, Mr Ho also gave a speech. Then, all of us exchanged gifts,and i got two dolls. I really appreciate this gifts as they represent my friendship with the students there. The students then returned to their classes while we had an art class where we learn how to make a frog out of play dough. However, I could not make the hind legs well, so it looked like a tortoise. Follow this were exercises. It is fun as it kept us warm aand energetic. We immediately had lunch which was very healthy. It had fruits and vegetables cooked deliciously.

We finally left school and headed to Da Ming Lake. The water there has a constant temperature of 18 degrees, no matter rain of shine, hot or cold. We went to Fu Rong street,which was quite old. Next to it was a bookshop where I spent quite a bit on chinese books and magazines. We saw the 'Hall of Fame' of Shandong, which included famous Chinese people like Kong Zi(Confucius) and Zhuge Liang.

We went for Cross-talk appreciation. At first, I could not understand their jokes, but I slowly got the hang of it as time passes. After a tiring day, we returned to the hotel and prepared for tomorrow's activities.

Jonathan(Shandong trip- Day1)

Day 1 has nothing much interesting, because we were just flying to Shandong and nothing else. I have never seen Mrs Ang sleep so much. Miss Mardiana is such a bookworm,i noticed. (no offence!) The plane trip was so boring, all i did was read and sleep.

Later, we had a light snack at the airport while waiting for the shandong flight. I had just a bottle of orange juice and nothing else. Meanwhile i saw Daniel and the others play Chess. The way they play tells me that they look very happy. Finally, we flew to Shandong. The temperature there was very cold. Then we took a bus to our hotel, which was quite good. The food was average to me. After a late dinner, we went to our room to rest. The real activities starts tomorrow though.

Jade's

Day 1
It was 'areoplane all the way' . First flight was from Singapore to beijing. I was sitting with a few of the teachers and did not managed to get to sit with my friends. The flight was a six hours flight,so naturally everybody might have slept,and that of course includes me. The second flight was a domestic flight. It just took about like, 40 minutes. I sat with the same people again. Then after we reached,we were supposed to follow our group teacher incharge and mr Danny made a "great" example of asking us to stick to him. Well,im sure he does not want me to mention it here. haha. Then we took a bus to our hotel and on the way, the guide spoke to us. She sounded friendly. Then we gathered at the hotel lobby for a breifing and went to our rooms. My room mate was Jody. we packed our haversacks ready for the programmes the next day.

Day 2
In the morning,we had our breakfast and i wasn't quite used to the food there though.. But still have to eat what. then the first programme in the morning,we headed down to the Dongfang Billingual Experimental School. They welcomed us with their band playing some songs or something. Then we went into this room and they welcomed us with performances and gifts. Then we had a China teacher come in to talk to us about some lotus stuff. truthfully speaking,it was really boring. After that was some music lessons. It was much better than the lotus one. The China students taught us how to pull the er hu, and we even had out very own CHR er hu perfomance.. ha ha. Yunyi plays er hu in CO i think, so she played some song. Then from the class,we could see the basketballers playing matches,and apparently some people got high and mad. After the school,we went to DaMing Lake. And because this trip,i knew a lor of people,so i kept on going with different groups making more friends and also, take time to so called "bond" with my friends. haha. After visiting the DaMing Lake, taking pictures, looking at scenery? Then we went to FuRong street. It was some Alley with lots of roadside stalls. We walked around, getting to know what they actually sell. After that we went to some bookstore. As my friends and i thought that they only sell chinese books, which apparently isnt. So we did not really look at books. We just walked around chit chatting and playing. Then we had this cross talk. It was definately enjoyable and hilarious. But at the start,i did not really catch what they were saying cause they we speaking really fast, but after that, they crack jokes and that part,i understood. That night was one of the 'best-est' things in China.

Day 3
This day,we went back to the School again. But this time we had real lessons. And once again,it was boring. And why u suppose? Because their accent is really 'non-understandable'. i couldn't understand what they were saying,and hence,it was boring. We had science and math lessons. And their math paper was in chinese. I bet i could just die studying in China. *laughs out loud*
Then after that,we had some break or something. Then we went to climb Qianfo Shan. The basketballers joint us. Then there was this point,i went to the toilet with some other friends,obviously with one of the teachers. And when we came out, they were far gone. So my friend and I, we ran all the way to catch up with them. We did catch up with them,but we had to catch up with something else...our breath.. LOL. okay lame. So we walked and chatted at the same time. And when we reached the top, few of them seemed breathless. haha. Mr Hu said that mount. Taishan was like three to four times more than this. But im prepared (: We went back to the school for more lessons. Then it was home visit. Jasper,Marie,Jody and i were grouped together to go to the same house. They were really friendly and they introduced some of their culture. And they were so friendly till the extend of Jasper being "suffocated" by a gigantic dog. And wait,did i mention it was a gigantic toy dog.. haha. Okay,but seriously they were really great hosts.

Day 4
In the morning,we travelled to Qufu. By the time we reached,it was lunch time. So we ate at Qufu.Then we went to visit the Confucius temple,mansion and forestry. And this trip should have been arranged before my history project, cause it was on Confucius.. haha. Well,all the buildings looked the same and i dont have much interest in such things actually. But it was fun actually because there were fun people.. haha. But overall it was still okay. Some stuff still managed to catch my eye, like that two dustbin together looking like two small huts..alright,joking. Then we travelled to the hotel. Nothing much to elaborate for this day.

Day 5
We went to Qufu Experimental school. And that place was like really cold,and they make us stand there and take photos.. great.. haha. alright,then we went to this room, i dont really know if its a class room. Then had some breifing and we had lessons with the students. Our first lesson was P.E. We did track and field. Had some mini races, like baton passing those type. Then next it was english lessons. So the group that went to the same class room as me were all very excited. Finally some lessons that might interest us. But we all ended up feeling very bored. Im being very frank here. haha. Not trying to criticise them, but it was kind of boring because they learn simple english. Well,of course, their man language is chinese.. haha.Then we went back to the room we first arrived and everybody gathered. The china people showed 'tom and jerry' . Well,cant deny that you'll not feel lame watching it right. Then Rachel and Jerome played the piano, it was really nice. After that,we went to support the basketballers in their match against Qufu. And CHR wont. *clap claps.. Then we travelled to taian.

Day 6
This day was one of the main reasons why i wanted to come to this trip. Challenge myself with the mount. Taishan climb.. haha. So we started climbing.. Climbed a very long way already. Then only we saw this sign board saying "climbing starts here". And we all like 'sian diao'. And because of some previous illnesses, i wasn't in my best health. I felt breathless all of a sudden, and it was really our og the blue i jus felt breathless. No warnings no nothing. haha. Then i jus slowlyslowly made my way up. Then at the Nan Tian Men (or something) we had our lunch. Then we continued our climb to the summit. And it wasnt some short climb like (i forgot who) has said. And RachaelQuek climbed with me. Then the joy of reaching the summit was really great. To touch that board that says the height of mount. taishan and everything, to complete a climb was really a nice feeling. Then we walked another route back down to the Nan Tian Men and took a cable car down.. Then we went for lunch and i kind of forgetten what happened next.

Day 7
We woke up earlier than usual,because we had to board the aeroplane and fly to beijing again. And this time,i was really happy with the seats. Its those type of small jet planes with only one aisle. Here's our sitting arrangement :
18A : RachaelQuek , 18B : me , 18C : Jody
(aisle)
18D : Orathai , 18E : Jeremy , 18F : Harrison.
Its like we all were sitting together. Then for the whole flight,i was talking to RachaelQuek, while the others slept. Fun time chatting with her. After our arrival at Beijing, we went to TianAnMen guangchang. Then there's this MaoZheTong there on the building, SUPER big..haha. Then inside is the Forbidden City. At first i was excited. Because my formteacher showed us some pictures which made the Forbidden City look so interesting. Then when i went there, after walking about ten to fifteen minutes, i thought that it wasn't as nice as in the photos. Quite disappointed actually. Then we went to some sucky restaurant for dinner. Yunyi,RachelThng and i were not feeling well, cos the place was filled with smokers,and the air was filled with smoke. And i hate being a passive smoker,let alone being a smoker. Its worst. Then we all were not feeling well. So Ms Tay suggested we go to the second floor and join the basketballers.Which actually makes not much difference. And when we met all our friends. They told us there was some great show going on. After dinner,we went to look at the Olympic sites/venues. Like the Bird nest stadium or something. And the Water cube. then we took group photos and went back to the hotel and had KFC for supper..haha.

Day 8
We went to great wall of China. So we took this some sort of "car" or sth,its some what like a rollercoaster but it isnt very fast. Just some thing you sit on and some metal gears and chains move it. Well,the great wall of China wasnt anything much either. We went on a sunday and obviously it would be swarming with people. We couldnt get any further and just stopped and took photos..And i was like gaping at how "great" the toilet was for a sight seeing place. Wonderful man... -.- so 'clean' . But seriously,its a sight seeing place and they should make effort to keep it clean. If its some funny alley of course nevermind.. Then after that,we went to this like sea or something. And we had trishaw rides. The Trishaw rider said that place was 'shi sha hai'. Then the wind was nice and cooling. After that,we went to this shopping centre to have our dinner on our own and we could go and shop. The place really looked like bugis street. But that place got nothing much to be bought as souveniers actually. So just walked around looking at what i can actually buy. Then i managed to get this white colur headphoes. Its really very cool, nice too. And i bought it for only SGD$19 around there. And Daniel says in Singapore,it sells around SGD$33. He said "i've earned it" haha. Then we proceeded to the airport and OFF,we were back in Singapore the next morning.

Rachael

Day 1
Took a plane to China, Beijing,and a plane from Beijing to Jinan.
we then took a bus to our hotel, gathered for a briefing, and went into our rooms.
Orathai and I packed our bags, and then went to bed.

Day 2
We took our breakfast before heading to Dongfang Billingual Experimental School.
Their students welcomed us with their band and some performances.
After that, we went to Da Ming Lake and Fu Rong Street before heading for a Cross-talk appreciation.

Day 3
We went to the school again, and we had Science and Math lessons.
After lunch, we went to climb Qian Fo Shan, and then headed back to school.
Then it was home-visiting time, Jeremy, Harrison, Orathai and I went to a twins's house.
their family is really friendly, and we played games together.

Day 4
In the morning, we took a bus all the way to Qufu, and we visited Confucious Mansion, Temple and Foresty. After that, we went to the hotel to have a little rest before Dinner.

Day 5
We went to Qufu Experimental School. We had PE and English lessons there. After lessons, we went to watch the match between Christ Church and Qufu Experimental School, and then travelled to Tai An.

Day 6
We went to climb Mt. Taishan. After climbing, we took a bus back to Jinan, and visited the Hei Hu Spring, then we went back to the hotel to have dinner, and got ready for the next day.

Day 7
We took a flight back to Beijing, and we had lunch there. After lunch, we went to the Forbidden City, and then to Tian An Men Square. We visited the Beijing Olympics Stadium in the night.

Day 8
We went to the Great Wall, and visited the Yi He Garden. After that, we took a flight back to Singapore.

Siravich-Day8-2 Nov 08

We went to the Great Wall.It's 6000 kilometres long!!!I wonder how they built it.The place was very crowded.We took some kind of "cars"both up and down.In the afternoon,we had lunch and shopped in the mall.This mall is similar to Causeway Point.It's modern unlike another shopping centre we went in the evening.It's was totally different.The stores were packed together.the good thing is we can bargain.I bought a hood which can't be worn after all.There were some hairy thread thing stuck at my shirt when I wear it.We then went to the airport to check-in and wait to board the plane around midnight.I CAN'T wait to go home.

Siravich-Day7-01 Nov 08

WELcoME 2 Beijing.We went to Tian An Men Square and Forbidden City.The wind was very strong that my cap flew away from my head.Luckily,I picked it up in time otherwise.........In the evening, we visited the National Stadium and the Water Cube.They turned on the lights and the sight of it was awesome.We had KFC for supper today because we didn't enjoy dinner.The staffs at the restaurant were unwilling to clean the tables for us.They made us wait for 30 minutes.Forget about it.I'm looking forward to tomorrow because we can go home.Yahoooo.............

Siravich-Day6-31 Oct 08

We Did It!!!!!!!!We reached the summit of mount Tai San.It was cold but comfortable up there.We only climbed from the middle to the top,not from the base.It was tiring but cool.I hope I can climb it again.During the climb,I was touched by my friends' kindness.From the start,Priscilla Yau climbed up with me .We encouraged one another to go up the summit. On the way, we met Yi Fan.She bought a bottle of coke and shared it with her friends including me.I was very impressed by that."Friendship is beyond money".We rode a cable car back to the base.It was my first time trying it.It wasn't scary like some people thought.That night,we had tea appreciation and checked in at the hotel.

Siravich-Day5-30 Oct 08

Good Afternoon Teacher!We were at Qu Fu experimental school.We had a chance to attend Chinese lesson in China.How lucky:) They studied poems and memorized them.When they read the poems ,I just followed them blindly because there were a lot of words I didn't recognize.Willingly,the China girl beside me helped me along.Before the lesson ended,the teacher asked our group to go in front of the class and introduce ourselves.We sang a few songs for them too.It was cool.Right after that,my nightmare had come.One China boy asked ME to SING a Chinese song.Oh MAN!!!!Fortunately,I knew one song so I just sang.It was so embarrassing.Anyway,I managed to get over with it.Afterwards,we exchanged our emails with China friends.They even asked for our signatures.It was the first time someone asked for my signature.I was very happy.Some of them gave me China coins both ancient and modern ones.I really miss them.

Siravich-Day4-29 Oct 08

Who is Confucius?some people may not know this person.In fact,I myself too,am not very familiar with this person.We visited Qu Fu and had learnt a lot about Confucius.When he was young,his parents abandoned him because they believed he ,who had ugly appearance ,was a jinx.They left him in the forest,but he did not die.The tiger fed him when he was hungry.Whenever he felt warm,the bird cooled him down.After his parents heard this piece of news, they brought him back home.He strived for success despite facing difficulties along the way.Eventually,he became a famous philosopher.From Confucius's biography,I realized that one shouldn't give up easily.Perseverance is a key to success.This trip was really valuable for me.I encourage all my friends here to persevere like Confucius.Success is just in front of you!!!!

Siravich-Day3-28 Oct 08

We attended lessons at the same school.In the evening,we had family visit.My group(Myself+Rachel Thng+Priscilla Yau)were assigned to one China boy's home.His name is...I forgot!He is a basketball player.His family lives in a flat(just like our HDB)His dad is an artist while his mom is a housewife.We were taught to do Chinese drawing.There were a couple of reporters coming to take photos.Whenever they wanted to take picture of us,we quickly turned away.In the end I requested the two girls to let them take a photo.Poor Reporters!!!Dinner time.They cooked a lot of food for us including dumplings(main dish).Normally ,they don't eat rice but have dumplings instead.I played chess with a boy and you know what? I lost to him 3 consecutive times!Well,he didn't say "check" when it's my turn.After my move,he simply ate my king.IT 's unfair,right?Most of the time ,we talked to the boy's aunt who can speak English.She told us that she had been studying in USA for a number of years.No wonder she spoke so fluently.Before we left the house,the parents gave his own Chinese drawing collection and biscuits.They also sent us to the hotel.I was ashamed of myself because I didn't buy anything for them.Today was the most memorable day of this whole trip.I will remember this forever....................

Siravich-Day2-27 oct 08

We were back in school! How excited(like real).The school name was Dong Fang Bilingual Experimental School(what a long name).We took some photos with the teachers and students there.Then we moved to the hall and watched some musical performances which were interesting!There was a China boy who can play a few blowing instruments.The sound of those things resembled a chirping of birds..The choir there sang better than our school(no offence).We were given tokens from the Chinese students.A boy actually gave me a doll.I found it well....uncommon,but it's okay.I appreciated it.Next,We had Chinese lesson.It was boring because I did not really understand.The teacher spoke TOO fluently.After that,we had music.I got a chance to play Er Hu(Chinese instrument).It wasn't hard and wasn't easy.......In the afternoon,we visited Dar Ming Hu.It's a canal or whatever thing you call it.The scenery was indescribably beautiful.Before dinner,we got to learn about some important China people who had contributed to the society.There were boards setting up around that place
,telling us about individuals biography.At night, we watched a show at a ancient-looking kopitium.It was like a comedy show.I loved it!!!

Siravich-Day1-26 oct 08

Finally,we reached Jinan airport.The temperature was quite low and I was freezing...First,my hands and fingers went numb.After that,my lips started cracking.Anyway,it wasn't that bad because we got into the bus and it's warm inside.We had our dinner at the hotel's restaurant.The food was....honestly tasteless.I was full though I didn't eat much.However,surprisingly,the 2e4 girls who seated at the other side of the table were eating ENJOYABLY.How weird.......It's time to sleep!I hope tomorrow's activities will be fun.

through out de days in china

first day...we had our journey de whole day... second day...went to dong fang bilingual den to de da ming lake...den to fu rong street n de bookshop... at nite we went to see de performance n went back to de hotel... in de sch, we saw how dey study under de cold weather... n how did de tch teach by usin all chi... although i dun noe wad de tch is talkin... third day... we went to de sch again... den climb de qian fuo shan... went back to de sch again for de lesson...den went or de house visitin.... we didi lots of things at de house visitin... lake... how to make dumplings... n lots of tings... fourth day...went to qu fu... n went to kong li... kong fu n kong miao...we learnt de history of kong fu n learn wad he did... fifth day...went to qu fu experimental sch...we learnt lots of things over dere n saw our sch basketball plyersb n deirs compete... sixth day... we went to climb tai shan... den went to ji nan n went to de pipa stream..seventh day...went to bei jing...went to de forbidden city n to de bird nest fern n de aquatic centre... eigth day... went to chang cheng went to shopping... den went to sit de tishaw... day 9...went back to spore... learnt lots of things in china n will always rememder...

Harrison - Day 1

Today was the day of my trip, when i arrived in Beijing, the temperature in Beijing was totally different from Singapore. I could feel the cold air blowing on my face when I got down from the plane.

When we reached Jinan, I was exhausted. I felt uncomfortable on the plane but I felt very happy. When we finally checked in the hotel at night, I heaved a sigh of relief as I was already very exhausted.

Back from the china, its was fun and resourceful. Had a lot of new experiences such as, attending school at the qufu experimental school and the dong fang bilingual experimental school. Learnt about the past of Kong Zi. Went the GreatWall and Forbidden City too. It was really fun and I made a lot of new friends. If I had a chance, I would go back to China with the school again.


With love,

YUNYI:D

Shandong Trip Oct-Nov 2008

For those who have a Facebook account..... you may check out the pics I have posted there! My facebook account is susannaho@mac.com..... 

Marie - PreTrip!

I'm not exactly too excited about the trip now. After sitting through our final briefing, I felt tortured because I'm the only one who can't speak or understand Chinese. The whole briefing was in Chinese. I realized I'd be the only one who was clueless and it was going to be Chinese 24/7. Hopefully it's better when I get there. I've done some research and looks like it's gna be really cold. I'm looking forward to the mountain climbing, seeing the Great Wall and the Olympic Stadium.

Qianhui -Day 4 (Wed) -29oct08

We went to visit the Confucius Mansion ,Confucius Temple and Confucius forestry in QuFu. Confucius was born in China ,ShanDong. He was the organiser of the Confucianism and also a educationist.He taught all the people who wanted to learn and didn't care about the people were rich or poor. When he is still alive ,he was very poor and after he dead ,he left only 3 thatched cottages as his properties.But ,his descendants were very rich. The Confucius Mansion was the place that they lived.
I don't felt any tiredness after visiting because I took many photos and I think these spots are worth visiting.

Qianhui - Day 3 (Tue) - 28oct08

Oh My God!!!
I realised that the school toilets didn't have door!!!
It was a troublesome problem when I needed to go toilet!!!
This was the first time I felt extraordinary uncomfortable to go toilet.We needed to stand beside the partition and squatted down together after one of us said "1..2..3..".It was so pathetic!!!
We studied about the flower of their city ,lotus ,and learned some descriptions about lotus.We also joined the China students studied in their classes.We joined them studied History and English.
Our school basket ball team had a tournament with the Dong Fang Bilingual Experimental School basket ball team and our school team won!!!
After going to school ,we had a family visit.We separated into groups and waited for the parents.
My new friend name is Yuan Xin Ning.Her house had four floors and on the fourth floor had a lot of books ,liked a library.Her family were very friendly and they always treated us food ,example bananas ,mandarin oranges ,tomatoes ,chocolates ,candy ,biscuits etc.
After walked around her house ,we had a delicious dinner at their dining room.It was the best dinner that I had during the 8 days of China trip.My favourite dish was the "jiao zi".

Qianhui - Day 2 (Mon) - 27oct08

This was the first day we went to the Dong Fang Bilingual Experimental School.The teachers and students were very friendly.They had a welcome ceremony for our visit.
After visiting the school ,we went to visit the "Da Ming Lake".It is a special lake which water always remain at the same level however there was a rain or dry weather.
We also went to the "Fu Rong Street" which is a popular street in Jinan.In the street ,there were many hawker selling the their local food and many of tourists went there for their local food.
We went to a bookshop which was near by the "Fu Rong Street".
At night ,we enjoyed the Cross-talk appreciation.At first , i couldn't understand their conversation.But ,after a few minutes ,i understood their conversation slowly.Their conversation were very funny and humorous especially the last performer.The difference of the day and night temperature in Jinan was very big.When we were waiting for the coach after the cross-talk appreciation ,i felt very cold and i hugged with my friend to keep warm.

Qianhui -Day 1(Sun)-26oct08

Spending so much time on flight ,finally we arrived Jinan. It's not simple to go Jinan from Singapore.From Sinsapore to Beijing ,we needed 6 hours ,transit to Shandong Jinan ,we needed 1 hours.
The weather at there was very cold and the light in the night is very beautiful.
The food at there is different with the food in Singapore.I don't like their traditional food, "man tou" , which is a bun that made from flour,because the "man tou" has the taste of flour only.
I don't like the food at there because some of them were very salty ,some of them were very sweet ,some of them were very oilly ,which I am not used to.
After dinner ,we checked in hotel and had our first night of sleep with our roomate.

Hwee yang-pre trip

woohoo.. we're going to leave for china this sunday..I've went to china last year before, so i will be able to understand the enviroment better. But for this trip, I'm very excited for the visit to the great wall and the forbidden city.. I have never visited such "holy" venues before.The venues of the Beijing olympics would also be an additional plus to the trip.

I hope that i would make new friends there and have a better understanding to the lifestyle and history to china after the trip.Last but not least I hope that i will enjoy the trip. CYA in china !!

SHAAARON's

I haven't done any proper research in particular, that's because the teachers have already told us what we need to know. Like the temperature, the food we'll be digesting(clean/dirty),  the attire we have to wear to adapt to the climate there and etc. The rest is for us to find out when we get there, i guess.

I heard China is rather unclean, plus with the current milk drama, it's kinda like a risk going there, no? ha ha. But the cool thing is, the people there speak with (cool) heavy chinese accents. :-) And i want to learn to speak proper chinese. heehaw

The thought of going to China for the first time is getting me all adrenalized. I can't wait!

They say the lifestyles of the people there are different from those in Singapore. The differences, the similarities, the good points, the bad points, hmm that'll be interesting.

Also, climbing Mt. Taishan would be like a challenge for me, but i have a good feeling about it. ha ha. It's going to be fun interacting with the people there too. (mm i hope)

Primarily, i want to come back safe. yes.

sharon <3

p/s i hope the toilets have doors *cross fingers*

p/p/s hmm, China might be, au fond, a rather fascinating place to go to.

Jody tay-pretrip

This is the first time i am going overseas without my family, but with my friends. I felt nervous and excited as i have never went overseas with my friends. I have learnt from my father that the weather would be quite cold and i should wear more clothes in case of having a cold.

I hope that i will enjoy the trip and i will have more friends after this trip:> But i am sure that i will miss my family and friends.

Jasper - Pre - Trip

Did'nt do any research at all but i was told that the temperature there is around 12degrees to 22degrees. That means we'll need to pack more clothing. It should be fun when we're in china because we'll be going to places like the Great Wall of China, the Confucius mansion and many others. To climb Mt. Taishan seems to be a challenge but i'm going to try my best to reached the top first.

Siravich-PrE TriP

Yeahh!We are going to China soon.However,I haven't pack up.I 'm not very sure which kind of clothing 'cos I have never been to the cold place before.I'm very excited to explore the new environment.I heard the class there is very big and also very hi-tech.I really want to see!!!All along,I want to visit the Forbidden City.Also,the Bird Nest in Beijing is very interesting.The only thing I'm worry about is the weather.I am afraid I will fall sick or be frozen!!!Hopefully, in the end, I can SURVIVE.............See U there///

Priscilla Yau - Pre-trip

Research done prior to the trip
Things that I would like to find out from this trip
What I hope to achieve through this trip

As I have been to China with the school before, I know what is it like living in the environment. However, we will be going to places we didn't go in the last trip like Beijing and the science centre. Although this is the third time I am going to China, I am still looking forward to this upcoming trip.

Rachel thng - pretrip

Research done prior to the trip
Things that i would like to find out about China from this trip
What i hope to archieve through this trip

I have not really done any research for this trip but because the teachers asks us to do it, i did but it is interesting. When we reach China, the temperature is 12 degrees to 22. So, this means that we do not have to wear so much cloths. As Priscialla has been on this trip, she says that we dont need to bring so much. but anyway, my mom still asks me to bring alot. The season there now is authum

I would like to find out more about the chinese culture as i am a chinese. The history of china would be fun. i guess. we would be interacting with the china students there and i hope to learn their living life styles.

i would hope to archieve more knowledge from this trip as i think i will learn alot. i would hope to learn more of the chinese culture there.

Jade - pre-trip

I was told about some information about shandong like, the temperature and their conditions. The people there are said to be very warm hearted, but we were told that the roadside stalls are not very hygenic and we should not buy from them. i'm not as nervous as my friends because i have been overseas without my parents before.
i would like to know more about the history of china and their heritage sites, and the lifestle of the people there. I hope that through this trip, i would bond better wif my friends and seniors.

shan dong

i hope to learn how the china people study n how they have their lesson... i also want to learn their culture n their ways of living in the different season...

Shandong is the nation’s 20th largest province, covering roughly 60,500 square miles (156,700 sq km). However, the province’s population ranks 2nd in the country with 91,800,000 people. The population density places 5th with 586 p/sq km. The capital and largest city, Jinan, is located on the Yellow River (Huang He) about 60 miles (97 km) from the western border. The name Shandong means Mountain East, which is derived from its geographic location east of the Taihang Mountainsson... Shandong, Henan, Jiansu, and Anhui share a four point border in southern Shandong.

XueWen:)Shan dong trip

SHANDONG

AREA :156,700 square kilometers
POPULATION : 90.79 million (2000 population census)

PROVINCIAL CAPITAL :Jinan City

GEOGRAPHY:
Shandong Province is located along China's eastern coast and is in the lower Yellow River area. It is between the Huabei and Huadong areas.

SIZE & DISTRIBUTION:

The total population of Shandong Province in 2000 was 90.79 million, which was the second largest in China.The population in the west and south was greater than elsewhere.

EDUCATION:

Since the reforms of 1979, the development of Shandong' s higher education institutions became faster, the structure of middle schools was rearranged, and the quality of education was made the key of the reform process.By the end of 2000, there were 58 higher education institutions in Shandong Province, with the number of students enrolled being 303,826 and teachers 54,910; 4,475 secondary schools had 6,786,003 students enrolled and teachers 430,745; the province's 26,017 primary schools had 7,748,822 students and 440,161 teachers.

FIND OUT

How their school look like,their attitude to studies,their classroom,their culture and many more:D

ACHIEVEMENT

Know their culture,:DPHOTOS & all the interesting things they have,their ART:)

Jerome - Pre-Trip

although i have been to china before, i still want to go on this trip because i want to learn more abot chinese culture. last year when i went to china, i did not really care about what the trip was really about. however, i will pay more attention to what i'm about to learn on this trip. i have done abit of research on the weather in china this time. it is about 16 to 20 degrees. compared to last year, it is warmer this time, maybe due to global warming. haha!!!
we are going to beijing and the great wall of china. cool eh?? i am so psyched to find out how the great wall was built.
i am looking forward to flying off this sunday.

Daniel -Pretrip

Currently,in China,the degree there is from 12 degree to 22 degree, thus, more warm clothes is needed to keep yourself warm.China temperature and Singapore temperature are different from a range of 10 degree to 25 degree. I am well prepared, as I had went to china before and had the experience and the memories in my mind. This year, in this china trip, we will be going to great wall,forbidden temple,beijing olympic, which these are some of the key places for tourist to visit to. What i want to acheive is, make friends in this trip, learn about china culture and their way of life.Thats all my feelings for this china trip.

Liyan :D Pre-trip

I'm so excited of the Shangdong trip!

Looking forward to it!

This is my first time going overseas with the school and most importantly, I'm going with my friends also!

Actually I did not do any research based on the trip...

But I have found out from my parents that it is not as cold as what i think in Shangdong and some other information from then also.

I would like to know more chinese culture and traditional.

I wish i could find out how does the students in China study in the local schools...

I hope to make more friends, be more friendly and helpful.

Achieve more knowledge too!

~The End~

Shang Dong Pre-Trip««

To find out the temperature and the weather in shang dong, my parents help me by calling relatives over China to ask about the situation. I also considered in bringing what for clothes for my sleep but i heard some people say there's no heater in the room. However my teacher says there's heater in the room so that got me pretty confuse. I would find out how tough it really is to climb the "tai shan" and how the people live over there. I also like to find out how the students go to their school.

I hope i can bring some good memory home to share with my parents and i also like to let my parents to know how much China have change scince they leave it during their youth.

Qianhui - Pre-trip

Wah!!!
Time have passed and we left with 3 days!!!
I haven't pack my luggage!!!

The temperature at there is about 16 to 22 degree, it seems like not as cold as what i have imagined.
I would like to go to the Great Wall and the Bird nest stadium.
It seems so cool!!!
I am so excited that i can't wait to shop in Beijing!!...
I would like to find out about the culture and lifestyle
of the people... :)

I would like to become more independent...
I am very excited to study at there in chinese :) >>>

shiJIA =))) - Pre-trip

Wah!! going to China-Shandong le..
so excited.. but i think i will miss my family!! ='(
but.. i haven't pack my luggage yet..
i yearn goin to the Great Wall
in Beijing so much.. looks fun..
3more days more to set off!
hmm..i haven't pack my luggage
last minute pack more meaning mahs.. =pp
hehs..
i would like to know more about China..
Actually i am bringing a mood of playing in China
and not studying in China mood .. :P
BUT i want to know more about their traditional
and lifestyle..
Erm.. nothing much.. BYEbye =))

Harrison-Pre Trip

I had researched about the Great Wall Of China,the Bird Nest Staduim in Beijing& how cold and the weather is it going to be in China. I would like to find out about the history of China,how the school is like in China,how the students study in China,how the teachers teach the students in China,their lessons in China compared to our lessons in Singapore,how big is the Great Wall Of China and lastly,find out hw long is it going to take us to climb up the mountain. I hope to experience climbing up the mountain,the education in China,to experience visiting the Great Wall Of China and the Bird Nest Stadium.

Yifan - PRE- TRIP...

Hey, i am going to shandong!! countdown 5 days ... i am getting really excited. i did some research, shandong will be cold.. so, i will be bringing more sweater? more shirt? more heat pack? i think everything..

teachers had already reminded us that its best if you do not eat any food that seems dirty or unhygienic.. FOOD POISONING !!

i think this trip will be an interesting one, together with friends, and i hope to know more about the environment in china and their culture. Taishan, Beijing, yellow river, Jinan and stuff and stuff are getting me really excited..i hope to climb the taishan, visit the Beijing Olympic and see the yellow river...

Of couse, we are visting the school there.. hope it will be interesting?? and hope i can understand what they talking about... like thier way of speaking??

it will be interesting!!!! mwahahahha =DD

PRISCILLA :)

the research done prior to the trip had made me come to understand the situation in China. For example; what the weather/temperature would be like, the food there (not very hygienic), as well as the basic character of the citizens there. im pretty thrilled to visit the places of interest in China and to understand their culture. hopefully i will have fun immersing myself in their traditions. im not particularly excited about schooling in China though, i got tired of studying in Singapore already :\ also, i would like to find out how different the way of living is, in China compared to Singapore. i see a comparison between a up-and-coming developing country and a modernized one, forming in my head. however, i do hope China would not be too much of a chinese-oriented country, but of alittle western element :]
ultimately, i want to bond well with my mates during the trip. and and and, make new friends, maybe?

Rachael - Pre Trip

I've found out about China on the net, like the History in China. China is one of the birthplaces of the ancient Chinese culture. The fossils proves that there were human beings in the area 400 000 to 500 000 years ago. However, I'd still like to learn more about China during this trip, learning more about the things they learn in China, and about the way they learnt in school.

Orathai - Pre trip

I've found alot about China on the net like the amount of people living in China, their place of interest and their foods. China has one of the world's oldest people and continuous civilizations, consisting of states and cultures dating back more than six millennia. The population of china is 1,321,851,888! The people in China's unique culture : spitting. Staring, common through most of the country. The staring usually originates out of sheer curiosity, almost never out of hostility. In certain situations (e.g., on the train), the person may be hoping you'll acknowledge them and start a chat. Of course this is difficult for those who don't speak Chinese. Loud conversations, discussions or public arguments We're going to BeiJing and BeiJing is the capital of China AND! it is the host of 2008 Olympics! I can't wait to go to Great wall of China even though i went there once, but i still would like to go there again. We're also going to climb Mt tai shan which is 1,545 meters! I heard that the scenary there is very beautiful! So I would like to see those beautiful scenaries, taste their foods and take a look at the lifestyle there. I would like to make some China's friends and learn some of the things they learnt in school.

Valerie - Pre-trip

Wah!
I have done no research for the trip actually
but i have prepared almost everything. I roughly know the temperature there and can estimate how many clothes i need to bring! I would like to know more about the history of china and the local's lifestyle...
I want to go to the Great wall and capture the beautiful scenery
So cool!
I also yearn to go shopping when we are in beijing....
Not only that i want to climb the Taishan!!!
I want to test my stamina and learn to be more independent!

Kwong Kai Li : pre-trip

SHAN DONG TRIP (: -by kelly (:

click for bigger view! (:

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INTRODUCTION :

Shandong, a northeastern province of China with an area of 153,000 square km and a population of approximately 90 million, is an important cultural and economic center for the Chinese mainland. It was also the birthplace of the greatest philosopher and educator in China--Confucius, whose philosophy and mottoes, for over two thousand years, have exerted indelible impact on the people of China.


CLIMATE :

Shandong Province is frequently affected by marine monsoons, especially during the summer time. The climate here is generally characterized by rain during the summer and autumn and a dry winter, forming a distinct four seasons. The annual average temperature is between 11 and 14 degrees C while the annual precipitation is more vulnerable to the monsoon rain, between 500mm and 1100mm.


TRANSPORTATIONS :

Travelers to Shandong are usually impressed by the well established transportation system in the province. Convenient transportation has contributed a lot to the booming development of the tourism industry in Shandong.

BY AIR :

Besides the capital city of Jinan which has flight connections with almost all the major Chinese cities, Qingdao, Yantai and Weihai all have international airports with flights to both domestic cities and international destinations. The Qingdao International Airport is the second largest airport along China's eastern coast.

BY TRAIN :

The railway system in Shandong is composed of over a dozen railways which are connected to almost all tourist destinations in Shandong.

BY BUS :

The province boasts one of the best provincial level highway systems in China, including a considerable number of express-ways. Road transportation has become the easiest way for tourists to travel within the province.There are buses here linking all cities in the province and many cities out of the province. Buses usually run on a fairly regular schedule.

BY BOAT :

Shandong Peninsular is surrounded by the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea. Many cities in the province have regular passenger boat services to domestic and even international destinations.

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I would love to know what lifestyle people in China lives.
I would also like to know what is their every day's routine, like what they do in the morning, afternoon and night. How advance is it. I also want to know what is their culture and hope to learn more from them. (:

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I hope that I can know how different is their life and ours, how food are served differently from us. I want to know how different is their school life from us. (:

Clara :DDD - PRE TRIP TO CHINA

SHAN DONG ~

Shandong Province is situated in the eastern part of China on the lower reaches of the Yellow River. It borders on the Bohai and Huanghai seas in the east, and overlooks the Korean Peninsula and the Japan Archipelago across a vast stretch of sea. The province has a total area of 156,000 saquare kilometers ( about 60,235 square miles ) and a total population of over 90 million.

WHEN TO GO???

Shandong Province is frequently affected by marine monsoons, especially during the summer time. The climate is characterized by rain during the summer and autumn and a dry winter. The annual average temperature is between 11 and 14 degrees C while the annual precipitation is mostly affected by the monsoon rain. Between 500mm and 1000mm of rain can fall each year.

HISTORY

Shandong, with a history of more than 5,000 years, is considered one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization. Shandong has also been the home of a large number of historical figures, whose important influences are still evident in contemporary China. Confucianism, founded by Confucius, the great thinker, educator and statesman in China is the pillar of traditional Chinese culture and has exerted great influence in the world.

WHAT TO SEE???

The major historical sites in the Shandong Province are:

The inscriptions on clay pots unearthed at Dawenkou and Dinggongcun are believed to bear the earliest Chinese written language.

The ruins of ancient Longshan City which is considered the earliest city in China.

Portions of the Great Wall built during the Qi State period which is believed to be the most ancient great wall in the country.

The Confucius Temple, Confucius Mansion and Confucius Cemetery in Qufu.

Shandong is also blessed with beautiful landscapes. The most famous scenic spots are Mount Taishan, Mt. Laoshan and the seaside of the Jiaodong peninsula. In 1987 and 1994, Mount Taishan, the Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Confucius Mansion in Qufu were inscribed on the China World Cultural and Natural Heritage List by UNESCO.

Jinan, Shandong's provincial capital is one of China's most famous historical and cultural cities. It has numerous natural springs, hence its name 'Spring City'.

Shandong Province is also considered the birthplace of China's pottery, porcelain and silk. Throughout the province the tourist can find traditional items like the clocks and watches of Yantai, the porcelain of Zibo, the kites of Weifang, the shell-carving and beer of Qingdao.



-I would like to find out their culture and life-style. How they live and what they eat . How their apartment looks like . What is their subjects or how many subjects they have . And how they conduct their lessons .



-I will find out what i want to know about them . And get to know the friends there . And maybe stay in contact with them if possible ((:


WHAO !~~~ GOING TO CHINA !!! STAY TUNED PEOPLE ! FOR OUR POST AFTER CHINA !

zephyra ng li-xin.-pre trip.

pre-trip reflection.

Research:

i kinda copied the entire thing from the internet.

Shandong Province is a significant coastal province in East China. Located in the lower reaches of the Yellow River, it borders on the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea.It has an area of 156, 700 sq km. Shandong has a warm-temperate monsoonal climate, with hot, rainy summers and dry, sunny winters. In winter, it is more humid and warm in Shandong than in north China. Its coastal and inland regions experience a sharp difference in climate. Shandong has a mean annual temperature of 12¡ã£­14¡ãC, increasing from the northeastern seaboard to the west and the south, and a mean annual precipitation of 500-900 mm or more, increasing from northwest to southeast.Its provincial capital is jinan.It has a Population of 90.79 millions (March 2001). Its ethnic groups are, Han, Hui, and Man.

Things I would like to find out about China through this trip:

i would like the find out more about china's culture , how the students school over there , see how much china has changed since i went there 5 years ago and well, much more , but i cant think of anymore now.:/

What I hope to achieve through this trip:

improve my chinese? because my chinese is really really bad.:/

Jeremy Tan - Pre-Trip

Pre-trip reflection....

Actually, i did not do any research... And i have just done it. Shandong has alot of beautiful scenaries and mountains. And the annual average temperature is between 11 and 14 degrees C!!!!! That is cold... But maybe not as cold as Mount Kinabalu... Through this trip, i wish to find out about the history of china and to get to know more about their culture and lifestyles of living in the various parts of china. And also, as i have never went to Beijing before, i want to see the Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, and most importantly, the Olympic places!!! I want to learn about their lifestyles, cultures as i have always been curious about them. The most important thing that i hope to know from the trip is Confucius. I had history lessons on them but till now, i still dont know who is Confucius!!!!!!!

Its just 5 more days before the trip!!!!! FIVE DAYS!!!! IM SO EXCITED!!!!!

SHANDONG Pre-trip

I started to research on Chinese culture and also read up on Confucius . I also tried to gather information of the places we will be visiting. I wish to find out about Chinese traditions and improve my Chinese. Hopefully, I can be more independent, helpful, friendly and kind. I wish to make more friends and also have fun.

P.S: That's a lot to achieve........................, Possible though.

Mrs Ang LH - Pre-Trip

Welcome to the first blogging session!

Use the following guiding questions to help you pen down your pre-trip reflection:

• Research done prior to the trip
• Things I would like to find out about China through this trip
• What I hope to achieve through this trip