CHRIST CHURCH SECONDARY SCHOOL

Harrison Tang~Day 1 to Day 9~China Trip 2oo8

2009-04-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

Day 1
Today was the day of my trip.When I arrived in Beijing,the temperature in Beijing was totally different from Singapore.I can feel the cold air blowing on my face when I got down from the plane.When we reached Jinan,I was already exhausted.I felt uncomfortable in the plane but I still feel happy.At night,when we finally checked into the hotel,I heaved a sigh of relief as I was already very tired out from the long journey.
Day 2
In the morning,we went to visit one of our sister schools,Dong Fang Bilingual Experimental School.I was surprised and glad by their warm welcome.In the afternoon,we went to Furong jie and a bookstore.I was shocked as their bookstore was very big and had lots of books.At night,we went to watch a show.I could not stop laughing as the show was extremely funny.
Day 3
In the morning,we went to their school to learn and study. I learned alot of things. In the afternoon,we went to climb a very short mountain nearby the school.This climb was to prepare us for the mountain clibling at Mount Taishan on Day 6.It was very cold and tiring,but I endured.In the evening,we went to the student's house for house visiting and dinner.Jeremy,Orathai,Rach and Me went to the same house. After dinner,we played some games and it was very fun. They were very kind to us and their house was very beautiful.I desired to have it.How nice!
Day 4
After breakfast,we checked out of the hotel and we left for Qufu,another town.In the afernoon,we went to Confucious Temple,the place where he stayed and the cemetery.I was amazed by the sight of it.I think Confucious is a very good,generous and a very smart person.I also think everyone must learn from him.He is really a good example for us to learn.
Day 5
We went to another of our sister schools in the morning,Qufu International School.After we went to the classroom,I was surrounded by lots of students asking me for my autograph,my handphone number,my address and my name.It was as it I could not breathe at all.I feel like a very famous star at that time!In the afternoon,we watched the basketball match between our school and Qufu International School.We cheered for our school's basketball team.After a fierce match,our school's basketball team won the match.It was indeed interesting and exciting!After watching the basketball match,we left for Tai An.What a great day!
Day 6
We went mountain-climbling at Mount Taishan.I was nervous,excited and was looking forward to climbling Mount Taishan.As this was my first time going mountain climbling,I had a mixture of feelings.At first,I had alot of stamina.But when i had finish more than half the journey up,I had to stop and regain my stamina a few times before I continued climbling up the mountain.Even though I felt exhausted,I stll determined to continue climbling.It taught me determination after this mountain climbling.When we reached the summit of Mount Taishan,we ate KFC.At night,we went for tea appreciation.
Day 7
After eating breakfast in the morning,we left for Beijing early in the morning.After we reachec Beijing,we went to the Forbidden City and the Mao Zi Dong.I realised that the Forbidden City is very huge and I am totally amazed by it.After that,we went for dinner.After having our dinner,we went to the Bird Nest Stadium and the Water Cube.I took lots of pictures of them.I was so fascinated by them.
Day 8
Went to the Great Wall Of China.I was totally amazed by it as it is huge.I wondered how our ancestors took to build the Great Wall.It must be alot of hard work and suffering.We must really thank them for building the Great Wall.After we left the Great Wall,we had lunch and then had shopping.I had lots of fun bargaining with the China people.After the shopping,we headed for the airport and prepared to depart from China.
Day 9
We finally arrived in Singapore Airport early in the morning.It was a totally different feeling when I arrived in Singapore.I felt the warmth of my home in my heart.Though I was happy to go home,I also missed China very much.I will definitely not forget the students in China and their warm welcome that touched me.I also will definitely not forget all the things that I had done in China and the places I had visited.If I have another chance to go again,I will definitely go again.

kwong kai li [kelly] =)

2009-02-13T05:33:00.000-08:00

er, since i haven't post my trip to china thing, i will do it now.
but, i think i lost my reflection booklet.
so, I'll try recall what have happened.
if i had miss out anything,
please inform me and I'll edit the post. (:

Day 1
so, we came to school quite early to assemble at the canteen.
we waited for everyone to be here,
marked attendence,
and we settled off to the airport.
Heard some briefings on the bus. [i.e. what thing you can/cannot bring into the plane]
reached airport, everyone seems to be excited.
some parents came to the airport to see them off.
checked into the waiting area, some waved goodbye to their parents.
waited for the plane.
the plane finally arrived !
my friends and I was so excited !
i didnt bring my phone along so i didnt have to off my phone but the others need to.
we took 2 planes, first was from s'pore to Beijing,
then was from Beijing to Jinan.
it tool over 6hours to reach there?
we reached there at night.
it was very very cold outside the airport.
i can't remember the degree but its almost negative.
we were too tired to listen to the tour guide talk history.
i noticed their roads, wide and its like a spiral slide.
There were lights at the side of the roads.
I think its for the drivers to know where their going.
we reached the hotel,
ate our dinner,
although we were all very hungry,
but we all didnt eat much.
Maybe the food is not suitable for us, or maybe we haven't get used to the food.
Or maybe, we were too tired to eat.
went to our respective rooms, bathed and slept.

Day 2
We need to reach at 6.40am if i'm not wrong.
we went for the breakfast,
I think we're not tired to eat now,
but most of the food is still not really accepted by us, YET !
We then went to Dong Fang Bilingual Expermental School.
To see how they learn and how different is their way of studing compared to us.
they are very friendly.
They made their band members to welcome us.
They are so heart warming !
we had our own partners.
They are suppose to lead us and tell us about their school.
They tried real hard to speak in English to us.
Maybe their principal told them they have to 'cause we doesn't understand chinese?
Because when i told them they could speak to us in Chinese they were all like very shock.
At night, we went to watch shuang huang [ a type of performance by two person?]
and a few other comedy with the basketball guys.
Before i came to china, i've heard of shuan huang already.
I really really wished to watch it in real life !
and, coming to China granted my wish !
i was so happy that when i went back to the hotel i tossed and turned and could not sleep.
anyways, i fell asleep somehow. =)

Day 3
We went to the same school again,
listened to their lessons !
i was amazed that their maths is in chinese !
even simple sums i dont understand !
'cause its so different.
or maybe we not taught like this, that's why.
We went for our lunch. I dont like the Tofu, got some weird taste, as if it was burnt !
haha, i like the bun, they make it very pretty, although it was hard, but its still ok. (:
Then we waited for our teachers.
then we go for the climb at Qian Fuo Shan [mt. Qian Fuo] (if i'm not wrong).
Mr ho said it was a warm-up for the climbing of mt. Taishan.
its was ok, i was drench when i reached the top.
Too warm ! not because of the weather.
the weather is cold, but after the excercise we felt warm.
coming down was easier.
then we have to walk back to school again !
Tired!
we were then grouped again for house visiting !
we suppose to go one family only.
But i'm very lucky, a friend of hers live upstairs only !
so we went for 2 family instead.
In my group there's Rachelle, Zephyra, Kai Jun and Me.
we had lots of fun !
they planned lots of performance for us. (:
Her father video taped us.
the food was sumptous !
the table is as long as 3 school tables combine and its full of food !
the food was so nice.
They chatted with us and all.
They said i was the most out-spoken ine compared to them.
actually is because they talked English more than chinese but i'm the other way round. (:
so ya, really had lots of fun.
after that went to upstair, which is the other friend's house.
i found similarity between them.
Their houses are very neat, its painted white. very spacous.
and if there's a guest they will serve them fruits even even they are 'come-and-go' guest.
both of the girl is good at one musical insturment.
one is Piano the other is Liu Qing.
they are so cool !
they had to keep short hair, they say its because the school scared they'll be distracted.
they have to be in the performing art's group to keep long hair.
we were the latest to go back to the hotel and meet the teachers.
we had lots of soveniors from them and i am happy !
I had holded on to my room key, so i went to Hui Tian's room to pick Clara back.
thats all for the day.

Day 4
we were late in the morning,
because we were waiting for zephyra.
she's always slow.
after breakfast,
We went to some historal place.
the confusion's mansion and his graveyard.
sorry that we're ignorant about the graveyard and still played and laugh infront of the graveyard.
sorry !

Day 5
We went to QuFu experimental school. [i have no idea why is it experimental, i asked before, but i for got about it. =S ]
we went into a room. that were FRUITs!
there were, mini apples [?] , oranges , Tomatos.
we were having fun with the Piano.
no long, there were a bunch of students rushing in.
they were friendly !
They treat us like stars,
they want our signature and wanted to talked to us.
we almost like going-to extinct animals.
haha.
most of them can really sing very well !
they were so proud of their own country.
they dont care if we are going to critisice their singing anot,
once the olympics song was played, all sang so loudly !
even louder than we singing our National Anthem !
THEY ARE JUST SO UNITED AND SO PROUD OF THEIR COUNTRY !
they are so cute !
we went for PE lessons with them.
the teacher is so cute !
haha. He look like some actor but with braces on. (:
He teaches us Wu shu but before that we did some warm-up, running !
I can still remember the steps of the Wu Shu he taught.
'Cause its very interesting.
the we went to see the basketball match !
we won, yay ! we won !
score was 65 to 50 i think.
Joseph accidentally fell and cannot play basketball anymore.
but he engaging in cycling now. (:

Day 6
Climbed mt. Taishan !
super tiring !
dont have to wear thick clothing also.
it was so warm !
due to excersice.
we climbed for hours and on the very top of the mountain stood a temple.
there's a wishing well,
they say if you can throw the coin into one of the copper thing inside the well,
your wish will come true.
i tried it for 4 times?
it hit the brime and fall outwards !
the copper thing is very small.
by the side of the temple,
there are lots of locks.
all are wishing locks.
Clara and I acutally wanted to buy one.
But it cause a bomb !
so i think there isn't a need,
so we walked off.
came down by cable car.
oh ! did i say we had KFC at NanTian Men?
which is the stop for the cable car.
yupp, we had KFC.
haha.
people walking by was like 'wow, they brought their own food !'
hahahaha. so funny !

Day 7
woke up earlier to prepare to go BeiJing.
I so excited 'cause i could see the place where olympics had occur.
we went there at about night time.
the light-ings were great !
it was awsome !
i love that place !
i went high at there, like, woah ho!
haha.
we took group photos. (:
loveeees !
i want the picture !
who has it??
hahs !
we went fobbiden city before that.
its very windy there !
so windy that we have a problem walking !
and because of that we had so much fun MOONWALKING ! (:

acutually we kinda gotten use to the food there by day 2,
so, food was no big deal to us already. (:

Day 8 [last day]
We had Macdonalds for breakfast.
its was sooo cheap !
that is if you trust my cauculations la.
haha.
we went to the great wall of China.
took lots of pictures there.
so fun so fun so fun !
we took a weird weird ride up to the middle of the walls.
so fun !
we didnt go up all the way cause there isn't a need.
haha, pratically, we were lasy to. (:
we went to the yi he garden also.
so many different river.
i can't differciate !
hahs.
Then we went shopping,
we were late to assemble because
first, the food was damn slow !
second, we can't find the exit that we have to assemble !
because the place is too big !
then mr Ho said that we couldnt go for the second shopping trip.
we were so sad.
Zephyra was about tears, i think.
anyway, we went for the shopping.
only we have lesser time then them.
we didnt eat.
we shopped for soveniors for friends and my parents.
we were not late that time. (:
took plane back to singapore.
made friends on the plane. (:
Ms susanna [did i spell it correctly?]
waited with me for my parents to come and fetch me. (:
so sweet of her !
we chatted while waiting. (:
my parents came and we all went home. (:

-end-

Maaarieeee! @:

2009-01-30T06:19:00.000-08:00

Day 1 of China!

I was really upset that we had to leave Singapore. After the briefing on Friday, I realized that everything was going to be in Chinese. I thought I was going to die, lost in translation, but after seeing a few bestfriends, I felt way better. Everyone started to get hyped at the airport. In the plane, I was sitting in the middle of the row, sandwiched between Miss Mardiana and a scary looking chinese man who never failed to stare at me every now and then. After a few aeons, we arrived in Jinan. I was so sleepy I didn't really care for anything but sleep.

Day 2 of China!

Rachelle and I woke up at 6.15 in the morning. We met Daniel and Jasper downstairs for breakfast. We then left for Dong Fang Bilingual School. The welcoming ceremony was really entertaining. It was alot of fun. After that, we went to the Da Ming Lu (I think I spelt it right). Everyone was really captivated with the beauty of the place. We had dinner and went to watch a show at a little theatre. Honestly, I was cold and miserable because everything was in chinese. I missed my mom like crazy and I wanted to go home.

Day 3 of China!

I had alot of fun today. We went back to the school and sat through 2 lessons. The practise mountain climb was great. Book was really awesome, nice as always. We went back to the school for a couple more lessons. Jasper, Rachelle and I were having alot of fun. Afterwards, we were regrouped for the house visiting activity. I was with Jade, Jody and Jasper. The student whose house we were going to was really excited. It was so cute to see her be so enthusiastic. We found out alot about the Chinese culture from the girl's parents. We were really sad to leave but we had to. All of us were really sleepy in the car ride back to the hotel. I think today was my favourite, but there's still a week more to go.

Day 4 of China!

Woke up really moody and went to breakfast. We all boarded the bus and were off to Qufu. Everyone fell asleep in the bus. We stopped and went for lunch then we went to the Confucius Mansion. It was super hard trying to understand anything because the tour guide was speaking in Chinese. In the end, I found out the dude has a grandson and he was abandoned as a child because his parents thought he was ugly. He was then taken care of by a tiger and an eagle, that's really cool. We headed to the new hotel next. We didn't do much today, but it was really funny. It's nice to be around great people.

Day 5 of China!

Today was fun! Rachelle and I woke up at 6 in the morning. We didn't wait for the teacher's morning call because we were afraid of being late again. We discovered just how scary Mr Ho is. Hell hath no fury like Mr Ho scorned. Anyway, everyone was on time today so we had a good start to the day. We lugged our bags into the bus. It was so amazingly cold that Rachelle, Daniel and I wre breathing in and out to see the mist in the air. It was one hell of an experience. We looked really weird though, the China locals probably thought we were psychotic. We got to the Qufu Experimental School and had 2 lessons. Rachelle, Book and I got lost we went to the wrong class. At the end of the last class, all the guys swarmed us asking for my signature and email and what not. We felt like superstars, HAHAH. It was really funny. I slept in the bus to Tai An and Jasper and Daniel irritatingly woke me up.

Day 6 of China!

Today was by far one of the toughest days in the history of tough days. We woke up and had breakfast. Everyone ate extra because we all needed energy for the climb up Mount Tai Shan. We got there and took another bus up to the midpoint of the mountain. The scenery had me awestruck. There were no more places in the bus so I had to sit in the front seat next to the bus driver, that was the joke of the day for everyone else. We got to the midpoint and began our climb. It was far from what I expected. It was so tiring, I was dead beat. After around one and a half horrible gruelling hours, we finally got to the top. That was a huge achievement. KFC was at the top waiting for us to celebrate.

Day 7 of China!

We had to wake up really early today to catch the flight to Beijing. I was excited but exhausted and quite agitated that we were moving to a different place or hotel almost everyday. Trust me, the first and second time is great but after that it's just painful. We all made it to Beijing in one piece. I was exhausted but we pressed on. We went to see the Emperor's Palace, but the highlight of the day was going to see the Olympic Stadium at night. Everyone was really hyper in the bus. The lights were so pretty. We had a ball of fun. We got back to hotel, Rachelle and I were freaking out cause the first thing we saw in our room was a computer and one king sized bed. I was kinda scared that she'd kick me off the bed at night. We went to chill at Orathai's room and raided everyone's room to try and find a bottle of coke that was supposedly passed around. We fooled around and got really crazy. Ended up getting to sleep at midnight.

Day 8 of China!

The last day in China! The trip had its awesome moments but right now all I want to do is go home. I miss my bed, and my mommy. We went to see the Great Wall of China, it was amazing to see it in real life. I didn't think it was that long and high up. After that, we had some fun. We went shopping at two different places. Finally, the best part of the trip had come. SHOPPING. I was desperate for some retail therapy. At 7.45 we all assembled at the entrance of the Ya Show Complex and boarded the bus to the airport. An hour or two passed and we boarded the plane. Now I'm sleepy in the aircraft. I'm going to miss China. Thanks for the memories.

Awww!

my shandong's reflection(:

2009-01-18T02:19:00.000-08:00

Well, I am back to post again. Cause I heard my post was too short:( and I cantget the taishan's tee-shirt.
DAY1:
Had a long whole day flight. Hui Tian was sitting beside me in the plane, she was very nice. Cause I was a bit ill in the plane, she took care of me. Alright, finally after the plane flight. We reach China, Shandong. So we boarded onto a bus to travel to our hotel, our tour guide was so nice and friendly! She told us about some history, I fell asleep but I was still listening. Then we finally reached the hotel and ate our dinner. The food was awful. Then we checked in to our room and slept.
DAY2:
Went to DongFangBilingualExperimentalSchool. The students there were really friendly. We went to their music room for some welcome ceremony thing. Had a little gift from my china partner. Then we went to their art room and made frog with dough. I guess mine was nice. After that, we had lunch in their school. The food was nice, maybe cause I was too hungry. And after that we went to Furong street. Its like our ChinaTown. Then we went to a BIGBIGBIG bookshop to buy books. Chinese book mostly. I brought 2 books. Yes, I am cheena. And surprisingly, I like to be cheena. After that, we went to a so called their science centre but nothing to do with science but history. Get to know some famous great people. Oh, I saw the most beautiful sunset in my life! We went to Da Ming Hu too. And after dinner, we went to watch some performance, its hilarious. Finally back to the hotel and I went to my lala land.
Day3:
We went to the same school again and had lessons. I had their maths and art and design lessons. Its all in Chinese and the students there were all impressed that we could speak Chinese. People there thought that Singaporeans don't know how to speak Chinese. After the lessons, we went to climbed Qian Fuo Shan, preparation for Tai Shan. Wang Lao Shi and Mrs Ang were being crazy with me. We had house visiting that day too, Sharon, Yi Fan, Prischan and I went to Liu Chang Zi's house. She is nice and friendly. Her family members too. They cooked some awesome food for us and gave us a lot of presents. I miss her. Before the whole thing, I thought the house visiting would be boring but guess what, I had fun together with my friends. We sang songs and played around together with Chang Zi, took photos together. Then her Uncle sent us back to the hotel. Really hope that it could last longer.
Day4:
Took a few hours of bus ride to Qufu, Kong Zi's hometown. We went there to know more about his history. We went to his mansion, his temple and forestry. Its a huge place, I felt like I was one of his students when I was in the mansion. Got the timetravel feeling. You guys have to really go there and feel it yourself. So we ended the day and went back to the hotel and rest.
Day5:
Reached the QufuExperimentalSecondarySchool and had lessons. Had music lesson and Chinese lessons. I felt like a celebrity there, the China students went crazy over us. I don't know why, they asked for our signature, e-mail and contact number. And they pushed me around cause they were so excited. Having school its a different experience. Sang songs and interacted with them. Then came the exciting part. BASKETBALL MATCH. Our school won the match, but actually, I wasn't paying attention to the match. I was dancing around with Rachel and playing around with Jerome, Amos and all. The students were all staring at me when I started dancing, I just keep dancing cause its fun dancing in cool weather. We waved goodbye to the students and took the bus to Tai An.
Day6:
Early in the morning, took our tour bus to TAI SHAN and then a small bus up to half of the mountain. Alright, then we started off our mountain climbing journey. Rachel and Jasper were the first to reach the mountain, they climbed together. As for me, I climbed with Jerome, Amos, then met Jody and Mrs Ang half way up the mountain. I had two supportive friends beside me all along, really glad to have them(: I joked a lot while climbing the mountain, then Mrs Ang would always give that funny face. Finally, we reached the mountain top, but still not the summit yet, we stopped there to have our lunch. Had CHINA KFC. Then we started climbing again, I was one of the first to reach the summit, so proud of myself(: Stand on the summit, I felt like a winner, a champion. The scenery was awesome. The sky and the clouds joined together and became a ocean sky. Alright, here comes the exciting part. We took a CABLE CAR down the mountain! After that, we went to Hei Hu Quan. Again, went crazy with Mrs Ang and Miss Wong. Took some jump shots with them. Okay, then had some tea appreciation, then back to the hotel.
Day7:
Had breakfast and rushed to the airport to catch a plane to Bei Jing. Said goodbye to our tour guide, she is such a nice lady. Then reached Bei Jing and met our new tour guide. So took the bus and reached Forbidden City, Zi Jing Cheng. Its huge! I felt like an ancient person when I stepped into the palace. Ohoh! And the STRONG WIND. I almost got blown away by the wind. Then, we left Forbidden City and took the bus to our hotel to check in. The sky turned dark, and we took the bus to a sucky place to have our dinner. We left that sucky place and headed to the Water Cube, Shui Li Fang and the Bird Nest, Niao Cao. These two places made the day awesome.
Day8:
GREAT WALL! CHANG CHENG! WOOHOO! I was damn happy! I jumped around like nobody business. Its really awesome there. LOVE THAT PLACE SO MUCH. Heard that we need to take 2WEEKS to walk the whole GREATWALL. Together with Miss Wong and my group members, the awesome five plus Book. Took a lot of photos. Left GREATWALL and had lunch, then shopping. The shopping place was kind of sucky, but had fun bargaining with those China people. 550 bucks can become 140 bucks. Hilarious. After the shopping, we left the place and rushed to the airport.
Day9:
Reached Singapore and headed back to school, HOME SWEET HOME.Yeah, so that's about it.

MY CHINA TRIP. All the happy moments will always be keep deep inside my heart(:

YUNYI:D

Liyan

2009-01-16T18:53:00.000-08:00

Day 1
We took a very long flight from singapore to Beijing.Then from Beijing to
Shangdong Jinan. When we reach there, is very late already,so all of us is very tired. It is freezing cold when we step out of the airport, so we quickly wear our jackets, at night, it is super super cold but lucky, teachers just ley us stay in the hotel never bring us out again, maybe because it is very late. I shared the room with shijia and we had alot of fun, i enjoy it. We also had dinner after going back to the hotel. Before going to Jinan, teachers all say the food is very nice but when i tasted the foods, it is not as delicious as i thought. But no choice, i have to eat it because i am hungry. then shijia keep on saying that she miss the Singapore foods.
Day 2
We went to Dong Fang bilingual experimental school , the students and teacher that was very very very friendly, they are so friendly that i am afraid of them. the teachers used chinese to teach and learn . They welcome us with many perform such as:chinese ochestra, dancing and many other things. Then, we visited the Da Ming Hu. Though they told me about the degree in the Da Ming Hu, but i had forgotten. HaHa...
Day 3
We went to the school again and had some lessons, though, i don't really understand what the teacher is teaching about, for me, its abit complicated. After our lesson, we went to support our basketball team and we won the match! Then, we went to "Qian Fou Shang" and Mr Ho sais that it is to prepare us for "Tai Shang". Ofcourse, all of us made it to the top. After that, we went back to the school again and waiting to go home visit. Shijia, Valerie, Qian Hui and i went to a girl's house and her parents were very nice to us. The funniest thing is that Shijia keep on eating the bananas, soon, the bananas in her house has all gone into Shijia's stomach. The girl also told us alot of jokes, laugh until stomache. About 8pm plus, her father send us back to the hotel.
Day 4
We visited the Confucius Mansion , Confucius Temple and Confucius forestry in QuFu. Although they told us about many confucius story but after i come back to Singapore, i forgot everything. hahas...
Day 5
We went to Qu Fu school and the students there is even more friendly! After the lessons, when the teachers there left the class, the whole class stands up and each and everyone of them hold on to a book and a pencil/pen. They line up waiting for our signature! So funny...
Day 6
Today, we finally get to climb the Mt TaiShang. At first, shijia, valerie, qianhui and me start climbing together. But in the end Valerie and Shijia climb super fast. Left me and qianhui climbing like an snail. Then the teachers behind, climbing together with us, keep on saying"come on,you can do it! we're going to reach." Don't know how many times did they say "we're going to reach." i can make it to the top is actually because there is KFC waiting for us at the top! i keep on saying "Liyan, go! There is KFC waiting for you!" and finally i made it to the top! i am so happy. I took alot of photos in TaiShan.
Day 7
Went to beijing, We went to the Bird stadium at the night. it was very beautiful. Nothing much i to say.
Day 8
We went to the great wall today. As will be flying earlier then them because i am flying back to SiChuan and not Sinagpore. So, i keep on askin Mr Ho to bring us to go shopping Hahas...although he brought us to shop, but it is only 1 hrs and it is not enough for me...sob sob... ...After that i had to say goodbye to my friends and left Shijia without a partner.

shijia DAY1-DAY8

2009-01-15T03:20:00.000-08:00

Day 1

We took a very long flight from singapore to china(beijing) .then from china(beijing) to

china(jinan) reach there very very very late, so tiring, then when we step out of the airport

its really cold, @night, the wind so.. pricking, i share room with liyan :D so happy

We went to the hotel straight and had our dinner .

seriously I don't really like the food we had that night . But..but.. teacher say

they used to their food, just like if they come SG then who probably like our local food too :D

Day 2

We went to Dong Fang bilingual experimental school , the teachers and students were very friendly and uses chinese to teach and learn . They welcome us with some performances and i enjoy th performance very much . After that , we visited the Da Ming Hu . The temperature of the lake is 18 degree . After we went to the hibiscus street , there were lots of stores and the street were very long .

Day 3

After our lesson,we went to support our basketball team and we won the match between the two schools . We went on home visit . Her parents were nice and treat us with lots of food, i eat their banana alot :DD

still remembering the china student still ask me whether i wan more banana :PP

their house was BIG! still got underground! :)) and even in their house,

we still feeling very freezing, and they treat us the food very nicE!! the most delicious food

i ate in china :PP other then the last day we had mac and KFC.. wahaha .

you know wad they treat? dunno right :X its 'jiao zi' (dumpling) and BBQ duck!

and alot alot.. :DDD after that , they send us back to our hotel .

Day 4

We visited the Confucius Mansion , Confucius Temple and Confucius forestry in QuFu . Confucius was a very successful educationist , he teaches anyone who wants to learn whether rich or poor .

Day 5

Today , we went QuFu school . The classes they attend were totally different from us . One of the thing that makes me feels kinda strange is they ask for our signature and email .

and we enjoy minutes and minutes of being a 'star' :DD

Day 6

We climbed MT.TAISHAN and i think we spent around 1hr++ hours ? Climb all the way , and 85% of the roads is steps!!, more tiringg .and i almost 'die' halfway but i still make it to the top (:

i keep saying, bu ke yi liao, bu ke yi liao :DD then me and valerie climb together

1 ,2 , 1, 2 :S

then she faster than me! aww, nvm.. but sometimes i wait her she wait me :X

then still remember, forgot which day we offended mr ho, coz valerie morning come my room

pass us something, then the door de sound (e-oh, e-oh) then mr ho saw valerie , hehs

then mr ho say the next shopping trip we cant go by ourself ,must follow him.. :'(

then me and valerie reach top, err, quite fast? :S

then we saw mr ho, then he say good good, then we say

we so good, so determined! can give us back the shopping trip back to us? o.O

then he agreed!! :DDD then me valerie, liyan can go shopping again!then

we reach top waiting for the rest, me and valerie go the restaurant by bananas eat :DD

then saw mdm wan with basketballers, she say wan treatus eat the 'jian bing' (i think)

but forgot which teacher suddenly say need gather :(( no jian bing eat liao

but we gather for our KFC :DD

Day 7

Went to beijing , i love beijing ! We went forbiddent city and its great . There are a lot of stories about forbiddent city . After dinner, we went to the bird nest and water cube stadium . Its so beautiful ! But its a pity that we cant go in . But at least we took pictures and we went there .

Day 8

The Great Wall of china is really great . Although we never walk the whole great wall of china , but we took a lot of pictures . then its last day, :( so sad.. but at china so freezing until i 24hrs wear long sleeves :S

then still remember 5+ reach SG we step out the airport BIG door, suddenly feel so warm, '

on bus immediately remove jacket hahaha

so miss the weather there :((

2009-01-13T23:59:00.000-08:00

Day 1- We took a six hour flight from singapore to china..we reach there abt 10 plus at night..ate our dinner at the hotel..many ppl was nt use to the food so there were lots of leftovers. After dinner,we check in the hotel..

Day 2-We went to Dong Fang Bilingual Experimental School to learn chinese language and chinese cultural..the students and teachers there were very friendly..they prepared a performance for all of us..their performance were all very interesting..i admire the boy who played several instruments solo..he knew how to play so many instruments at such a young age..after that, we went tohei hu spring,then to a cross-talk appreaction. i enjoyed the show alot..the ppl were very humorous.when we came out from the place,we had to wait quite a while for the bus.we were all shivering with cold.

Day 3-We went to the sch again and attented some of their lessons.their lessons are all in chinese..very different from our lessons in singapore..after that,we climed a mountain near the sch..it was quite high and we were all very hot and tired when we reach the top..after that, we had dinner with the family we were going to visit from the sch..they were very friendly and ordered lots of dishes for us to try..most of the dishes we did nt try in singapore..after dinner , we went to their house..they didn't take out their shoes so we also did't take out..they offered us lots of fruits and chocolate.we chatted with the students for awhile..

Day4-we went to the dazhong gate.it was first built in the song dynasty.it was the entrance gate of the confucian temple in the northern song dynasty.then,we saw the chenghua tablet.we also saw the dacheng gate.it was first build in the third year under the region of chongning of the song dynasty.then,the well in old mansion.it said to be the well for confucious to take drinking water from..then we went to the confusios mansion.then the stone trough.it was used for the water carrier to pour water into the inner apartment..

Day 5-i think the students are very responsive to the teachers.they are very cooperative and alert in class..when a teacher ask a question,alot of ppl wan to answer.they put up their hand and stand up when being called.they have alot of respect for the teachers..after lesson.we went to watch the basketball match.they all were very gd bt christ church was better..they all were very aggresive and have good sportsmanship..

Day 6-the taishan climb was really exhausting and tiring.on the way up,we had to stop a few times to rest.we were also sweating alot..when i reached the top,i felt a sense of achievement.the view was really beautiful.we have to be really grateful to the ppl who built the steps for us..the mountain was really high ..

2009-01-13T05:57:00.000-08:00

Day 1
We took a very long flight from singapore to china . We reach there at night about 10 plus . We went to the hotel straight and had our dinner . I don't really like the food we had that night . But the scenery is beautiful and its cold too .

Day 2
We went to Dong Fang bilingual experimental school , the teachers and students were very friendly and uses chinese to teach and learn . They welcome us with some performances and ii enjoy th performance very much . After that , we visited the Da Ming Hu . The temperature of the lake is 18 degree . After we went to the hibiscus street , there were lots of stores and the street were very long .

Day 3
After our lesson,we went to support our basketball team and we won the match between the two schools . We went on home visit . Her parents were nice and treat us with lots of china delicacies at a restaurant . I had the most wonderful dinner that night during the trip . After that we went to one of the students house and they gave us alot of gifts and after that send us back to our hotel . It was pretty sad as we will not be seeing each other already as we are moving on to another place the next day , miss them much .

Day 4
We visited the Confucius Mansion , Confucius Temple and Confucius forestry in QuFu . Confucius was a very successful educationist , he teaches anyone who wants to learn whether rich or poor .

Day 5
Today , we went QuFu school . The classes they attend were totally different from us .
One of the thing that makes me feels kinda strange is they ask for our signature and email .

Day 6
We climbed MT.TAISHAN and i think we spent around 2 hours ? Climbing from the mid-way till the top . It was quite tiring and i almost 'die' halfway but i still make it to the top (:

Day 7
Went to beijing , i love beijing ! We went forbiddent city and its great . There are a lot of stories about forbiddent city . After dinner, we went to the bird nest and water cube stadium . Its so beautiful ! But its a pity that we cant go in . But at least we took pictures and we went there .

Day 8
The Great Wall of china is really great . Although we never walk the whole great wall of china , but we took a lot of pictures .

Orathai 1E5 Day 1-8

2009-01-05T02:28:00.000-08:00

Day 1, Taking plane whole day so it was bored. Reach ShanDong around... 8 plus? Had dinner at hotel, the hotel is so scary. So i didn't really get any sleep.
Day 2, went to the china school, i saw Xiao Hao. it was bored at the school. At night we went to watch some comedy and that's the end for the day.
Day 3, went to school again. Went to climb moutain. After that we went to Family visit. Me, Rach, Jeremy and Harison was going to the same house. We went to a twins house. I LOVE THEIR MOTHER'S COOKING, it was fabulous. Played games after dinner and saboed Jeremy to dance 'Bleeding Love' HAHAHAHAHA. Oh well... he saboed me back so yup -.-
Day 4, went to confucius mansion and graveyard.
Day 5, Went to QuFu school, I LOVE THAT SCHOOL. I or rather we feel like a star because wherever we go those kids will ask us for our signature, address, h/p no. LOL, cute or whattttttttttttt?!?!?! HAHA. So after few hours of being a star, we went to support the basketballers.
Day 6, went to climb mt. TaiShan. 1 words,TIRING! If it wasn't because of Jeremy i think i would have died half way through. At night went for Tea appreciation.
Day 7, Woke up early as going BeiJing. 40-50mins of flight and we reach BeiJing, went to Forbidden city and Tian an men square. The wind was very strong, it blew away my cap for 3 times.
Day 8, Last day in China. Had macdonald for breakfast and went to great wall, cam whore around great wall and after that we sit trishaw around yi he garden, very fun. After that we went shoppinggggggggggggggggggggg. Brought ear phone(Jade got the white one, i got the black one), Tee shirt and Hoodie that's all. RAN OUT OF MONEY ):. After that went to airport and here i am in Singapore. Had a fun trip, and i made alot of friends :D

Daniel~ Day 8 -3rd November (Sunday)

2009-01-01T06:41:00.000-08:00

We went to Great Wall of China, it was 7500km long and we sat "roller coaster" up to the Great Wall Entrance. We view the Great wall for a while only.Today was also the last day for the whole china trip, I was so happy as I can go back Singapore and play basketball with my Singapore friends and chat with them and also "the hot weather". It was also sad as we will be leaving China and I will miss their historical sites and the people that we met! ARGH! hope to come China REAL SOON!

Daniel~ Day 7- 2nd November 2008 (Saturday)

2009-01-01T06:22:00.000-08:00

We bid farewell to the tour guide, bus driver and Shangdong. It was a sad thing because i don't even know I can even go there or even see them again! I hope I can, i will definitely miss them .We learned about the history of Tian An Men Square. The palace there was used during 14th by 2 different dynasty,the place was huge and nice!In 1990, China had war and the enemy tried to destroy China's history and they even ruin the "copper vase".At night, we went to olympic stadium , bird nest and water cube, the place was nice and the best part was, it was free to enter but it was only the outside.

Daniel~ Day 6- 1st November 2008 (Friday)

2009-01-01T05:38:00.000-08:00

Our main objective was to climb Mount.Taishan, our group managed to climb the mountain within 2 hours and 30 minutes which is earlier than expected. The top view of Mount.Taishan was very beautiful. wWe went to visit "Da Ming Lake" after lunch. This lake is very amazing as there were rocks there to purify the water and make it drinkable, something like NEWater but without the help of machines. Its a rare and uncommon thing for them to purify the water.

Daniel~ Day 5- 30 october 2008 (Thursday)

2009-01-01T05:17:00.000-08:00

Today, we went to Qufu Experimental School and i was move back to group 4. We had PE lesson and it was quite foggy. We managed to play some games and some competition. When we were outside their classroom, Many of them smiled and waved at us to say hi, the feeling was like you were a popular person walking and many of your fans waving and smiling at you. In the classroom, the class i was with was their English period. I managed to teach 1 china student English and i even give him my contact. There were like 25 people or more telling me to sign or even give them my contact and name.If i have another chance to go China, I will wish to go to the school again. After that, we spent 2 hours looking at our basketball team playing against Qufu Experimental School Team, they managed to beat them 4 out of 5 matches, later on, we had dinner, and now, I am preparing for the 1.545km tall mountain name Taishan which we will be climbing.

Daniel ~ Day 4- 29 October 2008 (Wednesday)

2009-01-01T04:58:00.000-08:00

Today, after 3 hours of bus ride, we finally reached Jinah, we had lunch at there and went to Confucius temple, mansion, forestry. We even learned that the king was jealous of Confucius because there were too many people loving Confucius more than the king. Some people know that the king was jealous during the visit and so, they decided to cover the one line of "wang" which was in chinese and also, it means king. The 1st two son of Confucius were buried near him. Confucius was a wise and righteous person. He got abandoned by his family due to his abnormal condition when he was born. After he got abandoned, a eagle used its wings to cool down Confucius so he would not die due to the heat. A tiger let Confucius drinks its milk due to him having no parents and no milk to drink from. Confucius studied hard for his next generation and other people, to lead a better life. Confucius' job was an official, he did not stay as official for very long time as the higher rank official didn't like him and they were corrupted, thus,Confucius quitted. Later on, we had rest time till 6pm in hotel and we prepared to go to the market at night after dinner.

Daniel ~ Day 3- 28 October 2008 (Tuesday)

2009-01-01T04:46:00.000-08:00

Today we had lesson in the same school that we visited during yesterday, we had music lesson and chinese lesson. After that, we had lunch and soon after lunch, i went to play basketball to warm myself up. After that, we were told that we will be going to a 200 metre hill to train for Mt.Taishan which have a height of 1.545km up high. The training was not so though and was quite easy as I had training much tougher for this 200 metre hill as i had climbed Mount.Kinabalu before which had a height of 4km+ up high, 4 times higher than Mt.Taishan.Later on, we went back and we had maths lesson in the school and soon, about 1 or 2 hour later, we went for the family visit, i was separated from group 5 and was made to join group 3 and later on, it was divided into groups of 4. The family that i visited had a big house and their place was quite nice, we exchanged present and had dumplings for dinner there. After dinner, we decided to play chess and after that, we went to exercise and play table tennis near their house.After that, it was time to go home,we bid farewell and thank the family and we went back, the person drove us back to the hotel but the person kinda lost their way as they could not find the hotel . We went rounds and rounds for a 20 to 40 minutes? After that, we arrived and we bid farewell and thank the person who drove us there. I had debrief by Mr tan and I went up to my hotel room and prepare for the next morning.

Daniel ~ Day 2- 27 October 2008 (Monday)

2009-01-01T04:30:00.001-08:00

Today, we woke up at 6.30am and had breakfast at 7am.We left the hotel at 8am, we arrive Dong Fang Bilingua Experimental School at 8.30am, we had a warm welcome by their students and Principal, slowly, we went up to their music room. There was a speech given by the principal there and Mr Ho Himself, they exchange their gift and in no time, we had students in the school there to perform for us some interesting performance. Their performance was nice and fantastic! The students there even took the initiative to talk with us and they were kind to give us present! I chatted with them happily and talk about our Singapore lifes, like what we do? what place do we have? what is our school like and the education. They also told me about their education and stuff, like how different it is from Singapore. Later on, we explore the whole school, overall, it was smaller than Christ Church Secondary and their canteen was quite small. We had lunch afterwards, the food was rice,vegetable,1 meat and soup, there is a few more, but i cant remember =x. After lunch, we went to historical sites of China and discussed about what we had learn from the historical sites and soon, we met up with the basketball team and had a very great dinner, later on, we went to watch an opera, it was hilarious and it lasted quite long. After that, we went back to the hotel, we had debrief at the hotel lobby and we went off to our room afterwards. I cant wait for the house visiting tomorrow but yet again. its sad that it is only 1 time during this trip.

Daniel~ Day 1- 26 October 2008 (Sunday)

2009-01-01T04:19:00.000-08:00

At Last! Our 6 Hours and 55 minutes of plane ride misery passed! And we are in China! China's temperature is much colder than Singapore temperature by around 2 times? and their day and night difference is faster than 1 hour and 20 minutes but the time its still the same! Great we have reached China and it was the time to adapt to the temperature by getting the warmth from the food we eat! So i started eating a lot during the first day! Ah, after our dinner, it was time for us to sleep as we needed to wake up early for the next day to visit a school called Dong Fang Bilingua Experimental School!

Valerie-Day 4

2009-01-01T03:12:00.000-08:00

We visited the Confucius Mansion ,Confucius Temple and Confucius forestry in QuFu.Confucius was a very successful educationist.He teaches anyone who wants to learn whether rich or poor.I think that it is worth to visit and were satisfied because i took alot of photos.

Valerie-Day 3

2009-01-01T03:00:00.000-08:00

After our lesson,we went to support our basketball team and we won the match between the two schools.We went to yuan xin ning house.Her parent were nice and treat us with alot of sweets,biscuits and fruits.her father cook lots of great dishes for us to eat during dinner.It was the best dinner i ever had during the days in china.

Valerie-Day 2

2009-01-01T02:50:00.000-08:00

We went to Dong Fang bilingual experimental school,the teachers and students were very friendly and uses chinese to teach and learn.After that, we visited the Da Ming Hu.The temperature of the lake is 18 degree.At the hibiscus street,there were lots of stores and the street were very long.

Valerie-Day 1

2009-01-01T02:33:00.000-08:00

We took a very long flight from singapore to china.We reach there at night about 10 plus.We went to the hotel straight and had our dinner.I don't really like the food there.But the scenery is beautiful.After that we went to the room and rest.

Yifan

2009-01-01T00:44:00.000-08:00

Day 5

Today, we went QuFu school .the classes they attend were totally different from us. LIke; they sing songs during their music lesson. They learnt songs from other country.

One of the thing that makes me feel IS all the student was like surrounding us? and ask for our name, signature and contact number ...

Then we went for literature class. and its interesting. =DD

Day 6

mt. tai shan?? OMG !!! We climbed MT.TAISHAN !!! i think we spent around 2 hours?? climbing from the mid-way till the top.. i am the fifth to climb up? i think i must thanks Jia Qing for these.. causeeeeeee, i nearly 'die' when i climbed up. But he encouraged me and i did it !!

P.s And today's dinner is good =DD

Day 7

OMG !! i love beijing ! We went forbiddent city today. And it great. there are a lot of stories about forbiddent city.

After dinner, we went to the 'bird nest' and 'water cube'. ITs so beautiful. the water cube even change colour every few second. But its a pity that we cant go in. But at least we took pictures and its 'kind of' once in a lifetime?/

Day 8

the GReat Wall of china is really great. although we never walk the whole great wall of china<> but we took a lot of pictures. we took some kind if ' car?' of whatever you call that.. but overall its good =DD

we took a flight back to singapore at around 12?? i am pretty tired .. =)

DAy 9

i am finally back to singapore... i really miss everything in singapore.. the food, the warm weather and my family..

i think i am going to miss china a lot... =) i learnt quite a lot of stuff during this trip.=)

2008-12-31T01:25:00.000-08:00
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

2008-12-29T05:00:00.000-08:00
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

2008-12-27T06:24:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-12-21T19:15:00.001-08:00
no day 9 meh?

chung hang Day 9(

2008-12-21T18:52:00.000-08:00

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*

2008-12-21T18:51:00.002-08:00
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&

2008-12-21T18:51:00.001-08:00
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^

2008-12-21T18:50:00.002-08:00
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%

2008-12-21T18:50:00.001-08:00
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$

2008-12-21T18:49:00.002-08:00
"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#

2008-12-21T18:49:00.001-08:00
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@

2008-12-21T18:47:00.000-08:00
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!

2008-12-21T18:03:00.000-08:00
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.

2008-12-17T05:39:00.001-08:00

Jonathan(Shandong trip- Day8)

2008-12-15T21:24:00.000-08:00
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

2008-12-12T02:28:00.000-08:00
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)

2008-12-12T01:32:00.000-08:00
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)

2008-12-10T20:57:00.000-08:00
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)

2008-12-09T20:52:00.000-08:00
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)

2008-12-08T20:57:00.000-08:00
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)

2008-12-08T01:03:00.000-08:00
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)

2008-12-07T00:48:00.000-08:00
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)

2008-12-04T21:08:00.000-08:00
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

2008-12-04T06:32:00.000-08:00
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

2008-12-02T04:30:00.000-08:00
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

2008-12-01T23:33:00.000-08:00
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

2008-12-01T23:18:00.000-08:00
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

2008-12-01T22:53:00.000-08:00
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

2008-12-01T22:27:00.000-08:00
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

2008-12-01T21:55:00.000-08:00
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

2008-12-01T20:24:00.000-08:00
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

2008-12-01T19:39:00.000-08:00
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

2008-12-01T19:16:00.000-08:00
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

2008-11-26T01:17:00.000-08:00
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

2008-11-16T06:43:00.000-08:00
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.

2008-11-16T00:16:00.000-08:00
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

2008-11-10T22:51:00.000-08:00
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!

2008-11-10T01:57:00.000-08:00
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

2008-11-09T00:42:00.000-08:00
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

2008-11-07T01:47:00.001-08:00
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

2008-11-06T00:15:00.000-08:00
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

2008-11-03T22:15:00.000-08:00
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

2008-11-03T02:48:00.000-08:00
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

2008-10-22T00:19:00.000-07:00
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

2008-10-21T22:47:00.000-07:00
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

2008-10-21T22:34:00.000-07:00
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

2008-10-21T22:14:00.000-07:00
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

2008-10-21T22:10:00.000-07:00
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

2008-10-21T22:08:00.000-07:00
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

2008-10-21T22:06:00.002-07:00
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

2008-10-21T22:06:00.001-07:00
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

2008-10-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-21T22:05:00.000-07:00
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

2008-10-21T22:02:00.000-07:00
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

2008-10-21T21:57:00.000-07:00

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««

2008-10-21T21:46:00.002-07:00
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

2008-10-21T21:46:00.001-07:00
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

2008-10-21T21:46:00.000-07:00
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

2008-10-21T21:45:00.000-07:00
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...

2008-10-21T21:44:00.001-07:00
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 :)

2008-10-21T21:44:00.000-07:00
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

2008-10-21T21:42:00.000-07:00
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

2008-10-21T21:41:00.002-07:00
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

2008-10-21T21:41:00.000-07:00
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

2008-10-21T21:35:00.000-07:00

SHAN DONG TRIP (: -by kelly (:

click for bigger view! (:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-1-
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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-2-
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. (:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -3-
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

2008-10-21T21:30:00.000-07:00
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.

2008-10-21T21:29:00.000-07:00
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

2008-10-21T21:26:00.001-07:00
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

2008-10-21T13:00:00.000-07:00
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

2008-10-21T10:13:00.000-07:00
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