Day 18 - 樱花(Cherry Blossoms) Trip

Woke up at 7 to prepare for BPE's class test on 5 chapters.

Finally, I had to write essay as answers and luckily, I managed to finish them in 1 hour and 55 minutes with 5 minutes to spare for checking abit. Finally, I did my best and as per usual, I think I managed to scape through as I was studying in a 'information in and information out' way.

I also arranged to meet Mr Wong at the classroom entrance at 12.30. However, as I had to wait for Zee Min, I received word and apologised before rushing her over to meet Mr Wong.

Good news. Our results are out today and I fared as well as I expected. Thank god I passed Mathematics module. I am grateful.

Anyway, met Stephanie and her brother, Vincent as well as Irene, his secretary. Lucky us, we will be going to 武汉大学(Wuhan University) in style- a car ride with another driver, call 师傅(a form of address.

In the car. Zee Min, Stephanie and me sat at the backseat and I managed to capture the view of the car. Not bad... I get a car ride here.

We then went to have 火锅(Steamboat) first.

Count the number of swans if you can.

Mr Wong who eats anything was given the menu initially but afterwards, he pushed it back to Irene to order instead.

Irene ordering while Stephanie drinking tea while I snapped them.

The service staff then bought the seafood to confirm with us our order. And we have...

Abalone! (The black one) and a flatfish? (You know, the sand dwelling fish that has both eyes on one side of the face) Yea, they are still alive and moving after taking this picture...

And the live prawns- Soon to be served!

The highlight here was that one of the prawns managed to escape death for awhile by jumping onto the floor- The will to survive was indeed strong. Mr Wong mentioned that it is their culture to cook the seafood alive as it will be fresh. But seriously, it's cruel to end their lives like that...

Their hot swim. Literally cooked to death. But tasty!!

See our spread? Bon appetite.

I give the service crew great feedback for their efficient and excellent service. i mean, they were there to assist us as well as offering a cover up for our bags. They also handed us two types off papers- Wet tissue and plain tissue as seen above.

See, the service crew helping us to scope everything.

The meatball is huge!!!

And Mr Wong, do be careful the next time we have fish. See, he got a fish bone stuck in his throat and had to get a bowl of white rice. Luckily, the bone went down successfully.

Afterwards, I asked for the rice left over and dug in to the steamboat. Don't know why but lately I have been eating quite alot but still never put on weight... Sad.

Thanks to Irene and Vincent for the treat. Seriously, we all appreciate the meal.

Purchased 10 yuan tickets to go see the famed sakura blossoms.

Inside the university, the rock states 'Cherry blossoms garden'. We are here at last!

Look!!! A sea of people as well as 樱花!

It's just like a temple amidst cherry blossoms. Why pay premium amount to go to Japan to see these blossoms when Wuhan will fare just as well?

Nice timing for a wedding picture. With this shot, I am a good wedding photographer aren't I? I mean, can see the couple and the blossoms there.

Sakura and more Sakuras.

Wha! I 'act cute' for the camera.

The University is large and this section reminds me of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Agreed?

A great feeling as we stroll under these Cherry Blossoms.

The stairs that leads to the Forbidden City. Only that it's not in Beijing. Well, a replica is also nice.

An angle shot of the branches...

One of the best place to have photos taken.

Me and Zee Min with Mr Wong and the 樱花's in their numbers.

The three of us hailing from different courses and ages. Right- Stephanie, 20, BPQE. Zee Min, 19, ISCM, Me, 18, LMGT.

I managed to touch the soft petals of the cherry blossoms. Close up view it's really pretty with it's white colouration blooming in numbers as well, making it a sea of 'purity'.

Finally, went back to the car, afterwards and headed to computer city with Mr Wong and Zee Min.

And finally, a safety feature I recommend to Singapore's cabs to prevent theft and assaults- An iron /steel bar.

Bid goodbye to Vincent, Stephanie, Irene and the driver as we were dropped off as Computer city (电脑世界). Mr Wong managed to purchase a web cam there. Not bad.

The MP3's all looked so tempting but first, I need a warranty and advise from Mr Wong. I have to be prepared that the MP3's will break down.

Took bus 702 back and the ride was so long that I nearly nodded off many times and so, I pinched myself to stay awake anyhow.

Finally, I learnt how to withdraw money 'from the wall' with aid from Mr Wong. It's so freaking long!!

In the end, Zee Min had to go off and so, I went with Mr Wong to purchase dinner respectively.

Finally, I get to drink coffee. It's wonderful moment as I savoured it. Not bad, I stayed in Mr Wong's room and saw many pictures. I am so envious that he managed to go to Egypt and the African plains. Ahh!! I want to go too...

And that's all...

Day 17 - No more IS lessons

Woke up at 7 plus after hearing Hui Miang's alarm. Then, snuggled back to bed and fell asleep until 11.52.

Introducing my breakfast and lunch- Beef instant noodles. Don't feel like going out to get breakfast. So we went to Weiguang's room to get hot water for our noodles.

Afterwards, went for Xiao ling 老师's class. This time her lesson was on "Etiquette " and "Business in China".


One of the slides. We cannot call the service staff in China "Missy(小姐)". It seems to be rather offensive as it also carries another meaning- That you are interested in the service staff.

Confucianism and it's 7 core teachings with respect to being polite.

Whaa!! The best. We all heard of Coca Cola. But what about Pizza Hut? Intriguing thought.

Since I was so freaking bored in class(4 hours straight of history and I will see how others fare), I started taking random photos.

This is Zee Min and the others in the background all having different reactions by the time the lesson was into the 3rd hour.

I told you I was super bored. I look rather smug and deserve a slap huh?

Near the end of the lessons, we presented a token of our appreciation. Xian Yu, representing MDE division, went to present it and was in the spotlight.

See how happy Xiao Ling 老师 to finally get rid of us? Just joking. While her lectures my really be boring to some extent, I fell that she's really engaging and approachable.

The 3 lecturers 排排站(queueing up in a row) We have Mr Wong, Xiao Ling and Mr Cheong.

At last, I went back to my room, put my bag down and went to the street to find Pei Jie and Zee Min as I purchased my dinner.

Along the way, something's really different:

The street is finally coated with a fresh coat of paint! See those diamond shaped makings? They weren't there when I first arrived there... finally, they actually started to take note of the safety of fellow students.

And the zebra crossing. Finally, we all don't have to be labelled as jaywalkers anymore (although, we still do it discreetly).

I want to watch Animal Planet. Seriously, I am missing the feeling of lazing on my sofa and watching documentaries and cartoons while pigging out on snacks.

Why must the car make me remember about my comforts... Damn it.

And with that, I conclude the night by studying the BPE (Business Process Engineering) as there will be a test on chapters 1 to 5 tomorrow. All the way!!

Day 16 - Getting Warmer

Woke up by 8 through a vivid dream. Anyway, for a second there it felt like I was back home and waking up on my own bed. But, that's just a feeling that passed.

And there's presentation from 10 to 12. Luckily, Mr Wong drew lots by room number and so we would be the 2nd last group to present. So, let's watch the presentation order in sequence now, shall we?

First up, we see Zee Min and her teammates performance. Zee Min came in late and literally spilled out her presentation at the speed of a bullet. At least, I was able to understand it.

Next up, we have Stephanie's group. Since they mostly major in BPQE(Business Process Quality Engineering), they picked out a chart most common to them- control chart.

Xin Hui went next. She looked rather flustered and tensed in this picture.

And presenting the "Three Musketeers". We have Benedict, Randolph and Clive presenting.

And next, Franice's group.

Finally, my turn. Ok, I look outdated in this green and black sweater. My team members are Pei Jie and Hui Miang.

I had to operate Mr Wong's computer as well. So, I will be talking about Ishikawa Diagram or Fish bone Diagram as know more commonly.

I had no proper preparations, except that a few groups before me had also mentioned my point and so, I had several hints on where to go from there. See me looking back at the slides ...

The Fish bone Diagram on the screen. Here, I am listing some examples with reference to my Application of the Ishikawa Diagram.

Mr Wong looks way too serious that I am rather not used to him as it is. Why so serious, Mr Wong?

Confucius said that since our body is given by our parents, we cannot harm anything. Then, I have been cutting my hair in any style I please, but I am still a good child, ok?

China's sickening history of foot binding. Imagine the pain that girls have to live through back then. What 'Lotus foot'? More like 'Deformed foot'.

I feel really appalled that women have to bind their feet or else they would not be able to marry off. It's just so unfair(if they are forced to) and stupid that throughout history and modern days, women have to keep suffering all for the sake of fashion and beauty.

Seeing the above pictures, I am glad that in the modern world, woman are counted somewhat as equals.

The 10 laws that devoted Buddhist adhere to. I think that's impossible to adhere to all because we are all not perfect.

Once again, Zee Min fell asleep in class and this time, Hajar was egged by Weiguang to use her camera and take her picture. Poor girl, getting teased again.

I caught Mr Wong 'acting cute' again.

All the important people of China's government area. All of them in their late 30's to 50's.

I also learnt more about Taoism and Buddhism. Ultimately, all religion is created by ancient people who felt compelled to explain the 'universe'. And in turn, it is a philosophy that results in the birth of many religion.

Taoism is about ‘going with the flow' and just making life happy by living a simple life.

And by the way, 观音菩萨(Goddess Guan Yin) was origincally a male figure which was later dipicted as female. At the end of the day, I finally realise that I prefer the philosophy of Tao and would adhere to it's main rules to being happy.

Spring time and the trees all now have green leaves. And to think that when we arrived back then, the trees were all bare. Time flies fast.

Went back to my room to feast on bananas that I bought. Also, went back to learn that the Internet connection was cut off.

I went to speak with the lady in charge of the hostel and was told I had to find another china lecturer. Just as I was contemplating on my next move, I saw Mr Cheong(Another division's lecturer). I quickly related the problem as Mr Cheong called Mr Wong.

Soon enough, someone came to repair the cable. It turned out that the main cable was disconnected causing all other connections to ground to a halt.


Went to the alley to purchase dinner with Zee Min. For dinner, I had 牛肉拉面(Beef Ramen, I think). I also managed to purchase an egg tart(蛋挞) and a loaf of red bean filled bread. But I find the egg tart too sweet to my taste.

Afterwards, went back to her room to eat the dinner.

Departed for my room and dash out again to go to the mini mart that Zee Min pointed out can buy water. I bought 12 bottles of 1.25 litres priced at 20 yuan. Going by some mental calculations, I think it's worth it as 1 bottle will be at 1.67 yuan.

Along the way, I spotted:

The street padddlers were all packing up after a car horned at them. Just who are these people?

Answer: Somewhat like our Singapore Traffic Police. Sorry for the blur image. My digital camera was too slow in response.

I concluded the day stating that the temperature here is literally getting warmer and much more pleasent. If only this kind of weather would last..

That's all folks, night!

Day 15 - Steel Industry visit

Woke up early at 6 to bath and to eat some light breakfast. Later assembled at the main gate and boarded the bus to get to the place.

The safety helmets look really... Hey mum, your 'sentosa's hat'. I get to wear it again.

The 'special' bus that is allowed into the factory. Other buses are not allowed.

I got some free sweets. From 旺旺 . Chewable too!

See the internal railroad. Internal means that the train operates to deliver goods within the boundaries of the factory.

It's not fun because we had to stop and wait to allow the train's passage.

Caught 3 factory workers slacking. Introducing Masita and Hajar and lastly, Pei Jie.

The factory area. See the railway lining this area?

Group Photo. Mr Wong, you are our group member ah? Must do your part in the projects...

We went into the factory whereby no cameras were allowed as a safety measure.

After donning our helmets, we had to move along the passageway and as we did that, a large piece of moulded steel came out, piping hot from the furnace. We all could feel the radiating heat that soars to 900 degrees. No wonder we were all drawing back.

That steel plate was then moved along the conveyors and then using jet waters from another machine, it was cleaned of impurities on the surface. The steel was moving back and forth on the conveyor before progressing.

Afterwards, the steel was later sent to another machine to compress and shape it into large coils ready for direct shipment. I learnt they practiced a Just-in-time (JIT) theory.

Honestly, the noise pollution was really deafening. I had to cove my ears for most of the parts, especially when the crane hovered over us to dispose off scape metal.

The above mentioned process may be lacking as I was not able to see the entire process and so, unable to confirm the whole thing. Mr Wong did fill in the blanks for the process.

MDE students, let's go. Wait, are we students or workers?

Went for lunch with Xin Hui, Weiguang, Nadiyah, Hashanah, Pei Jie, Zee Min and Xiang Yu. Naturally, with respect to the NE message, we have to preserve racial and religious harmony and so, we went to eat Halal food.

I must admit that the blend dishes are tasty and with fresh vegetables, we really were digging in.

Along the way back to our room, I managed to buy this packet of yougr, flavoured with Aloe Vera (芦荟). It's tasty and soon, I finished it up. Initially, the deal was to purchase 4 for 10 yuan and you also get a free cup. Well, Pei Jie walked away with the vup as I got this drink which is good enough.

I spy Hajar falling asleep in class. Can't blame her. We are somewhat tired and also, check out the 'fashionable' orange tees most of us were still decked out in.

We still had lessons at 1. Mr Wong was highlighting aspects of manufacturing steel which we could not see such as the moulding of steel, adding of alloys as well as the cutting of the finished coils.

What have I learnt for today? Chapter 6.

I had instant noodles for dinner.

So, night!!

Day 14 - Tug of War

Woke up feeling relatively cold. I realised that I was late by 30 minutes as I had forgotten to set the alarm properly. Lucky me.

Anyway, on the way to class, Pei Jie, Zee Min and me came across this sight on the basketball court. They were having a game of tug of war. We could have played as well but we had to rush for class as it is.

Come on, pull harder!

During lessons, Mr Wong asked the class how we find the trip to the Three Gorges and many of them went in unison, "boring."

I beg to differ, I found it really relaxing and wonderful experience. Can say I have unique tastes as compared to the others?

Also, the Flexsim software was getting harder by the minute.

Spent the rest of the time slacking in my room.

For dinner, went to the backstreet for some street food. Once again, I purchased some fried rice, this time, with eggs. (鸡蛋炒饭). Seriously, I am getting addicted to the streets 肉包. Oh my god...

Seriously have little idea what to get for gifts. Ok, Don't have to say no need to because I already bought some foodstuff intended as gifts. But I think that I still need many more souveniers as it is.

Well, night, folks!

Day 13 - Long bus ride back

Had to wake up early for breakfast. Zee Min and I ended up being the last two again.

And on to the 5 hour bus journey whereby I manged to sleep a little but also, my neck was aching because of the wrong sleeping position.

Finally, stopped at another store where we get many more goodies for the room or as gifts. I managed to secure food packages that is locally made.

Initially, I wanted to purchase the group in a plastic bag that costs 100 yuan. Then, I decided to purchase individual packets at 16.50 yuan each meaning that in total, I only have to pay 66 yuan. So much cheaper and total costs can be lowered.

I also purchased some honey candy.

Finally, reached school and had my laptop back with me.Thanks to the postwoman, Kathy. Thus far, the keyboard is really springy as compare to my previous laptop. Although, there are some markings on the screen, I think.

Anyway, had great time at the three gorges as well as the ferry. Truth be told, the ferry's bed are way better though.

Well, finally concluded the trip with a stiff neck to boot.