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Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Day 23 - Flexism Test

As my blog title have stated, we had our Flexsim simulation software test today.

I woke up at 9 and woke Pei Jie up for the first batch test - A group of us do not have Flexsim working on our computers(Most of us were using Fujitsu) and so, we are in the second batch so that we can borrow other people's computer.

Anyway, me Xin Hui and Weiguang for breakfast. To be honest, I could not finish the breakfast- I ordered 鸡蛋炒面(Egg Fried noodles).

Finally, test time.

After I was done with my test, I played around with the system on Zee Min's computer and made some human stacking. Cannot be seen on the computer but it was supposed to stack a maximum of 60 people.

And my answer for the test results. I really don't care if it's right or wrong, I am more concerned with whether I can run the simulation to get the answer.

Afterwards, I went back to my hostel room until 2 and headed to the classroom, being late. But in the end, found out that the classroom venue changed because the room was in use and so, we squeezed into another room.

Before the lesson, how about a little story and some jokes?

That classroom doesn't have a slide.

See everyone listening to Mr Wong's story...

And I was wondering what would have happened if we switched on the fan.

Today's lesson which I wasn't able to fully register.

We are all bored.. to a certain extent.

And finally, the highlight of the day:

We had a formation to start singing "Rasa Sayang Eh".

Learnt that "Eh lihat nona jauh" means, "Eh, look at that pretty girl" and I was thinking, "Oh, lols."

For dinner, went out with Hashanah, Xin Hui and Weiguang for fake KFC. Along the way, stopped by to purchase this baked prata in a tin that tasted nice, especially with chili on it.

See, the furnace like tin. Feels warm..

Nice night view!!

With shopping queens around, I merely followed them and explored the shop they were in before watching them withdrawing money and finally, back in the hostel.

Where I happen to be blogging and preparing slides on 'What is LMGT' for presentation to the locals tomorrow.

Whahaha... Night...

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Day 22 - Monotone a Day

I woke up at 9 and managed to slack all the way to afternoon class at 1.

Finally, seeing Zee Min do the Flexism in class, I was relieved because the test will not be that difficult. Since Flexism cannot operate on my computer, therefore, I have to borrow Zee Min's computer resulting in me being in the second session-11 to 12.

After class, went with Xin Hui, Hashanah, Nadiyah and Weiguang to watch them tempting me with ice cream. Went back to my messy dormitory to put down my bag and soon, I am ready to hit the back alley.

Purchased some local snacks and then went to Group Leader's room (Xiang Yu). Met up with Seok and discussed more about the presentation and skit we wanted to do for our interaction with the local students.

There were some funny moments such as Xiang Yu dancing to the music.


My messy bed. See...

At last, Nadiyah called on me by 6 plus for dinner and once again, had 牛肉刀削面 for dinner.

Did I mention that Nadiyah's a really hesitant shopper. Kept asking us(Weiguang, Xinhui, Hashanah and me) for opinions. I find it somewhat amusing becuse after paying for 2 coloured pencil cases, she wondered if she could switch it with another darker coloured one she preferred.

And saw something interesting tonight. Something I assumed as 鬼火(Ghostly fire). Actually is something like a hot-air ballon made of paper that is carried by the wind. But from the ground, it resembled a flare against the night sky.

And right now, I am blogging about this again... Nothing much during the schooling days anyway.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Day 21 - Usual Day

No morning class and so, I was able to rest for quite sometime. I deserve the rest!

Our lesson today was relatively late because Mr Wong began the day by reinforcing about China's history and compare it to other ancient civilisations. In contrast, China's 5000 year history is nothing when compared to Egypt and Asia.


I don't find it boring, on fact, I find it rather nice and intriguing. Honestly, I also wondered why I never really took history...

Surprise, Mr Wong managed to get a wireless connection there. See, the timeline is as recent as year 2000 AD and dates as far back as 1000 BC.

We also pestered Mr Wong to show us some photos from all his trip.

The 'Blue Mosque' in Istanbul, Turkey(As Mr Wong graciously pointed out). Amazing that such architecture exists.

Also, it seems that religion has also been crossed over because of being conquered or due to intermarriages that combines religions. Interesting...

See, Mr Wong is happy to explain about History. Despite his claims that he isn't interested in history.
What I learnt for today.... Nuff said.

Went shopping at a nearby mini mart to purchase some chocolates and finally bought take-away from MacDonald's.

I felt so cool to stroll around the school's vicinity and absorb the surroundings while keeping a look-out for useful shops. I did a lot of thinking...

And that's all... Ok, it's short so yea, don't blame me...

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Day 20 - 累死我了(Freaking Tired)

After a night at the hotel, i was still relatively tired by only having a few hours of sleep. Anyway, we had to check out first and then we had our breakfast.

Next, another bus ride to Mount Wudang's halfway point as buses are not allowed to go on any higher.

And the warm-up has begun as we begun walking towards the start of the climb.


View after view of trees and mountains.

This time round, see the lake there. Another small scale model of the Three Forges Dam Project... Nice.

And the horror of stairs or so-called, "Gateway to Heaven". I was among the last few once again due to lack of physical fitness and I also bought chocolate biscuits from the shop to replenish my energy while resting.


By the time I reached the Yellow Dragon Submit, I was panting heavily and the best part is that I am not even halfway there.

Saw many devotees bringing along incense offerings as they scaled through the mountains. They reminded me of an NE message.

That of preserving racial and religious harmony. Compared to Singapore, China has 56 ethnic groups and therefore, it is critical to maintain religious harmony. In Singapore, we have 4 main racial groups namely, Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasians. But that does not mean we do not have any minorities.

That's why we have to ensure that we preserve racial harmony at all times so as not to encounter any unrest due to ignorance of another's culture.

Caught up with Benedict, Ci Min and Winson. Soon, Winson was lagging behind and pretty soon, had to get into the sedan. Initial price is at 160 yuan but never fear, with Mr Wong at the helm, we get it to 80 yuan.
The 皇帝出宫(Emperor has let the palace) feeling. I really pity the workers. they toil so hard to ferry people and yet, they only make 20 yuan each time as the others are sent to the Gemba Support and Development area.(The area that does not add customer value directly)

What I do admire is their ability to never give up despite being rather tired.

After walking for many more hours, with my legs getting more and more numbed, we finally arrive at yet, another set of stairs. At least before we climb again, we could rest here at 永古千秋. (In English, translated to Forever ancient thousand autumn)


Looking at this picture, my initial thought was, "Oh my lord." In the end, I counted that it contains approximately 517 steps. I can just climb the vertical Marathon if I do this everyday huh?

And the view as we managed to rest yet again... The mountains here are great in echos. Seriously, can hear fain cries of echoes.

We have finally reached the peak whereby by then, I was utterly exhausted to climb any further. So, I never get to see the temple that is located at the peak of Mount Wudang. Besides, there were too many people jostling and shoving and so, I didn't even bother to enter it.

Ironic really as I climbed all the way there to see the famed temple and yet I never get to see it as I still had to climb stairs.


Go buy a lock and lock your goodwill and luck(including love luck) and remember to throw away the key. We can say 锁着他们的爱(Lock up their love)... Corny here.

Me: Then say if a couple locked it and threw the key away and then later they separated, what about the lock?
Mr Wong: (Thinks) Call a locksmith to climb out here and unlock it?
Me: (Laughs)

Finally, managed to go join the cable car queue whereby we saw 4 china men cutting queue. It really is their culture and they do it normally. But I think we cannot stand it but we are too lazy to do anything anyway.

Also, when we, ladies, were queueing up for a toilet, a local tourist (from another part of china) came into the toilet supposedly to check on her friend. In the end, she managed to get the cubicle much to our dismay and someone uttered out, "***k that b****".

In the cable car view. I was sitting with Mr Wong and at the same time, also snacking on treats given by Benedict and from Mr Wong. Look at the line of cable cars.


At the terminal of the cable car ride. Everything here is built to resemble some ancient temples...

While walking over to the restaurant, I get to see the 2 stone guardians of the temples. The stone lions. And no way am I going up there, not after my arduous climb.

Feast your eyes on our lunch. Sumptuous spread and I was freaking hungry. After eating all fish here in Wuhan, I came to the conclusion that fishes here have way much bones then I anticipated.

Lucky for us but our tour guides have to eat outside and to a cramped table some more. Is a tour guide's life that bad?

Anyhow, I managed to get a last minute souvenir and raced all the way back to the cramped bus where I could at least sleep for 2 hours.

And this is where we part with the tour guides again. Han Xuan, our tour guide imparted 3 'Yuan' to us.

  1. 缘 - 缘分(Affinity) To have met us and toured with us for 2 weekends.
  2. 原 - 原谅(Apologise) For hurrying us all due to time constraints.
  3. 圆 - 圆满(Fulfilling) End of the day, hope we all have been happy.

Also, we clapped and cheered for the bus driver, 师傅, you have been great a driver to enable us to travel this far and for more then 10 hours as well. Thank you.

And later, I went out for dinner with Mr Wong, Nadiyah, Xin Hui, Weiguang and Hashanah. I didn't get to eat on the bus and so, I was hungry again. Ah, my 牛肉刀削面 tasted so nice!!

And afterwards, went back to my room to sleep the day. Zzz...

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Day 19 - Off to Mount Wudang (武当山)

Had to wake up at 5 to bath and pack the remaining staff needed for my trip to Wudang mountain.

Met the same tour guide again... Ok... Let's go! (6 hours ride)

Look at the timing!! Anyway, thank god the bus had some entertainment.

Mr Wong was right, the song about a certain Chinese wife is really amusing. And throughout the journey, I managed to rest and sleep despite being cramped in the bus seat.

And at last, we arrived at 武当金山(Wudang Gold Hill) a shopping street where I laid eyes on...

The swords! I wanted to buy one but I doubt the Singapore customs will allow such dangerous weapons to be imported...

We have to take the local tour bus up the winding mountain road to our first stop of the day. Mountain roads are really long and has many turns causing me to feel somewhat sleepy.

It means 'Crown Prince Slope'.

And a bridge... I forgot about it.

We still have to climb up a few flights of stairs to get to the top whereby the tour guide is hurrying us all the time.

A group photo at the top. We are all equipped with water bottles. Please enter...

Inside, we see the wall with the 3 characters of 福,禄,寿 .(Luck, Prosperity and Longevity)

And the first Taoist temple. No photos are allowed in the temple.
This is 'The Grand Hall' housing the Jade Emperor and Cai God on the left and Sanxiao Empress(for childbearing purpose) on the right.

See this tree? People believe that by tying the red sash around it, you will be blessed.

Some decorations on the temples? I read somewhere that these also signify rankings. The more statues on the roof, the higher your rank. This is commonly used in the royal palace, harem ranks.

Say hi to the 'Five Story Tower'. With one beam supporting at least 5-6 other beams.

Well, get a coin into the creature's open mouth, in a tub of water, and all your wishes will come true.

Next, we move to another area by the bus again.

This place, 紫霄宫 is one of the best preserved sites thus far. Also, it was one of the best situated place to have a temple constructed by the emperor due to good 风水(Fengshui).

See, I can't tell the Fengshui part but the best preserved part is true. It still maintains it's grandeur.

Here we go, climbing again.

And a hall dedicated to parents.

We are in Wudang, famed for her Taoist swordplay and Wushu Martial Arts and so, yea, 来个马步 (马步 - a kongfu training) Whaha, we should all learn from Master Wong.

We all got super addicted to Martial Arts. Nadiyah practicing 'The Crane', Xian Yu using 'Taichi Fist', Me utilising an imaginary sword and finally Seok wielding an imaginary spear.

Wondering why all of us are posing like martial artists? Because we saw young disciples practicing their kongfu (video at the very end) and copied them somewhat.

Afterwards, it was back to another bus and getting to the last area of the day- The Crow Ridge Tourist Center (乌鸦岭游客中心)

Look at all the shops selling almost the same things. Competition here is really aggressive.

And the view while climbing.

Nadiyah the cute model. It was windy as I was taking this picture.

I just love the view. I really want to go there again as it is.

Ginko Tree!! I was reminded of the vitamins again...

Just taking a picture on the way...

Mr Wong is trying to keep warm by hugging the giant offering paper burner. Kids, don't try this at all.

And finally, went down the mountain for lunch.

Sitting at the Halal table is best because the dishes are blend and healthy as compared to the other tables.

After our meal, we were driven to our accommodation- a local hotel rating of 3-4 stars. For me, I was just grateful I could rest again.

Reached the place and assigned the room keys.

I will be rooming with Zee Min in room 3220. Not bad a number.

And upon entering, we were all gasping and sighing in amazement because it really was better then what we had anticipated. I feel like I am back home going on a trip and checking into a hotel.

Sad thing is, we only get one night and about 5-7 hours of rest...


After setting down and checking that the hotel room has everything in order, we both started camera whoring with the mirror. I look so strange..

And our key. It's a card-key. Only thing is, I could not take it back as a souvenir.

After resting up a bit, Me, Pei Jie and Zee Min went with Mr Wong to walk around the area.

Our Hotel....

Realised that the area does not have uch food and so, went back. Not before we met up with Xin Hui, Weiguang, Hashanah and Nadiyah.

I went in and bought a hairband that costs 18 yuan. Actually, I just liked the hairband to position my hair...

Finally, we took this picture on the streets. Like Pei Jie said, where can you ever take a picture on the street in Singapore. Furthermore, it is quiet.

Super fun to pose on the road. No cars in sight.

And as promised, the video of the pratice...
I also end the day ealy because I have to wake up at 5 tomorrow. Night all.