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.

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...