Day 7, Week 6 in Wuhan, China

Group Picture with Tom (Formal)

Group Picture with Tom (Informal)

Me and Tom



We are going home....

Wuhan Tianhe International Airport

Wuhan Tianhe International Airport

Gift from Tom. A necklace with a Wolf's Teeth

Sebastian, Hwee Ping and Sasireika

Zhi Wei & Xin Rong. Finally got their names right!

Arrived at Guangzhou....

Collecting luggage....

PS: My camera died halfway through the plane, so there are no pictures for the plane ride from Guangzhou to Singapore...Sorry....

What We Did

In the morning, we woke up at around 8am and got our luggage weighed before leaving for the Airport. When we left the room, we were told by the people in charge there was a glass missing in the room. We had no idea where it was kept. As it couldn’t be found, we had to pay them instead. I managed to keep my baggage weight to be around 25 kg. If we had exceeded 30 kg, we had to pay US 20 Dollars for every kg of Weight we added. Once all the bags were checked, we brought them to the bus which was located outside the School of Information Engineering. The bus couldn’t travel outside the hostel as there was ongoing works by the side of the road. We had to pull our heavy luggage all the way up instead. When we approached the bus, we met some of the WUST Students who came to send us if, including Tom. We shared with him our contacts and gave him the pictures taken during the visit to his hometown in Anqing. He had done a lot for us. We were certainly very grateful for the help he provided. He even went to the extent to give us a gift as well. He gave Sebastian a necklace from Tibet containing a Wolf’s Teeth. By wearing it, those around him would be in good hands. That was very thoughtful of him. It was certainly hard for us to leave. We boarded the bus and headed for a 2 Hour Drive, where I slept throughout as I was awake the whole night, doing my assignments.

At Wuhan Tianhe International Airport, we waited for our flight to Guangzhou which was scheduled for takeoff at 3.10pm, but we had to board the plane from 2.45 onwards. We were given an hour for free and easy time, so we decided to explore the area. The food sold I the airport was very pricey, so we decided to have our lunch at Guangzhou International Airport instead. We bought some packets of Rice Biscuits’ from Yichang. They were sold at 10 Yuan, compared to Yichang, where it was sold at 16 Yuan. I decided to buy one more to bring back home instead. At around 2.15pm, we met with Mr. Chua collected our passports and our boarding passes and headed towards the gates. We took and headed towards Guangzhou. Although, we met with slight turbulence on the way, we managed to get to Guangzhou on time.

At Guangzhou International Airport, we had 30 minutes for free and easy as our flight was at 7.10pm and we had to board by 6.45pm. As there was not much time, we ate a small sandwich and went to the gates. We waited at the entrance of the gates thinking that we were at the right location. We soon realized that we were at the wrong location at 7pm, and the gates were closing soon as well. We asked for permission to go through VIP Clearance. We went through the special lane and we were shocked at the manner in which they handled our belongings. They simply threw my laptop in to the scanning machine. One of the officials even handled my hand luggage roughly by carrying it in the opposite manner. As we were in a rush, we didn’t want to create more delay; we just packed as fast as we could and left the immigration. We also went on the small vehicle to bring us to the gate at the far end. The driver was very insensitive by asking money up front. We were in a rush; they could have brought us to the gate first and on the way, tell us the fee as well. As we ran out of Chinese Currency, we gave him $10 and finally he started to drive his vehicle. Upon arrival at the gate, we rushed into the plane after having our passports checked. The whole plane was waiting for us; it was certainly a misadventure. I simply couldn’t imagine getting stranded in foreign country.

On the plane, I couldn’t sleep; partly due to 2 reasons. The first reason being the possibility of stranded in a foreign country due to the incident in Guangzhou and the second reason is the feeling of returning home after 6 weeks. To pass time, we chatted among the other students from the Building and Environment Division. I also played with Zhi Wei’s PSP and watched some movies as well.

When we reached Changi Airport, Singapore, we alighted from the plane and took our last picture (an informal one) before we were allowed to go around and duty free items we wanted. We were also reminded of the submissions for the 2 modules as well. On the way out, I bought a perfume for my brother which he only ended up telling me after I got down from the plane. I also bought alcohol for Zhi Wei as he was not allowed to buy (as he was not 18 yet). After buying the drinks, we headed to collect our luggage and I saw my mom, brother and sister for the 1st time in 6 weeks. It certainly felt to be home once more.

What We Think

This 6 Weeks in Wuhan, Hubei, China has certainly been a great experience for me as it has broadened my mind to absorb new information around me, and at the same time, build strong friendship among one another. I have made new friends in China and visited many interesting and historic places as well such as the Three Gorges Dam and the Yangtze River as well.

I have learnt much more than I could possibly had if I had done so in classroom environment. By learning in a foreign country, I have learnt to become adaptable to change and have improved my readiness in working in another country and changing my lifestyle as such as well.

I would definitely recommend this Program to any Student who would be willing to go beyond Singapore and explore the unknown. This Programme has certainly made me to become a better person in a multitude of ways.

Day 6, Week 6 in Wuhan, China

Lunch at Restaurent

Look at the Appetizers....

Enjoying a Great Meal...

Mr. Ma and Mr. Chua waiting....

Khoon Fong, Sasireika and Hwee Ping

Ms. Lisa (WUST Coordinater), Mr. Chua,

Mr. Philip An (Dean of Foreign Languages School) and Mr. Ma

Toasting to one another....

Group Picture

More Group Pictures

Even More Group Pictures

Group Picture.

The Student on the left of me is Chrisie. She was the 1st WUST Student whom i met during the Opening Ceremony.

Group Picture

Having Fun with Fireworks

Having Fun with Fireworks

Group Picture

What We Did

In the morning, we woke up at 11am. We initially planned to wake up at 9am to finish up our assignments. We decided to whatever we could do before leaving at around 11.45am for Luxiang to get some last minute shopping done as well.

As it was also, our 2nd Last Day in Wuhan, we decided to go for a Buffet Lunch at Luxiang District. There was also another reason for celebration as well. On this very day, a year ago, Sasireika and Hwee Ping met one another and became good friends in the process as well. Each of us paid 48 Yuan for a Buffet Meal. We could almost anything we wanted. The food was certainly good, with minor exceptions; he fish, mutton and vegetables were great, just to name a few. I certainly felt very bloated after having my lunch.

Following that, we headed down to get our last minute shopping. We managed to get most of our stuff to bring back to Singapore. We had to meet Mr. Chua and Mr. Ma to take our Group Photo. As we were running late, we took a cab back to School.

When we arrived in School, we realized that no one was there yet. We waited for them to come down to take a Group Photo. We decided to take it a day earlier as the next day we were leaving and there would be a lot of rush as well. We were supposed to wear our SoE Shirt, but we didn’t realize that, as we thought we had to wear it the next day to the Airport.

After the Photo taking session, we headed back to our hostel, to continue on our Assignments and get some rest as well. We left at around 4.45pm to the School of Foreign Languages for our Closing Ceremony for the OIP, Wuhan, China. When we arrived there, we waited for the Chinese Students to come down from their lessons. Meanwhile, Hwee Ping and Sebastian were picked as the English Host and Chinese Host for the day and they were rehearsing for it. Mr. Chua and Mr. Ma were also playing table tennis with the Dean as well.

Soon, the closing ceremony got started with a few games to keep the momentum high. After a few games, Mr. Ma and Mr. Philip An gave their closing addresses to the audience and we presented a token to the Students as well. We then had drinks (soft drinks) and interacted with one another. We certainly had a good time and we toasted among one another. We took many pictures together and even shared contacts as well.

After that, we headed out to see the Fireworks Display which was held in the middle between the School of Foreign Language and the School of Business. Initially, when we first started, security officials were not informed of this event and there was some discussion on safety issues to those playing the fireworks and the surrounding infrastructure. After a while, the guard contacted their superiors to consult on the issue and they gave the all clear sign. As a safety precaution, he himself lighted the fireworks due to the explosive nature of the fireworks we bought. It was certainly a spectacular end to a 6 Week Immersion Programme.

After that, we headed out to have our meal with Tom at KFC, before returning back to hostel. At the entrance of the Hostel, we gave Tom all of our contacts for him to contact us when he comes to Singapore. We then headed back to our hostel, to finish up our packing before knocking out for the night.

What We Think

When the Students were given out the fireworks, they were certainly full of joy that they started lighting them and playing them with high levels of ecstasy. I guess they don’t have the chance to play with them. In Singapore, we are not able to play with fireworks due to safety concerns. So, they are not sold in Singapore.

Day 5, Week 6 in Wuhan, China

Tom, his Parents and us.

Our Baggages from Anqing
How are we going to go home with so much stuff?

Ticketing Office at Anqing Station

Waiting Area for Commuters

Waiting for the bus.....Very Tired as well....

The Main Building at its true beauty...

What We Did

We woke up in the morning and went to have breakfast with Tom and his family at his home. We showered and when we entered the Dining Area, Tom’s Father had already went out to buy bread for us, as did not want us to be hungry during the trip back to Anhui. Not only that, he also bought a great deal of items for us to bring back to Singapore, such as Tea and Biscuits. That was very nice of him to go at dawn to the city and get them for us. We wanted to give him a set of 2 Singapore $50 Notes as a gift, but their parents declined us profusely, as he mentioned that we were students and they couldn’t accept such things from them. They finally settled down for $2 Note. After taking a picture with their family, we left for the Ferry Terminal. I really wished we could stay a day or two longer. I really felt at home in the Countryside of Anqing. I would defiantly miss Tom’s Parents and the villagers living in the area as well.

After the boat to the ferry terminal, we boarded a taxi and headed towards the bus terminal. Tom’s Father ensured that all our expenses were taken cared off. When we arrived at the Terminal, we went to board the bus but we were told that the bus had been delayed till 11.45am. Till then, we chatted among one another. While waiting, many beggars as shop sellers kept asking us for money; it was really annoying and pestering. There was even one lady who grabbed me by my hand, persuading me to buy from her some toys. Thankfully, there was a lady who told them not to ask them, as we were merely students.

We boarded the bus and headed for Wuhan. We slept for about 3-4 hours onboard the bus. We managed to reach Wuhan within 5 Hours. During the journey, it was raining very heavily and we also made stops along the way to let passengers alight as well. Once we reached the area surrounding the University, we dropped by the expressway and Tom liaised with two strangers to arrange them to bring us, back to the Campus.

We went to Campus to visit Mr. Ma and went to distribute the souvenirs among one another, before heading out to the Night Market. After having Dinner at the Canteen, Tom and her friend accompanied us to the Night Market. At the night market, we bought some last minute items before heading back to School for briefing.

During the briefing, Mr. Chua and the others were surprised with our new haircuts. He went through the last briefing as well as the flight details for our departure from Wuhan. After finalizing most of our logistics issues, we returned to our rooms to finish up our packing of our luggage’s, before retiring for the night.

What We Think

In the bus terminals and other transportation areas, many people often use children to ask commuters for money as they would be able to obtain more money through such means. They even targeted Sasireika and me as we were clearly foreigners. I find such means very despicable, as the parents are asking their children to do such things which they are not supposed to at all.

Following of rules is certainly not practiced in China. Onboard the bus, people kept on smoking even though it was not allowed at all. This was also seen on board the taxi and the vessel we travelled on as well. We had to bear the brunt of the smoke.

Day 4, Week 6 in Wuhan, China

Sebastian, Hwee Ping, Sasireika and Khoon Fong

Monuments in the Temple

Monuments in the Temple

Monuments in the Temple

A Dustbin

TheMonk is ringing the bell to indicate lunchtime

Monuments in the Temple

Ancient Writings from the past

View from Above!

We mad it to the top!

The restaurent at the Temple

Tom having fun with the roadside game.

Me outside the Temple.

Ducklings being sold on the street

Shopping Streets

Display of Snacks

I wonder why are they dressed as such in a Snack Store?

These attires are usually seen in Pharmacies and Clinics

Looks famliar?

Is this allowed?

Live Lobsters!

Lunch: Chicken Noodles

Pictures of Famous Peoplw Worldwide

People playing Badmintion and other games

The Child is being brought around using a toy robot.

Now, this is not right! He seems to be very hungry, but he has no food to eat.

Thus, he has to eat such things.

Zebra

Grizzly Bear

Grizzly Bear

Grizzly Bear

Camel

Camel

Head of a Snake

Ostrich

Hippopotamus

Emu

Lightings of the Buildings

Pyrotechnics Show

Pyrotechnics Show

Group Photo

Tom's Father cooking in the Kitchen

Dinner is served!

What We Did

In the morning, we woke up at around 5.30pm. By the time, we awoke, dawn had already broken. We got up, packed our luggage and headed for Tom’s House to place our belongings and headed to his Aunt’s for our shower. The girls went to have their shower first, while Sebastian and I waited for our turn. While waiting at his Aunt’s House which not only supplied Hot Water for Showering purposes, they also sold Boiling Water for Drinking Purposes as well (10 Cents per Container). Many of them who came in thought that Sebastian and I were from Africa. We were greatly surprised by that. I have been often mistaken in China as a person from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and even the Middle East. Now, I have also been known as an African.

The shower in Tom Aunt’s House was pretty unique as well. The water that was used for Shower was fully boiled compared to the heating system in the Hostel. After the Shower, I certainly felt much more refreshed. It was quite small compared to our homes in Singapore as well as the Hostel in the University.

We went for breakfast at Tom’s House, which comprised of porridge; chicken eggs duck eggs and many other dishes as well. The porridge contained many peanuts in them. It was our 1st Breakfast in the Countryside. It tasted great, but I had difficulty eating the yolk of the egg, as I was not feeling alright after having my first egg. As I didn’t want to go against Tom and his parents, I ate as much as I could. We chatted while waiting for the Minivan to arrive to bring us to the city. Tom’s Father had arranged this transportation for us to make travelling convenient.

We headed for the Famous Buddhist Temple, Zhen Feng Da(Tower), Yingjiang Temple in Anhui Province. The temple premises blended modern concepts as well as traditional and past concepts. We toured the entire Buddhist Temple and paid our respects to the deities as well. We also consulted a fortune teller on the future as well. We were told by Tom, that the results were mostly accurate as well. So, we decided to take up the chance to know more. After that, we walked up the Tower which was created during the Ming Dynasty. It was once used to trap enemies as well, in times of war. This idea was thought of by Zhuge Liang.

Following that, we visited the Shopping Centre of Anqing area as well as the small markets around the area as well. We headed down to Shopping Centres to know what the prices were like. Apparently, they were as expensive as Wuhan. A Shirt would cost me at least 300 Yuan and above. We decided to look into the smaller shopping markets instead. There we came across a Ship selling Snacks which were famous in Anqing. I decided to buy a few for my loved ones.
After that we headed to the Zoo, after dropping our belongings at Tom’s Aunt’s place near the location of the zoo. As we were carrying large amounts of bags of the items we had bought from the shops, we placed them in his Aunt’s house. She warmly greeted us into her home, which looked similar as a 3 Room Flat in Singapore. After resting for a while, we walked down to the Zoo.

At the zoo, we saw a huge variety of creatures including those which can be found in the Singapore Zoo as well. We took as many pictures as we possibly could before batteries died one after another. We saw the different sections of the Zoo, from marine life, to the aviary and the other creatures as well.

We then headed to the Pyrotechnics Show at the lakeside. It was certainly a wonderful treat to the eyes. We initially saw it from far, but we decided to see how it looked at close distance, and we took a quick ride through a cab to the area. When we arrived there, we got separated, but we soon found one another eventually. We saw the remaining sections of the show, before boarding the minivan to bring us across the bridge and back to Tom’s House. This was a much more spectacular sight compared to Singapore’s smaller scale pyrotechnics show on Sentosa Island.
We returned back to Tom’s House for Dinner. His Father and Mother prepared a scrumptious meal for us to enjoy, which felt more like a 9 Course Meal. They have really placed a lot of time and dedication in ensuring that our safety and complete well being was taken cared off. That show’s their nature towards helping one another. As this was the last night, we were to having Dinner together; we decided to make it a memorable one by ending the day with a toast from all of us to Tom’s Parents.

After Dinner, we had a haircut at the nearby saloon, which was located next to Tom’s House. Hwee Ping did her 1st Rebonding Session, while Sasireika and I had our hair cut and dyed. Khoon Fong and Sebastian did a perm and a simple haircut respectively. I had not dyed my hair before. My mother and Sibling had yet to know about it as yet. I guess they would only realize it when I turn up at the airport. The hairdresser was nice enough to stay till 1.30am in the morning, to get our hairs done.

After a long day, we headed back to rest and prepare for our departure tomorrow, to Wuhan. We were quite sad that we had to leave the next day. We wished that we could stay slightly longer, as we enjoyed ourselves greatly in the Countryside and with Tom and his family. Perhaps, next time, when we come to China, we can stay for a longer period of time.

What We Think

In Anqing, Breakfast is usually porridge, with items such as salted chicken egg and duck egg. Vegetables are also added into the meal as well. There is no meat added to breakfast at all. Their lunch and Dinner usually are very large meals, especially for big families. They would often cook a set of 8-9 Dishes to ensure that there is sufficient food to go around.

The costs of taxis in Anqing are much more cheaper compared to the prices in Wuhan. A trip from Point A to Point B with a distance of about 800m to 1000m costs us around 8 Yuan, while the same distance in Wuhan would cost us about 12-15 Yuan and above. We were told by Tom that the starting fare of Taxis in Anqing are relatively low compared to other cities in the province Anhui and the other provinces as well.
Not only that, there also happens to be more female taxi drives compared to male drivers. On a scale of 1-10, I noticed that there were at least 6 taxis which we passed, had female drivers in them.
The zoo in Anqing is very small indeed. Its unique feature is that it is built within a park, surrounded by a lake which is slightly smaller than those in Wuhan. The animals there seem to be underfed and their living conditions are very bad as well. One of the monkeys was even spotted trying to eat a bottle cap. The zookeeper was also nowhere to be found either. There was only1 Guard at the Main Gate taking care of all the roles require in the zoo.