Day 15: APPG Test 1 and Visit trip to Eco-City.

Today we have APPG Test 1 and then we have a visit to the eco-city. Studied hard last night, hope that I can do well for today test. So far, I think I can pass the test but may be no pass with flying colors.

Then we had lunch with Mr Tan at a “qing zhen” Restaurant. We ordered the normal dishes we usually order, but today we have additional spicy chicken. We finish almost all the dishes when the rice was served. So we ordered 1 more dish to go with it. By the time we finish eating, we found out it’s already 12:25 pm. So we hurried back hotel and get prepared.

When we board the bus, the tour guide gives us a good introduction. After a long journey, we have a toilet break. Then we continue with the journey. I don’t quite understand what he said, so I just took some pictures.

When we reach an industry area, I sat in front to take some pictures. Then Mr Tan help me to translate what he said. From what Mr Tan said, I can see how determine they are to actually make their country a more developed country. Having a lot of ties with other countries and also have industry from other country running their country. Then we came across a bridge with a lot of different type of wind turbine, from smallest to biggest. This shows how much power they need.

Then we stop by at the entrance of the eco-city. Get down the bus and took a lot of pictures, including jump shots. We had a great time taking pictures. Then we head down to the main building, the tour guide ask if we can go in. But we can’t so we have to head back to the hotel. At least we get to see what the area looks like and also I think that they are still under construction.

Then we went to vanguard shop to buy 2 cartons of water and other necessary things. I and Alif had dinner at KFC and the rest went to eat Glass Noodle. Which taste like Bee Hoon with “Satay” gravy.

I also notice that grass has start growing near the trees. Which means spring time is coming.

Day 14: APPG test 1 preparation and Traditional Chinese Philosophy and Etiquette lesson.

Today morning have APPG, going through past year test papers. In the afternoon, we have Chinese class and it’s about Traditional Chinese Philosophy and Etiquette.

I learn about a famous Chinese philosopher, Kong Zi (Confucius). His philosophy is called “ru jia si xiang”. He was also the first person in the world who teaches a group of children. Before that they only have 1 teacher teaching 1 student. I learn from him you must be “ren” (kind). From the Chinese word it shows a person and two. Which means must live happily with others. Also thought about “li” (manners), “ci xu” (order) and many more.

Then I learn about Zhuang Zi. His philosophy is called “dao jia si xiang”. I learn from him that live with freedom, “sheng ming zi you” (life freedom). He teaches other by using stories. He also said “don’t draw a gap when there is no gap”, “don’t draw alive from dead”, “don’t look yourself from others”, “you must have confidence towards yourself” and “no need to envy other people, everyone has their own life”.

I also learn about Chinese Traditional Manners. I learn 5 manners, which is what to do when you meet with each other, when you walk, when you sit, when you eat and during festival.

For what to do when we meet each other, we must our hand together with right hand clench your fist and left hand covering it.

For what to do when you walk, the elderly or the chief must be in front while the rest should be slightly behind him. Then when opening the door, the elderly or the chief shouldn’t do it.

For what to do when you sit, you shouldn’t shake your leg and sit sloppily. It’s like you are shaking off your wealth. It is also doesn’t look pleasant and you will get irritated. Foot must be flat on ground and body straight up.

For what to do when you eat, when some pour tea for you, you can just knock 3 times on the table with 3 fingers. Not to point with chopsticks. When using chopsticks, index finger shouldn’t be pointing out. Don’t be choosy when choosing your food in the dish, especially using your chopsticks. Lastly, do not stick your chopsticks into a bowl of rice or any food. As it symbolizes that you are giving offering to the spirits.

For what to do during festival, you must give best wishes especially to elderly.

At the end of the class, I ask Lee Min to help ask the teacher the slides a video about Chinese Calligraphy as I think it was really interesting and the teacher seems happy about it.

Then at night we have Roll Call, today also we get to know who our encourager was. So I found out that my encourager is Eugene. 

So this time we get to choose again for our next encourage. 

Who did I get? End of 2 weeks will be reveal. 

Day 13: APPG lesson in the afternoon.

Today had free and easy morning, but in the afternoon, we have to go back and study for APPG. As Mr Chua is doing revision with us for the upcoming test. Went through a few papers, to see what mistakes that we tend to make.

After the class we plan to go to Carrefour, while some suggest we go to the Vanguard Supermarket nearby. So we went there to buy our daily needs. Like moisturizer, bread, etc.

On the way home, we tried the hot sweet potato again. As it smell tempted us. It was really soft and sweet. It’s something we don’t really get to experience in Singapore. 

All of a sudden, just few blocks away, someone actually set up fireworks outside a restaurant. I realise that they can set up firework as when they like. Sometimes, early in the morning at around 6 plus or 7 plus, I can hear fireworks.

Day 12: A trip to Tang Gu.

Today went out to Tang Gu. As Mr Chua said that there is cheap things sold there. We took a bus to Zhong shan men, then took train to Tang Gu station. It was my first time to see a temporary pass coin. Instead of a card, it’s a coin. So when we enter we have to tap in using the coin, and drop the coin when we left the train station.

When we went out of the station walking our way to the shopping centre, we saw a group of guys gathering outside the KFC. It seems fishy, but we ignore and enter the KFC to have our lunch.

Before that, there is a guy who overheard our conversation that we are going to Tang Gu, so he followed and brought us there. He is also a student from the TUT.  So he actually warn us not buy many things as they actually gang up to give the price, so he told us to be more be careful. He said he had to go off, so he has help us this far.

So we continue walk-in the street. I found that they sell a lot of weapons than something that we can buy. Even though there are some shell sculptures, and old things like SEGA game console and its cartridges.

My buddy bought for me and my girlfriend a keychain. Thank her a lot and will plan to buy for her gift. Some of the things is actually cheap. It seems like a place in Singapore, Sungei Road.

Was a good experience to walk at street that sells weapon and also saw real weapons.

Then we had a long journey back to hotel and had a good rest.

Day 11: APPG and Tea & Purple Pottery Culture Trip.

Today I thought I, Alif and Jia Wei thought that we will be late. As we thought that there will be Pop-Quiz. But end up we found that there isn't any quiz.

So today Mr Chua goes through chapter 5. Today was even more unbelievable than yesterday; we manage to complete chapter 5 within hours. May be it is because it is a short topic.

Then we went for lunch at "Qing Zhen" restaurant with Mr Chua. It was his treat! Then we went to mobile shop as Zhi Ting wanted to buy her Top-up card. Then coincidentally, we met our buddies outside the shop. We talked for quite long. Almost forget about the time. So I told them we left with 30 minutes to get walk back, prepare and report to the place we all have to meet. So we rush back to the hotel and prepare.

Again, we left the hotel together with Mr Chua. After reaching to the place, i thought that there will be a bus provided. But actually we were taking the public transport. It was quite a long journey. We manage to get seats only after the bus has stop at Ping Jiang Street. After a few stops we have reach the place.

Then the person gives us an introduction about their collection and teas. They have a whole lot of variety of teas, teapots and many more. Then we were assigning to a table where they will do a demo to us on how Chinese culture serve tea. From my understanding, it is like a Chinese Tea "Bar Tender". As they get paid to serve the tea. Its an optional for them to entertain the guest, only if the guess talk to them then they will talk. If not they will just keep quiet and just serve the tea.

It was my first time to taste a tea that is sweet and fragrance enough without any sugar. It was so nice that I asked for what the name of the tea is and how much it cost.

From the looks of how our host serve us and how she does it, it seems easy. So we were given a chance to try. So i give it a try, and its actually more difficult than what i see. She hold it as if it was not hot, but when i touch at the place she touch, it was as hot as touching a hot pan. So from what i observe, it needs a lot of experience and skills to serve. Then Gary give it a try, then Felicia.

After that we are free to walk around, took some pics of the place and bought the teas that i tried. It was fortunate that we had student price, which was around 50%. So I bought 2 boxes of white tea and a box of mixed berry tea. Total cost was 95 RMB. We were release early, so we decided to walk around Ping Jiang street as its only few stops away.

On the way to bus stops, i thought i saw the other group that went for this trip passed by us. So I called Mr Chua and told him are they from the other group. Then Mr Chua seems unsure, he then said loudly "you Singapore-lang?". The girl then replied, "are Singaporean?". Then we came to each other and talk. We found out that they are from EEE, SP. They are here to study 12 modules in 6 weeks. My jaw drop hearing it.

It felt relief to met them, its like finally we found some Singaporeans here. It was a sign of misses of our own hometown. As we have difficulty in communicating here, and its like finally we can talk like how we usually do with other Singaporeans in China. Took some pics with them, then we head down to Ping Jiang street.

We went shopping around, bought a shoe again for my girlfriend. Then we went to have dinner at KFC. I, Alif and Jia Wei got separated. So we end up taking bus home by ourselves. It’s a new experience, it felt like an achievement when we reach the hotel. It’s because we felt insecure because it was night time and the bus was dark. So we took care of each other and keep a look out for each other. 

Mr Chua then told us that roll call is at 10pm, we have to be back by 10pm at lobby. 

Day 10: APPG Lesson.

Lessons starts at 8 30 am. We also had a Pop-Quiz for chapter 3. Had 20 minutes to our last revision before the quiz starts.

Then Mr Chua go through with us chapter 4. It was my first time experience to finish 1 topic within 1 day. It was at a very fast pace, but i can still understand some of it. As i already the basics in COMPRO. Its about If-Else statement, do-while statement. Something new that I learn from this chapter is the Try-Catch statement.

It was also a warm day, so Chia Chun treat us Ice-Cream!
I realize that at here, their body is used to the weather. We felt so cold under the sun, but for them under the sun felt warm. They also prefer a day without wind, whereas for us, we need the wind. So its a new experience to be in this kind of situation.

Day 9: APPG and went to Ping Jiang street.

Went to school at 8 30am. Today we finish up all the lab and tutorials for chapter 3, and also have to prepare for Pop Quiz tomorrow.

Today we class half day, so the other half of the day we went to Ping Jiang street to shop. Took bus there then i and Alif went for prayers as the mosque was nearby. Then meet up with the rest of them at Mai Go Shopping center. Went around to find some shoes. Found a nice and sweet Nike Dunk shoes, so i bought a Nike Dunk shoe for my girlfriend.

Then we got separated, so I, Alif and Jia Wei walk around ourselves. I saw a building with different types of painted mask. I thought it was a building that sells that kind of mask, but it was actually a Saloon and on the upper level was the Steamboat Restaurant. So we walk back, and found a shop that sells "Qing Zhen" food. So we bought a bowl noodle, biscuit and a cute hand-made biscuit.

Beside it was a KFC, we had some rest and ate a meal. I realize even for a Singapore Chinese was having difficulty communicating with the locals. As they talk faster and have different accent. So in conclusion, they have difficulty understanding us and vice versa.

Then we continue walking till the end. All of a sudden I felt like as though we are some other country. As the architecture was different. It looks more like we are at a Europe country. Then we met up with Gary and the rest. So we walk back to meet up with the rest.

We decided to take a cab back. It was much more difficult to get a cab, as some of the cab driver which was not occupied didn't even bother to stop. Instead, they stop for the locals. Then we finally got a cab and head back to the hotel.

Had the last rol call with Mr Tan. So i decided to do a "magicTrick" to Mr Tan. I too got tricked by YiWen. Everyone had a good laugh. I also receive an encouragement letter in a tissue packet.

Day 8: APPG Lesson day

Today will be having APPG for the whole day!
Went to class at 8 30am. Had both lectures and lab question to be done. So we tried to finish up all that we can.

During lunch time, we went to eat at "Qing Zhen" restaurant. I wanted to buy top-up card for my phone. Coincidentally we met some of our buddies. So they took us to a canteen where they normally eat. It was something new, the atmosphere of the canteen was different, and the food was also different. Then they wanted to bring us to their dorm, but guys was no allowed. So we walk around, and found backyard that was fully painted with Graffiti. It was so cool that we spent our time taking pictures, while waiting the rest of them.

The backyard is not only fully painted with graffiti, but there was also pile of rubbish and thrown away clothes. It was something that we don't normally experience in Singapore.

After that we went back to class to continue our lesson. We manage to clear chapter 2 and move on to chapter 3. At night had APPG at around 7 30pm  at lobby, doing blogging an APPG.

Then at 9pm, we head down to Mr Tan's room for rol call. Thought us a new magic trick, using straws. We were also told that Mr Tan will be away for 3 days 2 night. I also receive a long encouragement letter.

Day 7: Chinese lesson and China Economics

Today went for Chinese lesson in the morning. As expected, everyone was tired due to yesterday shopping.
Started off with APPG lesson in the morning. Finish going through Chapter 2, and have to prepare for Pop-Quiz tomorrow. For lunch we went to a "Qing Zhen" stall at the back alley, had a hot Handmade Noodle Soup. then went to class. It was a Freezing morning to start with., as the temperature was very cold adding the wind which makes it freezing!

Went for afternoon class and it was so interesting that it kept me awake. I actually learn how to write Chinese words and also the Old Chinese Words. From this lesson, i now understand on how the signs, shapes and strokes of Chinese words come about. To me, it makes more sense and understand better when i write the old Chinese words as every lines we drew has a meaning.Then the lecturer end our day by continuing the "Go Lala Go!" movie with last few question about the movie.

Few minutes later, a successful Chinese man came in to our class and gave us a talk on Economic development in China. It was a good presentation, also my IS group plan to interview him after his presentation. So my part was to take pics and recording video of the interview. What capture me most that, he agree that they are more better than American base on their progress development. Where he said that American rate is 2% while China is 7% for the past few years. After that we took pics with him and off back to our Hotel. Then we accompany JiaWei to a shop that he plan to bargain for Mineral water bottle. We were force to rush back to Hotel as the temperature was very cold.

Then went for rol call, had a simple message from my mystery encourager.

Day 6: Shopping at "Fashion street".

Meet up at lobby at 10 30am. Some of our Buddys tag along and bring us around the area. Took a bus there that took around 40 mins to reach. There was a long walkway that looks like never ending with shops by the side. We went around the first few shops. Some of us were anxious on the things that some were ahead and some were late.

So we decided to split the groups and meet up at the same place at 5pm. So we went around and shop. Found a whole lot of very cheap things compared to Singapore. So i got myself some things. I notice and found out that there is this long buggie that transport people from 1 end to the other for only 3RMB.

While shopping, i also learn the specialty about Jade stone. A local student, Belle, told me that a Jade can actually change their color for around 3 months. It can change color from a brighter color to a darker color.

 Then we went to this street that sells a whole lot of finger food. Taste very delicious, something unique that I have not taste before.

Then i found a "Qing Zhen"/Halal stall. The man who is serving us was a Muslim and he is from India. So i greeted him, he asked where i am from? So i answered i am from Singapore. So i asked him is there any Mosque nearby? and he answer the mosque is just near by. So the whole group of us went to the mosque.

we thought we were lost as we didn't see it after walking a few distance. So we constantly asked the local for the area. As Soon as we reach the Mosque, I and Alif prayed. Then we thought of going back to the area, we then realize, the mosque is just a 5 mins walk from the bus stop we get off. Then we went shopping around the area again.

At 5pm, we gather and went to the bus stop. The bus stop was crowded, even the bus we want to board as packed with people. So we were separated and took cab back to Hotel. We then realize, different cab we took has a different charge. As some of the cab went the longer route.

Then we went to have our dinner at a "Qing Zhen" stall. Was delicious too, has this taste that is similar to Ban Mian. Only that it has its own special taste.  Then went back to Hotel to do APPG and then Rol Call.

Day 5: Visiting and shopping at Food Street.

Today meet up at Lobby 10 30am. We went to the bus stop and took a bus. We reach there around 30 mins. I was introduced to Tianjin famous and favorite breakfast, it taste delicious. Something unique that we can't find in Singapore. We walk around the shops and find many interesting finger food. I also found out that there is actually a few "Qing Zhen"/Halal food around. There was also a Candy Art. Where he uses a melted candy and draw out shapes of picture that he has shown.

We then walk and head down to a museum, where photography was not allowed. Had a glance of amazing and unique Chinese collection of Jade stone, sculptures and also antique objects.

Then we head down to a street where there was a whole lot souvenir and many other objects sold at cheap price. We then met a man who can draw faces using charcoal, it only took 5 minutes and its only 10 RMB. So a few of us would like to give it a try. Some ended up nice, for some was OK. Also had some fun shots.

For Dinner, went back to Pizza Hut. Then we went to Carrefour to buy things that we needed. then head back to our Hotel.

Day 4: Chinese and Art Lesson

Today lesson start as per normal, 8 30am. Our first lesson for today was Chinese lesson. The teacher will introduce to us a movie, Go Lala Go!. Its about how a women became successful. It was more to "watch and answer the question" kind of session. Then we get to discuss. Then every group have to sent 1 representative to share the answer. For my group, I present it. I didn't get to answer in Chinese, but i get to learn the question in Chinese. As there was a local student to help us out. It was nice experience to learn Chinese language, where i learn that there is 4 different tone and all four tone has different meaning.

Then I had a very full lunch. And then went for our next lesson, which is the arts.
The teacher is a famous artist, he has appeared in CCTV before and its an honor for us to have him to came by and teach us. He also came with his 2 students. They demonstrated what they have learn from him. It was beautiful to see them doing it before eyes. I find it amazing as i adore arts.

Then surprisingly, we also get to try paper cutting. He show us a demonstration first, then he did it with us. With such simple step, we had an amazing result. The first paper cutting was cutting it into a flower, the next one was a butterfly. I didn't manage to finish it as we didn't have much time.

Throughout the day, i had so much fun! Get to learn Chinese and Arts.
Had KFC for lunch and bought some food and drinks.

Day 3: APPG and History of Tianjin

Today lesson starts at 8 30am. So woke up at 7 30, had breakfast and off to school.
In APPG lesson, we learn a new programmer which is C# (C sharp). which was also most similar to C++. Was a bit tough to understand at first, will need lots of practices to get it right.

For lunch, we went to the place where they sell "Qing Zhen" food. And also i have just found out that they do have a logo to show that their food is "Qing Zhen"/Halal.

Our food was served late and there was 2 dish still not serve. Time is running out, so we cancel the order even though we have paid. We then rush to the class as this is our first lesson done by the local lecturers.

In this lesson, i learn alot about Tianjin. I even learn Tianjin language which is "Tianjin Hua". I learn a word that describes funny in Tianjin Hua, and it sounds like "Ber Ger" which means funny. Also learn a whole lot about Tianjin. how it came to be. I find it interesting as Tianjin is actually is made my rivers that divides them from other states.

After the class, went to convenient store to get more food and drinks and head back to Hotel.
At 11pm, had Rol Call at Mr Chua's Room. Had reflections discussion.

Day 2: Orientation and Introduction to our Partner.

After the long journey, felt tired. Had some difficulties waking up.
Had to report at the lobby by 10am. So woke up at 8, ate breakfast and off to the lobby.
We were first introduce to Mrs Wong. she gave us a map of the school to our Hotel and brief us about the school. After that we made our way to the school, then to a classroom.

Our classroom blackboard was decorated very nicely, it was a warm welcome. In the Orientation, we were also introduced to other two lecturers there. The teacher even asked me and Alif to just pretend like we know, even though we don't. I understand cause it will be difficult for them to speak in English and also to give respect to them. After the Orientation we went back to our Hotel to have our lunch.

At 1pm, we have to report back to the classroom. While waiting for the local students to arrive, excitement and curiosity runs through the mind. As this will be my first time to have a partner with the locals. When everyone has settle down, the teacher suggested for us to play "Scissors-paper-stone" if any party wins they get to choose. We thought that it wasn't effective, so we made them draw lots.

 For me, Alif, Gary and Eugene, we will get only the special students who can speak English. From there they came to us and had a 5 minutes introduction. Then they bring us tour around the school. Had so much fun, laughter and picture taking throughout the afternoon. Tried their local snack/sweets, Bubble tea and food. was totally different from what we had in Singapore. It was a great experience.

At night, we had to gather at the lobby for a mass blogging, and also our lecturers brief us on our upcoming activities, plans and reflection for today.

Day 1: Journey to Tianjin.

Day 1:
Woke up at around 4 30 am. My dad, mum, young sister and girlfriend is sending to the airport. So my dad drove us there. I was late, reached there around 6am. Gary, my team leader, was so worried about me. so i told him I'm already on my way. After check-in, Mr Chua and Mr Tan brief us on what are suppose to do next. Showing us a meaningful Magic trick, where a blank book can be filled up with colorful pages.

As i say my last goodbyes to my love ones, my heart felt both sad and happy. Mixed with emotions, curiosity still runs in my mind as I make my way to the plane. Plane took off at 8am and reach Guangzhou Baiyun at 12pm. Had a few naps in the plane, and had my neck ache. Also, as soon as i step out of the plane, cold breeze of air run through me.

At Guangzhou Baiyun airport, Mr Chua brief us to take preconscious of our things and timing to gather. The temperature at the airport was manageable. We walked around to find a place to have our lunch. I ate McDonald's. Also found some shops that is "Same but Different", and its the Manning. Which is very identical to Singapore's Guardian shop. Time is near for us to gather, we were confused by the which boarding gates should we gather. After a few arguments, we decided to send some of the guys to the other side of the gate to check if its the right ones. Few mins later, they came back with the lecturers. so its a confirm the place we stay put is the place to gather.

Time to check in, went to B2. I found the atmosphere of the place was weird. The boarding time is 3 30pm. It was 3 45pm, there wasn't any call or signs that we can board the plane. But the ticket says 3 30pm is the boarding time. So i asked Mr Tan about it. Then everyone feels something is not right, so one of them asked the lady at the counter. We found out that we are waiting at the wrong place. With no hesitation, all of us ran as fast as we can towards the gates. Luckily, the gate was not close yet and was the last call. Tired from the run, as soon we settle down i fell asleep.

At around 8 pm we reach Tianjin. As soon as i step of the plane, it was much more colder than at Guangzhou Baiyun. Stepping out of the airport was worst, half way walking towards the bus my legs feels as though they can be cramp any time. After boarding the bus, it feels so much better. As soon as we reach the hotel, Mr Chua assign us to our roommates. Few mins later, we gather at the lobby and went for dinner. Ate my first "Qing Zhen" food. No doubt, it taste really delicious. All that is left is just the fish bones, as everyone loves it too. After that went to a department store to get some groceries, head back hotel and had a good rest.

In conclusion, had a great journey to Tianjin. A memorable start.

Reflection:
Have to wake up earlier for the check in. Not to assume the area that we waited is right, need to always double check.