Let's go. Keep on going.

Be Blissful-Minded

2009-05-09T03:00:00.004+08:00

World of Love Deficiency

5 Love Languages:

Act of Service
Physical Touch
Words of Affirmation
Quality Time
Gift

It is always good to have people to take notice or care about you. I believed that in every each of one's individual heart, there is a substance, built-in by our Creator -- Love.

Every single thing we engage in, regardless of small or big, good or bad, it has to deal with people. Thus, it is made inevitable for us, to disengage with human beings.

How wonderfully the world is. Made up of differences, uniqueness and imperfections. Share the love around!

-- Thank You Phoebe for the wonderful & interesting CG Message preached.

(My Love Language) General Speaking:

1) Words Of Affirmation & Quality Time

2) Physical Touch

3) Gift

4) Act of Service

My season of life: "Edification"

Thanks God that I have good friends around me. Lately, I have found a bad side of me from people. My bad attitude of approaching my flaws. I'm always not punctual in meeting people, not waking/sleeping/eating at the "TIME", not being efficient in doing things, not replying to people's SMS or rather SMS in a selective attitude, varied through my feelings.

Although I said a lot of things, but I don't do it, because of that attitude in me. This is it, I'm f'***ing it away!

To some people that I have offended: My sincere apologies to you and please pardon me. I'll be looking foward in bringing you people, a new Jacob!

Hmm.. I would want to go on further, but I felt that I need to fix myself first.

Apart from edifying, this is also a season of drumming! Thanks God for giving me this opportunity (I wished for my 2009's goals, some thing for myself, totally "MYSELF") - I'll be performing in NDP '09! I felt very happy and I'm working hard on it to give in my best.

My sincere prayer of healing: (i) Mum's brain discovered some white spots, it would be a disaster if she forgets the wonderful/knowledgeable things she has. (ii) SF bro having issues with his kidney.

With Blessings and Virtual Care & Concern : to ALL,

-- J

Looking Forward

2009-03-29T01:33:00.002+08:00

It was all good...

Thanks God for all these moments! It was certainly blessed!

I've a good feeling about this. Is this gonna be it?

I believe the Mighty Men in me is rising up!

Take Care people!

--J

Go For It

2009-03-17T22:06:00.005+08:00

"Step Brothers"

Peer Encouragement
Don't lose your dinosaur
Brotherhood
Childhood dreams

Short Inspiring Scene: "Go For It"

Lifetime

2009-03-16T00:38:00.006+08:00

"Nights In Rodanthe"

Parenthood
For "Your" Life
Seeking true Love

Matthew 22:39

2009-03-11T01:54:00.007+08:00

"Departures"

Loving Unconditionally (Family/Friends/Strangers)
Being Yourself
Adaptive Life (Living to the fullest)

So true.. I supposed that the movie clearly depicts this verse that passed-by while I was in my bathroom...

Matthew 22:39 - The Second Commandment
...'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Touching & yet hilarious movie. 2 thumbs up of 2! I would really recommend all to watch it.
It's about 2 hours & the atmosphere of the movie is kind of slow but it was made good.

Me
Been around in school, training in developing a system in my upcoming In-house Project (IHP)
- 17/18/19th
Mon/Wed/Fri - Working
Wed - Drumming & BS Classes
Thurs - Friend's Chalet
Fri - Sentosa (Planning)
Sat - Catch up with HZ/CGM/Reggae/Service
Sun - Relac @ Home

I so want an accounting book (Basic information).
I so need of getting myself back-in-time!

Take care & be loved!

Jacob

Engagement

2009-03-01T03:28:00.006+08:00

"Ghost Town"

A very meaningful movie that shares about one's life is about interaction with people around you.

Selflessness

"Only a life lived for others is worth living."
- Albert Einstein

Get Started

2009-02-28T02:10:00.005+08:00

"Slumdog Millionaire"

For this movie, I would say: "DOG|PUNK|DEAF|HENG|FCLFCP"

Destiny
On-going
Go for the challenge

Patience
Unconditional Love
No trouble times but challenging
Kiss of acceptance, regardless.

Do it to your best (Own's definition)
Endurance
Achivements
Forgiveness

Hope
Enjoy every part/phase of life
Nothing comes easy
Grasp every moment to achieve what you *want*

Faith
Confidence
Life is a Journey
Fighting spirit
Do not despise
Prayer

Enjoy the 2hr+ movie with your good ones. Have a good & pleasant weekends. Take care!

Jacob

Day's Definition

2009-02-26T01:58:00.004+08:00

Semestral Exam is soon to be over! Monday, Wednesday & lastly this coming Friday, it would be my last paper.

These days have been rewarding for me. I have learnt a lot of things from my mum and found it to be so true. It's about certain "seeds" sown not-knowingly to oneself - despising oneself, fear & disengage, etc - and thus bringing those down to one's generations. After knowing, I have come to know myself a little better.

The rain have been visiting around Singapore randomly throughout the day. Sometimes it lasted throughout, sometimes it just pour for awhile. Anyway, it was good, especially today! It was my first exposure to such a clear & distinctive rainbow.

Footage captured:

It was all good. I then continued to cycle to JP and make my way to The Riverwalk for my bible classes.

- Botak Jones' Long Hotdog
- Subway Sandwitches & Cookies
- Cuppa Caffe Cakes & Coffee
- Kayaking
- Beach Sports & Games
- CGM & Church
- IHP Training

Until then we meet!
Take Care & God Bless.

Jacob

2009-02-20T01:30:00.004+08:00

For the adventurous-hearted:
A radical movie based on a true story. Seeking for Absolute Freedom.

"If we admit that human life can be ruled by reasons, the possibility of life is destroyed."

"The freedom & simple beauty is just too good to pass up."

Christopher McCandless

And he made it. Sadly, deceased.

Making the best out of life. Though there are a few negative feedbacks about him.

Snap-shots of the movie: Launching Out

Warmed Up

2009-02-19T00:57:00.004+08:00

The year started rather slow for me. Pace is picking up though. It seemed that I've been working quite a little on my goals - "cracking egg shells". For that, I'm happy. And also, thanks God for placing a handful of good friends in my life - caring cellMates, fun secMates and relaxing polyMates.

Been talking quite a lot lately with several people. Cycling here & there frequently. Spending time in the arcade quite often. Working on 1 3 5 weekly. Took up a few enrichment courses for entertainment. Fixed on a routine & caught up with HZ, it was good & going to be every now and then.

I still find myself rather bad in words. But I'm gonna be into it more frequently! Anyway, here are some collages of what I've been up to lately:

I got this free pearl from spending above $20 at OG, check it out:

I thanks God for everything.

For now, some things that are ignored in the past had advanced and changes are going to be surfaced real soon.

I pray, hope & believe that it will all be good.

2009-02-18T01:30:00.001+08:00

A must watch movie:

The Start of 20

2009-01-10T14:28:00.002+08:00

Last night was my first celebration of someone's 20th Birthday - Kenny!

It was all good & fun.

And some got hurt!

Take care all & have a good weekend.

2009-01-08T20:38:00.005+08:00

I cut my own hair, holes, hard to see though. Now I'm with my dumb hair.

I want to have my haircut as soon as I received my full salary!

Damn shit, I burst my HP bill again! With some anonymous service that charged me 6 bucks for nothing and I'm gonna spam calls tomorrow!

I wonder if there's any sweet stuffs in my notebook, a couple of red ants are crawling around! Haha!! Makes me remind of those days in China where Br squashed, squeezed, pinched, rubbed, rolled, those ants crawling around the floor.

ah ha! found the picture, nice isn't it?

Oh yes, Kenny's & Jen's birthday falls on tomorrow, 9th January. Sure they hit 20 so soon. Digit 2 has emerged!

There are 3 assignments - M/OO/EC [AD] 3 modules added together!
MAD - Starting soon in either 1 or 2 weeks time; duration of 2 weeks I supposed.
OOAD - 26th Jan. 2009
ECAD - 20th Jan. 2009

Although it's quite a lot, but I quite like the feeling of assignments. Actually, I prefer those & practical sessions, than to tutorials. Now I'm excited!

Upcoming days, I'll spend most of my time on those assignments, work & helping out Az with his mum's clinic.

Question in mind for you:
1) What is "success" to you? Or rather how do you define success in your life?

Update soon again! Take care people!

Starting Out

2009-01-06T22:11:00.004+08:00

Hey!

New school term started for me.

My O lv. English results are releasing soon and I'm feeling so excited!

I came across this interesting website from Titus' blog: http://www.typealyzer.com/

To a certain extend, this is not so true man, right?

Have a fun week ahead, people!

Got a nice food for thought from Nikos today:
- Define the person by your own experiences with one, but not the opinions from others. Have a little faith.

Sudden Outing

2009-01-05T00:30:00.004+08:00

Today was a good day with activities lined up, out of nowhere.

Actually planned to meet my assignment mates 130pm @ JE Lib. But instead of being there on time & not seeing anyone there, I went to my nephew's 1st month party with my pop & ahma. After all the eating & catch-up with my cousins & relatives, I moved on and met up with my mates about 230pm.

That timing was the most dreadful moment of my week! I never felt so sleepy & exhausted. Discussion was good & we managed to submit our interview guide about 4pm. Out of the sudden, there was another discussion, and it was to decide where shall we go next. The suggestion was ECP - Cycling, Sentosa, etc. Actually I planned to play basketball with my secmates, but I decided to take a break instead of sweating out. We then decided to go ECP! At first, I thought it was a crazy idea as I was so tired, then I felt that it was a good time to relax out & catch up with my mates!

aziz not posing!/stelly & corrie with the light

aziz was talking about some peeing topic! hmm...

It was all good. We rode, we parked, we ate and we enjoyed. Damn, I tripped & nearly fell a few times! I hurt my toe though. I think should get into this kind of activities more often, it's crazy & fun!

Anyway, a new term is starting. An interview session for one of my assignment will be starting in a few hours time.

Have to run! Take care people.

Thanks God & God Bless!

Touched

2009-01-04T02:45:00.003+08:00

Watched August Rush.
It touched me.
The love that unites.
Wonderful movie.

Life's a Playground

2009-01-03T21:52:00.005+08:00

Today is Saturday! Well, I packed my table, cleared lots of stuff away & dusted my desktop's CPU. In the mid afternoon, my dad drove me to one of his pools along Dempsey Road, to clear an underwater hidden spot. The architecture of that estate was elegant! Too bad I didn't took any pictures of it, aww! Opps, I should have jioed MH along with me to see!

Earlier on, I had a good & fulfilling dinner with my mum @ JP, Dian Xiao Er. Good & Worth it!

$38.70 - 4 dishes for 2 pax (super feeling)

Friday
In the day, I met up with Chern & MH to The Infiniti to maintain the pools & ... swimming?

fish-catcher/bug-catcher yes?

(some funny videos, but unable to upload in blogger)

Watched Yesman! The show is very inspiring and the interesting love story captivates one.

Oh yes! There's one part when Allison said something about life's a playground. That's a really nice description of it! Thinking of it, I thought back when I was young, I believe that I had a lot of fun times with my bro and my sch mates!

And yes! Life should carry on like those times, right?

Wherever you're at...
Whatever you're doing...
...with your family, friends or even strangers, be happy and enjoy!
Strike wild, whack fun and squeeze out every drop of your energy of it, 2009 yes?

Jac signing off! Take care people!

Have it your way.
- Burger King

31st Dec 2008

2008-12-31T03:05:00.002+08:00

I'm broke!

I drove on a lorry!

Seems like my goals for 2008 have been achieved to some level!

2009 is coming real soon.

Get ready people!

Later up...
Work, Assignment, 2009!

Back

2008-12-28T15:25:00.005+08:00

Thailand Trip was fruitful:
http://picasaweb.google.com/jyss06y5a1a2/ThailandTripPictures#

Tourist Attractions
Shopping
Eating
Traveling
Looking at people

Ming Hui, Yang Feng, Chern & Me
Better understanding.

Thursday
Touched down Singapore in the early hours. Then attended Christmas Service @ EXPO with secMates & Daniel's cgMates. Played basketball till late hours. PS3 @ MH's house till midnight.

Friday
I&E EM - TopOneKTV Event @ Bugis. Total strength about 20+people. All was good. Singing was fun and high! After then, a few of us, Cyn, Aziz, Zheng Wei & Me went to Arab Street to have dinner & then we had LAN gaming @ Parklane [Left4Dead]. I think Left4Dead is a breakthrough FPS cooperative game. Skill & teamwork are the essences in the game.

TopOneKTV was not bad. Cheap - $16 from 11-6pm during weekdays.

Mosque @ Arab Street (Aziz said that it might be the oldest mosque in Singapore)

2 Nov 4th 1989 babies

Mango Desert

My Famous Amos from Aziz!

Saturday
Finally, my rest day. Ate Med & slept till late afternoon. Skipped service. Played basketball till night. After which, we joined up with Ken, Niel & Cyn at bukit timah plaza to have our LAN Gaming. We went to Parklane instead as IRC@BukitTimahPlaza doesn't have that game.

Overspent
Messed it all up!
Can't go KL with cgMates. Damn.

Happy School Start tomorrow to some students!
Happy last week of break to NP!
Happy Sunday people!

Flared

2008-12-15T22:37:00.003+08:00

The day's so slow & lazy.

Right at her face, I shouted at her, because of the simple things made complicated.

Sometimes I wondered why she couldn't listen and do accordingly to my words, and do the otherwise.

Turned around, I reflected and realized, I think I got to be more understanding. This is something I must challenge myself for that flare.

Tomorrow, I'm embarking on a journey to Thailand! I'm feeling excited and full of expectancy as I have not find out more about the country over the net, but through friends' experiences, it's all good.

Saturday, I went to change the light bulbs of the pool in one of the apartment in Holland area. The architecture of this apartment is simply gorgeous. From the entrance, the house isn't visible until when one walked down from the side and the rooms are somehow located in a horseshoe shape. Different location in various level, unique design from the normal apartments.

Have Fun, People!

Wonderful Rain

2008-12-15T01:25:00.007+08:00

Great day out today! Finally a day that I'm able to head down to Sentosa! WOO! Actually it was planned quite long ago to go with my secMates and my polyMates. Nevertheless, today we had a fun day together with my CoGmates, polyMates and surprisingly my bro & friends whom we met over there!

Raine & Terence reached there about 9am+ and the late shit we're in, we only managed to meet up with them after 12pm! Felt quite bad for letting them wait. However it was kind of disheartening when we see the rain over there... We sat down awhile and have a lil' catch up, while my bro & friends, to kill the boredom, they went into Island Life & got themselves a few water guns and mess it all around! Great stuffs! After awhile, we went into the beach despite the never-ending rain, even now at this hour it rains! But it's good, good weather to turn in!

We went off about 4-5pm. Then we headed down to Secret Recipe to have our relaxing dinner. It was all so good.

Dinner -> Walked around -> National Geographic @ Vivo! Kinda cool with all sorts of stuff over there on the artifacts & products on the wild insects & countries.

And I had an early supper with Br @ JustAcia. I think for this month, I've been to JustAcia for like 3 times already! Well, the food is good, ambience is relaxing & quiet, a nice place for whoever who likes to have dinner in a calm & sociable manner. Catch up, crap & jokes around with Br, never thought that he and his friends are a bunch of crazy but FUN people. Keep the CRAZE going on man bro.

Bus home.. Good Day..

Dumbest Thing of my Day:

1) I bought a mat which cost $13 bucks in Island Life, but $7.90 @ 7-11!!
2) I forgotten to bring an extra pants to change! And I got a Yellow Berms (which kinda unfit with my top) @ Island Life!

Just to console myself, I've to say... For these years the service and the goodness of Sentosa have brought into my life, the scenery & ball games courts & stuffs, I donate my money to you! I LOVE Island Life!!! "..." Damn shit.

Ok I've to turn in now.

My plan for tmr would be..
Working -> Organizing/Planning year -> Video Editing for AppreciateNite'08

Wishing all people & friends, a good sleep and a great week ahead tmr! Take Care!

.Jacob

Inspirational

2008-12-11T22:17:00.004+08:00

(Legend) Father & Son (Dick & Ricky Hoyt) Touching Story

It may take awhile to load, but it will be all worth while.

Music within one's

2008-12-11T16:39:00.006+08:00

Today is Thursday! The skies outside are so gloomy, it makes me wanna sleep.

Woo Hoo!! 4 papers for CT, 3 down, 1 more left to go on tomorrow morning!

Yesterday, while on the way to check on the swimming pool at The Infiniti, it was such a coincidence to see Lionel on the bus! Haha! Good for him that he had finished his exams! That day I was shocked when I counted the number of pools (big or small) that needs to be maintained in the condo, and the number was 11! It consists of 2 big pool, 1 jacuzzi, 1 "fish pond", 1 baby pool and 6 water fixtures!

Hmm.. I'm wondering when's my pay-day gonna come! Heh Heh!! But quite disappointing for this 2008's financial goal for me. I didn't managed to make it happen!

And these period, I noticed alot of my friends getting game consoles!!! Aziz got & Ivan getting their XBOX360! 2 Days ago, YF & Lim got their PS3! I can't wait to mess up with my ps3.

Some random pictures

Few weeks ago was at sentosa helping out for this corporate event
{Brushing teeth with WASABI.. MAD! but heh heh, taste good!}

The Uprising Sun / Arising from beneath

This bloody big tank!

"In tough times, home is the safest place to be" - I think the quote makes people feel comfortable & assured.

Ok for now, I've to take a nap then get my stuffs ready for tonight, and get out for a dinner with momma & bro.

Take Care ALL! And TO the BEST for tmr! Yes, like what Az said -> Give your best shot! *shoot shoot* =x HAHA!

.Jacob
Today glad to hear from Ivan that his mum's doing well! :D
I kena white spot on my arm!
Throughout the day, I feel so tired & bored. But I kinda like the feeling.

Ball sports at Sentosa this Sunday! Anyone?

2008-12-10T01:56:00.019+08:00

What a hour I'm right up to now!

Today ECAD paper is challenging -> most of the things studied came out.. in MCQ only! Missed out Check-Out part, DAMN! I wanna apologize to the people whom I've gave my hints to!

Actually there's maths class to attend after today's paper. But suddenly, *zoom* we went to the arcade! WOO!

Saw my secMates (ken,niel,yf,lim) at jp. Doing what? Buying 2 sets of PS3 (yf&lim)! WOO! Now 5 of us having PS3 and the question is.. whether we're able to interact with each other frequently over PS3.

2 hours ago lim came to try to troubleshoot his PS3 network settings. Seems like his router have some problems.

5 hours ago, I was late for our CoG gathering to discuss of the orphanage project. But resulted in change of plans -> Sentosa!

8 hours ago, after messing with World Combat & Datona (spelt right?), I went to Nikos' home theatre! Now I know a lil' to look out for in getting a good sound system!

And right now, I wanna turn in after roaming around to people blogs! Fun and Great to know what's their life UP to! And it's really enriching to see how individually making a difference in life; making full use of their gifts.

ALL the BEST to you all taking PM test tmr!

Looking forward:

Sunday's Sentosa with people
Thailand trip
Camming on Friday
Relaxing

Thoughts for the day:

"Accept People for Who they are?"

Nowadays, I have always been out with my mates, asking and getting to know more about their life. Getting to know what's their routine of the day and stuff, I find it very interesting in dipping into people's lives.

Different people have different interests, hobbies, life goals, etc. Importantly, the fact that never to be changed: gifts & talents of one! Some people are much gifted to sports while some others might not be. But that some others might be much inclined to something else, like music!

Similarly, people have different personality and attitudes whenever they are being placed in any environment.

Everybody needs attention. However, the way of giving and receiving of it, might vary to certain people. Not everybody could accept the same way.

I've noticed that we humans, we are negative in some areas. Especially in the area of social issues, where people always judge quickly. Just like the old-saying: "Action speaks louder than words", and to that I believed that one's action could cause a person to remember it clearly & maybe for life.

In my opinion looking at my family and my friends, I feel that the cause of "disliking of somebody" is mainly related to: We could not accept the person just the way the person is.

Sometimes I feel that the world would be a better place if one accepts the person just the way the person is.

I've then learnt that:
- Whenever a person made a mistake or define a way of an irritation to one, don't always judge it and take it personally so soon!
- Sometimes it takes your heart and mind to understand someone. It's not always your eyes (what you see) & ears (opinions from others).
- Have a good heart to give people a chance by not judging them. For as I think in my opinion, we've no ability to judge people ourselves, because we are all the same & equal, just that we are somewhat different in the way we're formed and built (through growing years).

A challenge we could take up:
- Instead of being passive and agree to the things we see or hear, why not we stop those and make opportunities for ourselves in getting to know that person ourselves by being active in using our heart to understand that person.
- Clearly stated, a challenge and as always, in order to fight and win the challenge, let's be positive and... we can do it!
- In related to the previous point, instead of looking out for the negative side of the person, why not let's look out for the positive side of the person?
- Instead of sharing of the negative sides to people, why not we stop that and instead, tell the person personally with your heart and let the person get the point. I'm sure we all or particularly myself, I love to receive feedback from people, by which I know how I could get alerted by my flaws and tweak it!
- Encourage, encourage, encouragement!

Conclusion:
- Passively hearing & from ppl about ppl's opinion, and accepting it as a fact: Weaklings
- Actively seeking for connection with people, getting to understand them by creating a transperant interaction: Champions

What do you say about my thoughts? Do you think there are somewhere I missed out? I would appreciate greatly if you could share your thoughts with mine.

Some flares:
- If one feels that "why give a damn about that person, I don't even care much, why even bother to tell that person?" then one should just STFU and don't go around to share opinions to people.

Common Human Beings are always "easily affected". Find and go the easy way.
I feel that we shouldn't be those, but be a difference maker! Someone who walk the talk and educate, encourage and empower people. (I learnt these 3e(s) from CityCare)

I always believe if one wants to do something or make something happen, one can do it if there's a willingness in one.
Until the end of 2008 and the start of 2009, the journey is yours, to make it or drop it, run it fun or run it bad, Don't Give Up.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
My thoughts are related to the events that are going through in my life. I have no intention of alarming anyone or pointing fingers to anyone. It's just what I thought through and felt through those events. What I only hope is that I could find someone with the same thoughts as I have and share it together with me! That would be fun!

All the best to ALL who are taking their common tests!
Good job and have fun to ALL who have finished their tests and having a good relaxing holiday now!

Take Care ALL!

.Jacob

2008-12-08T00:23:00.002+08:00

Common test are coming... 4 papers to go! Finishing everything on Friday!

Following week from 16th to 24th Dec, I'll be off with my secmates to Thailand!

Hopefully if my salary is supportive then most probably I'll be going to KL with my cgmates, which is from 30th to Early Jan 2009!

Listening to certain songs lately and have various deep thoughts about my life.

Hillsongs - This Is Our God

Today just got to know another nice song from MeL: Take That - Greatest Day

Mum just came home from Malaysia. She went to the Golden Palm Tree Villa area. The architecture of that island is gorgeous. Also, she visited a Firefly Park and got my bro and me a key chain.

Rev. Dr. John Avanzini message was very good on Sat's service. In brief, it speaks something about a Blessing of our Arise & Build Campaign, and talks about David with the Goliath Family. Now I know why David carry a bag of 5 stones. Interestingly, we received a stone each. Rationale behind it - Slay our Giants in life!

My first PS3 2nd Hand game - NBA09 ($60SGD) damn, i thought it was $55. Yet to touch it soon!

The year's coming to the end. It is really very near.

Review your year, reflect & pin down things you would like to bring forward to 2009.
Set goals for you 2009.
Get your schedule planned out & get it in you organiser as well.
Settle social issues with people and put it down at the year-end.
Pray, Hope & Believe for a better year 2009.
ACT on it!

Take care all! Have lots of fun with your holidays and I'll see you soon!

.Jac

Happy Caming

2008-11-21T01:48:00.012+08:00

Tuesday
After an early maths class in the morning and model photo taking for Joanna & team's project, I had a long day of class, felt quite tired in the afternoon. I want to thanks Jun Kai for making himself waking up early in the morning to join me being photo-shot! At the later part of my day after school, I had an evening out with Nikos, Melissa (got her new cam.) & Aziz, to City Hall area to start on our "Caming Journey"! Felt like a tourist in Singapore but nevertheless, we had lots of fun!

Jun Kai & Me

Our clients behind us {Joanna, Kelly} oh! I have wrinkles, nice.

Supreme Court

Group shot by Nik's Cam! {Aziz, Nikos, Melissa, Jacob}

Ended the day with this group photo taken near Singapore River. It was a great day spent with the "Camers" and looking forward for the next one! Initially some of them have to head to somewhere else, but we ended up in Clark Quay's LJS catching up and headed home straight after!

Heard a sad news from Cynthia. I hope that everything's going fine for her. Be strong, lady!

Wednesday
Packed day with stuffs man! Maths test, work & opening of Asia's conference!

just before I headed down to EXPO

night session was great! I was in the overflow hall - near to fully-packed!

events:
- Jack Neo came and talk about his success in his movie directing/script-writing
- Pst. Kong's power-packed opening sermon

Thursday
Today was a relaxing day for me! I started my lessons from 1-4pm but I was late and reached school about 140pm, and rush on OOAD2 quiz despite on the late-starting-lessons' hours! MAD lessons was fun even though there are quite a number of codes to understand and debug, but I like the way of applying the logic into an application. After lessons, some of us went to have dinner together at nearby Al Azhar and then we hang out at the Bukit Timah Shopping Centre's mcds. What a crazy evening spent with Stella & Boy, Aziz, Corrie & Kenneth!

The year is coming to an end soon. I really hope success in...
- Being active in the church by getting into a ministry
- Getting closer with my family & friends
> Thai. trip with secmates
> KL trip with cgmates
- Orphanage visit with connect group
- A W02 christmas/new year event

For now, these are the things that I'm looking forward to. How about you, people? I hope that you'll give a thought through of what are the things that you really want to accomplish towards the end of 2008, a nice year! =D

Let's learn to embrace one's goodness, instead of focusing the negatives.

.Jac

Hot SHIT

2008-11-16T09:07:00.004+08:00

woo! super excited right now as I'll be getting my PS3 later on! Actually ytd I could go and redeem it already however I don't have my mum's original NRIC with me as she insisted that it's not required and off she go to shanghai leaving with her NRIC. So ya, darn shit! But luckily she have her old passport with her at home! Otherwise I'll be able only to redeem it on 23rd which is 1 week before the closing of the collection and availability of the PS3 is slim! Whatever it is, woo yeah, I'm going to get it soon!

sat's moon was gorgeous!

Saturday
after svc, we didn't join the rest and we headed back to west.

cyn and me doing stupid faces regarding putting on braces. {do I need one?} haha!!!

I was talking about one's strong belief and perseverance can overcome anything, including some illness {car-nauseousness, etc} that she have. When it comes to my rashes on my arm, she shot back me with what I said!! -.-"" and there she goes with the face.... haha!

Reached JP and called up MeL! Thought she's somewhere near JP, turned out she took the wrong side of the train and off she went way back from marina to JE!!! So yeah, cyn and me went ahead to have dinner at mcds.

oh damn, this is the reason of my post title. {Mega McSpicy} crazy shit man!

MeL & me {main attraction: advertisement on Mega Big Mac!} / took a break after teaching her for awhile

hit 1145 and that hippo hopped onto her mum's car, and off I head home! hmm, going through the ooad stuffs with her, realized and thought that she's very quick-minded when comes in getting understanding. So I supposed that she'll work well with Nik's team! =D

Sunday
great! I'm back! (1:56PM) So happy man! Got my PS3!! Matt's gonna be so envy! wahaha!

oh yes yes! Lonsdale London having a knockout sales, the branch beside funan IT mall. 70% off! it'll last about 2-3 months, so grab it soon if there's anything nice out there. Darn! I should have waited to get the gloves with niel & ken. (2 for 1 free) :S

ok for now, I've to do my house chores as my mum isn't around for this week! Great shit I'm right in.

Later up for me:
- cut hair
- bball
- planning for a busy week coming up

all take care and have a fun week ahead! .Jac

MOVE IT MOVE IT

2008-11-14T00:03:00.000+08:00

Shout backs:
>BR: woo! you see! your sleeping hours screwed you up! haha! ok lah, you take care man! the weather these days are such a screw up as well. Hopefully it will be good real soon! Oh yes yes, I saw your blog and you watched Mada. too!! hahaha! funny lah!! And you pin down those pointers like you're doing some lecture/presentations of slide! You're so into that!! haha!! Have a good weekends man!

Wednesday
Early in the morning, just before i start my early 8 maths lessons, I was having my breakfast at mcds and guess what? saw some big guys in the mcds.

Some big bosses from US mcds @ KAP's branch!

some models prepared for the weekends parent meeting i guess. So, which is nicer? IT or the MBS one? I think our MBS one looks cooler!

Gah! The weather changed very fast and heavy rain starts to pour in. And what's next, didn't went for training! But, some of us went to JP for arcade and dinner! Woo! Had fun in World Combat with tha comrades (Az/neth/zw) and Bishi Bashi with mel!!!

Thursday
A very short day in school today and off we go to JP again for a movie! Thanks to Nikos for driving us, woo! His car is shiok man.. And off he go home to SLEEP! haha!
nik(Driver),zw,az,mel,me

Actually thought that could watch same movie together one but then ya, that "James Bond" wanna watch that Quantum Of Solace and so we zw and Az went ahead and I "MOVE IT" with the siblings to Madagascar! HAHA! they caught it for 8.5 as it falls on 5pm whereas we only caught it for 6 bucks!! (Partly my fault as I had a briefing regarding my IHP that delayed the previous timeslot.

Anyway, Madagascar is damn hilarious with all sorts of little pranks and jokes going around with the creatures and the words they say. A highly recommended show to watch if you're looking for a "laugh-out" time.

siblings on HOTD3 (guess who's the elder and the younger one? shitwoo! they are good at this game!

Friday
Today my mum's flying to shanghai for a holiday with my aunt. And yes, I'm gonna get my PS3 tmr! Hopefully there would be stock as previously yf encounter some stock-out on the XBOX promo. last season! So yes yes!! WOO! so excited!! I missed CGM as I've to send my mum off to the airport, otherwise she'll be alone. Just hope and wished that she'll enjoy her time there and let herself out!

trying to make a blur effect using my phone

looking forward:
- nice hairdo
- ps3
- asia's conference
- rugby training (missed this week, totally!)
- getting on my PT
- prepare for CT (3 papers only WHOO HOO!) =X
- get my bursary soon
- plan and get ready schedule/flight stuffs to thailand
- to KL with cg during dec.

ok for now, I think my mum's flying off real soon! Bon Voyage Mom! And to all, Take Care and have a very nice weekends! .jac

2008-11-10T22:22:00.001+08:00

Sun's thunder about 5am @ Jurong

LAZED!

2008-11-09T00:42:00.004+08:00

Oh no oh no oh no!!

I've been getting all messed up with my time and disciplines in getting on time and getting on with my work and stuffs! Great SHIT I'm right in for these few weeks!

Yesterday went to Gio with Ken for some shopping craze sales and we hit about 150 bucks. Good buy I think! Funny thing is that we both got our allowance, so yeah, that day was a little open about buying things! And yeah, we're looking forward for next month to shop again.

Yes! I'm back in action with my physical fitness, get going from top to toe! This week rugby training was rough and great! But without a good warm up/down, in the end i suffered aches the next day. Great job!

Today was crazy! It's mine first time going to church at such a late hour: 7pm reached where it started @ 530pm. But anyway, message was good: It's about believing in the "Unusual". Somewhere around the line where often we people would see bad situations as something negative, but come on we have to start to put that down and, see and believe for the something unusual to happen!

went to MS after svc and caught up with them all, it was a fun night!

Got this boxing gloves (not for actual boxing, fun only)

So now, I think this is something that my bro and myself looking forward when we're free at home. Oh yes! And gonna find a place to whack Daniel as well.. =x

Ok, I'm going to turn in soon. Tomorrow is Sunday and soon it's going to be a new week; week 5 for me in school until week 9 Holidays, common tests are coming up!

I wish all, a good health (stupid weather though), please take care and have a good week ahead!

Something unusual I believing in:
- Ivan's mum to be recovered fully as soon as possible
- YF's sickness to be recovered fully as soon as possible

.Jac

Birthdays

2008-11-08T01:33:00.001+08:00

4th November 2008: Wishing Cynthia & Aziz a Happy 19th Birthday!

the pre celebrations for cynthia:

saturday's mess with my cellgroup mates

sunday's madness with my sec. sch. mates

Haha! I think my blog posting is kind of back-dated as always. Ah, these few days have always been so tired after the day. I think I got to rest earlier and get to start my engine working up to work out! It's been long since I last run.

Monday: Youth Infocomm Day @ Dragonfly

This week was rather very academic, spending most of my time in school and at home resting. Except that this week we need to choose our 5th Semester's Attachment choice. And yes, my choice is the Enterprise's one under TOTE. I think that is a good project for me as I've found some interest in the SDK and the project field. Hope for the best!

And yes, this week we celebrated the Sept. and Oct.'s birthday boys and girls! Happy Belated Birthday - Ivan, Kenneth, Hui Qin & Melissa (nv come). Haha! check out my web album for some of their hilarious birthday cards, link at the header. ^^

captured this in my dad's car. I think it's quite nice just that the in-car environment distorted the picture a little.

Ok for now, I think it's time for me to get some rest until tmr!
- Working
- Go buy boxing gloves
- Church service

Until next time everybody!
Take care and God Bless!
Have a nice weekends! .Jac

Shout backs

2008-10-29T03:11:00.002+08:00

>cyn: yes yes! if you're online in MSN, please give me a miss call or something. You know, sometimes people just forget to go online. Haha! No lah, a miss call would send me a nudge! And I want your hilarious photos as well!! Hey.. you better see this shout back!

>KIAHUI: hahaha!! sorry for the late reply.. aiya, it's been so long already. Now it's already a new sem., what for care about the last sem., right? haha! =x but my grades is falling gradually.......

>Br: yes yes.. I'll make sure I won't miss the next one. And that would be YOU! haha! don't let me see u around in school or else... zw,ct and myself gonna give you a triple threat! :D

>KoZinE: thanks alot pal! it's nothing much any O how as I got this blog template from the list of defaults one. haha! I'm just changing around as it's kinda bored always having a black base. Change is constant! ^^ Catch up soon in class, WOO!

>xinyi: haha! yeah.. I think the last time we met was at the basketball court I supposed? that's super long way back.. haha!! yeah.. stories.. like to hear from your HK stories too! Ok, we'll have a meal tgt with my bro soon! Till then, happy schooling! :D

Way to GO

2008-10-29T01:28:00.012+08:00

Hello! It's been awhile since I last posted. So how's Deepavali spent? Have any packets from your indian friends?

Tuesday (Back to sch)
- late for maths class in the morning
- tired day and felt drained

In the end, whole evening I was at home, organising my files and fixed a desktop router.(Finally, my laptop have achieved it's purpose of being mobile. Isn't that great? Finally it could enjoy its wireless functions!

26 bucks from (SLS' Bell System 05-68)

ah ha! Here's the review of it: Link

Monday (Deepavali)
- max payne (too much story)
- seoul garden
- meatiest day ever (whacked loads of chicken meat)

nothing taste better than this/birthday bugger

it was a great day spent as it had been long since we met up as a whole. Catching up, messing around, having fun together.

Sunday (A day without HP)
That day I woke up and straight away rushed out for church service, forgetting about my charging HP. In the end, I just moved on with my day without my HP, till midnight when I reached home, received massive spams. My sincere apologies!!

- great service preached; entertaining and expressive
- youthem event wrap-up
- catch up with Sean
- dinner, arcade, pool, bowling @ MS

Had a great time catching up with my cg mates and fun all-round in the games! Ahhh, I didn't achieved any strike! hahaha! But anyway, it was maximum enjoyment!

Saturday (Back in China)
Met up with "Chinamen" & "Chinawomen" and had a day out at MS & Lavender (I guess I spelt correctly?)
- Bowling
- Ah Balling (haha! initially I've no idea what the heck was that.. and it's just that..)
- Tropic Thunder (Hilarious/Mysterious/Great!)

accident near my house (motor "langa" until lorry at incoming lane)

cactus shop (JB Creative is gonna own a cube there) *check it out*

Here we go: Bowling...
that's me/that's br

that's gy/that's zw

and that's the score (i'm so proud of my final hit)

off we go for dinner and to the movies

Hadda so much fun with them and with the stupid faces going around. Haha! And oh yes, all thanks to Joyce for this plan! It'd been a great day spent.

During the week days:
bro's birthday

best chocolate cake

After all the hardwork spent in the Yahoo Mobile Widget Development, here's the time!!!

the goodies for consolation/MoBCob,MoBMatt,MoBTeck,MoBAz (The MoBsters)

Hahaha!! This picture makes me feel like eating fish & co again. But not until then yet I get my $.. from tha fellas~

Gosh, this post takes some time to be written up, I think it's kind of a little stupid when I back tracked time and posting some pictures way back, haha! Anyway anyhow, here goes my "week" and this week I'm looking forward for a good break and rest!

Halloween's falling on friday! WOO... want some candies? haha! Ok, I've to end this post right now, it's getting so early soon. And to you, yes YOU, a good week ahead, wise mind, good health and a fun time everyday!

jac

Back in School

2008-10-18T00:09:00.007+08:00

Shout backs:
>Br: fartface! haha! ahh, XML again.. I think it's a long way to go.. you'll have to learn that too! Check your blog real soon*

>Joyce: hey hey!! oh man.. aww... how? don't be sad.. I can make you one bowl if you want ya? hey! I can cook one ok.. haha! Anyway, drop me your blog link also alright? Hmm, haven't yet heard from KL about the photos... why u want those unglam pictures of yours? wahah!

And now it's Back in School...
After a long trip to China, I'm back in Singapore! However, coming back there's quite a number of things/people to catch up and step on it; just like the days before going to China. Maybe I can call it re-adapting? Ah! For the first few days or rather 1st week back, I noticed that I feel tired easily and do things kinda slowly, relaxing! But didn't I know that most of my China buddies also feels the same way! Anyway anyhow, now it's about coming to an end of 2 weeks back in Singapore, everything is getting along quite well and smooth, and for myself, I got to work out real soon otherwise I'll be drained by the tiredness of the day!

The Week Before sch starts: watching...
Big Stan: super hilarious, laugh until your ass out at times, keeps you entertained throughout. Overall: Not bad, worth watching. Storyline is good.
POPCORN!

chern & me swearing at... THEM! *late(r)s* haha!

After church svc. on sat. and off we went to noodle house.. CG changed quite ALOT!!!!!

Day out at Sentosa:

fun and bonding activities organised
well planned
awesome organisers!
a good day!!

my team: "hehe"/a marriage couple in Sentosa!

junius(hoho's TL)/medic Leo!/YOG participant Liangwei - sprinter (soon to be a champion!)

just before everything ends, we had an enriching chocolatey fruit fondue! and some goals sharing over it. great day spent!

Days ago, I went for the prize presentation for our cohort of students. I was glad that my class have 4 candidates receiving prizes from the director! Well, in fact I was quite disappointed with my academic achievements that I've aimed from the start, but I'll do my best this semester!

There are many things that I haven't done yet! Can't wait to have all the deadlines and important events to pass:

Yahoo Go! Widget Competition Deadline + Presentation (Monday morning)
O'lv. Eng. Paper (Tues afternoon)

Things on the line and I wanna do:

Basketball with my buddies
Exercise plans/Gym workout
Get on the pitch and take down ruggers (especially Az) *waaha*
Singing with the Chinamen
Hangout with the China team going beach road for some catch up
Write a resume
Wed. weekly swimming pool maintenance
Plan activities for my Y08/09
Learn some basic popping & locking
Exploring more parts around SG with my Rollei
Getting appreciation gifts/bro's & yf's birthday
And also, catching up with my studies constantly (MAD practicals, notes preparation, etc)

A spam of what I can thought up in my big head. I think I should be stopping blogging much for now as I gotta chiong the XML codding.

Some random stuffs:

Don & Drew are leaving 987fm! I think 987 has good and entertaining crews. And I think D&D are certainly some entertaining crews and it is a pity that they are going away. But anyhow, 987fm's still the best & entertaining station yeah.
Wah, Wednesday was crazy, helping out in a workshop in Mayflower Sec. Sch., dealing with the delinquents, made me think back.. was I like that in sec. 1? haha!
Oh yes yes! My bro's freelance career is advancing.. I think there's some updates on his blog and yeah! Soon enough, there'll be a physical shop advertising his stuffs! I'm pretty excited for him. I think also, ORD soon? And yes, he must be over the moon sooon getting his Driving License after passing his TP on 13th Oct. haha! Congrats lah bro!

Ok for now. I've to sign off and get on with my work & resting soon.

Friends, viewers and buddies, I wish you all having a good & enjoyable weekends ahead!
- Let me delicate (eh? dedicate or delicate?) a song to all of you: Damien Leith - 22 steps

*hope you're having a good time!

Week 6 Good bye

2008-10-09T21:41:00.004+08:00

here am I, back in singapore {found this 10cents in the air plane}

the day we're taking off.. farewell..

the night before we take off {group photo}

thurs we're on the roller coaster..

Summary:
It’s been a good 6 weeks where relationships between local and fellow students are forged. Being apart from Singapore for 6 weeks, we’ve also been adapted with the lifestyle in Wuhan. This final week in China is a little sad for me as I’ll be leaving a place that I’ve been adapted for a period and I like the carefree lifestyle over there.

However, life goes on and I’ve to go back to Singapore in the end of this week. This week has been fruitful for me as I experienced various farewell meals with the locals. On one of the invitations on Wednesday, with some of the others, we went to our module classmate’s house to have dinner. It was quite an eye opening experience for us as the interior design of the apartment looks so elegant, even though the exterior looks very run-down. Upon asking the father of our classmate’s, I get to know that they bought this apartment for 700,000RMB with a 70 year holdings. In their apartment, I noticed that they don’t walk around barefooted. Instead, upon reaching inside their apartment, we’re given a temporary plastic shoe wrap to wear. Dinner was good and amazing. I felt welcomed as there are about 10 plus dishes wiped by our classmate’s mother, on the spot. In addition, we didn’t know that the rice is served after the dishes and we almost couldn’t finish our rice. It was a good dinner when our classmate’s father asked about Singapore’s situation (politics and others) as he’s very concerned about his daughter studying in Singapore.

Another dinner invitation on Friday was quite a disappointing one as it wasn’t well planned. Because of the change of date, a few of the shop keepers couldn’t make it due to the unforeseen circumstances. But instead on cancelling the dinner, we’re informed with sincere apologies of one of the shopkeepers and we went ahead for the dinner, even though it is raining. Though it may not seem to be what it is planned, but it was a good interaction as I then learnt about the various internet service providers in Wuhan – China telecom, “Tie” tong and “Wang” tong. Prior to that dinner, I’ve learnt about the sincerity of the Chinese where they really apologized very sincerely even though it’s a small matter.

Lastly, there was a situation on Thursday, caught up with one of the locals when we’re supposed to go home via van transportation from afar back to our school. But it doesn’t turned out to be good. At first, we planned with the driver to meet us at the shopping entrance to fetch up back. Upon reaching, we’re unable to see him even Bingrong communicated with him through the phone, exchanging location details. After searching for 30mins, Bingrong flared up and we flagged a taxi and went back home. While on the way home in a taxi, the driver called us numeral times, asking for petrol fees. We refused to give him but he kept bugging us for it over the phone call. At last upon reaching and while we’re having our dinner, he called again and bugged us continuously. We gave up and Bingrong gave him half of the petrol fees and send him away. I felt that this incident is something that it shouldn’t have happened if we’ve better communication skills and knowledge of the nearby areas. This is something that as a group we’ve learnt I believed.

In summary of these 6 weeks, I believed that I’ve learnt a lot, given in situations varies from small to big. Overall, I felt that we’ve learnt to be independent even though some things aren’t go as planned; embracing the positive side of the situations; always yearn to learn in any ways. Through all these, I think that this OIP ha truly given a student, like me, a big and rewarding opportunity to excel and exercise one’s leadership quality in leading own life independently. Being responsible for one’s own items and taking care of each other. Taking notice of the changes that is around them. Showing initiative by filling in the gaps noticed. Lastly but not least, learning to step out of one’s comfort zone to experience the unknowns in achieving greater heights than before.

6.03

2008-10-03T13:45:00.005+08:00

cinema in one of the shopping mall/percussion freaks (she's skillful)

along the street at Simen Kou (one of the narrow alley)

Shout backs

2008-10-01T01:37:00.002+08:00

>Br: haha.. sad to say too, your blog is infamous la! or maybe too blue already, people come in and go out straight away. loupok blog of yours.. haha.. I think it should be laopok? fart face!

>KIAHUI: I think I saw your results in your blog.. haha. not bad la, it's moderate eh! I think you can do better one next semester! Anyway, I'm coming home this Oct. 6th... :)

>cyn: yeah yeah.. for once, I thought there's some professional who admire my taste.. in the end, pure shame for him.. haha!

>J Liang: feeling sad that you're flying back to sg soon? haha. anyway tmr we'll be having shopping.. let's have a good time before we go back to our homie.

6.02 Counting Down

2008-10-01T00:58:00.005+08:00

Today's Agenda:

Test in the morning (930-11am)
Shopping

me wearing sk's new jacket, I think it's kinda child-like {I look kinda tired, after test}

riding on the bread van (面包车） and off we go to 群成 Chicony again!

pizza hut again for Brunch {Baked 牛肉饭}/end of the Brunch, I won $20RMB!

Afternoon:
she is a lift attendant

interestingly is that when the lift reached at a level, she would get out and announced the level to customers.

At Night:
making 麦芽糖 of various design!/dinner at this food court: place looks so nice.... food?

look at zw's face, shocked of his life: food {looks alot in menu, actual fact isn't it}

kfc before going back to our school

Reflections:
China's quality of development is a little poor where there isn't any good control over it after developing the areas. Such as the traffic roads that I've noticed today while waiting for our seats in Pizza Hut.

the far middleman blowing a whistler

Traffic Guard using whistlers to control the flow of traffic to the parking lots
Taxi and other vehicles are very flexible in their driving technics where they could overtake other vehicles if they want to (but safe to do so), by all means even to cross to the other lane (incoming traffic)
The road conditions are not well established an maintained as cars could cut up to the pesdestrian's pavement and followed on by going to another route. There is a hard point of differentiating whether the pavement allows vehicles to stopover.
Pesdestrian's crossing isn't fully pesdestrian-oriented but one has to cut through the cars when there is a peak period involved in the traffic.

Apart from the traffic, I've also noticed the transperancy of shops in China where they disclosed their hiring details clearly, stating the positions and the hierachy of the positions in the shop. It is uncommon to me as when I compare this situation with Singapore, Singapore only would placed an information details on who they are looking for and the brief salary of the interview. However, in China, it is made known to everyone.

this is the employing list {Pizza Hut}

Oh yes, this is something interesting. Today when we bill for our dishes in Pizza Hut, this hardworking and caring employee (whom memorized our individual dishes), splitted and calculated our individual orders when we asked for making individual payment method. Because of that, she take up some time and patience to sum up our orders, without any troublesome looking face. This is something special today.

she is the warm-hearted waitress

Also, I've also noticed that their sequence of delivering the dishes to our table is awfully wrong if one doesn't inform them about the detailed sequence. To that, some of our fellow friends got the ice cream for their first dish and so on. From these situations in Pizza Hut, I assumed that when one is in China's food shop or restaurants, one should inform the waiter/waitress of the appropriate details.

6.01 Final Week

2008-10-01T00:41:00.003+08:00

Today is a long and tiring day with the books and thoughts. Some sweetness and craziness in the night, some spiciness in the afternoon's food. Somehow, it's a little here and there today.

my worn-off shoe (for 2 years already)

pre-test craziness

Reflections:
Today I had a day, studying and preparing for the test for tomorrow. Somehow, I had a 'down' feeling that can't be described somehow. It is a final week that we're going to be in China, then back to the busy-ness in Singapore again. In fact, I'm quite looking forward in going back to Singapore, but at the same time, I'm somehow can't bear to leave Wuhan as it's a nice place with loads of story behind it, left unexplored.

jac

5.07

2008-09-29T02:06:00.008+08:00

Today's Agenda:

Shopping at 群光 along 珞喻路 (like orchard road in Singapore)

in the taxi, here we goo...

sir yes sir, here we go up to clean the panels... =x

along the busy street/shopping complex

inside the pizza hut/free flow of appetizers

the fantastic four whacking on a 3-persons meal + additional sides...

美味赢家, 到底是谁能？Who will be the champion of the delicious act?

I think YJ's one is the *act cute* and most funniest one. [haha =x]

here goes: //fresh juicy escargot BAKED!

closer view of it/brownie

After lunch: shopping spree with fullest energy!

a shopping mall (singapore's far east plaza)/s*x shop

a different and fresh us! cool eh?

in the end, we got chased out.. :S

Br playing a kind of DDR in arcade {damn hard coordinating hands and legs}

the night lights of the road

school beside a shopping center/a street of shopping that doesn't allow bargains

Reflections:
According to my ILP, I stated that I want to know more about the culture in China. One part of it is finding out the various races in China. The day was well spent today and I found out one of the minority race in Wuhan.

Today, some of us went to a shopping district where most of the buildings are shopping center and universities. I saw a group of minority race having a similar culture's quality with a Muslim, along the street and learnt that they are from tibet, which is that they respect the quality of not consuming/using any pork's element item.

Another area relating to China's culture, but in a shopping point-of-view. About today's bargaining along the shopping streets, I thought that the items in shops are able to be bargained at a higher rate, but it isn't so. In fact, the shops in the shopping center (similar to queensway), are better to bargained than those along the streets (Sell more expensive). In the end, I got a firm reply from the shopkeeper when they told me that they don't accept bargains. Somehow, I've learnt that we shouldn't assume that the condition of the shops are meant for items that allows people to bargain. End of the day, it is the experience from one about the district to figure out, whether the items in shops "bargainable".

"bargainable"/"unbargainable"

jac

5.06

2008-09-29T02:05:00.008+08:00

Today's Agenda:

i) Wuhan Botanic Garden
ii) East Lake
iii) Dean's Dinner
iv) KTV @ GuangGu

It's a very long day today...

entrance/some sort of "bumper car"

my partner sk and me! ride on~

a garden of kiwi

After a short trip, we went to the East Lake (a scenic spot in Wuhan)

going into the city of "Chu" {a famous warring state}

see the various gates' doors with different sizes and types?

left: 路门, middle one is for officials and important people; the left and right is for normal citizens. at the far end of each side, there're some smaller ones which is for some of them to pass things.
right: 水门，for the boats to pass through.

东湖 has a total distant of about 60km².

Activities along: water recreational sports/fishing

//the uncle spent his time on fishing patiently from 7am till about 2pm when I was there and had a little conversation with him...

Fishing rod: 13m long/normally caught fishes weighing about 10kg! "IMBA"

The Bazaar:

water crystal making
"cosplay" of the legendary clothings
funfair games
and many more...

the entrance to a building which is 320 steps high up

the memorandum of the talents from Chu

It is quite hard to understand the meaning behind these statues

reaching up to catch a performance/this is the flight: 320 of steps

inside the building

off to another district along East Lake: playing the water boats.

look! what are we doing...

The time spent with the water boats are very fun as we had a few boats going around the "semi-lake" with other friends from ME. We combined our boats and row together with our legs. That was the best part when we managed to pass through certain obstacles with moderate difficulty. Although it is a short period of 1hour, but I think it's a good moment when we spent time together collaborating and having fun.

At Evening:
30 over dishes/performance was fun and hype

our table/the black society *haha!

It was a good evening dinning and appreciating the people over there. Especially the performance part where we had the most fun singing and dancing.

At Night:
high class KTV

a very long day...

Reflections:
Today I went to Wuhan Botanic Garden and nearby to East Lake under Moshan and Tingtao Districts. It was a day out for me personally to relax and enjoy the breeze on my own. It wasn't an in-depth learning about the culture in that Botanic garden as it has too much of history back, which is about the East Lake relating to Chu Wang.

However, upon reaching in the night, Mr. An, the Dean of the school, invited us for dinner. Initially I thought it was something very formal and serious. In fact, it was none of that sort, but a warm-hearted treat from the Dean, appreciating and thanking everyone for making this OIP successful.

Apart from that, there are some other activities organized, either planned or impromtu from the locals or fellow students. During then, I've noticed that the Chinese isn't worried about their skills or serious about whether they perform well (of course they want to), but is the "sporting-ness" of one's inner-self that brings something to the audience. Up on the stage, there are some of them who sing and dance, some are good, some are bad, all-in-all everyone was appreciated because it's an appreciating night. In the end, all performers get the warm applauses from the audience! I believed that it is a good night activity that everyone enjoyed to the fullest, until the end of everything.

Personally, from the first day when I met Dean An till now, I think that he's a person who is very "zai" means someone who is firm and steady, especially in the things he do and execute. Assuming from his behaviors towards his family and fellow teachers, I felt that he's a loving and motivating father to his son and a supportive pillar to his friends and acquiantance. Furthermore, I heard from one of the local student that he had cycled around Wuhan in the past (he looked fit). I think that he's someone who will inspire people to achieve further.

5.05 Five.Zero.Five.People.Out

2008-09-28T12:22:00.008+08:00

Temperature in Wuhan: 19 - 22 deg {Windy Cold Breeze}

Agenda of the day:

- Morning revision and results
- Afternoon shopping at Guang Gu

Today was quite an active & a cold day, packed with activities throughout the day. After attending our revision for tues' test and marks review in the morning class, we head down to Guang Gu, Lu Xiang, 大洋百货 for lunch and shopping together with liang,ming,nat,asri.

feeling tiring in lesson/sk - under 4 layers

Upon getting into the electronics building, we looked around for the things that we wanted and before we end the day at there, we caught up with the lady boss where we bought our headsets over there. Today she was a little too busy to entertain us. Anyway, Br & I had a chat with one of her subordinates and got informed about there are 2 kinds of thumbdrive selling, and we get to know on how to differentiate a 水货 "Low QCed" & 真货 "OEM" (Original Equipment Manufacturer) thumbdrive by their skillful check-ups. After then, I got myself a 8GB Thumbdrive for $180 RMB, which is quite cheap I supposed.

hot chocolate in mcds

mcds in Guang Gu/the staff's dresscode (so different from sg)

After then, we took a bus back from Guang Gu and head to the supermarket near our area for dinner and head back to dorm., preparing for tomorrow's City Tour & Botanic Garden visit. I was quite disappointed that there isn't any party tonight as I think maybe I got the wrong information. Anyway, we had a good tiring day out enjoying ourselves.

saw this nice Mitsubishi car

A nice day: Week 5, day 5 with 5 people going out!

Reflections:
In the conversation with one of the subordinates in a shop at Guang Gu, I get to know about his career, where he's a computer specialist whom is from Beijing, that does computer maintainence and hard/software related to the CPU. I felt that he's a person whom will go after his dream when he told us about his purpose of coming to Wuhan, where he's previously from a company in Beijing, which is that he found that he wanted to advance his achievements in other areas, and to make full use of his interest in computer and the knowledge/skill he acquired in school, thus he chose to work and earn some extra income in Wuhan than playing games at home. He also told us that he choses this departmental store is because it is a 开发区 where tourists would visit frequently.

To that, I think that is something which inspired me to learn more in expanding my knowledge in IT, so to be able to advance myself in the future IT Industry, venturing out to other parts of the country to explore and learn about their business doing as well.

5.04 Keep up the beat

2008-09-26T00:21:00.007+08:00

After yesterday's night 迎新晚会 for the freshmen, today is their big day! It is their Passing-Out-Parade (POP)! I supposed that moment is their happiest moments in their life, just like every NSmen in Singapore. Thus, to that we didn't have much places to visit in the School of Information Engineering as the teachers in-charge went out to support the parade. Anyway, I had a good day with my roommates and the rest.

here i go.. the school's feeder-bus

Highlights of the day:

- Morning Interaction with IE Students
- Morning PPP 1/2
- Afternoon PPP 2/2
- Basketball
- Party Night

After breakfast, we went ahead with an interaction with IE Students, attending their networking lessons. Surprisingly, I saw 王飞, the guy I saw him last week while the first time we visited them in the lab room. Anyway, we had alot of topics and talked all the way till they start their lessons and we have to leave by then. Some things I know about is the cost of the internet provided in dorm. is about $30 RMB/mth, which is quite cheap!

me，王飞 {Credit: taken by GY}

Today, Mr. Tan went through with us PPP in details of what is going to be needed in the workforce near future. All topics went through are relevant and important to me personally. I've learnt about the steps and details in constructing a cover letter, writing a appropriate resume and preparing for a impactful interview.

Lunch at C4:
Br's funny face {credit: pict. from himself!} I was exchanging game behind.

deep-fry food

After lunch:
heading back from a shortcut initiated by joe (sk): starting point

near to end! our dorm is just up ahead

final stage before getting down (the battle of wits) {Credit: pict. from Br}

In the evening just now, we heard some upbeats of the event organised by the dance club "舞团学组" of WUST near C2, then we went back to our dorm and rush to the "party" straight away. Pang seh Br.. =x opps! Anyway, we reached there and saw alot of people dancing to the songs played by the mini stereo set. Anyhow, gy, br and I joined in together with the rest and danced to the beat.

16steps and stuffs {Credit: Pic from GY}

At first it was kinda 尴尬 "awkward", but after awhile of playing and trying to imitate & learn their moves, the steps were somehow catchy and we managed to have fun together with Terry and some others Chinese. It was a crowd and there are the newbies and professionals. I noticed that even though the newbies (likewise) don't know how to dance, they are so willing and get in straight to the fun as well. They are not worried about how people looked at them and they just give their best from what they have. End of the day, the few of us learnt a few moves remarkably. Since tomorrow there's still the event will be going on again, I think most probably we'll be looking forward for the dance.

Reflections:
Today was quite a long day attending lessons and interacting with an Information Engineering (IE) student. In the morning, Guo Yuan and me had a short conversation with the IE student when they are attending a networking class. Although it was quite short, I can say that it was a good interaction when we talked about each other's life in the area of what do we look for in our free time, likes and dislikes in the line of studies, hobbies and interest, and academic system.

the place he lived in: 黑龙江 {northern part of China}

Some word from him:
- Winter can be up to 6 months in a year
- Famous ice palace where almost everything is craved using Ice every year, during Winter season

Upon coming to China for so long already, I felt that the locals students are very friendly & approachable. The people here are easy-going and could talk about anything under the sun. Especially in the topic of talking about each other's culture, they will be very interested in sharing about their culture and keen in knowing ours as well.

=> I felt very delighted with the local students (Interaction with the local student today)
=> I noticed that the students are fun and interactive (Dance club organised a party in the evening)

jac

5.03 Freezing Wind

2008-09-24T00:27:00.011+08:00

Shout backs
>Mum: Oct. 06th 11pm touchdown (most prob. if no delays), call me when you're free momma.

>Br: haha! not as championic as you leh.. you're an imbalistic! wah piang...

>CT: piclens? haha.. looks like I got loads to do..

>k.: hmm.. tricky question. lemme guess... you're kO? please identify yourself.. anyway, I've been attending lessons and eating.. only on weekends there'll be tour for all of us to relax and enjoy. How about you mr. k.?

>CT: Yeah! I think it visited you too I supposed? These few days so many bugs and problems going on here and there.. China products, computer problem, and now this.. haha! alamak* Anyway, I'm using firefox now, seems like my system is better now.. But I'll reformat soon.. inside hardware still abit sot sot.. :S Week 5 already.. very fast.. how do you feel eh?

>David Santos: Are you some kind of virus?

>Br: Yeah certainly it sucks! What can I do under computer loan.. Not everybody like you could get a free laptop! :p haha! you! you! don't let me catch your laptop getting any sickness.. anyway, I'm kinda looking forward for the final PM lesson tomorrow! And oh ya, your presentation for tomorrow, all the BEST! Paika, how's your ankle feeling anyway?

>StiCkmAn: haha! yeah.. oh really? seems like you're looking forward for that trip eh? But I think too rush no fun also.. nvm la, you grad. go ns 2 and half years come out still can go one.. =x haha! damn, it's week 5 already.. 2 more weeks and we're gonna say bye bye to Wuhan.. how do u feel, sticky?

>KoZinE: Wah, sounds good.. it's gonna cost alot in your pocket I guess? haha.. Yeah....... I think that's gonna be a few more years? BUT, I'll be there for sure! {food food food} haha. Enjoy your hols before schools reopening real soon!

Today highlights:

PM Final Lesson {Woo}
PPP (Resume Drafting) {Afternoon}
Freshment welcoming party {Evening}

Climate Check:

Wuhan => About 28 deg
Chongqing => About 36 deg (yj is over there and I think she's going crazy over the hot weather)

In this season, Wuhan will be turning cold from a hot weather period. Mr. Tan explained to us that the change is called "秋老虎" - Tiger of the Autumn. Yeah, I'll be looking forward for a very 'shiok' weather in these 2 weeks!

my group of the PM presentation: me/Br/ZW {PM's lessons are officially over!}

the champion of the most bunnic/shitcoming face is... : Bingrong!

shops along canteen 4 street/canteen 4 + activities center

most hygienic canteen among others/specialty in c.4

mr.tan getting a break/windy day!/a truck model- part of my name

after dinner at KFC, here we are at the freshmen orientation celebrations {迎新晚会}

the crowd is overwhelming. Like a filled up stadium of 5k ppl?

just as Br & I about to go down again, the ceremony has officially ended about 9:30pm! Anyway, it was a g'day for all of us I supposed.

Oh yes, something that I wanted to express out: I felt that Mr. Tan is a very good & caring teacher, even though at times he's a little long-winded in his lessons but thinking back, it is meaningful afterall as he is being detailed in his teaching.

He is the one teacher than I ever came across that always put a smile on his face (not in a bad way), but showing his hospitality & friendliness towards anybody. Besides, he's someone who is humble and kind, giving people a feeling of easily approachable. I've also noticed he is a conscientious person where he prepared almost everything (pre-enrolment for IS/plugs to bring/etc) for us before coming to China.

Upon reaching to China, he has been always taking good care of us, noticing our health (inform and send email on the danger of dairy products), taking actions on the harm we met (lipmois. for sk). And even today, even though he had his dinner and we met along the way he's walking back and we're going out for dinner, upon knowing that sk isn't feeling well, he accompanied us along for dinner all the way to KFC (15mins walk away).

I believed that most of us had a good chat with Mr. Tan (like a friend), sharing about his working life and some industry topics. I felt and think that this kind of teacher is hard to find and forget.

Reflections:
Making a living in China isn't that easy. Today, I received a picture (attached below) from teacher, displaying the allowance of the various staffs' positions, working in a restaurant.

To my surprise, it is very low compared to Singapore. Thus I was wondering, with that amount of money earned, are they able to frequent the nearby KFC frequently? To them, I think KFC is a high-class fast-food restaurant which they would chose to dine-in once in a blue moon. I've noticed today and some other days back when my roommates and I went down to KFC during dinner peak timings, we didn't saw many local Chinese dinning, but most of the street shops (food shop), fully-packed with people.

jac

5.02 Windy

2008-09-23T18:57:00.012+08:00

Today weather was quite hot but not as hot compared to yesterday at 35 deg.
Highlights of my day:

PM Lesson {Morning} (2nd Last) 1/2
Visit to the Information Engineering School {Mid Morning}
- Lab session
- Network Room's Orientation
Lunch at 小田园
PM Lesson {Afternoon} 2/2
Dinner
See the rehersal of tomorrow's event for the school's orientation (end of the military training)

some architecture scenes of the school of Information Engineering

pavement outside classrooms/lab room

students in the lab room used the computers to learn and complete their exercise on the programming language they are focusing.

network room (the only network room in the school)

The room is established in 2007 and the entire things in the room (servers, structure of table, etc.), all-in-all it cost about $1,000,000 RMB ($200,000 SGD). There are 8 tables, form of a team of 6 person. Each table is accompanied with a server. A server consist of a Controller, switch, router, firewall, patch panels. Also, there is a teacher's table that is also accompanied with a server. To complete the entire architecture set-ups in the room, it takes about 8 months. The function of this room is to provide students with the ability to experiment and tryout of the various networking functions. Below is the picture of the server.

cost price: $50,000 RMB

a law enforcer?/along the street of resturants, they provide free car washing service for customers.

here we are: 小田园

dishes highlights

the only unique food we ate today: green veggie with a certain bean paste/蜂蛹蒸蛋 (feng yong zheng dan) steamegg with a kind of kun zong 昆虫! But, it is delicious!

After a day of the PM, we headed out... ... and Blow wind Blow!

After dinner, the upbeats of the rehearsal attracts me to have a view of it. It's nice eh, the lights and stage performance. Here goes:

folk dance

mixture of dance (popLock/break/etc)/solo singing

slowdance (group)/closing to debrief

Reflections:
Today it was quite a surprise that we're going to visit the school of information engineering to interact with the students and get to know about their system. It was quite a last minute decision and I didn't really managed to prepare a list of questions to ask them.

Anyway anyhow with the limited time, I managed to get to know a little of a 4th year student, pursuing a IT related course for 4 years. I get to know from him that he have to finish studying 7 programming language in this final year before he graduates. Some language such as PowerBuilder, ASP.net, Java, etc.

I then asked if he like the course he's currently studying. He told me that it is rather a good course with a bright future but, he also complaints that there are a lot to study. Furthermore, he said that these language are just like maths, once learnt and digested into memory, easily forget in the future. Thus, he claimed that this is rather irritating for him that he have to refresh his memory again if he decides to do it again. To that, I agree with him to a large extent.

Anyway, by chance then we talked about internship training and to my surprise, they have 2 choices - either offered opportunities from the school or venture on oneself to source for a company to work in, throughout the 4 years in his university. Which means every year, one could grab hold on the opportunity if there's one, to have internship with the company.

Otherwise, one would have his free time whilst other are in the internship. For his case, these coming November he'll be going for an internship.

Although it's an short chit-chatting session with one of the IT student, but I felt it's a fruitful interaction with the friendly student.

jac {take care all}

5.01 Suana

2008-09-23T01:01:00.004+08:00

Today is a very hot day!

Planned to have lunch at 小田园 (Fishballs), but delayed.

Had PM lessons in the afternoon 1-5pm (Sweaty skin & tired)

End of day

Reflections:
Currently is the start of week 05 and exactly I left about 2 weeks before flying back to Singapore. Looking back to the start, I've set for myself to develop certain global skills. One of the skills such as the Interpersonal skills, I grade myself as 50/100 at the start. After spending 4 weeks in Wuhan and hanging out with the people around (local/roommates/other friends), honestly I think I've improved by a little. I would say for now, I stand about 65/100 in terms of being able to better understand the language and the slang the Chinese used to converse with me. Compared to the start, I was a little worried that my standard of Chinese I wouldn't be able to understand the words they used and the slang they elaborate the meaning. However, I managed to learn certain words and I felt more confident in being able to communicate with them by expressing myself freely with the basic Chinese language I have. But still, there are certain constraints such as remembering certain words.

Other than the language spoken with the locals and the people, there is another factor which I'm still weak in. The area is about my boldness in interacting more with the people face to face. I think I'm lacking in that area. Thereby, the remaining 2 weeks, I'll be looking forward and believing for myself in putting myself in places of discomfort and constantly challenging myself to interact with people.

jac

Shout backs

2008-09-23T00:44:00.002+08:00

Notice: Please refrain from consuming dairy products from China.

>c0w: ...... haha! if given a chance, I would really want to go to trek up the mountain. That day treking up 武当山 is solid man! How I wish if Bukit Timah hill could be traded for that. haha! Aussie guy, still having alot on your hotdogs and burgs.? I guess we left about 2 more weeks! :

>Br: slowly lah.. haha! It's not easy for an unstable PC to keep on focus on chionging finish eh, have to phase by phase one ok.. haha.. finally I think I got my journal on last weekend finished! I hope you done that too. ^^ Tmr long day ahead.. hopefully it's gonna be cooling.. yeah, woo! It was quite a good one going up Wudang! Worth the trip.. by saving $50RMB! heh.

>Aziz: Bolla! Oh yes yes, dairy products here.. there's alot of variety! But I like the yogurt drink here.. been drinking quite frequently.. but will be stopping for the time being. Yeah, we'll be soon meeting in the jungle once again, monkey. ...... I shall see what can you be up to with our pics! haha.

Notice: Please refrain from consuming dairy products from China.

4.06 & 4.07 武当山 [WuDangShan]

2008-09-22T00:43:00.018+08:00

20th Sept. 2008 Saturday
Something about Wudang Mt. (武当山): ... ... located in Shiyan in north western Hubei, is both a famous scenic spot and the Taoist Holy Land in China. The ancient architectural complex on the mountain was listed by UNESCO in 1994 as a World Culture Heritage Site. That day we only explored 2 places of attraction in Mt. Wudang from The Crown Prince Slope (太子坡):

Nanyan Temple 南岩宫

Purple Cloud Temple 紫霄宫

lunch after half day of bus ride/chestnut's shop along street

entrance of Mt. Wudang

mansion outside Mt. Wudang

stores inside Mt. Wudang along the pathway

visitor center/the entire map of Mt. Wudang

a junction/interesting signboard

//the origin of chinese's surnames

interestingly the architecture of this support could withstand for years
osmanthus tree/flower of osmanthus (smells like peach)

tree full of wishes, casted by people

inside Nanyan Palace/interesting fire extin guisher

a little peak where people knelt and pray

street along Mt. Wudang/mist = cold

our hotel room

21st Sept. 2008 Sunday
The Start: We climbded the Mt. Wudang by feet up and...
The End: cable car down!
Destination: Golden Hall (金顶)

the start of treking/our tourguide "Jiang San" treking with us (she's fit!)

see no end-point, see no start-point

nearly reaching the peak 金顶/300metres away

//paddlelock locked by passer-by

//zhengwei & me at the peak

nice scenes from the peak

heading back down to where we first trek via cable car ($45RMB for this ride)

At night upon reaching dorm about 10pm, we relax and head out for supper around 11pm...

supper outside school/tangyuan 黑芝麻汤圆 in rice wine

Reflection:
This 1 minute of video (below) is a footage of how the lower class of citizen live in their agriculture fields and cultivate crops. Because of the speed of the bus and the lack of a good view, this is the best I can capture, so please hang on.

Anyway, the big large scale of landscape along the highway captivates me and kept me awake for a time being, as thoughts coming through my mind, thinking about the goodness they found with the nature.

It's not only 1 or 2 houses that is built with the green. But at some places, it's a long stretch of houses and at their designated area, they have their own farmland to take care. Apart from that, looking through into their houses, they have a street of shops they opened along the mini roads. It seems like a small village have been popped out.

The green pastures with the cow, cultivating crops and selling/trading it to neighbours, enjoying the carefree life. It's really something that it least be found in Singapore. Everything in Singapore is so competent, everybody wants to be the top in all things and strive to work hard to aim for a balance in life. So I guessed, there are a small amount of people who wished to have a life like this in China. I think for a moment, if China is going to advance and bloom in the future years, will all these nature living standard be wiped out? I hope not.

During this weekends, I noticed quite a number of things & defined some areas of personal understanding. Weeks ago, I thought that Chinese are very persistent in China and would get to the things they want. However, that was to an extent that they have high endurance in executing tasks that is at top priority. But not persistent in a way that they concentrate on the things they wanted so much. Looking back quite a few weeks back, I've noticed that they are relational-oriented Chinese where they don't evoke any conflict easily; to maintain tip-top harmony the best they can. To that, coming in deal with any of their business, regardless along the street or in commercial buildings, they always asked for our quotes but not they themselves. This shows that they respect our decision and won't make us feel bad. Like the experience I had at 大洋百货 where the lady is persistent in selling away their things and instead of she offer a price after I told her to reduce the price a little, she insisted that I name the price.

Apart from that, there's another situation which I thinks Chinese in China are very harmonious where I noticed that the caution signboard in China are very indirect but caring for the people. Unlike the ones in Singapore which are direct and "By Law". One of it I noticed, which is on the top of the police car behide the siren where it has an LED lighted message, displaying "祝你平安" (Peace be with you). It was at night and only then the first time I saw this message with the police car. One another example is in the bus (picture below) :

the caution sign in bus (refrain from smoking to promote healthy environment)

jac

4.05 Chill-out

2008-09-19T01:11:00.000+08:00

lunch&shopping @ 大洋百货

some interesting signboards

asian lunch resturant

eating curry chicken/at starbucks

downtown night lights

Reflections:
In the later part of the day, some of us went out to 大洋百货 for shopping and chill out. We spent almost the entire day out in there eventhough it's a hot weather. However, it was a very fruitful day by shopping for best valued clothings and electronics, and looking around for some nice stuffs to reserved for the last week's shopping spree. Apart from shopping, we had a nice conversation with one of the shopkeepers at the electronics store. Most of the times, when my mates and myself head down to the electronics store to buy products, we always have a nice conversation with the shopkeeper. Especially when we are foreigners, they are very warm-hearted and one even offered to bring us to tour around and treat us dinner. One of the lady shopkeeper we converse with today, she is very honest when she share with us about the products she sold. She said about the products they sold are cheap is mainly due to the lower grade and non-QCed products, claimed from the host company. In other words, based on her 6 years experience working in Sony, she explained to us that the cheap products they are selling in their store are from the same company, just that it is in a lower grade and they sell it for charity. That is the reason why it is very cheap. Thereby, I felt that the shopkeepers in China focuses more on building relationship with the customer apart from selling their products.

Apart from hearing about the business facts and shopping, we had a in-depth sharing session
with one another in Starbucks before we end the day at 大洋百货. We talked about the first impression we had from each other, getting to know more about each other background and family and sharing some life issues. The main subject of the chill-out was about sharing the impressions we had from each other. We shared and talked about it, and that help us to better understand each other and oneself. However, it was quite too late when I felt and thought that this should be done in the 1st or 2nd week or the OIP. Thus, I felt that it is a very good exercise that every organisation or party should go through at the initial stage of "getting to know each other". By all means, it is still not late and I believe that by the end of the OIP, ICT roommates certainly will get to know more about each other, apart from the academic assessments that we have to accomplished.

Coming to China really challenged myself, and I believe for everyone as well, especially in the areas that we have to fulfilled as part of our achievements. Certain area such as, getting to know more about the foreign country, completing our modules, getting to know the local students and lastly but importantly, which is getting to know the roommates even better, even though some of us don't even know each other from the first place. Thus, I felt that it is a challenge for all of us to be willing to adapt to the changes/ambiguity of the environment around us and the people. Be daring to break "eggshells" and thus getting in-touch with each other.

4.04 Breakaway

2008-09-19T01:10:00.026+08:00

For some reasons and a typical human mind I have, I felt that there's some broodwar going through my mind. Anyway, I had a normal day... Here goes:
scenery outside school

//attendence taking for staff I supposed

From the morning till afternoon, we finished 2 of our PM Activities! Now we're left with 3 more activities, a 30% test and that's it for PM! As I get to know my timetable from Cheng Teck, I was happy & sad. Happy that I got loads of free up lesson. Sad that maths lessons is not confirmed yet and it's very scary to be placed at my shortest day! Hopefully it's confirmed at a good day for us! *CT and I hoped for!!!

After a day in classroom, we had our time in the club house playing table tennis (TT)! I felt that TT is fun, especially today Br chu stunt with his nice suave move of curling ping-pong. That is a nice skill, but the speed is low and it is hard to master. Yes, it is something like the Koreans did in the Olympics. Nice and sweet.

Late evening, we had a party night with Liang, Ming and guys. It was fun although it's only 2 games, it lasted us for 2-3 hours with 5 cans of red bull & 500ml rice wine. All the skip and pass with mystery number, "pioy" and "jiak pioy", cow MOO and captain! haha! Boju is drunk-gonner tonight. Anyway, it was a fun night relaxing at their room since they have finished their CT! *which I heard it's a hardcore paper! all the BEST to all who taken it.

lucky guy/daming the pro guy who made his beside to drink

tian shun/desmond (2nd game host)

ah liang (1st game host)/boju the 5 star pig head/xiao hui the sa"bo-ju"

Reflections:

Today during PM Lesson, as the 2nd part of the day's scenario talks about people-oriented case, Hui Ru and Mr. Tan talked about China's culture in giving presentation & feedbacks. Hearing from what Hui Ru said about receiving feedbacks from the Chinese, I've learnt that in any case of a local speaking out of his/her mind in terms of presentation of idea sharing, one as a listener has to give his/her fullest attention and shouldn't interrupt until his/her is done with her presentation. Knowing that even there's some flaws in some areas of his/her idea, keeping harmonious relationship between partners as one of China's culture, the listener has to learn how to feedback to the presenter in a way that doesn't affect the relationship between. Otherwise, the listener could also feedback to the presenter after everything, so to in order to give face to the presenter. This is one of their behaviour I've learnt by listening to Mr. Tan & Hui Ru.

Another behaviour I've learnt about China is that if the leader said "one", the followers have no other choice but to obey it. There isn't any opportunity to voice out and change to decision made by the leader. Taking the example what Mr. Tan gave to us during the afternoon: If the lecturer gave his order to the class that tomorrow's class starts at 9am, everybody has no chance to bargain but only to comply to his instructions. However it is very different in Singapore, sometime it is rather flexible and changeable if appropriate, especially when Singaporeans like to complain about any inconveniency environment around.

turning in, everybody please take care and have a healthy sleeping time and eat healthy! Cow~ Mooo...

jac

Shout backs

2008-09-19T01:10:00.021+08:00

>Br: bad guy? haha.. why eh? I don't do drugs, womanise or burn houses. I only go crazy.. hahaha! seriously, I think ct, zw, gy and YOURself have a very funny face.. always changing and damn relating to certain subjects at time. Hmm, can you make a fart face?

>joc: yes! the sound is very cute and funny!! especially when it is played through my camera.. hahaha! "piu piu piu". Anyway if you have any chance visting China, do play the fireworks.. it's very different from looking at it and lighting up one yourself! ?!?! Poem... is that a indirect reply that it's too long and wordy? : joking.. yeah, the night was very interesting.. I hope you're having a good time in Singapore as well yeah? with shopping and food sprees ya? ^^ and pa-tor with *ahem eh!? haha.. anyway hope you had good results!

>KoZinE: Heh, zoom out yeah, zoom in "....."! hahaha! Thank you for you compliments. But my SLR isn't the fight with your DSLR for sure! Maybe next year we could go shoot together with Az. ^^ Yeah, this few days is very hot.. feels like I'm in Sentosa... except that my upper clothes are on while walking.. haha! Anyway, how's Neth's big day? Any special treatments for him..... heh.. ya... looking forward in catching up with you real soon back in school for the second sem.! But one thing uncommon, our TIMETABLE! wooo... Yeah, if there's anything, do drop me an email. :) Take care pal!

>KIAHUI: haha! sounds like you got loads to DO after the new sem. starts! Hmm.. I think your grades got loads of maple's mushroom? hahaha... yeah, you can email me ya? Anyway, you should join a CCA soon.. maybe can consider dragon boat! =x have fun for now.. ^^

4.03 Interactive Day

2008-09-17T01:08:00.008+08:00

Shout backs

>Br: haha.. that night was nuts.. no more zoom zoom already.. that is so nuts! If not our night is going to be endless! Anyway, it's 745pm now!! let's go eat... growling!!

>J Liang: yeah cool! I'll be looking forward for your blog soon.. ^^ Anyway I'm going to an IT Industry soon. I'm not sure if I could reach back by time to go buy with you guys. Hopefully, see you soon! ^^ Have a good day la! Enjoy studying for your test tmr! woo... i go relax, lepak..

>aziz: thanks! heh. basket sia, I think my lens container got problem. When I zoom in and out, the sound it zoom became coarse! :( hah! I smelled and got a crump of biscuit on your blog! I supposed you're having fun yeah? hahaha! I missed your mum's cookies..... DHL over to me? I give you 10 RMB when I'm back in SG. woah, enjoy your time in the facebook devt., you'll nv know you can be another big guy creating legbook? ^^ Ah, I see.. don't be disappointed man, there's a second sem. soon to come! Let's work hard up up again man. way to GO! until then when I'm back, you have fun! hear from you soon.. ala you, flood my the tagboard sia.. haha =x

>Br: hahaha!! do you know? LZB wanna rap.. haha! anyway today thanks to your initiative in helping out to clear up the crack bits! You're a cracker too! wahaha.. let's continue to crack the hard "nuts" in Wuhan! you get what I mean I suppose? Anyway, you're in my room now laughing like mad la, what a crazy night because of a sexy photo..... !!!! HA

My Day:

Morning run around the campus
PM lesson in the morning {second half of the module: getting more in-depth}
IT Industry Visit, here goes:

Office building (SBI): heading up to lv. 14 => 绿康数码 (Green Cyber Technology) We thought it's Nikon.

A cutting edge company that does developing of photo films or digital photo films, using their own dedicated software and imported equipments to develop any kind of related photo media with a superior quality.

the street along that office building {a little similar like bugis}

after visiting, we went to this school opened by the tour guide. then we had a getting-to-know each other session with the other local students whom have came with us.

hp carried by one of the student ($2,000 RMB in 2004) cool right?

Reflections caught:
If it's possible, I would want to have my intership at overseas if I'd given a chance to. Today, not only getting to know more about Green Cyber technology's background, also they talked about their software that is developed by their own professionals. Due to the limited time constraint, we aren't able to view a full demonstrations of the entire application. However, I've enjoyed the best they have gone, by uploading the picture into it and in it, there's a controller of an array of functions to play around to editfy the picture. It is something like Picasa™ but more in-depth.

Anyway, in the early evening while resting in the tour guide's shop, we manage to get to know more about each other from other school. Interestingly, I've get to know more about the names of the various sections of China. If I'm not wrong, it's China then broken down into several Provinces (省 shěng) {Total of 33} then District/Prefecture (县 xiàn) {Total of 17} then Township: xiāng (鄉) and zhèn (鎮),where xiāng are less urban and populous. Somehow there are some other doubts still. But end of the day, I felt that today's interaction with the students is very fun and fruitful. Thanks to the hyper tourguide who really initiate us alot.

4.02 Belated Lantern Festival Celebrations

2008-09-16T22:20:00.008+08:00

Shout backs

>J(JIN) Liang: Yes Yesss!! I got it in my brain liao.. hahaha! because of all those wrong-ups and made me remember your name liao lah.. ^^ guess what? just now I view the contact number spreadsheet and I saw the author "Jun Liang" and I thought someone edited the spreadsheet using your name but spelt wrong again? But it turned out to be Leon's chinese name. haha! yeah yeah.. gonna have somemore fun on thurs. I hope.. we catch up soon.. ^^ btw, tag me, I wanna go see ur blog leh..

The Day

Hello Everybody! Hope that you're doing well in wherever you are.. >Family & Friends in Singapore: Are you enjoying the Happy Raining Days? heh heh! =D oh ya, I supposed most of you guys got back your results? I hope that it's some number that you'd wished/aimed for! :) If not, I believe you'll do even better real soon, way to GO! Feeling bored? apart from scrolling down, you can also view some of the jokes in LaoZhaBor's blog: http://laozhabor.blogspot.com/ It is kinda lame and hilarious.. ^^

Until then, have fun...

Short preview of my today:

Revision for test
PM Test (Essay writing, long-winded, felt that my english is failing! *Phrasing problem)
Lunch @ WanTonShop with roomies (ZW left his laptop there, until "Let's Moo Moo")
Helpout in getting the mooncakes and dinner with the other SLs
The Night Is Lighted Up! Here goes...

uppercake is for the scholars in AT; bottom one is for the sept. babies: guanbin & kokleong

amy with the mooncakes/on-going catching up

how small are the cracks/one of the member in the cracker team

some shots by my camera =D {i'm happy that my money spent on my camera isn't wasted, ya?}

Live footage of the fireworks. Woo!

aftermath of the fire cracker/wenkang/guoyuan/bingrong/zhengwei/chengteck

Reflections with the mooncakes & crackers:
In the evening, when I chat with a year 1 lady who is currently undergoing through the compulsory military training, I just get to know that they've to go through it for 1 month! That's the system for every freshmen in WUSTZNB. If I'm not wrong, they have about 1-2 weeks left as they started new semester 1 week after we settled down. Anyway, I feel that it's a good training for the students. Personally was once in a uniform group, Scouts, I think that it has discipline me in many ways. Especially in the area of being more independent, personal character development and some other personal qualities such as punctuality, etc. Thus, I felt that it is a good training for the students to go through.. But hearing from the year 1 business student earlier on, she complaint that she's going through some hardship. I think she's going to miss those moments after she's out to academic & boring days!

jac

4.01 Looking Back

2008-09-16T22:19:00.000+08:00

A Special Day

The day when I didn't take any pictures to blog at all.
A boring day where we finish and submit our PM Assignment.
Attending test briefing in the afternoon.
A day in dorm. playing game after submission.
My computer is crashing by meeting the BSOD!

Reflections:

It has came down to the end of week 3 and the start of a brand new second half of OIP. Looking back from where I started, I think that I've covered almost 50% of the objectives I've set. Some topics are such as:

Chinese History
(I've a rough idea on the warring period and emperor control in China in the past.)
China Cultures & Traditions
-> Daily lives of people
-> Entertainment areas
-> Social & Networking life
-> Current customs
(I'm about 50% and still getting on it because I'll be facing the people everyday.)
IT Infrastructure
(I've know nuts about this for now. But I think that this week we'll be going to one of the IT industry.)

Looking forward:

Exploring more places around Wuchang area -> Food, Shopping Centers & Entertainment
Getting to know more people in campus and local students
Catching up more with my roomies
Finishing the objectives set in my Individual Learning Plan -> Doing more research online

jac

3.07 Lantern Festival

2008-09-16T11:14:00.008+08:00

After coming back from the cruise trip and a long bus ride, we rest in bunk until the night lights are up!

It is the lantern festival today (sunday) and as usual during events, the lights of the admin. building are lighted up in the night! Music band below the grandstand showcase their pieces of music while crowds gather around them, simply to enjoy and celebrate their night of the lantern festival. Along the pavement are decorated by the beautiful lanterns. Looking at the other side of the building, near canteen 2, there's another upbeat event going on. While the night is celebrating itself, the round moon shines, providing the source of the light.

Reflections under the moon:
I felt that time management is a very important issue. Personally for myself, I think I've a very bad time management where I don't usual meet target on time or punctual at all times. Thus, this is a quality I've to buck up and be more discipline in it. Speaking of punctuality, I noticed that the local SLs are very punctual when they make an appointment with the other SLs and myself. This is one of their quality, that I admire in the locals.

Shout backs

2008-09-16T01:19:00.004+08:00

> - StiCkmAn - : haha! what other words can I described it? bald-head/semi-bald? No sweat.. I always wanted to clear the photos to the people I've taken them.. ^^ that night was fun BBQing with you funny 3 guys! And then.. drinking on the cruise.. KL's room.. that reminds me of the video! hahaha.. Anyway looking forward for thursday, we shall catch up real soon! meanwhile, have wild fun and best to you in the upcoming CT! ^^ Oh ya, hope that you got good grades for your semestral exam eh? Ok, hear from you soon.

>c0w: yeah buddy.. it's soo coincidence we're touching down singapore on the same date! ^^ hmm.. for now I think there're so much yet to explore in here and about Singapore, of course I missed it, especially the toilets! the toilets here are ............ extreme.. haha! too bad my camera could capture the stench of the toilet ya? :S *nonsense* ah, yes.. not so much for now missing Singapore.. but more on missing catching up with you and the rest, and family. Looking at your blog just makes my stomach wanting for more! :D Can I takeaway an quadruple burger to Singapore on Oct 6th? Anyway, saw any KrispyKreme Doughnuts? haha! Ok.. hear from you real soon.. meanwhile, enjoy your stay in aus. with your baby!

>bro: hannah hannah! I posted up liao la.. haha! ..... come back home i use the toilet and sound record down myself doing small business then let u listen to waterfall la.. =x anyway, sibei sian during weekdays.. maybe I want to go explore more liao, after looking at friend's cam. on the other campus zone. hehe! So how bro? missed hong kong anot? hope to hear from your shopping madness.. until then, take care of yourself and family! and your lady, man! btw, chris brown - forever, is nice.. listened to 987 few days back.. ^^

>cyn: nyc (New York City)! hahaha.. just some random craziness. yeah.. it's one of the biggest project of China! It looks cool eh. I had a good time taking pictures there.. Aiya, weekdays I'm in the campus and only able to take campus in-out pictures. Only weekends, I'll be out to tour around Hubei! So yeah, here you go.. is the pictures nice? Anyway next week I'll be going to Wudang mountain.. :D So, how's ur there? Got back your results yet? Until then, you have fun in your week ahead! Anyway, I shall bring back my grass shoe to "dei" your spartan shoes!

>KIAHUI: ah, cooling not for today! HOT... the sun is like 1pm in Sentosa for today. I think i'm going to be chao ta already. haha! oh yeah basketball, did u join it in NYP anyway or any other CCA? What jobs u're working as part time eh? btw, how's your semestral grades? playing all day long.. shall hear about your grades real soon! meanwhile have fun! ^^

>aziz: haha! my haircut was not bad la.. just that it's a little too short only. :P aww, anyway the voucher has a long lifespan, so no worries.. let farz have a happy toothache.. heh =x So ya been having good food lately? cool! looking forward in taking u down in the field soon.. haha! anyway is there news on the rugby tees? oh ya, the comp. you guys attended the meeting? Hope that everything's going smoothly.. if there's anything I can be useful enough, please nudge me! haha. Ok... it's kinda late already... hope to hear from you real soon! Btw, I glanced by your blog and saw your gpa.. hmm, I think it's good eh! I hope it's what you've aimed initially! ^^ Congrats!

3.05 & 3.06 Happy Cruising

2008-09-15T16:30:00.029+08:00

Sorry, I was in cruise with no internet connection, so I can't update my blog. Anyway, I'm back from the nice cruise.. Although the cruise I stayed in is an 2 star one, it was fun though.

12th Sept 2008 Friday

Exciting weekends ahead from today! This weekend, we’re going to various places of interest in Hubei province.

Highlights of the weekends:

Visitation to the site of Three-Gorges Dam Hydroelectric Project
Board cruise @ Yichang City

Got up the coach from 8am onwards, all the way to 230pm with intervals of break in between, and we had lunch @ one of the restaurants in Yichang City.

buildings along Yichang City (looks like S'pore HDB)/dian ma mu 电麻木

shops along the street/upstairs of it (watch out, it's abit explicit)

After lunch, we went to visit the site of the Three Gorges Dam. Below is a brief description of the site I received from teacher’s document.

The Three Gorges (三峡) region is a scenic area along the Yangtze River in China. The three gorges are: Qutang Gorge (瞿塘峡, from Baidicheng to Daxi, 8 km), Wu Gorge (巫峡, from Wushan to Badong, 45 km), Xiling Gorge (西陵峡, from Zigui to Yichang, 66 km).

The Three Gorges Dam (长江三峡大坝) is a hydroelectric river dam that spans the Yangtze River at Sandouping (三斗坪) in the middle of the Xiling Gorge. It is the largest hydro-electric power station in the world. The dam was completed in the summer of 2006, and the water level in the Qutang, Wuxia, and the western portion of the Xiling Gorges has already begun to rise. The dam would change the scenery of the Three Gorges. Because the water level will be higher, the river will be wider and the mountains will appear lower.

our tourguide of the day/right behind the three gorges dam

model of the entire project (fully completed with elevators by 2010)
picture above: the right lane which is the upstream river, there're 2 way split.
One of it transport ship weighs higher than 3,000 tonnes (right side, they called it the 五级). And the other lane is only for ships weighs up to 3,000 tonnes.

down stream (front view)

downstream (rear view)

Some fun pictures at one of the scenic area of the Three Gorges Dam:

me & guanbin on one of the statue/one of 长江大桥


Some funny signboards:

Just before we head to the pier, we had a fulfilling dinner @ one of the restaurants in Yichang.

Then we boarded our cruise called by the name Princess 贵妃 and we cruise from Zigui to Badong.

13th Sept 2008 Saturday

Last night sleep, I didn’t really catch a wink and I woke up feeling drained. Anyway, when we woke up, we’ve reached Badong 巴东 from Zigui.

middle right {the cruise journey to our first destination}

After breakfast, we boarded another smaller ship and headed to another place of interest. On the way to the place of interest along Yangtze River, I noticed an array of beautiful scenic landscapes and took some of it. The breeze is so cool and refreshing. Standing at the outer decks of the ship, I feel so relax and calm by the semi-still clear waters. Amazingly, the life in the outskirts of Yangtze River remains peaceful.

Housing along the river:

Boaters:

Upon reaching to another pier (picture on the right), I then came to know that we’re going drifting along the river! To my surprise, 10+ of us are going board the sampan-like boat and being driven by man strength (about 5-6 people). The cost of these Sampan-like boats is about 6,000 RMB if it’s bought from commercial. However these people consult the specialists in their villages to build the boats for them instead, which cost lesser than 6,000 RMB I supposed.

initially at calm current, they row. going against current, they pull. (pictures below) what's more is that we're going upstream.

Green Tea cultivation:

Giant Salamander {Wawa Yu 娃娃鱼}

Because of the wails of this fish in the river, the villagers then name it as 娃娃鱼. *Looks cute yeah?

lunch

Something interesting I heard from the tour guide: These fit men called “伙计” are really something. They lived in small houses in the mountains and early in the morning about 3-4am, they would wake up and ride on their boat to the pier to wait for people like us to tour around the river. Looking at their bodyline, I assumed that they are really the tough men who went through the hardship and what’s more, living with the nature – water & vegetation, their health should be as strong as an ox!

In the period of mid September, the water level would normally rise up to 175m. However, today when we drifted along the river, the water level was about 135m.

As the water flowed from the top of the mountain, it is used as an important water source for the villagers who stayed in the mountainous areas. To that, I heard that the villagers has very nice skin complexion because of the pure water.

Most of their equipments’ materials used are made of bamboo.

After lunch, we went back to our bunk to take a rest and in between, there’re some activities where we gather up to the deck and view to the mountainous areas along Wu Xia Jing Qu 巫峡景区.

signify a frog

promphet fish at the right lower mountain

Dinner was good but lunch was certainly better.

Straight after dinner, we visited Bai Di Cheng 白帝城 (a temple), which is our final place of interest for the day. Surprisingly, I thought it’s going to be an easy trip up, but in the end, we’ve to climb a long flight of stairs!

a tourist getting a lift up the flight of stairs

a scene of liubei and 2 of his sons kneeling down

a souvenir I bought in the store.

Reflection along the mountains:

While drifting along the Yangtze River in a sampan-like boat, I admire the several 伙计whom steer the boat along the river and at a point they pull the entire boat of 10+ppl, using bamboo ropes only. By their strong and hasty movements of the boats, I feel that their endurance level is very high. What’s more, they are very persistent and competent when the other boats overtook them, they would do their best to undercut instead. Apart from the boating lifestyle they cultivate over there, I came to know that they do trading of the cultivation of crops as well, or even selling to outside markets to earn money. Their lifestyle is very simple and peaceful. Most probably, they don’t live on computers & internet. Looking at their simplicity and nature habitat lifestyle, I feel that it is very healthy and meaningful. If given to me a chance to experience a lifestyle there, I would love to try.

take care all! God Bless.

jac

Shout backs

2008-09-12T02:15:00.003+08:00

>KIAHUI: Yeah!! Everyday there's loads of activities and fun over here. Oh ya, the weather is also a thing here, it changes from hot to cold unpredictably through the day. How about in SG? You yourself, working?

>aziz: Hey pal!!! Yeah..... but more on missed SG delicacies actually.. heh.. haha! so did u went out during these period? Used up the starbucks coupons with farz already? Oh ya, days ago I just went to starbucks in downtown. It's quite cheap you know! Alright, I gotta cruise during the weekends, heh! I'll be looking forward in catching up with u real soon! Please tag me your blog. ^^ yeah, looking forward to spam your burs. on food when I'm back! you watch out...

>matt: ..... eh? haha.. I think you must be too bored and hooked up too much on your assignment already eh? haha! anyway hope your assignment is going well! when I'm back, we shall work on the flash together, yeah "flasher"? heh.. Oh ya, all the best for your MSP interview! I believe you'll pass it through! whoo, all the way! ^^

>ivan_arsenal footballer: hahaha! ok lah.. in fact there's some as many come from different states of China.. So, you can see alot of variety of Chinese over here.. just like the different flavours of coffee. haha! ^^ do you want to know one? I might be able to help you! hahahaha... hey, arseNAL s***s by the way! haha.. catch up soon buddy...

>cyn: hahaha, that's so embarassed u know. ......... what's so funny eh? I'll be bringing back that 草鞋 and challenge with your spartan's sandles! haha! yeah, actually I'm taking in and learning some chinese words when conversing with the locals. wah seh, it's not easy to understand sometimes.. but anyway, I managed! ^^ oh yeah, this weekend which starts from tomorrow, I'll be heading off to cruise at the largest dam in the world! so excited.

Take care people!

3.04 Cooling

2008-09-11T23:52:00.005+08:00

Highlights of the day:

i) IS Lecture on Traditional Chinese Philosophy
ii) Scrumptous at that resturant again (小田园)
iii) KL birthday celebration
iv) Supper at midnight food street
v) Chill in bunk with wine and mates

military troupes gathering/dean's teaching us today

I've learnt quite alot of things today about the history of China during those Warring states & famous philosophers.

{will update soon about the lecture}

after lunch, some of us went to have a haircut at VS

the description is so unknown (noticed by shengkiat/bingrong) *you need to zoom in to see clearly.

Reflections of the day:
Way of doing things in China:

In a saloon, in order to initiate a haircut, the saloonist must wash your hair first then proceeding. I think it's their system. Furthermore, I think washing hair is covered in the $10 RMB.
Shopping in their supermarkets disallowed customer with bag of about size 15' to enter. However, they provided free locker for customer to deposit their bags in it. Also, once entered, when one wants to leave the mart, one only must leave through the exit. They disallowed customers to leave from the entrance. For what I assumed on why they implement this system is to prevent customers to take unpaid items out. But this is so unflexible when one carried nothing at all. I feel weird after experience this. Anyway, upon exiting the mart, one has to present the receipt to the guard at exit to "mark". Funny thing is that they have a pair of sensor to scan the barcodes already but instead they still do that marking. Again I assumed that maybe one could put rice into one's underpants, no offence in anyway. But I feel that practice they carried out in shopping marts shows that they are very concious in their business processing.

Learnt something about their custom in hair saloons and shopping marts. Apart from this, they have another custom whereby in their mini foodcourts and some department stores, they don't make transactions. But one upon liking the item they want or the food they saw in the menu, the shopkeeper retaine the item and prepares an invoice, then one have to make their way to a common cashier near those shops to make payment first before going back again to get their item/order their food by the cashier's receipt. Although it's a little weird and troublesome, but it's their custom that is unchangeable for now.

jac

3.03 Smoked

2008-09-10T23:55:00.007+08:00

Today is an exciting day as there will be alot of activities going on throughout the day. Especially in the evening when we'll be having BBQ with the locals in the National Village where we had out Outbound activities there.

After I had my PM lesson, got feedbacks from teacher for our assignments, I went back and prepare to go 家乐福 "Carrefour" to buy ingredients for tonight's BBQ!

bus (camera & screen guide)/congested!

It was my first time boarding a bus in China. Actually it was quite fast and we took about 30mins to the shopping centre. The bus fare system is very different from Singapore. When you board the bus, there'll be a attendant inside walking (maybe squeezing in that situation), holding a plate of prices' ticket, collecting from everyone in the bus. I thought they had some coin/note system where the bus driver operates it, like the one in Singapore.

Anyway, we went to shop around and get the ingredients we wanted. Then yj and me went to the electronics/books department to get something while the rest took back the bbq ingredients first. I went back to get the earpiece that ct and zw wants. Upon meeting with the shopkeepers, interestingly is that they still remember my face and they gave me further discount and provides me with good customer service.

We didn't managed to catch the night lights of "Lu Xiang". It was about 6+ and we went back to BBQ!

Here we are! 3-4 mini bbq pits with about 40-50+ ppl around the vast area.

jia liang/asri/da ming (shaved head!)/what they did for us (the hotdogs)

yj snatched my food share away!/i got some../enjoying the food!

the sausages in China is very different from Singapore.

yj with xiaoQ*scary eyes/owner & dog (looks like it)

The fire went off at 9+pm where the leftovers are distributed to the people who wants it, especially the 4-5 big round watermelons. The rest of the vegetables are then given to the opposite "Midnight Food Street" shops. Meanwhile, we had supper there and catch up more with the others.

Reflections of the day:
Main issue of the day would be in the electronics department at the shopping center. I'd noticed that the shopkeepers in Wuhan are very friendly and warm-hearted. They offer good customer service to customer, especially a few days ago, when the HDD "硬盘" we bought had run out of stock and they provided us with delivery. The shopkeeper personally came down to WUST and passed us the HDD. I felt that they're really at the upper hands of doing business when they're really towards customer-oriented, not grumbling if inconvenience crops up, but making sure that their customers, us, are satisfy with their service. And the best part is that we only paid for the product itself. Provided that they didn't know that the HDD are out of stock and upon know that, they initiated a delivery without hesitation. This is something I admire about their shopkeepers.

3.02 Outbound sup!?

2008-09-09T12:50:00.006+08:00

Outbound activities day! Today morning we met at 715am to get out of school to one of their area in under WUST. To my surprise, I didn't know that they have such facilities which is just beside their school! The area we walked in displays a series of challenging obstacles or maybe I call it a playground. It consists of a Man-made rock climbing activity, balancing on a long stretch of bar, climb-over-wall, etc. In Singapore, in order to enjoy these facilities, I think we've to head down to another area at some other parts of Singapore. One area I think I went before is the Singapore Scout Association Sarimbun Camp Campsite, during one of the camps in secondary school.

Other than us joining in the activities, there are other group of local students under a different trainer to bring them around. I think they are the grade 1 students where it is compulsory for them to go through uniform group training. The scenario of the entire event was some sort of a camp + icebreaking activity. There's some military commands as well: at first they shouted using chinese and most of us was stunned as we don't understand what's it about. But after awhile, we got the hang of the words used.

We then get splitted into groups, gathered a cheer & song, accompanied with a team name "武科星", and played alot of the ice breaking games. Until afternoon, we only managed to finish rock climbing.

our flag "武科星"/the challenging rock

We're only supposed to climb the center one. But unexpectedly, I didn't manage to complete it! There are 2 ropes down for two to climb up simultaneously and I did the one more to the left one in the center partition. At last, only one of them managed to get to the top: 冠滨 Guan Bin the champion. Anyway, it was fun and challenging though.

After lunch, while on our way back to our dorm to take a rest from the humid and annoying weather that makes one go crazy, sk noticed an area near our dorm. provides driving training/test for local student I think.

some beams guiding the car to park

During the break from 1130 to 230, we rested and get ready for the next few rounds of outbound activities. Today is certainly a tired day but for me, it is a fulfilling day as well. Here are the highlights:

1) Blindfolded-walk
- We're blind folded and travel around the area.
Lessons from the activity:
To our surprise, I thought it's some another blind folded game I played in camps, but it's entirely different. I thought we're going to travel along flat terrain with some huddles only, but in fact, we had climb up and down from a series of the playground unbalanced planks, high heights of the ground level into a small building and out of it. One word to describe these, challenging! For that, we really learnt something when we've to trust each other, especially the people infront of me and being confident is also very important as it gives an assurance to the people behind you and not causing them to feel uncertain, and cause the entire troupe to slow down and broke up.

2) bridge making communication
- We're splitted into 2 different groups and further broken down into smaller sub groups of 2.
- Then materials are given to 2 different main groups with 2 sub groups each.
- Objective is to build a bridge which able to withstand a weight of a 500ml mineral bottle.
- 40 mins to build it, tactics on own team decision.
- 2 time of 3mins discussion between the subgroups are given during intervals.
- End of the entire 40mins, both subgroups meet and combind what they have
Lessons from the activity:
I've learnt that communication is very important especially when the communication duration is very limited. Communication plays a crucial role in all sorts of situation. Each moment lost means alot to the other party as it might cause a life as well if we take it to serious terms.

3) conquer your height
- Climb up to about 1 & half story high and leap from one end to another about 150 cm away.
Lessons from the activity:
This activity is one of the unique and never-try-before experience I had! Also, it's one where I felt that it gave me a breakthrough personally, in terms stretching my guts and courage.

I feel that WUSTZNB is a very good school. Not only they provide a typical studying environment for every student, but also values impartation of what I've gone through today. I believed that every students in their grade 1, whom had went through these outbound activities, certainly would reap loads of good values and principles of life. Not only they come to school to study and make friends but they could bring back home something else if one puts heart at work during the activities. Furthermore, I believe by working together as a team, they are able to meet some good friends and, thus forming a strong bond of friendships with the never-forgetting experiences during the event.

Reflections of the day:
In the afternoon, while we're in a resturant having our lunch, my friends and myself witness an eating habit of the Chinese in Wuhan. They spit on the floor (inside the resturant) while eating. To some of my friends and even myself, we felt so awkward as it is very unhygienic. At first, I knew that China has this habit of spitting but I didn't know that they do it indoors, even in the resturant eating halfway! Somehow, we got very "urk" by that action with the sound of "gurping" of their phlegm.

3.01 Freeday!

2008-09-08T23:11:00.007+08:00

Today was free and easy as we don't have any lessons during PM. Currently, we're under the assignment period and my teamate ah bing and myself wrapped up most of it during the morning until 11am. After then, some of us went out 鲁巷的大洋百货 (Lu Xiang) for shopping. Based on what yj told me, it's the downtown of 武昌。

fashion/electronics departments {overall it looks like plaza singapura}

Upon reaching there, we ate quite alot as we didn't really had breakfast. Every main dish, we ordered an extra side dish to accompany it.

wanton,doupi,chicken sticks (like satay), main dishes

We spent almost 6 hours at there. The prices of the products sold there are rather the same with those in Singapore, thus I didn't buy much. Best buy of the day would be a pair Giordano berms which cost about 20 SGD.

Interestingly, they have starbucks too! Prices are cheaper by a little.

Reflections of the day:
Today when we're hogged at one of the electronics shop, selling memory sticks, my friends and I was quite shocked about the prices they sold the Sony Memory Stick PRO duo (4GB) about $150. Thus, I tried to bargain for a 3 times cheaper rate ($60), as at the other shop it cost about only $90. In the end, I got ticked off by the shopkeeper! She said I asked for too much! In the end, my friend went back to the other shop and got the $90 one which differs from the $150 one, as the cheaper one is a low speed memory stick while the other is a fast speed one! Thinking back, I think I embarassed myself with the shopkeeper. That was something stupid I did today, I supposed.

Another thing I noticed about the shops is that they are rather open for customers, really open, in terms of the counter is rather free to pass through. It's very different from those in Singapore where counter area are mostly prohibited from customers. As in, it's not really that customer could go and press the cashier or play around the counter area, just that they have products which is in the inner part of the counter, and they don't mind customers walked in to view their products.

jac

2.06 & 2.07 Fulfilling weekends!

2008-09-07T21:16:00.032+08:00

On saturday & sunday, I had a very fun and unique adventure out of WUST, that I can't find it in Singapore. We stayed in the resort near there. The resort is part consists of 3 scenic sites: The ancient Lülin camp (绿林寨), Mandarin Duck Stream (鸳鸯溪), Beauty Valley (美人谷), and Kongshan Cave (空山洞), covers an area of 115 km2.

Highlights of the weekend:

Whitewater rafting at Mandarin Duck Stream
Visitation of ancient army camp at Lülin
Travel to Beauty Valley (美人谷) by Bamboo raft to watch the scenic waterfalls

The Mandarin Duck Stream originates from the Bailongchi pool (白龙池) of Dahongshan Mountain (大洪山), and ends at the Guanyin pool (观音潭) at Lülinji town (绿林集镇).

Lülin (Green Forest, 绿林) Resort locates at the Jingshan County, it is the site of an ancient agrarian rebellion movements during the Han Dynasty, which is about 2000 years ago.

6th September 2008 九月六日两千八年

The journey to the resort takes about 3 hrs in bus. Although the bus ride is long and bored, but I managed to get alot of glimpses of how the state of the places and the people living in un-development areas.

agricultural areas/some haystacks (I wondered what is it for)

small pond/small houses along the roads

isn't the agricultural terraces nice..

the busy small street after a couple of houses

cultivated crops outside their houses

scenic terraces

narrow road path up to resort (starting point of rafting)

After 3 hours of busride, just before we nearly get to get onto the raft, we had a lunch.

10 dishes/favourite dish (I wonder what is it, texture taste like "chai po")

Overall the local dishes was moderate, not really suit to our taste, thus we left over quite alot. Anyway, the lunch kept us going and didn't disappoint our stomachs! Too bad for the water-rafting, I didn't bring along my camera. It was very fun and thrilling especially when there's a very steep slope down, putting hands up and whooo, bumped our bums on the rock at some parts though. Overall, it was a very thrilling and unique ride across the cooling, natural, uncertain lake! And the water is very cool and refreshing when I got in to save my stucked paddle! In the end, we got in second position! hehe..

After a short break @ the end point, we got up the bus and get on to our next activity to Beauty Valley (美人谷) on a bamboo raft. And yes, they have steam peanuts and they call it 山东花生. It is very nice as it taste almost like the one we had in "Pasa Malam".

start point of the bamboo raft/me,zhengwei,bingrong,shengkiat,chengteck,aishah,guoyuan

the rafting uncle driving 10 of us! *fit/ducklings swimming across the river

then.. we're on our own.. nature outburst!

waterfall/beauty valley's fall

the kampong kias (guoyuan & me)

me & mr. tan/walkthrough of the lakes/ponds & waterfalls

me with the waterfalls (the breeze very cooling & the water as well)

scenic waterfall

bingrong,me,guoyuan,zhengwei/me and my rafting partner (not bad we got 2nd, he's in d.boat before!)

It's about 6pm already when we finish trailing the waterfall areas. And we went back to our resort to have our dinner.

fireworks display at resort area! (someone bought it, nearly SGD 100 I think)

picture of the day: my grass sandles (it feels very comfortable *carpet)

7th September 2008 九月七日两千八年

BWAH! a good start for the day...

breakfast (the best meal in this resort)/bridge from resort to somewhere

Highlights of today: We went to visit the relics of an ancient campsite.

starting point with an portraits array of generals

13th general that became the emperor

Reflections for my weekends:
When I look out to the natural scenery, I feel very relax and would like to try living a life in the outdoors. Studying how the people live there, they looks very carefree and seems to be happy with their life. Cultivation of crops, growing agriculture for the family, it looks like kampong-style and the enjoyment comes when a few plays with the nature. I don't think in Singapore we could experience this kind of life. If there's a chance, I would really want to explore deeper into their rural culture. That makes me think that in every situation whenever one is in, there's always the high side and the low side of it; in other words it means something one likes & dislikes. Furthermore, there isn't any education center over there, from what I see along the road.

Living a life with the science & technology or nature?
- Farming on big hectares of land or Handling a bunch of employees in the office...
- Playing with the animals or Playing with your latest game in computer...
- Working out by running along the uneven roads/hills in the nature or Working out in the gym...

Thoughts for you to decide...

2.05 "Stupid"

2008-09-06T06:32:00.005+08:00

Today morning, we went to Coca Cola factory to see how their production line works. To my surprise, it is rather small. By looking and estimating the size of it, I think it's about 200m x 200m per room. It has a total of 4 different rooms, comprising of the water containers, preparing the bottles & fill, the mixture of the coke's ingredients,and packaging & distribution of the drink bottles.

cocacola

jacob ronaldo, too bad roberto carlos isn't inside (carlos is sad)

forbidden object

Although it's small, but I heard that it could produce about 150,000 bottles a day within the factory itself. I think it's quite alot already. It was quite a fun day over there but its period of stay is abit short. We spent about 1hr + over there only. Anyway it's a good experience and a catch up session with other students in our campus. I think I might get a wrong information about it over here, but somehow the factory is about like this.

coke collectibles

We're actually forbidden to take photos, but in the end, "Ji-kia, Ji-kia", taken! what do you think?

We received a sourvenir when we reached there. (a bottle of chilled coke!)

After the short trip, we went back to have lunch over at a wan ton stall near WUST. In my opinion, I think that stall serve the 2nd best food followed by a resturant near yj's house.

wan-ton

Today I dropped my Rollei the 2nd time and my Handphone the 4th time in China, but still surviving.

Reflections of today:
After chit chatting with yj, I got to know one of China's policy which is only 1 child is recommended per family, otherwise the family will be fined, or maybe I call it in better terms, which is to pay extra $ for that. Today I stayed out too late getting to know more about yj and I missed the curfew timing and caused my room-mate to attend a briefing for me. For that, I ought to learn to be more responsible as a leader. I really want to thanks guoyuan for stepping in for me.

Some random stuffs, chit chatting with Mr. Tan during mid-night:
- Every freshmen in WUST, they have to go through uniform group training for their first year. Ladies & Gentlemen, all is included in that activity. This is very interesting as Singapore doesn't have this culture.
- In the past, during 1982-1985, Ngee Ann is considered as a Private college and Singapore Polytechnic was famous at that time. Namely "Ngee Ann technical college"

He's humble and friendly! And he's good in Chinese Chess!

Yuan Jia, have a super enjoyable weekends with your prison break and have fun! ^^

jac

2.04 What a Day!

2008-09-05T00:24:00.007+08:00

Today woke up nearly late again and rushed to get ready for lesson. These few days the weather turned cooler. Yesterday it drizzle almost the entire night.

Walking from dorm. to class is about 1km+ and to that, we felt very cold because of the cold wind. Studying the local students behavior, they don't looked like they are feeling cold as they wore very little clothes. I think we're ought to adapt to the cold weather now!

Vegetable rice in canteen 3 (totalled about 10RMB)

After lunch, we had alot of things to do. As assignment is coming to a start next week, we are supposed to finish an exercise given by Mr. Tan this afternoon. We took awhile to complete it, mainly due to the craziness we went ahead in class. But anyway, the exercise was good when we get our minds & hands on, thinking of what is needed to be included in a project. Never I thought that a project management could be so complex, until today.

Zheng wei, Bingrong and myself went to play basketball about 5+ and we played 4 v 4 with the local students. We lost (7 - 11). I've to admit they are good eh!

In the evening, I went out to discuss with the rest of the leaders about the interaction activities for next wednesday, and they have decided to go shopping/bbq.

While walking out to eat, we saw zw & br and then we went out to eat together. We went to the wan-ton stall to eat. Their wan-ton is very huge. Each bowl contains about 10 wan-tons. It is very filling when I finish everything. Had a catch up with Joyce as well.

After dinning, we went to play snooker/pool in one of the street called 破街 "Broken Street". It is named that because the street is dirty.

While on the way to the snooker/pool shop, we saw a few of the rowdy students and overheard them saying about something funny "她有男朋友吗?" Then we laughed rather loud. He looked at us and said something to us. I think he thought we laughed at him.

We had a good time playing snooker/pool, underground. Anyway, the shop is opened by a foreign teacher in WUST. So the shop is a safe place to hang out. Furthermore, the friendly shopkeeper are students from WUST as well.

Reflections of the day: As a foreigner, I think we should be more humble & don't comment so much. Especially in our reactions to certain gestures/speech from others. Taking today's incident of that rowdy student for example, if we didn't ignored him, he might have a gang behind and could come crowd over us, then trouble would be evoked. Thus, I've ought to learn to be wise in my reactions especially in my actions and emotions about in certain sensitive situations.

Signing out,

jac

Shout backs

2008-09-04T01:20:00.002+08:00

>KIAHUI: Yup! I'm studying a Core Module - Project Management (PM) a 3rd semester module. I think you'll surely have the chance in NYP, so don't missed it!!! :D Aren't you working? Long Hols... Meanwhile, have fun and TC!

>cyn: hahaha!! I don't see any cricket anywhere, except one of it on the floor while walking back yesterday. It was quite huge, but didn't manage to take a pic. of it. *just imagine it as the size of my head!* Scary aren't it? Hope the doc. isn't giving you much troubles! Or if so, you tell him my name, he'll scared liao. Haha! Well, you have a good time in polyclinic and have fun everyday.