OELP daily reflections (Carissa)

Day 0

24/05/2014

Finally, the day we have all been waiting for. It's the first day of OELP! Maybe not the official first day but it's the first day we reach China. Firstly, we boarded the bus to the hotel where we will be staying for a day. When we arrived at the hotel, we got off the bus and the 师父 was taking our luggage snout. At this point, some classmates went forward and helped to take out the luggages. I felt that it was very helpful of them and I was glad to see this when we are only on the first day of our trip. Then, we went into the hotel and had our rest after the long flight. 

Day 1

25/05/2014

Today is the official first day of our trip. Firstly in the morning, we boarded the high-speed rail to Hefei. The ride lasted for 4 hours and most of us were either sleeping or watching movies. No one was really interested in viewing the scenery outside. Me myself was also not appreciating the scenery and thinking back, I feel quite bad for not spending that time to view the scenery and learn more about what is happening in China. However, after the high-speed rail, we left the station and right after we came out, almost all of us smelt a burning smell. At first, we thought that there was something burning outside. However, we realized that it was not the burning of things. It was due to the massive amount of people smoking outside. I feel that they should stop smoking and and totally quit smoking as smoking is not only bad for them but also bad for others if they breath in the smoke that it gives out. Smoking is bad for ourselves as it damages our lungs. I also saw many litter on the ground such as the high-speed rail ticket or food wrappers. This is also very inconsiderate as the things that the throw on the ground will all be cleared by the cleaners and it will be very tiring and stressful for them. Anyway, after that, we had to take a short walk to our bus, which included crossing a road. However, the roads in China were very different from Singapore. The cars could go almost anywhere they wanted and us, carrying our luggages were all having a hard time trying to cross the road. It was rather scary as we do not know when a car might suddenly just turn in. Hence, we had to act fast. After that, we went to 三河古镇. We saw many old buildings where lifelike stay and it is also the place where many famous people like 杨振宁 and 孙立人 used to live. I learnt that 杨振宁 was the first Chinese man to win a Nobel award in physics. Also, at 三河古镇, there was a limited supply of electricity of water and they made a living by selling toys or food to interest the visitors. I feel that they are very pitiful and hope more people can help them in one way or another to improve their lives. After  that, we went to have dinner before we check in to our hotel where we would be staying for 3 nights. 

Outside high-speed rail:

Day 2

26/05/2014

Today, we went to 合肥45中 to observe their lessons. But on the way there, the guide introduced and explained to us many things about 合肥. For example, I learnt that VCD and washing machines all started from 合肥; although 合肥 is near 南京 and 杭州, the flat prices are completely different; the life in 合肥 is slower as compared to 上海、南京 etc.; 合肥 has a 35000000 population;in 合肥, the ratio is 1 person to 1 big tree whereas in 上海, the ratio is 8 people to 1 big tree. The name 安徽 came from 安庆府 and 徽州府 which forms 安徽. There is also a saying: 生在扬州，玩在苏州，死在柳州，葬在惠州。

After that, we arrived at our destination, 合肥45中. We went to hefei 45 zhong today for school exchange program. Firstly,we went to our group's class to learn with them. We had history and Chinese in the morning. The students there were rather proactive and always takes the initiative to answer questions asked. They were also very synchronized when they were reading although there was a total of 61 students in class. However, I feel that they were rather rowdy as during their free time, 10 minutes in between each 40 minutes lesson, they will be running around and making lots of noise during that period of time. Next, we went to have lunch at 三河酒家. The food there was relatively good as compared to the previous day. After lunch, we went back to the school and had computer and English lessons. The way their English lessons was conducted was rather different as compared to Singapore. They did not have English lessons like we do, whereas, they received articles and had to translate them into Chinese. This was rather a surprise as we did not expect their English lesson to be so different from ours. After English lesson, they performed a performance for us to welcome us which I think was rather thoughtful of them. They had performance such as guzheng and guitar. They also presented to us on the history and information on both Singapore and china. After that, we had quite of a shock. We were called to perform in front of the whole class. We were asked to sing 'counting stars' by one republic. Previously, they had asked some of us the pop songs that we liked and we really didn't expect that surprise performance. We were all very shy and did not really dare to sing out loud. However, the other two students that performed with us were rather active and sang with us. I can see the effort they put in for the performance. After all these, we went to our buddy's house. 

Sin yee and I went together with our buddy as our buddies stayed rather close to each other. Firstly, we went to sinyee's buddy house, before going to my buddy house. Our buddies and their family members were very friendly and they offered us lots of things, like ice cream, honeydew, and a fruit that we never tried before, pipa. After that, we went to the 夜市, where they sell many things from shoes, to cosmetics, to bags and street food. Our buddies suggested to us many street food which are very famous but we couldn't try it as we were not allowed to as it could be dirty which might cause us to fall sick. However, we bought many other things such as lamps, hair bands and so on. After that, it was close to the gathering time so we had to go back to the school. During the car trip back, my buddy gave us things such as snacks and tidbits which we can bring back to Singapore. Her mum also offered to give me two big pots of tea leaves which is very expensive. However, as it was too expensive for us to keep and it was also a hassle to bring such a big box of teapots and tea leaves back to Singapore, we had to return it back to them and although they kept insisting that I keep it, I had to return it back to them. After that, we gathered back at the school and we were forced to part with our buddies. However, we agreed to chat with each other via email and keep in touch. Then, we went for dinner and went back to our hotel.

Hefei 45 zhong: 

One of the performance by the students:

Pictures with our buddies:

5 things I love about RV ((explain based on school experience))

1) cleanliness

After the experience in hefei 45 zhong, I now feel that the toilets in RV are considerably clean and not smelly as compared to hefei 45 zhong. 

2) the size of the classroom

I feel that the size of the classroom in Singapore is considerably big as compared to China. There is almost 60 students in a classroom which is almost the same size as ours in Singapore, when we have around 30 students. Hence, I feel that our classroom is considerably big as we have lesser students but the almost the same classroom size. Their classroom is rather cramp due to their small classroom size but large amount of students.

3) noise level

I feel that the noise level in our school is low as compared to hefei 45 zhong. We are not as rowdy as them and we don't make as much noise as them during our break times and don't run about.

4) canteen

We have a canteen in RV whereas they don't. Thus, whenever they want to have lunch, they have to go home just to have lunch and come back to have lunch which is a hassle whereas here in RV, we can just go downstairs to the canteen to have our lunch and go back for lessons immediately.

5) learning environment 

The ration of students to a class is around 60 to 1 in china whereas in Singapore, the ration is around 30 to 1. This means that we can have a better environment to study in as there are lesser students and the teachers would be able to focus on each of us more and not on so many students. Thus, we would be able to study better and not lose concentration so easily.

Day 3

27/05/2014

We went to anhui museum and the intangible cultural heritage park today. At the anhui museum, we were brought around by a tour guide and we learnt about how many things evolved from past to present. The things/equipments that they used last time as compared to now are totally different. This shows how the things/equipments changes as technology improves. There was also a 文房四宝 part of the museum where we could learn more about how the things were made and how it improved as the time go by. 

Next, we went to the intangible cultural heritage park to watch rooster fighting, horse and dog relay and the circus. The way they were treated were very cruel. The animals were forced to fight against each other and for example, the rooster had to fight against each other and their feathers were dropping as the fought. After that, we went to see the circus performance. We saw animals which are known to be ferocious, such as the tiger and lion, being abused by the performers. They were being hit by a metal pole and they don't even have their own right to fight back. They were being abused very cruelly and even when they tried to fight back, they were being threatened by the metal pole, and they might have even starved the tiger and lion so that they will listen to them. I felt that this was very cruel of them as the animals have their feelings, their emotions, their life. Although they aren't able to speak, they are still living things and should have their own choice. They should not be abused by the performers and have their own say. Although I know they also need to earn money to make a living, they could have other choices and not only abuse animal or such just to make money from it. They could work as waiters or study to earn a qualification to get a job. I feel that as long as thy put in effort to find a job, they will be able to find it and not work at the circus torturing animals. 

Outside the museum:

文房四宝: 

Colour: red

I chose red as it shows anger in it which depicts me when I watch the performance.

Symbol: :<

Same as the colour, I chose this symbol as I feel angry about what the performers did to the animals which was very cruel.

Image: 

I chose this image as I feel that the performers could go and find some other jobs which does no harm to animals or any other living things thus saving the animals.

Day 4

28/05/2014

Today, we took a 4 hour bus ride to 黄山 after breakfast. After the 4 hour bus ride, we finally arrived at our destination! We went to have lunch before we went to board the bus for the cable car ride. We went to take the cable car up to 黄山 and we went to the hotel to put down our things before we proceed to conquer 黄山! We then began our journey up 黄山 climbing up all the flights of steps. After climbing flights after flights of stairs, we finally reached the top of 黄山! The view was breathtaking. We took lots of photos of all the scenery which was 👍👍. It was getting late hence we had to leave the place and head back down to our hotel for dinner. On our way down we saw a man wearing a rat costume and we even took a photo with him. We were also singing songs on the way down and it was extreme fun. We even caught the sunset on the way down! After having our dinner, it was time to sleep as we had to wake up at early the next day  to catch the sunrise. 

In the cable car:

Huangshan:

Huangshan with the teachers:

Photo with man in rat costume:

Photos while climbing and singing on the way down the mountain:

Sunset:

Day 5

29/05/2014

We woke up at 4am today to see the sunrise. The guide told us that there was only a 50% chance to be able to see the sunrise but nonetheless! all of us woke up to view the sunrise. We climbed a little and waited for the sunrise. The sunrise was really, really, really nice and spectacular. It was totally beautiful. After that, we were given time to explore 黄山 ourselves. We went to place our things back at the hotel before we went to explore. We climbed for a while before we found a place where we could sit down and relax and we took lots of photos. After that, we went to have breakfast before going with the tour guide to explore other parts of 黄山. By chance, we met an RV senior who graduated in year 1967 and we even sang the school song at the mountain with him. He actually still remembers the school song! He really makes the school proud! After that, we took a cable car back down. Then, it was time to go on to our next destination, Hongcun Ancient Village. The village was built for the 汪 family. We were told that due to superstition, the people will place the mirror on the left, the vase on the right, and a clock in the middle which stands for 终生平静, peace for their entire life. We also learnt about 马头墙, which can help when there is a fire and when the fire breaks out, it won't spread to the houses around it. 

Sunrise: 

During free time when we were allowed or explore the mountain:

Picture with RV senior:

Cable car on the way down:

Hongcun:

Positions of things on table:

Day 6

30/05/2014

Today, we went to Xidi Ancient Village. The houses were rather similar to those in Hongcun. One interesting fact that I learnt is that there was a circular table in every house which could be split into a semicircle. If the flat side of both semicircles are against the walls, it means that the owner of the house is not home and the person should leave. If the tables are placed together in the middle of the house, it means that the owner is at home.

After that, we went to Huishang Big House. From the name of the house, we know that the house is indeed very big and grand. After all these, we had a 2 hour cultural talk after dinner by 胡善风教授 who is the 黄山学院副校长. This lecture made me learnt a lot more about Anhui which I have never known before. 

Entrance at Xidi Ancient Village:

Inside Xidi Ancient Village:

Day 7

31/05/2014

Today, early in the morning, we went to Tunxi Ancient Street to shop! We bought quite a few number of things for our family and friends back in Singapore. However, the time given was rather short and we couldn't really look around to shop for what we want. After that, we took a bus ride to 杭州 to have lunch. After that, we went to take the West Lake Cruise. It was very nice seeing the scenery along the way on the cruise. After that, we walked to Yue Fei Mausoleum. There was a statue of Yue Fei and many people were paying respect to it. 

After that, we took a long bus ride to Pudong airport. We were all singing and playing on the bus. I guess everyone did not feel like leaving China after all the days we spent as a class thus everyone wanted to make the last day even more memorable and have fun together. We reached Pudong airport and went to have dinner separately. After that, we checking in and we were then notified that our plane is delayed by one hour, and we got a $130 coupon for food. However, as we already had our dinner, we bought food at Burger King and gave it out to strangers whom we see on the way. We still had some coupons left over so we bought ice cream to give out to others. Time passed by so fast and it is time to say goodbye.

View from West Lake Cruise:

At Yue Fei Mausoleum:

To end off, this trip was really very memorable. It is an awesome trip which bonds our class together even more. This trip really taught me lots of things and I hope everyone too! Hope we will be granted another chance to go on a trip as a class again and refresh our memories together as a class. 

Last but not least, a class photo on top of Huangshan.

oelp daily reflections (Raphaela)

Day 1

(25/5/14)

Today we went to San He (三河), honestly I didn't really enjoy myself as I find that the guide couldn't really capture our attention. Like she was kinda absorbed in her own world and didn't really bothered to see if we understood. However, I pretty much enjoyed the the train ride from Shanghai to Anhui, Hefei. As it was my first taking the high speed rail, which is a brand mew experience for me. Also I  realized that I felt little homesick just after a few hours as I couldn't get used to the food here and the environment, but this is something that I have to learn from the trip. I have to learn how to adapt to the environment. However, the hotel was much better than I expected and I'm pretty much satisfied with the place we're staying so far.

Day 2

(26/5/14)

Today we went to visit Hefei 45 Zhong (合肥45中). Today I learnt a lot of things about my buddy and her classmates. I was really thankful that her classmates were so welcoming towards us. Also, her chairperson even took the initiative to talk to me when she saw me and my buddy on the street and she was very friendly. She also told me that the class was really anticipating our arrival and had been doing so since 8 in the morning which is their first lesson. Though at first me and my group members were really awkward with them, but however after sometime we got closer to them. During the lessons, my group members and I couldn't really understand the lessons but we didn't have to worry much as we have our buddies to help us through by guiding and explaining things to us slowly so as to ensure that we understand. However I was a little disappointed as I couldn't help my partner out during her English lessons as they knew that we were better in English compared to them. However we were unable to help out as the way they had English lessons were totally different from ours. Not only that I also realized that the teaching style in china is really different from Singapore. I was also really thankful that their English/Formteacher gave us a really warm welcome and even sayed her goodbyes to us when we left and even when we performed not only that she gave us the most support of of the class. Throughout the whole day where we spent most of the time at their school, I learned also learned that the students in China were really enthusiastic in learning and were really eager to answer the questions their teachers ask. Not only did their passion of learning amaze me as despite the fact that their learning environment is not as good as ours, which was cramp and stuffy, they still were really attentive in class and could answer the questions their teachers ask. Unlike them, we have very good learning environment, however we don't cherish it and take it for granted. Hence, all in all I think that today was a fruitful day for me.

5 things I like about RV:

-the not so stuffy learning environment 

-quiet learning environment

-the short school hours 

-the small number of the classmates 

-the nicer smelling toilets than compared to the toilets in China 

Day 3

(27/5/14)

Today we went to the Anhui Museum and to the Cultural Park. At the museum we learnt a lot of about the different things learnt in different dynasties. However, at the Cultural Park I learnt the most there. Our guide took us to watch chickens fight each other and it was really heartbreaking seeing it as there were so thin and were all almost featherless and yet they still have to be used to fight with their own species. Next was the dog racing show, when the dogs were being lead out to the open space intront of us by their trainers, at that moment I felt like bringing those dogs home and take care of them. Even though I'm scared of them I still had to urge to take care of them myself because I know that I can take better care of them than compared to the local people. The dogs were so skinny it's almost as if you gone see their bones protruding out and it was disheartening to see this scene. I also couldn't help but think that the dogs that are wandering around on the streets are maybe happier than these dogs. 

Next up was the circus performance. It was by far the most cruel performance I've watched. Firstly, the tigers came out being lead their trainers at first I though it was gonna be some really dangerous performance for the trainers and pitied them. However, my sympathy for them instantly changed and instead felt sympathy for the tigers as they were being commanded by the trainers to do things that they are unwillingly to do and they were being beaten with a metal stick by their trainers. At the point of the time, I started tearing up as I think that animals should have basic respect from their trainers. As the tigers are also living things, they have feelings too. They don't deserve to be treated like that and being abused by humans. Hence, it made me feel very angry and sad at the same time as the tiger was being mistreated. 

Day 4

(28/5/14)

Today, we took a 4 hour long bus journey to the mid of Huangshan(黄山). However, we still had to take the cable car and climb in order to reach the peak of Huangshan. But, taking the cable car to the peak was mission impossible for him as I have fear of heights. However, thanks to my friends and the encouragment the teachers gave me I took the courage to step into the cable car carriage. Although I was still shaking when I was in the carriage I was thankful that I had my helpful classmates who comforted me and allowed me to hold onto them. 

When we got downt the cable car, I was taken aback by our guide as she said we had to climb 20mins to our hotel and then continuing climbing around 3hours to see different sites. But this trip isn't called OELP for nothing. Though it was tiring that we have to climb so many steps and for so long, but thanks to this opportunity we were able to get to know people we don't usually talk to in class more and bond more with classmates, as we kept giving encouragment to each other. 

Day 5 

(29/5/14)

Today we woke up extra early just to be able to see the beautiful scene of the sun rise from Huangshan.Neverthelss, the scene of the sunrise didn't disappoint me at all. It was by far one of the most beautiful scenes I've ever seen.  

After breakfast, we climbed to the other side of Huangshan and looked around to see other nice scenery in Huangshan. Who knew, coincidentally, we met a RV senior who graduated in 1967☺️We even sang the school song with him and took a group picture with him.🎶📷

After that, it was time we left Huangshan and head to our next destination yixian, which has 200 years of history😱

Day 6 

(30/5/14)

Today, we went to visit different villages. We learnt a lot from this visit as we learnt the stories about almost each and every corner of the place through the local tour guide who explained everything to us in detail. Hence, making us realize that things may look about the same on the outside but the story they are about to tell us different. 

We also had talk about Anhui in the evening. The talk allowed us to learn a lot more about the cultural difference between Anhui and Singapore and also we learned a lot more about Anhui either than the things that we learned in the past few days. 

Lastly to end off the night, we also had circle time. It allowed us to learn how some people honestly feel about certain things and allowed many of us to learn that we shouldn't hurt others feelings because we don't really know the story behind everything that is happening to him/her. This circle time made our class grow even closer and attached to each other. Also, Mr Wong also showed us a video which he edited and I was truly touched by his video because it made me have many emotions. 

Day 7 

(31/5/14) 

Today we went to the ancient street of Tunxi(屯溪老街) to shop. Although there were many things we wanted buy, we could only buy things where we really find that is rare in Singapore as we were only given 40mins to shop😔👜 we still had a really fun time as this was the first and last time we got to buy anything from Anhui☺️

Afterwards, after our short yet fun shopping we headed to Hangzhou. It was another bus journey that took 2.5 hours. At hangzhou, we sat a boat across the river. Even though the view wasn't as pretty as the view at Huangshan, we still had fun on the boat. 

Finally after our Hangzhou trip, it was time for us to head to the airport to go back to home sweet home🏡at the airport, we were given free time to have dinner with our friends and it was by far my best meal throughout the whole trip as I was eating with the people that never fails to brighten up my days withou fail. After dinner, we even went to Starbucks to have a drink☕️I finally satisfied my craving for Starbucks✌️However, who knew that our flight had been delayed by 1h which meant that I will reach home one hour later😭but we were given coupons where we could claim free meals but be so we already had our dinner, we decided to claim the ice creams🍦but we were given two ice cream hence we decided to give one of it to a random stranger🍨

Although, at the start I hated the trip a lot, but as the days passed, I slowly enjoyed myself more and a fun time as I learned a lot of different things throughout the trip😄

oelp daily reflections (Mei Ling)

DAY 1 (25/4/14)

Today we took the High Speed Rail from Shanghai to HeFei and had lunch. Lunch today wasn't that satisfying and the toilets there totally disgust us but it wasn't that bad since we already had some mental preparation that the toilets in China will not be as clean as Singapore's. After lunch we went to 三河古镇 where I learnt a lot about some of the famous people in china history. 三河古镇 is a place with where many outstanding people in china's history resides. Some of the people i learnt about were 孙立人，李鸿章 and 杨振宁. One interesting fact i have learnt was that 杨振宁 was the Chinese man to receive a nobel prize and he specializes in physics. 

DAY 2 (26/5) 

Today, we went to 合肥45中 for a observation program. On our way there, the new tour guide told us many many facts about Anhui and HeFei. Some of the more interesting and new facts to me were that the happiness index of the people living in Hefei is the highest in the whole of China! I was very shocked by this fact. Next, HeFei has the highest increase of GDP for a consecutive 8 years! I have always thought that Hefei is a not so developed place in China but instead, it was the total opposite thus i was taken aback by this fact. 

Next, after traveling on the bus for quite a period of time, we finally reached the school! Firstly, we went for class with our buddies. There are a few things that i have noticed about the differences in classes in China and Singapore. The students in china are really pro-active!! Whenever the teaches asks a question, the students will immediately shout out the answers. This leads me to my next point, i realised that the china students do not raise their hands before answering questions. In Singapore, it is a must to always raise our hands before talking in class as it is deemed as a form of respects towards to teachers. Also, they do not greet their teachers when they enter the classroom. It is a must for us to greet teachers when they enter the classroom as it is again, a form of respect. However, from their actions, we can see that they respect their teachers a lot although they do not do what singaporeans think is respectful. They also have a 10 min break after every 40 min class. I feel that Singapore schools should implement this so that we will not doze off so easily in class as we can use the break to rest and prepare for the next class. After having lessons with our buddies, they brought us out. My buddy brought me to her house and to the park. 

After spending a day in the school with my buddy, i've discovered that they are many differences between the education system of China and Singapore. 

5 things i love about RV:

-cleanliness

-hygiene

-quiet

-class size not too big

-classroom is big enough for a class

After a day in the school, i've realised that their toilets are very dirty and smelly. They have almost 60 students in a class with a very small classroom which makes their seats really cramped. They are also very noisy during their breaks which will get irritating sometimes. Therefore, i am thankful for the above 5 things mentioned.

DAY 3 (27/5) 

Today, we went to the anhui museum in the morning. At the museum i've learnt about the different things used in different dynasties such as windows, pots and memorial archways. One of the more interesting part of the museum i that 文房四宝 gallery. There, i learnt more about how the paper is made, i also learnt that the 毛笔 are made of different animals' hair such as rooster and rat. 

Next, we went to the intangible cultural heritage park. We went to watch rooster fighting, dog relay and a circus show. The rooster's feathers were dropping and its whole chest was red with many injuries. The dogs were so skinny that we can see its bones. The circus show started off with the circus master commanding the animals to do some acts. They beat them when the animals didn't obey them. I was very angry and sad. I feel that tigers should be living freely in the wild life but instead, they are captured and forced to perform these inhumane acts. Though animals are not like human, having to ability to talk, they still have a life and they still have feelings. I believe that everyone should have the freedom to not do things that they do not like. Likewise for animals, they also have a life and they should be living freely, wildly in the wild life instead of being enclosed in such a place getting tortured by, getting deprived of the rights they have. Although i am strongly against these acts of abuse, i also understand that the circus masters also have to make money to live. However i still think that this is a wrong way to make money. Being able bodied, they have many other choices to make money. 

DAY 4 (28/5)

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off on a 4-hour bus journey to 黄山! After the long journey on the bus, we finally arrived at 黄山市. After lunch we boarded the bus again to the cable car. We then took the cable car up to 黄山 and climbed our way up. 

After climbing countless flights of stairs, we finally reached the peak of 黄山!! The scenery up on 黄山 was totally breathtaking. It is no doubt a must-see in china. After exploring the mountains for quite some time, we headed back down to our hotel and had dinner. Sadly, we did not have any debrief tonight as we have to sleep well and wake up at 4am tomorrow to catch the sunrise! 

DAY 5 (29/5)

Woke up at 4am today to see sunrise at huangshan!! The guide told us that there is only a 50% chance of us seeing the sunrise as it is spring now, however all of us woke up at 4.30 to see the sunrise. And we saw the sunriseseeeee!! It is my first time catching the sunrise and it was reaaaaallyyyyyy beeeaauutiifuull~ *.* no regrets waking up at such a unearthly hour to catch the sunrise!!

After breakfast we went back up the mountains and had some free time to explore 黄山! With such beautiful scenery, who wouldn't spam pictures up there? Coincidentally met a rv senior who graduated in 1967 up there and we sang the school song with him in 黄山! Before we know it, it already time for us to leave 黄山 and head to our next destination. Already missing the beautiful 黄山! 

Next stop: yixian!

We visited yixian, a place with 200 years of history! They have a drain with steps above it to allow them to wash their clothes without obstructing the way. They also designed the houses in a way that if a fire breaks out, the houses surrounding it would not catch the fire. 

DAY 6 (30/5)

Today, we went to visit many villages such as 徽商大宅院 and tangyue. I realised that although all the villages belonged to different people, they all looked rather similar. I especially like the village with the seven memorial archways, each with a different story and meaning behind it. Some of the stories behind the memorial archways are about loyalty, filial piety and chastity. 

After visiting many villages today, we had a 2 hour lecture at night. The whole lecture allowed me to know more about Anhui's history, local food, and its famous people. It definitely increased my knowledge on Anhui!

After the lecture, we had a circle time. The circle time allowed us to know more about our classmates and made me reflect on myself and the trip. It made me think about the purpose of the trip and if i have achieved it. After watching the slideshow of all the pictures Mr Wong took, it made me really sad that this trip is coming to an end. 

DAY 7 (31/5)

Time flies, today is already our last day of the trip. Cant help to feel sad that the trip i was looking forward to since the start of the year is ending... 

We visited TunXi Ancient street in the morning to SHOP!! There were many things to buy there but however, we were only given 40 mins to shop which everyone thinks its not enough. One thing i've bought there was a fan where the owner would think of something meaningful out of your name and then write on the fan on the spot! 

Next, we boarded the bus again towards Hang Zhou. After 2.5 hours of bus ride, we finally reached and had our lunch there. After lunch, we went to take a West Lake cruise. As it was a man-made lake, the scenery around it was not that nice but still, we took many pictures at the back of the boat and enjoyed the cruise!

After the cruise, we walked over to the Yue Fei Mausoleum. Yue Fei is a man who loved his country and was loyal to his country. There is a round shaped tomb at the end of the mausoleum where they say Yue Fei is buried in it. Many respected him a lot and paid respect to him. 

We headed to the airport next. It is really sad to be leaving China, to be leaving the good times spent with our teachers and friends. We had dinner ourselves at the airport. We got some free coupons as our flight got delayed and since we already ate, we used the coupons to buy 2 ice-creams where we ate one ourselves and decided to give some random strangers the other one! Better to give than to receive :)

This oelp trip has definitely achieved its aim of us wanting us learn more about China and have fun in the process!! :D