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November 22, 2008

16th Nov 2008 ... Rise and Shine... i woke up excited about the Home Visitation Trip to my buddy's home.After eating breakfast,we gather at the lobby and set off to An Ning Middle School.When we arrived at An Ning Middle School we was welcomed by a group of excited families,we too was excited at the sight of them.We were group in pairs,i was grouped with Sze Hui.When it is our turn to meet our ''relatives'',both of us was anxious to find out who would we be picked up by and sent to their home.Finally,the wait is over,both of us was greeted warmly by them.Having introduced ourself to one another,we proceeded to their family car,and was sent home .Althought we seldom talk during the ride,we slowly began to communicate with one another.

After around ten minutes we reach the house.It's a condonminum and they lived at the 6 floor which is the highest floor of that condominum.After giving them the fruits we brought for them ,we sitted down on the sofa and i looked around the house,it is well decorated and i feel that it is very clean.After a while we started to interact with them.We talk about Singapore and China.We know about one another hobbies.

Then,we was told to write Chinese Calligraphy.''Father'' wrote first, and indeed he wrote very well. I was amazed at how nice he wrote the words,he showed us his works that he wrote before.

Then it's my turn to write.We wrote for quite a few pieces before it is lunch time.The lunch is quite nice,there is many food such as rice cakes,dumplings filled with vegetables.After the scrumptous meal,we went to to a nearby park took some photo before going to another place called WenQuan which translated into english is hot spring.It is named hot spring as there is many hot springs in that area.

We went to a temple there after that we went to a monastery.Both of the places is quite intresting.After vistiting this two places we went back to An Ning Middle School.

It is a fun & intresting day and I know a lot more about the way people live in China.

November 21, 2008

Home Visitation

Shi Hui and Justin

Syafiqa

Kok Yong

Adriana

November 18, 2008

8th Day ...

Today, is the last breakfast we would be having in the hotel. We woke up early in the morning to have our breakfast and went to check out of the hotel. Some of us have to settle some payment as we made overseas call.

Then, after checking out of the hotel, we went to a milk factory called 美栏 (mei lan). The milk factory had sent reporter to take a few photos of us. A woman of the factory introduced to us their achievements throughout the past few years. We had also saw awards that the factory had earned. Beside that, they also introduce to us how the milk is being processed and produced. After that, they brought us into a small room and they were so generous that they gave each one of us a yogurt milk which have a flavour of either strawberry/peach.

After that, we proceeded to the bird and flower market. When we reached there, we were each given a tag which enable us to get discounts when we buy their products. After that, we went to taste various kinds of coffee. The coffee tasted so nice! After that, we went to taste some crispy biscuits. The biscuits tasted so delicious that most of us bought a few boxes of it. Then, we went to see different kinds of flowers. The flowers looked so beautiful. Most of us bought eggs which contains flowers in it and a plastic cup which contains flowers too! It was the first time most of us saw eggs containing flowers. I was surprised when I saw it too. After that, we proceeded to the supermarket where we could find almost everything there. All of us purchased lots of goods from that supermarket.

After that, we proceeded for our last lunch. All of us ate till we were full and satisfied. After eating, we proceeded to the airport. When we reached the airport, Anning Middle School's teachers had already arrived. They give each one of us a picture of our group photo where we had taken it in Anning Middle School. We were all so touched by their actions. Then, we bid farewell to them and went in the custom. When we had checked into the custom, we waited to board our plane. While waiting, several of us went for shopping. Most of us bought soft toys of panda. The panda looked so cute and adorable.

Then, it was time to board the plane. The plane ride took around 4 hours. Most of us played card games in the plane, When the plane was about to land, all of us were so excited to meet our parents. When the plane landed, all of us ran as fast as we could to check out and collect our luggage. Then, we filled in a survey and bid goodbye to our teachers and friends. All of us had spent a memorable time in Kunming.

November 17, 2008

7th Day

Today, after eating our breakfast, we proceed to Anning Middle School. Today, it would be a memorable day for all of us as it would be the last day that we were be going to visit Anning Middle School. When we reached there, we proceed to the sport hall to learn the Yi dance. Anning Middle School was so kind to us that they specially made arrangement for us to wear the costumes. The costumes is so colourful and beautiful as it was the first time all of us wore it. Anning Middle School's teacher was so kind that they specially took time to take individual photo of us wearing the costumes. After taking the photos, we started learning the Yi dance. We all enjoyed it as it was the first time we all learnt how to dance.Yi dance was quite easy to dance. We also learnt how to dance using three bamboo poles whichlie on the floor. After learning the Yi dance, we proceed to the library for a rest while having some refreshment. While having our refreshment, we were divide into groups of 4.

Then, a student from Anning Middle School would bring a group to their class for student interaction. We went to various class where all the students were kind and funny. In the class, the student told us what are some delicious dishes that were found there and what were some famoust tourists spot. We also told them what were some of Singapore's delicious dishes and what were some of the famous places in Singapore. We recite a famous poems and played some games. Then, it was time to bid goodbye to the class.

After that, we proceed to the sport hall to learn Tai dance. We wore back the same beautiful costumes. Then, we started learning the Tai dance. Tai dance is much harder to dance than Yi dance. After learning the Yi dance, it was time for the farewell ceremony. We saw different kind of nice performance.The students were all talented. We played some exciting games like passing the hoop-la-hoop and passing the balloon till the music stopped. The person who was still holding the balloon when the music stopped would had to perform something. The game was extremely fun and it also allowed us to bond together with our China's buddy. Then, we went to take a group photo when Anning Middle School gave us each a bag. Then Anning Middle school gave the teachers a picture. Our school also gave Anning Middle School some gifts. Then, it was time for us to exchange gifts with our buddies. All of were excited and thankful for their presents. Then, all of us exchanged address with our buddies so that we could continued to stay touched. Then, it was time to bid goodbye to our buddy.

After that, we proceed for our last dinner. The meal was sumptous. After that,we proceed back to our hotel early as we had to pack our luggage.

November 16, 2008

6th Day (home visitation)

As usual, had breakfast and proceeded to Anning Middle School for a one day educational tour to experience the lifestyle of the local students. It was the first time for all of us as we would be going to a stranger house the whole day. All of us felt nervous at first. When we reached Anning Middle School. We were introduced to the various families. Justin and me(Shi Hui) were introduced to a girl buddy.

Her parents were kind and treated us like their guests. Some of them went to their buddy house by car while some of them walked there. Justin and me took a car there. When we reached our buddy house, we were greeted with a warm smile. Our buddy godfather and godmother were very kind to both of us. They told us to treat their house as our own house and feel free to walked around. Our buddy cut some fruits for both of us. We felt so touched by her actions.

After resting in their house for a short while,our buddy bought us to the arcade. She was so kind and generous that she treated Justin and me some games. After playing, she treated us some drink. After drinking, we went for shopping. Justin and me bought lots of pens and keychains as we both felt that the things sold in Kunming is much more cheaper than Singapore.

After that, we went back home for lunch. Before eating the lunch, our buddy godfather gave Justin and me each a poster of pictures which he took. We also took a individual photo with our buddy and the poster. The poster looked so nice and beautiful. Then, we proceed for our lunch. Our buddy godfather took a phot of us eating. I did not ate much as the food tasted wired. But Justin seemed to enjoy eating the food. Our buddy godfather gave us some nuts while her grandmother gave us some plum. They were extremely kind and generous to us.

After that, we proceed to a place called 风山 (Feng Shan). It was very fun as we had to cross several bridges and it was quite tiring for us as we had to climb lots of steep slopes. Our buddy seemed so energetic that she went so fast up the slope. Justin and me felt so tired that we went up the slope as slow as a snail. Along the way, there were several swings for people to play and rest on. After walking for a while, we finally met up with some of our friends. Some of our friends were so daring that they swing with a rope across a pond of water to get into the other end. We played with the swings and see-saw. It was so fun as i have not played with the swing and see-saw for a long time. After going there, Justin suggested going to the arcade again. When he was playing, i went down with my buddy and she treated Justin and me a cup of drink. I bought some pens again. Then, at around 5.15pm, our buddy's parents sent us back to Anning Middle School then we bid goodbye to them. After that, we went for dinner at Wei Long hotel. It was a memorable experience for all of us.

By: Shi Hui and Justin.

6th Day (home visitaion)

Had breakfast in the morning and went to Anning Middle School for one day educational tour to experience the lifestyle of the local students. I(Syafiqa) was grouped with Nora and Maisarah. Our buddy name is Mike Victor. His parents were very affable. We greeted them in chinese and gave the fruits that we bought for them.

We took a car drove by Mike's father to their house. It was a huge 4 stories banglo.

We were served varities of fruits that cannot be found in Singapore or fruits that i've never taste before. We were pleased with the way they treated us by providing heater as we were shivering in coldness. Mike is a talented person. He played guitar and piano for us. He also taught me how to play piano. Had difficulties at first but with the help from Mike, I finally can play a song. Not forgetting also a gift from Mike's mother. She gave a necklace to each of us. We thanked her in chinese and gave a wide smile. We were overwhelmed as it was so nice of her.

Mike playing piano.

in his room
After that, we went to have lunch at a halal restaurant. We ate with the other malay groups.

Proceeded to Hot Spring Spa to climb mountains. We had fun together climbing and laughing at the same time. Even though it's tiring but I enjoyed it as I won't get to climb mountains in Singapore. Visit a temple near the Hot Spring Spa after that.

We went back to Anning Middle School and took group photos together with the family. Thanked the family for being nice to us and bid goodbye to them. Went for dinner at Islamic Restaurant and proceeded back to hotel to prepare for tomorrow activities. What a memorable experience.

By: Syafiqa (:

November 15, 2008

5th Day

After breakfast, we proceeded to Jiu Xiang which took about two hours ride. Although it was a long ride but it was still worth it after all. Jui Xiang is a beautiful place and it is a well-scenic region which is famous for its caves, mountains, rivers, deep valley, minority customs and cultures. When we reached there, we took a short boat ride along the river. Although the boat ride was short but all of us enjoyed it as it was a fun ride.

peace

We had to climb lots of steep steps in order for us to reached the top. All of us felt exhausted but it was still worth it as we could see lots of colourful caves along the way.

When we reached the top, we had to take a cable car down. At first, all of us felt afraid to take the cable car as it seemed scary with two seater chair and a metal pole to prevent us from falling off unlike the one in Singapore. We took a ride down two at a time. We all enjoyed the cabel car ride as it was extremely fun and a first time experience for most of us.

After taking a cabel car down, we had our lunch at around 2pm. We proceeded to the Stone Forest which took about half an hour ride to get there. The Stone Forest is covered with lots of different kinds of stones. You have to use your imagination to dicovered what things the stones represent(e.g, Fox and elephant head ect.). Stone Forest is one of the most beautiful place where tourists loved to go when they come to Kunming.

After that, we had our dinner which took about two hours ride. After eating, we went to Parkson to buy some fruits for our home visitation to our China's buddy house the following day.

What a tiring day~

November 14, 2008

4th Day

Today, we ate our breakfast and set off at 8am to the Yunnan Nationalities Villages. The Yunnan Nationalities Villages is extremely beautiful as we can see different ethnics group of people. It is situated at a narrow peninsular at the North shore of the Dian Lake. The Villages have over 25 minority tribes including the Yi, Dai, Miao, Jingpo, Wa, Hanxi, Naxi, Dulong and so on have been built there. We can see different performance from some of the ethnic group. We can experience the culture of each ethnic group by seeing the display of the variety of buildings, lifestyles, religious belief in this region, the villages microcosm of Yunan's colourful and diverse ethnical culture. Most of us played games there which cost 10RMB for 1 game. The gamewas fun and exciting as we could won attractive prizes. Most of us were so engross in the game that we played it more than 1 times. We also shop there. Most of us bought an umbrella as the umbrella looked unique.

After that, we went for lunch. Followed by visit the tea company where we can taste variety of tea which is good for our health. Most of us were tea lovers that we bought some tea home. We also managed to observe how to make tea. It was interesting.

Went back to our hotel to put our heavy bags down and proceeded to a bookshop near to our hotel where we could purchase storybooks, stationary and CDs. After that, we went to a shopping mall nearby to shop.

Proceeded to KFC for our dinner. All of us enjoyed the dinner. Went to Parkson nearby for shopping. Most of us bought boxes of chocolate coated with coffee powder home. Then, we went back to our hotel for blogging.

November 13, 2008

3rd Day

When we went to Anning Middle School in the morning and were greeted warmly by their principal. After that, we went to the art and craft room to have our chinese painting lesson. We learnt how to paint a fish and flowers using a brush and some paint.

done by Syafiqa(:

After painting, we went for lesson observations. We went to various Science labs. The school is so huge that it have different Science labs for Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Science labs of different subjects are situated at different levels. We also saw an experiment done by three students from Anning Middle School. Then, we were seperated into smaller groups and went into different classes for lesson observations.

After the lesson observations, we proceed for our lunch in the library. While we were having our lunch, our ex-buddy came to find us. We all felt as HAPPY :D as a lark when we first saw them and we chatted with them happily.

After lunch, we went to see a basketball match with our buddy. It was a friendly match between East View Secondary School and Anning Middle School. A few students were selected to represent our school for the match. We cheered for them but Anning Middle School 's students played so well that we lose to them . It was fun though.

After the match, we went to learn a martial art called Chang Quan. Although it was quite difficult to learn it, but we all enjoyed ourselves. It was fun and exciting as we could learn a new talent which we were unable to in Singapore.

Then in the evening, we went for a Hot Spring Spa which was treated by Anning Middle School. All of us enjoyed the Hot Spring Spa as the water felt hot and it could insulate our body when the weather is cold. It was a good experience for some of us as we are unable to enjoy it in Singapore. After that, we went to Wei Long hotel for our dinner (for the chinese) and Islamic Restaurant (for the malay pupils). The meal tasted delicious as all of us were hungry after a long day.

The End!! xD

November 12, 2008

A CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY PRESENTED TO EAST VIEW SECONDARY SCHOOL BY ANNING MIDDLE SCHOOL CALLIGRAPHY TEACHER

2nd Day

Today, we woke up early in the morning and ate our breakfast in the hotel which is located on 28th storey. After eating the breakfast, we proceded to Anning Middle School

Anning Middle School

buildings in the school.

When we reached there, there were reporters taking a photo of our group and met our buddies. We were overjoyed when we saw our buddies strolling towards us. After meeting our buddies, we chatted among ourselves. We listened to a song sung by the students in Anning Middle School. The title of the song was "Anning". We had a lot of fun. After that, our buddies bid farewell.

Then we went to learn chinese calligraphy. We wrote a few chinese words using the brush in some black ink. We found it hard and had to take quite a long time to write a word.

We had lunch after that. The lunch was extremely delicious. After lunch, we had interaction with our buddies. We played games like badminton, catching and table tennis. After bonding with our buddies, we had an art and craft class. We had to pin up a picture with a coloured paper and cut out the shape of the picture. We enjoyed doing it as it was exciting and fun. After that, we learnt martial art called Taiji. We found it hard to learn Taiji but it was still a funny exercise after all. Finally we call it a day. Hoooray! (:

November 11, 2008

1st Day

Today, we took a flight to Kunming in China. We were excited as it was the first time we were going to a far away country without our families. We had learnt to be independent during the trip. The trip from Singapore to Kunming took about 4 hours. A lot of procedures had to be done but we still did not felt troublesome. The food on the aeroplane was acceptable. Immediately after we alighted from the aeroplane, Anning Middle School's Principal welcomed us by giving roses. We felt so touched by their actions. After that we took a group photographs.

Then, we went to West Hill for sightseeing. The place was extremely beautiful and cold. We had to climb lots of steep steps in order to reach the top. We took lots of beautiful pictures. In the west hill, we can see a beautiful lake which is called Dianchi Lake. Although we felt exhausted, but the trip was still satisfying.

view from the hill.

Restaurant Aladdin.

the foods.

After that, we proceeded for our dinner at the restaurant called Aladdin. It is a halal restaurant. The food is quite delicious but it serves a lot of vegetables. After eating, we proceeded to our hotel called the New Era Hotel. The hotel is nice and comfortable. :D