Sunday, July 30, 2006
HangZhou trip
Getting up at 315am, I literally had to drag myself to the bathroom. After washing up, we met up with the guys and took a cab to Shanghai Train Station. When we were there, we saw pp sleeping on the floor, not 1 or 2 , but hundreds of pp , sleeping everywhere, surrounding the compound.Was taken aback for a moment, but came to accept it after a while. Then we boarded the train. Lucky for us, the train was not fully packed and we managed to secure seats. As we bought the tickets late, we were only able to buy the standing tickets.ha, so we were suppose to stand thoughtout the 2hrs trip.As I was very tired, I slept at every chance I had, so think if I had to stand, I would still sleep.
Anyway, after 2hrs of train ride, we reached Hang Zhou. When we came out from the train station, the guys "pointed" to us to the roof of one building. Initially we don't know what it was all about until they told us that the pp sitting there r looking for targets. They are pickpockets looking for pp whom they can attack on. Humm, it was a bit scary but all we can do is just to take more precaution. As the guys were very hungry, we went to an eatery to have breakfast. As alot of stuff in China have beef, I don't have much choice. So i ordered sunny side up noodles. Guess what, when i ate it, I realise the egg was salty.Then i was informed that the eggs they used here are salted eggs. So ended up, only eating the noodles which wasn't very fantastic. After that we went to buy Tang Bao before boarding bus K07 to Ling Ying Si. It took us about 25 mins to get to that place.The scenery along the way was excellent. Think because the government is trying to convert the whole place to a tourist attraction, the place looks like an enlarge Sentosa. Roads are clean and organised, and there are trees and flowers all around, a nice place to walk if not for the high heat.(It was 37 degree celsius all the way till night, drink litres n litres of water, think I went with 1 bottle and came back with 6, That's how bad the weather is)
Ling Ying Si is a nice place to visit. The temples are nice and they have Buddhas that are carved out of huge stones. They even have those where the Buddhas are carved onto hills. And at every stop, they have boards to explain to us the meaning of every structure. There is one very interesting cave where we were suppose to see this while line "Yi Sian Dong", but no matter how we angle ourselves, we just can't see it. The other one is a huge stone that is high up in the air, its outline shows Guan Ying with a baby in the hand and we heard that pp who wants a son will come here to pray. Then we proceed to the temple to pray. As the temples are all high up, we had to climb flights and flights of stairs before getting there. Given the temperature, my whole shirt was wet, no space left to absorb more perspiration. AFter which, we decided to conqure this hill, it was really challenging and by the time we were up there, all of us were dehydrated.*hot!hot!very hot, perspire was like running water* Took pictures on top and decided that we had enough. We descended the hill and when for lunch at Yue Wang Miao.
Humm, it took us about 45 mins before getting a place KFC. Sounds ridiculous, but think of the heat and it was one of the place with air con. And we experience the China culture there. While getting our seats, we realise that you can't be polite because even when we put out bags there, pp will just come and seat. We were stunned by their action but it seems that everyone does it here. So we just got to learn and accept.After that, we went to replenish our water supply and made our way to Yue Wang Miao. It is the place that Yue Fei's tomb is situated and where the statue of baddies Qin Hui and his wife is located. We heard that pp would still hit the statue when they visit the place.It is a quiet place with a garden surrounding his temple and tomb. There is also a small museum about his life. Some of my fren found that place a bit boring but I found that quite enriching.
After that, we were told by locals that there is a waterfall that we must go. We took K27 to Long Jing Cha Yuan (Jiu Xi Shi Ba Jian) where we have to cross 9 creeks before reaching the waterfall. It was more like trekking(Weiting you should know what I mean), and the hot weather made every step very difficult. And when we finally reached there, humm, the waterfall is not as fantastic as I thought it would be. They made is sound so nice but in fact, it was just a small waterfall. So next time when you guys are thinking of coming to Hang Zhou, guess you can skip the waterfall. But you guys should walk through the tea plantation , the pictureques scenery is worth is tedious walk. Because you don't get to see them in S'pore, however, you can see similar views in Taiwan.
Then we took a mini van to Liu He Ta. It is a thirteen level pagoda. Humm, the place is alright la
The scenery is pretty normal but the pagoda looks very different. It is not as grand as I expect it to be but the scenery when you are up there, it is quite breathtaking. However, the steps within the pagoda is very steep so it took some effort to climb up.
After which, we went to the famous West Lake. The view there is spectacular. Just to let you know, West lake itself is actually bigger than S'pore. How cool is that ha. It is a very big lake so we only manage to visit Duan Qiao.It is a bridge that connects the main island to a smaller one. When you stand on top of Lie Feng Ta(Where White and Green Snake are trapped) at certain angle, the bridge will look broken , thus given that name. We took quite alot of photos there but miss the chance to take one with the bridge because the guys were tired. Can you imagine, guys feeling tired? Haiz.
Anyway, the most exciting part of the whole was the trip back. When we taking the train home, we were stop at the ticketing area because we tickets showed 9am, which is the morning train. 4 of our frens manage to get through (same ticket but they can go through, this reflects how efficient and good the system is ), and the rest of us got stuck outside. I have never run soo fast in my life because we only have 15 mins before the train left. We argued with the ticketing officer that they printed the wrong ticket for us and wanted them to give us the next train out. Luckily there are guys around because they did not want to change the tickets for us, the guys actually just insisted.(Because if not, we can only be back in Shanghai on Mon). We were really all awaken by that event (if not, everyone looks sleepy and tired)
At the end, we manage to reach home at 12am. Though I was really really tired, I had to bath before i sleep (Imagine, my shirt was wet and dried , and the cycle when on for like 5 times). And most importantly, I have to check a very important e mail that I was looking forward too. My eye lids were heavy but still tried to read it before i sleep. And to listen to a song that I was anticipating. Was really satisfied after listening to it after which it accompanied me to sleep.Only woke up at 130pm today.(30th July 2006)
Posted by agnesia at 2:39 AM
Before my trip to Hang Zhou
On friday, I was in a very happy mood because I was on the phone with a couple of frens(Hui Xian and Wei Ting). We talked for quite sometime, pleasant to hear them and especially soo knowing what was going to happen. Manage to get Miss Ng to send me something relectantly (I really want it),and found the conversation amusing. In anycase, both calls, together with that with my mum, made my night. Because going to HangZhou(Was really tired and was not keen, but was persuaded by my roommate to do so, so needed some spiritual push) on Sat, decided to call them. AFter being on the phone for about 2 hours, something happened.Before coming back to make my calls at about 945pm, I was with my frens in the playground tryong to cheer one of them. My fren was feeling down after receiving a call from S'pore and because she did not want tell tell us about it, we decided not to probe and just keep her company. Did all sorts of funny stuff to make her happy but it did not really help. Then suddenly, she wanted to drink. Though I don't feel right about it,the others felt that if it can help her, why not? So i did not say much and return home to make my calls. Then the whole saga began at about 1230am when I was about to sleep.
Was packing my laptop then the doorbell rang and I went to open the door.I saw my frens with bottles of beer and vodka. One of my flatmates accompanied her because 3 of us will be leaving for HangZhou so we decided to sleep first. It did not take long before she became drunk and started shouting and saying things tt we don't understand. Intially we thought that she was joking, but when when she started falling in all directions, even when she is sitting down. We were all very busy trying to make sure that she doesn't hit herself. She threw herself in all corners of the house, all directions , really any space available. When we put her onto the sofa, she actually rolled down from there. We were all very shocked, then hurried put her back to the sofa. We were all stunned, and frantic.Really a mental trauma for all of us. That was not the end, she ended up crying for her mum and hitting herself. We were soo worried that she might hurt herself so we stood by her till she slept.That kept me awake till 2am, and having to wake up at 315am, it was torture.
Hunn, but the whole thing set me thinking. All of us think that she should be homesick, and heard that she is also experiencing some relationship and frenship problem. I don;t know how i would handle if i am the one, but glad that so far, I am still able to handle my emotions. Think this trip will allow me to experience it, the feeling of being totally independent. Very happy that I am able to call home everyday, as well as my frens back inS'pore. It really makes my life here soo much better. I have frens who are only allowed to call back like 3 times a week, because their parents find it troublesome. Everytime when I call home, I know that I am being loved by my family, this is a very important feeling that I think keeps me going.So pp back in S'pore, treasure your family, to be able to be with them everyday is a blessing.(So far, 3 of my girl frens have broken down..........)
Posted by agnesia at 1:33 AM
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Thursday high!!!!!!!!
Humm, its been a while since I update my blog. The reason behind that is because nothing really interesting happen, it has been working and working and working. Then when I am back, everything goes into auto routine mode, bathing, eating dinner, chat with flatmates,use internet then sleep.haha, very sian right, but I like it because it is always fun talking to my flatmates and end up being "high". We will always be singing, or well, shouting on top of our voice,ha. And as for the internet, it helps me get connected to home,*very important*, without it, I will be homesick.
Anyway, as the title goes, We were high on Thursday. As school on friday has not start yet, we are able to sleep late on thurs night so one of my fren suggested that we go pubbing. Since I have not experience the night life of Shanghai, decided to go along. Initially, we wanted to go to Xin Tian Di, a place full of nice pubs for expats. Heard from my frens who have been there tt it is a very nice place to go, the deco is stylish,ambience is good, just that it is expensive. Nonetheless, wanted to explore that place. We took a train down to meet another group of our frens, but when we were at the platform, a sudden thought came to me. Remembered tt I heard from someone tt the nightlife in Heng Shan Lu is not bad too, so I decided to change the venue. We all ventured into a new district (quite far from our house, cause us 68 yuan to get home on "Da Di")
When we step out of the MRT, we all went "wow", "ahhh", "so different".2 parallel streets brightly lighted welcomed us. The buildings are all quite nice, have an oriental touch to it.Most importantly, we found a pub that was pretty cool, chic. It is a 3 storeys high pub with different design on every floor. We sat at the first floor , nearer to the live band and jockey. The concept is not bad because they alternate between live singing and playing music. After we settled down, we ordered stuff to drink. Then a fren taught us how to play Bluff using dice and got pretty high with that. Because my frens were out to make me drunk so somehow, got pretty high. They came up with different games like "7-up","007","frog game"...etc, all quite lame but fun, our group was rowdy, well, loudest lor.(that place quite safe, so we can just enjoy ourselves) My frens even made me drink from a straw, and I only know today that it is because it makes one drunk more easily.(Soo pp, next time u know what to do ..........) There are really many nice pubs there, so if you guys have a chance, you should go and take a look.Neon lightings everywhere, don't really get to see that in S'pore.
Oh my god, my fren just come to my house and tell me that she took a video of me yesterday and they are all viewing it now.Well they are all laughing, *shit*, I must think of a way to get the files deleted. *so embarrassing* But ok la, I am now the "Kai Xin Gou" of the house, so don't mind , haha, kidding la.Anyway, going out later to walk around.Hope tt everything is fine back home. Jia you!!!!!!!!
Posted by agnesia at 7:32 PM
Friday, July 21, 2006
Behind all laughter, there are tears
Now is 2.07am, Sat(22/7/06) morning. I am waiting for my flatmate to return from the hospital. Just barely 4 hours ago, we were still singing , laughing and doing house chores, and then IT strike. My friend suddenly had problem breathing and I attended to her, thinking that it was hypertension. In no time, she became unconscious and tried to keep her awake. Anyway, in the end, we called for the ambulance and the guys went along with her to the hospital, while I stayed at home to settle her insurance stuff. Humm, I was quite taken aback by the situation because she is a very fit person, much fitter than I am. Got news that she is fine now and will be coming back soon, so waiting for her to come back now.Though it has been fun and laughter at Shanghai with the eating and shopping, it has been roller coaster ride for all of her. 2 of my friends cried yesterday because they were homesick and somehow I was abit affected. However, because I call my parents everyday, I am quite ok.(ha, and because my parents have been joking around , this make me feel much better, always enjoyable talking to them) Afterwhich, another of my friend was in foul temper due to personal reasons and somehow feel that I should help her vent her frustration.
Humm, now is my turn to vent my frustration. Reason: I have problem with someone who is a pain in my ***. I was trying to help my friend with her hypertension and somehow got misinterpreted, or misunderstood, humm, don't really what word to use, maybe maligned.(anyway, she was trying to show that only SHE cares and the rest of us don't) But i am pisst, real PISST!!!!!!!Don't really want to harp about it , but just to shout out loud that I am PISST with that particular person. AHHHHHHHH, what the hack!!!!Anyway, don't mind my language!!
Posted by agnesia at 11:10 AM
KTV till 415am@ Shanghai
Woke up at 1130am today because came back "really early" yesterday, haha, at 5am. Excited in the sense that I don't get to do it in Singapore, ha, singing till morning.(pp who will be coming to Shanghai must go there, it is called Hao Le Di. Guess what, we paid only 18yuan, which is only like 3SD) Actually, quite guilty before going because was on the phone with my parents and did not tell them that I was going, Worst till, they thought that I was going to sleep after talking to them, anyway, will be confessing to my parents later on.We wanted to go Xin Tian Di for a drink but changed to KTV because of my flatmates was in a bad bad mood. And the other was homesick and end up crying. Well, wanted to console them and since they wanted to vent their frustration by singing, I joined them. Humm, to cheer them up, I ended up being a fool, screaming and "scratching" my voice by singing songs by xin yue tuan. And the result of it is, I have having sore throat now. AT the end of the session, we realised that no cab was available and the whole road was quiet. So , we decided to walk furthur down to flag a cab, or da di. We were quite high so we were like singing in the middle of the road, then we realised that the taxis could hear us. They stopped 500 m away from us and we ran towards it.hahaha, this is also something I don't get to do back in Singapore,. My friends said that I was crazy yesterday, like I was drunk.........(But I'm not, because i did not drink)
AFter we woke up, we went to Thunb Plaza to have lunch at Pizza Hut. We ate salad because wanted something different from chinese food, ha, we are abit sian by all the noodles and dunmplings. AFter which, we shopped for grocery before heading home for my nap.
Posted by agnesia at 7:27 AM
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Finally got to spend a day at home
Ever since I arrvied in Shanghai, I have been going out , be it shopping, sight seeing or going to work. Did not get the chance to spend a whole day home, but well, I finally got the chance to do so today.(But that is because I have to do housework , mopped the living room, kitchen, wash toilet......etc......don't really do these stuff at home, so it is an experience ha, trying to learn to be independent ha)Yesterday, we went shopping back at Qi Pu and I bought a shoe, a bag and sun glasses, ha, quite a fruitful trip. When you guys have a chance to go there, you must learn the technique of bargaining. If you don't , you will really get "kan" Even China pp themselves do that, only then can you get cheap stuff. After which, we went to Cheng Huang Miao to eat their famous Xiao Long Bao. They are famous for that as well as Tang Bao. It is a huge xiao long bao where one will only drink the soup in it using the straw. It was quite interesting but because it is a tourist attraction, everything is relatively expensive. (but if you convert to SD, it is still quite cheap, but because we are living here for 6 months, can't really spend too much there). After dinner, some of them wanted to go KTV but because we have been walking the whole day, we were all tired, some even sleep on the way back.
Side track a bit, my friend just came back from jogging and she said that she just saw a guy stopping by the road, got down his car and just pee by the road (main road). She was like stunned by it, because no matter what it is still a public place. Will be cooking dinner later and sleep early because have been sleeping like 2am everynight.
Posted by agnesia at 3:02 AM
Thursday, July 13, 2006
First time on subway in Shanghai
After work today, I went out with my flatmates. We took the mrt to get to 石门一路 because we heard that the new xiang yang jie(the place the is famous for selling imitation at really low price) is there. It was my first time taking the subway in China so was quite excited and worried about it. I heard form my supervisor that during peak hours, the subway will be really pack and everyone will just push, however to my surprise, the train wasn't that pack. However this did not last long, after 2 stops, the train was inundated with people and they really push their way in .2 ladies were apparently leaning on me for support but I can't do much about it because there was no space at all to do so. Anyway, this lasted for another 3 stops, after which, people started moving out at century sqaure. Then came the funny part of the whole trip. We were just looking around and came across a warning that says "Caution,Risk of Pinching hand" . hahaha, I was laughing like mad when I saw it, together with my flatmates , we were making such a din on the subway, but nonetheless, we enjoyed ourselves.
Anyway, we went to 石门一路 today to do some shopping but we ended up buying and eating lots of nice food, well, interesting food that I don't get to see in Singapore or anywhere else. Food stalls lined the whole street, both left and right and because we were soo hungary, everything seems soo good. Well, as Singaporeans, we went to queue up for stuff that we see lots of people eating ha, so we went to buy xiao yang jian bao. It is very delicious because the outer part is crispy and the inside is full of juice and and tender meat. Well when you first eat it, you must be very careful because it is really hot inside and every bite you take, the juice will ooz out, ahhhhh, I miss it right now, but have to say, think I will only eat it once in a while, because not very healthy. Anyway, this was followed by Shanghai's famous bao bing (like our ice kachang). We ate the red bean bao bing, wow, because the weather was hot and after eating the jian bao, the red bean bao bing was very refreshing. It is really cooling, not very sweet so we enjoyed it. Just a side note, we bought tiger's claw( actually it is just a bun that is a bit over bake, not very nice i think) and lao po bing too. I have to say, the lao po bing here is nicer than that found in HongKoNG, it is very chewy on the inside and soft on the outside. Bought one back for breakfast tomorrow. It is quite cheap, just $1.50 yuen ($0.3) for one, so pp if you ever come to Shanghai, pls try it.
After which, we went on to shop around the area to digest our food because we really ate too much. This is like much more than we usually ate at home, ha but because we have been on our feet for the whole day, we did not not manage to comb the whole place. So we decided to go back tomorrow morning (ha, no need to work tomorrow ma). Hope that everyone is well in Singapore.Take care!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by agnesia at 9:09 AM
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
First Week in Shanghai
First week in Shanghai is full of of ups and downs. The up is of course the shopping and eating, as well as the exploring of Shanghai as you guys can read from my previous blog. Well as for the down is the backlash of travelling-----tiredness. I have been tired the very day I am here because have been sleeping late and waking up early. One interesting about Shanghai is that by 5am, it will be very bright. Humm, something like 8am in Singapore, so I don't really get much sleep because tend to wake up at 530am.I have settled in more or less, and glad that I get to start work on monday. Work is not very interesting because it is quite similar to what I have done in Singapore. Though the pp are nice and the industry that I am in is quite new to me, the work is quite mundane after a while. It is quite repetitive so looking forward to the next few weeks where I get the chance to work on projects. Hopefully I get the chance to talk to my supervisor and tell him, ha.
Nothing much really happen during my work so think will end here. Maybe will let you guys know more about Shanghai when I go shoppping with my friends this weekend. See you guys then
Posted by agnesia at 5:53 AM
Monday, July 10, 2006
First Day at work
Yesterday was suppose to update my blog but was cut off half way due to unstable internet connection, haizz...so will just do a summary on what happen on the 8th and 9th. Firstly, we went to Qi Pu Lu on the 8th to do some shopping. It is suppose to be the place where we can get cheap stuff, especially imitation stuff. Well, as I am not one who loves to do shopping, I don't quite like that place because there are alot of people. And people are all pushing one another around, thus don't think it is exactly a very nice place to shop. However, if you don't mind the crowd, it is a not bad place. And you can bargain all you want there, one of my friends got a shoe that is suppose to be 280 yuan for just 80 yuan, ha, so think it is heaven to pp who loves to bargain.
Noticed somethings about China during my 5 days stay here. Firstly, the pollution here is quite bad as the sky is always quite misty and the skyline is always blur. Even though so, I have to admit that the scenery at night is really gorgeous. Even the view outside my aparment is very nice and because I am staying on the 23rd level, I have a paranomic view of PuDong. Secondly, the traffic here is quite bad, think this is one trend present in a developed city. The cars here are all very fast and when you want to cross the road, you must look twice or even trice before crossing because cars can move even when it is red light if they are turning. So green man here does not mean that it is safe to walk, it just say that it is safer, so pp coming to Shanghai must take note of that.Thirdly, pp here smoke alot , think because of the cold weather during winter. They smoke even in air conditioned area and this is something I can't quite accept because it is a torture taking every single breathe. But guess, this is something we have to accept because it is a norm here. Will continue observing and note them down.
Anyway, today is my first day at work. We woke up at 715am and went to the bus stop at 8am to take the bus. Ha, and I experienced something that I will never be able to experience in Singapore. 4 buses came within the next 25 mins and the 3 of us can't squeeze up the bus because it was soo packed. They really pushed their way through and squeeze up the bus. To avoid being late on the first day, we decided to take a cab there.
After that adventure, we went to work on time and got to know that we have shuttle bus to take us to work.Ha, good thing for us because without it, think will be late everyday. Had an introduction in the morning before going to our respective department. I am glad to know that the pp in the company understands English (because it is a MNC) , making things a bit easier for us. The pp were all very nice to us and the job scope is quite interesting too, so think will enjoy my 22 weeks attachment here. (hope that everything will go on smoothly, crossing fingers). We are going to have training this whole week before starting on our projects, so it would be like going to school, ha , but enjoy the lesson so far.Lunch was also provided for so we are able to save a bit here. Food is not bad and we were given fruits too.
Ended the day taking the company bus back and getting dinner around our area. Hope that everyone is doing fine in Singapore.Take care!
Posted by agnesia at 5:38 AM
Saturday, July 08, 2006
7th of July in Shanghai
7th July 2006
We hit start the day by taking a cab down to PuXi (city area of Shanghai) via NanPu Da Qiao to shop for computer accessory. It is a place called DigiWorld near 香港广场 at Huai Hai Lu. It is very similar to our Sim Lim Square where we can get a whole range of “cheap” stuff. Ha the open and close inverted commas are there because you must know how to bargain in order to enjoy the cheap stuff. There are things that are going at the same price as Sim Lim so ha, no poing getting it here. One interesting fact though is that people in China have the impression that Singaporeans are very rich. In the process of bargaining, the boss told us that and we went “crazy”, trying to defend that we are not. As in not every single Singaporean is rich. Ha, it was quite a fun experience and got to know how people in China thought about us. (Though it is some misconception, but at least we cleared it up, humm, here for cultural exchange anyway) At the end of it, we went home with web cam, headphones, thumbdrive……etc
After which, we headed for 人民广场 which is within distance from Huai Hai Lu. We took a picture infront of Shanghai Grand Theatre which is located at 人民广场. We then proceed to人民公园 to take some pictures. I was told by one of my friends that this is one of the parks that people can enter freely due to historical reason. I was told that during the Japanese Occupation, Chinese were not allowed to enter人民公园 .Thus after the war, China opened up the park to the public. Humm, the park looks like our Yu Hua Yuan, quite a nice place. . We took a few photos there before heading to Raffles Place, ha, a place that is close to our heart, because it is like a small Singapore inside.
After having dinner at Zen , we proceed to Nanjing Ave. It is place for high end shoppers so all we can do there is window shopping. But I have to say, it is a very brightly lighted area. Lots of neon lights , big buildings, antique looking hotels………tram moving in all direction…….well, bustling place, just to let you guys know, the noise pollution here is quite bad such that they have a noise detection system that measures decibal.(Thought that it was quite interesting).
We ended our day by enjoying the night view of Shanghai famous Oriental Pearl Tower. On our way back in the Taxi, once again, we hear of the legendary “RiCH Singaporean”. Ok then, hear from me tomorrow…………..
P.S(Did not have internet connection till yesterday night, so can only post up my stuff now........)
Posted by agnesia at 10:15 PM
6th of July in Shanghai
6th July,Wow, had a hard time waking up today….physically hard as my whole body was aching. Humm, the bed that I was sleeping on was hard, did tonnes of housework in the day, carried 29kg of luggage……Anyway, had about 9 hours of much needed sleep. After which, my flat mates came to my room and we started discussing the stuff that we need to do. As usual with girls around, we took more than 1 hour to settle it.
We met up with a group of guys to do the paperwork together. So we headed for the police post to apply our Permanent Residence Pass but was told to come back later as they were having their break. We then went around looking for lunch and decided to eat at a restaurant.
As you can see ,the food is pretty good. Interesting facts that I came to know are as follows: rice is called 主食 , Sprite is called 雪碧.Oh, just to mention, they have a dish here where they had slice chicken cooked in special sauce and poured over you tiao. I thought that this dish is quite special and it was delicious.
After which, we headed to China Telecom to get our internet connection where we met with some problems too. We were told that the speed of internet that we can apply depends on the area we stayed in. At XinLingDi / 龙阳路, we were limited to 512kpm per household. This is something we don’t experience in Singapore. We were told that it is because the supply can’t meet the demand, thus they started restricting the speed that one can apply according to the location.
Waited quite a while to get our permanent pass at the police post before heading to metro ( 麦特龙) to get blanket and stuff. Ha then came across Chipmore cookies, try guessing what it is called in China………..,it is called 趣多多. Cool right, I mean it is a direct translation of Chip(趣) and more(多). Really hope to learn more, it is quite interesting.
Came home after shopping because we are tired from walking from one place to another, though the places are around us, it is not exact very near. Thus one of my flatmates Eliza and I stayed home to cook out first dinner in Shanghai. We cooked maggi but with a twist, we added special ingredient, hea bi hiam (dried shrimp fried with chillies) which I brought from Singapore.
Ok then, going back to my wonderful bed to zzzzz.
Posted by agnesia at 10:11 PM
First Day In Shanghai
5th July 2006
Now is 5.22am in the morning, and I am now writing this entry at 10210m up in the sky. I am 43 mins away from a whole new experience and life. Think that it is pretty cool to actually write a blog entry high up here, in the plane. I am also glad that this is one of the few times where I am not suffering from air sickness. I manage to get some sleep and even take the breakfast provided.( Most of the time, I will not be able to eat anything on plane). Today’e flight was smooth with little turbulence, guess that is why I am feeling fine. I even have the energy to type and watch “Failure to Launch” on board SQ816.
As I typed, I can see the sunrise on my left, ahhhh, very pretty, think people who like sunrise will like it.(Wei Ting, know that you are one of them,) Think it will be a bright and wonderful day because the sky now is very clear. Ha, that signifies a good start to the whole adventure and hope that everything will run smoothly from now on.
Wei Ting, I have read the letter you have written, ha, don’t worry like what I say, you can always get me whenever you need me, I will always be ready to be your listener. Lets work hard together for a brighter future, I am very sure these 6 months will be a test for us and we will definitely be able to excel. Let’s fight side by side, got to stop now because landing soon.
After which, met up with the GIP personnel and was taken to our apartment at Du Juan Road, called Xinlingdi. On the outside, it looks pretty much like condominium present in Singapore.
Time was given to us to take our bags to the apartment and look around for things that we would need. In less than an hour time, we got back onto the bus and was taken to a place called Thumb Plaza. This place looks pretty much like Taipei , and in certain angle, it looks like a mini Singapore with Breadtalk and Food court present in it. This is a distinct that is not very far off our apartment that offers a whole range of entertainment. Think will be going there quite often to replenish stuff and shop around.
Getting all the stuff required in a house, we went on cleaning the place, and it took us more than 3 hours to clean up the place. We are quite lucky to get an apartment where all the furniture is new though they are pretty dusty. Ha, just a side note, I have never done sooo much housework before, from sweeping to mopping, to washing and cleaning, ha, my whole body was aching after that. Though so, think that after doing soo much, the level of cleanliness might not be acceptable by my mum, ha.
At about 5-6pm, we were brought to NTU Shanghai Office for a briefing and had a gathering with our seniors that are already here. After which, we headed back to our home and here I am, typing away. Had a very tiring tiring day, so now, shall go to sleep………zzz
Posted by agnesia at 7:55 AM
Monday, July 03, 2006
LIfe is never a bed of sweet roses
Monday, 3rd July 2006Started the day with checking of e-mails, was waiting for the school to inform us about our arrival and accommodation in Shanghai, ha , finally managed to get it from them. After which, I was told to get 8 passport sized photos, thus decided to grab my bike and head for Toa PaYou to get an instant shot. To my horrer/surprise, when I came back to retrieve my bike, it was gone, together with the lock. It took me quite sometime to recognise the fact that my bike was no longer there. It was attached to the railing and miraculously, it just disappeared. It is a bike that my father gave to us just 2 months back.I took less than half an hour to get my phtotos and buy some snacks for my grandma. After taking all precautions and this is what I am ended up with. I really don't understand why can people do such things and still get on with life. Don't they have a sense of shame? Don't they value integrity? Can't help but pity them, people with no moral values. ( I know that I sound extreme............but just hope to vent out my frustation)
I know that life is unfair, there are people who are rich and there are people who are poor. Some people lead lives "like a bed of roses" while some lead lives "filled of dust and dirt". However, this is a fact that no one can change. These situations are present to allow balance to take place or equlibrium to be established. Examples are Yin and Yang, Good and Bad,Day and Night....etc. When there is thief , there will be police. I can't expect the world to be free of baddies, but what we can do is to reduce the amount.
Some of you might argue that when one is poor or driven by desperation, they might do things against their moral values (against their own will), however, does this justify that it is right for them to around stealing and committing crimes? I beg to differ. No matter how hard the situation is for one person, they should never do things that are wrong. When pushed too hard, we will have negative thoughts, however, to think and to execute makes the difference. I do not the person who stole my bike,but would hope that he or she really needs it because they risk getting caught. I am looking on the bright side, taking my loss as a form of charity.
Anyway, think I am making a mountain out of a mole. But would seriously hope that people out there can think twicw before committing an act that is morally wrong. By committing a crime, you are depriving others of something that they earned. This is unfair! You can cry out loud that life is bad, and make excuses for yourself to go against the law, but always think of the people that you are taking from. They don't deserve to go through the emotional turmoil.
For the rest of my day, I spent it on packing my stuff . Hope that I will be ready for D day tomorrow!!!!!Peace to the World!!!!
Posted by agnesia at 3:36 AM
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Appreciation
Sunday, July 2 2006Met up with different groups of friends during the past 4 days to "celebrate" my departure to Shanghai for Global Immersion Programme. I would like to show my appreciation to all of them as they are people who have stepped into my life in one way or another. It might sound that I am mushy or being overly emotional, but trust me, leaving is never as hard as when it is really happening. I am looking forward to the new experience that I will be having in Shanghai, to look around and learn.(Ha, maybe at the same time , to brush up my chinese)
Coming back to the topic of appreciation, I would first like to thank my friends from NTU. The mushroom pot that we had was enjoyable, or shall I say the company that I had made up for any flaws present.Glad to know that people who are going back to school have finalised their timetable and that people who will be working on their attachment have settled in. As they move forward , I too will be embarking on my adventure in 2 days time. Really hope to see you guys real soon, ha but we will be only physically united in NTU in one year time.
Second group of people that I would like to show my appreciation to my primary school friends. People , you know who you are, the list is too long to be written, anyway, it is to the 15 of you.Dinner at Manhatten was nice, not exactly fantastic because it was filling. But considering my first time there, well, would give it 4 out of 5 stars. Nice to hear that the guys will be starting school soon, and some of the girls are already on their way in becoming career women, ha ! And one particular friend, Li Hong, who will be entering army on 7th July.(All the best!) You guys are really an excellent group of people to hang out with, because you never fail to make me laugh.Especially Susan and Wei Fu........ha, Rui fen too. As partyworld, Wei Fu did great in impersonating Alex To, and well, Miss Rui Fen did well in all songs, ha. Overall, we had a good time.
Thirdly, would like to thank my VJC friends. We had a gathering at Ding Ta Feng and Coffee Club Express in Taka.The guys like Ian, Jonathan and You Yi will be flying off to States while I am in Shanghai, thus will not be able to see them off. (So saying Bon Vouyage to them in advance and take care!) I am sure they excel and do us proud. It is a friutful gathering as I was updated about things that were happening or had happened. They too educated me with places that they have visited. I can't help but be amazed that Ian actually spent 2 months in Vietnam and Cambodia.I think that it is quite an achievement.
Last but not least, I would like to thank a special friend, Wei Ting, who met me on Saturday(was suppose to meet up with the rest of the clarinetist from Vjc band, but due to some reason they were unable to make it, Would still want to thank them because we shared good times together.).To you, I don't think there is anything else to say because think you know almost everything, ha,but would still like to take this opportunity to say a big thanks for being there when I need you. It is always relaxing and fun chatting with you. (Wai Man, don't be jealous because i know that you are one friend that i can count on too) Anyway, things that are left unsaid are always sweeter so i shan't say much, ha.
To end off, I too would like to thank my family, including my aunts, grandparents, people who care for me. I know that some are concern over my stay in Shanghai, but would like to let them know that I will take care of myself , so pls don't be too worried . Big Hug to all!! Stay happy , stay healthy!!!
(All mentioned above, named or un-named matters to me, love you all guys)