Date: 16th Dec 07
Jason’s parents brought the both of us (Jason and I, of course) out of HangZhou ‘mainland’ to the rural side of Hangzhou, with Jason’s aunt’s family.
The whole ride was an hour or so from his house to that particular place – Yu Hang. The moment I stepped out of the car and headed into the rural place, the first impression of the place was seemed so much like what we used to see on those olden days movies – each household has a piece of land in front of their house, a little pond by the side with ducks and chickens running around all the place; muddy.
We had our lunch there and immediately after that, we headed down to the plantation to pluck vegetables and strawberries. In this trip, I finally understood that strawberries do not grow tree; in fact, they grow on a shrub, a small short plant. Anyway, we managed to pluck a lot of fresh red strawberries from the plantation, i.e. we ‘ransacked’ many tents (oh yes, these strawberries plants are grown within several tents that are nearly aligned in rows) to pluck these strawberries (and eat them on the spot).
But because of the stupid rain, I did not really enjoy much (apart from the fun of plucking the strawberries). It’s simply muddy and dirty; in fact, if it were to be a dry weather, I might run round the place and play around those plantation.
A nice experience to have: a first-hand taste of freshly plucked strawberry. Thanks, bro!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
Day 8 in China (It's has been a week. Time flies.. Sighed..)
Date: 14th December 2007
I had woke up very early this morning, 645 a.m. to get ready for a short run with Jason at Qian Tang Jiang (just outside his house). We started running at about 8 a.m. and only to reach home at 9 a.m.. I had a nice conversation with him during the run, and the run was really wonderful. I feel good now.
Anyway, after the breakfast, we went out to Mao Jia Zhuang (Mao’s Family) for our lunch and walk. The view there was very nice – we could see the view of Westlake entirely; the parks and all the old bridges; the birds which flew from northern part of the earth; the yellow-gold leaves (autumn); the old buildings and how silk sewing developed.
Lunch was very delicious and filling. We had a brewed chicken (home-grown), celery, eight treasure vegetables and germinated bamboo shoots. I’m really growing fat very soon. After the lunch, we had a chat, and I really enjoyed chatting with Jason’s parents for they always tell me the current situations in China, the heritage of all the buildings and parks.
After a long chatting session and tea drinking, we headed down to a Taiwan Café Yi Ren Yi Zuo to meet up with Jason’s High School English teacher. We had a long chatting session and I have started to know Jason better and better.
Had a long day today, had seen a lot of old china infrastructures, it seems that whatever I saw on television drama series all came true right before my eyes.
Thanks, bro!
I had woke up very early this morning, 645 a.m. to get ready for a short run with Jason at Qian Tang Jiang (just outside his house). We started running at about 8 a.m. and only to reach home at 9 a.m.. I had a nice conversation with him during the run, and the run was really wonderful. I feel good now.
Anyway, after the breakfast, we went out to Mao Jia Zhuang (Mao’s Family) for our lunch and walk. The view there was very nice – we could see the view of Westlake entirely; the parks and all the old bridges; the birds which flew from northern part of the earth; the yellow-gold leaves (autumn); the old buildings and how silk sewing developed.
Lunch was very delicious and filling. We had a brewed chicken (home-grown), celery, eight treasure vegetables and germinated bamboo shoots. I’m really growing fat very soon. After the lunch, we had a chat, and I really enjoyed chatting with Jason’s parents for they always tell me the current situations in China, the heritage of all the buildings and parks.
After a long chatting session and tea drinking, we headed down to a Taiwan Café Yi Ren Yi Zuo to meet up with Jason’s High School English teacher. We had a long chatting session and I have started to know Jason better and better.
Had a long day today, had seen a lot of old china infrastructures, it seems that whatever I saw on television drama series all came true right before my eyes.
Thanks, bro!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Day 6 in China
12th December 2007
Before I went to sleep last night, I managed to tune into a channel that showed the Nobel Scientific Prize Presentation Ceremony 2007 (held in Sweden). I do wonder if I would have the chance to receive this award in future (oh well, I must be dreaming).
I woke up as early as 6 a.m. this morning but had the strong urge of not getting out of the bed (slept very late last night, 1.30 a.m.). The first thing in the morning was to ensure that the weather was fine (i.e. it was not raining). The good news: nope, it was not raining but the temperature was rather low at the point of time (cold, you can say).
Had a quick breakfast (pao fan, fried pumpkin cakes, fried fish and salted vegetables); must really say that the meals in China are really filling and rich in varieties. I guess this is the time I had the most intake of food than ever. I think I will really put on weight. It’s time for me to look for a slimming program that start next month.
It was about 7.20 a.m., and we headed out and proceeded to Gems Hill (Bao Shi Shan). The view at the top of the hill was magnificent and awesome; the air was refreshing and cooling; the steps were slippery and narrow. Really had a fun and great workout, thanks bro!
Next, we had a morning walk along West Lake (Xi Hu) and took a lot of photos of the locals dancing and playing musical instrument (actually, only er hu). Hangzhou is really a place of beautiful sceneries and wonderful lifestyles.
Next up, we went to the Zhejiang Museum to see how China has changed from primitiveness to civilized settlements. The museum is very big – 3 storey high. It has portrayed and depicted how China has changed over the centuries.
We took our lunch at a food court along West Lake, had xiaolong bao and dumpling. I really liked the xiaolong bao. Thanks, bro – for the introduction of local food and the outing today.
It was time to head home again. Today was the first time I tried the public transport system in China. It seems to be very modern; had a mobile tv and tap card machine. The bus will announce the current stop and next stop name for our convenience. It’s a positive and nice experience.
It marks another positive and wonderful day. I’m looking forward to everyday.
Before I went to sleep last night, I managed to tune into a channel that showed the Nobel Scientific Prize Presentation Ceremony 2007 (held in Sweden). I do wonder if I would have the chance to receive this award in future (oh well, I must be dreaming).
I woke up as early as 6 a.m. this morning but had the strong urge of not getting out of the bed (slept very late last night, 1.30 a.m.). The first thing in the morning was to ensure that the weather was fine (i.e. it was not raining). The good news: nope, it was not raining but the temperature was rather low at the point of time (cold, you can say).
Had a quick breakfast (pao fan, fried pumpkin cakes, fried fish and salted vegetables); must really say that the meals in China are really filling and rich in varieties. I guess this is the time I had the most intake of food than ever. I think I will really put on weight. It’s time for me to look for a slimming program that start next month.
It was about 7.20 a.m., and we headed out and proceeded to Gems Hill (Bao Shi Shan). The view at the top of the hill was magnificent and awesome; the air was refreshing and cooling; the steps were slippery and narrow. Really had a fun and great workout, thanks bro!
Next, we had a morning walk along West Lake (Xi Hu) and took a lot of photos of the locals dancing and playing musical instrument (actually, only er hu). Hangzhou is really a place of beautiful sceneries and wonderful lifestyles.
Next up, we went to the Zhejiang Museum to see how China has changed from primitiveness to civilized settlements. The museum is very big – 3 storey high. It has portrayed and depicted how China has changed over the centuries.
We took our lunch at a food court along West Lake, had xiaolong bao and dumpling. I really liked the xiaolong bao. Thanks, bro – for the introduction of local food and the outing today.
It was time to head home again. Today was the first time I tried the public transport system in China. It seems to be very modern; had a mobile tv and tap card machine. The bus will announce the current stop and next stop name for our convenience. It’s a positive and nice experience.
It marks another positive and wonderful day. I’m looking forward to everyday.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Day 4 in China
10th December 2007
Had a chat with Jason till late last night and realized that he is, definitely, a man of many talents and fine caliber. Though he is at an age of facing many difficulties and obstacles, his positive attitudes and chirpy mindsets would have probably allow him to fly through this period of life. “What I do now is what I would have ripe in the future.”
Supposedly, we would be experiencing public transports for today, and have a nice walk around xihu (West Lake) this morning. Due to the unforeseen circumstances (well, rain actually), we have to cancel the trip (and of course, the ‘taste’ of Hangzhou Public Transport System).
About 10 a.m., we reached ZheJiang university. Jason and his gang of friends have decided to head there to visit their alma mater (and some course-mates). What can I say? Oh well, Zhe Jiang university is very huge and magnificent. What about the people? All are studious and friendly. But one thing for sure is that their food house is very packed, and the order is a little messy (maybe that’s their culture).
Lunch was at the university. The food was not bad actually – seafood fried rice; but, it was a little too sticky, which in turn made me felt very filling and full for the rest of the day.
After the lunch, we headed off to Jason’s high school – HangZhou Foreign Language School.
I was really amazed by the school’s infrastructures and amenities – it seems to be a little bigger than any of the schools in my country. The courses are all taught in Chinese language, apart from English lessons, of course. The teachers were all very friendly and some friends of Jason were interactive and sociable. The most amazing thing of the trip was that many of the people I met today (very friendly) was amazed that I could actually speak reasonable level of Mandarin and English, and could actually watch the news (in Hang Zhou-nese). Let’s hope I do drop them a good impression (and of course, did not really caused much discomfort to bro today. He seemed to be a little down-spirited for the whole day.)
After a long day, Jason’s parents picked us up at his high school and headed down to Nan Shan Ren Jia (tr. The house of the southern hill people) for dinner. The main theme of the physical presentation of the restaurant was mainly olden day of China – chairs and tables were made of bamboos; toilets were made in a way like what we used to see in the movies that depicted olden days of China.
Time to watch the HangZhou-nese news again. We will be going to climb up another hill again. Soon, to Shanghai.
Can only upload photos via MSN, i think.
Had a chat with Jason till late last night and realized that he is, definitely, a man of many talents and fine caliber. Though he is at an age of facing many difficulties and obstacles, his positive attitudes and chirpy mindsets would have probably allow him to fly through this period of life. “What I do now is what I would have ripe in the future.”
Supposedly, we would be experiencing public transports for today, and have a nice walk around xihu (West Lake) this morning. Due to the unforeseen circumstances (well, rain actually), we have to cancel the trip (and of course, the ‘taste’ of Hangzhou Public Transport System).
About 10 a.m., we reached ZheJiang university. Jason and his gang of friends have decided to head there to visit their alma mater (and some course-mates). What can I say? Oh well, Zhe Jiang university is very huge and magnificent. What about the people? All are studious and friendly. But one thing for sure is that their food house is very packed, and the order is a little messy (maybe that’s their culture).
Lunch was at the university. The food was not bad actually – seafood fried rice; but, it was a little too sticky, which in turn made me felt very filling and full for the rest of the day.
After the lunch, we headed off to Jason’s high school – HangZhou Foreign Language School.
I was really amazed by the school’s infrastructures and amenities – it seems to be a little bigger than any of the schools in my country. The courses are all taught in Chinese language, apart from English lessons, of course. The teachers were all very friendly and some friends of Jason were interactive and sociable. The most amazing thing of the trip was that many of the people I met today (very friendly) was amazed that I could actually speak reasonable level of Mandarin and English, and could actually watch the news (in Hang Zhou-nese). Let’s hope I do drop them a good impression (and of course, did not really caused much discomfort to bro today. He seemed to be a little down-spirited for the whole day.)
After a long day, Jason’s parents picked us up at his high school and headed down to Nan Shan Ren Jia (tr. The house of the southern hill people) for dinner. The main theme of the physical presentation of the restaurant was mainly olden day of China – chairs and tables were made of bamboos; toilets were made in a way like what we used to see in the movies that depicted olden days of China.
Time to watch the HangZhou-nese news again. We will be going to climb up another hill again. Soon, to Shanghai.
Can only upload photos via MSN, i think.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Day 2 in China
8th December 2007
After 4 hours of sleep, I finally out of the warm thick blanket (and quilt). It’s 7 a.m. in the morning, and it’s very cold of the bed. With my whole body trembling significantly great, I headed to the toilet to wash up and get ready to go down to the hypermarket (to do some daily food purchase) with Jason’s family.
The tap refused to give me hot water to heat up my body, cold water gushed out of the tap like never before. My fingers and face nearly wanted to crack instantly.
After a ‘tedious’ half an hour, I’m finally done with the washing up part (whoa, I have never feel so cold before. It’s about 7◦C right then).
The sceneries outside my window was excellent – barely visible contour of the mountains (could only remember Huangshan) and Zhejiang. But the sad thing was that it was still heavily misted then. If it could be less misty, I would be able to capture a very clear view of the borders joined by the lake and sky with mountains as the background camouflage.
The eating lifestyle in Jason’s house was very fixed and regular (or should I emphasize that it’s my eating habits bad?). Breakfast was sumptuous and nutritious. It was one of the best breakfasts I ever had, perhaps. (Well, I have been eating and eating since I landed in Jason’s house, I guess I will gain a few pounds when I head home.)
It’s about 10a.m. and we were heading to the markets (my first market trip in China! Till now, I still cannot imagine that I’m stepping the land of China; running along the streets of China; sightseeing in China). The market was enormously huge and crowded. There are many varieties of selection – real livestock, many varieties of seafood, vegetables, and many different stores. Rare sights in Singapore, indeed.
After Jason’s parents were done with the purchase of food and vegetables, Jason and I went out to play (actually, he was to get his hair cut. Eh… Nope, he trimmed his hair instead. It’s quite nice and cheap.). We went to many different streets of HangZhou, saw many historical buildings and businesses. I tried smelly tofu also, and well, the taste? (Re-read what I have tried and you would probably know that.) I did manage to take some interesting photos.
Met up with Jason’s parents after he has his hair TRIMMED and it was time for lunch. River Prawns, Crabs, Ground Peas + Tomatoes and a green vegetable (forget the name, maybe should ask Jason’s mum tomorrow). I must say that the food prepared by Jason’s mum was very delicious (bon appétit), no wonder Jason (when in Singapore) always tell me that he missed his mum’s cooking, now I know why (yup, I guess I will missed her cooking too when I have to go back to Singapore).
After the heavy lunch, we went out to do some shopping around Yong He Guang Chang and had a short walk around Xi Hu. After this trip, I guess I would redefine all the stuffs we have in Singapore (Singapore River to Singapore Drain and so on.)
It was very windy, cooling and refreshing (I still cannot imagine and believe that I’m in China!). But, it was getting colder and colder once the night come.
Dinner was on (see, I have been eating and eating. Sighed.. I’m gaining weight.. I’m fat!!). Well, we had broccolis, si chuan vegetables, huang yu, long bean + luncheon meat. Dinner-talk was as usual. Now I have started to realize that China is more sympathetic and emphasis heavily on friendship and kinship, unlike my own family. Sighed.. It’s a long story.
Till now, I’m still feeling very cold. When I told Jason and his parents that I even slept with my coat on, they were very shocked and amused by this fact. Sighed, I’m really very problematic, posing a lot of problems to people. Sighed! I guess Jason must been wondering how come he brought an idiot back to his house. Well, let’s hope I would pose lesser problems soon.
It’s about 12am. It’s time to sleep soon, I guess. But then, I need to do some exercise to keep myself warm and healthy. 1 2 3 4 1 2 3.. Haha..
See you guys tomorrow.
After 4 hours of sleep, I finally out of the warm thick blanket (and quilt). It’s 7 a.m. in the morning, and it’s very cold of the bed. With my whole body trembling significantly great, I headed to the toilet to wash up and get ready to go down to the hypermarket (to do some daily food purchase) with Jason’s family.
The tap refused to give me hot water to heat up my body, cold water gushed out of the tap like never before. My fingers and face nearly wanted to crack instantly.
After a ‘tedious’ half an hour, I’m finally done with the washing up part (whoa, I have never feel so cold before. It’s about 7◦C right then).
The sceneries outside my window was excellent – barely visible contour of the mountains (could only remember Huangshan) and Zhejiang. But the sad thing was that it was still heavily misted then. If it could be less misty, I would be able to capture a very clear view of the borders joined by the lake and sky with mountains as the background camouflage.
The eating lifestyle in Jason’s house was very fixed and regular (or should I emphasize that it’s my eating habits bad?). Breakfast was sumptuous and nutritious. It was one of the best breakfasts I ever had, perhaps. (Well, I have been eating and eating since I landed in Jason’s house, I guess I will gain a few pounds when I head home.)
It’s about 10a.m. and we were heading to the markets (my first market trip in China! Till now, I still cannot imagine that I’m stepping the land of China; running along the streets of China; sightseeing in China). The market was enormously huge and crowded. There are many varieties of selection – real livestock, many varieties of seafood, vegetables, and many different stores. Rare sights in Singapore, indeed.
After Jason’s parents were done with the purchase of food and vegetables, Jason and I went out to play (actually, he was to get his hair cut. Eh… Nope, he trimmed his hair instead. It’s quite nice and cheap.). We went to many different streets of HangZhou, saw many historical buildings and businesses. I tried smelly tofu also, and well, the taste? (Re-read what I have tried and you would probably know that.) I did manage to take some interesting photos.
Met up with Jason’s parents after he has his hair TRIMMED and it was time for lunch. River Prawns, Crabs, Ground Peas + Tomatoes and a green vegetable (forget the name, maybe should ask Jason’s mum tomorrow). I must say that the food prepared by Jason’s mum was very delicious (bon appétit), no wonder Jason (when in Singapore) always tell me that he missed his mum’s cooking, now I know why (yup, I guess I will missed her cooking too when I have to go back to Singapore).
After the heavy lunch, we went out to do some shopping around Yong He Guang Chang and had a short walk around Xi Hu. After this trip, I guess I would redefine all the stuffs we have in Singapore (Singapore River to Singapore Drain and so on.)
It was very windy, cooling and refreshing (I still cannot imagine and believe that I’m in China!). But, it was getting colder and colder once the night come.
Dinner was on (see, I have been eating and eating. Sighed.. I’m gaining weight.. I’m fat!!). Well, we had broccolis, si chuan vegetables, huang yu, long bean + luncheon meat. Dinner-talk was as usual. Now I have started to realize that China is more sympathetic and emphasis heavily on friendship and kinship, unlike my own family. Sighed.. It’s a long story.
Till now, I’m still feeling very cold. When I told Jason and his parents that I even slept with my coat on, they were very shocked and amused by this fact. Sighed, I’m really very problematic, posing a lot of problems to people. Sighed! I guess Jason must been wondering how come he brought an idiot back to his house. Well, let’s hope I would pose lesser problems soon.
It’s about 12am. It’s time to sleep soon, I guess. But then, I need to do some exercise to keep myself warm and healthy. 1 2 3 4 1 2 3.. Haha..
See you guys tomorrow.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Landing.. Welcome to Hang Zhou
07 Dec 2007
It’s 6a.m. in the morning, and I’m still unable to fall asleep. Tossing and turning on the bed and I wonder if I did the right decision – that is, to go over to China to have a tour for a month with my bro, Jason. Let’s hope I did the right decision, let’s hope this new journey for my new chapter.
It’s 1 p.m. and I was on the cab all alone towards Changi Airport Terminal 1. My mind was in a state of confusion, I was having a deep mixed feeling – a pint of nervousness, a spatula excitement, a drop of apprehension, an ounce of appreciation. I have barely known this wonderful bro of mine for less than a year, and today (this moment) I’m actually heading to China all alone with him; embarking a new journey with him. It does sound a bit weird, but I believe I have done the right thing and did the right choice.
It’s 1.30 p.m. and I have reached the airport just to realize that our flight has been re-scheduled to a later time – 1615 hrs. Bro said, “A half an hour of delay does not mean much now. By the end of today, we will be in China. So smile.” So we waited for our check-in to be done, flight to take off.
I love the feeling when the flight was about to take off. It just so resemble my feeling – about to wandering off, yet trying to find a ground to support myself. Many people chose to sleep on the plane, Jason also slept (sweetly and happily, you can see that by the constant smile he has put on the face while napping). I spent more of the time thinking about adaptability and survival, thinking about whether Jason’s parents would be okay for my constant imposing and trouble.
Welcome to HangZhou! And that was it- I was on the land of Hang Zhou, Jason’s hometown. His parents are very friendly and good to me. They treated me very very very well. Let’s hope that I would not pose too much problem to them both.
Just had the homemade dinner (should I say that was my supper, because I took it at 12 a.m.) nicely prepared by Jason’s mother. Delicious and simply outstanding were what I could describe. Nice!
Jason has turned in and I now all alone in the room to complete this page of journal. He missed his girlfriend badly (so does his girlfriend, I think). I’m still feeling very full at this instant (thanks, Jason’s mum!).
Ok, time to do some reading to catch up with my school work. I’ll be heading to the market tomorrow (with Jason’s mum). Photos? Be right there!
Night, everyone!
Hello, China (and Hang Zhou, my first stop!)
It’s 6a.m. in the morning, and I’m still unable to fall asleep. Tossing and turning on the bed and I wonder if I did the right decision – that is, to go over to China to have a tour for a month with my bro, Jason. Let’s hope I did the right decision, let’s hope this new journey for my new chapter.
It’s 1 p.m. and I was on the cab all alone towards Changi Airport Terminal 1. My mind was in a state of confusion, I was having a deep mixed feeling – a pint of nervousness, a spatula excitement, a drop of apprehension, an ounce of appreciation. I have barely known this wonderful bro of mine for less than a year, and today (this moment) I’m actually heading to China all alone with him; embarking a new journey with him. It does sound a bit weird, but I believe I have done the right thing and did the right choice.
It’s 1.30 p.m. and I have reached the airport just to realize that our flight has been re-scheduled to a later time – 1615 hrs. Bro said, “A half an hour of delay does not mean much now. By the end of today, we will be in China. So smile.” So we waited for our check-in to be done, flight to take off.
I love the feeling when the flight was about to take off. It just so resemble my feeling – about to wandering off, yet trying to find a ground to support myself. Many people chose to sleep on the plane, Jason also slept (sweetly and happily, you can see that by the constant smile he has put on the face while napping). I spent more of the time thinking about adaptability and survival, thinking about whether Jason’s parents would be okay for my constant imposing and trouble.
Welcome to HangZhou! And that was it- I was on the land of Hang Zhou, Jason’s hometown. His parents are very friendly and good to me. They treated me very very very well. Let’s hope that I would not pose too much problem to them both.
Just had the homemade dinner (should I say that was my supper, because I took it at 12 a.m.) nicely prepared by Jason’s mother. Delicious and simply outstanding were what I could describe. Nice!
Jason has turned in and I now all alone in the room to complete this page of journal. He missed his girlfriend badly (so does his girlfriend, I think). I’m still feeling very full at this instant (thanks, Jason’s mum!).
Ok, time to do some reading to catch up with my school work. I’ll be heading to the market tomorrow (with Jason’s mum). Photos? Be right there!
Night, everyone!
Hello, China (and Hang Zhou, my first stop!)
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