First trip by self- to Xi Tang, Eastern Venice

Xi Tang 西塘,东方威尼斯

Before the trip, I was very excited preparing and planning! I even spent time looking for a tripod to allow me to take photos of myself since I planned to go ALONE! One day before, I was so excited and was looking at photos taken by Zhi. I slept at 3am to finish up my cover letter for internship application an set alarm to wake up at 5am as I planned to capture some morning photos.

Zzz..I woke up at 8am as my clock showed! I was considering whether I should continue with my plan because I would reach there at noon. I heard Zhi's voice, "Not accepted as excuse!" So, I decided to wake up! And, by the time I got ready, I only realized it was just 7.30am, meaning I saw wrong time. Luckily, I did not give up my trip! Happy ..

Then, here, my journey started at bus station, to train station, the opposite way! Then, thanks to the people, I got my right way, from train station then to bus station, and finally reached Xi Tang after 2.30 hours. It was stupid to make such mistakes because Zhi had warned me, I had done research but wrong info I got, and Zhi had even made marks on the map! STUPID 1

But, I finally got my way and reached Xi Tang SAFELY! Yay! So, I took a photo in front of the entrance using my new tripod to show my success! haha XD

yay! finally!

Xi Tang is a nice place to take photos because with my lame photography skills, the photos taken by me could be so nice! There are many motels, restaurants, pubs, and small shops selling souvenirs. There are 2 streets which one with many dogs, and another with many cats! The residents own them as pets! Oh, by the way, Xi Tang is actually a village, a water village with villagers staying there so I could actually get free entrance if I dared to explore ALONE by walking through sideways! The food is normal! The food specialties are steamed fish, "chou toufu", beans, dumplings and some "kuih".

most famous dumpling shop

Honestly speaking, Xi Tang is out of my imagination, below of my expectation. It was not as big as I imagined. I kept on repeating the spots. I had walked for about 3 times not because I wanted to repeat the places so that I could notice better scene but it was due to TianXin's poor sense of direction! I couldn't recognize which way I was heading to because there are many corridors, and places that look similar. But, now worry, Tian Xin was still able to find way back by tracking back the route I used although it might have other shortcuts.At first, I planned to stay till 5pm so that I could take some photos during sunset but I was bored of keep on repeating the spots. So, I decided to leave at 4pm.

And here, sad case happened! The time I arrived at bus station, the last bus just started to depart, which meant I could actually stop it easily!!! But, I didn't because I remembered from the websites, it is shown that the last bus should be 6.30pm! STUPID 2 for not buying ticket when first arrived! Besides this, I could actually catch up the bus if I didn't purposely ignore the guy asking where I planned to go! Because I was ALONE, so I dared not to speak to anyone. As you know, there will be many people trying to con you , especially at tourist spots and also especially here in China.

When I reached counter, the girl told me I just missed the last bus 1minute ago and there was no way to go back! The guy followed me to the counter and offered to send me back at RMB 180! At first, I was considering to stay one night but I was afraid it would be dangerous as Xi tang has a lot of bars as well and I have no sense of direction! Also, I did not do sufficient homework on accommodation so I didn't know which one is CLEAN! I felt like crying!!! The main reason was not due to no transport to go back but was due to my STUPIDITY!

Finally, after negotiating with the guy, he promised to send me directly back to my apartment at RMB 150. It was 4.30pm, and the journey took us 1 hour. I felt quite sorry to him as China people had their dinner early around 5pm. His wife even called him during the journey to ask why he was not back yet for dinner. It was really a long, long journey..We reached at 5.30pm and then, he needed to spend another 1 hr to get back!

STUPID MISTAKES and MISSING the CHANCE GIVEN at the ONE MINUTE, I caused so many troubles!

Really felt like banging wall! But after having chat with QQ & Yong Lee, I can now accept it as part of my life and it doesn't matter to tell my family about it anymore even they will surely nag me! because it was seriously dangerous to take private taxi by a guy for 1 hr journey! You can't imagine what will happen!

LUCKY me, I arrived SAFELY but SADLY!

To describe my "unfortunate" incident, Yong lee's quote suits best,"自找的，活该！"

To conclude, this Xi Tang trip could be described with these words

“Before going, feeling excited..during the journey, so so only...but after, quite fun to see the photos..”

Enjoy！

streets confusing me

bridges where you can actually capture nice photos even with your lame photography skills

more photos, visit my facebook!

Redefine...

It has been nearly 3months since I arrive in China. Honestly speaking, life during these few months were nothing to me. It has no much meaning to me compared to my busy life in M'sia, mainly because I used to think that only busyness defines how meaningful one life is. What I refer busyness is having many things to deal, like joining a big group of friends to work together, having club meetings, etc.. I was busy till the extend that I was afraid that I'd miss out anything everyday. So, my calendar was full with tasks to do, my file was full with sticky notes, and even my handphone showed reminders. Everyday looking at those tasks awaiting me, I felt my life was meaningful. Till now, I still miss those moments.

When I first arrived, I used to tell myself and my friends how nice is here, how aggressive people are here, and it'll be a really great eye-opener for me. I'd tell them I got selected by the Student Career Development Association and I need to deal with companies, etc.. This sounds like I'll really be active and sociable, and BUSY. But, now, I want to say:" It's not really like that actually, here is still Asia." Nothing much different. I'm the one who planned outings. I'm the one asking to play sports. -.-"

Here, life in China was not as busy as that, sometimes even making me to feel depressed because I have only 6hrs' class per week while others have full schedule. I join clubs but the clubs are not as active as STACT Club. I planned for trips but every weekend, there must have something stopping me, like club tasks which required you to face your laptop for hours, house moving, assignments, midterm, etc.. Nah..These are all excuses, you surely think and I do not deny. I really hated myself for having so much time but doing nothing much (means NOT BUSY= NO MEANING)!

Nooo....This period in China has actually slowed down my pace and allowed me to think. I suddenly understand what Chen always says "Understand yourself". Now, it doesn't matter anymore whether I can mix around with the people there, as long as I've tried. Tian Xin is trying to figure out more things, exploring more things...

Since now, every day in China will be meaningful to me as long as I know what I am doing and why I am doing..Let's redefine my life again..

Have a nice day and more posts to share in coming days..

End of my STACT Club life...

My journey in STACT Club has finally come to an end after my last project- the 21st Community Service Project. It was really a tough one with so many challenges given the clashing class schedule, members quitting, conflicts occurring among members, local people not supporting, etc.. Everyone was so stressed and got pissed off easily with any changes. For my last project in STACT, I tried everything at one time that you couldn't imagine, e.g., taking up the role of DISCIPLINE MASTER, giving speech on a closing ceremony, scolding people, and even being hated. Nah..all these are actually unimportant.

The most meaningful part for me is the changes by every single member throughout the period, from joining as new members, attending trainings, and till enjoying themselves very much during the campfire. As I said, it was tough so at first I greatly disagreed on having this project. Yet, at the moment I said "OK!", I told myself no matter what happened, I'd be there as a supporting role. Because of this concept, I was allowing things to go easily and I became afraid when things were going too easily that members might not learn anything and really enjoy the true CS. The spirit was not there as well, especially when members were quiting one by one. I did not know how to support anymore yet I was pretending to support by comforting them and making promises which I didn't know how many promises had I kept. sorry, guys..

As time passed, the only fear I felt was not members quitting but members giving up since I strongly believed that "no problems can't be solved". One week before the CS, from 30members, it dropped till 22 members. One by one, I called and talked. for those who couldn't make it, I just felt sorry to them. But some who couldn't pass their own obstacles, I felt sad because it was just one more step to announce success. However, while convincing these people, they reminded me," Is it only considered success for us to go through that 7days?" To Tian Xin, it was a "Yes!". But after this, I will answer, "It depends."

I really got inspired by seniors and juniors.

At the end of the 21st CS, I was glad that many improved in attitude aspects or skills, like Adrian who didn't like dancing last time, Sou Eei who talked very softly last time, Penny who had no patience, etc.. And during this CS, Adrian encouraged the students of his group to dance , Sou Eei became the MC of our last event, and Penny who became patient even though she needed to take 2 MC roles.

I'm really glad to announce a SUCCESS of this 21st COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT. As Tian Xin always says, "CS is really magical as it brings us laughters and cries when being touched by everyone's growth,change and improvement."

22ppl was nvr a worry for me to make this 21st CS a success because I know we'd have 100% support frm everyone!

p/s: Before ending,there's a sentence I would never forget. A sentence which was spoken by the Maintenance Group Leader to comfort everyone one night before departing to PEKAN NANAS:

" No worry! I promise everything will be packed nicely by 6pm!" A simple sentence, a simple promise but did a great impact to the whole team!

THE END

Every end is followed with a NEW beginning...My clubbing life stops here and more for me to explore.

1st Stop: Suzhou, China for 1 semester

Ur meaningful presence,,,

After struggling for 2 weeks, she's finally physically gone but I believe she's still with us in our heart. I felt sad when seeing my uncles and aunties cried. I really hoped to walk to them and comfort them, telling them that Tai Ma has not gone; if they miss her, just say hello in heart because she's in our heart. Was her life meaningful? Yes, it should be as her presence brought 40 over of us together in this one big family.

hmmm..dunno what to write d..

May ur life is peace now!

We love u!

Current stand

What?! Again?! Another 1 mark is deducted because of wrong font size! Weird..Last test was the same too and I swear I did triple-check for the font size! Softcopy shows TNR 12 but hardcopy shows TNR 11. What a joke! A speechless joke! Fine..

Perhaps, Mr. Eric just thinks that I got too much for my test! yay yay! I got another 41/50 for my Philo Test 2! But, I don’t think I deserve it this time because my argument was not strong enough actually and I took a risky way by disobeying the instructions. The question required me to state 3 strengths and 2 weaknesses of my chosen debater but I did 3 weaknesses and 2 strengths. I didn’t mean to be rebellious but I really couldn’t find his strength anymore so finally I made such decision 1 day before handling the bring-home test.

So far, I seem like handling well in my results, except for Anthropology which I’m having average stand now. It really looks like I did very well in balancing both club activities and studies. But, honestly speaking, I still feel like I’m in my first few weeks of semester because I couldn’t remember anything which I have studied. I’m currently studying to pass. What a pity case =( But, my hard disk is really full and infected by virus.
Never mind, as Tian Xin always says, “Do the best and never regret!”.
Aiming for at least a B for Anthro, a B+ for Philo and an A- for both Macro and Retailing…

What's truth?

What is truth?

The sky is green, claimed everyone.

Does it mean it’s true because everyone’s telling that?

You would say insane! You could see sky as BLUE, undoubtedly!

But, have you ever thought why people would say sky is GREEN?

You shouldn’t make conclusion without thinking WHY!

Figure out, WHY?

They might be color-blinded. Hence, it’s true that sky is GREEN to them!

Or, there are other reasons.

Be calm to find out the reasons and you learn to step into others’ shoes.

* Different people have different truths. Try to understand...

Philo sem

Hi readers, it has been months for not updating due to busy life with club activities.
This semester is really a unique one for me. I'm taking Anthropology, Philosophy, Macroeconomics, Retailing, and stupid Moral subject. I really like Philosophy much! Next is Anthropology. Both these lecturers really teach me but they are tough lecturers too.

Let's talk about my favorite lecturer- Mr. Eric who is a funny guy whic most students dislike. You know why? It's because he marks and deducts students' grammar mistakes. At first, you won't think he's linean but you will find out he's really willing to help students but just in different ways. His way prepares us in a harsh society next time. Tell you. I'm really happy to score the highest in my Test 1(bring-home test), 41/50. 2 marks were deducted by him because of funny reasons. For me, I wouldn't feel angry but just funny. He deducted 1 mark because I didn't follow the format he asked us to follow. Without knowing why and how, fonts in last page are Times New Roman,size 11 instead of size 12. Who on earth would figure out this? Haha..He showed me the difference. Swt -.-
Next, another is also my careless mistake which I didn't include some required part.
Being lecturer by him makes me feel like I'm really experiencing university life. For bring-home Test 1, we were asked to play a game and answered question. In test 2, we needed to listen 2 hrs debating on the topic: Does God exist? Haha..It's really challenging to hear to native English debaters.
In class, we were shown with videos. And, don't try to be funny. These videos would come out in exams. Wall-E did come out in my mid-term. haha..
I hope to have more classes of him. I hope I won't disappoint him like in my mid-term which scores only 33/50.

Next is my Antropology lecturer who will look strict but actually same as Mr. Eric. She's good yet harsh. =) First in-class tutorial question, I was being lectured by her harshly in front of the whole class. She kept on asking me to think why and how. I couldn't answer. Everyone was trying to comfort me when the lecture by her was end. But, I felt happy. She is not a simple lecturer. This motivates me to study. Unfortunately, I did not do well in my mid-term also as that week was my event.

This semester is considered as my philo sem. I keep on thinking Y. This contradicts with people's views nowadays. They just think I'm annoying. I don't do it just because I like. I just want to know WHY.

All the best, Tian Xin & everyone! =)