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Day 41 ; final farewell
Sunday, April 12, 2009


The day has finally came for us to reminisce the 41 days we had in Wuhan.

With all our things packed, we were ready to leave and yet at the back of our minds, we know we will miss this special place that has touched our lives one way or another. It isn't only about the food or the atmosphere that we lived in, but it is also about the people whom we have met along our journey here.


The morning was filled with smiles of excitement of going home to our loved ones and leading life like how it used to be; only that this time, we have grown to be individuals who are more independent and matured as well as having experiences that have taught us we will never be alone even though we may be miles and miles away from home.


All of us were engrossed in weighing our luggages because we wouldn't want it to be overloaded as we would need to pay for any excess weight. However, among the crowd, there were a few who were trying to hide their sadness with a smile. It wasn't something that was easily noticed but it was present.


Final group shot at the hostel. (:


WUST newsletter that was given to us when we were outside the hostel.


Guys at work. (:


Our hostel. (:


While some of them were standing around at the bus area, I decided to go across the road and take a last photo of the hostel. Coincidentally, I met these 2 kids and the stall owner. (:


Look at their innocent faces. Hahaha. It was something that brightened up my morning and kept me smiling throughout. (:


Did I mentioned that the three fingers is my new signage when taking photos? Hahaha. I learnt it from them. (:

The kids here are very different from Singaporean kids. They fall and stumble but they don't cry; they picked themselves up and continued playing. Maybe that is how they learn that if they were to ever falter in life, the first thing they should do is never to give up on themselves. Instead, they should look on the bright side and be happy about life. Simplicity, I guess? (:


Some of the girls playing with the kids for the last time. (:


I will never forget these people because they are perfect strangers who never fails to smile. (:

 
On the way to the airport, there were wedding cars on the road. (:


We've reached and soon, it was time to leave our footprints behind and take all the beautiful memories with us. (:


Some of us with the local students. 


The teary moments. Joey said, "I hate the airport". I guess the reason is pretty obvious because it is a place where people arrive and make friends. Yet, it is also a place where these special friends made have to depart from that country to another. 


It was hard for some of them to see us go. The only way to express how they felt was through their tears. It was like having to let go of a friendship that has been deeply bonded for the past 6 weeks.


Zee Min was trying hard to smile for the camera.


Both of us were all about smiles. (:


 We turned and looked back at them to wave our last goodbyes. Those tears then turned into smiles and a little bit of laughter because we know that one fine day, we will meet again. (:


On the way to our first flight. (:


The deserted runway. Hahaha.
 

We actually had to take a bus here to board the plane.


The plane; China Southern Airline. (:


All excited about going home. Hahaha.

The second flight from Guangzhou to Singapore was really an experience. As we had to go through a number of procedures at the airport, it took us almost 2 hours before we actually reached the plane. Time really wasn't on our side as we had to run for the plane that would take off at 7.10pm. At 6.50pm, we were still at the immigration. It was very rush as the gate was all the way to the end and it was already the last call. Thank God we didn't miss the flight. (:


Leaving Guangzhou Airport.


Goodbye, China. (:


The food was good. We were starving the whole day actually. Hahaha.


We saw this magical view in the sky. I have never seen the moon so bright before. Maybe because it is always covered by the clouds. Hahaha.


Singapore! (:


While waiting for the plane to stop, Nadiyah and I had a small chat with the girl sitting the same row with us; Kisten. It wasn't too late for a short chat though. Hahaha. She is currently studying in MDIS and she actually travels to Singapore alone. She is really independent, isn't she. I believe many of them are too. (:


It feels so good to be back home. (:

NE Message: Singapore is our homeland; this is where we belong.
We treasure our heritage and take pride in shaping our own unique way of life.

Being in a foreign country for these 6 weeeks made me feel really proud to be a Singaporean because of our lifestyle that is very much different from that in China. Nowhere else is as best as home because this is where we grew up and, this is where we will always belong. (:

My dearest classmates and Mr Wong.
All I can say is a big thank you. (:


(:


(: (:


(: (: (:

There's so much things I have learnt during my stay in Wuhan. I believe through experiences is where we learn the most because we will always remember it.

I would just like to share one meaningful lesson; we should slow down in this fast-paced society because the world isn't watching us break down. We are only humans who should live life to the fullest while we are still able to.

"The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be only the beginning." - Ivy Baker Priest

OIP is only the beginning; we have alot more to learn in life to shape our future. (:

the story of my life in Wuhan, China. (:


Day 40 ; unforgettable bonds
Saturday, April 11, 2009


Our second last day in Wuhan. =(=

Xinhui and I decided to go for hair treatment that Pei Jie bought as a package. We planned it quite some time ago and also decided to cut abit of our hair. It would be much more fun if Nadiyah were to join us though.

Greeted by all the smiles at the doorstep of the hair salon made me smile too. They gave me a very warm feeling, I would say. That started my day off; just by having people smiling at me. (:

We had hair treatment first. (:

I couldn't really speak Chinese. Therefore, all I did was through actions whenever we try to communicate with one another. I can understand what he is saying, only that I do not know how to reply. The only question I managed to ask him was how old is he. Well, he is young; only 17 years old and yet, working at a reputable hair salon. 

We had our hair cut after that. The hairdresser said I would look better if I were to rebond my hair. I went speechless because it would cost 168RMB but I still went ahead with it and Xinhui went to perm her hair as well. Hahaha.

All the hairdressers were very friendly. They would do their best to make their customers feel at ease and they served drinks to their customers as well. There was a lady beside me who was in the process of perming her hair. During the wait, her hairdresser actually went out just to get a bottle of drink for her. That is the extend of service they are willing to go for their customers. (:

My hair turns out alright, not too bad, but I'm happier about their service rather than just about my hair. Hahaha. (:

We had our last dinner at Lan Zhou La Mian.

This is the place where we would always go to for lunch and dinner such that we have created a special bond with the stall owners as well as the children. It is almost like a family. (:

Elder brother.


Younger brother.


We have always thought that both of them are twins because they really look like each other. Hahaha.


The elder brother don't really like to smile though or maybe he is just traumatized by the flashlights from many cameras. Hahaha.


First try: Unsuccessful.


Second try: Still unsuccessful.


Third try without the small kid: SUCCESSFUL. (:

I feel quite bonded to this family maybe because we have been eating at their stall almost everyday. Hahaha. But it is also the warmth and sincerity from them that I am touched about. They are always smiling and never once did they ignore us even when there were many customers to serve.

I will miss them, that's one thing for sure.

one of the basic things in life is to smile sincerely. (:


Day 39 ; Farewell Gathering
Friday, April 10, 2009


Our second last shopping day. Hahaha.

Xinhui, Nadiyah, Weiguang and I decided to go to a shopping mall called "Kuma" as Ms Sally recommended that we should go there because they sell teenagers stuffs. Sadly, it wasn't what we thought it would be and the things there are quite expensive. Coincidentally, we actually have went around the area before as it is quite near to Bu Xing Jie.

We had to go back before 8pm because there is a farewell gathering with the local students. Farewell gathering..

TV Mobile in the bus. Hahaha.


A day of shopping made us happy. (:

When we reached Room 701, not many of them was there yet because they went to collect the cake.

We had to wait for the rest to come.

Today was also Rocco's 20th Birthday. 2-in-1 celebration. A happy one and a sad one.

The local students posing for the camera! Hahaha.


Bottom layer of the cake.


Middle layer of the cake.
Unforgettable memories..


Top layer of the cake.


2 birthday cakes and three-tiered cake.


HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY TO ROCCO! (:


Rocco plucking out the "2" and the "0" using his mouth. Hahaha.


All smiles. (:


The farewell gathering started out monotonous as everyone was doing their individual activity. There was karaoke! Hahaha. Some of us went to sing while the rest sat around. Towards the end of the gathering, it was more upbeat but the local students didn't join us. They were standing at the sides, watching us.

For reasons that all of us know, their tears started to flow.

Cleaning up time.


Photo of memories. (:

We will be leaving Wuhan in 2 days' time. Some hearts are heavy to leave behind all the beautiful memories that was felt and experienced for past 38 days. Every single day is special and the last days here will even be more treasured. (:

shedding tears of sadness..
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