OELP Reflections (Saffren)

[Day one]

I was really excited today as it got closer to 4pm where it was time to meet all my classmates at the Singapore Changi Airport, before we board our plane to Kaoshiung, Taiwan! For the past half year, we have been studying about Taiwan during our CID lessons as preparation for this trip. From here, we have learnt that Kaoshiung is somewhere at the south of Taiwan. For the whole flight, the whole class had been really high as we were all very excited for this trip. Some of us, like me, were experiencing our first time traveling alone without our parents, which made me more excited as compared to some others. We also took several class photos.

You could imagine our excitement when we reached Kaoshiung international airport after a looooooong four hour plane ride. We were greeted by a few representatives from 正心中学, our sister-school which we would be visiting on days 4-6 of our OELP trip during the school immersion programme, although it was 12 midnight! Furthermore, it was quite a distance from Yunlin county, where 正心中学 was located, to the airport. We were greatly touched by their effort to come all the way down just to welcome us.

The bus ride to our hotel was when we first met our tour guide, 程导. During that bus ride, he gave us a little introduction of Taiwan, like how they address each other. For example, in Singapore, we address strangers by calling them "uncle" or "auntie". However, on the other hand, the Taiwanese address each other by "大哥” or “阿姨”, which means big brother and auntie respectively. 

Afterwards, we were brought to ten drums cultural village (十鼓文化村), which was our place of accommodation for the following two nights. The place was made to feature a farmstead theme, which was well accomplished. As a compliment to their name, there were drums in the room! 

Drums used as tables in the hotel which I thought was very innovative 

By the time we reached the hotel, it was already past 1am, so my roommate and I only slept at 3am (actually it was also pretty much due to our excitement). 

[Day 2]

We awoke to the sound of the phone ringing - our wake up call. After a few groans I finally dragged myself out of bed. As a class, we entered the diner as we were greeted by the delicious aroma of food! Although all the food was vegetarian, we dug in right away when the teacher said we could. I found the food really awesome considering my chances of eating vegan. My favourite was the knockoff nuggets (vegetarian nuggets surprisingly) which tasted exactly like nuggets from macdonalds in Singapore. 

After breakfast, we all boarded the coach, making our way to various museums / places of interests of Kaoshiung, Taiwan. Honestly, what was most memorable for me was the ridiculously long bus rides. This time was one of the most memorable as we had a lot of bonding time with our classmates. Especially for some of the programs, we were in different groups. During this time, were able to share our experiences with each other. 

Other than that, I guess it was also a very memorable day for me. My favourite part of the trip was the time spent at the Liuhe Night Market. I thought it was really worth it after the tiring day of museums, meseums, and more museums. Although we did venture in the meinong folk village, the Liuhe night market was relatively larger. Unlike most night markets (like the pasar malams in Singapore), the Liuhe Night market had stalls on both side of the road so it was really interesting for me. My favourite part of the Night Market, obviously the food. Not that I haven't tried 臭豆腐 before in Singapore, but the taste of the 臭豆腐 in Taiwan is completely different, in a better way of course. There were also a lot of other interesting food that I tried, some which I didn't really like, e.g. Bittergourd juice (from-a-random-stall-where-they-decided-not-to-add-any-honey-or-fruits-therefore-it-tasted-disgusting-therefore-I-trolled-everyone-by-letting-them-have-a-sip-of-the-bittergourd-juice-which-resulted-in-excessive-coughing-afterwards.) What's more enjoyable than taking a selfie at the Liuhe Night market? ;)

Overall, I thought today was very interesting. We suffered a lot through this tiring today, but what was most important was that we got through the whole day together. We bonded much more as a class. Also, we had gained much more knowledge from the time spent in the museums in Kaoshiung. What I felt could be improved would be a less tight schedule and more time at the Markets where we could wander off without our teachers. Despite all today's flaws, I really enjoyed myself today.

[Day 3]

Today was another exciting day because we were out of Kaoshiung. The most painful part of this transition was that we had to leave 十鼓文化村. On that last day there, we had a first-hand experience of having a go at the 24 festive drums, which was an eye-opener for me. The instructor used a very interesting way of explaining the rhythm to us. For example, “走路“ meant two beats while “跑步” meant four beats. 

Afterwards, we were brought on tour around the 十鼓文化村 where we learnt about the history of this place. 十鼓文化村 was once a sugar factory. Although is has already been many years when it was turned into a hotel, there are still reminences of it's 'sugar-factoryness', e.g. The huge canal/drain. 

After the tour, we were treated to a really cool performance, which obviously, included drumming 75% of the time. The other 25% was basically shouting and other types of Chinese instruments. It was really an interesting performance where I finally get to see the professionals do it. Playing the drum may sound more of a man's job, however, there were equally as many females compared to the males, with equal level of skill in playing the drums. Honestly, as I speak for the ladies, we should have more of this gender equality in Singapore. I was also very touched when we were brought to the front rows as VIPs. 

Once the performance was over, we reluctantly bid farewell to 十鼓文化村. We really had an enjoyable time just during these two nights of accommodation. 

Today, we had a new destination - Tainan! It was a long bus ride before we reached Tainan. During this whole period of time, I really have to thank 程导 for entertaining us with interesting stories or the histories of Taiwan. One of my most deepest regrets may be not to thank our dearest 程导 enough. Although most people were already nodding off due to their lack of sleep the previous night, he still tried his best in keeping us awake by sharing his knowledge with us. Thus I really appreciated what he has done for our class.

Upon our arrival in Tainan, we went to many interesting places, namely, the Confucius Temple, Anping Fort, Eternal Golden Castle, and the Anping Old Street, which left the deepest impression on me on day 3. Ater lunch at the Anping old street, the teachers gave us about half an hour to wander into the streets on our own, provided we travelled in groups, of course. There were many stalls selling souvenirs, food, etc. but of course, who goes to Taiwan and not buy bubblegum! With the law that is against bubblegum in Singapore, everyone rushed to buy at least a stick of bubblegum that was sold at a provision shop at the Anping old street, which ran out quickly. This has taught me to appreciate. There are many things in life that we do not have in life. Even something as small as a stick of bubblegum, we have to enjoy these little things in life while we can. At the Anping old street, I have also bought a few souvenirs for my friends in Singapore, who went to other places for their OELP trips.

Then, we took another long bus ride towards our accommodation for the rest of our OELP trip, 太信大饭店, which was in Douliu city, which is in Yunlin county. To be honest, I was really disappointed when I reached the hotel because it was much smaller as compared to the hotel in Kaoshiung. Some rooms were bigger than others and most importantly, the wifi sucked.

For today's experience, I found it very enriching as today had more an hands-on activities like shopping at the Anping old street and learning how to play the 24 festive drums. Although I didn't mention much about the other museums and places of interests, I have to say that they were really fun and enriching as we also had a fun time experiencing the "oldness" of the area and at the same time learn about its history. This was really and enriching day for it and I am already looking forward to tomorrow's fun-filled day at 正心中学, our venue for the next three days for the school immersion programme. 

Day 4

Today was our first day at 正心中学, where all of us were really excited to meet our buddies for the first time after a few weeks of stalking their Facebook profiles and exchanging a few emails. We got up relatively earlier as compared to the first two days in order for us to be in time for morning assembly at their school. Sacred Hearts High School was really welcoming as they gathered together at their assembly grounds just to greet us. Unlike them, when students from other schools overseas visit a RV for a school immersion programme, we just stand where we are and give them a few welcoming claps during our usual morning assembly. 

The first thing on our agenda was to enjoy the performances put up by a few students from their school, and also showcase what we have prepared for them for the past few weeks before we set out on our trip to Taiwan. It was a great relief to many of us considering that not all of us wanted to cooperate with those who are in charge of the overall performance, causing the ICs much pressure, thus it was also an emotional period for most of us. Ultimately we showcased a performance that we were proud of, representing our class of 2KRIEVRYTIM'14 and our school. However, our performance was incomparable to what students from 正心中学 have prepared for us. I personally enjoyed watching their wushu team and flag-throwing performance but the concert band left the deepest impression, where I later found out my buddy was involved in the performance playing the flute. 

Soon after, we finally got to meet our buddies. Honestly, this was the only part of the school immersion programme I was anticipating for out of the many activities planned for us. My buddy's name was 映淳, which till this day I still chat with, only not very often because she stays in the school hostel which lacks wifi. Thorughout the whole school immersion program, she had helped me answer my many doubts and also helped me in one way or another. We also got our photo taken by our dear Auntie Janice.

In later times she did mention to me that she was very surprised when I put my arm around her shoulder in the photograph, which has always been my thing when taking a group photograph. I was also very surprised when she said that because she even remembered little things that I have done when she had always done more for me in the entire school immersion. Thus I am very thankful for having such a nice and friendly buddy like 映淳. We had a snack together where we got to know a little bit more about each other. Conversations were awkward at first, but what isn't? Unfortunately, aunty Janice snapped a photo of us. Fortunately, I looked okay in the photo, which I would describe typical Saffren who eats all the time. 

We also had lunch together, where I found out 映淳 was vegetarian, which means I had to go vegan on the day where we went out with our buddies. At first, I was a little reluctant, however on that day itself, that one meal changed my views on vegetarian food. I would explain more on that day itself. 

After that, we parted with our buddies to attend the various activities their school had planned for us for the day. We also had a few student leaders that accompanied us along this trip, which I am really thankful of them. 

First up was the pineapple tart factory where we learnt how to make pineapple tarts. However I didn't really enjoy this activity because we only got to roll up the pineapple tarts, and not learn how to make the pastry and the pineapple jam. However, what I did find interesting was that the pineapple tarts made and sold there were at least twice the size of those sold in Singapore. Also, I am not one who enjoys eating pineapple tarts and only eat selective brands, so it when I judge that pineapple tarts are great, they are truly greater than great. 

Afterwards, we went to 华山国小, which comprised of less than 50 students, or so we were told. Once we got off the bus, we were greeted by the soothing music of their violins/flutes. What really awed me was that these kids weren't even 12 and they could master an musical instrument already. They really deserved our applause after they were done playing at least 4-5 pieces. We also found out, not only were they able to play the violin/flute well, but they were also all artistically and academically inclined as we toured their art exhibition. Not only did they did up their artworks beautifully, but they still had amazing presentation skills, as compared to us. During presentations, we still have to use iPads/notes as reference while presenting, whereas they memorized their scripts.

Soon enough, it was already dinner time. We were scheduled to meet our buddies, and maybe their parents too. We were brought to this fancy restaurant. 映淳 and I didn't really interact with each other that much that night because 1. She didn't bring along her parents and 2. She was placed at the vegetarian table whereas I was placed with the meat. I really did, though, enjoy myself there because of the food and also the company I had with me. I went over to the vegetarian table to have a small chat with her after all the main courses because it is pretty rude to just leave her there without even acknowledging her. That was also when I found out her selfie fetish.

I had to go back finally when I saw the watermelon being served.

Today was a very meaningful and exciting day for me because I finally got the chance to meet my buddy after a really long time of just being pen pals. Also, from today's activities that 正心 planned for us, I had learned a lot, even from those whom were of a younger age than me! 

Day 5

Second day of the school immersion programme with 正心中学. Today wasn't really much of interaction with the students there, but we did go to the school for a little while only. 

We went to a towel factory afterwards, where we had a DIY session of making towels into animals. This place was honestly not one of my favourite places but I have to say I did learn something from this place. I learnt that many beautiful things come from everywhere. At the towel factory, we crafted a dog/cat/rabbit from this simple piece of cloth/towel. We also had the chance to see the largest umbrella made of towel in Taiwan on that day. We also went to this puppet Musuem where I learnt about the different types of puppets of the olden days. We also learnt about the different accents each puppet has, which was demonstrated at a concert we attended. What intrigued me the most was that the concert was held in hokkien, which reminded me very much of home, giving me the tiniest sense of security.

We went back to the hotel for a short while where we changed out of uniform and ate our dinner (顺便visiting other rooms) before we headed to a concert that we were invited to. It was 正心中学's annual concert, 慢舞乐音. The performances were by the 正心 students themselves, which also reminded me of the exuberance art fest which had recently taken place before this OELP trip. A good job well done to the performers and their time and effort were very much appreciated.

Today wasn't the most enriching day for me but it was fun watching 映淳 perform in one of the items as a flutist. Today was more of appreciation, appreciating what 正心 has done for us. 

Day 6

Today was the last day of the school immersion programme. We had formal lessons with the students which was honestly one of the memorable part of this trip. Instead of having lessons with the year 4s (高一) on the first day of the immersion programme (which I didn't mention about), we had lessons with the 国二, whom were of the same ages as us. We had to split into two groups, one of which 

OELP Reflections (YuanRu)

Day 1 

It's the first day of our trip! Everyone was excited, its our first trip overseas as a class! We reached there slightly before 12am, and everyone was tired when we reached there. However, seeing that the teachers from Sacred Hearts High School came all the way to the airport at midnight to welcome us, we felt very happy. At last, when we finally reached the hotel, the Ten Drum Cultural Village, many of us were sleepy, and quickly went to sleep.

 Our first class photo on the trip at Changi Airport before leaving :D

Day 2

Today, we went to many places of interest, and learnt a lot mostly about the Hakka culture in Taiwan. These places include the Meinong Hakka Museum, Meinong Folk Village, Kaohsiung Hakka Cultural Museum, Museum of History, Former British Consulate and the Liuhe Night Market. Even on the bus, our tour guide told us about the culture and history of Taiwan. We were also given a secret task of taking photographs of our classmates and things in Taiwan, which made our trip much more interesting.

One of the task: taking a group photo with a sunset in Taiwan

At the Meinong Folk Village, we had the chance to try many different Hakka food. Our lunch was also Hakka food, at a Hakka restaurant, which was really amazing. I am a vegetarian, so I can't say for sure that what the others ate was nice, but what the vegetarians in our class had was awesome. However, there was too much food for us to finish. 

The Meinong Hakka Culture Museum

One of the dishes that was served: noodles~

The Liuhe Night Market was the most anticipated place to visit for our class. After a long day at the many museums we visited, we finally got to the night market! We walked around the night market, being indecisive about what to eat. After visiting the big market, I really felt that it was worth coming to Taiwan, even with all the museums we were going to visit in a day, like today. 

After the night market, we had another amazing dinner at a restaurant. Overall, the visits to the museums was actually quite interesting, and learning about the Hakka culture was actually quite interesting. 

Day 3

If yesterday was all about learning the Hakka culture in Taiwan, then today was definitely all about learning the history in Taiwan. Today, instead of museums, we visited many historical places instead, and learnt about Koxinga. After yesterday's experience with all the overwhelming information I gained, I definitely was not looking forward to today. Today, we visited the Anping Fort, the Old Street, the Chihkan Tower, the Eternal Golden Castle and the Tainan Confucius Temple. Some of the names of these places like the Chihkan Tower and Eternal Golden Castle are very interesting, aren't they? We also had a tour around the Ten Drum Cultural Village before we left for the Anping Fort. Since we were heading to Tainan from Kaohsiung today, there was a 2 hour long bus ride, and most of us slept through the ride, but some hardworking people listened to the explaination of the bus tour guide. The tour guide had literally talked for 2 straight hours about Taiwan! As for me, even though I tried to listen, I could not absorb anything, so I just daydreamt and eventually fell asleep.

A statue of Koxinga at Anping Fort

The cannons at Anping Fort

There were many canons at Anping Fort and the Eternal Golden Castle, and we were told the history of japan, and how Koxinga (鄭成功) actually freed Taiwan from the Dutch. After visiting the Anping Fort, we went to the Old Street, and had snacks (小吃) for lunch: yet another sumptuous meal! We were served the famous coffin bread with some other snacks, and also an interesting drink. It was actually a soft drink, but there was a marble in the bottle itself. It was really fun rolling the marble around in the bottle! It really has been a sumptuous meal after another on this trip! But, I guess we were really tired by the time we were visiting the Tainan Confucius Temple, the last place of the day. Even on the short bus ride there, many of us slept on the bus, including me. Also, many of us just stayed at a corner of the temple and did not bother to explore it. Unexpectedly, the tour guide had nothing to say at the temple. However, we met some other tourists who seem like Singaporeans too. After a long and tiring day, we finally got to eat and check in to the hotel. I slept quickly after we got our room keys and entered our rooms. 

The Tainan Confucius Temple. Apparently this is not the only Confucius in Taiwan. 

Day 4 

Finally, school has started for us at Tainan! The first stop for today was Sacred Hearts High School, and we were warmly welcomed by the students as Sacred Hearts High School. They even prepared performances for us. After the performances, we were introduced to our buddies. We were treated to some snacks and soon after, our buddies had to return to their classes for lessons. It's too bad we can't stay together and interact more with each other. 

My buddy and I :D 

Afterwards, we were given the privilege to split into groups and choose a subject within a few choices. Japanese was one of the choices, and as a student who takes Japanese as a third language in Singapore, it was obvious what choice I would make. I chose the Japanese class. After the class, I found out that their class was actually preparing to go to Japan for an overseas learning trip to their other sister school in Japan. It was quite unexpected as we didn't prepare to the extent of learning traditional Chinese before going overseas to Taiwan, yet they prepared to go to Japan by learning Japanese, a totally different language, before the trip and just for the trip. After the lessons, we went to a pineapple tart factory, and got to make our own pineapple tart. It was a rare and new experience for me, and it was really fun, even though the first steps were already done for us. Then we got to see the pineapple plantation close up, and learnt a little about the agriculture in Taiwan. Then, we went to Hwa Shan Public School (华山国小) for an art exhibition. It was really shocking to see the primary school children explain each art work to us, and some of their presentation skills might just be better than ours! 

Our own pineapple tarts :D

A photo with the cute students from Hwa Shan Public School~

Today, instead of learning about Taiwan by getting the information, we got to experience things first hand and learn about Taiwan and the Taiwanese life ourselves more, which made the day seem much more interesting.

Day 5

Today, we went to a towel factory after picking up the principal of Sacred Hearts High School and some student helpers from their school. The towel factory is famous for its pretty designs of the towels the sell. There, we learnt about towels, and also had a DIY session there, and we could make our own, cute towel with our own design. 

Presenting to you our DIY towels :)

After that, we went to a puppet museum. First, we learnt about how puppets were made and the main roles of each puppet show. Then, were introduced again to the puppets, this time with real puppets, and with a puppeteer explaining how a puppet show works, and how each character should be moved in order to show their personality. We were also given a chance to manipulate those puppets ourselves, which was enjoyable. Next, we were supposed to visit another museum, however, it seems that there was already another group of tourists inside, so we were not able to enter. Instead, we stood outside and someone from the museum came out to explain some things to us. However, it was raining at that time and we were not really able to concentrate well. 

Our form teacher, with one of the puppets.

We headed back to Sacred Hearts soon after, and were shown around the school and introduced to their CCAs. We were given a chance to join, and I had wanted to play basketball or something, but as majority of the class did not want to join, as we were wearing our pinafores, we did not join. Lastly, we went for a concert hosted by Sacred Hearts. If I were to guess, this concert is something held annually for the students in the special music classes to showcase what they have learnt. 

The concert :)

It was another enjoyable day at Sacred Hearts and visiting different places. I have really learnt a lot through this trip to Taiwan until now.

Day 6

Today, we went to Scared Hearts yet again! This time, we did not attend classes with the senior high students, but with student of our own age. I went with some other people to join the boy's class, and had geography and English lessons. We also learnt to do magic and twist balloons. 

Our teachers wearing the balloon bunny ears xD

I was relieved when I found out that I would not be attending Chinese lessons, which is one of the subjects I am bad at. After attending the lessons, we had a cooking lesson, and we had some food I had not really eaten before, so I believe it is Taiwan food. It was really delicious, but, as usual, too much for me to finish. What was worse is that we were given even more food after the cooking lesson! The school had given us pineapple tarts as a present, which was really nice of them, however, we had to carry a lot of stuff along with us to the outing with our buddies and their parents as a result. I went to a glass museum with my buddy and her mother, and also saffren and her buddy. My buddy's mother was really nice, constantly asking us if we needed to use the washroom, needed a drink, some food, or just some explainations. She is very knowledgeable, as whenever I have a question, she can always answer it. She also explained many things to me and saffren. After we ate dinner, we went shopping, and finally had to part. Outside the hotel, we exchanged gifts, and hugged each other goodbye. After interacting with my buddy for 3 days, it's really sad that we can't meet each other anytime soon, and had to part after just 3 days. 

A shop selling sweets near Douliu train station. Just look at the number of colourful designs for the wrappings for the chocolates!

Day 7

It's the last day of our OELP trip. We left for Taichung soon after eating breakfast and checking out of the hotel. After about an hour, we reached the final place to visit: the 921 Earthquake Educational Park. It was actually the ruins of a school. Fortunately, it was not a school day when the 921 earthquake happened, there were no casualities at the school. There, we learnt about how merciless Mother Nature could be. I am sure there would be many casualities in the school if it was a school day. After the 921 Earthquake Educational Park, we headed for Taoyuan Airport and went home.

A part of the school track destroyed after the earthquake.

The last class photo of the trip :)

OELP Reflections (Yihui)

Day 2

  In Meinong folk village, we were given free time to walk around and buy souvenirs. I tried the winter melon milk tea in one of the stores while many others tried the 'lei cha', a popular type of Hakka food, which consists of green tea and beans. We also saw a man who used a saw, a broom, and empty toothpaste tubes to make music.

  In the Hakka museums, we learnt about the Hakka's history, clothing, food, etc. They had in total five great migrations. They lived in the mountains and planted tea leaves. They also instilled moral values, such as respect, into a child at a very young age.  

  In the museum of history, we learnt about the 228 disaster which was caused by a government agent accidentally killing a bystander during a raid on untaxed cigarettes, leading to a rally on the following day. 

  The British consulate was a headquarters for the Japanese for a certain period of time. 3/4 of it was destroyed at one point in time. It is located at the top of a hill. 

  Lastly, we visited the Liuhe night market. We bought the famous smelly tofu, and a Turkish ice cream which was unique and interesting. We also played one of the games and won a soft toy. Although I was a vegetarian and couldn't eat much, I enjoyed myself there. 

Day 3

  

 In the morning, we went to tour around Ten Drum village, a small hotel where we were staying at which was located near the countryside in Tainan. It specialises in drums as you can tell from the name. 

  It used to be a sugar factory but now it is used as a hotel and a place to practice drums. We viewed a room which good ten drums inside and the guide asked us to hit each drum thrice, to gain health, wealth, etc. 

  Each drum had a specific name such as '添丁鼓', which was to wish for more children to pass on the family when you hit the drum thrice. 

  We also watched a performance where the professionals showed off their skills. I felt that it was interesting as most of the performance was done in the water and some wushu was incorporated into it too!

Day 4

  In the morning, went over to zhengxin High School for an exchange program with the students there. We were warmly welcomed by the principal, teachers and students of Zhengxin and then proceeded to enjoy the performances put up by Zhengxin and showcase our own performances. 

  After that, we went to attend lessons with the senior high section of the school. I went to the Geography class. We watched a movie called 'whale rider'. 

  Later in the afternoon, we had a hands on pineapple tart making session. We then proceeded to 华山国小. I was very impressed by the children there as they were very young but played the violin together nicely, without scores. They also had great presentation skills and were confident when presenting, and this is something we can learn from them. 

Day 5

  Today we went to the towel factory where they made cakes and cute things out of towels. We had a DIY session where we made a puppy with a towel. We also walked around and viewed the other towels. There was a very big towel, used as a colorful wallpaper, and also a beach umbrella made of blue and white fabric. Of course, that would not be advised to be used in a rainy weather. 

  Also, we went to a puppet museum and watched a puppeteer introduce different characters that usually appear in shows. It was really interesting as we could see the performance from the puppeteer's point of view and learnt the tips and tricks. 

Day 6

  In the morning, we took part in the junior high section's geography lesson. We compared the costs of things, houses, and salaries in Taiwan and Singapore. We also compared land size, population, and jobs. It was very fun as we got to know more about each other's countries. 

  Then, we had English. They were reading the Aesop fables, and we discussed a few questions. The teachers then got some boys to act the fables out. 

  In the afternoon, we headed to Taichung with our buddies and their families and walked around Sogo. Then we came back and ate steamboat. Although the trip was not well-planned, I had a lot of fun with the family.  

OELP Reflection - Carine

[Day 2]

Firstly, on the way to the first location on the coach, I learnt that what we call 米 in Singapore is called 稻子or稻米in Taiwan and that 米is the simplified version. This was the first difference in language that I learnt.  It also made me realise what we have been learning is simplified, which led me to the next point.  How can we say Chinese is difficult when what we are learning is already much simplified than Taiwan and China?

At the various Hakka cultural and history leaning sites, I learnt some interesting things from the tour guides there.  I think the way that the Hakkas respect words, education and language is very unique and interesting.  It is evident in the customs of the 敬字亭, which is a very intriguing concept (In short, these customs include respecting all and any papers with writings on it, eg. No stepping on them, no throwing them away, etc. on a fixed day every year, the papers with writings are burned in the 敬字亭and the ashes are brought to the mouth of the Meinong River).  That shows how much they value education.  This is very different from the situation in Singapore where most people have no appreciation or respect for languages.  Therefore, I think we have a lot to learn from the Hakka people.  We should at least know how to speak the language properly and fluently.  The Hakka also have a lot of interesting rituals like the caponising rooster, holy pig and lamb's horns competition.

敬字亭 (Shrine to respect words)

Significance of oil paper in Hakka culture: "Oil paper" (油纸) sounds similar to "Having a son" (有子）

One of Hakka's interesting cultures and beliefs.

The Holy Pig competition. In this, the pig must be treated very well, for example cooling them down on hot days using fans to prevent their discomfort and feeding them good food to help them put on weight, in order to be a "Holy Pig".

Lamb's Horn Length competition

Caponising Rooster competition. (Caponising = castrating a fowl for better flesh taste)

For Kaoshiung History Museum, I didn't really catch much because it couldn't understand what the tour guide was saying.  I think we would benefit more and understand better if he could be more straightforward and not go off track too many times.

For the British Consultate, I think it is curious that a simple lock mechanism in the door stopper can symbolise so much.  The building architecture is also nice.  As for the tour, I roughly understood what the tour guide said, but it would be better if he talked slower.

Part of the British Consulate

The door stopper I am referring to. It has a special meaning to its design. Can you guess?

Questions in mind:

*How different are the Hakka in Taiwan and those in Singapore?

*What is the exact origin of the Takao name?

[Day 3]

For the 十鼓 performance, I feel combining Wushu with drums is a very good idea, It's nice to watch.

The water stage is something new, fresh and interesting too.  It totally enhances the effect and atmosphere of the concert. It makes it seem cooler and gives a serene, majestic and sacred mountain-top 山水 feeling.  During the performance, I could see the concentration on the drummers' face.  They put their all into the performance, you can see the effort.  What we can learn from this is to always give our best in what we do.  The performers are really talented. Coordinating the drumming with all the extra actions is not easy. I personally tried it before. Besides, they can play multiple instruments. That is something worthy of praise. I was quite happy to be able to try drumming in the short drumming class today. As I have tried the 24 Festive Drums earlier this year, I totally fell in love with the art.  (Actually, i think I'm interested in too many things) I wanted to join the 24 Festive Drums as a second CCA but do not have the time to commit.  Hence, I have always been waiting for a chance to drum again. This chance today was a total dream come true and I could not contain my happiness and excitement at being given the chance, even if it were for a short time.  I will join the 24 Festive Drums for sure if I have enough time.

I think the atmosphere in the Confucius Temple felt very sacred and cultured.  This is further enhanced 

by the various plagues  around the vacinity.  I walked around the site with silent respect for Confucius.  It felt very peaceful to be there.  When I reached the building in which they were paying respects to Confucius, I bowed deeply to the plague because I felt it was appropriate to do so. This was a temple that honours Confucius, who was a very highly respected teacher and who contributed a lot to eductation. He is also a person worshipped to almost the level of a diety.  Some of his sayings and writings are very very meaningful. He deserves utmost respect and I respect him a lot too. Therefore, I felt we should show respect by bowing.  We have a lot to learn from him, so I think his lessons and sayings should be thought in school.  I also learnt a lot about the ceremonies dedicated to Confucius and the temple building itself from the displays there.  They were clear cut and easy to understand.  

I think that the Anping Fort and Eternal Golden Castle does not have much, just symbolising what happened in the period before Taiwan was ceded to Japan and what the different occupants used the fort for.  

Anping old street was rather small and had nothing much too. It had more souvenirs than anything. I think Jiufen old street, which I have visited before,  is better. It is longer and has more variety. It also has much more nice food.

Colour

Red and gold

Red is the colour of happiness and passion. It symbolises the enjoyable time I had today and the passion for music that I have.

Gold is for the valuable experience and knowledge I gained today and also the majesty of the Confucius Temple that I felt.

Symbol

:) 

Happiness and respect

Image

I think this is the most meaningful place that is very relatable to us as students. It is very cultural and is my favourite place. It's design is very traditional and nice too.

[Day 4]

Firstly, today the welcome ceremony was very nice.  For the string and woodwind orchestra, they had a large stage presence and were totally into the song; you could feel their passion and effort.  I think our Performing Arts CCAs have a lot to learn from them in terms of showmanship.  As compared to 正心中学's performance, the performance we put up for them was rather meagre. :P 

The 正心 String and Wind Orchestra performance

Our performance- A few dances and a rendition of our school-representative song 立化情 (River Valley school spirit), which was composed by our senior. This song reflects our daily lives as RVians and the little things that make RV RV.

As for the lesson observation, I think their class is rather similar to ours.  Their class dynamics are similar, and they do things we do, for example making fun of each other and joking.  This shows that despite different cultures, students are generally the same.

Biology lesson observation : Bacteria Cultivation

During the tour of the school, I think it is cool to have a swimming pool. The school is pretty big too.

School swimming pool

Just a cameo appearance because it's too cute not to - an adorable fluffy bunny found in the school garden

I really enjoyed the pineapple plantation visit and the DIY pineapple tart making session. I learned things about pineapple that I never knew, like that pineapple actually grows forth from many flowers.

Pineapple tart DIY (a gigantic tart)

Pineapple plantation: The fruits wear "hats" to protect them

Dinner today was enjoyable too. The impromptu concert put up by Rachel and some 正心中学 students was nice.  Our buddies' parents were very hospitable and funny. We also learnt more about the Taiwanese culture from this. 

Sumptuous dinner

Dinner performance

[Day 5]

I think that the towel factory was interesting. We learnt more about towels than we might not be able to learn elsewhere.  We also learnt how to differentiate a good towel from a bad one and how to fold the towel into cute figurines. Now, I can apply what I learnt to make gifts for people. No wonder the factory is so famous! It's towels are also very soft and fluffy, like touching a cloud. It is very nice to touch.

The little figurine I made

Hard at work folding towels

Look at the towels! Their texture is so nice

Next, the 布袋戏 museum was nice too because it is something that we can't see in Singapore. I think it was intriguing to learn about a different culture or tradition and in the process, even learn more about my beloved suona because suona is used to play music for these shows. (I play suona in my school's Chinese Orchestra). The puppet performance was enjoyable too, as we learnt a lot about the different types of puppets used from the puppeteer. However, I did not understand some of the things said because of the dialect used.

Suona <3

Traditional puppet house

How puppets are made

Puppet show

For the balloon sculpting and magic classes in Sacred Hearts (正心), I think it is nice for students to have classes like that. It acts as a leisure time for students to relax but also learn new skills.  Unfortunately, we Singaporeans do not have the luxury of incorporating these classes into our lessons because of lack of time. The students' attitude was good as they were attentive even though these were not examinable subjects. 

Magic class

Balloon class

Our school Vice Principal, teachers and classmates with their balloons

For the CCA viewing, I think their CCA is much more relaxed and not as strict as ours.  In that way, the Singapore system is better because it trains responsibility and discipline. 

Their Scouts. I think our uniformed groups are stricter on their cadets than this

Lastly, for the showcase put up by the Sacred a hearts music stream students was really nice. They are certainly talented. I think this annual showcase is a very good platform for students to perform. It also helps to show parents what their children have been doing and gives students a good way of evaluating their performance and seeing how much they have improved, and how they can improve even more.

The Brass and Woodwind Ensemble

Violinists of the String and Wind Orchestra

Talented flute soloist

[Day 6]

Today was our last day in Sacred Hearts. We went to observe some classes. Some of the students were very quiet while some were welcoming and friendly towards us. I think their Geography class is interesting because the way they learn is by thinking, comparing and asking questions, instead of learning from textbooks. The English lesson was not bad though, I must say their English is quite good. At least, they speak proper English unlike ourselves.

Last day in Sacred Hearts D:

Geography lesson

English class with the students performing a skit.

A picture with the boys' class we went to (The students of Sacred Hearts are separated into boys and girls classes)

The cooking lesson was fun and we made a few new friends. They were very welcoming and took the initiative to talk to us and manage the cooking. Although it is similar to the Food and Consumer Education we have in Singapore, their class has more variety and they learn more cooking compared to us.

Frying the Spring Onion Pancake

Making pastry

Final product

Later in the day, we went out with our respective buddies and their parents. The parents of my buddy were very hospitable and took very good care of us. They even bought us rain coats when it was raining. They paid for almost everything and adamantly refused to let us pay them back. They also welcomed us to their house in the evening after we had gone to the Janfusun theme park. It was nice to experience a house in a different country. It was very big, had a pond outside and a lift inside the house. It was a good experience because we do not have these kinds of big landed property in Singapore. In the end, their warmth and sincerity really warmed my heart and I was very grateful for them. 

Mirror cave @ Janfusun theme park

We are fairies! 

Selfie @ buddy's house

[Day 7]

Today, sadly, was our last day in Taiwan. On the way to the airport, we went to the 921 Earthquake Memorial Park.

This was a very solemn place. There are collapsed buildings from this major 921 earthquake in Taiwan preserved and kept as they were.  I could see the collateral damage done by the earthquake and see for myself how serious earthquakes can be.  Before coming here, I had only ever saw earthquakes on television. My reaction had always been merely "Oh, that's terrible! How are the people there?", but now after seeing the damage before my eyes, I can sympathise with earthquake victims more and want to help. In the park, there were also numerous information boards placed around the area giving information in various languages about how buildings are affected by earthquakes, why certain things collapse in a certain way, myths and legends surrounding earthquakes and natural disasters, and so on.  There was also a small earthquake force simulator for visitors to experience being in a earthquake.  The tour guide was informative and clear in her explanation, making it easier to understand. Overall, I think this was a very meaningful and educational place. It teaches us to respect and never underestimate nature's fury, and reminds us that our lives are always at her mercy. The Taiwanese government has made the right decision in keeping the damaged buildings as a memorial and reminder and not rebuilding this place.

A track totally torn apart by the earthquake

The horrible wreckage of a elementary school that once stood

Partially-laid railway severely twisted by earthquake

After that, we headed to Taoyuan International Airport to go home :(  T^T

Bye Taiwan! We'll miss you!

All in all, this trip was not only enjoyable, it also taught us a lot about Taiwan's culture and its various specialties. In the process, we bonded more strongly with our teachers and friends too,which is priceless. Besides, we made many new friends in Taiwan and created many great, precious memories that will stay within our hearts for years to come. I surely do not regret going on this trip, even a tiny bit.