Day 13 & 14 - 6 & 7 September 2008
Yep. Out of campus during the weekend. This weekend, we went to a place out of Wuhan, known as 绿林山庄. Woke up early as everyone got to report at the school gate at approx. 7.30am. An approx. 3 plus hours bus ride soon followed. First, we entered an expressway known as 汉十高速. Seriously, the bus drove freaking fast. Our journey on the expressway was accompanied by rural farmlands and houses on both sides of the expressway.
2 hours later, we exited the expressway. At that point of time, I was a bit 'excited'. REALLY!! Because... WE ARE GOING TO DRIVE THRU THE RURAL ESTATES!!! Seriously, never did I expect that there would be a chance for me to enter and experience any 乡村life FIRST HAND. The scenery was beautiful, air was fresh. Water bulls, crops plantations, scattered 'kampongs' and marketplaces could be seen along the way. Soon after, we entered the mountainous area. where settlements, mountain goats and cows can be found living.
FYI, the average annual income for the people in rural areas is approx. RMB 3000 to RMB 4000.
Speaking about this journey, our experienced bus driver was driving speeding all the way, overtaking and turning sharply at turns. Of course, 'horn-ing' the trumpet all the way! Someone commented that this is no different from Crazy Taxi! lol. Nevertheless, I enjoyed. HAHA
Approx. 11.30am, we disembark for a countryside style lunch before purchasing straw sandals in preparation for our water rafting and drifting activity. Seriously, wearing the straw sandals is a good experience and you should try it if possible! Rather comfortable and nice looking.
For water rafting activity, I was paired up with Clarissa. Fortunately, (to my relief), nothing major happened to her because I know, she was very scared about the activity. Anyway, everyone had fun in this activity! (i hope. =P )
Bathing was next in the public toilet facilities. Seriously, it is an open bathing area. Something like those bathing facilities in the older swimming complex. Had a quick bath before everyone returned to the bus.
As everyone was expecting to check-in into the resort/hotel, the bus took us to 美人谷. AHHH. Everyone was like.... hmm. I shall not say. Fortunately, the scenery of 美人谷 did not disappoint us. The waterfalls, streams and cliffs were beautiful.
After that, dinner and check in. Day 13 ended with something special. Some of the ECE ppl, Benjamin and Mr Puah sponsored the purchase of fireworks! Yep. Something we could not do in Singapore. Fireworks and a game of mahjong ended my first night out of campus. =)
The next day (Day 14), we woke up EARLY in the morning 7.30am for breakfast. HAIZ. seriously, one thing I don't like about large (and guided) tours is about the timings. Unless you have a good tour guide (which in this case, NOPE), going through a tour is like a refugee (quoted from Mr Puah. wahaha). Serious, it is rather obvious that the people in-charge of this tour is trying to finish their itinerary (hence finishing their jobs) while neglecting the customers' welfare. =.=
Anyway, we went to 英雄山 for trekking or hiking etc. A place of historical value. If I did not remember wrongly, the history could be traced back to Eastern Han Dynasty, where a military camp was once situated.
Went up as high as 883 metres above sea level, the scenery there was beautiful (as expected la). Surprisingly, the weather wasn't as cold as expected. hmmm..
Headed back to the resort for lunch before another 4 plus hours of bus journey continued.
In conclusion, TIRING + FUN = WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE
School starts tmr morning 9am. =.=
