As mentioned, I didn’t catch a wink of sleep last night. So I went up to prepare early in the morning as we intended to meet the local students for breakfast. I was touched that they didn’t mind waking up so early in the morning at 6 just to eat with us. But by the time we were done with the moving of luggages downstairs, it is 7 plus already. All of us felt so guilty because they had to sacrifice their sleep and furthermore, they have class at 8am! :( As they know we’ll be hungry on the way, they went to buy a lot a lot of pau and soya bean for us. After loading our belongings up on the bus with the help of the students, it was time to say goodbye :’( Gave every student a hug before boarding the bus. Tears started rolling down from students’ faces.
It was about an hour ride to the airport. As there were free counters, many of us put our check-in luggages on top to weigh to see if it is over the limit. And sadly, mine did :( So I took out heavy stuff and held it on hand. It was so troublesome and difficult to walk with 2 bulky hand carries and one back pack! ;@ Anyway, we managed to transit to Guangzhou safely. However, something happened. Ms Neo mentioned that our luggage can be sent from Wuhan straight to Singapore. All of us were overjoyed! But when we arrive at Guangzhou, this was not the case. So we had to collect our baggage and check them in again. GRR.. So this delayed our flight for about 2 hours! We arrived at Singapore only at 10 plus when our actual arrival timing was actually 2025! :[
But its okay, everyone was happy to see their family members and friends outside waving and putting on wide smiles. I gave my daddy, mummy, sisters and Pamela a big big hug the moment I walked out of the glass door. I was ecstatic to see them after a long 41 days! :{
Reflection
Today is the day that has been long awaited by all the 21 of us, including Ms Neo. Or not? :\ Well I guess it was, when we were in Wuhan for the first few days. But now as everyone is used to the environment, the lifestyle, the transport, the people, everything there is there, everyone wants to stay a little bit longer.
I remember our first try at the backstreet. I remember the games played together at the theme park. I remember how we couldn’t get used to the classroom and protractor flashing on the wall. I remember our first and last snow experience in Wuhan. I remember the first interaction with the local students where I had to be in Cheong Sam! I remember how much drawings we had to do during lesson. I remember the excursions we went for. I remember how much joy we had singing and dancing at the KTV. I remember the first run I had in the cold weather!
I remember the first time I presented in front of the class during Interim Presentation and treated ourselves to Pizza Hut after that. I remember the first stay I ever had on cruise. I remember the magnificent sight at the 3 Gorges. I remember the first time a dispute occur :( I remember how uncomfortable I felt when I was ill. I remember I did well for the first written test!! I remember I got to see beautiful blooming Cherry Blossoms. I remember the perseverance needed in order to climb the Wu Dang Mountain. I remember the crazy shopping sprees we had. I remember counting down day by day when we were left with 1 week….
The sight of the local students sending us off this morning depicted the friendship built over the 40 days. Anyone could see how attached each local student were to each of us. I appreciate the time they have put in for us, to arrange activities and help us in any way they can. Without their support and assistance, I believe I won’t have an easy life here in Wuhan. Although we met for only 41 days, but this friendship, time spent together, laughter shared, will be remembered and will follow me through my entire life.
This trip could never have been better, I swear! Especially with the rest of 20 friends and Ms Neo. I have gained a whole new experience and definitely have become more independent. This trip has allowed me to learn things that I’ll never get to learn in school or even in Singapore. The 41 days in Wuhan has left me with unforgettable and memorable memories and is the best learning experience I ever had. It is truly a valuable experience and I will highly encourage students of the next batch to sign and go for it! You will experience things you will never ever get to in your entire life! :D
