Post for Sunday 060909 (Day 2) - now Sunday 10.05 p.m.

Hello all!

After the great 'wave off' at Changi Airport, the children boarded the plane. They ate well (nice to see children eating so much and eating well!) and the journey was smooth. We touched down at Kaohsiung at 9.10p.m. and reached the Sunshine Hotel around 11.30 pm. The children went to their rooms with anticipation. They bathed and had a good sleep, exhausted after the flight and coach journey.

Refreshed after the good sleep, we had a buffet breakfast at the hotel and headed to the Shadow Puppet Museum of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Kaohshiung (the only museum of puppet shadow in Taiwan), Zuoying (Spring and autumn pavilions and Wuli pagoda), followed by a sumptious lunch of Zeng Zhong Pai Gu. After lunch, the group proceeded to the Ts'ai-Liao Fossil Museum of Tainan County before we had dinner.

I am using my personal camera to download the pictures. Sorry it takes a long time to delete personal photos so I will post them all today. Tomorrow it is a school day and a long day for us. There will be much less photos. Click here to view for photos of Day 2: Tainan Day 2

During dinner, we had surprise celebration. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Yu Ting! What a way to celebrate her 10th birthday!







Today, Group A will share their reflections:

Natasha: When we were in the plane, Mdm Fan explained how to look for our seats looking at our boarding pass. I felt very grateful and finally found my seat. I have learnt something even before I reached Tainan!

Joan: When I was on the coach going to the Hotel, I was seated on the right. I was shocked I could not see any driver in front when the coach got moving! Later, I discovered people drive on the left in Taiwan. That was the first difference between S'pore and Taiwan that I discovered after reaching Taiwan. That was fascinating.

Ning Ling: At the Immigration counter, my friends and I bowed to the officers - I though that was polite and they were smiling happily. We must remember to be polite at all times and at all places. I also offered to take drinks for my friends and teachers. I earned a 'Star' for that! The important thing is not the star but to help each other and be polite at all times, especially now that we are in Taiwan.

Wei Ling: I found our trip to the Fossil Museum to be very interesting. We had studied Fossils (Unit 7) and we saw the life specimens. I took many photos to show my classmates as I want to share with them what we have learnt here.

Claris: I saw someone from our group throw a pillow to the back and made Ning Ling's drink spill. I felt that was an inconsiderate act. We should behave ourselves on the plane especially we are representing Singapore and Chongfu during this trip.

Gwendolyn: I learnt to be patient. I shared a room with Shu Min and learnt to take turns to brush our teeth. We leant that we should take care of each other.

Adele: When I landed, I felt that there is not much difference between Singapore and Tainan. I felt I have grown up a little as I am more independent. I know that as I thought I will be homesick but I was able to control my emotions.

Shu Min: At the Puppet Museum, I learnt that each puppet has a spirit and if the head of the puppet is torn, it has to be replaced. I think this is very interesting. I did not know that making a puppet involves so many things. I am going to read up more about it.

So that's all for today. The children have all gone back to their rooms. The weather is very humid here, almost the same as in S'pore. The pictures are taking a long time to download. Stay tuned. Parents, don't worry about the kids. They are learning a lot on how to be independent. Let's give them the room to do so. All are happy and well.

Mdm Fan :)