5 Things I love about RV

1) The equipment we have, such as the gym and the library (which we do have access to).

2) The toilets which are fairly clean.

3) Our classrooms which are much larger in comparison.

4) The canteen and hostel cafe.

5) The staircases which are fairly safe, at least with no one playing ball games there.

-Ong Gee Hun (14)

Day 2 26/05

26/05 Day 2 45 合肥高中

Today, we went to 45 合肥高中 for lessons. We reached there at 9am and left the school for a tour of our buddy's house at 5.30pm. How the lessons were conducted were drastically different from how they were held in Singapore. Each lesson lasted for 40 mins and had a 10 mins break in between lessons. There were a set number of lessons each day, which was 4 in the morning until 12 noon and another 4 in the afternoon after a long break from 12 noon to 2.30pm for lunch. Surprisingly, there was no canteen or such in the school, so all the students without fail went home for lunch. They have no other choice. In my opinion, the system in china of having a short break in between lessons is what I would like to have in school as well. Even of that means that we might be released later at the end of the day. Having such a break would give the students enough time to consolidate what exactly was taught in the previous lesson and sufficiently prepare themselves for the next. They would also be able  to leave their seats and rejuvenate themselves. Unlike in Singapore, with the lessons one after another, at times even 5 hours without a single break, I often find myself tired and restless. Like a worn-out battery, one would not be able to concentrate fully, even if one wants and needs to do so.  Another significant difference between the system in schools would be a time for eye exercises in between lessons. Such an exercise, with the soundtrack broadcasted through the PA system, does not take much time. However, I believe that it does have benefit the students' physical well being in the long term. Something I observed would be that the number of bespectacled students are in the minority. Which is clearly the opposite for the students in our class.

-Ong Gee Hun (14)

Day 1 25/05

25/05 Day 1 三合古镇

Today, l learnt valuable things about China's culture. In my opinion, the Citizens if China puts a great deal of pride in their heritage. Especially so, as compared to Singapore. Families are willing to live in old traditional houses. Which are ancient and might not have the facilities they may need in daily life. Instead of moving to a new, better one. The sole reason being that their ancestors have been living in that house for up to hundreds of years. How many people in Singapore really remember their roots? How many people are really aware of the struggles their ancestors went through? In addition, the extend at which the facilities were preserved amazed. From the traditional shops, to the ancient bridges. All of them reflect the rich history of each and every place. Moreover, with the people who were born and raised here, there are countless legends of certain places and the meaning behind certain names. For example, a traditional bridge being named 三线桥 due to it connecting 3 provinces.  Perhaps there is deep meaning behind the names of certain roads in Singapore. However, is this widely known among the people, especially the younger generation? I guess not. One would not be aware unless sufficient research was done. Such knowledge about one's roots would not known to everyone in Singapore like that on China, Anhui.

-Ong Gee Hun (14)