Sheep happens.

Friday, March 10, 2006

the trip

Trips, I've gone on countless numbers of them. Whether the Secondary Three Camp's trip to Pahang or a Root-Seeking camp's trip to Guang Zhou, they certainly were welcome additions to my hectic life. Trips need not necessarily be overseas, overseas trips are indeed more enriching than local trips. Not only does it broaden your perception of the outside world, you also get to experience how people in other countries live.

One unforgettable trip I had was the Root-Seeking Winter Camp in Guang Zhou in December last year. It was indeed a trip worthy of remembrance. The Winter Camp was an international camp organized by the Chinese government specially for chinese youths overseas. There were more than 300 people from practically everywhere. Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Mauritius, Vanuatu and many more. Name it and you've got it. Truth to be told, never in my life have I seen such a large congregation of people of different nationalities.

Everyone of us stayed in South China Normal University for the duration of the two-week camp. Taking wushu lessons and at the same time travelling around the province on educational trips. I found it hard to adjust to living in a culturally diverse community. Everyone thought differently. Everyone approached things from many contradistinct angles. It was a unique experience.

Winter temperatures in Guang Zhou has always been quite mild, and at that time the temperatures fluctuated around ten degrees. Even though temperatures were not too low, the winds were unforgivingly strong. Around the campus, one would often catch sight of overturned flower pots; the result of the constant barrage of wind. The main campus was behemothic; occupying hectares upon hectares of land, so much so that the word behemothic itself is an understatement. One would take approximately an hour just to pace around the circumference of the campus.

On the other hand, the campus itself was exceedingly beautiful. Flowers bloomed everywhere around the campus; despite the cold temperatures. The buildings were arranged in neat patterns, and there even was a park situationed right in the middle of the campus. The park was very well-kept. Just look around it at any time of the day and you would find a gardener or two tending to the flora in the park.

The people there were very hospitable. Even in the cold winter, all of us could feel this warmth emanating from these people. There was something in the air which made us feel at home. Made us feel welcomed. The hospitality of the Chinese indeed lives up to its name.

I would dearly love to return again one day, to return to the wonderful place that was my home for two weeks.

I certainly hope I will.