Day 1 (130609)
Today reached Changi Airport Terminal 3 surprisingly very early at 3.15pm. But at 3.30pm was informed by Joe, Bus 1 Tour Leader that the check in Row changed from 3 to 10. So I hurriedly rushed to Row 10 and could not find Joe. Hence, I called him again and he waved to me to show me where he will be standing.
He given us each a purple ribbon and a red tag with our numbers for our luggage for easy recognistion. My number was 11. He also passed us an envelope with all the necessary documents needed for the whole trip and also the departure card which he had filled in for us.
The flight is SQ 836 and my luggage weight is 11.1kg. The check in time is 1655 at Gate A14. To play safe, he advise us to enter the boarding area after check in luggage. My seat for the plane is 52G.
It was my first time travelling by SIA. I was happy to be served by their polite air stewardesses. The plane successfully took off at 1725. During the journey towards Pudong Shanghai Airport, we met Turbulence many times and we were all advised to fastened our seat belts.
To kill the boredom, I began to watch movies. I was very amazed that I could catch Handsome Suit. It really was an amazing movie. The suit before being put on was very cute. Looks like Michelin.. Haha...
The second movie I watched was Nobody Watch Over Me. It was a Korean movie talking about how a murderer's family were affected and the stress they are facing. But could not finished watching it as the plane was about to land when I only watched halfway.
The last encountered of Turbulance was very scary. I almost cried.
Fortunately, we landed at Pudong Shanghai Airport safely at 2225. The queue for passport check in was super long. It took us about 30 minutes just to finish the check in of passport. When waiting to collect the luggage was another 30 minutes before we gathered as a group and walk out to our bus.
Today will have 3 buses flying by SIA. There were also 3 buses flying by China Air and they already reached hours ago.
Joe bringing us to meet our whole journey's tour guide who will company us everyday from Point 1 till end. His name is Xiao Yan (Strict's Yan). He did a short intro and told us what will be our morning call and thing to be done before we sleep later.
Morning call will kick off at 6.45am. Breakfast will be served at B1 at 7.15am and our meeting at lobby will be at 8.45am. We were told to pack hand luggage of a day's clothes as we will be going to Wu Zhen Ming Shu for a night stay tomorrow. The only transport to there will be by ferry. The ferry could not take in big luggage. Our big luggage will be in the tour buses where they should be.
When we reached our hotel, we were given each a card for accessing the hotel room. Once I settled everything, given that I had not had a proper meals. I went to the nearby McDonalds for some quick bite.
Was actually warned not to go out of hotel alone but I could not contact anyone as we are first day met each other. So I went alone. Before that, I met two familiar faces. They were the daughter and mother team whom went with us to Taiwan last year. They also came with us to Shanghai. Surprised.
Alright, at Mac, I saw Kor, David and the rest of the members whom I do not know. They were already eating and happily chatting. Kor waved and with his forever friendly and cute smile said hello to me before I proceed to make order.
I left shortly after ordered the nuggets meal. It cost me RMB 19.90. Very cheap wor.. Haha...
That end our Day 1 in Shanghai. Or rather should say that end our Night 1 in Shanghai. :P
Day 2 (140609)
Morning call rang at 6.45am as scheduled. 7.15am all big luggage were to be placed outside our room. There was a bell boy ranging my door bell to asked if my luggage were ready for collection. After that I went for breakfast and met the rest at lobby at 8.45am. We confirmed our luggage in placed before boarding our bus and set off at 9am.
The first destination today was Outlet Shops where all branded stuffs sold here. For example, Armani, Burberries, DKNY, Nike, Paul & Shark, etc. Never had urge in buying any branded goods. So was walking around feeling very bored. Luckily have beautiful flowers company me. Suddenly, I saw Kor walking towards opposite my position's Addidas shop. But he was being surrounded by his fans and took numerous pictures outside that outlet. I was too shy to walk towards his direction and began to avoid him by walking to another direction. I suppose he saw me but did not call out to me as I was listening to MP3 at that time. Oh gosh.. Oh my guan ying ma...
After an hour of walking around, we boarded the bus and heading to our next destination, Wu Zhen Ming Shu.
When we reached there, we had our first luxury lunch at the restaurant located opposite the information counter. It was a 10 course lunch. What a very filling lunch I had. We were told to wait while Joe collecting the room card for us. After collecting, we were lead to our Ming Shu. Mine was no 8. Very near the restaurant where we had our lunch. The rest were scatered to different number. Some as far as no 62.
At 3.30pm, we met at the lunch venue where we had when we reached here. We were given a guided tour around Wu Zhen. The end of the tour will be where we will be having our dinner. Meeting time for dinner will be 7pm.
After the guided tour will be free and easy walk around Wu Zhen. On the way, we saw clay making dolls. So cute. Actually wanted to buy Doreamon for Kor but he say he don't want that Doreamon. So...
The dinner again was 10 course. The plastic sheet was irritating and kept flying up. We had our 2nd watermelon slices. After dinner, we went back to our Ming Shu.
On my way back, I met an old man doing what you only will see during old movies. The time keeper. He was knocking on the wood hanging at his waist and then the gong he was holding. The sound was amazing. Too bad, I did not take that picture as my camera do not have batteries and I did not bring spare one with me. So sad.
Once I reached my Ming Shu, I went back to fill up the form for tomorrow's dinner. When I reached no 13, surprised to find a few already waited at there and they told me, the owner of no 13 was no where to be seen.
So I walked to no 11 and asked the uncle sitting outside. He too do not know where was the owner. Then a lady came and ran to no 15 to call the owner of no 13. She came out and collected our slips. After that, we all went back to our room and dozed off.
Breakfast will be served from 7am till 10am. Our meeting time will be 8am at the information counter area to return the card.
That ends Day 2 at Shanghai to Wu Zhen. As my handphone no battery power and I did not bring my charger along. Time is now... XXXXXX Haha...
Day 3 (150609)
I woke up at 0505, packed my luggage and then left the room to walk around for the last time before heading for my breakfast at No 13.
I had a splendid and marvelous breakfast. 2 fried eggs, a bowl of porridge, a small plate of preserved vegetables and one bowl of not so sweet soya milk. When was the last time you ever had this type of breakfast? I bet very long time ago right?
Actually a simple breakfast can really brighteneds up my day. I can smile from ear to ear when thinking of that.
The air at Wu Zhen was fresh and there you can never hear sounds of horns from vehicles, no cars engine sound. Peaceful and quiet. No wonder the ladies here all so nice skin and pretty. They called these beauties, Ai Yo Yo. If given a choice to where to stay for my retirement. I would definately chose Wu Zhen Ming Shu. :P
Time flies, 8am we gathered and left once everyone were present and cards returned. We took ferry back and took bus towards our next destination, Hangzhou.
We came to a park. This park was special. All about to get married couples from Hangzhou will definately visit this park. At here, we will be witnessing how Hangzhou people got married in a traditional way.
The first step was to have the couple stand at the five destinated stones which symbolised five different area. Wealth, Love, Child, Happiness and the other one I forgotten is what. Once at the certain stone, the couple were to throw the coins (not renmingbi's coins) into the center where five kids were holding hands in a circle. Inside the circle was a very small hole. If the coins got in, meaning the couple will have what was stated on the stone they were standing.
After completing the five stones throwing, the duo will proceed to a place where the bride will throw down the red cloth to the groom. When the groom caught it, have to wear it around his body. Then proceed upstairs to throw sweets down to the audience. Caught it and will bring you luck. Once done, the duo will proceed to next stage.
Bride will be carried in the Hua Jiao uphill towards the temple. At there, the couple will place each a plate of offerings to the God of Marriage. They were asked to kneel down and pray sincerely toward the God. Once done choose one stick from one of the five boxes in front of them . The five boxes each stands for what you wish to know. Like wealth, health, marriage, child, etc. According to the guide there, this temple is the famous temple and all the qian was very ling.
Out of curiosity, I picked up a qian from Marriage, it was xia xia qian. The jie qian ren told me, I used to compare this boyfriend with my past boyfriend. He told me to give up this idea of comparing. If not, I will miss someone who is fated to be my Mr Right. Believe it or not, is up to individual.
After the walk at this park, we were driven to a restaurant for our lunch. The menu highlights were the Dong Po Meat, Jia Hua Chicken and Tang Chu Fish. Again it was a 10 course lunch. Wow... Think we will be putting on weight if every meals were 10 course meals.
Once we had our lunch, we headed to next destination. Fake Lei Feng Ta. Before that, we were showed around Xi Hu and took some photos. We took a boat ride to harbour and walked up to Lei Feng Ta.
At there, we were given an hour to walk around. Getting up was tiring. But the scenery you got to see at the peak was amazing. The building itself was amazing. The crafting, the painting and the design at the inside of the building were all very very nice.
After the walk, we were drove to Xing Tian Di where four of our members requested the Hangzhou tour guide to company them for some photo shots. Then we went to Nv Ren Jie where they specially sells thing for women. But nothing attracted me except for the KFC menu and chinese name for Pizza Hut. Haha...
Our dinner was at Hong Ni Hua Yuan Restaurant before we check in BRAIM Seasons Hotel. My room was 715. Meaning 7th floor room 15. Don't ask me why it was called BRAIM.
Time now is 0007. Sounds like 007.. Haha.. Stomach groaning. So again, I walk out to search for supper. Sad to say I only able to find a cake shop. I bought, coffee, strawberry and milk cake with a cup of Mango juice. That ends my Day 3 at Shanghai to Wu Zhen to Hangzhou.
Day 4 (160609)
Morning call for today was not activated or I have missed it. Anyway, I got all ready by 6.15am, watched TV programme till 7am than proceeded to Level 2 for my breakfast. We set off at 7.50am sharp. We are always proceeded on time. Oh yes, forgotten to say, I was on Bus 1. Haha.. Never had the chance to be Bus 1. Wonder how they arranged it.
The first destination of Day 4 was Tea Factory. Where we will learnt how a tea leafs were made and how to grade different long jing tea leave. From normal to AA grade. The journey to reach the Tea Factory was 45minutes ride.
Once we went into the room, we were served each a sip of long jing tea. Before the cup filled with full cup of hot water, we were asked to smell the sip of water. It was fragrance. The health conscious people will know how Long Jing Tea can improve our health and get rid of the toxic inside our body. The speaker, name Mei Gu Niang where Gu Niang means Lady. Hangzhou female are not called Xiao Jie except those hostresses appearing at night. So all the lady here is called Gu Niang. Miss Mei introduced to us how it can turned black water to clear water. It was amazing and thus attracted many people buying the tea leaves home. Next they introduce the sweet which they sold 6 packets for RMB 100. I bought it since it was nice and great gift for colleagues in my office. :P
Our lunch was at Hong Ni Restaurant. It was a quick one as we are rushing for a quick photo taking and towards Suzhou Museum for a walk before it was closed at 4.30pm. So now we will be leaving Hangzhou to Suzhou.
Entering this museum was not easy. We have to first go through a security check on attire and shoes. Slippers not allowed in. Than we queued for bag check which resembles the luggage check at airport. Then we were allowed to proceed to the museum. But the queue for toilet already used up some of our time. As I am not interested in the things inside the museum, hence I gave it a missed.
We left the museum before 4.30pm and boarded the bus. There we saw beggars waiting for us to donate to them. So scary. One of them even tried to pull my legs.
Next we headed to Tiger Hills. During the journey, a hiccup happened. As the driver was not familiar with the road in Hangzhou. Hence he drove into a wrong lane which caused heavy traffic jammed. Our bus neither can reverse nor can proceed due to the height restriction under the railway track. Police was called to help in getting our bus out and clearing the jammed.
It took us almost an hour to clear the traffic and then we reverse back to the safe position before we proceed to Tiger Hill safely. Had to hats off the drivers of 6 buses which went beside our bus with only a narrow gap in between the pole and the our bus. Some of the drivers were female. Amazing. Joe kept telling us, this hiccups was not in the scheduled. Haha...
When we reached, not all alighted as heard it was no turn back if you are unable to climb the 53 steps. As the bus will only wait at the exit not the entrance of the Tiger Hills. I did not climb as I worried I could not complete the steps. Haha...
Dinner will be at Soodow Household Restaurant where there will be singers singing while we eating dinner. But they only sing oldies. Haha...
Last destination before we end the trip for Day 4 was Guan Qian Jie. A short stay at here for quick shopping and we left at 9.30pm towards our hotel.
We stayed in Gloria Plaza Hotel and my room was 533. The TV programme was so boring. The controlling of the channels was very funny.
That end Day 4. Oh My Guan Ying Ma...
Day 5 (170609)
The day started at 6.30am where morning call rang. By 7.15am all big luggage must be ready at the doorstep. We set off at 8am sharp and proceed to our first destination, Silk Factory.
In the Silk Factory, we learnt how cocoon became silk ball and finally become silk. Once it was silk, still need to stack one by one like cotton than will be put into pillow, bolster or blanket. Even clothes. The most sellable was the pillow where there is silk baby's shit. Good for those who snores.
After that, we went to next door for early lunch at Level 2 as we were rushing to go back Shanghai avoiding the traffic jam at the highway. Time now was 11am.
Before we headed to the highway, we went to a park for some photo taking for 15 minutes. The journey from Suzhou to Shanghai will need 45 minutes at most. Estimated we will reached at 2pm.
We met first traffic jam due to two cars kissed each other but soon the jammed cleared. We will reached soon.
Our next destination was Chang Le Lu. This is a place selling branded stuffs. For me, nothing to buy. For kor... Haha... Shopping spree.. :P
We ate dinner than proceed to Shanghai Circus World for spectacular circus show. The best circus show ever. Got human walking around the round circle similar to the hamster runway. Then the ending was around 9 motorist or was it 6 riding round a ball shaped thing. Amazing. The artist jump over the hoops stacked 4 levels. Really amazing.
Our last destination before we headed back to hotel was a walk round night life of Shanghai. By the time we reached hotel it was already 11pm. Yawn...
Time now was 0107 when this was wrote. That ends my Day 5 in Shanghai to Wu Zhen to Hangzhou to Suzhou and than back to Shanghai.
Day 6 (180609)
The day starts at 6.30am when the morning call rings. After breakfast, we set off at 8am sharp. Again, we were all very punctual. Haha...
First place we went is Pi Qiu Guan. Some call Tian Lu. There got a shifu explain how Pi Qiu can help in blooming business, improve health, gain wealth, etc. We stayed for an hour plus.
Next we went to Pu Dong Riverside for some phototaking session. Then we walked to Ming Zhu Ta to go up to 263 storey to see the whole Shanghai view. We walked one round indoor and went down Level 1 for the wax museum visiting. It was for ancient times people. The wax museum's wax people looks really like HUMAN.
We stayed for an hour before we headed to Cheng Huang Miao to eat our Xiao Long Bao as lunch. We then shop for an hour then gathered and proceeded to next destination-Long Hua Shi Chang.
We went for more shopping. At Long Hua Shi Chang, we can bargained. We can get items at cheaper price. We reached hotel at 4.30pm and then meet at 5.05pm as we need to go for the Gala Dinner. Kor will taking our bus to there.
The Gala Dinner was located near harbour. Super romantic. The food was so so. But the ambience was great. The game played was fun. Kor dressed in Zhong Shang Zhuang. Super handsome. :P
After Gala Dinner, we went further to Shanghai Night Life. Only some alighted to visit pubs. But this round, nothing much to see. We reached hotel at 11pm plus. Again, I sneaked out to buy supper as I was hungry. Haha...
Time is now 0020. That ends Day 6. Time flies. 2 more days and we will be landing in Singapore.
Day 7 (190609)
Today we had half day guided tour and half day free and easy before we flying off tomorrow afternoon.
We will be finishing the balance schedule to mark an end. Xiao Yan will not accompany us tomorrow as he will be having exams. He did not tell us but Joe told us. Wonder the letter he received already? Hmm...
Our first destination was a medical hall where we will be having leg massage and before that was soaking our legs into a 40degree celcius water. Frankly speaking, the massage was nothing compared to the one I had in Bangkok. They kept selling their medicine to us. Only some bought. Not cheap for that bottle wor. Anyway, I won't have that luxurious time to do the soaking thing.
Next Xiao Yan took us to Nanjing Road and released us at there for our free and easy trip.
I walk around there for a while and went to the arcade. Surprised that I am able to catch one cute dog plush toy in just one try. Lucky wor. Then I took a cab back to hotel for some rest. Then I went to develop some photos to surprise two person. Then I took a bus to their MRT and took back to the station near hotel and took a bus back. Took some blurred photo from the bus as the bus was moving and I did not have a seat. Great experience taking their bus. The bus fare is only RMB 2 for whole journey. Wonder from head to end, will it still be RMB 2. Haha..
Their MRT station was very very weird. The ceiling was filled with bulbed wires and you can actually see them. One funny thing placed inside the MRT Station was a vending machine for medicines. First time ever I saw that vending machine.
My lunch was pizza hut, spaghetti with meat balls, wings, iced lemon tea and mushroom soup. My dinner was KFC barbequed wings.
I was amazed in myself for so fast blend into life of Shanghai. Maybe I can think of migrating to here or Taiwan. Haha..
Alright, today's schedule wasn't packed and was relaxing. Their photo develop per piece for 5R was RMB 1. Express service at RMB 2. :P
Time was now 0030. That mark end of Day 7. Tomorrow we will taking Maghev train to airport wor... We will be the only 3 buses who can ride on this. Those who fly back using China Air will not have this luck. Haha..
Day 8 (200609)
We start the day at 1045 where we meet at lobby. Check out at 1030. We left hotel with all our belongings and luggage at 1055 so as to catch the Maghev train to airport. That will be our last task before we leaving Shanghai.
It was Shanghai fastest train which they named it rocket train. But the travelling speed was only 301km/h, you call that fast? I doubt so. But no harm trying. :P
We reached airport at 1100 plus. Check in at 1200plus at Row C. We went in after checked in luggage. When it was my turn, the belt was jammed and hence delayed the check in time for 20 minutes. The staff did not apologise for the delay and assumed I knew they are facing technical problem. Anyway, that was not the main point. I found their attitute was not polite for some.
The plane delayed boarding time to 1415 without explaining why though the flight will take off at 1430. When we board the plane, we still have to wait as their airport traffic was busy and they could not get clearance from the tower. Wonder what time will we be flying off.
Time flies, 8 days 7 nights gone in just a blink of eyes. Right now, we were already in SQ 831. Haiz...
Time now was 1500, we were still waiting for the plane to move. Sad to say, due to oil leaked, they needed technician to repaired and delayed for an hour. Then came heavy rain and plane could not fly in this weather. So we waited further.
It took few hours later than the pilot apologised and said that our plane could not take off today. We will be arranged to hotel nearby and plane will fly probably tomorrow morning depends on when the technician can complete the repairing.
What the ... Anyway, we were arranged a stayed in a 4 star hotel called Ramada Airport Hotel. We had our dinner there after which we collect our room card with our passport.
During the collection, Joe and I met a very unreasonable hotel staff. She thought Joe was cutting queue where he was actually asking me to queue on his behalf while he run some errand. We almost quarrelled with the staff. But things ended when the other staff asked her to just prepare the necessary documents so as not to delay the queue further.
I find that the staff should at least use her eyes to observe before she scream at us. What an unpleasant day.
Time now was 0020. That end our extra night in Shanghai. Hopefully plane will take off tomorrow. :P
Day 9 (210609)
Breakfast served from 0600-0800. Shuttle bus reached hotel at 1030. We must checked out before 1030.
Due to plane technical problem and weather. We could not fly back yesterday. We had complimentary dinner and breakfast and stayed in 4 star hotel. Thanks to SIA's arrangement. They are very effective though the announcement last night was not that clear and delayed for many hours before they could tell us what situation it was.
We left the hotel with all our belongings and luggage. Finally we are going back Singapore. Checked in luggage at 1100 and boarding time is also 1100.. Amazing right? But we only boarded the plane at 1130. The plane will be SQ 831 D. Funny with D behind it. :X
The plane successfully took off at 1200plus and we will be reaching Singapore Changi Airport T3 at 1730. Though we met several time of the Turbulence, but we still safely landed as scheduled time, 1730. When the plane successfully landed, a group of us clapped with joy.
Everything settled by 1730. Great. That end our 9D8N. Finally. :P Welcome Elaine Back To SINGAPORE. :P
