...Pilgrim With Me

A SUMMER TREAT TO HAINAN

2008-11-30T00:52:00.000-08:00

Summer was coming to town that time. I was so excited because our spring term is about to end. Vacation was ruling all over my mind. I was thinking of going around China that time with my friends after my classes. As it was coming, my colleagues were asking me about my plans after the term. They were also asking whether I will go with them in their summer camp with students to Hainan – an island in south China. They added that it’s a school’s treat for me as I was about to leave the school that time – end of my contract. I absolutely didn’t expect that because my contract ends on June 30th and they’re going to the summer camp on the same date ‘til July 4th. I just humbly answered that it’s my pleasure and a great honor and that I would love to go with them. They were so elated upon hearing my answer.

When the time came for our trip, one of my colleagues phoned me for I was already in the city where the airport is (the capital of the province – for our branch school is about two and a half hours by bus away from the capital), I was staying at my friend’s that time, she told me that they are already at the airport and immediately took a taxi to the airport. There I met them with 17 students and we had a great conversation for it’s like two weeks that we didn’t see one another for I took my vacation ahead of time, right after our term ended. When we checked in, I was kinda surprised because we were having connecting flights (Hefei to Guangzhou – one hour and 45 minutes, then Guangzhou to Hainan – one hour and 15 minutes). Our flight was 6:45pm and I was thinking we would arrive too late at night which is not good for our students. They would be very tired. But we have no choice, the agency booked it for us.

Students were very happy as they saw me at the airport, I am going with them. I felt great honor for best was always offered to me, best seat on the plane, best room in the hotels we stayed and so on. I just thought I am a foreigner with them. But it’s a treat for me, they said.

I was really right. We were in truth so tired when we arrived at Hainan airport and we still had to travel for almost an hour to our hotel. Luckily we had a restful sleep in a marvelous hotel where we stayed for the first night. We started our day the next morning at 7am and began roaming around the island after our breakfast. I didn’t feel so strange for its weather is perfectly similar to that of the Philippines. But for them, they said it’s very hot. Every now and then it rains and later it shines.

We went to a lot of historical scenic spots in the island. We first went to the evergreen park and we were entertained by its beauty and grandness - indeed an evergreen park. The we continued circling the magnificent island for four days. We never stayed in one single hotel, we kept transferring from one place to another and stayed in the nearest hotel when darkness starts to cover the whole place. Despite we were very tired with our activities during the day time, still our students wanted us to go swimming with them at night after our great dinner. So we had to be with them and I did enjoy our time together.

As we pursued our stay there, we visited various tourist attractions. We went to a volcanic site turned into a scenic spot, botanical garden, famous native tribe, museums like butterfly museum, seashell museum, crocodile park, water world park, factories, beaches, famous female soldiers barrack and so on. It was really a fantastic experience. So, try not to forget including it as part of your vacation plans. Enjoy everyone and be happy every day.

You can also visit me in my other sites:

http://eternallyyours-tax.blogspot.com

http://d-role-model.blogspot.com

…mY jOuRnEy To ThE CaPiTaL, BeIjInG

2008-05-08T04:20:00.001-07:00

One Sunday morning, we busily started our day for we have to travel to Beijing as what we’ve planned beforehand. We woke up so early ‘coz our tickets said it’s 7:12 am. We have to be there at least an hour before. We hastily prepared ourselves and walked out bringing our luggage.

Around 20 minutes after we arrived at the station, boarding started. I was so excited ‘coz it’s really my dream, to set foot to the huge and fantastic Great Wall. We happily looked for our seats and felt so relaxed after we found them. Elatedly, we were talking as we started moving. I felt so strange, I didn’t know why. Maybe because it’s a dream come true and also my first time to be on a fast train (bullet train as they call it), I told myself. I wanted to sleep yet I didn’t want to. I wanted to fully experience the pleasure of being on a vacation, traveling.

It is so nice to fulfill our dreams. We all know that everyone has his own dreams. We would be very happy if we achieve them. They’re what we are working hard for. Attaining them would elevate ourselves, and be proud of ourselves and be happy that we succeeded. These would only happen if we keep on keeping on, doing our best to make them come true. So friends, never give up in attaining success. Strive hard and move on every time you fall. Don’t be discouraged! Instead, be brave and confident. Life is like that. We all have our own sorrows and troubles. So, what I can say is, “Always keep on keeping on!” Good luck everyone!

note: you also check me out here;

http://neverfadestax.blogspot.com/

http://d-role-model.blogspot.com/

…mR. dOuGhNuT

2008-05-02T02:00:00.000-07:00

Hahhahaa. I was really happy to know there’s Mr. Doughnut here. I miss this place. I used to be in this place back home. I was so elated when my friend told me we’re gonna go to that place. I even asked whether they have it here. She proudly said, what else would you like to ask? We’ve got everything here! I just laughed! She added my place is so left behind. I even laughed the more. Yeah, but I like it there. Everything is cheap. But in big cities, of course, almost everything is expensive.

When we arrived at Mr. Doughnut, it was already almost 12:00 noon. Many people were there. We remembered t’was a holiday, May 1. We were just lucky we were able to find seats for us. After few minutes, people weren’t able to find even a single seat for them. We ordered and waited for a long time. We were really hungry for we didn’t eat breakfast.

When it was served to us, more than 30 minutes after we ordered, we immediately bask the pizza we ordered. We were like hungry lions devouring the food served to us. We did enjoy them a lot. After, we left and went sightseeing and window shopping, one shop after the other. We were really tired because of the hot weather and many people around. Yet, the enjoyment we had could never be substituted by any means.

…UnBeLiEvAbLy MaNy

2008-05-02T01:10:00.000-07:00

As we were wandering around, after our lunch at Mr. Doughnut, we started moving out. I was just wondering where these people come from. The streets were so populous. The sidewalks are covered with umbrellas, for the day was very hot. I really couldn’t believe the crowd in just an ordinary holiday. I imagined back home, it only happens during a big festivity in a big city. But here, just a holiday, May day holiday. The place is really densely populated.

It was very hard to move from one place to the other. You would really feel very exhausted, for aside from the people, the weather, too is very hot. It’s very hard to find a good location where only few people go. Everywhere is thickly covered by people. So, we didn’t stay that long outside. We went to a shopping mall, yet the situation is still the same. But at least it’s not so hot. If you buy something, it would take a lot of time, you’ve got to make a long queue to the counter. We immediately went home after we bought some goods. We then slept at around 5:30 pm when we arrived home. We woke up at about 8:00 pm and ate dinner. We in truth were bloody tired. Yet we did enjoy. What about you, how’s your holiday?

…WoNdErFuLLy DeSiGnEd PaRk (hEfEi)

2008-04-30T01:27:00.000-07:00

After we had our shopping, time to come home, I told her. I wanna sleep ‘coz I would be traveling tonight, I added. So we went home. She said we would just walk home for it is just pretty near, that we can talk for quite a long time. Then we walked. We ate ice cream along the way. Then we passed a beautiful park. We stopped for sometime and sat down and talked.

I was really fascinated by the great view of the park. It looks like an old one, yet so fabulous. It must have been built for years, but its beauty still remains the same. Such a deluxe park in the middle of the city. It has little oval, where people could go around and jog. It is well decorated by beautiful and colorful flowers. There’s some kinda tower where people could see what’s beyond the lake for it surrounds it, the park has bar designs at one side that look like they were there years and years past. Really a fab place to go when you are around the city. We walked around it, took pictures and tackle something about our experiences. We were like little children as we were sitting at one side, talking and laughing together. Thanks Lanz for that nice talk and walk around. See you soon and have a nice holiday.

…tHe DaY I wAs WaItInG

2008-04-30T00:43:00.000-07:00

I kept thinking of the days I would be off from work. Kinda very excited about my trips around. I didn’t have a very sound sleep for days imagining my forthcoming travel. And the days have come now! I do enjoy being with my all time colleagues and friends back home.

I excitingly went to the bus station to Hefei early Monday morning. I took the bus at 6:40am going there. At around 10:00am, I was already there waiting for a taxi. It took me a long time to find one. My friend was worried about me, she called me up to find out. When I came to her apartment, we were like little kids seeing each other for a long time. We were shouting for happiness for we didn’t see each other for quite sometime now. We had a great lunch and dinner together. T’was really a memorable one.

After we had our lunch, we went out ‘coz we only had a short time. I had to go to Wuhan that night. We bought my train ticket first so that it would be easier, knowing that the holiday is approaching, many people would travel. We went to the ticket outlet near her school. Then we proceeded to different shops, we did a little shopping together. I bought shoes and summer t-shirts. We had a great time together. Yet she was a little sad ‘coz I have to leave that night. She wanted me to stay for a night.

When we arrived at the train station, after our wonderful dinner, we were shocked. A lot of people were making a large queue outside the station. I really thought it was a perfect idea buying the ticket ahead of time. So they went in with me and we searched for my waiting place. What i can say is, "Thanks for your company pals. I highly appreciate it." So, I left Hefei at 9:27pm to Wuhan, to see another friend. Have a good holiday people! Enjoy and have a good time.

…a FrIeNd’S bIrThDaY

2008-04-27T22:38:00.000-07:00

I was astonished when my phone rang in the mid of my discussion. I switched it off immediately. My students said I have to answer the phone. But I insisted not. They added it might be emergency, but I said, it can wait. I should not answer because we are having classes, I told them. Then, they shut up their mouths.

Right after I dismissed them for a five-minute break, I looked at my phone to know who called me up. A friend of mine here, and I phoned him. He was just telling me to go to the KTV after my class, same place where we had on my birthday. I said sorry ‘coz I had a class. Only to find out, it’s a friends birthday celebration. So, after I ended up my last class, 8:35 in the evening, I hurried to the place. They were already somehow in the mid of the celebration.

We were having like showdown, we were dancing and singing like wild animals. We had a great birthday celebration. Thanks for the great night pals. I did enjoy even to the point of losing my voice, to think I am going to have many classes the day after. But still, as if nothing is going on. I was even tired ‘coz I was from 11 classes that day. With my friends, I see to it I would be very happy and make them happy, too. I like everybody to be happy every now and then. Thanks for the invitation! Happy birthday once again, Flora. Wish you the best and have a good time.

…KFC, tHe WaY I wAnTeD tO bE

2008-04-26T17:00:00.001-07:00

As I face the hurdles every now and then, in my busy days of the week, I also have to sometimes reward myself and give consolations. One is eating in a fast food restaurant, KFC in particular. Hahahaha. I love eating in here ‘coz I am used to this back home. I just go and eat to this place once in a while here. So I do miss it a lot.

One busy Friday, one of my new foreign friends came to my city. So I met her in the downtown during lunch time. We went around and did a little shopping. Then we proceeded to KFC, ‘coz for her, she miss eating in there, too. She added, they don’t have KFC, as well as McDonalds in her place for it’s a little small city than mine.

I was just amazed when we were already there, inside KFC, we were kinda puzzled what to do, for we were sure it would be hard to order again, as our usual problem ever here. But to my surprise, someone stood beside me and said, “Can I help you?” I was really happy hearing that. I didn’t know who he really was that time. Well, what I knew was he helped us. He can speak a conversational English. He ordered for us. Thanks to him.

As we savored what we ordered, I saw him at the other side of the eating place, doing like paper works with some other guys. Only to find out, he is one of the managers there. He was busy doing something there. We thanked him a lot. We even ask him to take us photos there. Very kind young man. Thanks for that. Somehow, I was invited to always go there. Hahahha. It’s my pleasure. Well, thank you so much. There are really a lot of benevolent people here. Thanks and have a good time.

…mY wHeReAbOuTs

2008-04-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

Why do you know my whereabouts? Are you stalking me? Why? What are your intentions? Why do you do that to me? Why do you need to know where do I go and what do I do? I am scared of you! Do you know that? I couldn’t imagine why you’re doing this.

Sounds scary, right? Did someone do that to you? Did you have a stalker? Why? What’s the reason? Did you ask him about it? Were you scared about it? Interesting, huh!

Well friends, it’s not that serious. What I am talking about is different from what’s presented. It’s just that, I came to talk to some of my friends here in my city once in a while. I was just amazed that when I want to tell them something, they already knew it ahead of time. I was puzzled! How could it be? They just simply said, I saw it in your blog. I follow and read your blog all this time. That’s why I know about it. It’s just that, I like reading them ‘coz I can learn a lot, expressions, new words, thoughts, information and so on. So, I kept reading your blog. Wow! I humbly said, thanks for that. You’re flattering me. Thank you for always following me in my journey. Thanks for keeping me in your everyday activities. I am truly happy for that. I am eager to do the more. Thanks! Have a good time.

…hApPiLy DiD fOr A mOnTh NoW

2008-04-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

It’s nice to know that you are always there. You guys out there who constantly journeying with me here. You are worth a million thanks. I do value every single minute you spent each time you open my site. I just hope I was able to impart some of what I know and that you learn something from it. Thanks a lot.

I am going to be one month doing this happily. I am so elated every time I open my blog and many are leaving comments and messages. As I look at my profile views daily, it keeps increasing. Thanks for that everyone. I owe you this. You are all my inspiration to do more and inspire more people to do better in life. Thanks for the continued support. Let’s make a difference! Yes, we absolutely can. Believe me.

…LoOkInG FoRwArD

2008-04-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

Thinking of the few days left for the incoming holidays, I couldn’t help but think of my forthcoming journey to the capital of China, Beijing. I am looking forward to those days. I am indeed very activated to have my travel once again. It’s been quite a long time that I haven’t done one, since spring festival. I just can’t describe my feelings right now. I am so high thinking of those days that I would be there. It would really be a dream come true.

Having almost two weeks holiday makes me energized all the more. I am making all my best in my daily affairs happily. I am very motivated to do things ‘coz it’s three days more to go. I am really looking forward to this wonderful trip. Thanks for this chance. I will just update you with all the happenings every now and then. Just keep in touch here. Have a good time everyone. I am very excited!

…tHaNkS tO yOu

2008-04-24T01:58:00.000-07:00

I am very happy today. When I came back to the office after our lunch break, my colleague greeted me with a good news, she already went to the station for my ticket. I couldn’t wait now. I am very frantic these days knowing that my trip is fast approaching.

I am going to start traveling on 28th of April, early morning to another province, Hebei, to meet my friend, Maybelle in Wuhan, its capital. I am going to stay there for about two days to meet some other friends, like April, who I met and knew since spring festival in Chuzhou. Then, on 30th, at the evening, we will proceed to Beijing, our real destination. And we would somehow arrive on May 1st. Then, we are going to roam around the capital of China, to the great wall, forbidden city, and some venues for the forthcoming Olympic games. I just wish the weather would be with us during those times. See you in Beijing everyone!!!

…rEaLLy ExPeNsIvE, hUh?

2008-04-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

As I continue my everyday life, here in a quite and serene city, I found it strange lately. Really expensive, huh?

I went to the supermarket once, I proceeded first to the fruits section, ‘coz they are the majority of my concerns there. What caught my attention was the beautiful displays of mangoes, which I truly miss since we have a lot of cheap mangoes back home. They are so yellow, totally fragrant and look so fresh. I immediately bought 3 pieces. To my surprise, it’s pretty expensive. It’s worth 9.98 RMB or like 60 pesos. Gosh! Well, it’s just so rare to have them that shiny and beautiful, so I did buy them. It’s worth it, I convinced myself as I placed them inside my tray. Then I continued my grocery.

…LuScIoUs FoOd

2008-04-23T02:00:00.000-07:00

Why is it that a celebration is always associated with food, eating, drinking? When did it start? Can we celebrate something without eating at all? Why is this so? Why do we prepare luscious food when we have big celebrations? Why do we need food even? Can we live without it?

Scientifically speaking, food is any substance, usually composed primarily of carbohydrates, fats, water and/or proteins, that can be eaten or drunk by an animal for nutrition or pleasure. Items considered food may be derived from plants, animals or other categories such as fungus or fermented products like alcohol.

Food is one of the highlights of a festivity. And all people like eating and drinking in any sort. It is even a waterloo for many. That’s why there are people who are overweight or who suffer obesity. They like to eat even more than what is expected. They can’t help but eat and eat.

Well, it is very advisable to balance our food in take. We should not eat to much of oil, fat and sugar. Dairy, meat and other protein should be taken less, either. They can make us fat. What we should eat the most are the following, carbohydrates like grains. Fruits and vegetables too, are good and have to be taken more. So eat a balance diet everyone. Have a healthy meal everyday!

…cOuLdN’t BeLiEvE

2008-04-23T01:07:00.000-07:00

Early this morning, I saw some commotions with the Chinese teachers. They were somewhat talking something incredible. I just didn’t mind them. I thought it’s just something personal, ‘coz they stayed outside the office. But I could clearly hear their voices, loud enough.

Few minutes later, they entered the office and let me see a big picture frame, a wedding photo. They were asking me who these people are in the picture. I could hardly recognize them. I wasn’t able to say my answer ‘coz I really don’t have any idea. They just said it’s Aye! Our Aunt here who cleans our classrooms and everything after our classes. I couldn’t believe. They look fantastically young and awesome. She and her husband look very happy and vernal. They are like in their 20’s but in truth they’re in their 40’s. Really unbelievable.

Well, I looked at their album and found out that it was their wedding anniversary. The album contains all wedding photos with different costumes and background. It is really fascinatingly designed and made. I highly admire its beauty. I, in fact, looked at it several times. Somehow, I thought, I want to make my wedding somewhat more than this one (in my dreams). Who knows?

…hApPy To KnOw YoU’rE tHeRe

2008-04-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

As I opened my computer, one Tuesday morning, I was so happy to see that one of my friends who wasn’t able to be online for a long time was online. I immediately greeted him good morning. He responded the same way. He was feeling the same way, too. He was too busy for a long time, he said. He has no time to sit down and chat to friends online.

We were talking for only a short time, ‘coz I have to leave, work related purposes. I wanted to stay, though. But I have to prioritize my work. So we cut our conversation short. I am just hoping to catch him soon and we could chat for quite a long time. Thanks for that time. Take care always and have a good time.

…sTuFfEd

2008-04-22T00:18:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine invited me to a dinner after our wonderful stroll around the fantastic park here in the city. We went to a restaurant famous for its location, its mouth-watering dishes, and most especially, its perfectly cheap price. People around the city all know its fame. He brought me there. Many were on the counter, making a queue. We did too.

As I entered, for the counter is located at the entrance, what entertained my eyes were the people busy choosing their orders, for the dishes are displayed inside a long glass container and also the luscious food displayed. A lot of them that it's hard to choose which. Looking at them perse makes you full. They are all delicious. We ordered and scrumptiously ate our meal. I was really stuffed for we ordered a lot ‘coz they are all cheap. Thanks Jim for the corking dinner. I did enjoy the food and your company. See you soon. Take care always.