I actually woke up early to get prepared for this very special day which I have been so looking forward to. Yeah.... I signed up for an exchange program organised by my Japanese Language School, JCS. Those who know that I am a Japanese freak will not be surprise 'cos this is a great opportunity for me to learn more about Japanese Culture.I met up with my cousin, Heather who is going together with me, and we had breakfast at Mcdonalds before gathering at our meeting place - Conrad Centennial Hotel. We reported to Ms. Kay, the person-in-charge from JCS, and that was when I realised that all the other members who were chosen came from the Advanced Class (btw, I was from Intermidate Class). I started to panick.... (- _ - ;;)
I broke out in cold sweat. I started to worry about the communication problem that I am going to face with my lousy spoken Japanese. Heather calmed me down. Ms. Kay told me to forget about the fear and enjoy myself. I was totally lost.
"When it have to come, it will have to come." ..... It's meeting the guest time.
Ms. Murakami, the person-in-charge for the guest, briefed us through the rules and regulations of this program. We were supposed to bring them around Singapore to the places they wished to visit using our local transportation. Then came the allocation of groups. Guess what..... I GOT THE BIGGEST GROUP - Team J2. Can you imagine that??? I almost fainted on the spot. (@_@)
We were introduced to J2's Group Leader, 藤原さん. The group consists of 8 wonderful members including the leader. They are 加藤さん、磯野さん、松田さん、谷口さん、近田さん、the lovely 小谷野さん and last but not least 神村さん、my excellent helper (Oops! I should be speaking Japanese instead of having a translator.... tsk tsk tsk ... lousy guide!) throughout the whole day. (For the benefits of non-japanese speaking friends, the 8 member's names are as follows : Fujiwara-san (GL), Kato-san, Isono-san, Matsuda-san, Taniguchi-san, Konda-san, Koyano-san and Kamimura-san.)
We then proceed to Millenia Walk's Foodcourt to have our dicussion on the day's itinerary. This group of guest is from Japan Management Association. They came from different global group of JMA therefore they can all speak ENGLISH. *PHEW*
The 'load' was finally being removed.
During discussion, we realised that their main interest was to see the daily life of a Singaporean and our education system. So after a whole lot of hand gesture's discussion, we concluded our one day tour plan. The list of places to visit is as follows:
1) Bugis Village
While we were walking through the shopping alley, 近田さん asked whether do I buy my clothes there. I replied "No" bcos it is mainly for tourist and of course TEENAGERs which I am way so far from it. ( ; _ ; )
2) Goddess of Mercy Temple (四马路观音庙)
They were amazed by why the people are praying to the sky 1st before the Goddess of Mercy. So I told them "The sky is the biggest, that's why!". It was really so cute bcos they had a praying session with me. 藤原さん even went into the temple and made donations. Gosh... I should have taken pictures of them praying. 残念！Btw, they were actually surprised that there was an Indian Temple right beside a Chinese Temple. Conflict of religion?? I dunno!!
3) Japanese Cultural School (JCS)
We went to the school which we are currently learning our Japanese languages. We explained to them that the school was divided into 2 floors. The 3rd floor consists of 2 classrooms and a library whereas the 5th floor have the reception and 4 classroom, not to forget the Teacher's 休憩room. They were quite lucky as they are able to see the school before classes commence.
4) Singapore Art Museum
We actually only walked past it and had our Air-con break. Nothing much, really!
5) Singapore Management University
We then crossed over to SMU but too bad, it was closed on Sunday. However, we managed to see some freshmen activities going on. Again, YOUNG ADULTs which I am also way too far from them. 神村さんasked me something really interesting. He told me, in Japan, students have a hard time getting into the University than graduating from it. So he likes to know the situation in Singapore. I told him, it's as difficult getting into the Uni and graduating. Guess maybe I can try enrolling into a University in Japan....... HA, FAT HOPE!
We then took a bus to our next destination - Telok Blangah Crescent.
6) Telok Blangah Community Centre
We were lucky to see activities taking place in the community centre. They were actually promoting Akito on the stage. There were also stations setup for foot and body massage... and of course, they are free (a service by the community centre).
7) View from Heather's HDB Flat
We then moved on to Heather's block. She took us to the 15th floor. It was a magnificent view. You can see greenery and a little of the sea view. The J2 team was so engrossed by the view that all they said was nothing but すごい。
8) Heather's House (They were all so shy.)
After the view, it's time to have our home visit. We went to Heather's house which is also my eldest paternal aunt's house. They were again amazed by how cheap the house was some 30 years ago. The one thing I like about them is .... they are really very very polite. 谷口さん keeps saying that they didn't bring any gifts. Heather had to assure them it is OK. Guess what, before we left, 谷口さんgave us each a ear picker (not so sure what's the actual name).
9) Lunch at Telok Blangah Kopitiam
Before our next destination, we visited the neighbourhood and had our lunch. They tried Chicken Rice, Mee Goreng, Roti Prata, Prawn noodle, Pork Rib noodles and Kambeng soup. Surprisingly, they are more adventurous in food than us. I think the only thing they enjoyed the best must be BEER!!!
ビールは一番おいしいです。ね、神村さん、藤原さん and 谷口さん？
10) The latest attraction of Singapore other than the Flyer, Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch
I actually had a hard time climbing up the flight of stairs to Henderson Arch. Omigosh..... we were all panting at the top of the hill. Hmm.... I need to do more exercise. While we were up there, Heather briefed the guys on the overview of Henderson Arch.
Heather giving a brief introduction to the team on Henderson Waves, our 1st bridge to cross.11) Conrad Centennial Hotel
Before the whole event ends, we joined JMA presentation on the member's experiences and thoughts. We are one of the chosen teams to present. They shared their day's experiences and frankly speaking... we are the only team that didn't go to the REAL places of interest. The rest of the teams went to Sentosa, Chinatown and Orchard. The supporters are supposed to give a little speech on our thoughts and ..... hee hee hee, as per normal, Heather was appointed to give the speech. The microphone was then passed to me and I said : ”来てよかった!" (which means .... I'm glad I came).
Throughout this whole program, there is this one person that I really wanted to thank from the bottom of my heart and she is none other than my lovely cousin, Heather. 本当にありがとうございました。また、もう一度やろうか？
P.S. To view more photos, check it out @ http://picasaweb.google.com/Kassyina/JMAExchangeProgram/
After taking a short break, we headed for Mah Boon Krong (MBK) Shopping Mall. We went straight to the foodcourt as we were starving. I walked right to the store selling Tom Yum Khong cos that's my favourite. 姐姐 queued for Phad Thai and Green Curry Fried Rice.
