Guiyuan Si Temple...part 3

We were indeed most privileged to have witnessed first hand and up close such an elaborate ceremony.

I can well imagine how steep these traditions are, the way the procession slowly snaked its way in and around the temple grounds.

As I said earlier, they were doing all these for the Sichuan Earthquake victims.

We could not see what went on inside the main hall of the temple as there was simply no way we could get in.

But it was a serious and solemn ceremony with much beating of the gongs, drums and cymbals.

This is one of the high ranking chief abbot. He was the only one with such a headgear set.

Guyuan Si Temple, Wuhan

After that sumptious Wuhan lunch, we were free to explore more of the city. We decided to visit the famous Guiyuan Si or Guiyuan Buddhist Temple. This is one of the most important temples in China. The founder of this temple was the monk Bai Guang and the land was donated by a well-known Mandarin...during the mid 17th Century.
The buildings within the grounds date from the late Qing Dynasty to the beginning early Republican era ( 1911-1949 ).

Photo: D2 and Julie right outside the entrance. Look closely and you see a blue signboard with gold letters written vertically ( that is top to down ). This is something very rarely seen at temples or other buildings unless they are owned by the emperor.
Reason:
Only an emperor can write vertically or place a sign such as this in a vertical position....in China.
The rest can only write horizontally!
Believe it or not.
Better believe it....it's a fact.

Within this temple can be found 500 gold-painted arhats or luohans ( enlightened disciples ) each with it's own facial looks and posture. Each has a name for that luohan and also a number for identification.

TEMPLE OF TRANQUILLITY (GUIYUAN SI) This fine Zen Buddhist temple on Cuiwei Lu, where monks from the surrounding provinces gathered to study the scriptures, is 300 years old. The striking architecturaI complex includes Drum and BelI Towers, temple halls, the Luohan Hall and the Lotus Pond. The Luohan Hall contains 500 gold-painted wooden statues of Buddhist monk-saints, no two are the same. lt is said the two sculptors employed on this task took nine years to complete it. The main hall has a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha which was carved from a single block of jade--a gift from Burma in 1935. The scripture collection includes the rare 7000--volume Long can Sutra. The temple runs a vegetarian restaurant, the Yunjizhai, for visitors.
( Frommer's China Book )

What a surprise we got when we went inside the temple. Thw whole place was surging with a massive crowd. This cannot be an Olympic Torch event...I thought to myself. Sure enough, there were monks and nuns fully dressed in their religious robes carrying all sorts of lanterns, drums, banners and regalia. There was a ritual or ceremony of sorts going on.

We found out soon enough. It was for a very Good Cause. That day was organised as a special Prayer and Devotion Day for all the victims of the recent Sichuan Earthquake. Donations collected will be for that cause.


So mingling with so many devotees and ordinary people of Wuhan who turned up in support, we too became devotees...to that cause.

There were serious looking and sad faces all around reflecting the great sympathies the crowd had for the unfortunate victims.

I captured Mr Fu who himself was trying to snap a photo. D2 was right in front of him.

East Lake Scenic Area, Wuhan.

We were most grateful to HOD Mr Fu, who went out of his normal routine in order to show us around Wuhan. At the Hubei Museum, we were the last visitors out of there! The official closing time is 5 pm and they begin shutting down about 10 minutes before that time. Fortunately, we have Mr Fu with us. He spoke to the museum staff requesting them to let us view the last section since we came all the way from Singapore. And the staff relented, saying in Chinese..." Sure, no problem! "and with SMILES too!
That's one of the reasons why I will always love WUHAN!


Their people are most gracious and they have a big heart.
Once we got back into the car, Mr Fu inquired if there was any particular place or thing we would like to see. It was late evening already and we said any place he would like to show us would be fine. He made a very good decision. He decided to take us on a leisurely drive through the famous East Lake Scenic Area.
The East Lake is the largest lake within a city in China. Located at the south bank of the Yangtze River in the east suburb of Wuchang, it is 87 sq km in size, that is about 5 times bigger than the Western Lake of Hangzhou. As we drove along, he and Shirley as well, gave us a running commentary on the many famous scenic spots we passed by....such as Mo Hill, Qu Yuan Pavilion, the Chu Kingdom heritage site, etc. Qu Yuan was the greatest poet and literary figure of the Chu State in pre- Qin dynasty China.

We passed through an area that was lined on both sides of the road with the rare Sequoia tree. A tree that is not native to China but the USA.
I saw residents by the lakeside banks fishing with an extremely long fishing rod that needed to be supported with a kind of pulley and tripod stand. Never have I seen this back home. As a fishing enthusiast myself, I knew why as soon as I saw one of the anglers pulling out his catch. It was a sizey fish!
On the lakes were many kinds of recreational boating crafts of all types and sizes.
But the most surprising thing to me, must be seeing a Beach and Yachting club right there by the lake.

That most pleasant drive through the beautiful landscape ended at this Lakeside Inn, another very popular local dining place. [ top photo too ]
It is built beside the waters of the lake and you can enjoy the majestic and romantic moonlight above as you dine.

The food is reasonable, service is good and the atmosphere plus the ambience of this place makes it quite unforgettable.

One Big, Happy, Family..Wuhan-S'pore !

This is the copy of the Group Photograph taken by the top Pro Wuhan studio. Because of the width of the photo image, I could not scan it all in one piece since it was larger than A4 size. No choice, I had to do it like this to ensure that everyone can be seen.
So...this Top Pic shows the complete
left side of the photo to centre.

While the next Pic shows the complete right side of the photo to
centre.


Everyone involved in this exchange immersion programme is here.
The Gongshang pupils were still in their colourful performance attire while the SGH pupils were in their uniforms.

Cai Zian ! ! !

I don't really know why, but it is always in moments like this that the lyrics of that popular song come flooding my mind. I suppose the scenes like these automatically trigger the sensitive portions of my collective memory.

" All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go.

I'm standing here outside the door.

All ready and so lonesome

I could cry.

So kiss me and smile for me,

Tell me that you'll wait for me,

Hold me like you'll never let me go,

Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane.

Don't know when I'll be back again,

Oh babe, I hate to go ! ...."

[ Song : Leaving on a Jetplane ]

See You Again, soon in S'pore !..sob,sob !

After our pleasant morning walk, we returned to the hotel lobby and together with the trio of J, M, and D, who had completed their check out, we walked to the school again, arriving at about 10:30 am. All the kids were gathered in the Conference Room for their final briefing before departure for the airport. Everyone was given a rolled up copy of the Group photo taken the day before. It is indeed a very nice and memorable picture. I'll see if I can post it here soon.
The parents of the Wuhan kids were also present for this farewell. I noticed many of them taking their cameras for the few final snapshots of their beloved kid and the friend they hosted. There were many teary-eyed kids all around me, many deep hugs and emotional embraces. Some of the Wuhan teachers also came down to the foyer to say farewell. Here is one of them with D2 and Melissa ( Top photo ).


I volunteered to capture snapshots for some of these parents. Here is one of them. Can anyone guess which one is the GSPS boy and which is the SGH host ?

The coach taking them to the airport soon arrived after 11 am. The GSPS kids with Jessica, Melissa and Dennis soon boarded the bus. There was quite a big crowd at the front of the school entrance.
Practically everyone involved was there. Here you see Principal Zheng and D2 the other Principal ensuring that all was well at boarding time.

I always feel a tinge of sadness when

friends part for home. I believe the kids felt it more than I did.

An early Morning walk

Early the next morning, 29th may 2008, we had enough time to go for a leisurely walk. We would only be meeting the GSPS trio at our hotel lobby at 10 am. So, armed with my trusty digital camera as usual, we decided to walk in a large concentric circle from our hotel as starting point.
Checking out the walking boulevard, I chanced upon these little ones from a playschool or nursery nearby. They were led by 2 teachers and told to sit at the benches underneath some trees. There were about 6 other kindergarten teachers with older kids at the open area. The teachers were marking out the ground and measuring certain distances with cones, raffia string, etc..for some outdoor games for those kids. I was enthralled. Here was my chance to observe some PE related activities in Wuhan. Just when I thought the action was to start, since all the kids were placed in 4 lines, like for a game relay race,
2 of the teachers kept on disagreeing about where the starting line should be. While this arguing continued, the kids were baking under the hot sun. The older kids soon broke ranks and ran about creating their own playful mischief. Finally, more for the safety of the younger kids, the two nursery teachers led their kids away. Probably in disgust with their own lack of control, failure and co-ordination, the remaining teachers all did the same.
It was not a healthy spectacle that I saw.
Nevertheless, it was a vivid reminder to me about the importance of a little give and take attitude. Neither of the 2 teachers relented. Both stood her ground over such an incredulous thing as where to start. All suffered....the children more than the adults. Such things also happen back home.


Along the busy road, many people were moving about on this day. We chanced upon this elderly couple. She was blind and holding a black walking stick. He, likely her husband, was playing on an "erhu".
There was a bowl near her. Looking closely at the couple, I could see that despite what they were doing, they had dignity on their faces. So it was only right we did our part.

D2 placing a donation.

Cheers to Wuhan - S'pore friendship !

The picture that says it all.....the key architects and builders of the Singapore - Wuhan Bridge.
L to R, front row:
Dennis, Jessica, Melissa, Mrs Yip, Mr Zheng, Mdm Gu, Mdm Liu and Ms _.

Rear: Mr D Yip and Mr Ye

There are others involved too.



These are the bridges of the present and future!
They came over to our table to raise a "toast" to all of us ! I nick-name them- Doe, Ray, Me and Fa.
Soon, everyone was moving about toasting one another.
I must admit I have never been so toasted in my lifetime except for my wedding day, ages ago!
All the kids went around to do their merry bit. It was really nice of them to wish and acknowledge their teachers, elders and us.


Fortunately, there was no alcohol in all drinks...only cordial and Chinese tea. That's why everyone was looking so sober and alert.

A candid snapshot of my companions next to me at the dinner table.

Let's Celebrate friendship !

After her heart warming speech, the mood was set. Principal Zheng was next to be invited up the stage. He too spoke off the cuff thanking his staff, the GSPS teachers, his VPs, the great support shown by the parents and last but not the least, the pupils of the 2 schools. He was most appreciative, he said, of the kind compliments that D2 had made in her speech. He added that she was a wonderful speaker.

Principal Zheng speaking in an easy and relaxed manner about the wonderful relationship between the two schools that is now into its 4th consecutive year.

He was applauded long and loudly when he had ended.

At least two parents who are mothers also came forward to speak...in ENGLISH ! I was both surprised and impressed.

Then dinner was served. There was no alcohol at dinner as the kids were present. So, we had cordials and tea for drinks.

By now, Wuhan dishes were no surprises for us, having sampled quite a few...or so we thought!

But there was still one major surprise left!

Can you guess what this was?

It is edible of course. But it sure did not look at all familiar when it was placed on our table. In all my years, I have never seen or tasted such a dish.

It came deep fried with a garnishing of vegetables.

Look closely, it was served with the head and the eyes too! Had this portion been missing, no one could really be certain what it was.

After all had offered guesses, we were told it was rabbit.

That was the 1st time that D2 and I had tasted it.

The Farewell Dinner

When the combined Performance finally ended, it was still in the late afternoon. We walked down to the school field where a Group photo taking session was arranged. It took quite a while as all parents, the kids, staff involved and ourselves, were shifted here and there for the perfect picture. The task was handled by a professional photographer who had loads of patience and a great sense of humour.
After the shoot, we were invited to Principal Zheng's office for a chat and discussion. Before we left, he gave us some gifts of green tea, a set of Shang bells and a book of calligraphy/paintings done by a friend

of his.
We returned to our hotel for a short rest and to get ready for the final Farewell Dinner which was held in a classy restaurant with an extended stage.
The parents of the Wuhan pupils, the combined pupils, the key staff and we ourselves, were all there.
D2 was invited to give an opening speech after the short welcome address. She spoke off the cuff with Dennis as translator in Chinese. After a few sentences, she would pause and Dennis would act. Her speech touched on what we had both observed during our plane delay at Guangzhou and

other positive things that had impressed us tremendously about Wuhan, about Hubei, about China, about the Shui Guo Hu school.
About the friendliness and the great hospitality we have received.
Well, all these and a little more, that
was very well received by all present.
She received much applause for her gracious and inspiring impromptu speech.

Top photo: D2 making a point.

2nd photo: Dennis translating

3rd photo: VP Mdm Liu and Principal Zheng listening intently.

Bottom photo: Principal Zheng and VP Mdm Gu were seated at our table.

My 1st Ukulele Performance in Wuhan

Before the end of that combined programme I heard my name being announced over the PA system. Apparently, I was invited to perform a song or two using the Ukulele. Principal Zheng had brought along the Ukulele which was a gift to him. I borrowed it, fine tuned it and confidently went to the front strumming the uke as a gentle introduction. I invited all the GSPS kids and teachers to join me as we belted out " Row, Row, Row Your Boat", " Brother John" and some of our popular local songs like...Gelang Si-Paku Gelang, Di Tanjong Katong and Chan Mali Chan. We sang spontaneously without song sheets.
Everything came from our minds and hearts.
There was no prior rehearsal...no not even once.
But we sang as one voice, one heart, one spirit....Yeah!
Yet....it was an excellent sing along performance by all around me. It surprised our host and
all those watching.
After that, many of them came forward to tell me," Your kids are so good, so supportive
and spontaneous....and we all love the sounds of the Ukulele ! "
I am really proud of them.




There were so many cameras clicking away that D2 captured some of them in action right here.
There was a funny moment that day.
After the GSPS kids had finished singing the 2 simple songs, I gently asked them to return to their seats...as I was about to play the "keroncong" version of our local songs.
I thought they do not know these songs. However, as soon as I described the song title over the microphone.... the kids yelled,"Mr Yip
we also know the songs !" So, I beckoned them all to rejoin me again at the front. Down they rush from their seats and grouped around me.
They were wonderful. It was as if they were making a statement to one and all...watch us, watch our spontaneous spirit and joy. Somehow I had this incredible feeling that I was like the legendary Pied Piper of Hamelin!
Do any of you still recall this children's tale?
Yes ....just like the Pied Piper except that I was leading my "troops" with a Ukulele instead of a pipe....and not to oblivion either but to a new and higher level of fulfillment for GSPS and for Singapore.

An enchanting tribal item

I have no idea what this musical instrument is called. But the sound it produces can only be described as sweet
and haunting....especially in the hands of these girls dressed in green. The music is quite similar to the ones I've heard before performed by some hill tribes in the vast expanse of China.

These girls were very good. They managed to play the tunes and danced gently at the same time.
[ Thanks to Melissa who emailed me today....this instrument is called " hu lu si ". ]

Their costumes are authentic and depict the dress culture and style of the tribe very well.

Some GSPS kids in rapt attention, taking it all in.

Brilliant Solo Performances!

These are 3 of the very talented girls from Shui Guo Hu Primary School who performed that day. This girl, dressed in a beautiful yellow costume, is an exceptionally good dancer. She did a sort of Mongolian dance which required exquisite movements. It was so authentic that I kept wondering if she was of Mongolian descent!
Then we were entertained by a girl playing the erhu....which produced some lovely and melodious tunes.

The Guzheng is one of the most loved musical instruments even in ancient China.

Here, the girl dressed in red, showed everyone how talented she was. The piece she played was not an easy one requiring fast plucking, concentration and co-ordination. But the quality was excellent!

The performance by GSPS

The trio of Jessica, Melissa and Dennis had been working with the 25 kids from their school even before the trip began. And it included practising and rehearsing for this item for which they brought along our local ethnic costumes....Malay, Chinese, Indian and even our national SIA icon, the SIA sarong and kebaya outfit.
It was quite a colourful parade of the styles of Singapore!
When they were ready, they assembled at the front and waited for the accompanying music to be played.

Their teachers, D2 and even myself, were keeping our fingers crossed that can pull it off without any panic or nervousness. Soon as the music started and they moved and gyrated in unison, it was smooth going all the way. D2 and myself found ourselves applauding loudly...and so did the others. They gave a good account of themselves out there and proudly kept their school flag flying.

I could see that the trio of teachers were quite happy and ...relieved! I recall that the night before this, the trio had an informal meeting with D2 in our hotel room where they went over the preparations for the performance and also the Power-point presentation. As I sat in on their discussion, I offered my input culled from long years of involvement with similar type of students' performances, in somewhat similar settings too. Because Singapore has a very young history, we haven't got an established culture of songs, dance and music unlike what we see in other countries. But as I always emphasised when I was involved in such events, that, that in itself, is no excuse for us not to perform or even under perform in the presence of foreign guests.

The key factor is not the type of dance chosen. It is to always perform it well...whatever is decided upon.

As the NIKE advert says so aptly...

" Just Do It ! ".

And may I add ...enjoy it!

It is when they enjoy it that they can give of their best.

Musical Chairs....the Game !

One item on the programme was the game of Musical Chairs. Chairs were placed on the staged area. A call then went out for volunteer participants. Many hands went up immediately. Here, in this photo, you can see some of these hands as well as the doting parents...many had to take time off from work to be there in support. But I guess they wouldn't have wanted to miss this anyway. Seeing one's child perform together with others is indeed a great joy.

The game began in earnest with about 10 chairs....that meant 11 participants who will circle in one direction as the music is played, all keeping their eagle sharp eyes on the nearest chair...until the music suddenly stops.

Then pandemonium reigns!

Everyone "fighting" to place his or her bum onto a chair seat. No...there isn't any violence involved at all. On the other hand, there is much incredulous laughter, especially when the last one to react sits on the lap of a girl or boy. Ha Ha! The judges decide who is out, remove another chair and the game resumes. This continues until only two players are left with only one chair. That was what happened in the next two photos. A SGH girl and a GSPS boy were the only ones remaining in the game.

All watched in eager anticipation. At this point in this game, luck will be a factor as the chair's seat can only be facing in one direction. So, if the music stops at the point where you are behind the seat....you normally lose out.
GSPS boy has the final luck!

He raised his arms in truimph and was cheered by one and all, receiving a prize for his efforts.