Me and Jinye visited the ‘堂正堂’ and the ‘斋心斋’ in SUTD today. They are Chinese ancient architectures which were donated to Singapore by Mr. Jackie Chan in2009.

‘堂正堂’ is the main hall which mean Hall of Uprightness. It is hoped that the name will inspire the university community to be honourable, righteous and conscientious.

‘斋心斋‘ is the rear structure which means Hall of Fasting of the Mind.

I was excited to see the elegant structures inside the building and amazed by the craftsmanship. The diameter of the main beams which are called ‘冬瓜梁‘ is 700 mm and the simple and elegant shapes is outstanding.

After restoration, the ancient structure was combined with modern decorations, which shows how the Chinese ancient architecture can be used and appreciated nowadays.

It was very exciting to walk into SUTD class for the first time, especially the characteristic walls, which were painted quiet brightly. Interestingly, the doors of each classroom here are exceptionally heavy, and I have to make great efforts to open them every time. No matter how to say, the first time to pay attention to full of freshness!

Two days before Diwali, I and my friend went to little India to experience the festival atmosphere. The light on the street is very beautiful in purple. We also walking in the bazaar, to see the local people how to purchase things to celebrate the traditional new year festival. There are many women buying new saris, and families selecting blankets. There are also many little tools for children to play much the same as the tools we play in China.

On September 17, 2018, with the support of Temasek foundation, we participated in the race of F1 Singapore station together. At about 6 p.m., we entered the venue and started the F1 tour that day. We took a ferris wheel ride together, tasted hamburgers made on the spot, and enjoyed concerts and performances with the audience. After the race began, we began to cheer for the drivers in the stands, very happy.

 

Museum Tour

Thanks to one of my courses here, World since 1400, I got an opportunity to visit Asian Civilizations Museum (ACM) and view and rethink some historical facts from different perspectives.

ACM focuses on many historical connections among the cultures of Asia, and between Asia and the world. Different pavilions have different themes, including Maritime Trade, Tang Shipwreck, Ancient Religious, Christian Art, Chinese Scholar and Ceramics.

For me, this is a brand-new angle of view, from the entire expanse of Asia, from the perspective of an onlooker to see civilization of China, those exhibits from China may not as delicate as what is shown in Chinese museums, but I think what is really charming is to juxtapose all kinds of cultures of Asia region, rather than always as a China-centric view. Take Opium War as an example, this museum can show it through what generally considered rational, as they don’t equal opium to evil but just a kind of merchandise. Of course I’m not going to make any good comment about the war, but I will reflect on things that maybe closer to the fact.

One night when I just wake up from an extra sleep at around 11pm, I found a message from my friend at 6pm to invite me to eat hotpot. I didn’t know why it made me so disappointed that I missed that invitation.

Never have I missed hotpot so much even though I don’t eat hotpot usually in China either. I think it is because I miss my hometown so much that hotpot can give me some comfort as a symbol of China.

I find a good hotpot restaurant at Chinatown and invite a friend to go together. The staff in the restaurant all speak authentic mandarin, which makes me feel very cordial. The first bite of hot pot let me move to tears. I think it is the most delicious hotpot I have ever eaten. One reason is the ingredients are really fresh. Another reason is that this is my first most authentic Chinese meal in a foreign country.

Thanks to those familiar Chinese language and traditional Chinese food which are easily to get in Chinatown, I don’t need to miss my hometown so much. Singapore is really a friendly country for Chinese people since it is full of Chinese elements.

Hotpot is quite popular in many areas of my homeland China, and I always want to try it in Singapore. However, if I wish to have a decent hotpot dinner, I have to travel a long way from school.

Lucky for me that a friend form Szechwan and other Chinese students (not exchange) went together. And I really appreciate that as a spicy hotpot expertise, the Szechwan girl order two-flavor hotpot for others in case that some people don’t eat spicy food.

The hotpot is not only a surprise dinner, but also a dinner that makes me miss the food in my hometown.