Class started at 1pm and today's history lesson covers quite alot of stuff. Mostly the famous and well-recognised emperors and the sole-empress in the Chinese History and what are the things that they have influenced about and how each of them come to gain their power.
Other stuff such as the Four Great Inventions are also covered:
1) Compass; They used a ladle (some kind of spoon) instead of needle in the early days (picture below)
2) Gunpowder; Before any of the war started, gunpowder is used to make beautiful fireworks.
3) Paper; "Paper is made of randomly oriented (a felt) plant fibers. While not as cheap or as plentiful, bast fibers are much easier to process." -http://www.bio.ilstu.edu/Armstrong/syllabi/rpaper/paper.htm
4) Printing; "Woodblock printing is a technique for printing text,images or patterns used widely throughout East Asia and originating in China in antiquity as a method of printing ontextiles and later paper. "-Wikipedia
Some of the stuff I posted and researched on are mentioned by Xiaolin lao shi (Sally) in class. I must admit there are times when the subject alone can piqued my interest but to withstand a lecture for a full 4 hrs about it is really asking me to shutdown halfway, midway or/and gradually. I'm sorry, I'm not kidding.
Stuff in the past can be interesting especially if its linked to the present. For example the origin of the four inventions and also the Great wall of China. I think my idea to learn about the chinese culture is more towards how the chinese carry their culture in their everyday lives now. For instance, most Malays nowadays still live up to the old tradition of wearing traditional clothings (baju kebaya/baju kurung) during festive seasons. I wonder how they celebrate their chinese new year here especially since China is known for its Chinese Language and most probably its culture as well. That is one of the things that I have yet to discover.
Anyway, history lesson ended quite early today (about 10 mins early). Since morning class was cancelled (yay!) i finished up washing my jeans as well! I think being alone without my close friends and family members is helping me to grow up faster. Within a week, I am cooking and buying my own meals and doing my own laundry~ Gah! It still bugs me that I have to depend on my Chinese-speaking friends to order. @_@ (I think I need to apply for new modules; any Chinese-speaking Diploma Plus available here?)
The whole MDE gang went out by the back gate to see the wet market and some other interesting shophouses (Geylang working women-China style also have). We stopped by Mr Loh's place and gawk at his well-furnished apartment.
The main purpose of going out together is to have dinner at a restaurant recommended by Mr Wong. HAHA! Since, its for the non-muslims only, Hash and I ended up in the first restaurant where we had dinner during our first night here.
Its okay! I get to see my eye-candy! LOL!
(;
IS topic for today
early-printing (block printing)
gunpowder
early paper
early compass
Google image: Empress Wu Zetian (I think even though she is said to be beautiful, she is cruel, cold-hearted and a ruthless leader. Probably that is why she managed to become the sole-female emperor that rule China?)
Evolution of the Chinese Characters
Google Image: Emperor Qin Shihuang (He is the one who willingly sacrifices 2-3 million criminals and captured enemies to build the Great Wall of China. phoo~ what a man.)
condom vending machine somewhere near our hostel
Google image: Baju Kurung (traditional malay costumes)
my mum in 'baju kebaya' and dad in the male 'baju kurung' during 2008 Hari Raya Chinese Restaurant Corner
Part of the wet market near our dorm
On the way to Mr Loh's apartment (blur version)
Mr Loh's apartment with heater lights (O_O)
Mr Loh's toilet has toilet bowl ~
Looks old eh? Don't be fool..
On the way to Mr Loh's apartment (clear version)from Mr Loh's kitchen window~
Walking towards Mr Loh's apartment also...
eating ice cream in the cold weather (must try one day)
Our bunk: No toilet bowl. 
My laundry: it takes about 4 days for my clothes to be really dried up indoors. I need to carefully plan which day I am able to spare while drying it up so that I wont run out of things to wear.
