NYAA Entry - Skills - Overview for January - Guitar

Participants: Boon Kiat, Calvin, Edmund, Jiawei, Joseph
Venue: Victoria School, Peninsula Plaza
Dates: 19^th, 26^th Jan 2007

Each of us did our own research on various kinds of guitar models and various guitar accessories on the internet, and had a group sharing and discussion of our research findings, and also went about on a recce to learn more about guitars, their accessories and prices and establish reliable guitar and guitar accessories distributors to help in purchase of our individual guitars.

Purchasing of guitar

Possible questions to consider in buying a guitar:

• What’s my level of commitment?
• What’s my spending limit?
• Do I buy retail or online or mail order?
• Am I a “new-guitar person” or a “used-guitar person"

Possible points to take note in buying beginner guitars:

• Appearance
• Playability
• Intonation
• Solid construction (includes materials and workmanship)

Some popular music styles and classic guitars that most people associate with those styles (as we have decided to purchase classical guitars, the list only includes classical style):
Ramirez, Hopf, Khono, Humphrey, Hernandez, Alvarez

Finally, bringing along an ‘expert’ when purchasing a guitar is largely advisable.


Guitar accessories

Cases:

Hard cases: The hard case is the most expensive option but offers the best insurance against damage to the guitar. It’s composed of leather-or nylon-covered wood and can even survive the rigors of airline baggage handlers, providing crush-proof protection to the guitar. The safest thing to do is thus to go with a hard case.

Soft cases: The soft case isn’t completely soft, being in fact more stiff than truly soft. It usually consists of some pressed-particle material, such as cardboard, and can provide some protection for the guitar – for example, if someone drops a coffee mug on it (an empty coffee mug, that is). But that’s about it. The soft case is the inexpensive alternative to the hard case because it enables the guitarist to transport the guitar without exposing it to the elements and at least prevents an outside intruder from scratching it. But these cases easily buckle if put to any real stress (such as getting caught in an airport conveyer belt) and cave in, fold and puncture much more easily than a hard case does. In most cases, however, a soft case provides protection against the daily bumps and grinds that would otherwise scratch an unprotected guitar.

Gig bags: The gig bag provides almost no protection against shock because it’s a form-fitting nylon, leather, or other fabric enclosure. Gig bags zip shut and are about the consistency of any other soft luggage carrier. The advantage of gig bags is that they’re light, they fit on your shoulder, and they take up no more room than the guitar itself – making them the ideal case if a guitarist is to fit his electric guitar into the overhead bin of an airplane. People who live in big cities and take public transportation favour gig bags. With the gig bag over their shoulder, they still have two hands free to feed a token into a subway turnstile and hold the poles on a train car. But a gig bag isn’t nearly as protective as a soft case, and the guitarist can’t stack anything on top of a bagged guitar.

Capos: A capo (pronounced KAY-po) is a spring-loaded, adjustable-tension (or elastic) clamp that wraps around the neck of a guitar and covers all the strings, forcing them all down to the fret-board at a given fret. This device effectively raises the pitch of all the strings by a given number or frets (or half steps). In some cases, the guitarist may want to tune his guitar with the capo on, but most of the time, he tunes up without it and then place it on the desired fret. Capos enable the guitarist to transpose music he plays on his guitar to another key, while he still plays the chord fingerings in the original key. Capos price ranges from $3 to $20; with the elastic-band type being the cheapest and the higher-priced being clamp and screw-on types, which are more popular with serious capo users because they can put them on with one hand, and these type of capos generally hold the strings down better than the elastic kinds do. The screw-on type, such as the one made by Shubb, is a particular favourite because the guitarist can vary the size and tension of the capo’s grip, which enables him to customize the capo size for different parts of the neck. (The lower fret of the neck, toward the head, require a smaller capo opening than do the higher frets.)

Picks: Picks come in different materials, different thickness and different shapes for different styles of guitar playing. A guitarist if habited to using picks, will have to find and get used to a certain material, thickness and shape pick to use, which will not be changed much, even going on different kinds of guitars.

Strings: Extra strings have to be kept on hand for the simple reason that if one is broken, it will have to be replaced immediately. The higher, thinner strings tend to break more easily than do the lower, thicker ones, so carrying more spares of the high E, B and G strings will be advisable.

Electronic tuners: To be touched on in the post for next month


(With reference from Guitar for Dummies 2nd Edition)

Kayaking Expedition 2

Hours accumulated: 6 hrs from previous expedition (1030 - 1630)
Date: 4/02/07 Sunday
Time: 0900 at Pasir Ris MRT
Venue: Changi Sea Sports Club (cuz cleaner and more fun)
People: Seth, zhan liang, calvin, edmund and jia wei
Expedition: Destination is not confirm....can be further discussed......
Note: nth to note about till i tink of something........

NYAA Entry - Physical Recreation - Entry 1 - Kayaking Expedition I

ENTRY FOR PHYSICAL RECREATION
Kayak Expedition I

Overview
- Journey from Changi Sea Sports Club (CSSC)
- Canoed along eastern coastline of Singapore towards Pasir Ris Sea Sports Club (PRSSC)
- Passed by Changi Police Coast Guard Base along the way
- Completed 10.6 km of mileage in 6 hours, from 1030-1630

Kayaking @ Changi

Date: 28/1/2007 Hours Completed: 6 Hours (1030-1630)

Our group of 4 met at 0930 before proceeding to CSSC from Pasir Ris MRT station. We were all eager to get into our kayaks after having been out of the water for a few months already. Upon getting changed and warmed up, we launched our kayaks into the sea by 1030 and started to paddle around in the demarcated area until we felt we were ready.

At about 1100, we decided to set off on our expedition towards PRSSC before the tide started to come in. On our way there, we had to cross a channel leading out to sea meant for bigger boats. The thrill of paddling as fast as we could was overwhelming as we tried to cross without getting in the way of the faster-moving craft.

Along the way, we had to stop and rest a few times as the choppy waves forced us to use more strength with each rowing stroke. We also had to deal with the waves rocking our boat, to the point where we almost capsized in deep waters and made it extremely difficult to even paddle straight forward. Within the group, we had to wait for the slower paddlers to allow them to keep up with the rest. Although we were all exhausted, we managed to support everyone through by constantly encouraging one another to stick together as one group.

Despite all these adversities, we managed to reach Pasir Ris Park under 2 hours through our determination and support from each other. We landed on Pasir Ris beach by 1250 and took the time to rest there while enjoying the sea breeze. From 1300 to 1345, we had our lunch on the beach that we had brought along with us in the kayaks. Although they were a little soggy from the seawater, we still enjoyed our meal with the company of friends.

At 1415, we decided to be on our way as we had to return by 1600 as a safety precaution. We cleaned up and got into our kayaks, feeling refreshed and full of energy. This time, we went faster to challenge ourselves and push our own limits. We passed the halfway mark (PCG base) at 1515 and went on after a quick rest and a drink of water. The sight of Changi Beach pushed us on for our final stretch of our 10.6 long journey as we tried to ignore the pain in our shoulders. Our biggest test was to cross the channel a second time and we did so with whatever remaining strength we had left in us.

Our journey finally ended when we reached Changi Beach at 1615, being on time to report back to the office. We paddled around awhile more to relax our tired arms before deciding to call it a day. All in all, we felt our day was well spent in the company of each other in the sea with our expedition team helping each other through all the way.

NYAA for dummies II

Fusionoize NYAA Gold Project

Service (60 hours in 12 months)
- Weekly visits to Marine Parade Family Service Centre (all)
- Tutorial Projects (Calvin)

Adventurous Journey (4D3N, overnight in unfamiliar settings)
Preliminary Training
- 2-star Kayaking Course
- Life-Saving Course
- Cycling at Ubin
- Vietnam cycling, trekking and biking in Dec 06
Qualifying Venture
- Vietnam 4D3N trekking nov 07

Skills (18 months)
- Guitar (Calvin, Edmund, Jiawei, Boon Kiat, Joseph)
- Electronics (Zhan Liang)
- Swimming (Thomas)
- Piano (Seth)

Physical Recreation (40 hours over 12 weeks)
- Kayaking (all)
- Keep-fit (Thomas, Joseph)

Residential Project
Recce
- Vietnam: Primary School of Cat Cat Village San Sa Ho (Dec 06)
Actual
- Vietnam Nov 07

Kayaking Expedition

Date: 28/01/07 Sunday
Time: 0900 at Pasir Ris MRT (we take bus no. 2)
Venue: Changi Sea Sports Club
People: Seth, zhan liang, calvin, edmund and jia wei (oso includin alex and sufiyan)
Expedition: we will go from the sea sports club to pasir ris park before returning.....there sld b ard 4-5 hours of time recorded.....depending....
Note: this is held at the same time the vj odac ppl takin kayakin....but it doesnt matter......just come along....onli fer 2 star ppl.....this will b recorded under NYAA - Physical Recreation Award Diary....btw......vj odac gt two wkend for 1-star....so do not b confused....BRING SOME LUNCH

Minutes of meeting for 25/01/07

What to do with the tiger credits

• going to use it for another vietnam trip at end of 2007
• there will be a four day three night adveturous journey in it
• and also another residential project

Confirming of skills section

• calvin, boon kiat, edmund and joseph are going to do guitar course at marine parade
• zhan liang is doing electricity and electronics
• seth is doing piano
• thomas is doing swimming
• jia wei is unconfirmed

Confirming of service section

• calvin is doing tutorial
• boon kiat, zhan liang, edmund, jia wei, seth and thomas are doing katong special school (KSS)
• joseph is unconfirmed

Confirming of physical recreation section

• jia wei, edmund, zhan liang, calvin and seth are doing kayaking
• thomas and joseph are doing keep-fit
• boon kiat is unconfirmed

Meeting

Date: 25/01/07 Thursday
Time: 1600 Hrs (do not be late)
Venue: Victoria School
Agenda

1. Filling in of NYAA - Adventorous Journey Section
2. What to do with the tiger credits
3. Starting of the NYAA - Residential project proposal
4. Confirming of service section
5. Confirming of skills section

Note: Please bring along your nyaa books(both the small and big one) and writing materials.

NYAA Entry - Adventurous Journey - Preliminary Training - Entry 6 - Cycling

Focus for Adventurous Journey - Preliminary Training entry 2

• Navigation & Route Planning (how we made our way form one place in ubin to another)
• Proficiency in chosen form of travel (how we were able to go around on bicycles and in actual fact, talk about how proficient you are in biking)
  

Overview

• Journey to Chek Jawa
• NPCC campsite (edmund's injury)
• Noordin Beach
• OBS Campsite (Coney Island, German Girl Shrine along the way)
• Back to jetty (Raining)

Cycling @ Ubin

Date: 27/11/06 Hours Completed: 8 hours (0800-1600)

We all met at the Changi Jetty at 8:00a.m. Everyone was excited in anticipation as this was the first time we went cycling at Pulau Ubin as a group. As soon as everyone arrived, we proceeded to the departure area and managed to get onto a bum-boat almost immediately. Upon reaching there, we went to look for bicycles for rent.

We launched out on our cycling journey, excited and enthusiastic. Our first destination was Chek Jawa. We were supposed to navigate our way through without the use of a map, however one of us actually copied out the map of Pulau Ubin and the way to Chek Jawa from the internet before the cycling expedition. On our way through, many of us encountered technical problems with the bicycles as some of the bicycle chains of some bicycles frequently shifted out of place. We had to manually shift It back into place using our hands.

The journey through was not smooth at all, with frequent uphill downhill slopes, tarred roads gravel roads and even jungle trials. There were also vehicles moving through the narrow tracks frequently and we had to take precaution to avoid them. Still, we managed to brave through them. With the knowledge of Pulau Ubin and the way to Chek Jawa, we managed to reach the entrance of Chek Jawa pretty fast, only to find out that it has been sealed due to some ongoing construction works.

Disappointed, we made our way back and stopped to rest at a hut. It was only about 1000 then, and we were already soaking wet with sweat. As it was still rather early, we decided to mount on another journey, this time to the NPCC campsite.

Edmund was the last cyclist of the group. We were cycling through a downhill slope, rather uneven gravel road, and he was traveling at a rather high speed. Already pressing on the brakes, the bicycle did not managed to slow down, thus, he applied stronger force on the brakes. However, the force applied on the brakes was to strong and the back wheel of the bicycle skidded on the ground. Subsequently, he lost control of the bicycle and was thrown off it, hitting his upper right thigh onto the handle of the bicycle. Seth heard my crash from behind and called the rest of the group in front to stop. One of them had to cycle forward and catch of with the rest of the group to call them to stop and call for the medic . It took quite a long time for the medic to come as the rest of the group which he was with was quite far in front. The medic then tended to my biggest and deepest wound on my left knee, dripping iodine, as an anti-septic over, and placing a cotton wool over, fastened to the wound with a bandage tied around the knee. With the assistance of those remaining behind, one helped to carry the bag and another to move the bicycle along. He walked forward to meet up with the rest who were resting and waiting at a hut in front. He rested for a long while there as some people made their way to the beach nearby to view some boars and get some drinks.

After much hesitation to continue on the cycling expedition with my injuries, and much persuasion from the rest of the group, Edmund continued cycling. We continued our journey towards the NPCC campsite. The journey there was dirty and muddy as there were many areas of grounds water-logged, with pools of muddy water. We took a group photo at the entrance of the NPCC campsite, something that we have never done before, though we have went there umpteen times. We then made our way to the nearby Noordin beach and had a rest there, washing our dirty, muddy footwear at the toilet nearby.

We then cycled back towards the jetty where there are hawker centers nearby to have our lunch. We parked our bicycles at a shelter nearby a hawker center and ate our lunch there.

After lunch, though it has started to drizzle, we continued to set off once again, now towards the Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) campsite. This journey unlike the previous ones, is smooth, with tarred roads and though there are still presence of uphill and downhill slopes, they did not pose much of a hindrance. However, we lost our way on the way, and hit gravel roads. The surrounding vegetation at these roads, tall grasses and bushes were different from those of which we were traveling through previously, tall trees. As such, there were spectacular views which we got especially at high grounds dead-end and at rocky coasts.

We were cycling around to explore the area, cycling till we reach dead-ends, and turning back, continue cycling through alternative routes. We came across the OBS campsite (our destination) on the way, but continued cycling to explore. We also saw Coney Island , the island that we kayaked to for our kayaking expedition as part of our assesment for our 2-star kayaking course. The best thing of all has to be the German Girl Shrine, which is a small hut with the remains of a girl who died in World War 2 and subsequently found in Ubin. The heavy dark clouds started moving in and soon after, it started to rain. We put on our ponchos and decided to cycle to the nearest available shelter.

As we were far away from the tarred roads where there are available buildings as shelters along the roads, we cycled for a long time before being able to reach the nearest shelter. Visibility was rather low and roads were wet and slippery due to rain. It is dangerous to cycle in the rain with these conditions but for most of us, this was a kind of new experience, and it would definitely benefit us in the cycling expedition in Vietnam.

Finally, the rain lightened up and we continued to cycle back to the jetty. We returned our bicycles and took a bum-boat back to mainland Singapore. Although all of us were exhausted from all the cycling, and there were some injuries sustained, this cycling expedition was still an enjoyable and enriching experience. The experience of cycling through rough uneven terrains would surely prepare us for the cycling expedition in Vietnam and allow us to better adapt to the even rougher and uneven terrain there.

NYAA Entry - Adventurous Journey - Preliminary Training - Entry 2 - Life-saving

Focus for Adventurous Journey - Preliminary Training entry 2

• Safety Requirements (safety in the form of the DOs and DONTs in bad weather and not to play in river without proper shoe wear)
• First Aid & Emergency Procedures (EAR, CPR, shallow water rescue, which can be used durin trekkin over rivers)
• When writing this entry please take note of the above two focus and refer back to them at the right time.

Overview (for day 2)

• EAR
• Learnt Sculling
• Contact and Non-Contact towing(Do not emphasize too much on this)
• Defensive and Release technique(Do not emphasize too much on this)
• CPR

LIFE-SAVING

Date:20/06/06 Hours completed: 9 hours (0800 - 1700)

Today was the second day of the Life-Saving course. Again, I started out on a 20 lap swim as a warming up exercise, to prevent us from getting cramps. After that, the instructor continued from the yesterday's lesson, going deeper into the details, such as not to press on the victim's throat unknowingly. This time round, we had to carry out EAR on each other. It was a great chance to perform what we had already understood from the theory lesson.

We were back into the pool after an hour of practice. Sculling - a technique that is used to keep the stomach afloat with the legs straighten, without the use of legs - was imparted to us, as I soon realised that our arm power was going to be put to the test. Having to swiftly maneuver our hands parallel to our body in water, I did not manage to succeed at first. It was only after several attempts that it became possible.

After lunch time, rescue techniques, mainly Contact and Non-Contact towing was taught. This took a toll on our body and especially our mind. Each of us had to tow our partner across a 50m pool and back again, repeating it for both Contact and Non-Contact. Mentally, we had to endure the seemingly neverending tow across the pool, even when acting as a casulty. Physically, we were almost not able to take it anymore, as we finally completed this part of the day.

Defensive and Release technique came immediatly after towing. It was less physically and mentally demanding, as it focused more on proper technique applied. It involves the seperating of victim and rescuer when in situations, a victim might cling hard onto the rescuer, jeopardising his safety. At this time, this technique is applied to release the rescuer from the victim's grasp. It might prove useful in times of danger when animals or even strangers try to capture and endanger one's live.

By the end of the day, it was back to theory again. This time, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation(CPR). This is a vital survival skill, and might come in handy in many situations. It was basically the same as EAR for the first few steps, until when pulse is not present, then we proceeded to CPR. Everyone felt great about learning another piece of knowledge at the end of the day.

There is much more to be learnt than expected

Intellectual
- Opportunity to experience the culture and the lifestyle of the locals
Through this trip, I was able to experience the lifestyle of the Vietnamese where we got the chance to taste local food and to have some of our meals in roadside stalls (something we will never get to experience if we sign up for other tours). We also had the opportunity to stay in homes of the ethnic minorities to experience the culture of the ethnic minorities.

Deliverables
- Delivery of medical supplies, stationeries and cookies
During our trekking we carried some medical supplies and cookies we bought in Sapa before we set off. It was tough trek for all of us as we carried the supplies while going on unfamiliar tracks. We distributed the stationeries and cookies to the children in the villages we passed by. We also distributed the medical supplies to the ethnic minorities and many of us even gave away our personal medical supplies after we learnt that they do not have any access to basic medical amenities.

- Improving the learning environment of the local students
Our plan was to originally help out at Sapa Town Primary School, however, when we reached Sapa, we found out that the primary school was already quite well-off. Our guide suggested to us that the village school in Cat Cat village would deserve the help more. After purchasing the required logistics we headed to the school recommended by our guide. We helped to repaint the interiors of two classrooms and the exterior of the main block, we also set up and mini English library using the books that we received as donations. Our efforts were very much appreciated by the school and students. It was a pity that we were only able to stay there for only four days.

Emotional
- To appreciate what I have and what I am given
To see Vietnamese children being such easily contented by simple amenities such and toys (spinning tops and marbles), I was ashamed of myself who has continuously demanded for more material comfort . The children were delighted when they received gifts from us be it something significant like a pair of shoe or something as simple as a few cookies, while I complained that I received a pen as a present.

Adversities
- Weather conditions
One of the adversities we faced was the cold and misty weather conditions in Sapa. On the first day in Sapa we had to wear several layers of clothing to keep ourselves warm, but still many of us ended up shivering in cold while walking down the streets of Sapa. However, after spending several days in Sapa, we finally got used to the weather.

-Language barriers and cultural differences
We had a tough time communicating with the Vietnamese especially during our first few days in Vietnam, we were unable to speak their language and only few of the locals understand English. We had to rely greatly on our teacher-in-charge for translations when there is a need for communication such as purchasing of books and stationery and asking for directions. Throughout the days in Vietnam, we managed to pick up some very basic Vietnamese language and it came in handy especially during our last few days in Hanoi where we did most of our shopping. We were then able to communicate verbally with the shop owners instead of using hand signals and writings.

- Transportation of donations
Transporting the huge amounts of donations such as books and stationery we had received was a challenging task for us. Most of the time we did not have proper transportation devices such as trolleys and we had to carry them using our hands. We had to make a few trips from the train to the gate to bring all the donations out of the train station.

Learnability
Through this trip I was able to widen my perception of life. I was so narrow minded to think that all I could learn from the Vietnamese was just their culture, heritage and lifestyle. However after living among the locals for days I have learnt important lessons of life. One of which is to help others who are in need unconditionally. Our guide for example has stayed with us for our four days of residential project, helping out in whatever way he could, even tough he was not paid in the four days. We, on the other hand needed incentives to participate in community involvement programmes.

Always view everything with a positive aspect

Intellectual
- Experience of the cultures and lifestyles of the Minority People

During this whole trip in Vietnam, I got to experience the different cultures and lifestyles of the minority people in Vietnam. It was very intriguing to me as the experience itself is nothing as compared to documentaries that were showcased on TV. Moreover, their cultures and lifestyles were different in certain aspects, each having their own unique characteristics. I also learnt about their level of appreciation for green tea in Vietnam.

-The Education System in Vietnam

In Vietnam, not every child is as fortunate as those in Singapore. Many of them are unable to attend lessons in schools for several reasons. They may be too poor or even have objections from their parents, thinking that their children are better off helping them on the farm. Thus, as a result, many Vietnamese children still remain illiterate even when they enter adulthood. Through this experience, I realized that there was a stark contrast in comparison to the attitude of children in Singapore as most of them detest attending lessons in schools.

Deliverables
-Helping those in need

Our main purpose in Vietnam was to engage ourselves in community giving, helping out those who were in need. We managed to deliver stationeries and medical supplies to several villages in Xeo Trung Ho, Ban Ho and Su Pan. We also went to Cat Cat Village and helped to improve the surrounding environment of the school. We helped to paint the walls, deliver stationeries, books and food to the children. However, these were only short term and not sustainable assistance to the school and the children. We could have done much more but time did not permit us to do so. Thus, looking at it with a positive mind, I believe that our presence at the school made the difference and it is all that matters.

Emotional
I had also come to realize how fortunate I was to be living a life of comfort and luxury in Singapore. I got to experience the ‘caveman’ conditions of the minority people living in Vietnam. I was able to put myself in their situation, living in a place with a limited supply of electricity and food (all of which were taken for granted back in Singapore). The children in Vietnam were contented even without the luxury of indulgences such as toys and television. I had also realized how excited the children were at the sight of food. They were very polite as they received their food with both hands outstretched. They were so eager to have their food as they sang the local Vietnamese song. Such heartwarming moments!

Adversities
-Unfamiliarity of geographical locations in Vietnam

One problem was the unfamiliarity in many aspects of the trip. An example would be the fact that we were in a foreign land and that forced us to depend heavily on our guide for directions. His absence on the last day proved it as we found ourselves struggling trying to maneuver from one place to another.

-Cultural and linguistic differences

Another dilemma that faced us was the cultural and linguistic differences. Most of us were unable to communicate with the local people, thus unable to engage ourselves in a conversation as we could not correspond to them. As a result, confusion often arises as instructions may seem vague to us or even lost in translation. Hence, such linguistic differences proved to bee an obstacle for us. Cultural differences also arose. An example was where certain gestures like touching another person’s head was forbidden among the minority people.

Learnability
I have learnt that we have to work together as a team in order to accomplish different tasks. It had been one of my most enjoyable experiences to be able to work together with my friends in a foreign land. We forged stronger bonds of friendships, realizing our own faults and mistakes. I learnt to conquer my fears: not to worry unduly and take things in my stride for everything that I do in life. Always view everything with a positive aspect and life would be much more smoothsailing than one can ever expect. I have also discovered that Vietnamese people can also be contented without any indulgences and luxury, yet, they do not have many problems in every aspect of their lives. This may be a learning point for all of us because as much as we can boast of all the living comfort in Singapore, we had just as much to be envious about their carefree lifestyles, accompanied with breathtaking sceneries and surrounding environment that one would never be able to experience in a hectic schedule of every Singaporean.

Going to Vietnam was a great experience outside of school.

Intellectual

Going to Vietnam was a great experience outside of school. We were able to be involve with the natural environment and learn from it. Though we might have already learnt and seen much of the landscape through textbooks, we only managed to learn the bulk of our studies by really feeling the environment itself. An example would be the lifestyle of the farmers in the rice fields, which we have so often neglected when we blindly studied about just the process of farming itself. This trip was also an insight into the Vietnamese way of living and how different it was from a typical Singaporean life. Food aside, which clearly lack variation, it was the clealiness factor that distinctly seperate a Singaporean from a Vietnamese. As a Vietnamese walks through a muddy pathway decisively, a Singaporean would tip toe through the same path at snail speed. I realised at the end of the day, it all boils down to the different living environment in both countries. It was not up to either of us to influence the other party.

Deliverables

Biking, trekking, kayaking, painting, library-ing, swimming, diving, shopping and eating were just some of the many things we did. Of that many, i feel that only one or two, probably fits the bill of a contribution. Even so, it might not be comparable to the standards that have been set by other schools. Painting was a job well done. But then again, these are just superficial forms of a contribution. Library-ing on the other hand, might prove to be a much significant gift to their lifestlye. Our sense of accomplishment was duly fulfilled through biking, trekking, kayaking, diving and swimming. I believe that any single one of those activity was already sufficient to satisfy our desire for challenges.

Emotional

On the first day in Hanoi, it had already struck a deep first impression on me. It was the "River of Life" aka dirty water flowing at the side of the pavement. The sight of totally puts me off. Maybe it was just the difference in living environment. It was not until Sapa that another heart wrenching moment hit my heart. That was the lifestyle of young children the age of equivalent to Primary 1 kids in Singapore, how totally different it was when compared to the much more fortunate Singapore counterpart. As our kids walked around in branded Nike or Addidas shoes in school and still feels unfair about how their parents is not buying the newly released PSP for them as compared to their peers, who could imagine how much less fortunate the kids in Vietnam were, possibly just hoping for a shelter over thier head or even a happy family.

Adversity

The ability to adapt ourselves to the condition of Hanoi on the very first day was probably one of the first difficulty most of us faced, especially with the air pollution in the city. But i believe that all of us managed to overcome it within a short period of time. Throughout the trip, trekking was undeniably the most torturous part. This was further justified on the second day morning which pushed our limits and endurance level the maximum we can take. However, i have to say that most of us suffered most mentally as we kept telling ourselves that the end is near which most of the time never came. But of course, all of us conquered it after all. Unthinkable, but not impossible was the near 10m dive from the junk boat at Halong bay. It was definitely a adrenaline rushing experience that seriously worsen our thirst for adventure and excitement up. A real regret was the inability to bring our jump to a higher level up on the next day. At the end of the trip though, what really struck me was how an individual's living environment can become so unhabitable, with such a great disparity from a fellow being, a thing that had never occured to me right in fornt of my own eyes.

Learnability

I do not know everything and will not know everything on the surface of the earth as i have realised from this trip. Working in a team has been the most enjoyable experience and also one of the best learning methods in a group. One can realise one's own fault and mistake through a group, not after someone points it out, but after self reflection of his own actions that he had taken in the group. Most importantly, everyone is not perfect and self reflection is the way to character development and maturity. Yet, it is that very group that often stands in the way personal improvement and leanring. Thus, I believe that there is always a time that one has to work with others and there is some other occasion that one has to go in seperate ways. Different people has different leanring ability and it is always more difficult to progress in a group. At the end of the day, self dilligience and proper character development is still the key no matter in a group or individually.