There is a always a first time for everything. And those first times are more wonderful if provided for free or given as reward for worthy sacrifices or valuable contributions or genuine efforts.
This year especially this JOURNEY in CHINA has certainly brought and will definitely bring more firsts in my existence since the long travel has just begun.
This particular tour is a reward for the international students of the Command and Staff Course at the Air Force Command College after surviving the first 2 months of the course.
Let me share with you my remarkable experiences, wonderful moments, and valuable lessons during the 9 days field trip and educational tour to the 5 cities (NANJING, YANGZHOU, HANGZHOU, JIAXING, and SHANGHAI) in EAST CHINA Region.
SHANGHAI is considered the biggest city in the WORLD in terms of population with more than 26 million people. SHANGHAI has the WORLD'S BUSIEST PORT and is the FINANCIAL CAPITAL OF CHINA. YANGTZE RIVER, the largest and longest river in CHINA, is also located in EAST CHINA. YANGZHOU CITY is a 2,500 years old city famous for the YANGZHOU fried rice which has about 13 different ingredients. NANJING is considered one of the old capitals of CHINA. "NAN" means SOUTH while "JING" means CAPITAL. "NANJING" means Southern Capital. On the other hand, "BEI" means NORTH. BEIJING means Northern Capital. BEIJING is the present capital of China.
The trip to EAST CHINA Region is a special one because I know that it is a very rare opportunity to visit the places especially SHANGHAI because for ten months of studying in CHINA, we will be staying mostly in the capital city of BEIJING. Considering the hectic schedules, the distance between BEIJING and EAST CHINA and the resources needed for the transportation and accommodation requirements, there is a very slim chance that I can still have the luxury to visit SHANGHAI in the future.
I consider this JOURNEY as overwhelming blessings from our Almighty. This particular travel is a COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION outside the classroom, and significantly worthwhile. It is even made more special because I traveled together with individuals from 43 countries from 5 continents. It was definitely a complete learning experience while sharing stories, ideas, and moments with PEOPLE not only from varying backgrounds but also diversified cultures, languages, religions, and wisdom.
EDUCATION at its BEST!!!
1. THE HIGH SPEED TRAIN EXPERIENCE.
I remember several movies that I watched with scenes situated in high speed train. They were not specifically shot in China but exactly the same set-up. While watching those movies, I was dreaming of having to experience the high speed. Now that I experienced it, it was as if I was still in deep slumber and had the wonderful dream of experiencing the exciting ride. It was actually the start of the 9 days field trip and educational tour to the 5 cities in EAST CHINA. For this trip, we were headed to NANJING. According to the school management, the trip would be about 4 hours from BEIJING to NANJING.
During the entire process from reaching the RAILWAY STATION up to occupying our seat, it was an amazing experience from the amazing structures up to the procedures.
LESSON:
HIGH SPEED TRAIN symbolizes not only PROGRESS, but more importantly efficient utilization of government resources. People can maximize their time, talent and contribution to society because they can be from one place to another at very short period of time.
2. STAYED AT 5 DIFFERENT HOTELS
(4 STAR AND 5 STAR) WITHIN 9 DAYS.
I already experienced staying in some 4 star and 5 star hotels while attending seminars, conferences and other activities during my stint in the military service but never had the experience of having to stay in 5 different hotels within the span of 9 days. It was certainly a great privilege and gargantuan blessing to have this amazing experience. But I like most the hotels in NANJING and YANGZHOU. The WIFI CONNECTION has strong signal and conveniently no password. The room is excellent and the buffet breakfast is nice.
I believe that the other hotels are overrated. One of the hotels does not provide comfortable stay because of the poor air-conditioning system and the service is very slow despite several complaints. Raters of these hotels should do their job diligently to avoid false expectations from the hotel guests.
For tips about hotels, take picture of your hotel room number and the name of the hotel including the local language characters when going out temporarily to be able to have quick reference in case you forget your hotel name and room number. This is especially important when you are in a country like China because majority of the taxi drivers do not understand English in case you get lost. It is also advisable to ask for hotel business card (calling card) also as reference. If there are available local maps, take them with you when going out for shopping or strolling or while dining out.
LESSON: Educational trip unfolds numerous learnings and worthwhile experiences from the quality of leadership and management to simple details of reacting to unforeseen circumstances. It may look expensive because it is a one time activity, but the positive effect and benefit are long term.
3. DINED AT MORE THAN 10 DIFFERENT RESTAURANTS WITHIN 9 DAYS.
Just like for hotels, I also experienced fine dining in various restaurants in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, but never had this kind of successive meals in high profile restaurants. It was another first delectable journey.
LESSON: NUTRIENTS AND TASTES ARE THE SAME, THE AMBIANCE IS THE DECIDING FACTOR OF THE COST.
4. THE ORIENTAL PEARL TOWER EXPERIENCE
The height and design of the ORIENTAL PEARL TOWER is already elegant as viewed from the distance and even beautiful at closer look. But the amazing experience did not end from just viewing the amazing structure from the outside. It was even an extraordinary treat when we were transported by the high speed elevator for only few minutes from ground floor to 263rd floor to have the full view of the remarkable SHANGHAI CITY. We also went down to 259th floor to even enjoy more the alluring views below. While walking in the glass floor, as if you are floating up the air or as if you have the power to fly. It was an amazing experience and magical moment for me.
LESSON: TO MAKE ONE PLACE UNFORGETTABLE, THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR MUST COLLABORATE TO BUILD SOMETHING REMARKABLE THAT WILL BRING A AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE COMPARED TO OTHER PLACES. ORIENTAL PEARL TOWER MADE SHANGHAI VISIT AN UNFORGETTABLE CITY.
5. CRUISED AT THE HUANGPU RIVER, WEST SLENDER LAKE, SOUTH LAKE AND WEST LAKE
The numerous boat cruises by the river and lakes were certainly both refreshing and insightful. The amazing views and scenery totally unfolded another beautiful dimension of our world. The historical significance and economic importance of these bodies of water were extensively discussed by our very enthusiastic guide "GEORGE".
LESSON: RICH HISTORY CAN BRING BOTH WORTHWHILE LEARNING AND HUGE EARNING FOR THE GOVERNMENT. THE VARIOUS LAKES IN THE EAST CHINA HAVE RICH HISTORY TO UNFOLD AND BRINGING INCOME TO THE CITY.
6. CLOSER LOOK AT THE SECOND AND SEVENTH TALLEST BUILDINGS IN THE WORLD
SHANGHAI TOWER is considered the second tallest building in the world at 632 meters while SHANGHAI WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER is the 7th tallest at 492 meters. To be able to see these two skycrapers in close proximity is an amazing experience for me. Last year when I witnessed the elegance of the PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS was already an awesome moment for me. This year, it was even more a remarkable JOURNEY.
LESSON: BUILDING NOTABLE STRUCTURE MAKES A PLACE FAMOUS WHICH IN TURN BOOSTS TOURISM INDUSTRY AND BRING INCOME TO THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE.
7. VISITED THE NANJING MASSACRE MEMORIAL HALL
This memorial hall is significant for the Chinese especially for the people of Nanjing City. The massacre and sexual assault to about 300,000 Chinese people by the Japanese soldiers in 1937 is being remembered through this memorial site.
LESSON: BUILDING A PLACE TO HONOR THE HEROES AND THOSE WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES FOR THE COUNTRY ARE BRINGING LESSONS TO THE PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS ABOUT THE PAST.
8. EXPLORED THE GEYUAN GARDEN
The refreshing environs of this garden is a perfect place to unwind and unload the worries and pressures of life. The resources, efforts, and time utilized to build this paradise are testament of passion for environment and love for humanity. A place dedicated to the visiting public.
9. SHOPPING AT CHENGHUANGMIAO MARKET.
It was more than a market. Aside from shopping of many items at very reasonable prices, you can also enjoy the beautiful environs for free. There is an extensive variety of items and many food shops where everyone can enjoy. The place will definitely fill not only the shopping bags but also the desire for beautiful views and delectable food and drinks.
LESSON: DO NOT JUST BUILD SOMETHING, BUILD IT WITH PASSION AND COMMITMENT AND THE RESULT WILL BE SOMETHING WORTH TO VISIT AND TREASURE.
10. VISITED THE SOUTH LAKE
The South Lake is a very importance location for the Chinese people. The place has a significant meaning for them. It is one of the places where the COMMUNIST PARTY OF CHINA has started.
LESSON: HISTORY IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE.
11. VISITED THE HU XUEYAN'S FORMER RESIDENCE
The home of the wealthy businessman in China was being preserved and converted into a tourist destination. It was an inspiring moment for us on how a man can accumulate fortunes in a nice and legal way. It was certainly a story of hardworking, brilliant, and committed individual to be able to attain his dreams of having unimaginable wealth and great life. The man-made structures built utilizing high quality materials including the caves are amazing products of mortal individuals.
LESSON: ANY PERSON CAN GENERATE WEALTH IN GOOD WAYS, BY NOT STEPPING ON THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS.
12. VISITED THE HUI ETHNIC GROUP
The visit to primary school of the Hui Ethnic Group is a touching moment. The Air Force Command College donated various sports equipment to the primary school. We also visited some old and new mosques. It was a long trip, a symbolic journey to the remote area. Along the way, I was able to witness some familiar products and ways back in my province in the Philippines. There are ricefields. Some people are drying new harvested rice using cemented roads.
LESSON: WE SHOULD ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL OF WHAT WE HAVE BECAUSE THERE ARE ALWAYS PEOPLE WHO HAVE LESSER THAN WE HAVE.
As I continue my JOURNEY in the MILITARY SERVICE, there will always be more opportunities to experience new things.
Experiences that will bring education not only in terms of KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS but more importantly to TRANSFORM MY OWN EXISTENCE INTO A BETTER ONE and ALSO TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE HUMANITY AND OUR MOTHER EARTH.
