LEARNING JOURNEYS
Chengdu , China 29 students went to Chengdu for their GEP . The highlight of this trip was volunteering at the Giant Panda Research and Conservatory Centre . Over the course of three days , we experienced the life of a panda keeper ’ s daily routine : feeding the pandas , cleaning their enclosure , making their food and toys , observing the panda ’ s behaviour and also analysing their waste to learn more about its health and diet . This experience taught us a greater sense of care and compassion for the Giant Pandas .
We visited Xuankou Middle School , a memorial site for the 2008 Sichuan earthquake . The school has remained untouched , with a clock at the entrance displaying the exact time the earthquake happened . Walking through these ruins showed us the importance of treasuring our lives and the people around us , reminding us to be grateful for what we have .
Tea-leaves pluckers - Sonya Faye Vohrah and Goh Sze Ying
We concluded this first section of our trip with a campfire organised by some locals , where we learnt a local Tibetan dance and enjoyed a lamb roasted over the campfire .
As part of the cultural exchange , we went for a hike at Mount QingCheng , where we visited a Taoist temple located at the peak . The hike was an eye-opening experience , enabling us to step out of our comfort zones and challenge ourselves . We also learnt a style of TaiChi and experienced the Chinese Tea preparation process .
We were honoured to be given the chance to visit a local school , ShiShi WenWeng High School , that has 2160 years of history deeply rooted in its culture . We also enjoyed a visit to the Dujiangyan Irrigation system and a wonderful performance of Sichuan Opera . We concluded the trip with a visit to the Eastern Suburb Memory , as well as some souvenir shopping at local shopping streets .
Preparing bamboo in Panda Conservative Centre
Taichi in action
Observing the Panda habitat in the forest
Tristan Emmeran Chabanel plucking tea-leaves
JOSEPHIAN ANNUAL 2019 91