Day 5 - Exhilarating Water Rafting

Traveling Up To Lu Lin Shan
A professional bus driver raced up to Lu Lin Shan for our great water rafting experience! His driving skills were absolutely mind-blowing. Changing lanes in an instant, honking constantly, not stepping on brakes before taking a corner, speeding and driving against the flow of traffic. I was kept on the edge of my seat when exposed to all these elements. Not being able to sleep, I observed his driving habits and techniques, and knew that if he drove in this manner in Singapore, he would long ago be fined heftily, faced many demerit points, or threaten the lives of other road users.


Farmer's Backyard
This is a shot taken in the bus on the way to Lu Lin Shan. We travelled through villages and rural towns, and noticed that their daily routine was farming. It is their livelihood and also their source of income. These are poor farmers planting and harvesting any form of food to survive. They also do barter trade in exchange of different goods, such as rice for corns.


Spread of Rice
Most of the land used by the farmers are for agricultural purposes. The rice harvested by the farmers needed to be milled in order to remove the chaff, which is the outer husks of the grain, before the rice is ready to prepare for consumption. They do so by spreading out a lot of rice which covers one lane of a two-lane road that stretches up to 10 meters long.



Petrol Station
Along a rural stretch of road lies a petrol station. SINOPEC is one of the China petrol stations which supplies diesel and leaded petrol to motor vehicles. Most of their vehicles are powered by diesel engines as diesel fuel is cheaper as compared to leaded petrol.


Abundance of Land
China has a great abundance of land that can be utilized for many purposes. In Singapore, we do not have that luxury as land is scarce, and most housing estates and office buildings are constructed in multiple levels.


Cargo Train


Freight Train Transporting Coal
China stretches thousands of miles from one end to the other, and railway mode of transportation is the cheapest as compared to air mode or motor (road) mode. Coal is a bulk cargo and does not require much attention, therefore it can be easily loaded and transported to its destination weeks away. In addition, coal is not a profitable good and is transported in large quantities and would cost a lot of money if a company were to ship it by air mode.



Electrical Cables


Transformers
Facilities in China are powered by overhanging transformer and electrical cables. Singapore has advanced by running their power cables underground, hidden from public view. This makes the streets look neater and prevents pilferage of metal cables which in return, may cause the thief to lose his life in the process.


Lunch in Lu Lin Shan
We have stopped for lunch, after which will be heading for white water rafting! Lunch was great as I had two plates of finely steamed fish head! How nutritious it was before a 2-hour boat paddling ride down the man-made river.


Rattan Sandals
These were hand-made sandals weaved from rattan material. It only costs $2 yuan ($0.40) per pair. This sandals are required to be worn by the rafters to prevent foot injuries such as cuts from rocks and maintain grip when walking in the waters. Such an item is made from old traditions, unlike in Singapore whereby luxurious clothing and shoes are manufactured and imported from a foreign country.


Rice Stalk


Corn Plant
Naturally farmed crops without insecticides are planted by the farmers backyard. It is an amazing sight to witness as it is my first time seeing a rice and a corn plant before my very eyes. I have always consumed such food products without knowing the hard work it took for farmers to harvest and process it.


Farmer's Leverage
This is a carrying tool that farmers uses to transport heavy goods, such as large quantity of fertilizers, seeds, or rice.


Underwater Diver

Caught a Crab!
At the end of the rafting point, we jumped off our raft to return it. While waiting for the others, I snorkeled with my diving goggles to see the underwater marine lives. On top of that, I managed to grab hold of a tiny crab without it getting a piece of my flesh with its claws.


Waterfall

Rocky River
We hiked a long way through the waterfall area, and hopped over rocks to carry on our journey. Such a magnificent view of watching nature in place. A feeling of peace was established as I heard water cascading down and absorbing its mists.


Night Party
Back at the hotel, they had their own night celebration. It consists of dance performance, singing, and role-playing. They ended the performance by having professional flame-blowers to start off the camp fire. A large group of us were dancing around the fire having LOTS of fun! This is their way of night life here in the hotel area. In Singapore, most night-goers will spend their time celebrating the night in dance clubs, pubs, or karaoke.

REFLECTIONS

I learn that in order to attain a Singapore's drivers license, one has to be readily trained and prepared for the final test. Strict laws, rules and regulations are in place to ensure that safety of Singapore roads are their number one concern. Unlike China, their drivers are very reckless and there are no traffic police or cameras to catch them in action. Most farmers in China lead a poor life with their harvest as their livelihood. I appreciate the life that I am having as it is a comfortable one and promises me great opportunities in the future to be successful. I observed that their crops are planted in a uniformed manner for easy accessibility.

In such a huge country, there are many natural attractions. I enjoy being close to nature and feel at peace when standing before the waterfall. It brings great joy and such nature should be preserved and shared with others. It is also a great experience to join in the fun and understand how the China citizens pass their time at night.

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.
-Thomas Jefferson