Hope all is well at home. We have just concluded an intensive, yet highly interactive and enjoyable first week of ICLP. First day of class was especially nerve-wreaking, and the heavy rain on Monday morning aptly reminded me that I'd better start working hard!

        As I was walking to class, I saw a very interesting quote on our ICLP monitor (the school changes the quotes every other day): a good start is half the battle won. And a good start we did have, because everyone had homework on the first day itself!

        In school, all students of diverse nationalities and ethnicities speak (or, at least attempt to speak) Mandarin. Guess everyone is taking their Language Pledge very seriously. The teachers were also all dressed in their traditional Chinese costumers on our first day of class, which we thought was a very nice gesture and they look cute too.

        That Monday evening itself, we also had a welcome reception. It was held at Just Sleep Hotel (a nice small in right in front of our university, and about a minute's walk from Gongguan MRT Exit 2).

        The evening reception was a very nice Western buffet dinner. There was a wide spread of salads, pastas and my favourite; desserts! My course mates were thrilled with the selection of food, and the buffet-style setting made it possible for everyone to mingle around and meet new students and teachers, which they might not have met yet.

        Chen Lao-shi, our Deputy Administrative Assistant gave a short speech on behalf of Director Liang, who unfortunately could not make it due to a rescheduled meeting. Although it was a tiring first day (for both teachers and students alike), but everyone enjoyed themselves with the good food and great company. Everyone left happily at about half past eight, until they got back to their homework, that is. = p

        Till my next e-mail, take care and I miss everyone at home!

Love,
Jan