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Where did you go?

When did you visit this place?

Whom did you visit this place with?

List 2 highlights of this location (eg landmarks, sights, restaurants, activities etc).

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Ms Song went to Korea with my daughter, Cheryl, in 2018. It was a trip I will never forget as I had this huge burden to ensure both Cheryl and I were safe. My husband had just started a new job and had no earned leave. Would you feel the same if you were in my shoes?

The flight to Seoul was smooth and I managed to catch some sleep before the flight landed uneventfully at 9am. Once we had cleared customs, we took a bus to our hotel. Not wanting to waste any time, we left our luggage at the reception desk, put on some warm clothing and headed to Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The Palace was magnificent and huge and loomed over us. As we walked towards the servants' quarters, it felt as if we had travelled back in time. (TO BE CONTINUED :P )

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It was six in the morning and I was sitting at the back of my car, enjoying the scenery as it rushed by. The Gifted Education Branch selected twenty-six pupils and six teachers from Tao Nan School's Gifted Education Programme to take part in an eventful four day trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I WAS DELIGHTED I WAS ONE OF THE CHOSEN TWENTY SIX.

We gathered at the airport and after clearing customs, I managed to sit on the seats of a majestic A350 owned by Singapore Airlines. THE FLIGHT WAS SCHEDULED TO TAKE OFF AT 9.30am. The flight was enjoyable as I got the chance to watch Despicable Me 4.

Upon arrival IN VIETNAM, we wasted no time. BEFORE CHECKING INTO OUR HOTEL, WE took a bus to have lunch at a local Pho restaurant.

A memorable highlight FOR ME was the water puppetry show. It was set in a movie theatre-like room with a pond in the middle. The show required people standing behind wooden boards, holding up props up to ten kilograms and acting them out realistically. We HAD THE privilege OFholdING and tryING out the props in the water ourselves! The hands-on experience was definitely memorable. After a day's work, everyone was tired and we checked into The Vissai Saigon Hotel.

Our plan for the next day was to visit Viet Anh School. The school's principal greeted us warmly and we made our way towards the classroom. The pupils started off by doing a presentation about their typical school day and played a few games with us, helping us know each other better. We also ATTENDED a few of their lessons which were similar to ours. A different feature is that they have many more breaks in between lessons and students have to take NAPS in school in the afternoon. We presented in the afternoon and played traditional games with them, including zero point and five stones. That day was very enriching.

Another attraction we visited is the Cu Chi Tunnels. It is a system of complicated underground tunnel network that the Vietnamese soldiers built during the Vietnam War. They also dug traps and secret entrances. REASOON? A veteran educated us of the Cu Chi Tunnels and lost his right arm to protect his country. WHAT SACRIFICE!

Back at Ho Chi Minh airport, I was reluctant to leave as I realised that this trip HAD deepened valuable friendship between my classmates and ME. To cheer MYSELF up AND MAKE MYSELF FEEL BETTER, I watched Inside Out 2 on the flight back.

AT THE ARRIVAL HAL OF CHANGI AIRPORTL, I could see my parents waving at me! Thanking the teachers for planning such an enjoyable trip, I ran over to my parents and embraced them tightly. IT WILL BE A TRIP THAT WILL BE FIRMLY ETCHED IN MY MIND FOR A LONG TIME TO COME.

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Quick note: Apologies for the confusing username.

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Travelogue

Last winter, I travelled to China. With its many tourist spots and nice hotels, it was truly an experience to take in! There were many tourist spots, and I couldn’t possibly fit them all into this travelogue, but here are some major tourist attraction spots!

I recently visited the Dongfang Mingzhu Tower, also known as the Oriental Pearl Tower, and it was an unforgettable experience. This iconic structure, standing proudly in the heart of Shanghai’s skyline, is more than just a remarkable architectural feat—it's a must-visit for anyone travelling to this vibrant city. At a height of 468 metres, the Dongfang Mingzhu Tower offers panoramic views of Shanghai that are absolutely breathtaking. I had opted to visit the observation decks, which are located at various levels of the tower, including the 263-metre high glass-floored deck. Standing on the glass floor, looking down at the city below, was both exhilarating and a little nerve-wracking! But the view was worth it—especially at sunset when the city begins to light up. You can see the Bund, the Huangpu River, and the futuristic skyline of Pudong, including the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai Tower, all in one sweeping vista.

There were some highlight locations, such as the main observation deck. It offered incredible views in every direction. I spent a good amount of time taking in the sights from both the indoor viewing area and the glass-floored outdoor deck. We also visited the Space Module: This is an additional observation area that’s a bit higher up in the tower, giving a truly out-of-this-world feeling. The view from here feels like you're in space with the city sprawling below. At the tower’s base, there was a small museum that provided interesting information about the tower’s construction and history. It’s a good spot to learn a bit more about this architectural marvel, and it helped us contextualise our visit.There was also a revolving restaurant in sight. We didn’t dine there, but the rotating restaurant on the 267-metre level is famous for offering a unique experience as you enjoy a meal while slowly rotating 360 degrees. It would be perfect for a romantic evening or a special occasion!Additionally, the tower itself lights up in the evening with a stunning display of colours and patterns. If you're in Shanghai at night, it’s a sight you can’t miss. The entire Pudong district, with the Oriental Pearl Tower as its centrepiece, is magical when illuminated.

The Dongfang Mingzhu Tower is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Shanghai. Whether you’re interested in breathtaking views, a bit of history, or simply enjoying the city from above, this tower delivers on all fronts. It’s not just a viewing platform, but an experience in itself. The architecture is stunning, the views are unparalleled, and it’s a perfect way to see the entire city from one location. Definitely worth the visit!

Food

Visiting another country is nothing without a good visit to the local delicacy restaurants! We visited some nice restaurants, including Guo Ji restaurant.This delicacy restaurant really lived up to its reputation,with its delicious food! The traditional recipes allowed us a glimpse back in time of old Chinese recipes. Then, They served the iconic chinese dish(which I forgot the description of), And I enjoyed the dish fully. I wish they had made the portions bigger!

Experiences

When we were visiting China, We definitely had a blast! We visited some new experiences, such as riding mini cars and horse riding- A new thing for everyone. Overall, It was a little scary and tranquilising at the same time. Horseback riding offered a unique blend of adventure, connection, and tranquillity. Before mounting the horse, I put on some proper gear, and the stable keeper taught me some basic horse commands, such as one that told the horse to stop moving. The moment I mounted the horse, there was an immediate bond, as the animal sensed my movements and responded to my commands with grace. As the horse began to move, I felt the rhythm of its gait beneath me—each step a powerful reminder of the animal’s strength and agility. Riding along the peaceful river, the world felt different whilst on horseback: the wind in your face, the landscape unfolding at a pace that invited reflection. It’s not just about controlling the horse; it’s about finding harmony between rider and steed, and working together in a quiet, mutual understanding. The experience offered both a challenge and a sense of freedom, as I navigated the terrain and became attuned to the animal’s instincts and movements. It's a thrilling and humbling experience that deepened my appreciation for both nature and the deep bond between humans and horses. I’d rate it five stars, although it doesn’t have an official website to be rated.

When It was time to leave China, I was reluctant to leave, but finally bid China farewell in the end. When I Arrived back in Singapore, I was still raving about it to my friends. For those adventurous ones out there, I definitely recommend giving China a visit, especially provinces Guilin and Shanghai. Goodbye China!