Beep, Beep, the sound of the alarm sounds, as I grudgingly slam the button down, halting the onslaught. Groggily, I check the time. 5:00 am. Picking up my enervated body, I rush around with last minute missing luggage. Finally, it's time to go.

At 6:30 am, the Spring Blossom'ers met at the appointed rendezvous, the Perth Street Car Park. We then took the coach to the airport. The flight from Hong Kong to Chengdu was uneventful, as most of us were sleeping our heads off. We arrived at Chengdu Airport at around 2:00 pm, and then took another coach to our hotel, 'Lhasa Grand Hotel'.

After a brief period of freshening up, we went straight to business: food! We headed to a nearby restaurant, where we were welcomed by the aroma of piquant local SiChuan dishes. Unfortunately (fortunately for some), the dishes we had were not the local spicy dishes that are renown throughout the world, but ordinary Chinese dishes. On the whole, however, the food was reasonable.

Next up, we returned to the hotel, where we practiced our teaching plans, the Song and Dance. In the middle of the dance practiced, we were ushered by Mr. Ensor (for those who aren't in the know, he is the founder of the KGV - Spring Blossom link) to take our practice downstairs to the street opposite the hotel. This is called an 'impromptu', where we do our songs and dance in front of random commuters.

Simply put, they were not very welcoming.

Here we are, outside on the pavement entertaining strangers with our dance and songs, and all they can do is stare and gape at us as if we were animals in a zoo. For the first few pieces, no one would applaud when we had finished that piece. The burgeoning crowd of gaping statues became rather disconcerting, and soon we were on the threshold of despair.

Then, after our fourth piece, a miracle appeared. Expecting the usual deafening silence, we were shocked to hear applaud. It came from a little (cute) girl. She was clapping so vigorously, her face going so red, that we were afraid she might have suffered from a heart attack. After our umpteenth repeat of the songs and dance, we decided to play some games with these strangers. While most of the audience was reluctant to join, there were a group of teenagers that were very enthusiastic. We played Hokey Pokey, Duck Duck Goose, Marco Polo as well as Head Shoulders Knees and Toes. This impromptu was followed by another more 'formal' impromptu, where we performed on a 'mini' stage. After that, we had dinner at the same restaurant.

Before going to our beds for a good night of sleep, we ended with a traditional Spring Blossom debriefing. Everyone contributed their ideas, suggestions, encouragements, and feelings. We all congratulated ourselves for all the hard work we put into the first day of Spring Blossom. At the end of the day, we've just realized what we can achieve as a group.

We spent the whole day traveling to Butuo, so you'd you think we have nothing to write about; but we do. 6.30am we started off our adventurous journey in utter darkness away from civilization. Breakfast was served in polystyrene lunchboxes but before we could take a bite out of anything, we had to rush to our boarding gate where everyone, from the pilots to cleaning ladies, were telling us to hurry as the plane was about to leave.

The brief and pleasant plane ride allowed everyone to recharge. Little did we know we had four more hours to do exactly that. At 10.15am we stopped by at 'Morning Wind' to be greeted by traditional Sichuan singers and to have a formal lunch- not breakfast, with the officials of Butuo. The governess gave us a warm welcome to Sichuan and the traditional singers greatly impressed us with their dynamic performance. In return we gave them a slightly out of tune but all the same dynamic performance of our theme song, 'I believe'. We were then served with a countless-dish banquet of amazingly high class Chinese cuisine.

From what we remember of the bus ride, it was endless beautiful scenery, fog, farm animals, and local people who don't seem to realize that a bus could run them over. Because of this, our bus journey was delayed and students in the bus were desperate for a 'comfort-stop'. We finally arrived at the Butuo Hotel which immensely exceeded our slightly understated expectations. We were ecstatic to finally be able to set foot on ground again, and this was raised even higher by the discovery of hot water, clean beds and most of all, western style toilets.

We were given yet another warm welcome, impressive performances and we once again returned a slightly out of tune but all the same dynamic performance. We had more than limitless dishes for dinner, ranging from traditional Sichuan pork dishes to scrumptious vegetarian dishes.

Today was the first day of actual teaching. We woke up at 7:30 am to the sound of incessant knocks on our door. At 8:00 am, we had a simple breakfast and then we were soon on our way to the Spring Blossom school. Even though the ride was rather bumpy, the majestic scenery was able to offset our slightly sore bottoms.

Finally, at 10:00 am, we arrived at the school. As we got out of the buses, the children seemed to scrutinize us in wonder. To see their faces, you would have thought that they had just met the Chairman of China. We all were taken aback by the sheer respect and awe that they emanated towards us.

The conditions the Spring Blossom girls lived in were extremely poor. Some of them had to travel 4 hours to get to the school, and lunch was not provided. Even a simple gesture such as giving them a piece of tissue was received with immense gratitude.

After dropping our bags in the storeroom, it was time for the opening ceremony. The speeches from both sides were followed by songs and dances. It was on the whole, a very touching experience for all of us, and once again, their performances were on a totally different level to us.

The end of the opening ceremony signalled the beginning of the actual Spring Blossom program. We started with simple ice-breakers such as 'Duck, Duck, Goose', 'Hokey Pokey', 'Ring around a Rosy' and 'Head, shoulders, knees and toes'. After that, we split off into our designated groups and began our program. For the teachers, we started with alphabets, while the games people started with ribbons

At around 12:30pm, we had lunch, which consisted of local pork, local baked potatoes, local stir-fried potatoes (our favourite dish), local chicken, local vegetables, and you guessed it, local rice.

After the fulfilling lunch, we started our first arts and craft session. This consisted of gluing strips of newspaper onto blown balloons. Next up, we gathered in the central courtyard to sing and dance the Macarena. After ten minutes of the Macarena (which makes you really dizzy), the tree planting and the cheque handover took place. This was over in a flash, and we resumed our teaching and games sessions.

After another hour of fun learning, to the dismay of everyone, it was time to leave. After saying goodbye, we got on the buses and headed back to the hotel.

Mentors mentions:

The first day of school truly proved to us that the group, despite the short period of time they were given to prepare for the trip, could rise to the occasion. As expected, the manner they adopted when teaching in an actual school was significantly different to the numerous programme run-throughs we put them through at school. Even their performances - their song in particular - seemed to carry much more weight, with the group finally realising the impact they were having on the children at the school. The children were equally enthusiastic, offering rounds of applause at every available moment, irregardless of whether or not it was warranted.

The teaching day started off with a few minor hitches in the beginning, but the group quickly pulled themselves together to deliver what Mr. Boyce and Mr. Ensor called 'one of the best first days ever.' The rest of the day ran smoothly with all members of the group working together for the first time as a single entity, in an environment where doing so is absolutely essential in order to succeed. Some even bonded on a more personal level, with individual children as well as with other members of the group. From here on out, they can only get better.

Reflections

Wow. I feel like I am playing with tiny men and women. In so many ways they are so ature but they can't show off their potential in such a poor background. I love every single individual and just want to be with them. Structure and learning don't matter; just existing together. - Megan

A few sentences or a paragraph cannot explain how I'm feeling (as clich¨¦d as it sounds). Everything is so different that it's hard to believe that we only live a couple of hours away in Hong Kong. Spring Blossom and the Spring Blossom girls are too cool for words. - Winnie

I'm so glad I came on this trip. It's amazing how willing the Spring B lossom girls want to learn. - Lingee

Today the girls are less shy. When we arrived today, they were all waiting for us, waving frantically as we got off the bus (they were too afraid to do this yesterday). Now, whenever we pass them, they slap us five, wave, and shout 'CHU CHU' (the train noises that we're famous for). The hardship etched in their faces is slowly fading away. - Lucy

Even though I've only been working with the girls for 2 days, I can say that I've really had the best days of my life. You can see that every one of them is very eager to learn, and words cannot describe how happy I feel. - Shu Shu

This trip has been one of the best trips I have ever been on. I have learnt so many new songs from the children here. The boys and girls here are very willing to learn and the respect that they give us is tremendous and class. - Shaan

Everything has been very inspirational and there are no words to express how I feel. -Meghna

It is through this Spring Blossom trip that I have noticed how much I actually have, and how fortunate I am to be in my family. Although I feel like giving the spring blossom girls everything, a better home, a better living, but I know education is the greatest thing I can give them -Elizabeth

I got really emotional in the opening ceremony, because of their welcoming speech, especially this part, 'We know we're not someone special, or important, but we really appreciate your effort for coming'. At that moment, I felt really really special, and wanted to give them everything I have. - Jennifer

This trip seems to get better by the minute spent with the girls, they may be poor and under privileged but they are so rich from the hearts and so eager to learn from us. More than just teaching them I particularly enjoy learning from them, they have so little and yet they give so much. - Priya

Most of us recognize how privileged we are, but we had to be on this trip to really understand that and feel it. The children still amaze us by their willingness to learn and the appreciation they have for us here. They do not have much, but they still give us all that they have. In a way they are giving us more then we can ever give them. - Denise

Before the trip, I never thought I could get along with the kids here. Today is only the second day, and I already feel so comfortable being with them. When I smile at them, they smile back, and also the 'high five'. I really enjoy my time staying in here, and I hope I can teach them everything I know. - Lamgi

There were two things that struck me: their hands. Every one of them has rough, hardened hands. It's so amazing that these children have hands that look like my grandma's. Another thing is their gratitude. After giving one of the girls a candy, she offered the candy to me. At that point, I nearly cried, because it was such a selfless act that I could not reciprocate. I felt ashamed, and determined to change. - Derek

I did not expect this trip to be so moving; the children are so amazing in all aspects, from their beautiful smiles to their selfless gratitude. They are all so enthusiastic and willing to learn, it is such a pleasure to teach them. - Tony

The value of learning:Infinity When I got here, it was as if I was watching a documentary. Many of the scenes repeat over and over again in my mind, and it just makes me reflect on myself. How many things have I taken for granted? In this world there are so many children out there so eager to learn, but what do we do? We see it as something we are supposed to have. It occurs to me that it's not just the children we're here to serve, but their whole community. We are giving them the opportunity to learn English. It may be that they will never have this chance again. I am glad I made the choice to come here, and this is one of the experiences I will never forget. - Janice Ng

The Spring Blossom trip is not something you can do without your whole heart. This experience has shown me so much more than any lesson at school can. You really have to be here to understand the mixture of emotions that every single one of us are feeling. I wish that people I've left behind in Hong Kong could come and interact with the children here, as they show so much warmth and enthusiasm. We take so much for granted and to really understand, you have to see how much the people here appreciate the little things like a piece of tissue or even a picture on a camera. I am so grateful for this opportunity to come here and it will definitely be treasured for the rest of my life. - Saskia

The spring blossom girls truly inspire me to realize how privileged I am. They have given me so much and I have valued every minute I had with them. These girls are so full of life and their spirits are so high, even though they have so little in comparison to us. During the past couple of days, I have learnt that I should be grateful for everything I have. They are so wonderful that they appreciate everything we give them or do for them. The bus ride itself was such an eye-opening experience, just to see the conditions they live in and the lack of things they own really¡­ - Miray

Those who have not written will post their reflections in tomorrow's journal.

Mentors musings

What better way is there than to start of the day with eager children crowding around the bus the minute we arrived. It is obvious the KGVers have bonded immensely with the Spring Blossom girls as well as the little boys in the school in those few hours from yesterday; some have mentioned that it would be extremely heart-breaking to have to pick out a few children to give their personal gifts to: all of the girls are their favourites!

With increasing enthusiasm, the girls were absolutely up for learning new words and games. Each time we hear the echo of them repeating 'cat', 'apple', 'ears' across the courtyard, it really shows how much the girls have opened up to both the KGVers and our culture that we are bringing to them. Without hesitation, they would blindly shout out 'MARCO!' to the unified chorus of 'POLO!'; trust is woven strongly through the atmosphere.

With the same level of energy they put into the teaching and the games activities, the KGVers joined in with the school's 10 minute physical education lesson which was set right before lunch. This was one of the most enjoyable physical education lessons the KGVers have ever had, as they were able to jump alongside the children, who found it amusing that these big brothers and big sisters are so interested in this normal lesson. It was extremely different from the normal sport games that we have in KGV, instead, they would do some stretching and jumping actions to a recording of counting on a cassette tape while they are standing in lines.

Once again we were greeted with a delicious and generous meal at the school which depicts a picture of what they eat as their staple diet: potatoes and rice, as well as some which they would consider as luxurious such as the savory vegetable and meat soup and also mouth-watering stir-fried meat dishes. With a very special coincidence, we had candles placed at the table, just in time to celebrate Diwali! With happiness bubbling over, the KGVers even created a song for Teddy (our guide) who prepared such beautiful lunches.

Cultural exchange plays a vital part of the Spring Blossom visits. Some KGVers thoughtfully gave the girls a chance to impress everyone with their artistic skills through street art: sidewalk chalk! With rainbows, animals and faces drawn all over a corner of the courtyard as well as some simple English words, we can only look forward to the mural painting on the next day where such magnificent drawings would not be washed away by the rain.

The KGVers are also learning an extraordinary amount about the local culture as well: dance, song and the tribal language. After being pleasantly full from the healthy and thoughtful meal, they were all set to face the second half of the day, which included a very special treat from the girls: teaching the KGVers how perform their traditional dance! The girls anxiously pulled each KGVer into each of the two circles and it was obvious from their grins and laughter that though they found it hard mimicking the girls' steps, they were having the time of their lives. Without missing a beat, the session continued with the girls teaching with the same expertise and care that the KGVers put into each lesson. With such note for details, the KGVers quickly learnt how to say everyday useful phrases in their language: thank you is 'ca sha sha'. The girls even wrote out notes with the symbols and the Chinese translation for these quick learning students! Some KGVers even went onto learning a song which is normally sung on occasions where the local people would encourage guests to fill their cups with the wine and drink and performed it to their proud young teachers.

These generous actions were not limited to just the members of the school, but it can be seen in even the local villagers of these rural communities. The mentors and the teachers visited the area around the school to find each person greeting us with a surprisingly open attitude. We were offered food even though these villagers do not have much for themselves; they were drying corn kernels on the rough ground. There were also signs of subsistence farming and sewing, where they use very basic tools such as a plow which is towed around by cows and also a single manually operated sewing machine. However, these villagers seem happy and contented with the few things they have, and this touched each and every one of us deeply.

With the weather being absolutely gorgeous, the huge expanse of blue sky is something that would not be found in Hong Kong, the scenery today proudly showed us how beautiful and untainted this environment is. The air is crisp and clear; each and every single minute detail on the rugged hills can be seen, from the trees to the lower areas where there are small clusters of villages and farmland.

The KGVers ended the day on a high note with every single one of the students in the school doing the 'Hokey Pokey' together and also singing 'Head Shoulders Knees and Toes' song. Finishing off the day, the children wistfully waved goodbye at the KGVers who in turn shouted out 'ca sha sha' and returned the gesture.

As we are sitting here in our hotel rooms, we have paint on our faces, bags of turnips and potatoes and stacks of letters on our laps written by the children. Last night, we visited another local primary school, a short walk away from our hotel. Sitting directly underneath the stars, we communicated with each other through performances because of our language barrier. Unsurprisingly enough, their performances outshone ours by miles, showing us their respect through the amount of effort and preparation they obviously put into them. We then indulged into a cultural exchange through traditional dances around the bonfire. Their kindness and generosity exceeded the norm, to the point where they were peeling our roasted potatoes for us and giving us their handmade postcards and letters.

Our day started off by visiting a local secondary school where were once again treated like celebrities and everyone was eager to catch our attention for even a second. We tried very hard to live up to our reputation and didn't want to fall from their expectations of us, however, there were technical difficulties although they still showed their appreciation toward our performance and complimented us for it. We tried to make a hasty return to the Spring Blossom school but that was made impossible by students who were keen to keep a part of us, be it photographs, addresses and even autographs on their shirts.

Arriving at Spring Blossom we realized that no matter how little they have, they are so rich in character that they are willing to give us anything, even seemingly common items such as turnips, to show their gratitude. When we gave them equally common items such as balloons, they were even more grateful and to our satisfaction showed us how much difference we made in their lives.

Our joy of the children finally opening up to us was fogged by the regret and dread of the fact that we have to leave them behind so soon. The weight of our mixed emotions grew heavier when we gathered to paint two murals. And as we waved goodbye through our bus windows, we caught a glimpse of their awareness of our nearing departure.

Looking back on today, we were able to understand that 'A man's wealth is measured by the things he can live without".

Mentors Musings

Though it is the final day with everything being performed for the last time, it was the first day of truly realizing the impact we have on the children as well as the teachers of this small and warm community.

The day began with the KGVers quietly admiring the scenery on the morning journey to school. The weather, since we have arrived, has been absolutely breath-taking; it is as though the entire of Butuo has been so touched by the purpose of our mission that even Mother Nature has opened her arms to great us warmly. Cameras were clicking throughout the ride with everyone trying to save each detail of every bend in the road, every village we passed by and every little creek that meandered its way beside us.

Throughout the day, there was a sense of bittersweet anticipation; the thought of it being the last day was in everybody’s minds, not just the KGVers. Lessons and games were done for the last time. Tears were shed throughout the day, some of the KGVers left the lessons they were organizing, trying not to let the girls see them cry in order to prevent a chain reaction.

Personal gifts were given out by the KGVers with great difficulty, trying not to show favouritism. Everyone wanted to give everything they have to the girls. Shaan did an extremely touching gesture by giving his backpack to one of the boys. With this, we truly understand how Spring Blossom and also the children bring out the best in us, not just in the dance, not just in the song, but also in what we believe in, priorities and actions.

The little ones never tire of the magic contained in bottles. Blowing through the magic wand leaves behind a beautiful trail of shimmering bubbles floating up to join with the clouds in the blue sky. The boys also introduced their way of playing spinning tops to the KGVers, impressing everyone with their skillful whipping, which causes the top to continuously spin. Though this would be what they play during their pastimes, they never lose interest in the technology we have, such as the digital cameras. Today some little boys even explored the functions of a computer with the following which they typed up, trying to see the effects of pressing the keyboard:

jjjjhvvssssssssssccccccesbbbbbbdaa

The mural was hung up today, a colourful banner representing our visit gently waving in the breeze. It was a rainbow of colour we left behind for the school, just like the influence the KGVers made through the style of teaching, the games played and the types of dance which the teachers are quickly adopting. The teachers are extremely helpful and dedicated towards their students in this school; they would prioritize their students welfare first. For these selfless and generous acts of theirs, they would earn only 1000 RMB a year, however with a sweet and thoughtful suggestion from Miray and Janice Lee, the group decided to donate money for the teachers, raising around 5000 RMB!

During arts and crafts, the children decorated their pinatas with paint and glitter, finally understanding the purpose of the paper-mache They also made stars where they were to write their wishes within. Some girls even wrote out extremely long wishes, wishing that the KGVers would never leave them and would always be there to play with them every single day. Others made hearts and wrote Thank You in Chinese on top, giving them to the KGVers as gifts and exchanged addresses promising each other that they would write. These touching moments of course led to another wave of tears and hugs.

Being the final day, a special activity was organized between the KGVers and the teachers of the school. They were challenged to a friendly game of basketball with the staff and tug-of-war with the children. The basketball game was tight, with great teamwork and the players were just on fire. With support and cheering from the girls, the KGVers conquered the game after being behind initially, ending with 28-19. The tug-of-war was played twice, both times with the KGVers winning. These wins impressed the girls, giving them yet another reason to look up at these talented and sweet-natured role models.

Before the delicious lunch cooked by Teddy (our guide) began, Lingee organized a secret birthday bash for Shu Shu. During the lesson session, the girls of her teaching group were quickly taught how to sing “Happy Birthday" in English. To the surprise of Shu Shu, the girls made a circle around the birthday girl and enthusiastically sang as well as Shu Shu’s favourite girls going up to her to personally wish her a happy birthday. This act was extremely sweet because many of the children do not know the date of their birthday and some do not even know how old they are.

After wiping back joyful tears, both the girls and the KGVers headed off to share a fantastic lunch. This was the best meal on the trip for one blatantly obvious reason: the KGVers are eating with the girls! Of course credit would have to go to Teddy (our guide) for preparing such a healthy and enjoyable meal, the girls who usually do not have lunch in school ate numerous portions of the food which included: rice, potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, several meat dishes, several vegetable dishes and also finally, bananas. It was a heart-wrenching scene to see the girls piling up our bowls high, putting us before themselves, while we fully witnessed the level of poverty they are in with the great amount they ate, bowls after bowls of rice. It is hard to imagine the extreme level of hunger they would normally go through, their day beginning off with a small insufficient breakfast, only to trek hours to school in the cold, wait till the entire day is over and then trek home to only have another meal that doesnt satisfy their growing bodies.

After the filling lunch, it was the formal closing ceremony. The KGVers presented the principal with the Lion magazine and also a KGV shield. The Lion magazine was a lovely touch, allowing them to see more of our school through the photos and also they get to flip through the pages pointing at familiar faces of the KGVers. The performances began with the KGVers starting off strong with “I Believe I Can Fly", “I Believe" their dance and finally the KGVers that learnt the traditional song performed. The dance was flawless and also extremely beautiful when the KGVers threw a handful of confetti into the air to end as well as the little boys snapping their fingers throughout the dance. All of the members in the school were extremely enthusiastic and supportive when the KGVers sang the traditional song, there was clapping and also because the song is about filling up cups with wine, the girls even ran up to give the KGVers cups of water. When the students in the school performed songs for the KGVers, which were given standing ovations, tears started to flow. As soon as it reached the speeches which were done by Derek and Shu Shu and a representative of the school, everyone was feeling very emotional, knowing that the day is coming to an end with the official words of thank you and the comments on how warmly we were treated during this trip. The representative of their school commented on every single aspect of the program the KGVers organized, she thanked the KGVers for the games, the lessons, the dance, the songs and thanked them for actually being there. The girls also generously gave the KGVers each an instrument unique to the Yi tribe, which was a great souvenier to remember the girls by.

The official closing ceremony ended with a large group photo of the KGVers and the teachers of the school as well as the start of the Halloween Day. The girls enjoyed having their faces painted with whiskers, hearts and stars. However, what they found most amusing were the silly things the KGVers drew on themselves, such as Ms Cheung with her wrinkles, mustache and goatee and Ms Chu with her chicken pox / pimples. After decorating their faces, the piñatas were smashed and the girls were given the candy which it contained. This was a really new and different sight for the girls who have never experienced such things before with the face painting and the piñatas.

The day finally ended with gift giving. The girls were given beautiful goodie bags of a number of small things such as bouncy balls, nail clippers, hair clips, bracelets, pencils etc. They were even given fuzzy Halloween headbands and furry pink notebooks (with the great generosity of Vivian Chiu). As with the Halloween events, these were objects that were strange and new to them, they would never have had any contact with such things. Of course the boys were not left out either, and the school was also given board games and other things to either play with the children or give them as prizes for their good behaviour in the future. After a huge group photo with all the girls wearing their fuzzy headbands, hugs were exchanged for the last time. The girls sang to the KGVers, trying to get them to stay with them. It was a sad sight, to see everyone welling up with tears and arms around each other.

When finally the KGVers left the school with many “ca sha sha”s (thank you), and boarded on the bus. The girls were all lined up along the road to wave goodbye. Everyone reached out of the window to wave back at the girls or give them high fives. On the way back, everyone felt emotionally drained, having felt far too much sadness in one day to look forward to going shopping for souvenirs.

Tonight was the final reflection session, held on the rooftop of the hotel with light from candles and uncountable number of stars above. Thoughtful gifts were given to all the members of the group. After the formal start by Mr Ensor and Mr Boyce, the group took turns in talking about their experience and how they felt they benefited from it and how they felt about the entire trip. On this note, the KGVers returned to their rooms and rested for a relaxing day of picnic and scenic walk tomorrow where they recover from this emotional impact.

Individual Comments

These four days have really gone past very quickly for me. It was a great experience teaching and bonding with the Spring Blossom girls. I felt very painful on the last day as I really wanted to bond more with them. I wish I could teach them more English and bring the shy ones out from their quiet side. Although I felt heart-broken to leave, I also felt extremely loved. I saw every single child crying when it was time to say our good-byes. I felt that these children cared and loved me. They were comforting me and telling me not to cry. I will always remember them.

Elizabeth Au

This was truly emotional bonding experience, which has definitely allowed groups of people from such contrasting lifestyles and cultures to connect so deeply. You also get to learn so much about and bond with people that you never knew before in such a short time. Thank you to everyone involved for making this trip what it is.

Saskia Burchett

Wow.

Megan Chadwick

This trip really opened my mind; I've seen and felt things that I've never felt before. I've understood the value of friendship, understood how privileged we are. This is a life changing experience.

Adrian Chow

It has been a short trip, but the experiences we gain are huge. We have worked really well as a group and were able to co-operate with each others even when we dont always agree with each others point of view and actions.

Ringo Chu

Spring Blossom has certainly raised my awareness of cultural diversity a great deal. It's mind-blowing to think these people have been living like this the whole time, often never escaping the boundaries of their village. I envy their “slow"lifestyles. This is definitely not to say they have lazy lifestyles. They can lie in a field all day and reflects on the more intriguing and important yet trivial things in life. Our society has corruptly come to value things such as examinations instead. I want to come back in the summer and help a family harvest for a month. I probably won’t. Good bye to the Spring Blossom girls forever.

Lucy Demery

I feel simultaneously fulfilled and emptied by the trip. I feel fulfilled because I not only taught them English, but made them laugh and feel happy, and most importantly, planted a seed of hope in their hearts. I feel emptied because I’ll never see them again, and that I made them sad.

Derek Feng

This trip was a wake up call for me. I realized that there are some things money simply cannot buy.

Alisha Haridasani

This trip made me realize there are so many things in life that I have taken for granted, and these girls help me and make me appreciate all the things I have and even if I did not have anything, I would appreciate life just the same.

Nadia Harilela

This trip was full of realizations, not only about others but also ourselves. It's been a very unique experience of relationships and bonding, and definitely makes us more aware about culture as well as life in general. A memory that will last longer than any other since it has been so different and achieving.

Priya Jhaveri

There are simply no words to describe how I feel, and it’s been a great experience.

Meghna Jhuremalani

The last day was the most exhausting because of all the crying I did. There were many moving moments during the day, since we all knew it was our last opportunity to see each other. One of them happened during lunch with the kids, where we started singing their traditional song (which was about friendship) and suddenly we burst into tears. The day was very painful too, seeing all the kids cry at the very last moment. The kids and teachers lined up, waiting for our buses to pass and waved at us, which was also a very moving scene.

Jennifer Lau

We’ve all changed so much in so little time. This feeling from the experience, how could you ever explain it in words? I can’t imagine a lesson any better than this Spring Blossom trip, it will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Janice Lee

It’s hard to describe what I feel in words but to sum it all up this has been a great experience.

Shaan Nanik

I can not put into words of how I feel. I believe that its not something you can think its something you can feel.

Janice Ng

Spring Blossom is truly a life-changing experience. It involves teamwork and with the efforts everyone puts in, a wonderful reward is given back. A reward that can’t be explained by words, it has to be experienced.

Miray Ng

This experience has been really fulfilling. I feel like I have completed something worthwhile. The whole trip has made me realize the culture differences and how the Spring Blossom girls are so willing to leaven. To conclude this has been an eye opening experience.

Toni Pang

This trip is the most special trip I've ever been. It's hard to describe my feelings in words because no one will ever understand without experiencing it. I left the Spring Blossom girls feelings whole and empty. The love and care they gave me was incredible even though we’ve only me for four days. I felt so mean and awful and heartbroken when I had to leave them. We’ve bonded in just four days and now we were leaving them, knowing we’ll most probably never see them for the rest of our lives.

Lingee So

The many experiences, both good and bad, have been countless. Spring Blossom trips aren't exactly the most fun and relaxing. However, the rewarding results outweigh the bad significantly. I have no regrets from this trip.

Denise Souza

Today, which was our last day working with the Spring Blossom girls, was absolutely heart-breaking but at the same time extremely touching. Even though we’ve only just got to know each other, the bond and love between us is indescribable. This trip will forever of be one of my most memorable ones, and no matter how clichéd this sounds, I have to say that this has been a life-changing experience.

Shu Shu Wong

There is so much to this Spring Blossom trip that it is impossible to sum it up in just a few lines. I am beyond happy and thankful that I came on this trip, our group has been amazing and in many ways I think everybody here was meant to come, although, after experiencing the last day with the underprivileged children, it does sadden me to think that as much as this trip has given them, it has taken from them. Every aspect of this trip, from the hotel and hygiene conditions to working and interacting with the people here, has helped train me to become a more aware, compassionate person.

Karina Wu

I didn’t regret coming to this trip, even though I was sick for a few days. The most extraordinary thing was that a spring blossom girl treated me as her sister as soon as we met. The last day she handed me a letter, it’s clear that she didn’t write it herself, she asked teacher to write it for her, but I can totally get the meaning behind the letter. I just hope I could meet her again in the future.

Lamgi Wu

To know that these Spring Blossom girls may succeed in life and to know that it was us who helped push them a bit further into that direction makes you feel better than ever. There’s no ‘I' in team. No ‘me' in us and no ‘U' in we, so this trip couldn’t have been completed without the rest of the group. It was an emotional day today and this experience will indeed stay with me forever, because not many people had a chance to come on this trip.

Winnie Yeung

Mentors Comments

Spring Blossom is love. It made me whole inside with the sweet laughter and unconditional love from the children. It made me empty inside with the knowledge that we can only do so much for them. Love is beautiful. Spring Blossom has given me some of the most beautiful moments in life.

Vivian Hong

Whereas the last trip turned out to be more for my personal gratification and growth (for which it did a great deal), this was more of a mission so to speak, to extend my experience and share it with this year’s group. It was simply too great just to be kept inside, to myself, and treasured. I’ve tried to enhance their experience in any way possible to make the trip, for them, something just as good, if not better, than what I was part of in Guizhou during the Summer. And if above comments are anything to go by, each and every member of the group has been touched in one way or another by the Spring Blossom experience. All I can say to that is: mission accomplished.

Adrian Ma

Compassion and empathy.

Athena Wong

Spring Blossom gives us an understanding we could never have reached by ourselves and a new perspective that we otherwise would never have gained. Being on the trip for a second time, I realized how easy it is to get lost again in the fast-paced hustle and bustle of school and city life. But this trip reminded me and I vow to hang onto everything all the more tightly.

Veronica Yan

Teacher's comments

How do you explain a Spring Blossom trip?

Initial doubts, intense preparation, enormous anticipation, long tiring journeys, beautiful landscapes, primitive living, remote school, children, poor children, very poor children, eagerness to learn, willingness to participate, basic classrooms, basic toilets, basic food, social locals, anti-social locals, late night briefings, more preparation, checking and re-checking, wanting perfection and not achieving it, opening your eyes and seeing not just looking, being active not passive, taking control, cherishing opportunity, the pain of goodbye ……..

All the above are true and yet the whole is so much greater than the sum of the parts.

No … you cannot really explain the experience it has to be lived.

This group has lived it to the full and I suspect, for many, life will never be quite the same again.

Well done you richly deserve your reward and one that money cannot really buy.

David Ensor

Do you want your heart to be bigger? Come to Spring Blossom trips. It brings the best out of everyone.

Serina Cheung

Everyone should go on a Spring Blossom trip at least once (or more) in one’s lifetime. All we do is 369 after dinner, bonding with the nature, singing and dancing on the street, never ending bus rides… what more could you ask for? Wish I could have experienced it at a younger age. I am definitely going on another trip. Year 11s, sign up now! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??!!

Chia Chu

Every Spring Blossom trip poses its own special challenges for each participating KGV group. Yet this Sichuan visit seems to have posed more challenges than the norm – only five weeks to prepare a viable activities programme, our largest Spring Blossom group, working in an environment of almost medieval character, working with more children than intended, responding to requests from local groups for meetings, group members going sick. Would this group make the cut? Yes, and in such an accomplished and professional way. The enthusiasm, the passion and the sensitivity of the Spring Blossom participant are qualities that will stand out in my memory. Congratulations to one and all on an outstanding achievement.

William Boyce

The fact that we were emotional for the whole four days proves how much of a powerful impact this trip had on each and every one of us. On the first day we were amazingly moved by the poor conditions of the foreign faces we saw outside our bus windows, but day by day we came to realize how dignified these people were and how much respect we have for them. When we call ourselves “privileged”, we are referring entirely to materialistic luxuries. We realized on this trip that we are not necessarily better off. It has been said that there is no selfless good deed. From this trip we see that this is true, because although we have given so much unselfishly, we have gained so much more.

Today concludes the epic journey of our body and soul, through the sweeping fields of love and friendship, and across the undulating hills of hope and destiny. Even though we are yearning for our hot showers and beds, we yearn even more to be back in the schools, teaching the Spring Blossom girls.