I didn't manage to attend the 1st English Summer Camp organized by the International Academic Exchange Center of SHU, and still, I wasn't on the name list of the participants this year. BUT, I was in the executive team.

Arh haaa....half a loaf is better than no bread. Here I am~! I was the MC for the opening and closing ceremony. It was the FIRST time that I had to host an event without using a single Chinese word. It actually freaked me out the first day when I had to speak to 150 Taiwanese participants, 10 English native speakers from USA and Dr Robyne Tiedeman in English. That was a tough one.

But I managed to go through the trial, and everything went smoothly after that.

It was actually the easiest job I ever done. In another word, it was actually a little bit boring at first. Turning on everything in the classrooms, collecting the attendance lists, delivering the lunch boxes and that's all I had to do everyday, over and over again. Easy but boring.

But then I found things getting more interesting when I started interacting with the TESOL teachers and their class, of course, Robyne too. The English teachers really made my days. Theresa (fue genial poder conocerte y tenerte como amiga), Andrea (is your ankle ok now?), Cheryl (a good mother and a great teacher), Amanda (you really rock the house), Katie (thanks for taking care of me that day, thanks for everything), Kelly (thanks for teaching me how to float in the water..haha), Todd (the only man,spider susceptible,but strong enough to lift me up), Annaka (you're so funny),Colleen (you make my day) and Anna (c'mon,don't be shy), you all are so great.

And of course, we can't miss Dr. Robyne. He's really a wise man. We talked a lot, just about everything. We talked about Chinese & English linguistic history, we talked about his days in Taiwan and Japan, we even talked about politics. You know, the States' president election is just around the corner. Everyday we started a new topic and we had fun sharing things. I had really learnt a lot from Robyne.

Well then things became more interesting when I slipped into the class and had more interactions with the students. Shhhhh....I was in the classroom for only once or twice. But damn how I wished I could be the student instead of an assistant. The students were so funny and creative.

We went to a few places after class. We went to the White Sand Bay (白沙灣). That's where I finally knew how salty the sea water was when I drank a little when Kelly teached me how to float in the sea. I tried to get suntanned but the result wasnt really good. In fact, Todd looked like wearing a T-shirt even when he was half-naked..haha.

And there's another day after the closing ceremony we went to Bitan to ride on the aquabike. It was really tiring even though we got three people to ride on it, but it was fun..haha. Then we went to the Modern Toilet Restaurant to have some delicious dinner. Since there were only two boys, me & Todd, so we had to finish what the girls gave us. Then it was too late when I realized that it was a big mistake to eat so much. I'll tell you then. We got good time at the restaurant. Todd teached us some dirty words. Sorry I can't tell you but it was really funny..and dirty....hahaha.

I told you I made a mistake right? Todd and I went clubbing after dinner, with bellied out. To all my friends, next time don't wear slippers or sandals, cos you can't get in with that (I only knew it that day). Anyway, you know, clubbing is about having fun, dancing and hard drinks. So I got it all, and a few shots in a row. Then I realized that I got blured and tried to go out for some air, but it was too late. I got shit-faced! Oh Katie, Amanda, Todd and everyone whoever that got me back to the hotel, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR EVERYTHING. You guys really saved my ass. I learnt a lesson that never go clubbing when: 1.you're full   2.you're tired  3.you're too excited.

Overall, it's really fun to have all you guys around. The closing ceremony, though it started with some technical problems, was a success I think when I saw you guys screaming, dancing and crying in happy tears. All of you rocked the house~!!!  There were many crazy,funny scenes, and of course touching moments for every class. And especially the last performace, I think it's really a surprise for everyone. Haha...I was a part of it, trying to keep on with the rhythm, dancing on the floor, and being lifted up like a superman by Todd. Mannnn........you should watch the movie clip!!

You can check out the photos and movie if you have facebook. I had uploaded some funny pictures...haha. My account would be "Michael Chieng" and the details are in the "SHU Summer Camp 2008". I had great time with all of you. Like what Kelly said, we hate to say goodbye, but we leave now so that we can still meet in the future, right? Anyway, throughout the camp, for the first time I feel like a foreigner again...haha..even though I'm still not that good in English. Well, I will work hard on it~! Wisconsin~here I come!!