The GuZheng Ensemble went on an exchange programme in Taipei for 6 days from 2 June 2010 to 7 June 2010. Our trip objectives were: first, to share the joy of music and exchange ideas with the others on how to improve our standards. Second, to enrich our experience in performance through music exchange and by performing. Third, to build our confidence and stage presence during learning and observation. Fourth, to provide opportunities for bonding and team bonding among the GuZheng Ensemble members. Fifth, to raise awareness of career opportunities in the field of performing arts. Last but not least, sixth, to allow us to make new friends, gain new experiences and develop a globalised outlook. I think the objectives were met as it has been a fruitful trip for us. We share better bonds between us members, and gained experience and more knowledge about GuZheng, which will better prepare us for the challenges of SYF 2011.

On the first day in Taiwan, we were all very excited about our stay and programmes! Upon reaching Taipei, we had dinner and headed for the hotel. On the second day morning, we headed for Taipei Municipal Fuxing Senior High School. The weather was rainy, but it did not dampen our spirits. We were warmly welcomed by the school Principal, together with some other teachers and students of the school.

We were led on a brief tour to some areas of the school as we headed to the music classroom. We settled down and the Principal welcomed us officially. The exchange programme begun and we listened to their solo performances and they were good at it as they receive professional training, in preparation for university. We performed too, and Hui Ho represented as our solo.

We were led on a brief tour to some areas of the school as we headed to the music classroom. We settled down and the Principal welcomed us officially. The exchange programme begun and we listened to their solo performances and they were good at it as they receive professional training, in preparation for university. We performed too, and Hui Ho represented as our solo.

After dinner, we were taught how to make the heavenly light. We had to fold the big pieces of plastic before writing our wishes on it. After writing them, we went outdoors to fly the heavenly lights!

Early in the morning of Day 3 at 5.30am, my roomates and I were greeted by the morning sun of Taiwan! I guess we would never see sunlight as early as 5.30am in Singapore right?

After breakfast, we were led to tour around the farm. We had to set up a fire then to cook sweet potatoes and corn, and it was not easy setting it up!

We were led to look at the farm animals later like buffaloes, turkeys, goats, etc. We got a chance to feed the goats too.

We visited the rice paddy of the farm too. Walking on, we spotted insects, fruits and nice flowers.

After touring the farm, we started to design our own t-shirts using leaves of plants. We left the farm, had lunch, and visited Wufengqi waterfall. It was a hard way up there as there were really a lot of steps but all of us managed to make our way up and back down.

We visited another sightseeing attraction, Yehliu Geological park. It was raining and certainly quite cold as the wind was strong. Nonetheless, we still enjoyed visiting there.

On Day 4, we went to Tang Ming GuZheng Orchestra for an exchange programme. We learnt more about GuZhengs there about many different types of GuZhengs, and we had a group photo with the orchestra.

After lunch, we visited the lovers' bridge. Everyone were carrying umbrellas as the weather was rainy and windy, but that did not spoil the fun and we still went on.

After visiting the Lovers' bridge, we shopped at Danshui Old Street. A lot of things are sold there, especially food and so I took the chance and bought quite a lot of Taiwan food stuff for my family and relatives.

The first place we visited on Day 5 was the Taipei Martyr's Shrine, where they commemorated soldiers they lost during World War 2 with Japan.

After that we visited the rose garden where there were a lot of beautiful flowers. It reminded me of Singapore as we are commonly known as 'garden city'. There was even a statue of bears made from leaves!

We had lunch and visited Taipei 101, the highest tower in Taipei. We got to visit the observatory gallery high up at 88 and 89th floor. It was so high up there and the cars moving below on the roads really looked like model cars and it was hard to spot people on streets. We got to see purple crystals at the gallery too.

Day 5 was also the last night that we were going to stay in Taipei so we took some photos together as roomates in our hotel room.

Early in the morning of Day 6, our last day in Taiwan, sadly, we checked out of our hotel and went for exchange programme at Chinese Culture University department of chinese music. The students of music there were all professionals! Their performance was great, they mixed with other chinese instruments and drums to create jazz music! Well we performed too but that was not our best performance due to nervousness and lack of practice. Nonetheless, we had already tried our best. The most important thing is to have learnt something and gained experience right? It was an enjoyable exchange programme for all of us. After lunch, we went XiMenDing to shop for any souvenirs and items before leaving Taiwan. My roomates and I bought a gift together for Xinyi as she could not come to Taiwan with as she was ill. It was really a pity that she could not come, and we sincerely hoped that the gift would cheer her up. After about 2 hours of shopping, we headed back to our hotel for our luggage and headed for the airport. We were finally heading home by our Singapore Airlines!