Saturday 20th July - Day 5 - Travelling to Shenyang- Welcome to North-east Yucai school and Supermarket shopping.

 Saturday began with a very very early start: 4.45 to be precise! The coach arrived ready to collect us and we   were delivered to Beijing train station which was rather like an airport in size and population than any train   station we had been familiar with at home.
 Then, before we knew it, we were in Shenyang...A long journey even of 4 hours goes fast when you’re  travelling at 200 mph!  Then, we had the mission of getting 50 students   (SPH and 3 other schools’), as well as 6 teachers and all of   our luggage off the train in 8 minutes! The other passengers just simply   had to wait as   there was no way our group was being divided.
 Whilst on the train, some took the opportunity to have a nap whilst   others played word games or listened to music on their newly purchased
 earphones.  
 When we arrived in Shenyang, we were taken straight for the welcome meeting at North-east Yucai School (known to be the best school in the area).  

 One of the most fascinating aspects of the school upon first   impressions was the culture and ethos about learning.  It was very apparent that students had a   real drive to achieve and succeed  and that working hard was a real aspect of this. 

 Similarly, the smell of the stinky fruit invoked a reaction of repulse... 

 After our delightful shopping trip, we retired to our hotel in the centre of Shenyang, our new  province’s capital. 

 Of course, there were some delights- the multi-coloured   fruits, sweets and treats! 

Lunch following this was definitely appealing for some (Jacob and Sam in particular) as there were chips, fried chicken and pizza- some usual home comforts! However, some typical Chinese dishes were available too. 

The afternoon following lunch was a trip to the supermarket. But, it wasn’t just to buy the usual snacks and blue Pepsi. Instead, it was to see the variety or living fish and amphibians sold for dinner! 

  Many students were amazed that these creatures were sold for food, not pets whilst others were horrified        to say the least!! 

  The same look of disgust was further enhanced when they saw the meat on offer too...

  Similarly,  the smell of the stinky fruit invoked a reaction of repulse...But, before we knew it, we were back to    camp for our Shenyang style school dinner!  (Thankfully!)