In 2008, my Jincai High school choir travelled to Europe on a 19-days journey of music, culture and experiences.
Soon we found ourselves walking into Graz, Austria Maria church with hearts beating like a rabbit's as we began our competition in The 5th World Choir games.
The lofty baroque dome, exquisite frescoes, pretty paintings, and bright French windows led us, children from the East, into a different world.
"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound. My god, I have come into your sacred palace. It was grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear..."
Our singing became sublimed in the lofty and broad welkin, sometimes it resounded, sometimes it was deep. The sound from our hearts moved us tremendously. "When we had been there, when we had been there, how sweet the sound, the sound." The tears fell down. Life, I sing for you, God, I sing for you.
Blue waves rippling, the sides of Castle Peak were shimmering, and the venerable castle towered on the mountainside. By invitation of our brother school from Worms, Germany, we travelled by yacht enjoying the beautiful scenes of the Rhine. Standing on deck, the wind blew gently and we looked forward to Lorelei.
Mrs. Zhu, our conductor, raised her hands and we began singing. Her eyes turned red, her hands so full of strength, fell. Our singing started to choke with sobs, tears dropped from Mrs. Zhu's eyes.
We embraced her, we couldn't help crying. Tears were flowing. This was the last time our choir would sing together.
Some students had been here for three years, some for two years, and me, I had completed one year.
We know each other, but have no acquaintance. We are acquainted with each other but are no bosom friends.
Nevertheless because of music, because of harmony, because of love, we got together, we walked together, we experienced together.
We still remember the noise in the elective courses, the funny jokes, the smiles and the anger of Mrs. Zhu. Of course, we were happy when we won prizes, and we appreciated the hugs at this time.
We've often said, we, such a group of elfish children, we're always eating our predecessor's fruit, eventually, our tillage also bore fruit.
Embraced again, took a final photo, don't cry.
Sang the last song. Until the final word, until the final syllable, until the final tone.
Hand put down, singing passed away. We believe, we will meet again.
Sitting on the bus, we turned our heads to say goodbye. One group of people was in the bus, the other, outside the bus. Everyone's tears were shining under the sun. Again, it was time to separate.
We thank our school for making such nice arrangements that we were able to experience a 5day home stay in Germany.
Jamie, my 13-year-old partner, a traditional German girl with blond hair, green eyes, and a Roman nose. Jamie, do you remember?
We napped in the church, paddled in the swimming pool with a kiwi ice-cream. We climbed the hill to see the grape bushes. We travelled by ship to visit quaint castles.
Jamie, do you remember?
I made pizza & fire cakes with your mum. The onion was so spicy that I couldn't even open my eyes. So I put your sunglasses to protect them! How nice the meal was. We all ate a lot. Would you believe that it was the first time I tried making a western meal and tasted champagne?
We played German card games with your whole family until midnight. We went shopping in the centre, searching for pretty post cards and other things. We went around your historical town enjoying the architecture.
Jamie, do you remember?
We played water volleyball, you always won! We slept in the same room. You shared your favorite toys & games with me.
Jamie, five days was really too short for me, an eastern child. However, I was lucky enough to experience and to touch so many fresh things in those days.
Thanks for the hospitality, thanks for the considerable arrangements.
I was reluctant to leave.
I embraced Jamie and her mum and dad.
I waved my hand until I could no longer see you. I didn't stop saying goodbye until your figures disappeared.
I couldn't stop my tears from falling.
The 19 days journey was over. What happened seemed like a dream. Only the photos, souvenirs signed "Made in Europe", and my heart, which was filled with tears of appreciation, proved that I had been there.