Benjamin: Woody day

Finally, our morning was greeted with a western-style breakfast comprising toast and bacon, after a string of porridge for the past few days. After breakfast, Manager Jason gave a brief introduction to Shueili Wood Utilization Centre. Thereafter, it was time to proceed for hands-on work. Due to the bulkiness of a wooden bench which presented difficulties in packing into the luggage, Jason decided that it was better to make a tissue box instead. Practical idea indeed! I realized that after this trip, I will have a few hand-made souvenirs to bring home. First, it was the ceramics, then yesterday's Rubin Lock, followed by today's masterpiece. I remember sharing that I used to detest woodwork when I was in high school. Today's session started off rather well actually. Using sandpaper to make the surfaces and edges smoother not only requires patience and precision, but trains your biceps as well. I was covered with dust and sweating profusely by the time I was done with the process, and the buzzing mosquitoes only added to the discomfort. Then came the turning point - I inadvertently applied glue to the sliding lid, which meant that I could no longer slide open the bottom lid to place tissue paper within. Furthermore, I wasn't able to appreciate the rationale behind coating the box with lacquer. And I wasn't prepared to join the long queue just to make it a little shinier. Then came an idea which I thought was ingenious - the box became a pillow instead. I guess the others were puzzled by how I could sleep so soundly on such a hard surface, but I told them that after serving in the military, I have had experiences sleeping in the most awkward of positions and circumstances, hence this was nothing new for me. I fell prey to the mosquitoes as fatigue wore over me, while the others were still awaiting their turn to coat their boxes. About half an hour passed before I heard Jack's announcement for lunch. YAY! I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THAT MOMENT!!! Lunch was again fantastic, with the crunchy fried shrimps and chicken drumsticks. After lunch, we were tasked to continue with our work. Already missing the coating step, I opted for an alternative - to apply Vaseline on the box instead. It at least produced a decent piece of work; not that I'm really going to use it as a tissue box anyway... I'm probably lacking in aesthetic appreciation and aptitude, for I told Jessica that it wasn't necessary to coat the interior since no one is even going to look into the box when retrieving a piece of tissue paper. I guess after 8 years, I still cannot appreciate and accept the beauty of woodwork; it is just not my cup of tea.

Next up was a guided tour of the wood factory, coupled with some mechanic demonstrations of the various methods of wood processing. The technicians were clearly adroit and experienced. I cannot imagine myself engaging in this nature of work as its repetitive nature will induce too much boredom. But at least the staff are not working under sweatshop conditions; I can tell that Jason is a fair manager who has the welfare of his subordinates at heart. There was a gigantic sign in the factory which read '安全第一', meaning 'Safety First'. From this, one can tell that Jason emphasizes safety of his workers as the priority, and the technicians seem happy and contented working under him. Master Lai, for instance, has been here for 30 years! He wouldn't have stayed so long if not for favourable treatment and working conditions. This tour has enlightened me on the origins of our home furniture which we take for granted everyday. Thanks to this, I can now better appreciate the operations of the timber industry.