It was splendid! Rasa macam taknak balik pun ada. I had a "whale of time" (betul ke expression ni?) in Aviemore, Scotland, which is as far as I my experience can suggest, is the nicest place that I've been in the UK.
The Cairgorm's breathtaking scenery from train station
The sceneries may have looked about the same as Snowdon, North Wales but the feeling was different. Aviemore is a famous Scotland tourist spot for mountaineers and the only (I think) place to go skiing in the UK. Apart from its breathtaking mountains landscape, the lake (Loch) is another unique "to see" point in Scotland. One of which is "Loch Arrand" which we came across during mountain biking in Ruthermore.
It was the third annual ExxonMobil Engineering Challenge (EMEC) held in Aviemore Scotland and I was one of the participants that was lucky to have been "selected" to join in the "FUN". I immediately got interested after reading the promotional email and posters around the department. BUT, I have no idea how is it going to be, what is it about or how am I going to slot in with the team. The title engineering challenge have in a way made me feel unsure whether I am up to these kind of mental, intelectual challenge (I am just an average student you see, so my strength is definitely not academic). But then, I'll never know how's it going to be if I hadn't have come to it this time, which is the only time and opportunity that I may only have.
Enough about the intro, just to state my point, the thing that I would never want to forget are the memories. I wished I can share the pictures with everyone, but nothing would compare to you being there yourselves. You guys would envy me.. (winks) to be able to look and feel the flawless craftsmenship of Allah (masyaAllah, it was brethtakingly beautiful).
It had only been a few hours after I parted from my EMEC team, the Chem Eng team from the University of Manchester and... I have missed them already. I don't know how else to describe this experience, so me being lazy and lousy at words, I laid here the whole 3 days itineries.
First day
Train 10:10 Glasgow to Aviemore
Met the half of the team when boarding the train (Miranda, Sam, Andrea, Tomm). Then half way on, met with the other half the team (Nicola, Richard, Jeremy, Jenny). We met up with Sergio last after embarking from the train, which apparently was travelling on the same train all along!
12:56 - 16:30
It had only been a few hours after I parted from my EMEC team, the Chem Eng team from the University of Manchester and... I have missed them already. I don't know how else to describe this experience, so me being lazy and lousy at words, I laid here the whole 3 days itineries.
First day
Train 10:10 Glasgow to Aviemore
Met the half of the team when boarding the train (Miranda, Sam, Andrea, Tomm). Then half way on, met with the other half the team (Nicola, Richard, Jeremy, Jenny). We met up with Sergio last after embarking from the train, which apparently was travelling on the same train all along!
12:56 - 16:30
Arrived and head to Cairgorm Hotel which is opposite of the train station. Immediately had lunch and started getting to know everyone and a few of the other team.
Tasks
Ice breaking inter group "The Circle"
Tasks
Ice breaking inter group "The Circle"
Fun time at Aviemore Theme Park for outdoors (BEST!)
Building an Ethylene Cracker plant after we got back at 16:45
The mascot given by Exxon. We were supposed to take care of it. We named it Frosty.
17:30
Dispersed into groups and checking in Aviemore Bunkhouse
20:00
Building an Ethylene Cracker plant after we got back at 16:45
The mascot given by Exxon. We were supposed to take care of it. We named it Frosty.
Dispersed into groups and checking in Aviemore Bunkhouse
20:00
Dinner at Cairgorm Hotel & Socialising
Outdoor tasks at Ruthermore outdoor centre
0830-1640
1) Quad Biking (superb!!!!)
2) Pigeon Clay Shooting (adeh, menembak pakai senapang patah, how cool is that!)
3) Toxic Waste (Team work evaluation thingy)
4) Wall Climbing (what has gotten into me?! Why did I chose hardest climbing track? Was clinging to a 90 degree slope, about to make it but didn't.)
5) Mountain biking (enjoying scenery)
Top Idol
1730-2000 Preparation
Planning for "Cheer up other team" Song and dressing up Frosty the tiger.
Grilled trout main course at Cairgorm Hotel
Sam's Apple Pie Dessert Day 1 (Cairgorm Hotel)
Second day (Thursday)
Sam's Apple Pie Dessert Day 1 (Cairgorm Hotel)
Outdoor tasks at Ruthermore outdoor centre
0830-1640
1) Quad Biking (superb!!!!)
2) Pigeon Clay Shooting (adeh, menembak pakai senapang patah, how cool is that!)
3) Toxic Waste (Team work evaluation thingy)
4) Wall Climbing (what has gotten into me?! Why did I chose hardest climbing track? Was clinging to a 90 degree slope, about to make it but didn't.)
5) Mountain biking (enjoying scenery)
Top Idol
1730-2000 Preparation
Planning for "Cheer up other team" Song and dressing up Frosty the tiger.
2000 onwards
Apa lagi, makan dinner dan Top Idol time
Final Challenge
Apa lagi, makan dinner dan Top Idol time
My cheese cake dessert
7/10 of the team with Frosty dressed up as the skiing tiger
Third day (Friday)
7/10 of the team with Frosty dressed up as the skiing tiger
Final Challenge
1000-1230
Results, Manchester 3rd Place after Newcastle and Stratclyde.
13:30-14:30
Walk around Aviemore, the town and played ball.
Comments on:
Food: Luxurious but I missed my rice, spicy sambal, salted fish, kari ayam or anything hot and spicy. Got to order anything from the menu at the hotel and designated Exxon's menu from BunkHouse's Bridge Inn.
Drinks: I had too many Coke (in place of alcohol) I until at one point I've lost my voice.
Accomodation: 4 star hostel which cater nicely for 3 of us in the 4 ppl bedroom complete with fancy toilet.
Team: Memang boleh ngam dengan Andrea, Miranda, Sam, Sergio, Tomm, Jeremy, Richard, Nicola andJenny.
Results, Manchester 3rd Place after Newcastle and Stratclyde.
13:30-14:30
Walk around Aviemore, the town and played ball.
Let's play ball.. oh, and what had happened to Andrea? Richard, you are not supposed to look here.
Comments on:
Food: Luxurious but I missed my rice, spicy sambal, salted fish, kari ayam or anything hot and spicy. Got to order anything from the menu at the hotel and designated Exxon's menu from BunkHouse's Bridge Inn.
Drinks: I had too many Coke (in place of alcohol) I until at one point I've lost my voice.
Accomodation: 4 star hostel which cater nicely for 3 of us in the 4 ppl bedroom complete with fancy toilet.
Team: Memang boleh ngam dengan Andrea, Miranda, Sam, Sergio, Tomm, Jeremy, Richard, Nicola andJenny.
Reporting from Glasgow (rumah Kak Lidia).
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