Saturday, 2 January 2016

2015 Year in review

It's 01/01/2016 ! 

The New Year has arrived and all the anticipation and celebration of a new year and a new season will soon fade away. Life continues on and eventually some of us/ most of us will be too caught up in the busyness of our daily lives that we forget the little events/ memories and people we've come across that inevitably shaped us to be who we are.

I try to make it a point to reflect back on the past as a reminder of what I've experienced. It doesn't necessarily have to be life changing but I guess it's always good to just appreciate what I've got and to be grateful of the many opportunities that have come my way, Big or Small. 
* Or maybe I'm just procrastinating from studying for mid- terms 

Here's a review of my 2015~

1. Road Trip_Norway, Oslo- Bergen

Norway, words can't describe how beautiful this country is and how amazing it felt to be able to make a trip to this land full of richness and breathtaking landscapes.
The trip was made even special with the company that I had! A road trip from Oslo to Bergen where we drove through sketchy roads, sunny spells and mini blizzards.

Visit my blog post Norwegian Vibes for a more detailed entry of my experience
My travel video Norwegian Vibes | Road Trip

Ft. behind the scenes

The Crew
Our Trusty Companion Mr Polo







Travelling to Norway for 5 days was just a taster of what it has to offer and I can't wait for more adventures to this beautiful part of the world!
To be in the midst of nature and the elements of the surrounding makes it feel so surreal but somehow I feel more alive than ever before!

2. Building the mini Gherkin

As part of my 3rd year Civil Engineering module, we were given the option of choosing this 7 day construction field course after the end of term. Without any hesitation I jumped on the opportunity albeit daunting with the task ahead.
Few weeks before the field course were to commence, we went through the initial nitty gritty of pre-work that included choosing roles, work planning, team member meetings with supervisors etc. etc.

Then came the week of our field course with all our documents and permits approved/ signed off. The construction was underway. We had groups and sub-groups working on different tasks simultaneously. We were also blessed with sunny weather throughout the week which is rare in this country called E-N-G-L-A-N-D.
Each day we were up by 7am and worked all the way into evening or until our scheduled work was done. I think being out in the open and working as a team you just learn to SUCK IT UP and get on with work because given the time limit of just 5 and 1/2 days of completing our structure, it was nearly impossible.
Day by day we saw our structure taking form and finally the last day came when the crane lifted up our final piece (The Dome) in place and we were able to go into our Mini Gherkin and enjoy the view from up top.
Even though by the end of the week I was left with cuts( now scars still evident) and bruises as well as a bad cold as I look at what we've accomplished as a team in that short few days, I can't help but feel a sense of pride! Ultimately this experience gave me a whole new understanding and perspective of the industry i'm about to delve into.


It all started with a bare piece of land





The final hour before hand in of our project.


Lifting of the last structure Dome








3. LLLeeds club team

Throughout Spring - Summer I had the opportunity of playing Ultimate Frisbee with a local Leeds woman's club team! This was an amazing experience to play with so many amazing and talented Frisbee players. I was able to join and play in several Tours with the team. 



London Calling



4. Summer in South Korea 

As a university student, one of the best privilege I had was to represent the University of Leeds as an exchange student to Korea University, South Korea.I found myself flying 5000 miles from the UK to one of my must visit country South Korea. Long story short, I had the best time of my life there and wished I could've stayed longer!Highlights of people I met, places and my favorite cuisine- Korean Food

Summary of my trip and my picture blog  #KoreaVibes | Summer Highlights |Video Highlights #KoreaVibes | Summer in South Korea | 



These beautiful souls 



First Frisbee pickup in Seoul  with an amazing view


First Ultimate Frisbee Hat - Soongsil Hat (Team Kimchi) 
Photo credits: Oliver



Getting lost but treated with an amazing sunset


Graduating from the prestigious Korea University 

Arriving at Busan


Beautiful Sunset at Haeundae Beach
Lovely Seoul Frisbee People
Seafood goodness


BBQ Buffet

First time trying Cold Noodles 냉면 after Frisbee under the scorching sun 


My last meal: 육회비빔밥 Raw beef Bibimbap


I vowed to live and experience as much as I can

Lastly, my hopes for 2016.

'Less of What If's, More of Just Do It, Less of Maybe, More of Yes/ No'