Taiwan Trip

7D/6N Taiwan's Round Island Charm was considered a hectic one. 6 nights with 6 different experiences of hotel stay.
Taipei's Stay
Among the places of interest include the following:
Visit to the shopping complex and 101
101 is the landmark skyscraper in Taipei. On the day of visit, the sky was not cloudy and as such we did not get a breathtaking view from the top. It would have been different on a clear day.

Discovery Centre of Taipei
The Discovery Centre of Taipei invites us to delve into the history of Taipei.

National Palace Museum
In this, we find priceless Chinese art treasures, one who spans over China's nearly 5000 years history.

Farm Stay
This was where we related to nature. It was a relaxing environment that offers more than just beautiful nature. We went to the fruit orchards and picked fruits. At night, we made a wish by releasing a sky lantern. It is considered good luck to release a sky lantern and many also believe they are symbolic of problems and worries floating away. One also sends wishes with these lit lanterns. DIY on the designing of the T-Shirt and Bag. We have the option of choosing the T-Shirt or the Bag for designing. After that, the T-Shirt or the Bag was for our safekeeping.

Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake is the largest lake. However, there was nothing to shout about as the Sun Moon Lake was drained off water.

Wen Wu Temple
The temple was built to enshrine and worship Confucius, Guan Gong and Yue Faye. We have to gain entrance through the left (dragon) and exit through the right (tiger).

Traditional Dance
The stay at the Highlands where we experienced the following:
o Indulged in the experience of hot springs;
o Witnessed the traditional dance arranged specially for the hotel guests.

All in all, it was an enjoyable trip with a very entertaining local tour guide. Something for sharing.

Awards

Thanks for the award and support. Very encouraging for a new blogger like me as the award has brought me sunshine. I did not expect to receive any award and it was indeed a surprise. I should say that my inspiration in blogging started off when you received awards.

If not for your advice, I will not blog. With this award it will go a long way in me continuing to blog. I am definitely taking a step in the right direction. Given time, I will find more blogger friends. Thanks for reading.

Team Building

Team Building refers to a wide range of activities for improving team performance that can range from simple bonding exercises to complex stimulations. Corporations in an effort to enhance people engagement will send their employees for team building. The rationale behind team building is to bring out the best in a team in terms of problem solving, building up relationships and foster closer bonding.

There are resorts which focus on team building facilities. Team building activities range from abseiling, go-carting, flying fox which one has to challenge oneself to the best.

In the spirit of team building, one can work to its optimum level to achieve success for the group and ultimately the Corporation as a whole. However in the corporate rat race, it is easily say than done as everyone wants to outdo each other. There may be the case of team building in the outdoor activities, however there is no team building at work.

People engagement is still a buzz word. It is a process whereby the employees are roped in for activities together on continuous basis. A fully engaged employee brings out the best and is committed to the work. Employee retention is an outcome of engagement and engagement is an outcome of how well you recruit and induct new employees.

So now, people engagement is the ultimate solution to bonding.

Something for sharing.

Brain Development

What is the most important part of our body in relation to leadership? Undoubtedly, it is the brain. What we learn in leadership abilities and skills is nothing when we compare to the brain as our emotions, intellect, knowledge are all residing in the brain. Management gurus always say `think positively and look at the bright side of things' is nothing but the programming of our brains. If we programme our brains to think positively, then it will send positive signals to the body as well and we will respond to the matter at hand positively. See how powerful the brain is. Positive affirmations go a long way in programming the mind as well. That is why we have to tell ourselves `We have a great day ahead'.

High energy and positive leaders effortlessly transfers optimism to his followers while the negatives ones wear down their peers.

There is 1 interesting advertisement that I recall relating to the brain. There is this infant formula which boosts the brain development by connecting the neurons. The more connection it makes, the better the brain development for the child. Interestingly enough, our brains actually gets better the more we use it. Those who are constantly learning and actively challenging their minds live longer than some who don't. The secret recipe for maintaining a sharp and productive life is to spur new neuron growth. Remember an idle mind is the devil's playground.

The brain thinks in picture not words. That is why pictures are broadly use in adult learning as it leaves an impression in the brain. Schoolgoing children are also using pictures to depict an action.

I recalled attending a training course and that was the first time I heard of the word `brain food'. We were given raisins as brain food by the trainer. Basically brain food helps us to think better and improve our memory.

The brain is 80% water. Drinking lots of water keeps it hydrated and listening to baroque music increases our ability to learn.

So maintain a positive outlook by first actively engage ourselves in brain exercises.

Something for sharing

Crime Rate

Crime rate is on the rising trend. Much has been said about street and property crime. As the war against crime is being waged, we need to accept certain realities that such phenomenon does not go away overnight. We are looking at reduced crime rate, be it on the street or in the property. It is not an understatement to say that crime rate cannot be eradicated totally but it can be managed to a certain extend.

Street Crime
Snatch theft though small in gravity is something we cannot ignore. At times the victim of the snatch theft get injured in the process. A sizeable proportion of this crime goes unreported and we should not rest on our laurels.

Preventive Measures
We are advised to face the ongoing traffic and to wear less jewellery. There are now more anti crime road blocks and also the installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) at high risk areas to deter the occurrence of snatch theft. The CCTV may not be very effective as a deterrent, however the CCTV assisted in the investigation of crime cases. Fighting crime should always be a joint effort between the public and the law enforcement unit.

Property Crime
This include loss of property where there is no use of violence by the perpetrators. Included in this category are housebreaking, theft of vehicles such as motorcycle and scooters. The perpetrators are closely monitoring the movement of their victims. Unknown to the victims, the perpetrators will know when the best time to strike.

Preventive Measures
There have been much talk on guided and gated community. Is this the answer to reducing the property crime? Well, the need for co-ordination between the various sectors is the key to combat property crime.

The police is to ensure that more patrols are done for high risk areas. The presence of the law enforcement unit does have an impact.

Something for sharing.

Stay positive

How to stay positive at all times when the negativity sets in? There are the 3Ps that makes some people positive despite the direst circumstances.

Is it personal?
Whenever a co-worker grumbles in response to certain situation, ask yourself `Are these really direct to you?' Most of the time you will be surprised that remarks are not meant for you as people seldom think of you. In the event the remarks are not directed to you, then you should not get personal over it.

Is it permanent?
This should have pass as you can see the `light at the end of the proverbial tunnel'. Having that in mind, you can remain positive despite of the obstacles/happenings.

Is it the big picture?
When you are in a difficult situation, always look at the big picture.
As an illustration, how to remain positive when your boss started throwing tantrum. Well, a good approach would be `when your boss is screaming, turning bright red, simply look at him but in the back of your mind thinking `when they record the history of time, will this event be documented?'

People who have balanced lives - family, career, friends tend to fare better as at any one point of time they can look to alternative areas to bolster their confidence, self esteem and sense of belonging. Having good friends to support you morally is tantamount to remaining positive at all times.

Counteract the negativity with positive experiences and get on with life.