Monday, April 8, 2013

Officially Unofficial Trip

We were officially on trip for a team building activity outside the big city. Three big buses were hired for the 3-hour land trip. Activities were successfully done, and everyone happy with the camaraderie, fun and food. It was a good respite from the daily grind in the workplace inside the big city. But we are at the height of our dry season, temperatures are high coupled with high humidity. I purposely did not include here the photos of the buildings and landscape, except for a few structures. 

The 14-hectare resort is an expanse of undulating topography, with separate structures for the hotel buildings, and an organic farm catering to the food requirements of guests. There are also some animal pets and small poultry house where they tend chickens. I love the rule that smoking is not allowed inside the property upon entering the gate. The surroundings are well maintained with healthy-looking plants despite the heat. 

the stairs going to the main administration building

gazebo near the main area where guests can sit and chat, read a book or look at the surroundings

 We were furnished with big tents, as function rooms for the group activities. Another big tent housed the food. Even at 4:00pm it was still very hot, so nobody ventured outside the tent except when going to the nearby restrooms. When the sun set, games were already held on the grounds outside the big tent.

 Some benches are functionally located around the area but heat didn't allow anybody to linger here.

 This road led us from the activity tent to the hotel buildings. A bridge above is built on a deep creek, which is dry during the dry season, and with water only during the rainy season. This is the backview of the hotel buildings.

Benches like this abound in the area. When sightseers and bikers get tired, they can rest on available benches on the grounds.

The area was obviously a former orchard with tall coconut trees, mangoes, jackfruit and other fruit trees. Additional trees, shrubs and ornamental were planted for aesthetic purposes. 

 A lovely sunset appeared behind the trees during our first day, a very typical color of the west in our world. I also had a wonderful time taking photos of plants and flowers. To top it all, i loved the 10:00-12:00 pm swim in their wide infinity pool. I left the group at the height of singing and games to take advantage of using the pool alone.






18 comments:

  1. i wish we could do this at work, but we couldn't. i work in a hospital and we don't even all eat at the same time.

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  2. It looks like a lovely place, even if it was so hot. The company I work for would never do anything like that.

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  3. Lovely setting to visit and do some resting up. The paths are lovely and seem to lead to even lovelier settings.
    Cher Sunray Gardens

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  4. This looks like a wonderful location for your retreat. The grounds are beautiful in spite of the heat. I'm glad you were able to enjoy the pool.

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  5. Love the staircase and benches Andrea!

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  6. What a lovely place for a retreat. The sunset picture is gorgeous!

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  7. Looks like a lovely resort. What is jackfruit like?

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    1. Hi Jason, jackfruit is Artocarpus heterophyllus, a multiple fruit-fruit meaning it is composed of several pollinated ovaries as in pineapple. I put the scientific name so you can search the photo. It is aromatic and lastly my favorite fruit.

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  8. i miss this kind of outing with colleagues. the place looks perfect for rest and relaxation...with lots of fresh air i'm sure.:p glad you were able to "get away" and have fun.

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  9. What a great company to work for if this is the kind of place they send you to for a retreat. It looks heavenly.

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  10. I agree what a great company to work for...taking you to such a great place...

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  11. I love that your orchard has coconut, mango and jackfruit trees :) sigh.

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  12. Beautiful place! I really love the shot of the green and white tent!

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  13. Lovely and warm photos. Which are very welcome, since the photo on my blog wasn't sand, but snow, taken in -18C weather yesterday morning :)

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  14. It's looking to be a great place Andrea. Thanks for the coverage and sharing.

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  15. Team-bonding exercises are my worst nightmare - I'd rather just go to work! Yours sounds fun though and what a beautiful place. I'm sure productivity increased as a result.

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  16. Wow, what a nice place this is. I love it when you bring me along to your trips!

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