Outdoor training

A boat does not go forward if each on is rowing their own way.

Swahili proverb

I was asked to prepare outdoor/teambuilding activities during the weekend 25 - 26th May. For me it started to become a reality on Saturday, 6 a. m. when I woke up and went to a forest to prepare The Day of the Triffids game (based on the novel by John Wyndham).

It was amazing to stay in a forest so early in the morning - just me and nature, everything so silent. Of course I was afraid not to get lost and fortunatelly I did not. According to this game there is a group af blindfolded people lead by one of them to the safe place. On their way they have to overcome some obstacles and at the whole end they are supposed to cross the river without any bridge. I really wanted to incude this part but... Of course I had to try it by myself first... Firstly I almost lost my shirt as I did not realize it appeared in river somehow (it was hung on my backpack before). Then it happened:-) I got off my shoes and tried to cross the river but... Suddenly I lost my balance and simply sat down into water. Fortunatelly it was sunny and warm and place was very near to the cottage where we stayed. After such an experience I decided not to include this part into game:-)

In the afternoon we played "Cannon" outdoor game. We spent about 2 hours in forest testing physical condition and team cooperation. I think I as a trainer succeed because after coming bac to cottage everybody was tired and not so talkative and alughing as at the beginning:-)

Then on Sunday morning at 5 a. m. (4 hours of sleep for some lucky ones) really strong alarm delivered by me woke them up. Everybody blinfolded. The game "The Day of the Triffids " could start. I spent about 2 hours with a team in forest courious how they will performe.

If the success of outdoor teambuilding is (among others) measurable by good mood in a team afterwards, tired people and telling phrases like "I hate National Trainers Team!", "I want to get back to the cottage", " I hate nature and have wet shoes they will not get dry"... then this teambuilding was successful. Photos.

Hiking in Slovensky Raj

During the weekend 18th to 20th May I hiked in Slovakia Paradise. I had a great guide Klepo who took a great care about me. I will not ever forget sleeping in a tent in Kláštorisko (the ruin of a monastery from Middle Ages). In fact we were not allowed to sleep there as it was forbidden but thanks to Klepo´s negotiating it was possible. Just imagine - nature, silence, the atmosphere of such a place, sunset and then sunrise in the morning, breakfast in the nature... It was something very worth for such a person as I am who enjoyes calm mornings so deeply. Still thinking about it I am smiling.

Then on Saturday we spent whole day by hiking. It was sometimes challenging to overcome all those ladders, ropes, water and Klepo´s jokes :-) Anyway it was something that I needed to enjoy - I mean to forget all those daily routines, work and worries. Just to enjoy moments and feel pure joy of life. I must say I was totally dead in the evening but totally happy at the same time.

To all of you who like hiking, nature, challenging yourselves and overcoming obstacles I reccommend you to go there and enjoy the same moment as I did.

Dear Klepo, thank you for taking me for such a great trip. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had. You made me sleep in a tent, not wearing make-up every day, not having a shower every day - simply not to be perfect, just being me. You made me feel happy and smiling. I will not ever forget it. Big kisses and hugs to you as my thank you.

Career Days 2007 BBQ

May be you already have heard about Career Days 2007. For those who are lost or are not AIESEC members a small reminder. Career Days 2007 meant a record in their history. There were 1693 students taking part which means 50 % growth comparing previous year!!! Let me introduce shortly amazing organizing committee that helped to make this AIESEC experience very worthy for me (and not only because I was the only woman in team:-)

Stanislav Hába (Project Manager)

Karel Hlavinka (External Relations)

Marián Kobolka (External Relations)

Pavel Vávra (IT)

Tomáš Laboutka (Logistics)

Adam Lebeda (University Promotion and Roadshow)

... and me (Public Relations)

... ... and Šíša of course (MCVPER)

Two months later our teambuilding happened... We met in Adam´s place in Zlin and had a BBQ. But before BBQ itself Adam prepared a small sightseeing in Zlin. We visited Building 21 - Bata skyscraper to see Tomas Bata office in pater noster and to and to watch Zlin from the 16th floor.

Then we moved to Adam´s house where we met his sister who prepared steaks for our BBQ (thank you Kristyna) and Adam´s dog Ben that we renamed to Baťa. Unfortunatelly we did not have a chance to introduce ourselves to Adam´s parents because they were in Egypt. Such a pity:-)

According to me Karlos decided to be the chef and the rest of us did not protest at all. We talked, ate, drink, had fun, remember Career Days 2007... After finishing all the meal we had we went to a pub. We met a children playground on our way to pub so we had to use it of course... Then in pub Majo and Šíša decided to dance. Probably this was a reason why Šíša fell in sleep very early so the rest of us (whose idea was it?) decided to pretend we had left and let Šíša pay for us. When Šíša was woken up by a waitress he was a bit confused and ready to pay - unfortunatelly he did not have enough money so we had to pay for ourselves:-(

Then there was a funny journey back to Adam´s house. Such a surprise Šíša played a main role again. In the moment we passed block of flats (it was about 1 a. m.) he decided to ring all door bells... We ran away sooo quickly:-) Then he realized there were some logs in front of a family house and he decided we needed some more wood for our fireplace so he picked one and took it to Adam´s house...

I had lovely moments with you guys during this team building (or after party or evaluation meeting or what actually it was). Thank you for creating amazing atmosphere. Hopefully see you very soon:-) More pictures here.

Hmm, I am creating my own blog (or trying to create :-) It should be easy or not? Probably it is easy it is just me who does not know how it works :-) Never mind I will handle it soon (hopefully). Now I feel as picture shows...