Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Donation @ British Heart Foundation


Summer course had comes to an end and everyone is packing their stuff. If you have any unwanted items which are in good quality, you may donated it. Just get a bag from the British Heart Foundation located at The Moor. British Heart Foundation is a charity organisation which helps to beat the heart disease.

A little action to donates may save a life...

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Local Friends Scheme

I had registered myself with the Local Friends Scheme once I know about the program organised by the University. Personally, I found it as a good chance to know more about the local peoples in Sheffield, about the culture and living.

It was a surprise when I received the college email confirming my attendance of the program. I am so excited and could not wait to meet up with my host, Ms Beth Goldsmith. However, it turns into worries while we wait at the entrance of Blackwell. Joanne and me was thinking, how are they going to recognise us. Should we rang them up? We saw a lady walking towards us while we are in confusion. And so, we met up with our host, Ms Beth.
the lamp hanging in the living room :)

a cosy house
We visited her house and have a nice english tea-time. She introduced us on what is a proper english tea. They used to have a cup of coffee/ tea/ juice, sandwiches, cakes, scones, and chips as they tea. We shared the living culture and style of English people and Malaysian. A surprise is that their main family activity is to camping. Erm, I only go to camp with my friends in Malaysia.

Later on, Goldsmith families brought us to the Sheffield Museum. I do not noticed that there is a Museum in Sheffield until I been there. They told us about the history of Sheffield. It was a city which famous with steel. The steelworks were a key target for German bombers. It was bombed in year 1940 and it damages the city. Beth told me that Sheffield has been a very dirty city due to the steelwork, however it turns into one of the greenest cities in Europe. Thanks for the hardwork of peoples over million of years.

Besides the World War II, Sheffield gone through flood in 1864. It sweep off the north west part of sheffield and destroyed 100 buildings, 400 homes and killed 240 peoples in 40 minutes.

Beth asked me a question during the visit to museum. "Do you know where is the Jelly Babies was made?" I shaked my head and she told me it was first made in Sheffield by Cadbury Schweppers Plc. So guys, please remember Sheffield when you have the yummy Jelly Babies. :)

The Goldsmith family drive us home after the visit. It was a nice day out. A nice talk and experience to Sheffield, and the local family. Thanks to Goldsmith family.

the living room...with books & cds...

lovely books ;P

and, some cactus to make the house warm

Friday, September 4, 2009

Mr. Policeman

I took this from my mate's room. I claimed that the cute little thingy does not suit him and should not belongs to him. And so, the Mr. Policeman is with me now, staying happy and cheers on my study desk.

Mr. Policeman
It is not to be missed out that, the reasons of its name. This is given to him during orientation day by a policeman. And, it carries a note...Student life is fun. Enjoy it safely. DON'T DRINK TOO MUCH...nice phrase? nice reminder? Well, it is not a reminder for me, but for my mates :P you know who you are..XOXO

Mr. Policeman notes...

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Isle of Sky

Scotland
Isle of Sky @ 250809

Our next stop is Isle of Sky, the most northerly island in Scotland. We reached Isle of Sky at 9.15pm, a bit later than our checked-in time, but we did manage to get the hostel room. We are lucky although we does not have fate with the dinosaur like monster. We went to bed quite early as there are not much night activities.

portree independent hostel

Again, we depart at 5am in the morning, for sunrise. It's a raining day and so, it's cold...but we are still happy, enjoying the moment with mates. We witness sunrise together...and we start our day together, it's the 3rd day of our journey.

when the sky is still dark
sun rise-ing
it's another day :)
i am the photographer, but who features in the photo?
I never realised that this is one of the attractions in Isle of Sky until I came back to Sheffield. There are three famous water fall in Isle of Sky, and I thought I never witness any of it. In fact, I did. :) Thanks my friend for your information.

the waterfall...

Loch Ness

Scotland
Loch Ness @ 240809
The next stop of the day is Loch Ness. There are few attractions but we do not spend a lots of time here due to the tight journey. This is what happen when we have limited resources ie money and time. ;p

The most famous spot in Loch Ness is the brooding lake. There is a legends that a dinosaur like monster is staying in the lake. No one knows whether the real monster exist, but the ancient story spells that people who see the monster is a lucky one. So, we go there by hope of seeing a real monster. Sadly, we do not manage to see any monster, but the lake is natural and nice.

the dinosaur like monster
do you see it?
the natural lake

The next attraction is the Urquhart Castle. It is one of the Scotland's largest castle, which carries the bloofy history from 13th to 17th century. We only managed to view the castle from the carpack, but it still looks gorgeous.

Urquhart Castle

On the way to the next attraction, we stop at an unknown lake for photo shooting purpose. The scene is really nice. I miss the moment where I step on the stones, breathe in the fresh air, looking at the nice scenery, under the warm sun.

experience the nature
the blue, the white and the green...perfect combination
nice shoot...
We continue our journey to Eilean Donan Castle. It's another famous Scottish Castle, which is rated as the most beautiful castle in Scotland. We reached there in the evening. The castle looks nice under the sun. ;)
Eilean Donan Castle
a nearer look...
Flat 62...

When the sunset, it's the end of the day...and our journey to Loch Ness. But, the friendship is growing.

Perthshire

Scotland
Perthshire @ 240809
At the 2nd day, we decided to depart at 5am in the morning in order to reach our destination before 10am. We had make an appointment for Dewar's World of Whisky and not affordable to being late. Well, we should set away Malaysian being and become a punctual person in UK.

I stay awake on the way to Perthshire, and enjoy myself in the nice scenery and cold weather. As our lovely driver feels the tiredness of driving, we decided to take a break. You know, I kept on reading this phrase when we travel, tiredness can kill. ;p

blur view...but they can drive ;p
when the sun is going to rise...
nice scene
when we have nothing better to do...

The break doesn't delayed our journey and we managed to reached Aberfeldy before 10am. We decided to have a walk in the nearby garden, The Birks. We have a nice morning sun-bath.

The Birks...
sun-bath
Finally, the time for our visit to Aberfeldy Distillery at Perthshire, Dewar's World of Whisky. Everyone is looking forward for the visit, to discover the spirit of Dewar's. The extraordinary story of John Dewar, the founder in creating the perfect Scotish Whisky is one of the amzing part of the day. A really new knowledge is that mart is

Dewar's World of Whisky
the award winning one...
how nice if i own this...
me, with a glass of Dewar's
Dewar's Whisky
proof of entrance :)

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Edinburgh

Scotland Trip
Edinburgh @ 230809


Finally, its day for Scotland Trip which we waited for so long. The first stop is Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Again, a historical city. It's a rainy day, however the rain doesn't spoils the mood of visiting, but it carries out the historic and vibrant of the city. I am just in love with it...

A must to visit site in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Castle, which is amazing on itself. However, we do not manage to visit it due to time constraint. A little imperfections of the day in Edinburgh. However, the outlook of the castle itself impressed me. Standing at the entrance makes me feel the gorgeous of the historic building.

at entrance of Edinburgh Castle

The Royal Mile Street, which is one of the most famous street in Edinburgh. It is the historic heart of the city and is full of fascinating links to Scotland. Walking along the street, you cwill find yourself soaked into the atmosphere of Scotland and also the historic of the city.

The Royal Mile Street...
the Scottish dress..i love it
leaflet on the street...is everywhere ;p

The Palace of HolyRoodHouse, which is the official residence of the Queen and the Royal Family. Sounds nice? I guess is attractive as we do not have much chances to visit a palace. It will be a pleasant surprise if I got the chances of visiting it.

entrance of Palace of Holyroodhouse
the palace...
Queen's Gallery

A little fun part of the day is, there is a food fair. Entrance ticket is required for the food fair, and the lucky us got the entrance ticket. We tried some local foods of Edinburgh in the food fair, it's yummy. I can't forget the salted grilled fish ;p

the food fair...
another regret of the day was...i missed out the visit toCalton Hill due to a change in plan. Missed out the overall view of the historical city, and also the lovely sunset. Anyway, it's a tiring yet enjoyable day.

Scotland trip 230809-260809

unpredictable weather,
13 mates,
3 cars,
2 TomTom...
and here we begin,
our journey.

the beginning of journey
the beginning of unforgettable memory
love you, mates...