Kelly Group is proud to have a workforce of individuals with a rich cultural background from all around the globe.
With the holiday season upon us, throughout the next couple of weeks, our colleagues will invite you for an adventure to discover hidden treasures in their their homeland and provide top tips about the best activities, restaurants, and most interesting places to visit locally.
Gayo Rattanawong (Welfare and Support Administrator / Nuneaton) from Thailand
Hi, my name is Gayo, and I am an administrator working within our welfare and support team. I am originally from Phuket, located in the south of Thailand. Phuket is surrounded by many magnificent beaches such as Rawin, Patong, Karon, Kamala, Kata Yai, Kata Noi, Mai Khao and Laem Phromthep – an experience not to be missed is the famous beautiful sunset in Thailand. There are a variety of activities to choose from, like jet-skiing, snorkelling, surfing, scuba diving, elephant sanctuaries, Flying Hanuman (zipline adventure park), Thai boxing and many more.
If you are interested in history and art, I would recommend travelling up north of Thailand to visit the historic City of Ayutthaya, which has flourished from the 14th to the 18th centuries or Wat Rong Khun known as The White Temple, designed beautifully by Chalermchai Kositpipate, a well-known Thai artist. I’d recommend visiting early or in the evening time to view either the sunrise or sunset. This is when it will be a little quieter and you can enjoy the view and scenery better. It is a visually striking man-made attraction that represents the peacefulness and purity of Buddhism, the main religion in Thailand. Thai food in Thailand is leagues better than anywhere else in the world. You can enjoy the smell of spices and the variety of flavours all over the streets of Thailand. Some popular dish suggestions are Kway Tio (noodle soup), Pad Thai (fried noodles), Pad Kapow (basil stir-fried) and Kao Niow with Gai Yang (sticky rice with barbequed chicken). Street food from local vendors costs around £2 for a meal - make sure to bring some cash with you.
Sobia Naz (Financial Claims Auditer / Dunstable) from Pakistan
Hello, I’m Sobia and I am a Financial Claims Auditer at Dunstable. I am from Pakistan. There are many wonderful locations to discover in my homeland. For those who are interested in culture, art or history I would recommend visiting Pir Chinasi, a shrine and a tourist destination located about 30 kilometres east of Muzaffarabad, Banjosa Lake or Tolipir for beautiful scenery and authentic experience. For those who are in love with gastronomy I would advise to visit the Monal Mountain Restaurant. Some of the best of Pakistani street foods you will fall in love with include: Halwa-Puri, Dahi Baray, Pakoras, Samosas, Bun Kebab, Gola Ganda, Masala Fish and Kulfi. Kulfi is a frozen dairy dessert originating in the Indian subcontinent during the Mughal era in the 16th century. It is often described as “traditional Indian ice cream”. In India, it is commonly sold by street vendors called kulfiwallahs.
Margarida Duarte (Welfare and BT Audit Manager / Dunstable) from Portugal
Hi I’m Margarida, I work in Nuneaton as a Welfare and BT Audit Manager. I am from Portugal, my home city is Leiria, located roughly 120kms north of Lisbon. My home city is the capital of the county with the same name - it is known for its extraordinary gastronomy and its historical heritage - the local castle is worth visiting.
There are several good restaurants; if I must choose a favourite, I’d suggest Casa da Nora. (Translation:Waterwheel House.) I would recommend the Stock Exchange Palace, a historical building in Porto, in Neoclassical style. It was built in the 19th century by the Commercial Association.
I would also recommend a Douro River cruise (1 or 2 days). The Douro Valley is worth visiting for its incredible landscapes, nature, wines, people, and history. You can try and taste a selection of amazing wines directly from the vineyards. A trip to the Douro Valley is an experience you will never forget!
Piotr Dytkowski (Field Telecommunications Engineer / St Helens) from Poland
Hi, I’m Piotr and I am from Poland. I am currently working as a Field Telecommunication engineer for Kelly Communications. What might surprise you is that I am from Hel. Yes, you read it correctly - however, unlike what the name suggests, my hometown is a true heaven on Earth.
The town can be found on the Polish coast at Hel’s Peninsula near the famous cities Gdynia and Gdańsk. I am very proud of our
town, and it has a legendary history. During the Second World War, Poland was attacked. Our local community fought for over a month to defend our country from an invasion. We have loads of hidden treasures for those who are interested in history. The best time to visit is between July and August when local people participate in reconstructing the events of D – Day on one of our beautiful local beaches using original vehicles and weapons used during WWII. This celebration is in honour of our heroes who fought for freedom during this time of our history.
Hel has so much more to attract visitors; it is one of the most famous Polish holiday destinations. We also have a local Seal Sanctuary (only 1 of 3 in Europe!), where we heal wounded seals found on the beaches or in the Baltic Sea and fight to grow the population of endangered grey Baltic seals. It’s a fantastic experience, everyone should encounter it once.
You should visit a Kaszëbsczi Kröm, (a souvenir shop) inside one of the oldest traditional Kashubian houses on the main street - Wiejska 33, you can find many traditional homemade products as well as memorable souvenirs.
If you enjoy going for a hike, you can experience a peaceful walk alongside our 32 km long beaches and forests where you will find an abundance of local nature.
If you need a quick bite after a full day of events, you should visit a restaurant called Kütter, where you can try our traditional food made by the best local chefs.
So why not book a flight to Gdańsk, and then cruise directly to Hel!?
Danielle Paula De Brito (Project Co-ordinator / Brimsdown) from Brazil
Hi, my name is Danielle and I am from Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil. I am a Project Co-ordinator at Brimsdown.
My city is known for being one of the most important exporters of grains (such as soy, rice and corn) to the world, with 83% of production for export. It is located at strategic points for this, bordering Venezuela and Guyana. Picanha is the most popular dish in the city and the best place to enjoy it is in a restaurant called Churrascaria Buritis. The craft market in the city centre is a popular tourist attraction, where you can find sculptures made of wood, jewellery made of seeds, and many decorative objects made of straw and leather. Mount Roraima Trek in Venezuela’s Canaima National Park is out of this world and one of the best treks in Latin America. To enjoy an authentic trip, you should seek local guides – they will help to climb 2,810m, in 7 days duration.
Simon Rodrigues (Motor Claims & Risk Manager / Dunstable) from India
Hello. I’m Simon and I am from Goa, India. I am currently working as Motor Claims / Risk Manager at Dunstable.
Goa is famous for its beaches, adventurous water sports, and dazzling nightlife that never ends. Goa is an amalgamation of Indian and Portuguese culture. I would recommend trying seafood platters, and traditional Goan chorizo sausages with bread which are widely available in most of the beach shacks. Those who are interested in history should visit The Basilica of Bom Jesus Church which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It houses the tomb and remains of St. Francis Xavier. Even after 400 years, the remains are in a good condition and are taken out once every decade. If you wish to experience some of the most explored fun activities whilst in Goa; Tito Lane in Baga is famous for its nightlife and clubbing and you might also enjoy the Sunburn Music Festival, the Carnival in Goa, Scuba Diving or Bungee Jumping.
Godislav Kirov (Senior Validation Controller on the Virgin Media Morpheus Control Centre / Brimsdown) from Bulgaria
Hi. My name is Godislav and I am from Svishtov, Bulgaria. I am based in Brimsdown and currently work as a Senior Validation Controller on the Virgin Media Morpheus Control Centre / VM Residentials.
My town was originally established around 48 AD as a Roman town and known as the home of the Augustus Eight Legion. Nowadays known as the birthplace of great businessmen, writers, scholars and musicians. For example, Tsvetan Radoslavov who is the author of the current national anthem of Bulgaria called “Mila Rodino”, Aleko Konstantinov best known as the writer of “To Chicago and Back” and Dimitar A. Tsenov, a businessman, who donated his entire fortune to the creation of University of Economics and Business where I obtained my degree. The best restaurant I would suggest trying is called Shtastliveca in Veliko Tarnovo and I would recommend trying the Slavic Casserole dish. Bulgaria has a rich culture, architecture, and nature. Bulgaria is the only country in Europe that hasn’t changed its name since it was first established in 681 AD. My favourite spot to visit is the mountains. They are truly breathtaking. If you are into summer activities you should visit the seaside and the best locations are Nessebar, Sozopol, Kavarna and St. Vlas. For nightlife and a real summer jam vibe, you should visit the famous Sunny Beach. If you are into winter activities visit Bansko, Pamporovo or Borovets.
Halyna Bila (Motor Claims Handler / Dunstable) from Slovkia
Hello, my name is Halyna and I am from Banska Bystrica, Slovakia. I currently work as a Motor Claims Handler at our Dunstable office.
My hometown is famous for its natural beauty surrounded by mountains, scenic hiking trails, and caves. My favourite place to eat is called Koliba u sv. Kristofa – where you can choose traditional Slovakian food in its full glory. The best historic place to visit in Banska Bystrica is the Museum of the Slovak National Uprising. For a nice family walk, you can walk through the town centre where in the evening you can enjoy an open-air cinema. For sports activities, I would recommend watching ice hockey - our town has the highest position in the country. And if visiting in winter this would have to be ski centres for day and night skiing. Our town is about bringing our community together, so the mayor is always organising different activities for families to attend.
