General – Page 7 – Creative Meanderings

Spring Break 2012 – Philly: TESOL Int’l Convention to Charleston

General, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Apr 022012

The conference was truly a crazy few days as I started to get over jet lag and was getting up early every day to attend sessions.

My main intent for being there was to do the Leadership Certificate Program, which I had started through some online courses in the fall. At the time that I started I wasn’t yet sure that I would complete it, but when I found out that the conference was over our spring break I figured, why not?

Not only did I get to learn a bit more about the association and leadership, but I also got to meet some really awesome people.

One of the things that became clear to me was a gap in having like-minded colleagues who are in similar stages of our professional career as well as within the same age group. While age shouldn’t really matter when it comes to learning and sharing as professionals, it does matter in the level of bonding. With older people, the relationship tends to turn into one where they are like a mentor. With younger people, the relationship tends to turn into one where I am like a mentor to them. Both are great relationships to foster, but sometimes you just want someone to commiserate with and to push each other along. So, the greatest thing I gained was meeting a few new people and connecting! 😀

Me and Katie, whom I met in the program and is working in San Francisco at Skyline Community College.

Katie and Alsu, whom I met in one of the online workshops and we decided to room together.

Plus, I got to catch up a bit with old friends:

So, after our last workshop on Saturday, I headed to the airport to meet my parents in Charleston, SC. 😀

Now time for some real R&R!

-T

Spring Break 2012 – Philly – TESOL Int’l Convention: Days 2 & 3

General, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Mar 302012

Phew, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind the past few days….

I would write more, but I’m exhausted. Instead, I will just post some pics:

28-Mar-2012 19:18, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 125

28-Mar-2012 20:06, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1000

28-Mar-2012 20:06, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1000

William Labov plenary

William Labov plenary29-Mar-2012 15:40, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.2, 56.7mm, 0.167 sec, ISO 400

Pennsylvania Convention Center used to be the old Reading Railroad Station

Pennsylvania Convention Center used to be the old Reading Railroad Station29-Mar-2012 16:16, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 200

Philly by night - City Hall

Philly by night - City Hall30-Mar-2012 03:14, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.1, 15.7mm, 0.5 sec, ISO 400

30-Mar-2012 03:24, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.7, 11.0mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 400

30-Mar-2012 03:36, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.4 sec, ISO 400

30-Mar-2012 04:08, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 200

Spring Break 2012 – Toronto: Day 3

General, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Mar 272012

In general, if I haven’t planned prior to traveling, I basically do whatever the mood strikes when I am actually on the trip. This makes things easier for me as I either plan or plan to be spontaneous. 😛

Since my main purpose for coming to Toronto was to visit with my friends, Shu & Q, whom I hadn’t seen since they left Abu Dhabi over a year ago, I didn’t really do any investigating of the area or decide on sightseeing activities. Basically, I figured they would show me around. 🙂

However, when I arrived, I heard some talking about Niagara Falls. When I started looking at the guide books and maps, I realized one thing people do when they visit Toronto is make a trip to Niagara Falls. Hm…, I thought…. How close is it, I asked. Just about 1.5 hours…not far…let’s do it!

As my previous posts show, Shu and Q were free on the weekend, but Monday meant I was free to figure out my own plan. Apparently there is a fairly cheap Chinese bus that goes to the Falls, but I thought it would be more interesting if I did a proper tour. So, I did a Google search and found this tour company as the best and cheapest option.

So, this morning, they picked me up and we met up with the group and off we went!

It was a good day. The Falls were spectacular! Although it was quite cold, the sun came out in the afternoon making everything more beautiful. I felt God’s presence and creation with a sense of awe and peace. Beautiful. Amazing. Wonderful.

Well, here are the pics from the day!

Finally caved and tried Tim Hortons since I am in Canada after all - not bad and cheap!

Finally caved and tried Tim Hortons since I am in Canada after all - not bad and cheap!27-Mar-2012 06:01, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.2, 5.72mm, 0.025 sec, ISO 800

Niagara Falls tour: Stop for a wine tasting - ice wine is the thing around here...

Niagara Falls tour: Stop for a wine tasting - ice wine is the thing around here...27-Mar-2012 08:16, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 80

Niagara Falls tour

Niagara Falls tour27-Mar-2012 08:17, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.9, 25.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 80

Niagara Falls tour: Apparently this place is sponsored/owned by Dan Akroyd - didn't know he is Canadian...

Niagara Falls tour: Apparently this place is sponsored/owned by Dan Akroyd - didn't know he is Canadian...27-Mar-2012 08:43, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.1, 5.4mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 800

Niagara Falls tour: The tour mobile

Niagara Falls tour: The tour mobile27-Mar-2012 08:45, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 80

Niagara Falls tour: A stop to see Lake Ontario

Niagara Falls tour: A stop to see Lake Ontario27-Mar-2012 09:04, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.9, 8.25mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 80

Niagara Falls tour: Apparently that is New York and where part of the War of 1812 took place

Niagara Falls tour: Apparently that is New York and where part of the War of 1812 took place27-Mar-2012 09:04, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.9, 8.25mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 80

Niagara Falls tour: Niagara-on-the-lake - main tourist stop especially in the summer when visiting Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls tour: Niagara-on-the-lake - main tourist stop especially in the summer when visiting Niagara Falls27-Mar-2012 09:08, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.8, 7.73mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 800

Niagara Falls tour: Smallest church...

Niagara Falls tour: Smallest church...27-Mar-2012 09:16, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.7, 13.09mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 640

Niagara Falls tour: Niagara Whirlpool - across is Canada; to the right is New York

Niagara Falls tour: Niagara Whirlpool - across is Canada; to the right is New York27-Mar-2012 09:29, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.5, 6.45mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 80

Niagara Falls tour: Whirlpool on Niagara River

Niagara Falls tour: Whirlpool on Niagara River27-Mar-2012 09:29, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 80

Niagara Falls tour: Niagara River

Niagara Falls tour: Niagara River27-Mar-2012 09:30, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.2, 5.72mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 80

Niagara Falls tour: A hydro-dam giving power to Canada and New York

Niagara Falls tour: A hydro-dam giving power to Canada and New York27-Mar-2012 09:31, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.9, 25.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 160

Niagara Falls tour: Cable car crossing Niagara River whirlpool

Niagara Falls tour: Cable car crossing Niagara River whirlpool27-Mar-2012 09:32, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.6, 16.1mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 80

Niagara Falls tour: Horseshoe Falls

Niagara Falls tour: Horseshoe Falls27-Mar-2012 09:54, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 80

Niagara Falls tour: Horseshoe Falls - Journey Behind the Falls view

Niagara Falls tour: Horseshoe Falls - Journey Behind the Falls view27-Mar-2012 09:54, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 80

Niagara Falls tour: Horseshoe Falls - Journey Behind the Falls view

Niagara Falls tour: Horseshoe Falls - Journey Behind the Falls view27-Mar-2012 09:57, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 80

Niagara Falls tour: Horseshoe Falls - Journey Behind the Falls - silhouette of me

Niagara Falls tour: Horseshoe Falls - Journey Behind the Falls - silhouette of me27-Mar-2012 09:57, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 80

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Niagara Falls tour: Horseshoe Falls

Niagara Falls tour: Horseshoe Falls27-Mar-2012 10:10, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 80

Niagara Falls tour: Horseshoe Falls

Niagara Falls tour: Horseshoe Falls27-Mar-2012 10:10, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 80

Niagara Falls tour: view of America Falls from Horseshoe Falls

Niagara Falls tour: view of America Falls from Horseshoe Falls27-Mar-2012 10:10, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 10:14, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 10:14, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 100

Niagara Falls tour: Horseshoe Falls - Lake Eerie pours into Lake Ontario

Niagara Falls tour: Horseshoe Falls - Lake Eerie pours into Lake Ontario27-Mar-2012 10:15, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.6, 16.1mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 10:17, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 100

27-Mar-2012 10:24, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 10:24, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 10:25, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 10:29, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 10:30, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 80

Niagara Falls tour: America Falls

Niagara Falls tour: America Falls27-Mar-2012 10:33, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.3, 10.73mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 10:33, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 14.0, 7.73mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 80

Niagara Falls tour: America Falls - the water comes from New York and pours into Niagara River for Lake Ontario as still part of Lake Eerie

Niagara Falls tour: America Falls - the water comes from New York and pours into Niagara River for Lake Ontario as still part of Lake Eerie27-Mar-2012 10:35, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 16.0, 14.0mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 125

27-Mar-2012 10:36, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 13.0, 6.07mm, 0.013 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 10:38, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 13.0, 6.45mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 10:38, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 16.0, 11.43mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 80

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« Previous | Next »

27-Mar-2012 10:39, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 10:40, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 14.0, 8.25mm, 0.013 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 10:41, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.9, 25.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 10:42, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 13.0, 16.1mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 10:47, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 80

Niagara Falls tour: Spring!

Niagara Falls tour: Spring!27-Mar-2012 10:49, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 10:51, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.7, 22.79mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 80

Niagara Falls tour: Found a Penny machine! YIPPEE!

Niagara Falls tour: Found a Penny machine! YIPPEE!27-Mar-2012 11:18, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.013 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 11:27, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 16.0, 11.43mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 11:36, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 13.0, 6.83mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 11:41, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 14.0, 9.39mm, 0.013 sec, ISO 100

27-Mar-2012 11:42, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 11:54, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 13.0, 6.45mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 11:57, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 12:03, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 12:04, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 80

27-Mar-2012 12:06, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 80

Frozen island of trees in Lake Eerie at Niagara Falls

Frozen island of trees in Lake Eerie at Niagara Falls27-Mar-2012 12:06, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 14.0, 17.22mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 125

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Lake Eerie heading towards Niagara Falls

Lake Eerie heading towards Niagara Falls27-Mar-2012 12:06, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 14.0, 7.73mm, 0.013 sec, ISO 80

Before the Burj Khalifa, the CN Tower was the world's largest...

Before the Burj Khalifa, the CN Tower was the world's largest...27-Mar-2012 14:13, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.2, 5.72mm, 0.02 sec, ISO 100

After I got back, we headed out to a tasty warm dinner of ramen!

Tonkotsu Ramen for dinner! YUM!

Tonkotsu Ramen for dinner! YUM!27-Mar-2012 02:29, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 100

Then, we took a walk –

Near Howland Avenue - just a funny name...

Near Howland Avenue - just a funny name...27-Mar-2012 03:06, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 800

to Korea Town, where we got dessert. I ate so many of these when I was in Korea for a month. Love them!!!

Hoddok (Korean pancake with brown sugar and nuts) = happy happy!

Hoddok (Korean pancake with brown sugar and nuts) = happy happy!27-Mar-2012 03:17, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 100

A very happy ending to a great day!

Tomorrow, I am off to Philly….

😀 -T

Spring Break 2012 – Toronto: Day 2

General, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Mar 262012

Jet lag hasn’t been so bad considering the amount of flying I did, but it still exists…. Although I woke up at 5am with some dozing until about 10am, Shu and I still managed to walk from Howland through Little Italy to Queens Way to Chinatown to Kensington Market area and back home again.

It was a beautiful day, which was very much welcomed after yesterday! 🙂

After a short rest, we headed to Korea Town for some delicious Korean food! Now, I’m trying to stay awake long enough to ensure that I don’t wake up too early though I have a day trip to Niagara Falls planned for tomorrow.

Here are some pics from today:

Apparently a Toronto icon - Honest Ed's random store of everything (didn't actually go inside though)

Apparently a Toronto icon - Honest Ed's random store of everything (didn't actually go inside though)25-Mar-2012 19:03, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

A Canadian delicacy - Poutine

A Canadian delicacy - Poutine25-Mar-2012 20:30, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 320

25-Mar-2012 20:31, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 100

Too cute!

Too cute!25-Mar-2012 21:19, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.6, 9.4mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 200

Toronto Chinatown gate - MON

Toronto Chinatown gate - MON25-Mar-2012 23:54, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

Kensington Market area - loved this mural

Kensington Market area - loved this mural26-Mar-2012 00:11, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

Bike rack in Kensington Market

Bike rack in Kensington Market26-Mar-2012 00:13, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

A Canadian fire house for my dad...hard to see it though...

A Canadian fire house for my dad...hard to see it though...26-Mar-2012 00:15, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 7.2, 9.4mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

Hard to do justice to the lovely residential areas

Hard to do justice to the lovely residential areas26-Mar-2012 00:19, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.4, 7.9mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 100

Pure maple syrup - 8.99 in a local organic store or 18.99 in a bottle at a 'gift shop' for tourists, you choose...

Pure maple syrup - 8.99 in a local organic store or 18.99 in a bottle at a 'gift shop' for tourists, you choose...26-Mar-2012 01:12, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.6, 9.4mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 200

Yummy Korean food with my favorite hosts!

Yummy Korean food with my favorite hosts!26-Mar-2012 03:10, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.025 sec, ISO 125

Mmmmmmm....

Mmmmmmm....26-Mar-2012 03:10, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 100

-T 😀

Spring Break 2012 – Toronto: Day 1

General, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Mar 252012

My first full day in Toronto has been pretty relaxed. We had a relaxed start, but still on the early side as I’m kind of used to getting started around noon, not when it is still morning…. 😉

Q & Shu's cute attic apartment

Q & Shu's cute attic apartment24-Mar-2012 15:11, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.167 sec, ISO 400

Q & Shu's cute attic apartment

Q & Shu's cute attic apartment24-Mar-2012 15:11, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.2 sec, ISO 400

Q & Shu's cute attic apartment

Q & Shu's cute attic apartment24-Mar-2012 15:12, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 400

Q & Shu's cute attic apartment

Q & Shu's cute attic apartment24-Mar-2012 15:12, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 200

So, we headed down to St. Lawrence market, which is a farmer’s-like market in a renovated warehouse near/in the Financial District. There’s two kinds of markets – a yuppyish middle-class white version and a more diverse relaxed farmer’s market version. I tried bee pollen, which is considered very healthy, and it made me swell up on my lips and throat. Who knew?

Downtown Toronto: Union Station and CN Tower in the background

Downtown Toronto: Union Station and CN Tower in the background24-Mar-2012 17:42, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.6, 6.3mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 100

Downtown Toronto: Financial District

Downtown Toronto: Financial District24-Mar-2012 17:42, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

Downtown Toronto: Financial District - Hockey Hall of Fame

Downtown Toronto: Financial District - Hockey Hall of Fame24-Mar-2012 17:42, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 100

Downtown Toronto: Financial District

Downtown Toronto: Financial District24-Mar-2012 17:42, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.6, 6.3mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

St Lawrence Market: Mmmm pork...meat...

St Lawrence Market: Mmmm pork...meat...24-Mar-2012 17:51, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 200

St Lawrence Market

St Lawrence Market24-Mar-2012 18:04, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 200

St Lawrence Market: Pork!

St Lawrence Market: Pork!24-Mar-2012 18:06, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.167 sec, ISO 400

St Lawrence Market: Guess this is some Canadian bacon specialty

St Lawrence Market: Guess this is some Canadian bacon specialty24-Mar-2012 18:11, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.04 sec, ISO 200

St Lawrence Market: Juice!

St Lawrence Market: Juice!24-Mar-2012 18:16, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 200

St Lawrence Market: Saturday Farmer's Market

St Lawrence Market: Saturday Farmer's Market24-Mar-2012 18:29, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.04 sec, ISO 200

Downtown Toronto

Downtown Toronto24-Mar-2012 18:54, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.6, 9.4mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

Downtown Toronto: Near Church

Downtown Toronto: Near Church24-Mar-2012 18:56, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

After that we stopped for a quick coffee break at a cool place called Origins on King St.

Downtown Toronto: Q next the Q water tap

Downtown Toronto: Q next the Q water tap24-Mar-2012 19:02, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 400

From there, we went over to an Asian food market called T&T. It was nice to see so many options, but I wished I had more in Abu Dhabi.

Downtown Toronto: A visit to the T&T Asian Food market isn't complete without a Lover Hot Pot!

Downtown Toronto: A visit to the T&T Asian Food market isn't complete without a Lover Hot Pot!24-Mar-2012 19:50, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 100

Downtown Toronto: T&T offers live seafood - I know these are muscles, but somehow they look oh so wrong...

Downtown Toronto: T&T offers live seafood - I know these are muscles, but somehow they look oh so wrong...24-Mar-2012 19:54, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 100

Downtown Toronto: Shu found one that looks good

Downtown Toronto: Shu found one that looks good24-Mar-2012 19:57, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.04 sec, ISO 200

Downtown Toronto: So many to choose from...

Downtown Toronto: So many to choose from...24-Mar-2012 19:57, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.04 sec, ISO 200

Downtown Toronto: Lunch at T&T

Downtown Toronto: Lunch at T&T24-Mar-2012 20:26, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.025 sec, ISO 100

On the way back, we hit the Distillery District and stopped in this crazy stored where a guy does art with rubik’s cubes….

Downtown Toronto: The Distillery Historic District

Downtown Toronto: The Distillery Historic District24-Mar-2012 21:14, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.02 sec, ISO 100

Downtown Toronto: Distillery Historic District - Art with Rubik's cubes

Downtown Toronto: Distillery Historic District - Art with Rubik's cubes24-Mar-2012 21:22, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 200

Downtown Toronto: Distillery Historic District - Art with Rubik's cubes

Downtown Toronto: Distillery Historic District - Art with Rubik's cubes24-Mar-2012 21:22, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 200

Downtown Toronto: Distillery Historic District - Art with Rubik's cubes (same store, but liked the idea of high heel wine holder)

Downtown Toronto: Distillery Historic District - Art with Rubik's cubes (same store, but liked the idea of high heel wine holder)24-Mar-2012 21:23, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 200

Downtown Toronto: Distillery Historic District - Art with Rubik's cubes

Downtown Toronto: Distillery Historic District - Art with Rubik's cubes24-Mar-2012 21:24, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 250

Downtown Toronto: Distillery Historic District - Art with Rubik's cubes (or dice)

Downtown Toronto: Distillery Historic District - Art with Rubik's cubes (or dice)24-Mar-2012 21:25, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.4, 7.9mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 100

Downtown Toronto: Distillery Historic District - Art with Rubik's cubes (or dice)

Downtown Toronto: Distillery Historic District - Art with Rubik's cubes (or dice)24-Mar-2012 21:25, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.4, 7.9mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 100

then the wind picked up adding to the cold, so we headed back to have a rest and eat up our fresh crab. 😀

T&T crabs ready to eat!

T&T crabs ready to eat!24-Mar-2012 23:38, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 200

I stopped taking pictures in the evening as the cold increased and though I’m awake, I’m not quite so with it…. Anyway, we went to a lovely and very cheap Vietnamese restaurant off of St. Claire and then had a long journey back as we walked through the elements for part of the way. It definitely felt nice to get to a warm and dry place!

More fun tomorrow!

😀 -T

Spring Break 2012 – To Toronto

General, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Mar 242012

Surprisingly, I am awake at a ‘normal’ time (8:00am) after taking a 12.5 direct flight AUH – JFK and then after a 4-hour layover was on a 1.5hour flight JFK – YYZ.

The flight to New York from Abu Dhabi was fairly painless in the grand scheme of things. However, nearly 12 hours of two children crying/whining and the sounds here and there of others have made me really think there needs to be children’s ONLY section at the back of the plane (not the front!!!). It’s not possible to keep them from fussing or crying at different times, but why must the rest of us have to suffer?

My flight companion was a 72-year-old Indian woman. I know because she asked me to complete her US customs form. She was nice, but a little too big for the seats, a little too old for getting up and down during a long flight and very very burpy! hahaha. She was sweet, though, I guess.

Randomly, my counselor in AD was in the seat behind me going on holiday to the East Coast. I wondered if that was some sort of sign that I should go see her when I return in April…? 😉

Everything else is a bit of a blur as I was so exhausted once arriving at Q & Shu’s place in Toronto.

I’m gonna have to go in search of coffee soonish, though, I think.

More to come…

😀

Indonesia: Bali Days 20 & 21

General, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Aug 232011

Well, our last day was spent relaxing with final massages, errands, etc. Overall, we had a really lovely time in Bali and were sad to see the time come to an end. The return journey took us back to Jakarta on our way to Bangkok. I headed back to Abu Dhabi from there.

Here are the last pics from our trip. Back to ‘normal’ posting after this. 🙂

20-Aug-2011 14:36, Apple iPhone 4, 2.4, 3.85mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 125

20-Aug-2011 14:37, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 80

22-Aug-2011 19:55, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1000

22-Aug-2011 19:55, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 800

22-Aug-2011 19:55, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1000

22-Aug-2011 20:33, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 640

22-Aug-2011 20:09, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1000

22-Aug-2011 20:09, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 500

22-Aug-2011 20:10, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1000

22-Aug-2011 20:09, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1000

23-Aug-2011 12:36, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 80

23-Aug-2011 12:36, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 80

23-Aug-2011 14:00, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 80

23-Aug-2011 17:36, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 80

23-Aug-2011 17:36, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, ISO 80

23-Aug-2011 17:37, Apple iPhone 4, 2.8, 3.85mm, ISO 80

Interesting Bali souvenir...

Interesting Bali souvenir…

Interesting Bali souvenir…22-Aug-2011 21:42, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 400

Funny name...

Funny name…

Funny name…22-Aug-2011 21:44, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.1, 17.3mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 400

Indonesia: Bali Day 19

General, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Aug 222011

Hardly worth posting for today, but a little something is better than nothing they say in the blogging world… 😀

The best part of the day was getting massages – about USD6 for an hour – at the first place we went to when we arrived. They were the best. After that was dinner at our Chinese food haunt (surprisingly no food photos this time!) and dessert at:

Yummy!

Yummy!22-Aug-2011 06:12, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.2 sec, ISO 200

Don’t ask why this is the only photo I managed to take all day, but…such as it is.

Tomorrow is our last full day…sooooo sad! :*(

Indonesia: Bali Day 18

General, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Aug 212011

A lazy day mostly by the pool –

Poolside pizza for lunch

Poolside pizza for lunch20-Aug-2011 22:57, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 80

20-Aug-2011 22:57, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 80

20-Aug-2011 23:25, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.0, 9.39mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 100

Weird staff games at the hotel to celebrate their 2-year anniversary....

Weird staff games at the hotel to celebrate their 2-year anniversary….

Frangipani

Frangipani20-Aug-2011 23:29, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.4, 15.06mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 80

20-Aug-2011 23:29, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.8, 7.73mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 80

Isn't he cute?

Isn't he cute?20-Aug-2011 23:30, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.7, 13.09mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 100

20-Aug-2011 23:30, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 80

20-Aug-2011 23:30, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 80

Bust-A-Moves ya'll!

Bust-A-Moves ya'll!20-Aug-2011 23:39, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 80

Saturday afternoon traffic in a back alley - not even the main road!

Saturday afternoon traffic in a back alley – not even the main road!21-Aug-2011 01:48, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 80

Fun in the scooter traffic

Fun in the scooter traffic

Later we went out. R got another tattoo done (no pic yet) and I did some shopping. Then, we went for some food and a ride around –

Dinner out in Seminyak area at "Restaurant Mimpi"

Dinner out in Seminyak area at "Restaurant Mimpi"21-Aug-2011 04:36, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.3, 10.73mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 200

21-Aug-2011 04:39, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 250

21-Aug-2011 04:39, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 250

21-Aug-2011 04:39, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 200

Cap Cay Mimpi - stir fry vegetables

Cap Cay Mimpi – stir fry vegetables21-Aug-2011 05:01, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 250

Nasi goreng - Fried rice

Nasi goreng – Fried rice21-Aug-2011 05:07, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 250

Kari Ayam - Chicken coconut curry and rice

Kari Ayam – Chicken coconut curry and rice21-Aug-2011 05:12, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.9, 8.8mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 400

Yummy chocolate ice cream!

Yummy chocolate ice cream!21-Aug-2011 05:32, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 320

Heard some music at a local temple on the way back and wanted to check it out...

Heard some music at a local temple on the way back and wanted to check it out…

Maybe used for ceremonies of sorts...

Maybe used for ceremonies of sorts…21-Aug-2011 06:19, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 250

Offerings at the entrance and a cool door (sort of can see it...)

Offerings at the entrance and a cool door (sort of can see it…)

A good day! 😀

Indonesia: Bali Day 17

General, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Aug 202011

Time is going so quickly now. It’s another Friday in Bali and just a few more days left before we leave…. We just relaxed most of the day and then went in for some pampering.

R did some ear candling to take the wax out of his ear. It was weird to see it happening!

Ear candling

Ear candling20-Aug-2011 02:51, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 200

I got my mani-pedi done with a bright color to remind myself I am still on holiday for a bit longer!

new color!

new color!20-Aug-2011 04:05, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.167 sec, ISO 200

Afterward, we headed to our fav Aussie locale, Sheppy’s, for drinks and dinner. Dinner didn’t hold up as much as other items on the menu, but the ciders can’t be beat!

Beef burritos at Sheppy's - not as great as they looked, but tasty enough

Beef burritos at Sheppy's – not as great as they looked, but tasty enough20-Aug-2011 05:07, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 250

For my friend, Nick who is from Sydney

For my friend, Nick who is from Sydney20-Aug-2011 05:32, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.4, 15.06mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 320

And, another weekend begins!

R taking on the stuffed ... what is it?

R taking on the stuffed … what is it?20-Aug-2011 05:56, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 250

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