OMG we set off the smoke alarm! 26 May

Today we tested our culinary skills to cook the fried dumplings and ended up triggering the smoke alarm! Haha after we bought the pan cover, we decided to cook the most anticipated dumplings! We followed the instructions on the packaging accordingly and the dumplings were looking good too! However, I think the fan over the stove is not very efficient in clearing away the smoke that arise from our cooking and we ended up triggering the smoke alarm which emitted a loud and piercing sound that scared us to death! We tried to savage the situation by holding the pan nearer to the fan and opening the living room window. Luckily, the smoke alarm goes off after a while and we could resume cooking peacefully! I must say that the food certainly looks appétitzing especially my broccoli! Haha

After class, we went to Hart House to get the discounted movie tickets. The person directed us to the student union centre with very vague directions like opposite HH. Feeling confused, we went to ask people. The first guy we asked, he was from British Colombia and was also visiting. He was like tell me where is it when you know too! The next student we approached was not too sure about the place too and the whole group of confused people were looking at the map. We decided to try our luck at the conservatory look-alike building which ends up to be the convocation hall. We decided to try our luck by asking some one who directed us to a small white building beside the HH! So we made our way back and when we reached, we discovered that the place was already closed for the day and we have to drop by again tomorrow! Haiz what a wasted trip and we ended up goggling down our food at Chinatown again! I think every Tuesday and Thursday we will bound to get indigestion if this goes on!

The Marvels of mobile communication! 25 May

Finally we got to go Eaton Centre!!! We took the subway there and alighted at Dundas West. And the first shop that greeted us is H&M!!! So exciting! And we spend, I think close to 1 hour there shopping although in the end I did not buy anything as the only piece of clothing that interest me is a formal dress. It will be kind of weird to buy it here right? And I will have to squeeze it into my luggage back to Singapore.

After spending time at H&M, we went to Old Navy too where I spotting a denim skirt that I like alot. Unfortunately, the last skirt with the correct size has a spoilt zip. So sad! Haiz I hope I will have better luck next time!

We had lunch at the food court and I finally had the chance to eat Greek food! Haha at least the food court version of Jimmy the Greek. I had roast chicken dinner which consist of a very large portion of rice, salad, potatoes and chicken drumstick! I was almost bursting when I finished it! I am so not going to eat dinner after that!

After lunch, we continued shopping and we entered a Fossil shop. The salespeople were definitely very friendly (maybe a little too friendly and helpful! Kind of stressful!) but the stuff were really nice and I think cheaper too? I am not too sure though as I did not take note of the prices in Singapore. However, none of the wallets really caught my eye as I prefer Elle! We could not find Elle in SEARS too. I shall try other departmental stores too next time.

After going to be dead on our feet, Diana and I decided to go around to find a telecommunication store to get a SIM card! We decided that it would be good to have a source of communication as that when we split up, we will still be able to find each other. We found a cheap deal at Fido! 10 dollars per month and we will get 5 dollars worth for calling and free 250 sms. The salesperson was also really friendly and helpful and helped to find the best deal for us! So good of her!

After leaving Eaton, we split up with Xinjie and I going to Honest Ed’s to buy fruit peeler and pan cover so that we can get to cook our dumpling tomorrow! So exciting I can’t wait to eat them. Yummy!

I love Broccoli! 24 May

Yea today is Tuesday! A school day that we can cook! Haha today we had a scrumptious meal consisting of meat (chicken sausages), seafood (boiled prawns) and vegetables (my favourite broccoli!) Haha a balanced meal too! Today was also the first time I successfully added the garlic in without overheating hence they did not become burnt!

I had my first human nutrition tutorial! I reached very early and was the first to reach. Unfortunately, I did not know how to switch on the lights and ended up waiting in the corridor. I knew that I would regret not bringing my handphone as there is a light function that I can activate for torchlight. I waited for some other people to come so that we could try to find the switch together. Cowardly I know but it is really dark in there. Fortunately, some one came along soon and we managed to get the lights switched on and settled in. The 3 of us sat together and we were grouped into 3s during the class activity too. But I guess I wasn’t really sociable as I was kind of stoning away during the tutorial. I will be more active the next tutorial!

After the lecture which I fell asleep, we were rushing around like mad again! Huimin managed to get a photocopy of the textbook and this saved us quite abit of trouble from borrowing the book! We split up with Xinjie and I going to purchase the Diet analysis access code and Hui Juan and Huimin going to photocopy the textbook. Xinjie and I also bought some stationary like file and highlighters on the way. While paying for the stuff, the cashier mistook Xinjie laptop which she put on the counter as well as the merchandise as well and tried to scan it. After realising his mistake, he was jokingly saying that he could give us a 75% discount on that item! After buying the stationary, we joined Hui Juan at the photocopying shop where she already photocopied almost all the text book! So awesome!

 After we finished printing and photocopying and punching holes using the 3 hole puncher, we went to Chinatown for dinner. Just like last time, we were in a hurry too! So sad right? and we were devouring our food down too. But this time, we had small bowls and hence I think we are more si wen this time round! Haha and we also bought aot of bread too! Sadly, the nice waiter wasn’t here and we do not have any nice soup or fortune cookie today!

Victoria Day! A public holiday! 23 May

Yea!!! My first Canadian pubic holiday!

We went to Chinatown for groceries shopping and we finished exploring the whole Chinatown today! We found a very cheap place to have lunch, any 4 food item for just 4 bucks! In the end Xinjie and I each had a small mountain of food to demolish which none of us could finish after all.

After lunch, we continued walking and Xinjie visited a optometrist to repair her spectacles! The uncle was very nice! He gave us each a spectacle cleaning cloth for free when I enquired about the price of one as I wanted to buy one for cleaning spectacles and my camera. So nice right? Haha ok I am bias.

Anyway, we continued walking and we found some Asian fruits! The Ya pear. I do not know the exact English name but the pear taste good! J we dropped by Oriental super market where there are alof of Asian food and we got some dumplings! Yea, we can finally eat guo tie! Haha we also bought alot of tibits and snacks in preparation for our mugging period!

After shopping for groceries, we went back to our favourite restaurant to buy take-away for dinner. OMG the waiter recognised us! Haha we must have made a lasting impression the last time we went, devouring our food like there is no tomorrow. That’s all for today! I am going to be a good student and do my revisions!

I hope we will be able to see the fireworks from our residence!

Hostel sweet Hostel! 22 May

The last day in Ottawa! We had our breakfast in a Marche like restaurant in Rideau. The cinnamon bus is very huge and expensive too! Restaurant prices I guess but nice though. After breakfast, Jessica mentioned that she wanted to take some photos at the war memorial which was just cross the road. I didn’t take much photos there as I feel that it is such a sad and sombre place. From the inscriptions at the war memorial, I could understand the devastating effects of war and the price of peace paid in the blood and sweat of the soldiers and civilians alike.

On a brighter note, we went over to the post office across the street and took some photos there as well! It was quite nice. We also went to Sparks which was a pedestrian mall. Unfortunately, many of the stores are not opened. It was my regret that we did not manage to explore the place before leaving Ottawa. After that, we split up and Xinjie and I had stuff to buy while Diana and Jessica wanted to see the Rideau Canal. We went back to the Rideau centre for Xinjie to buy her bag and me to buy my socks (which were quite ex). Xinjie ended up buying a wallet and sling bag as souvenir instead of a backpack for herself. After which, we rushed back to the hostel as it was time to check out. However, Jessica and Diana was not back yet and we just waited in the room for them.

After checking out, we went to Byward market again to buy some snacks for the bus ride. Xinjie and I bought the Taiwanese popcorn chicken. As it was the last chance, I also bought a bracelet for myself. Although it was very nice, I couldn’t help but feel abit heart pain at the price of the bracelet too.

After buying the stuff, we went back to the hostel to call a taxi. Jessica and Diana also took the last chance to take a photo with the resident cat – Don Gato. After which we took the taxi to the terminal! Although we were very early, there was already people queuing for the bus! So who says only Singaporeans are Kiasu?! On the bus, I fell asleep immediately and kept leaning all over the place and was elbowed by Jessica a couple of times. After reaching the rest station, Xinjie was still very fascinated with the Kraft cheese crackers and she bought 10! Haha I think the cashier was very amused and even told us where we could get them cheaper – at No Frills supermarket.

After reaching Toronto, we decided to take the subway from Dundas station instead of St Patrick having the mistaken view that it was nearer. However the walking distance was just as long and the journey took longer too. After reaching our apartment, we were surprised that the common areas were cleaned over the weekend too as they are supposed to come by every Monday instead. It was quite creepy in a way too. We put down our things and went to Metro nearby to buy some groceries. I bought some hotdogs to cook and soy beverage for cereal in the morning! I also cooked my Korean Maggie noodles for dinner! Finally some yummy, filling and cheap food!

Finally some resemblance of summer! 21 May

A hot and fine day for sightseeing today (perhaps even a little too hot). It certainly felt that summer has arrived. I hope that we too will have such fine weather back in Toronto tooJ

This morning, we decided to eat our breakfast in Byward market! The pastries certainly looked mouth-watering although the prices were rather steep. I shared a garlic bread with Xinjie before embarking on our exploration today! We went up to the Parliament hill so that we could explore the buildings and the statues around to the fullest. The nice architecture had attracted us greatly when we saw it from the opposite shore yesterday. I am so glad that my camera has enough batteries to last me for today as we took lots of beautiful photos of the architecture and the scenery.

We also managed to join the tour for the parliament house where we get the chance to go into the building to see the chambers and stuff. It was quite cool except that the tour group is very large and I often could not catch what the tour guide is saying as she was too far away from me. The security was also quite strict and in order to play safe, I removed all metal stuff before passing through the metal detector including my belt as well.

After visiting the parliament house, we attempted successfully to take individual and group jump shots! It was very fun, although we seemed like some mad people jumping up and down on the field under the hot sun! Haha after the strenuous exercise, we were hot and tired and we went in search of food for lunch. We went to the Rideau centre and had our lunch – fish and chips! My first meal of fish since coming here! So gan dong! Haha but the serving is too big and towards the end, it seems a little overkill. I was so full that I couldn’t eat dinner. After lunch, we shopped around the centre before walking back to Byward market. After looking through all the shops, we went back to the hostel to rest and drink our orange juice. The hot weather certainly made us very thirsty indeed.

After resting, we went to Metro nearby to buy some food for dinner. At the entrance, we spied a DVD rental kiosk machine and decided to try our luck, renting Disney movie Rapunzel. Unfortunately, the hostel has no DVD player and we ended up playing Bridge which is an interesting game. I hope I will remember how to play next time tooJ going to sleep soon so that can wake up early tomorrow morning to finish packing!

Ottawa here I come! 20 May

 Of all days for me to have diarrhoea, this morning timing is certainly the worst! Luckily I woke up early and I certainly hope I got everything out before the long bus trip!

We finally tried taking the subway today and I nearly got stuck at the revolving barrier at the gate due to my many bags. The subway is very efficient although Singapore one is much cleaner. However the train was more spacious despite the rush hour work time. The tokens was also very cute and small! I hope I wouldn't mistakenly use it as money as it would be very bu hua suan.

We made it in good time to the bus terminal. However, we were told the wrong bus bay by the staff and by the time we joined the correct queue, the queue was horrendous! However, all was good as there was a second bus which was much newer and nicer!

We passed many beautiful scenery on the bus route but alas I missed much of it as I was catching up on sleep. We stopped at a stop for rest room break and the sandwiches were some of the most humogous ones. The bread was so thick that I could barely fit it into my mouth. Jessica shared a sandwich with me and I am feeling quite full and sleepy yet again.

Finally we reached Ottawa at 3pm! What a long bus ride! We continue a little more we will reach quebac already! We took a taxi to the Ottawa backpackers inn to check in. The place is much nicer than I expected - a house type much like Taiwan Ming su. The 4 of us also got a 4 person room which is gd as it solves the problem of the need to lock our stuff!

After putting our stuff we went out exploring. We went to the byward market which was near by to shop around and eat dinner. We chanced upon many delightful shops that are unique businesses to Ottawa! After that we continued on to Rideau canal to see tulips. Sadly the tulips have began to wilt. Nevertheless the view of the architectural styles of the buildings are still very grand and beautiful!

Before going back, we dropped by metro to get some juice for tomorrow's breakfast! :) now I am l lying in my bed and typing this. It is abit warm and I am finding it hard to sleep!