{{ Vegas: A Trip to Remember }}

8:00am

Departing UBC!

We got on the charter bus and headed south. Going through the border was a pain in the ass but it went quite swiftly. We stopped by McD shortly after the border to grab breakfast/brunch. I had the worst breakfast/brunch of my life. I didn't get worked up about it because meh, we're going to Vegas! It's funny how things look very differently once you cross the border. I'm not sure if it's the way things look, the environment, the people or just my mind playing games. Either way, I didn't pay much attention to the surrounding because we watched "Hangover" on the bus. This was my first time watching this movie and I thought it a suitable movie for this trip =)

Like I said, there wasn't much to look at during our bus ride until we drove through Seattle. I'm intrigued by Seattle and even though it isn't very big and it's located right by the highway, I'd like to visit. It's a shame that I've never really visited Seattle since I live just hours away. My mum and I are planning to visit Seattle over the holidays and I think that'd be quite nice.

We arrived at the airport and had time to kill. I'm so used to the type and selection of food we have in Canada that American food was well, not very healthy. I'm sure there are lots of fine dining places with healthy food, but the places we've gone weren't one of those. I had a panini at the airport which was just filled with grease. Since wasting food isn't in my personal agenda, I ate the entire thing. Feeling completely nasty after my huge, greasy, cheesy-with-zero-vegetables panini, I had to finish my meal with a pint of beer!

Yay, Eric was up for it! Our first legal purchase of alcohol in the States! I ventured myself and got an IPA, which was extremely difficult to drink at the time. I was about 2 sips from finishing my drink when we realized that we had a plane to catch! Oops, gotta go!

Halloween! I'm pretty sure I haven't dressed up for Halloween since like Grade 8. I know, I know, it's lame. Everybody should dress up for Halloween no matter how old you are. It's a way of keeping ourselves young. I guess I've just been way too lazy in the past. I know for sure that I'm going to be dressing up every year now!

Note: My plan to dress up as Cleopatra and Ryan as Mark Antony totally fell through. Maybe next year... for sure next year!

Anyway, my roomies for Vegas were my "fourth year friends"! (Ha!) Gwenda dressed up as Cruella deville and Kaori, Behin and myself are her little b*ches (I mean dolmatians..). Our costumes were done in a hurry the day before but they turned out alright! Halloween in Vegas was one of the most interesting events. Everybody's dressed up. Everybody's tipsy. Everybody's having a blast!

There were only about a million Waldos. They were easy to spot!

When I visited Macau earlier in the summer, I wanted to watch a Cirque de Soleil show; however, there were no performances during the days that I was there. Not only was I disappointed, I didn't get to see much of Macau because of who I was traveling with - elderly relatives.

To make up for this loss, I was extremely excited to see a show in Vegas. There were about 6 Cirque de Soleil shows plus many other different ones such as the Blue Man Group. "O" was showing at Bellagio but the tickets for this show were way beyond our budgets. A whole group of us decided to go see "Love". I was definitely in the mood for some Beatles. We ended up paying around $60.00 per ticket with balcony seats. We didn't think too much at the time because we were pretty happy with the price that we were paying. Once we got to the theater and headed for our seats, the people working there stopped us and told us that they were going to upgrade our seats! "Holy F*, Really?" We ended up being in the "3RD ROW". It was pretty ridiculous because another friend of ours payed ~$75.00 for like the 7th or 8th row. We were beyond bliss. The stage was set in the center of the theater so really, every seat had incredible view.

The show was unlike anything I've seen before. I've seen plays, broadways, musicals, but nothing like this. Listening to the Beatles brought nostalgia and comfort. I couldn't stop humming "All you need is love" the rest of the night! The show was creative, engaging and mesmerizing. I wish we could've seen more shows!

The rest of this specific night consisted of me getting ridiculously drunk (a happy, talkative, loud drunk). There was a part of the night which I didn't remember,but that's okay. I had a blast. Obviously, not so much the next day. I totally missed our visit to UNLV and the water treatment facility/construction site. I wish I had gone but I was in no shape to get out of bed. I tried and even went on the Monorail with some of the guys from the trip who stayed at the hotel that day as well. I traveled one station before getting off the Monorail and headed back to the hotel and back to bed.

We spent the next day just doing some last minute shopping and sight-seeing.

I wish I wasn't so sick on the 3rd night and that I was up for more drinking. People had a blast at the club that night -Jet. Even though I missed out on this, I still had a great time in Vegas. I met a lot of people that I've never talked to in class. I've gotten to know more about some people. It was great that the Grad trip was so early on in the year.

The trip was a success and thanks to all who organized it!

monday night

Went to see this movie on Monday. It was a free screening at 5th Ave Cinema. It was a really classy cinema. There's even a balcony! The movie was very entertaining, very comical. It was a spontaneous, fun night for Ryan and I. It was fun.

When you're stressed, get away!

Life is pretty hectic right now..

apple and cinnamon and brown sugar with oats is one solution.

photo via SimplyBreakfast

The weather has been strange lately.

During my walk to Save-on on Saturday, I felt almost "hot". The sun was blazing with the sky bright blue.

On Sunday, a couple of us went to the last Farmer's market of the year in Kits. The weather was gray and the ground, slimy and wet.

Today, it's windy. It's very windy. It poured this morning when I left the house. Now, the sun comes and goes. It's bright then it's dark.

Strange weather.

photo via coco+kelley

Let's get away to a place far far away. Provence sounds lovely. It's probably getting cold there now as well, but that's okay. I'll imagine Provence summers with lavenders and sunflowers... I long for freshly baked bread with cheese and delicious baked pasta with wine.

Memories live on. They are there to help me get through hard times.

ah woooooooo

I went to see this movie on Saturday night.

I didn't grow up here so I've never heard about this book until quite recently. Scarfe didn't any any copies left because everyone wanted to read it before seeing the movie. Luckily, I came across a copy in the Bookstore and read it in all of 5 minutes. The illustrations were pretty amazing and the story, very creative. So i didn't know what to expect from the movie. I've heard mixed reviews and wondered how the movie could be 101 minutes. The music for the trailer sounded pretty awesome, so I looked forward to the soundtrack for the movie.

We arrived at Scotiabank theater around 6:15 for the 7pm show after getting some food from Johnny's Pizza ( a tad of disappointment with the food), and the lineup was already huge. The majority of the people weren't kids, which is ironic. After waiting for 45 minutes, in line and in the theater watching boring advertisements, the movie finally started.

Not to spoil any details, I was fully awake one minute after the movie started.

I like it. It's beautifully filmed. It's creative and touching. I think it speaks out to individuals who feel isolated at times, even in the presence of other people;especially in the presence of other people. The music is beautiful and it definitely adds to the effect of removing the audience to a different world. I really enjoyed the movie and I most definitely think that the movie isn't suitable for young children.

putting a smile on my face

I am absolutely inspired by all the creative projects and photos and artworks you find floating around the internet. This "bow" is soo adorable and it suits the model very well. The technology today allows us to obtain unlimited information and it seems impossible to see and learn it all! Bit by bit we slowly absorb, but time is definitely a factor! How do you find the time to do all the things you want to do, and the things that you have planned to do? This can lead to madness and frustration. Emotional instability and overeating, which may have happened today when we had the most awesome Thanksgiving dinner ever, are my symptoms for ill time management. Good food is no cure for frustration. Great food is anesthesia to numb the mind. Looking through blogs and seeing pretty photos of people and things is the remedy for a troubled mind! This photo made my day. It often amazes me how such small of a thing can change my mood and thus my day. It's good. People should just try to be positive all the time.

It was good to be home for the long weekend. A day or two in a different city reminds me of how lucky I am. There's a house to go back to. There's a kitchen with all the ingredients you need to make a feast. There's comfort and there's warmth. There's family and there's love.

Also, there's Mount Royal bagels...

photo via ilovemuffins

words..

Pen and paper, originally uploaded by Mack2.

I had a midterm today. It was an urban studies course titled "Cities". When I checked out the course last school year, I was extremely excited about it. It has been awhile since I've taken an arts course. Anyway, so I came out of classroom feeling completely stupefied. Writing used to be easy, or at least easier, for me. Now I can't seem to organize my thoughts into words. It's really frustrating. My midterm paper probably had more lines crossed out than lines with words so please excuse my ranting.

I came home, not wanting to study right away, watched an episode of gossip girl. This made me feel a little better, but still not 100% great.

I'm looking forward to something good happening soon.

Métro parisien | Paris subway

Métro parisien | Paris subway, originally uploaded by neoweb001.

I really am in love with Paris..

Fall!

It's getting colder now. Despite the fact that I hate wind chills and goose bumps, I'm looking forward to wearing fall/winter clothes. Nice warm turtlenecks, sweaters, nylons, boots, scarves, touques and much much more.

I am wearing my touque for the first time in a very long time. I think I might buy some more hats. They're fashionable and cute.

Now with the weather getting chillier and the day starting later, I have been craving for something like this.

I think my favourite drink is still a soy latte. Sometimes cappuccinos. If I don't really feel like having any dairy or soy, I just get a double Americano, black.

Maybe it's because I haven't had coffee for awhile or the fact that I just drink black coffee, I get quite shaky. This is probably not a good sign.

I'll have to go to Caffe Artigiano one of these days and pamper myself with a nice soy latte and a berry tart.

Love.

picture via Coffee stencil

Lost in Time

So a few weeks ago I picked up an Ion Magazine. I flipped over the first page and I saw this...

This is crazy. This is Eric. Well, it's not, but it's Eric!

I guess it's not unusual for people to look alike in this world, but what are the chances that you see one of your friend's face in a random magazine that you picked up in a shoe store? Odd. Very odd.

Looking at this picture reminded me of Eric back in our high school days. Then I realized that high school was..awhile ago. Time is flying by and sometimes we get lost in it. "Live in the moment" they say, but once you look at the bigger picture, it's hard to fit everything in place. So, let's do the best we can and make the best out of the time we've got. We can't do everything. We can't go everywhere. We can't know everything. But, we'll do the best we can. =)

spoiled spoiled spoiled

I yearn for you, my love.

my new favourite piece of art

I've recently fallen in love with lipsticks.

Growing up, it has always been about flavoured chapsticks, fruity lip balms, and shiny lip glosses. They smell good and they make your lips pretty. However, nothing makes the lips sexier than the use of lipsticks.

I was a bit late on picking up the trend of lipsticks. I bought my first one at the airport this summer: Shu uemura OR 530. This beautiful rose colour immediately caught my eyes and I chose it without hesitation.

I don't know if it is the personality changing, hormones rising, or just pure aging, I have become profoundly attracted to the world of red.

I used to be a tomboy who'd wear oversized t-shirts with sweatpants or tear-aways. I'd wear my brother's basketball shorts because I thought it made me look cool. I'd wear baggy jeans and caps. I'd kill myself before I'd put on a skirt. I didn't believe in makeup. All in all, I was not fashionable.

Now, I admit I like materialistic beauty. "Natural" makeup is flawless but sharp and colourful makeup is creative. It's exciting and it's extravagant. It's a different type of beauty and a different expression of the art. Each summer I travel to different countries and perhaps different continents. I observe the different attitudes each trend possesses. I take pieces of ideas to form my own style, like the making of a quilt. Our clothes define who we are. It's important to take the time and effort to appreciate the quality and design.

To conclude, I plan to purchase more lipsticks.

Add a little blush and you become your world's favourite person.

The start of something new

bound books, originally uploaded by cootsh.

4th year, here I come!

go beyond that

zero gravity, originally uploaded by [auro].

"liberty will not descend to a people. A people must raise themselves to liberty. It is a blessing that must be earned before it can be enjoyed".

It's the circle of life!

This morning I went to the public market with my mum in search for some fresh vegetables and fish for lunch. Having lived in Taiwan for the first decade of my life, I still can't be 100% comfortable visiting these markets. It's not really the flesh that bothers me. The only difference with that is that in supermarkets, the pieces of meat are packaged. What bothers me is that behind the stands with pieces of meat on display with the occasional flies hovering above stands a perfectly elegant looking woman from the waist up holding a really really sharp knife. Behind her are lively chickens and turkeys in cages, sometimes making the most unbearable sounds. Behind these cages are two huge machines: one for boiling the animal to death and the other to pluck all the feathers off. Yes... elegant looking woman indeed. 

Beside the meat stand is the fish stand. The fish just lie there on the stand and you can see them breathing or suffering. More than once in awhile, they freak out and jump up and down, spattering the customers with fishy water. I stand about 2 meters back from the stand. My mum laughs at me, but whatever, I like to keep my clothes clean. So eventually you take your pick out of the who knows how many fish on the stand. The man holding the knife grabs the fish, sometimes he bang its head for a bit until it's half dead or he just starts scraping off the scales while it's still alive. He then makes one sharp slit under the head and jabs his knife inside the fish to get all the guts out. He briefly rinses the fish in a bowl of water that can hardly be called clean. Finally he puts your order in a plastic bag and takes your money. This entire process probably takes under 5 minutes. 

The most disturbing of all is that the stands across from these meat and fish stands are selling bread and other baked goods. Next to this, a stand selling really cheap clothes or candies. I will never, not that I have ever done this, buy bread at public markets in Taiwan (not that there's anything wrong with it). 

Despite all of this, the meat and fish that you get from public markets like these are probably the freshest ones you'll get. At the same time, I can't wait to shop for food in an air-conditioned environment and still get really fresh meat and seafood. 

Blog for my Kyoto trip!

I've created another blog specifically for my trip to Kyoto.

April in Kyoto

I've been so busy!!

I give up on manually writing about my daily events.

I can never keep up! I'd do so much each day and it'd be late when I get back home. I'd be so tired and... basically, there is absolutely no time. No time at all! 

At first thought writing diary would be more meaningful then I realized that it's really harder than I'd expected. So, back to blogger. 

adventure I

Time passes by
History stands still

Love River

DSC02976, originally uploaded by aorukaya.

Save yourself! Quick!
It's open!

Ooy!

Frustration!, originally uploaded by Jack Oz.

This is how Taiwanese politics make me feel.

summer 2009

June 16, 2009

Narita Airport, Tokyo, Japan

It has been a long time since I last visited Japan. The memories of my last trip to Japan involved Disneyland, biggest snowstorm in 10 years and me crying in my daddy's arms. Although I've watched Japanese dramas and picked up common phrases here and there, I was still astonished and overwhelmed to see Japan in real life and was absolutely clueless about what people were saying. 

The shops in the airport were so cool. They have all sorts of traditional crackers and candies. They were all so delicately made that it's painful to consume. 

So many goodies

Ramen, Ramen, Yummy Ramen. 

I thought this was adorable. 

This counter is for customers to enjoy the traditional ramen while standing up. 

This is my first time taking JAL. I was very very impressed. It's definitely the best airline I've been on. The service is outstanding and the food is unlike the other airplane food. It's actually delicious! I used to dread the meal times when taking EVA or Cathay, but JAL meal time is something to look forward to. 

Unlike EVA and Cathay, whose flights depart from Vancouver around 1 or 2 am and arrive in Kaohsiung in the late morning, JAL depart from Vancouver around 1 or 2 pm and arrive in Kaohsiung in the evening. I prefer the EVA/Cathay flight times, but I prefer JAL flights. Note: the JAL seats are more comfortable. 

I didn't sleep much during our international flight because there was a kid who pretty much cried the entire 10 hours. It was unbearable and exhausting. The JAL flight line is from Vancouver to Tokyo and then to Kaohisung City. There was no trouble with luggage, which was great. Everything went smoothly. 

Now I'm back on the formosa. I'm ready to record the life here bit by bit. 

what's ahead?

Be brave and courageous. 

Go with the flow.

Panini for lunch

Second time making bread. The first time I made foccacia: rosemary and jalepeno with cheese. This is a farmer's loaf. It's very very dense. When it is done, the bread sounds hollow when you hit it at the bottom. 

We made panini from the bread. We made an eggplant casserole the day before and used it as fillings for the panini. 

I love having a panini press. 

Delicious

I'm drowning

I'm alone

I'm bleeding

I'm empty

I'm drowning

apple goodness

first time making a tart

apple tart

delectable.

summer is here

nutella and banana crepe, anyone?

Sustainability

Vancouver is one of the leading cities of sustainability in Canada. Today I went to EPIC Expo (Sustainability Living Expo, Green Living Exhibition) that is held in the newly expanded Vancouver Convention Center. We've been getting beautiful weather here in Vancouver yet I don't have my camera here to take photographs. Anyway, the building looks dashing in the sun. The green roof and the peculiar exterior shape of the building make it one of the most unique buildings in Vancouver. The interior is just as impressive. The wooden panels on the ceiling made it very, well.. West Coast. 

I bought a pair of earrings today from the Expo. This vancouver based brand is Billy Would. I've forgotten how much I adore wooden jewelry. Along with beautiful jewelry, the business card is absolutely adorable. 

There was a fashion show while I was there, and there were some very unique, sustainable, stylish and comfy looking clothes. I really liked this green top by Rio Rain but the sizes they had were too big for me. 

I really want shoes and clothes...

PS Had an almond croissant from Patisserie Bordeaux for breakfast. I think I might actually try something different next time - Pain au Chocolat. 

PSS I am in love with the miche bread from Patisserie Bordeaux. I bought a loaf and ate half a loaf within the hour. It's 'that' delicious. 

What's my next green step?

Pluck

picture via JenniPenni

A Word A Day:

Pluck (n.) spirited and determined courage; guts

Earthenware

Wedgwood Icon: Portland Vase

A few facts...

• 1759: Josiah Wedgwood, "the Father of English Potters" opened up his first factory, The Ivy House Works, in Burslem, England.
• 1768: His leg was amputated.
• 1769: the Ridgehouse Estate in Stadffordshire was purchased and became his new factory, Etruria. 
• 1774: A dinner set known as the "frog service" of 952 pieces was commissioned by Empress Catherine the Great of Russia 
• Josiah Wedgwood (1730-1795) was the grandfather of naturalist Charles Darwin. 
  
• 1940, A 300-acre country estate near the village of Barlaston was bought and a new factory was built . It became the headquarter of Wedgwood ever since. 
  
• 2009: Wedgwood celebrates its 250th anniversary. 

c.l.i.c.k

Most famous ceramic collections: Queen's Ware (1762), Black Basalt (1768), Jasper (1774).

 

A girl's second best friend: Chocolate

Chocolate is one of my favourite things in the world. It has a history of over 2000 years. The first people who discovered the secret of cacao (Kah-Koo) were the Maya and the Aztecs. They consumed it as a bitter drink with spice, much different from the now conventional 'hot chocolate', and was considered a luxurious beverage for royalty. Chocolate also played a role in the event of religious ceremonies. It was presented as an offering to the Gods in these cultures.

A good place for Aztec style hot chocolate in Vancouver is Chocoatl, located at 1127 Mainland St. in Yaletown. The hot chili pepper flavour in hot chocolate is very unique. 

More information about the history and making of chocolate can be found here.

Daily Candy sent out a video today regarding the chocolaterie Fine & Raw chocolate.

The video is very interesting and now I'm craving for chocolates!

Fine & Raw, a Brooklyn based chocolaterie, produces raw chocolates without sugar, dairy products and any other additives. It uses natural ingredients to produce the most natural form of this luxurious good. Cacao has high nutritious values. It is one of top food sources for antioxidants and magnesium. 

Please don't think that all chocolates are nutritious. It is a common misconception. Firstly, dark chocolate is more nutritious than milk chocolate or white chocolate. Secondly, the ubiquitous chocolate treats that kids eat today (chocolate bars) contains large amount of sugar and additives.

The ingredients used in Fine & Raw products:

The Blue Agave Nectar: This natural nectar is extracted from the Mexican high desert cacti. It is sweeter than sugar, but lower in calories.  

Coconut oil: virgin and cold pressed.

Himalayan Sea Salt: The purest form of sodium found deep within the Himalayan Mountains. It contains abundant minerals and is convinced by natural health practitioners that it can improve people's health. 

PS Chocolate is so delicious

PSS I wouldn't mind having some right now

A morning walk

I went to bed pretty late last night; however, I got up fairly early and decided to go for a walk. I started walking down 10th and was amused by how cute some of the houses were. It wasn't a good day for taking photos. It was a dark, gloomy day (at least in the morning). I still enjoyed myself though. 

Bottom Right photo: This house looked quite out of place. All the other houses were cottage-like little houses and this one was more modern looking than most. At the top window, a mannequin can be seen. Every time I walk or bus by, the mannequin is always dressed in a different garment. I wonder what the owner of this house does for a living? A designer? Perhaps. 

According to Ryan, I never shut up about this bakery. The thing is, it is so peculiar and inviting. It's extraordinary. It stands out from its surroundings. I have yet to try the bread there. My intention was to get the artisan peasant bread from there today, but it was closed today. It seems like most unique patisseries and boulangeries are closed on Mondays. One of my favourite places, Patisserie Bordeaux, was closed today as well. I was craving for an almond croissant...

I've gone to Transivania Bakery numerous times to try to get the famous, rustic peasant bread, but I was always 10 steps too late. They sell out very quickly. When I eventually get a loaf, I will write another blog. 

Folkart Interiors is a Canadian antique store located on 10th just before Alma. Like the bakery, the shop has character. Many stores weren't open yet when I was taking my walk so I could only peek in. It looked like a very fascinating store. It reminds me of a lifestyle in the country. It's soothing and relaxing. 

PS The weather seems to be getting better and better. Maybe summer is finally coming..

PSS 3 more exams.

Steel Bridge Competition

On April 1st, 2009 at 7am, the Steel Bridge Team of University of British Columbia commenced its ~1163km journey down to Helena, Montana. 

April 1st

We rented two vans and 1 car for 14 people in total. I was in the van with Justin, Jared, Kurtis and well, a lot of steel. The road trip was amazingly long but I slept through most of it listening to Justin's er.. heavy metal lullaby. We crossed the border by White Rock and drove eastward across Washington, Idaho, and parts of Montana. 

The eastern part of Washington was quite beautiful. We passed by beautiful hills and fields, a huge windmill farm, an enormous reservoir with the dam barely visible in the distance, a picturesque castle and many more that I slept through. Idaho was quite flat and desert-like. I dozed off constantly during the ride, and every time I wake up, I see a different scene - snow, rain, sunny, snow, desert, a lot of snow, rain, a lot of rain, sun, snow, etc...

We stopped by Perkin's for lunch and along with my Granny's omelette, I had a cranberry cream muffin. It was the best muffin I have had in a long time so I thought that was worth mentioning. 

There were a lot of snacking along the way, but I suppose that's normal for road trips. 

When we finally arrived in Montana, it was late and everybody was exhausted, except for the ones who went to the gas station that same night and got alcohol. Cheap. I was 25 days until legal drinking age. 

April 2nd

It really didn't take all that long to explore around the capital of Montana. I didn't see most of it though because well, I had company. Melody and I had crepes for breakfast. It was absolutely to die for. I hadn't had crepes since last year and this creperie made my stay in Helena so much better. 

I had delicious crepes in France but hadn't had any since then that really made me go crazy. I am completely obsessed with them now and am currently finding the most authentic French creperie in Vancouver. 

Today was practice day. We went to Carroll College where the Steel Bridge Competition took place. It was interesting to see how the competition was set up and the bridges built by other universities in the Northwestern Region. There were some extremely creative ones and some that made you go "huh"?

Our construction team consisted of 3 members - Justin, Kim, and Kurtis. We helped to set up all the members and watched them practice. We had high hopes for nationals. We had really high hopes. We watched the other teams practise and timed them. We were feeling very optimistic!

April 3rd

Competition Day

First things first: Breakfast at the creperie. 

Other then the fact that Justin accidently dropped 3 bolts, we had a very decent construction time. We were happy... until the harsh judges looked and measured carefully at the bridge dimensions. Uh oh, disqualification. 

Violations:

The weld was sticking out of the required length of the bridge. 

The width was too large!

14 teams competed in Montana, 8 teams got disqualified! That's horrifying! Over 50% of the participating universities competing in Montana got disqualified!

It was a sad day for everybody. We drowned our sorrows and disappointments with alcohol that night. 

April 4th

Time to go home. 

Of course, we all had crepes for breakfast! I also picked up a "bearclaw" from a bakery nearby for the road. It was like a apple strudel in a bearclaw shape pastry. It was delicious.

The road trip home was long. There was a traffic jam on the highway somewhere in Washington where an avalanche had occurred a couple of days earlier. We were stuck there for quite awhile. 

We got back to campus super late. As I was lying in bed trying to fall asleep, I had to listen to a Korean couple fight outside of my building. They were yelling so loudly and it was nearly 2am! I lied there thinking that even though we didn't do so well in the competition, I had a really good time. It was a fun trip and I'm definitely going on the trip next year!