Rediscovering Ottawa- The Debut

So as I was getting ready to put together my travel plans for this summer, I returned to my blog and discovered that I totally forgot to publish my lost post haha. Um..well its about a year late, but um enjoy hahaha..

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Wow! Its been a year (almost exactly) since I left Australia. Been a crazy year and I've been waiting for the perfect occasion to get back to this blog. Unfortunately, all of my travel plans fell through and I'm back in the nation's capital again. annnd since I haven't been doing much traveling, I thought hey! Why not RE-discover my home-away-from-home for the past 5 years?? 

I know I know...Ottawa isn't exactly a "travel destination", but I've just recently realized how little of Ottawa I've explored despite spending a huge chunk of my life here! So I've decided to dedicate my summer to exploring every nook and cranny of this city. Just thought I'd share what Ottawa has to offer =D

Super quick re-cap: 

Since June, I've.....

Met C-3PO and R2-D2

Milked a cow on Canada Day 

                     annnnnnd cartwheeled down the street of the PM's residence (NBD really)

Clearly Ottawa has been pretty random but awesome the past month and a half.

Fast forward to yesterday! Arguably one of the most awesome day so far. 

It was about 9000 degrees out. So hot to the point I was convinced it was a good idea to hunt down fresh eggs and cook them on the hood (I still think it would've been a good idea lol...). 

Went down to Richmond Nursery Berry Farm to pick some WILD STRAWBERRIES (bahah Andrew). 

Quite possibly the ugliest giant strawberry I've ever seen. Thought it was a sad legless lady bug from down the road.

Muddy, fertilizer covered strawberries. So gross yet SO YUMS. Tried my best to refrain from munching on unwashed strawberries myself. But all the while I was breaking my back picking the berries, Andrew just munched his way down the rows of strawberries (proooobably the reason he lost his voice later now that I think about it....fertilizers...pesticides...bugs...)


The HIGHLIGHT of the day: Sucre Sale pastry shop

A hidden gem all the way out in Manotick. This pastry shop is own by extremely friendly French gentleman who genuinely loves food and enjoys sharing his love and passion for good food with others.

Hazelnut chocolate mousse cake (its actual name is probably much more elegant than that..but I can't remember what its called lol) and walrus and port pâté. Wait what? walrus? ohhh yes. Mother f-en WALRUS. I didn't even know people eat walruses. 

Quick dip at Mooney's Bay. Just missed the HOPE volleyball crowd, so it was nice and garbage-y.


I guess by debut...it really is just this one post ...i did have alot more adventures in Ottawa after this day though, so maybe when im bored, I will scroll through my pictures and put up another post "from last year"

=)

DAY 36: Bye-Bye Australia

Thats right..tis sadly the end of my Australian adventure. =(

I unfortunately had to cut my trip a couple weeks short due to a very unfortunate..and unbelievable dramatic incident. Long story short, crazy housemate went psycho with chinese medicine and ladle, she over-reacted, we over-reacted, I over-reacted, the landlord over-reacted, the cops over-reacted, I over-reacted again, my mom over-reacted, uni didn't want to compromise my safety, my mom over-reacted again........and a couple hours of hysteria and a couple days of paranoia later......I'm on my way back home.

My departure was so abrupt that I didn't have much time to scavenge for interesting australian products.  Stupid Sydney airport's wi-fi also didn't work, so I couldn't check facebook for Kyra's recommendation =(. Nevertheless, I had an hour before boarding and a couple spare Australian dollars to spend, so bought some EXTREMELY overpriced authentic Australian snacks. I think I recall seeing tim tams and kangaroo from Kyra's list, so I just went for those 2. 

Note to future last minute souvenir scavengers: do NOT buy kangaroo jerky (tastes like salty rubber). DO buy Tim Tams =)

Well prepared for my 15 hour flight. Wanted to puke after half a bag of cheese balls.

Overall..to say this trip is full of drama and crazy times might even be a bit of an understatement haha but it wouldn't be a true adventure without big ups and downs and at least there wouldn't be a dull moment whenever I'm around...!!

Even though this trip was shorter than expected, it was nothing but fun and excitement.

Time to start saving up for the next trip!

Until next time....peace! ^^

DAY 35: Sydney Part II

Today's (supposed) schedule:

1) University of Sydney

2) Fish Market

3) The Rocks

4) Bondi Beach

University of Sydney

I wanted to visit University of Sydney to see if I like the campus enough to make it a prospective uni for postgrad. Our trip there however didn't turn out exactly as planned. So I checked the website to see how to get to the campus and it told me to take the train to Redfern station. But that I later learned was a terrible idea because the Redfern area is SO CREEPY. We walked in silence for 20 mins because we had to concentrate so hard on staying alive. It was just so sketchy..we were probably stared down by a couple druggies/drunkies along the way..but we wouldn't know because we avoided anyone's eyes and kept our heads down as though our lives depended on it. I swear we could've been mobbed...

The campus itself was quite stunning even on such a gloomy day. Had we known to take the bus directly to campus instead of walking 20mins from Redfern station, I would've liked University of Sydney so so much better. Prospective institution?..maybe..not. 

Really pretty building at the University of Sydney campus. Reminds me of the parliament.

Chinatown

After taking a super speedy 15 mins tour of the campus, we bused back into the city and went to china town and Paddy's market.

Chinatown. like all chinatowns...not exactly the most interesting destination in my opinion.

I was starving, so I stopped by a bakery in Chinatown and found this tasty treat. Cheese and chocolate bun. Sounds disgusting, tastes delicious.

It was rather embarrassing actually...In my haste to try this crazy bun..I just snatched it from the rack and went to pay..and the cashier stared at me like Im some alien and pointed at the tongs and trays right behind me. Geez lady..don't blame me for your poorly designed store..why would you put your trays and tongs at the END of the store where you pay instead of the ENTRANCE of the store where people start looking......

Market city/ Paddy's market?! i don't know..I thought they are the same thing, don't know why there are 2 names for it. Anyways, got lost there haha I don't know how between the 3 of us we still managed to get lost in a relatively small area............we walked around/through paddy's market 3 times before we found the light rail station. Apparently it was located right infront of the market where we started...you can even see the stupid rail way in this picture. We are blind.

Fish Market

Wasn't too impressed with this fish market. Way too crowded. 

Had lunch there. Thats about it.

Fish.

The Rocks

Obviously just from the name, this place is smashing cool!! booth aafter booths of handmade and original sales items. Definitely my cup of tea. I highly recommend checking this place out. The rocks market is only opened on the weekends from 9am- 5pm I believe and maybe longer hours in the summer.

My favourite store at the market is this contemporary jewellery booth. They turn gears and other metal stuff into really amazing necklaces, earrings, bracelets...etc. They are a little pricey, but the unique design and originality is definitely worth it.

check out their website: http://www.ahwstudio.com/

THE ROCKS market

Roasted corn at the rocks!!!!!! yum yums

On our way back from The Rocks, we stopped by the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Hehehe....

Darling Harbour


Met up with Tung's auntie for dinner later that night. Had some malaysian food...again (what is up with this trip and malaysian things..?!?!) Not complaining lol. just ..find it funny.

Then she took us on a looooooong walk along Darling Harbour. Gorgeous place. It was really busy and lively even at 10pm. I really enjoyed it there. If there is just one thing that will bring me back to Sydney, this after-dinner walk/dessert at Darling Harbour would be it. <3

Darling Harbour

After a full day of walking..a long stroll along the harbour isn't exactly fun and games. Especially for Tung, who is ALREADY crippled enough as it is from her soccer injuries...we basically had to half carry half drag her along....that poor thing..=(

but ON THE BRIGHT SIDE....that stroll wasn't for nothing since we eventually stopped at Cockle Bay Wharf and had THE BEST Lindt desserts. nomnomonomnomnom....mmmmmmmmmm (bahaha I feel like im ALWAYS eating. its awesome)

I think this is still part of Darling Harbour. Isn't it just amazing??!

Our dessert plate. Freaken stuffed by face like I've never eaten dessert before. But it was just SO DELICIOUS. I had a chocolate milkshake on top of this too. but the picture does not do it any justice. 

I'm drooling just looking at this picture now....

What a great way to end the night (and trip)!!!

To-Do List in Sydney:

QVB
Pitt Street Mall
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Bridge
Manly Beach
Darling Harbour
The Rocks
Bondi Beach
Taronga Zoo

Although we didn't have time to go to Bondi Beach and Taronga Zoo....we DID go to University of Sydney, Fish Market and Chinatown. 

I'm super pleased with my trip to Sydney. And will definitely be back! 

DAY 34: P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way SYDNEY!!!!

Last stop: Sydney (Part I)!

Before I head on home, I had to visit Sydney!

With my awesomely diligent planning, we managed to squeeze in quite a bit of activities during our 2 days in Sydney. Alright, Tung gets some credits for the planning too...afterall she did bring her Sydney tourist guide book thing...which would've been really helpful IF ONLY I could read chinese...-_-

We started out at Sydney airport and almost got tricked by the information desk lady into taking a $15 train into the city. Fortunately we are extremely thrifty and found a much cheaper way into the city. Ended up saving more than 10 bucks, which we later spent on a hearty steak. =D

Sydney tourist life-savers: free tourist guide book from the airport, Sydney map, train/bus ticket.

This is waay cool. A double decker SUBWAY. Those double decker buses can move the heck outta the way!

This is the way to travel in Sydney. Its awesome AND affordable.

Got off the subway at Central station and hopped on a FREE city shuttle bus which took us around the city. 

First stop in the city: Queen Victoria Building (QVB)

QVB is this amaazing building. Elegant design and pretty high end shops and cafes. We didn't spend alot of time there however, because 1) it was super crowded in there 2) I would be in great danger of emptying my whole bank account in there if I didn't leave ASAP.

The inside of QVB. Massive clock in the middle of the mall is just so ostentatious lol As if QVB is not glamourous enough. Having said that...I want to live here haha. 

 Islay the talking dog outside the QVB. I was just minding my own business when this crazy statue started coaxing me into throwing a coin in his fountain. "Hello, my name is Islay, if you throw a coin into the wishing well now, I will say........" and there he left me hanging...so I HAD to throw a coin in...and he said "thank you" ...oh wonderful lol What a waste of my 20 cents. 

But being the stupid idiot I am...I had to throw another coin in because I was distracted by what Islay was saying and totally forgot to make a wish the first time haha. Another 10 cents into the fountain for my lovely wish. It BETTER come true.

After QVB, we just walked along George Street and onto Pitt Street Mall. A great view of the Sydney Tower on our way there.

All I have to say about Pitt Street Mall is that...shopping sucks when you're on a budget. =(

Moving on!

Highlight of the day: Manly ferry + Manly beach
Took the Manly ferry over to Manly. Manage to snatch first row seats on the ferry and had a first class view of the 2 famous Sydney landmarks. I also realized that I don't get seasick on any boat other than that stupid whale watching boat. Good to know lol.

 View from our first class seats =)

      

Manly beach. One of Australia's most famous beaches. I can see why. 

I think we can all agree that the best thing about this picture is the seagull haha. 

And of course, it wouldn't be a wrap without a jumping shot. Unfortunately, my usual talented photographer didn't come to Sydney with me, so I had to settle for Tung, who failed miserably at taking jumping shots. 10 leaps and a sore groin later, she still managed to take ZERO acceptable photos. 

To-Do List in Sydney:

QVB
Pitt Street Mall
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Bridge
Manly Beach
Darling Harbour
The Rocks
Bondi Beach
Taronga Zoo

To be continued.....Sydney Part II

DAY 28: Brisbane!

Finallly internet access!

Behold my super duper ancient post that should've been up a week ago!

SO! On Saturday, Mr. Preston took Tung, Jessica and I on a little road trip to lovely Brisbane. To be honest, I seriously don't remember much of it. I didn't get any sleep at all for 2 nights in a row prior to this trip, so I was pretty much a walking corpse the whole day.

Okay I lied, I do remember it, but everything is just mushed up. Good thing I have photos as reminders and hopefully that'll piece my timeline together!

First stop of the day:  UQ. Very impressed with the campus. If only Queensland was nicer to me while I was there...I would totally consider doing my postgrad studies here.

 

 University of Queensland. Just so happy to be there. clearly haha

 We were just walking around UQ campus when we spotted (and later got followed by)these hideous looking turkeys. Such fat and ugly creatures...haha they remind me of the joker...with a very large butt and a wobbly strut. 

After UQ, we went up to some famous look-out (I'm really sorry..I cannot remember the name of the look out..). I do remember reading something about One Tree Hill on some sign there tho...anyways, gorgeous view of the whole Brisbane city. A tourist must-go.

"I've got the whole world in my hands..." ;)  well..just Brisbane hehe.

 Our handsome tour guide of the day + 3 zombies (1 sleep-deprived, 1 crippled, 1 just ..bored lol).

Couple hours of shopping (on Queen street?) and a couple little purchases (found the Australian version of Sephora!! highlight of my day haha isn't that just sad) later..........

Found THE best ice-cream truck EVER on our way to take the ferry. Thats right. Screw diets and workouts..I love fat too!

Ended the day on the ferry along the river. Froze my butt right off on that darn boat, but got to experience the best of Brisbane and took some nice shots of the bridge and night views along the way.

Even in my zombie-esque state, I still had loads of fun today! I can't wait to visit Brisbane again sometime in the future under a more desirable condition haha.

MIA

Sorry guys, I know I've disappeared off the face of the planet this past week. It's been a drama filled week ...and there will be some major changes to my trip. I will update as soon as I can. I have limited Internet access as of now. I'm currently trying to blend into the wall at McDonald's while i steal their wi-fi without ordering anything lol Stay tuned for any updates !!!

DAY 24: Vegemite

This is for you Andrew Wong! 

Thanks for telling me to try the most disgusting bread spread EVER!

Knew I should've listened to Kyra.

So for the past couple of weeks, whenever I go grocery shopping, I've had this tiny voice in the back of my head urging me to go get some vegemite. So a couple days ago, I finnnally bought a tiny jar and I was super excited to to try it out since apparently I had to try it at my earliest convenience (said Andrew). I was super excited to try it as soon as I got home..except the stupid jar was reallllly hard to open and while I was secretly hoping I had Sarah's jar opener..the jar completely slipped out of my hand, hit the floor and shattered into pieces. There goes my vegemite. Thinking back, that might've been a sign NOT to try vegemite. But of course I was determined to try it, so I went out yesterday and bought a SECOND jar.

Vegemite sandwich...

I've been told that vegemite has an..acquired taste...but being asian... I was like..you know what..I've tasted some pretty weird things in my life AND liked them..so might as well give it a go. Boy I totally didn't see this coming lol. It tasted like really REALLY salty..spreadable..beer gone wrong lol. I had to down a whole cup of milk before I can get the taste out of my mouth.

Well there you go... If you're ever in Australia, and people tell you you HAVE to try this infamous Australian spread. DON'T DO IT. Consider yourself warned.

UPDATE:

Its official..Vegemite and I DO NOT GET ALONG!!!!!!!! ...freaken dropped the whole jar onto my laptop and dented my my track pad.