a journey into my world

Korea 2009

2009-12-02T12:20:00.000-08:00

Some photos from my recent trip to Korea. It was a beautiful trip that gave me a lot of memories. Some of the best experiences in my life have been had in Korea: The Land of the Morning Calm.
A wonderful country with a lot to see and explore. Korea is on the crux of old and new and is shifting into a very modern society with all the comforts and conveniences of other places but with it's classical Asian background still largely intact. This was my third time going to Korea.

Central Post Office in Seoul

경복궁/Gyeongbokgung Palace - Seoul.

Downtown Seoul

Samsung building at Chongno Seoul

Old clay jars - perhaps for storing Kimchi/김치...

Haeundae Beach, Busan

Nampodong/남포동 in Busan

Busan city view from the Korean Democracy Memorial

Buddhist temple in Busan

Songjeong Beach/Haeundae-gu in the fog

Haeundae Beach after a morning rain

Antique Shopping

2009-11-26T22:54:00.001-08:00

Some items I found this past Tuesday at a couple local antique shops. The chrome toaster is vintage 30's/40's and the crystal wine glasses are from the 50's. Not super old, but I thought were quite nice and attractive. The toaster matches well with my other chrome pieces. Hopefully I can add a vintage milk-shake maker and hand mixer to the group!

Hangzhou China

2009-11-23T21:29:00.000-08:00

Some photos from a vacation to Hangzhou in 2007. I thought this was a beautiful city and although the city is heavily populated and the sky was not always blue ~ the overall feeling and experience was undeniably great. I would like to return some day, and also to explore China more fully and in depth. The country is so rich in history and culture that anyone who travels there should come back with wonderful and positive memories. I spent a total of 8 weeks in China during this particular trip.

I hope that everyone in the world will give other countries a chance before making quick decisions and assumptions. We should have open eyes and minds especially there is a vast and amazing world to explore. We should embrace culture and may also find that we are not so different from each other.
Cheers.

The Past

2009-11-17T18:43:00.000-08:00

A few shots from one of the local antique shops in Winnipeg. So many wonderful old things can be found here - these photos cover only a small part of this particular store. I wanted to add several new items to my collection but was able to hold back my urges and keep my wallet in my pocket!

I'm quite fond of old things - and find that the quality, design and functionality is better or in many cases far superior than their modern counterparts. I'd much rather have something from another era in my home :)

Gatineau Park Quebec - October 2009

2009-11-15T17:40:00.000-08:00

The trip out east had a stop in Ottawa, Canada's capital city where I stayed the night. The next day, I drove over to Gatineau Quebec and had a nice time viewing the beautiful autumn colors. I had always been told this was a perfect place to view the change of the seasons - and I was not disappointed. Other than some rain showers the day turned out well.

The following photos account for some of what I saw that day.

Ottawa, Ontario looking East towards Gatineau Quebec.
I won't say that Ottawa was my favorite part of the trip - but I will give the city credit on it's beautiful architecture and surrounding countryside.

Gatineau Park - autumn colors. I just beat out a group of tour buses and was able to have this lookout point to myself! Nothing worse than a group of people all vying for position trying to photograph the same thing!

Around every bend in the road there were some great shots and colors. Some of these "action" road pictures are also my favorite.

Toronto October 2009

2009-11-13T23:04:00.000-08:00

Some random shots from the city of Toronto.

Streetcars were very accessible. Although slow at times, they a unique way to get around.

Buildings on Yonge Street. The street is one of the longest in the world and is one of the main arterial roads in the city. It was also the site of Canada's first subway line.

View to downtown from the CN Tower observation floor.

Chinatown businesses. The look and feel of Toronto's Chinatown gave me the feeling of returning to China - the restaurants were great and inexpensive too.

An outdoor fresh vegetable/fruit market. These can be seen on many street corners around the downtown area.

The Central Train Station - located near the CN Tower and downtown Toronto.

Flower shops, much like the vegetable vendors are everywhere.

Toronto: A Positive Experience

2009-11-11T22:25:00.001-08:00

This was my first time to visit Toronto, and I left Winnipeg with some hesitation as to whether or not I would actually enjoy myself. Many of my friends and co-workers had some tough words for the Ontario city, and although I listened - I did keep my opinion neutral until I saw the place for myself. Well, I was pleasantly surprised: Toronto is a great place with much to see and do. The city and it's citizens get a bad rap in Canada, and I would like to make this blog post in response to some of the critics and say, for all Torontonians, that your city is wonderful, and I would definitely visit again.

A few observations:
1. The people are friendly:
Before I went to Toronto, I was bombarded with remarks on how rude, ignorant and self-centered Torontonians could be. I of course, chose to give the city and its citizens the benefit of the doubt, and was happy I did. I found everyone I talked to were very courteous and helpful. I had very little clue where I was going half the time and I never had issue with asking for assistance. Of course I am sure there are a fair share of unfriendly people in Toronto - but from my experiences there, I was very satisfied. So please, don't judge an entire city and it's citizens as 'rude' before you first go there and see for yourself.

2. Toronto is not dirty:
Well no more than any other city of millions. I found the streets to be in order and well maintained as well there were not piles of trash and little strewn about the ground like in some places I've been. The public transit was clean and the subway stations were not filthy. I'm not saying there aren't areas that need attention - but by in large, the city is not a dystopian wasteland like some would describe it.

3. Toronto is safe at night:
Maybe I am dead wrong on this point - but I will say that I was out past midnight on occasion, and never at any time did I feel my life was in danger. I've heard people use such harsh language when referring to the safety of Toronto's streets at night - like some kind of apocalyptic war zone or like a scene from The Running Man. Well, there were no crazies chasing me, or trying to steal my belongings. I was just another person among all the others - enjoying my evening and not thinking about getting killed or mugged.

4. Toronto is an efficient city:
This is very true. I have been to some large cities in the world that were half as efficient as Toronto. From the Airport to Greek-town took approximately 50 minutes using various forms of public transportation which was fast and always on time. I had also rented a car and found the streets were marked clearly, and getting onto the larger thoroughfares like the 401 and QEW was very easy. Mass transit had several buses running the same route and there were always street cars and the really easy to use subway system.

5. There are many things to do:
If you are bored in Toronto - whether as a tourist or resident, you need to seriously get out more. There is absolutely no excuse to sit inside with nothing to do. Rain, snow or shine, there are dozens of opportunities to enjoy oneself - either as an individual or amongst friends. Whether it be museums, cultural events, art galleries, dining, shopping, music, sports, etc., you should be able to find something that fits your mood or budget. So, to the people that continually say "there is nothing to do in Toronto", go stick your head in the sand!

6. You can have fun on a budget:
I am not the type of person to spend piles of money on entertainment or leisure activities - so when I was going to Toronto, I was a bit worried as many people I talked to had said it was far to expensive to actually enjoy yourself. On the contrary, I thought the majority of things were reasonably priced. Even the tourist trap CN Tower wasn't out of this world - although it was the priciest thing I did while there. Museums, art galleries, restaurants, etc can all be found to fit into a specific budget.

Tonight

2009-11-10T22:25:00.000-08:00

At the Golden Dragon Citizen of the Year Award, hosted by the Winnipeg Chinese Cultural & Community Centre. They were honoring three citizens of Manitoba for their work in promoting culture, education, economics, and trade within the city, province and the whole of Canada. Also, these individuals were recognized for their dedication and support of the local Chinese community. It was an interesting night, with some typically long speeches, some music and food.

A version of Chinese spring rolls - and were quite delicious - as was the stuffed tomato. I could have eaten 20 of the spring rolls, if I had the chance, haha.

The main course was pork, mashed sweet potato and red pepper/bok choy. Quite good, and the meat was cooked very well. And only two pieces of asperagus - I wish was more!

There were two desserts - one was a Almond Mousse Cheesecake and then there were the fortune cookies dipped in chocolate ~
My one fortune read "You will soon gain something you have always desired", haha....I think it is a good fortune and I shall keep those words in mind.

This was the gift at the table for each guest. Maybe better for weddings though, haha. Well, I can use that for tea at work so I am happy about it. And of course, the little gold box of chocolates was a nice little thing to take home :)

Cheers.

The Secret

2009-11-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

Rhonda Byrne writes an interesting and informative perspective on such favorite topics as success, wealth, relationships and the power of positive thinking. Take this book for what it is. I would not suggest following it word for word; rather adapt some of "The Secret" into you own life. Much of the items reviewed in it's 198 pages can be dealt easily with common sense and a good attitude, however, the book is very positive and motivational; most readers should walk away satisfied.

Do not believe that by reading "The Secret", you will become wealthy or find true love; that is not the purpose here. I found the real objective of this book was to enlighten the reader and offer some different perspectives; by using positive thinking, good judgment and knowing ones own limits. With these qualities. anything can be accomplished. 3/5

Yes, I like Star Trek

2009-11-09T14:19:00.000-08:00

It is no secret that Star Trek (in all it's incarnations) has always been one of my favorite television and film series'. I'm not a die hard super fan, that knows the precise details of each character and episode, rather an avid viewer who smiles each time Kirk makes some witty comment or when Picard faces off with Q. The series - originating with 'Star Trek' back in 1966, has done wonders for the science fiction genre and has paved the way for a lot of what we see today. Gene Roddenberry was indeed far ahead of his time when he crafted the original series and should be counted as one of the great visionaries of our time. 12 films and 5 television series' (+1 animated) has shown that Star Trek has weight in the entertainment world as well as popular culture; and will be around for a lot more years to come.

Cheers.

Washing Hands

2009-11-09T13:03:00.000-08:00

So I thought I'd start my blog rants with a classic: Hand washing. Oh yes, we've all heard the spiel and know the drill but why then, do so many people refuse/forget/don't care about washing their hands? I mean, it only takes a fraction of a minute to perform this very basic function - water, soap, lather, rinse. It is such a common sense, easy thing to do.

If you go to the washroom, wash the hands. I don't want to be touching a door handle, railing or ATM after you've been doing your business - it is disgusting, filthy and really quite ignorant. It comes down to respect and etiquette to your fellow citizens. Do you think it is appropriate to shake your clients or coworkers, friends or family members' hand after you have just finished relieving yourself - without having washed your hands? If you answer "yes" then you are simply a pig.

When you sneeze or cough into your hands - which you shouldn't be doing anyway - is it so difficult to find a sink and do a quick wash? The process takes 20 seconds to complete and will not put you behind in your day. Do you have some rare illness that prevents your hands from being immersed into water? Soap then? What is it about hand washing that so many people find unreasonable? The water isn't acid that will scold you!

The spread of many illnesses and bacteria are directly linked to a lack of hand washing. Teach your children, educate your students, and for crying out loud - use some good old logic and common sense. If a Chimpanzee can be taught to wash it's hands - than so can you!

I do not believe this is a difficult objective to accomplish - it's like tying your shoe, or brushing your teeth!

Cheers.

Montreal Signs #1

2009-11-08T21:17:00.000-08:00

Some interesting signs around Old Montreal - De Vieux Montreal
October 2009. Such a cool place - definitely my favorite area, in what is
now my favorite city in Canada. For anyone planning a holiday to Canada,
or for those already residing here - I highly recommend Montreal and the
province of Quebec.

Decorated for Halloween. I ended up eating here 1 day later.

Many different cuisine choices from around the world
were offered here - there was never an excuse to be hungry!

Welcome

2009-09-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog.
Here you will find what I hope will be some interesting details of life in Canada, my travels, and some things that I am passionate about. You may not agree with some of the things I post, and you have the option of expressing your opinion.

Enjoy your stay, and I do wish you a pleasant journey into my world.

Cheers.