Asian Express: November 2010

How is it possible for someone living on the other side of the world but yet have no time whatsoever? Well it goes something like this.
Midweek drinks, movies, pub quiz, comedy shows, shopping, dinners, weekend travels, parties, shows, shopping for winter clothes, planning for Eileens arrival over Christmas, visiting other sites of Toronto, more movies, more drinking.

It was my first Canadian Halloween so I had to get a good costume. Initially I wanted to get a squirrel costume as there are squirrels everywhere in Toronto. Unfortunately it was sold out and I had to opt for my second choice; a skunk. Yes a bit lame but also very warm if we ended up going out. In fact, it was so warm in my costume, I had to take the head gear off every 30mins; was definitely a bad choice. The good thing about it is that I actually bought this costume! Never know I may get freaky and do some role playing......

On Sunday, I was relieved to have a peaceful day mainly because the 6 days leading up to Halloween, we had been out for 4 of those.

Monday night came around and it was my German mate Tom Orrow’s birthday and we went for Korean BBQ. BBQ food and beers go hand in hand. Got home at 1am stumbling through the house while passing out fully clothed. This is starting to become a routine.

Weekend of Nov 12, Tom, Kayla and I drove 6 hours to the Capital City of Ottawa. We decided it stay at Hi-Hostel which was an active jail until 1972. The rooms were actual cells so it was a bit creepy. We arrived at 12am and decided to go out for a few beers and make the most of our time in Ottawa. The province of Ontario is very strict when it comes to liquor licenses, all bars and pubs have to stop selling liquor at 2am but most places will remain open until 3am. For some reason, we managed to get absolutely maggoted in the 2 hours we were out, stumbled around the city then ended up eating Poutine at 3am. Poutine is the dish of Quebec but it is also very popular after a night out on the booze.

The next day was spent sightseeing; Parliament Hill, House of Commons, Canadian War Museum, Samuel de Champlain statue, Rideau Canal (which was disappointing since it was drained due to construction work). We even walked around the University of Ottawa for the hell of it.
Then it was back to the hostel for a tour of the jail where we got to see artefacts, death row. It was also the site of Canada’s last public hanging. Airey eh?

Sunday night and it is good to stay in. This is a pretty boring update as I have forgotten all the funny things that have happened.
Although I did buy a pair of winter boots to prepare myself for the snow blizzards. At $160CAD, it has got to be one of the most unsatisfying purchases of all times! Next on the shopping list are long johns and possibly a pair of ice skates.....?

Halloween photos here
Ottawa photos here

Sam