Asian Express: February 2011

Winter in Canada is supposed to be depressing. It is cold for 6 months of the year. The only way to get out of the winter blues is to constantly keep active during the evenings. Every region would host a winter wonderland to boost the spirit of its residence. So long as you are dressed for the occasion, the cool air is refreshing and welcoming.

I spent 2 nights in a cabin 2hrs north of Toronto. It was an organized trip as part of the Toronto outdoor club. The cabin was rustic with no running water; obviously no showers with an outhouse with no doors. It was my first time cross country skiing and although I picked it up fairly quickly, I was ill prepared for the 10km 4hr route; my legs and arms were in pain. After a break for food, vodka and beers, out we went again for some tubing. The powder was so fresh that each step would bring you at least knee deep in snow.
The next day, we skied another 3km, unsuccessfully went caving since none of us brought flashlights and drove back into Toronto, followed by a nice hot shower and comfort food.

Work has still been extremely busy so the boss tried to bribe us with centre court front row seat tickets to the NBA. I took the offer because I don't think I can ever justify 240CAD if I were to buy it for myself and the fact that the raptors are having a horrible season.

I have also experienced my first public transport breakdown. When in london, tube delays are expected but when the subway in Toronto breaks down, they don't have enough buses to accommodate the people. I guess all their money was spent on snowplows, dump trucks and salt machines. The mood is dark, people are grumpy and aggressive; I on the other hand stand writing this blog with a stupid grin.

I've also been trying to go snowboarding every weekend to improve my elite skills but I walk away from every session with some kind of injury; whether it be sprained wrists, pulled groin or sore chest. The half pipe was the winner, I caught an edge and smashed myself on the hard ice. No gym for 2 more weeks.

To add to the failure list, I met a girl at a Vietnamese restaurant. We will call her 'Pho Girl'. After communicating with Pho Girl for a bit, she picked me up from my place one Saturday at midnight and we went for a drink. The night ended with me trying to steal a kiss....DENIED!
The next day, we went for a movie then chatted away over a beer. Again, the night ended with me trying again for a kiss....DENIED! A week later, Pho Girl asked if I wanted to go night boarding and I kindly accepted. We boarded from 4pm till 9pm then went for a burger and a pint guinness. She dropped me off around midnight and I figured I'll try my luck one final time and.........you guessed it, DENIED!
I think I am in the friend zone. Persistence is the key so I may consider trying again in a few weeks.
Updated Toronto photos here

Sam

Outside Cabin - 11.5 MB
Inside Cabin - 9.6 MB
Pre Ski - 8.6 MB
Post Ski - 11.5 MB
Tobogganing - 4.8 MB
Caving - 7.7 MB