Foreign fruits

While in Asia, I wanted to try some local fruit that although it's possible to find them in Toronto, they're probably better from the source.
There were a couple fruits that I had on my list based on memories of childhood or stories from relatives, but others were just simply picked up at the market based on the fact that I'd never seen them before.
It actually took me awhile to find some of the stuff (especially in Singapore) because many of the grocery stores have a Western influence on them and sell more fruit that I wouldn't think of as being really exotic.

My bounty from Singapore:
Clockwise from bottom right:
Malay apple - I'd never seen nor heard of this fruit before. I actually thought that it was a vegetable when I first saw it...for some reason I thought it was a pepper. It was pretty tasty. Not much flavour, but quite watery. A little bit like a good Japanese pear. Taste-wise, like I said, not much flavour...maybe a little bit pear-ish? Apple-ish? I could see it being really refreshing on a hot day.

Rambutan - I'd eaten these before and remembered liking them, although not remembering what they taste like. I've come to think that a lot of fruit from the area have similar flavors. The ones that I'd picked (I also don't know how to pick these things) weren't the best. I think it was a little early in the season anyway. As soon as a opened them, I knew...I remembered that if the skin from the seed sticks to the fleshy part, it's not the best. To me, they fall into the "lychee flavour" category. Just like lychees, you pull off the funky looking skin and have the translucent fleshy bit inside that you eat. Inside the fleshy part is a seed. I like these fruit.

Passion fruit - I suppose that this isn't the most exotic fruit of the bunch. There's lots of passion fruit juice on the market, and I have to say that I'm not a big fan of the taste of passion fruit stuff, but I still wanted to try the fruit just in case the fruit was better than the flavour (just like with blueberries, in my opinion). I'd actually eaten half of a passion fruit once before in Kenya, but it was extremely sour. Anyway, this one was much better. At the market, I wasn't really sure how to pick a good one, so the vendor was really nice and told me to select a wrinkly looking one (I think he was a little assumed by the fact that I was picking up just one of all of these random fruits and asking him was each of them were called - I don't really Chinese very well). Luckily, he didn't scam me (the thought did cross my mind) and I ended up with a really yummy fruit. It is true, the fruit tastes better than the juice. It's pretty much the same, but I still like the fruit better. A friend didn't want to eat it as he thought it looked like "snot". Great.

Dragonfruit - I'd seen lots of these at the market in different places, but I think this was the first time that I'd ever eaten one. I knew that
dragonfruit were white on the inside with black poppyseed looking specs, but I never knew that a vibrant magenta version existed too. How fun! It tasted, well, kinda boring. Starchy. I don't know if I got a dunce, but I wasn't too excited by it. A friend said that they'd eaten better, but I can't remember what they said was better about it. I'm willing to give it another try, but so far, I think it looks more exciting than it tastes.

Custard apple - another fruit that I'd never seen before, it was kind of mushy on the outside, and I would soon find out, super duper ripe! A little bit of searching on the internet makes me unsure of which species of custard apple/sugar apple/whatever I ate, but all I know is that it was damn good. My favorite fruit that I tried by far. I had no idea what to expect once cutting open this fruit and I'd happened to pick one of the smaller ones at the market just in case I didn't like it. This one was
probably about 20cm in length. To eat this fruit, you just take each of those fleshy bits, shove 'em into your mouth and spit out the black seed inside. I don't think I'd eaten/seen a fruit with a similar composition like this one before (I would come to find out that there's a whole bunch that are similar - durian, soursop, jackfruit...). As mentioned before, I got lucky and had picked a ripe one (so I felt like I was just smushing the pieces together when trying to pick out the pieces of flesh and making a mess out of it), it was really sweet and tasted like mango (in my opinion). It was soooooooo good. When walking in Chinatown last week, I found a shop that sells a smaller species of them at a pretty exorbitant price, but I'm sure I'll suck it up one time to see if it tastes as good as I remember.

I also tried a couple of pieces of soursop, via a drink. The juice was quite tasty, although I wouldn't be surprised if they'd put something in it to make it sweeter. It wasn't really sour per se, but had a flavour that I can't quite place. They suck a couple pieces of the fruit in the juice for good measure and it looked to be white in colour and sort of spongy-ish. It was okay, but I would like to try it in its natural state at some point.

In Kuala Lumpur, I got my hands on a couple more fruit:
Jackfruit - Seeing the size of these suckers, I didn't want to buy a whole one, but luckily, vendors were selling packages of a couple packages. This was the first fruit that I tried that I really didn't like. It had a dry quality and tasted like - I don't know - bad. It left a weird filmy texture on my mouth. It wasn't sweet, nor bitter. It wasn't a sticky texture, but I would describe the flavour as sticky (if that makes any sense). It also had a seed inside each of the fleshy units, and now I have absolutely no intention of opening up that can of jackfruit that's been sitting in my parent's pantry from many many years.








Mangosteen - I'd also eaten these before and liked them as well. I received a warning that the rind would stain clothing, so I was careful, but luckily, my black wardrobe is stain proof. Anyway, another tidbit of information that I got was that the number of "petals" on the "flower" on the bottom of the fruit would be equal to the number of fleshy units on the inside of the fruit. We picked two different petal-numbered fruits to see if this theory was true. Photo evidence to show, my gosh, it's true! How fun.









Just like a lot of these exotic fruits, each of the flesh units has a seed inside of it. the consistency of the flesh is a little bit more pulpy than a lychee (which I would define as been pretty smooth and consistent). I don't really know how to describe the flavour of a mangosteen. It can be sweet or sour (depending how good they are - I don't really know how to pick these either, but I know that the ones I picked were tasty!). I guess the taste is unique and not really like anything else that I would assume most people have eaten before - why is my mind racing about educational theories, Vygotsky, Piaget, associations and past experiences?

I also found some salak being sold in a grocery store, but there were probably 15-20 in a package and I wasn't quite ready to get that many. Why can't they just sell them in individual units? Darn it - I wanted to try this one too.

In Taipei, I didn't see anything else that I hadn't seen before. I did have the chance to try some attap fruit in a dessert. It was like eating a stiffer version of jello. The flesh was a sort of white-ish, translucent and I couldn't distinguish it's taste from the sweet dessert that it was in. I liked it, but I don't know if that was the sweet syrup that they'd added to the dessert or the attap itself. Again, I can't really place the taste. It didn't really have a taste to it, it was more about the texture for me. Wow - it's really hard to describe stuff that's unique.

In Tainan, I knew the end of my trip was near and that I had limited time to try the remaining fruits on my list (I was starting to see repeats of all the other "new" fruits that I tried...nothing looked exotic anymore so I had nothing new to try).
It had been on my list from the very beginning, but I had never found the right moment for it (to be explained in a future post about Singapore) and of course, I was always a little scared aout the prospect of eating...durian.

I'd seen durian everywhere, but it took me awhile to find a place that just sold a couple pieces in a package. Finally, I found a place and some other people who were willing to eat some with me and the stink began. It was brutal. It got worse and worse and so bad that I actually started to feel sick and get a headache. Still, I wanted to try eating it (I think I tried it when I was younger, but I have no idea what the result was. I know that I've seen it in my parents house before and the smell is definitely familiar, but I had no recollection about the taste). By golly, the taste really is completely different from the smell. The texture weirded me out completely. It's really mushy. Creamy. I can understand how people say that it would be better to eat after it's been in the freezer. Just like ice cream. The taste, well, the pieces that we got ended up being a little too ripe, and to me, it tasted like caramel. No joke. Unfrotunately, due to the over-ripeness, I got a little kick of you weird alcohol/liqueur taste (at least that's what I associate with the taste) which turned me off. I could only eat a piece the size of toonie as the flavour was overpowering. My brain was thoroughly confused. First of all, the texture didn't match the taste (in my opinion) and secondly, the taste didn't match the smell. I also had to stop eating, not because the taste was bad, but as I was eating, the smell of what was in my mouth made me sick. It was a horribly weird feeling. I can't tell you how many times I brushed my teeth and rinsed my mouth out that night. The smell lingered (but not the taste - although I did have that gross filmy feeling on my tongue) and my head hurt even as I was trying to fall asleep. So, I'm not the biggest fan of durian, but it wasn't horrible. If there was some way to get rid of the smell, well, that would make things a lot easier. I'd like to try a piece out of the freezer, but again, that smell thing. There's got to be some kind of solution. I always thought that taste and smell were linked. Other than the sour, bitter, sweet, etc sensations, I thoughts that what we "taste" is actually what we smell. So if that's true, what's up with durian?

I guess the other fruits that I ate that are kinda exotic are mango and guava.
I do have to say that the Taiwanese species of mango really are superior to any other mango that I've had. I love mango, and I couldn't really believe that one mango would be better than another, but it's true. Those smaller, green skinned mangos are amazing! They are sweeter and tastier...I only realized it after I'd been eating the better ones for a couple days think that they were pretty good, but not really understanding what the big fuss was about, until I ate the larger red/yellow skinned ones and found out that while they're still tasty, they just don't quite compare.
I'm not the biggest fan of guava, but I eat 'em. That's all I have to say about that.
Oh yeah, I ate a couple lychees as well, but luckily, they're pretty normal in Toronto, so I wasn't too excited by them. Apparently I was there just as the season was getting started, but apparently they get really really good, so I would be interested to taste just how good they get. Come to think of it, they said the same thing about the mangoes. Gosh, if those little green mangoes taste even better during peak season? Amazing.
Hmmmm - I didn't eat any persimmons on my trip. Didn't really see many though.
The one fruit that I did not even bother going near was the papaya. I've had many opportunities to smell and eat papaya in my lifetime and each time ended up with bad results. The smell makes me sick. Literally. There was no way that I was going to give in on this one becasue I was pretty convinced that if through all of these years of having access to the fruit and still not being able to tolerate it, trying it in a different country probably wouldn't make any difference. I am proud to say that I did eat one tiny piece of one in the fruit salad on the plane. It wasn't the best quality papaya that I've had, which actually worked out better for me because the flavour wasn't as strong. I think I took a little nibble on the cube, felt pretty good about the fact that I didn't immediately throw up, and then moved onto my dessert. I still didn't like the flavour, but I managed to take a nibble. That's success in my books.

Anyway, that's my fruit tales. It was a lot of fun seeing and tasting so many different things. The clear favorites for me were the custard apple and mangosteen. I know that I pretty much like anything in lychee flavour category, so lychee, rambutan...it's all good as well. And mangoes...always a special place in my heart for those.

Wonderful

I had a great day today.
Dance class, market, walking.
I think I'll have to start getting up earlier on Saturdays and go to the market before my dance class, because by the time I got to the market today, almost everything was packed up. What was left was on uber-sale, but that's not really the point. I had been craving some arugula, but the vendor that I was hoping to get it from was already gone. Boo. That's okay, I just got some asparagus (it's in season!) and it's really really tasty. Unfortunately, I will have stinky pee as a result.
I think forcing myself to wake up early and go to the market first will actually be better for my dancing. I'd actually woken up surprisingly early today (I think I'm over my jetlag) and had even eaten breakfast with enough time to let some of the nutrients coarse through my body, but class still felt a little bit rough. Maybe OJ and a poppyseed muffin isn't a good enough breakfast. I think going out for a walk first will help get my body going. And chances are, I'll probably pick up a snack from the market with some sort of protein content.
It was a beautiful day today, and I didn't really have anything pressing to do (after class and the market), so I just kinda wandered and got more groceries from Chinatown. It was a leisurely stroll and through light sun showers, street artists and a Capoeira demonstration, I had an enjoyable afternoon.
I'll probably curl up in my lounge chair and read a little bit.
It's been a good day.

A couple things

1. Going to Chan Hon Goh's last full-length ballet performance on Sunday - Giselle. Woohoo!
2. Walking in the rain's not too bad if you're prepared with a hat. I think I want to buy more hats. I'm not an umbrella person, but only because I like to be hands free. I like the compactness of small umbrellas so I can toss 'em in my bag, but I love the look of big umbrellas. You know, the ones that hotels let you borrow. If it's crazy-raining then a hat isn't enough. I like walking, and downtown really isn't that big. I think I should start walking around more often and forget the streetcar/subway.
3. The Royal Ontario Museum's new Schad Gallery is AMAZING. I can't wait to spend more time discovering the space.
4. What's with this weather. It's cold here. Too cold.
5. Still jet-lagged. Go to bed at 9-ish (later today because I didn't get home until 8.30pm and still need to eat dinner) and wake up at 6am (after waking up a couple times in the middle of the night (which I never usually do).

Meh

I used to get anxious and intrigue from my walks through Chinatown. The veggie and fruit stands were my favorite. Now it just seems so lack lustre. I suppose it is a rainy weekday afternoon.

Product placement at Porter

I like getting free snacks on Porter. I wonder if companies donate their products for marketing purposes. All I know is that I'm going to look for Walkers Stem Ginger Biscuits and the mini-yellow wax covered Emmental Babybel cheese at the grocery store.

Catching up

Boy, it takes a long time to catch up on a month's worth of TV shows.
Watching one season finale cliff hanger after another is exhausting!!!
Oh wait - season finales? What am I going to watch until they start up again?

Montreal, Canada (March 27th - 29th, 2009)

My trip to Montreal was a chance to travel somewhere. At that point I was itching to do something and I knew Montreal was would a fun place to go.
I hadn't been to the city since high school and my bad memory meant that I hardly remembered what the city was like. Actually, I was there for a night in university, but it was hardly a trip to see the city.
For the first time in my life, I rode the train in Canada. The seats on the Via train were much bigger and comfy-ier than any train that I've been on. It was great. I'd be happy riding the train again.
Anyway, I enjoyed the trip.
I got to see a couple sights, do a little shopping, ride the metro (on wheels!), eat some good food and walk walk walk walk walk!
I don't know what's gotten into me, but recently I haven't been able to buy anything. Or maybe I just haven't found anything that I adore. Right, that's what I'll keep telling myself.
As I said, the trip involved good food.
I like knowing a foodie because then I've got the inside tip as to where to go. I don't need to sort through the riff raf. Just go to where the good stuff is.
If you have the chance to go to Montreal, go to Le Club Chasse et Peche. If you didn't know that it existed, you probably would walk right by it. Located in the vieux quartier, this restaurant had a scallop appetizer that was just ridiculous. Everyone in the restaurant knew it. A diner at the
table next to us even told the Gods so. It was the best. I am a sucker for good service and this restaurant made me happy. The timing was good, people chatted with you just the right amount, they were knowledgeable about the dishes. It was sweet.
For such a great meal, I was surprised at the price. Seemed really reasonable. Is Montreal one of those places where people never cook?
And then there's Au Pied du Cochon. I was a little bit nervous about going as I don't like foie gras, but I knew I wouldn't forgive myself if I didn't give it a try. I had a couple recommended dishes to go on, but so many other things on the menu looked tasty. Our reservation was pretty late so we didn't have the best appetite, but enough to try some good stuff.
The restaurant way packed, the vibe was hype and the service, yet again was great. A different kind of situation from Le Club Chasse et Peche, but it fit with the personality of the restaurant. The people who work there must crash after the night's over. Although, having guests buy rounds of drinks every so often probably helps them.












For you non-frenchies, that's a duck in a can. At least, certain parts of the duck. I felt like my heart was going to stop beating.
I'm hoping to go back when the sugar shack location is open.









It's no secret that I love markets. I love seeing what vendors have got and I really have to restrain myself from buying copious amounts of food. I want to eat everything!!!
We went to both the Marche Atwater and the Marche Jean-Talon.
I wanted to buy tourtiere. Instead I had a tire sur la neige. It was much sweeter than I imagined it would be, but it was well worth it. So yummy.
I love zoos too. Well, animals. We went to the Biodome and saw some animals. I love watching animals, watching their behaviour and somehow trying to connect with them. I think all animals are beautiful. I should have been a zoo keeper. I think it was the first time that I saw spoonbills
feeding.
The Biodome was set up so that, while you couldn't get super up close and personal to the animals, they weren't exactly behind a glass case (for the most part). It was a better way to experience the way that they lived, in their own environment. The only I issue I had with the Biodome was that it was too small.

I get the feeling that I'll be going back to Montreal soon. And I'm pretty sure that I'll fly Porter. Not that the train wasn't amazing, but Porter's better.

More from Ottawa

Today, I took a personal day for myself.
I'm pretty sure I'm still jet-lagged as I didn't get to bed until 3am and although I knew I'd sleep in, I didn't realize how late it would be.
I didn't set an alarm clock, but I expected the sun and my body to wake me up at a fairly decent time.
3pm.
Ooops.
I actually had to check a second clock to make sure that my watch hadn't stopped overnight.
I was a little concerned that I wouldn't be able to make the couple tourist stops that I wanted to cover in Ottawa, but after getting my butt in gear, I managed to do everything on my list.
The two museums that I went to were the National Gallery of Canada and the Museum of Civilization.
At the National Gallery, I wanted to check out the Karsh exhibition and the Governor General's Awards stuff. I happened to walk through the Nomads exhibition (so weird) as well.
The two exhibitions at the Museum of Civilization were also well done. I liked learning more about mummies and it's kind of neat learning more about myths from different cultures.
I walked around the city a bit and enjoyed the sun and the architecture. I loved listening to the French and figure that pretty much everyone in the city is bilingual. I love it. And French accents are fabulous. Absolutely fabulous.
On the way back to my hotel I noticed a man dressed quite normally give our socks to some homeless people. He offered them water as well, but I didn't catch what the response was and what else he had in his backpack. I wonder if he was working with an organization or if he was just doing stuff out of the kindness of his heart.
In the elevator up to my room, I overheard a tourist (comes in handy to understand foreign languages) say that elevators go to the floor that's button was pressed first. I had to refrain from laughing.
Yesterday was the Ottawa marathon, and as I had a little bit of a late start, I walked by some of the festivities. It caused a little bit of a transportation nightmare, but out of the goodness of someone's heart, I was offered the use of their cellphone to clarify where my bus was being re-routed to. I've been very impressed at the hospitality of the people in Ottawa.
Also, am I a sucked for punishment or just can't pass up a challenge? I just googled 10k runs in Toronto. I'm thinking of doing one.

Weddings

I've been fortunate to attend the weddings of some very special people.
Not only is it a chance to be a part of something special in their lives, but also a chance to see how different people wish to put together such an event and tie in various ideas that are meaningful and important to them. It's also a chance to learn about cultures and traditions that I may not be familiar with.
I usually don't post pictures on my blog with people in them, but weddings are all about the people, so I thought it important to include a couple here. I have though, tried to include ones that don't necessarily show the whole face or are somewhat iffy in quality for that reason.

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Here's a wedding...
When I was younger, I thought all weddings took place in churches. I guess that's how TV and Hollywood shows it to us.
Sometimes there are speeches at weddings. Most of the speeches that I've seen take place at the reception during the meal, in between courses. The bride and/or groom can speak, members of the bridal party can speak, parents and/or relatives of the bride/groom can speak. It can be just about anyone.
Some speeches are short. Some are long. Some are emotional. Some are funny. It's another chance for individuals to express
themselves.
I admire anyone who takes the risk to stand up and speak in front of a crowd and I appreciate the words that they choose to say.
This particular wedding had a colour scheme of sky blue and creme as you can see in some of the pictures and here in one of the flower
bouquets. The wedding took place on a hot, hot, day, and after the ceremony and a round of pictures outdoors, the flowers
were starting to droop a bit at the evening reception.
Another tradition I've learned about the "first dance". Sometimes the song that is used has personal meaning and I've learned that some couples take this tradition quite seriously and prepare for it. Dance lessons, choreography, whatever the case may be. I know that this couple has taken dance classes together (unrelated to the wedding) and by the
bride's request, for the wedding they practiced the final moments of the dance.
Sometimes the first dance spins into other special moments. The bride dances with her father...the groom dances with his mother. Dancing, dancing, dancing. It seems like this is an important part of the evening.
More dancing. You can see the colour scheme in the dresses of the members of the bridal party.

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And another wedding...
The bride gets prepped beforehand. Hair and make-up is a big deal and some people hire outside help to get the job done. In the Western weddings where the bride opts to wear a veil, it is put on before the ceremony during the hair/makeup shebang.





This particular wedding had a rainbow colour scheme. Each of the maids of honour, bridesmaids and junior bridesmaids wore a different coloured dress and the corresponding best man or groomsman wore a matching tie and pocket square. It created a beautiful effect when standing together and really
complimented the attitude that the couple has towards life. You can see that the floral bouquets were part of the theme as well.
This wedding was also a church wedding and included words from various verses from the bible. Each verse was carefully selected and those who read them were chosen for various reasons.
Throwing flower petals and releasing doves. Unique touches that the couple wanted to include in their day.
All of the seated receptions that I've attended had a similar format where there was some sort of head table with the bride, groom, bridal party and sometimes immediate family members of the bride and groom. Often there are wedding favours that are given out to the guests and/or items that are placed on the tables that relate to the theme of the wedding or to the couple themself. At this wedding, each table had a picture of the couple and a fun "did you know" fact about them on the back. As guests came in, they knew to look for the specific table name to do with the
fun fact. You can see the bouquets from the bridal party hanging by the windows. I thought that this particular wedding took great care in selecting the floral arrangements and they clearly highlighted the colour scheme chosen by the couple.
A shot of the exterior of the reception location. The reception location itself is a reflection of the couple as well. I have not been to a reception where I didn't understand why it was chosen as the location. They just made sense. This particular location was in the mountains. A little bit of
a logistical hassle, but so well organized that it really wasn't a hassle at all. There was potentially a short hike for ladies in heels, but definitely doable, and the setting was perfect for the couple.
A change to more sensible shoes, and the crowd forms for the first dance. This one was a well choreographed routine, yet again perfect, as the couple LOVES to dance!

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Yet another wedding...
I loved this wedding not only because two special people were getting married, but it was a wonderful example of opening one's culture to others, making it accessible and a wonderful learning experience.
This particular wedding comprised of a Hindu ceremony and a Persian one. Being completely new to both experiences, as I mentioned, I appreciated the fact that along the way significant moments were explained. I could go off into a rant about how the world would be a better place if everyone was open minded and learned more about each other, but this is not the time and place for that.

Hindu ceremony
Friends, regardless of culture, were invited to dress in traditional saris. It was wonderful. There were no judgments passed, just a completely welcoming chance to be a part of the wedding and learn more about the culture.
After getting ready, there was a little rushing and sitting around to ensure that everyone was ready at a set time. The wedding was to commence at an auspicious time.


This is the mundir. I guess it's sorta like the altar of the church? Each item had significance and/or was used during different parts of the ceremony. Before the ceremony began, the priest was preparing for the wedding.

The couple looked wonderful in traditional outfits.
The ceremony had many parts to it, but apparently we'd gotten an abridged version. I didn't feel like it was dragging on, so that was fine, but I can't imagine how a longer version would work and how people would be able to sit through it.

Persian ceremony


This is the Sofreh-ye Aghd. Here's an explanation of things from someone who knows.








There were also words spoken at the Persian wedding.







Mmmm...tasting honey. Sweet, like their love for each other.





This picture is part of the Persian ceremony but also shows that the Hindu set up just beside. It really was a combined event and I loved it. I knew that I was surrounded by people who were intrigued and eager to learn about any components of the day that they did not know about before.













I haven't been to a wedding that didn't include a cake. Some cakes were fake, some were real and un-touched, and others were devoured.
A Persian tradition involves a friend of the bride dancing with the knife and the groom needing to give money in exchange for it.
Another setting for a reception. Very relaxed and low key, just like this couple. A Hindu wedding usually takes place over a couple of days, which just means more time with family and friends and lots of chances to eat food!

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Another wedding still...
Although this wedding maily displayed Taiwanese traditions, you could see that Western influences were creeping in, for example, by the bride wearing a white dress.
On the wedding day, the groom and his buddies arrive in the car to the bride's house. Firecrackers are lit to signal his arrival and a younger relative of the bride offers food to the groom as an invitation to come to the bride's house. Notice that there are two oranges on the plate. Everything is in pairs (two people are getting married) or in even numbers. Instead of one flower girl, there were two. There were two bridesmaids, you get the idea. Oh yes, anyone with a job gets money. So, in exchange for the two oranges, the "greeter" gets money. In this case, 600TWD. Six being a lucky number (also, notice that it's an even number too). The Groom also brings the bridal bouquet with him.
The groom brings with him many many gifts. All symbolic. Rock sugar, cigarettes, alcohol, candy, roosters. Again, notice that there's two of everything. When the couple leaves the bride's house, some of each of the gifts (except the cigarettes - due to their meaning) are sent back with the groom.
The groom gets the bride from her room and offers the bouquet to her.









An older family member of the groom has the responsibility of being sort of a mentor to the couple. She also gets a monetary gift (from the bride's family) for her job. You can see her telling the couple to thank the parents of the bride and this is the time where they say goodbye as the bride now goes with the groom to his family's house.
The parents of the bride also put the veil on the bride at this time (as opposed to during hair/makeup time like in Western weddings).
The couple leave the bride's house and the bride's head is covered. You can get a glimpse of the colourful banner hanging in front of the house. On it, there are various gods depicts, each with their own symbolism.
Timing of different events is key. The groom arrived at the bride's family's house at an auspicious time, and fetched the bride from her room at an
auspicious time as well. When arriving to his family's house. They would also complete set things at specific times as well, much like in the Hindu ceremony.
As the bride leaves her family's house, she drops a fan with a red scarf which a family member collects.
Firecrackers are lit. Many many many firecrackers.
That night, the groom's family hosts a dinner reception for their friends and relatives. A select number of family members on the bride's side are invited and wear flowers to distinguish that they are on the bride's side. They are to enter the reception together and leave together. They need to leave a little earlier to let the groom's side enjoy the festivities longer.


The bride would change into a couple different outfits that night. I'd overheard that it would be six, but I don't think it ended up being that many.
There was no dancing during the event. Just a wonderful meal.
Throughout the meal, there was musical entertainment and a special moment was when the couple sang a duet.
The next night, the bride's family hosted a reception for their relatives and friends. Again, certain family members from the groom's side were invited.
The bride continued to change outfits...
And the couple along with their parents toasted the guests.
Another outfit and more toasts.
Couple and their parents made their way around the room to toast and thank each table for coming to celebrate their wedding. Close relatives would also approach the head table to toast with them.
On the first night, immediate family members of the groom would also make the rounds and toast with tables, and on the second night the same could be said for family members of the bride's side.
As there is no dancing at these events, as soon as the meal is over, guests start to head home and the couple waits by the doors to bid them goodbye, thanks again and sending them off with a small gift.

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I was also invited to a wedding that would have a little bit of a Korean flavour, however, due to prior commitments, I could not attend. Boo. Luckily, the couple was very understanding and I heard lots about the event and saw some beautiful pictures. Still...it would have been nice to be there in person.

It's interesting to see what happens at different weddings and learn about different cultures, but the best part is being a part of the couple's special day.

London, Oxford and Stonehenge (June 17th - 20th, 2008)

Better late than never...

London









On the left, a shot in Covent Garden. There's something about the vibe in London that I really enjoy. I can't quite put my hand on it, but I love to visit and I feel so comfortable and alive when I'm there. It's not just the fact that it's a big city and there's lots going on - it's the attitude that's there. The vibe.
Every time I go, there are more things that I add to the list. New this time was Dover Street Market. I applaud the buyers and merchandisers for the store. I like going into stores and seeing products placed together in a creative way, combining different pieces to make new looks. It's easy to have all of the same brand's stuff lumped together, but I think that in the real world, most people mix and match and don't dress all of one label head to toe, so I like to see ideas of how one person combines the pieces. I raved the same about Colette in Paris, and have yet to find a store in Toronto that goes to the same level. There are more and more concept stores, but they're not the same. There are also designer boutiques, but also, not the same thing. Anyway, Dover Street Market is quite neat and I'm looking forward to the next visit.
























HUH?!?














The queen's in the house!


Do they have this here because they know how many tourists come to visit them? Eitherway, I'm glad they do, because sometimes I get confused. I usually end up looking both ways just to be sure, but it's funny how you usually just turn your head only one way instinctively.

Here's a sad fact. I've never been on a public transport bus in London. Not even a double decker one. I always so on the underground or walk. But I should. I should ride a bus next time.




I also need to climb Tower Bridge. See?!? So much stuff to add to the list.












The previous time that I was in London, I went to King's Cross Station to look for Platform 9 3/4 and couldn't find it. I went to the Platform 9 and 10 area which is actually not in the main station and searched and searched. I don't understand why it was so easy to find it this time around.

Oxford


I've always liked walking around university campuses. Oxford is a cute little town and had beautiful looking architecture as well. Score!


More Harry Potter goodness. Christ Church College has such a beautiful dining room. I'm not sure if I would enjoy having to do all the traditional stuff being a student at these colleges. Maybe I would. Just realize that I'm a part of history and think about all of the people who have done the
same things in the past. Anyway, the Harry Potter thing. If you've seen the movies, you'll know that they made their dining room much wider, but you can definitely see the resemblance. The campus is beautiful and I can understand how location scouts would fall in love with it too.





So, apparently, some sort of famous people used to come here to hang out.






Stonehenge
Just a couple pictures of Stonehenge. I wish we could have gotten closer, but I guess that's what happens when they want to protect the space. It would have been interesting to go during the solstice and see what kind of crazies come out.