Category Archives: Travel

I’m Goofy and I Know It

I saw the most incredible thing while traveling last week:

It’s a dude using a pay phone. A DUDE USING A PAY PHONE. I obviously had to take a picture. What I was unable to capture (to my dismay) were the moments before he picked up the phone, when he read the instructions and then looked for change. HE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. Well, either he didn’t read the instructions well enough or no one was home because he never did speak to someone. Poor guy. I probably should have offered my assistance; he seemed to have trouble counting his change, too. I was not a good citizen at the moment. Plus, I was too busy giggling about it.

I caved and bought a pair of TOMS:

They’re comfy but let me warn you that I had to exchange my original pair for a half size smaller than my usual size. I’m a dumbass for not listening to my friend Monika when she told me to get a half size smaller. I do like them, but… how do I put this delicately… I have to be careful what outfits I pair them with because with the wrong pants or look, I basically look like an Asian refugee or female prisoner. This has to do with their slipper-like look, the fact that I’m Asian, and the fact that I have tiny feet (my TOMS are a size 5). TOMS gives a free pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair bought; Monika joked that I was one of the free pair recipients. Yes. That’s how they look on me. I’m wearing them anyway, dammit.

I finally finished reading Zeitoun. Wow. It’s so quietly powerful. I admit that I’m fiction’s bitch; it was Dave Eggers’s name that made me pick up Zeitoun more than anything else (yes, yes, ironic since he doesn’t really write fiction). I think it’s a really important story, and I would encourage you to read it. I started my next book, which was recommended to me by my friend Jen:

So far, so good. I may actually finish this one by next year…

This is nearly blasphemous, but I haven’t been keeping up with TV much lately. Mad Men is the only show I faithfully watch, but I did miss last night’s episode. It’s so good and Sunday nights are a perfect TV night for me. Plus, it’s Mad Men, people. If I’m only going to keep up with one show, it had best be Mad Men. Other than that, I’ve been marathoning Doctor Who. After Martha’s last episode, I wanted to pause before getting into the Donna episodes and the end of Tennant’s run. I feel like such a Who nerd for wanting to prolong Tennant’s run for as long as I can even though I’ve seen it all already and I’m a fan of Matt Smith’s doctor. Hahahaa, are you reading this? I can’t believe I’m talking about Doctor Who. Anyway, I still wanted something British, but more stiff and romantic, so I watched (for the first time) the BBC’s Pride & Prejudice miniseries:

Ewwww, Colin Firth! Stop being so sexy with that look and your dark curly hair and acting all snotty but then being all wonderful… I take it back, Colin Firth, please let me have your babies and is it okay if I call you Mister Darcy? Nothing will ever beat this adaptation! Disclaimer: I am not a Jane Austen nerd so take my assessment with a grain of salt. I loved it so much that I almost watched it again immediately, but there are other things to enjoy, such as Audrey Hepburn. I’ve never seen Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I know, I know! How lame of me. However, I did start by watching Sabrina and Audrey Hepburn is so pretty and petite and I hate her guts now.

In non-TV entertainment, I was uber elated to hear that the Art Institute will have a Roy Lichtenstein exhibit from May 16 through September 2. I fell in love with Lichtenstein when I saw a huge print of one of his works hanging in my boss’s office years ago. It’s such great Pop Art and I need to make sure I haul my ass downtown to see this one. Who wants to go with me?

Finally, and also in non-TV entertainment, I attended my niece’s dance recital yesterday.

Isn’t she sweet?!

Nah. She’s a goofball, just like her aunt. Alright, gotta go. I’m eating a mango and it needs my undivided attention!

Favorite Eats: Toronto

Please note: I was only in Canada for about 50 hours and I am basically listing every place I went to. And they are all my favorite!

Rua Vang (Golden Turtle) Restaurant. The menu at this Vietnamese restaurant is extensive! I would have loved to try a lot of items, but I needed something bland and was craving rice. So I had the chicken fried rice. Yes, boring, but also tasty! If I have a chance to go back, I hope my stomach is up to being more adventurous.

Hurricanes Roadhouse. We found this place when we were looking for a bar in which to watch UFC. Seems hardcore, but is actually quite cozy. This is also the place where I tried poutine and it was delicious. Mmmm… poutine… Great sports bar, relaxed vibe, and good food.

Crafted by Te Aro and i deal Coffee. Coffee, coffee, coffee! Both of these spots are great coffee places with great atmospheres. And the coffee is awesome, too! I won’t pick one over the other since, duh, I’ve only been to each place once and I ordered different items. I did enjoy both places, though, and they both sell super fresh baked goods along with their coffee.

Prince of Wales Hotel – Churchill Lounge. The lounge at the Prince of Wales Hotel was a saving grace for us at a time when we were desperate for a nice dinner when most places were already closed. Hands down, one of the most incredible burgers I have had in I don’t know how long. Perfectly cooked, magically seasoned, and extremely satisfying. Yeah, technically this isn’t in Toronto. Whatever.

Wish I had

  • Tried a hot dog from a street vendor
  • Eaten more poutine
  • Been able to bring fruit back home with me
  • Eaten more poutine
  • Been there longer so that I could try out more places
  • Eaten more poutine

What Would You Have Done?

I flew home from Tahoe today. I didn’t sleep well last night and got up at 4am to finalize packing and get myself ready. I had a few hours to kill at RNO, so I took it easy, had lunch, took advantage of the free wifi, and looked forward to resting during the three and a half hour flight.

In the row in front of me on the plane was a young woman with two babies. Things seemed promising: one baby was in a car seat and the older baby was sitting in his own seat. I began to doze off, but then got annoyed when the older baby started to play with the armrest–an armrest that squeaked every time it was moved up or down. Then, he wouldn’t sit still. He knocked over his mom’s drink. The baby in the car seat cried and must have spit up because the mom had to change her outfit.

At this point, I knew it would be impossible for me to sleep, so I entertained the older baby a bit with some peek-a-boo and high fives. He still wouldn’t sit still, though, and it became clear that the baby girl did not want to stay in her car seat.

So, I asked the Mom if she wanted me to sit with her. She hesitated and then said, with desperation in her voice, “Yes.” I got up, picked up the baby boy, sat down, and held him in my lap. “I have nieces,” I said, hoping to reassure her that I wasn’t a creepy person and that I had experience with babies.

I spent the rest of the flight sitting with the family (the boy is almost 2yo, the girl almost 1yo). We traded kids from time to time, so I got to hold the baby girl as well. I happened to be holding the baby girl when she puked on me. Awesome.

As the plane was close to landing, the mom thanked me for my help. I told her that I was happy I was able to help.

I’m happy that I’m comfortable with babies. I’m happy that her babies were okay being held by strangers. I’m happy that she chose to trust me.

Even as I sat there holding one of the kids, I wondered if I was insane to have volunteered my help. I wondered what the other passengers thought. I wondered if I was an idiot or a saint.

The way I see it, I was a human being who saw another human being in need and did what I was able to do to help them. I did what I would want someone to do for my sister if she had to travel alone with her daughters. I did what I would want someone to do for me. And, I’m proud that I did it and I’m happy that no one beat me to it. I only wish I had sat with them sooner.

Not too long ago, I would have been another annoyed passenger with my headphones on, waiting for it all to be over. I’m glad that I’ve grown into the person who steps up and offers help, even when it’s not glamorous and I ended up smelling like baby vomit.

I Need A Vacation

joy

Joy. Pure joy. Last July, I took a real vacation – the first real vacation I’ve taken in a long time. I was surrounded by family. People  I am close to in spirit, though we are separated by distance. No itineraries. Laughter and meaningful conversation. Self-awareness without self-consciousness. Celebration and relaxation. Cake and tequila. Lasagna and wine.

It’s getting cold in Chicago, and all I want is to be back at Emerald Isle – or any beach – with my cousins, having a carefree time, even if it’s just for a day.

My Summer Vacation via Twitter Updates

This is more for me than for anyone else, but I tweeted what was going on during much of my trip to North Carolina. My family (Mom, Sis, Bro-in-law, and two nieces) drove down to Chapel Hill where we met up with more family, and then a couple days later drove to Emerald Isle. We then drove back home to Chicago with an overnight stop in Lexington. Click below for the whole post.

Continue reading →

Freeport, ME: Trip Bullet Points #1

In a nutshell, before my memories escape to the black hole of my brain:

  • People drive fast here. I’m embarrassed for following the speed limit (and admittedly driving below the limit at times) but WTF? I don’t know where I’m going.
  • On another note, I have no regard for pedestrian crosswalks and almost ran over an old guy.
  • Weather is GORGEOUS, even when it’s raining. Humidity has no place here.
  • Can walk just about everywhere from our hotel. Niiiiice. And it’s hilly. I would lose weight if I were here longer.
  • Free cookies and coffee/tea in the lobby? Niiiiice.
  • Sat night dinner at The Corsican restaurant. Nice little place.
  • Shopped at LL Bean. LL Bean was born in this town. The store is open 24/7/365. It is HUGE.

SUNDAY

  • Rude awakening by mom. Yeah.
  • Church. A 93-year-old man fell or passed out or something. Oh, goodness. DRAMA. But these people acted fast. In the time it took me to turn around and see what was going on, there was already a crowd of people around him and someone was calling 911. People were also motioning to the priest to come by and do last rites. Taken away in an ambulance. Please say a prayer for him.
  • Met some other out of towners. Dude had AWESOME frames that he picked up in Singapore. Should’ve taken a picture.
  • Mad shopping at The North Face, which is having a sample sale right now. Two jackets and three t-shirts for under $100. Also can’t beat 5% sales tax. Niiiiice. Plan to go back before trip is over.
  • Workshop. Learning lots and the teacher is great, so I think I’ll survive the next three days.
  • Dinner at Muddy Rudder in Yarmouth. Already sick of seafood.