Day 1 in Chicago 2017: Arrival, Deep Dish Pizza at Giordano’s, Vegan Dinner at Native Foods

 Giordano deep dish pizza

Yay! Finally got to try an authentic deep dish pizza! ^_^

Dec. 27, 2017:

Today was the first day of Chicago!!! ^_^  My last trip of 2017 :D.  This was my second time visiting Chicago.  I had previously visited when I was about 13 years old — I remember visiting the Shedd Aquarium and whale watching which was amazing.

We took the early 7 a.m. Go Train to Union Station and then the Porter shuttle bus to the Billy Bishop Airport.  This was my first time taking the airplane through Toronto’s only island airport.  Continue reading

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My Year in Review: 2017

2017 collage

2017 highlights

December 31, 2017:  I look forward to writing this post every single year since I’ve started the annual one and I’ve honestly so excited to share with you my thoughts on this very last day of 2017.  I’ve been ruminating about the things I’ve wanted to reflect on since November and drafting it in my head about things I want to share — ways to say it, what to write, etc.  For ease of my own mind and to not go scatter-brained, I will categorize it for you (and for me). Continue reading

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All-You-Can-Eat Japanese Food at Sano Sushi in Thornhill

Sano Sushi exterior

Sano Sushi located at 8143 Yonge St in Thornhill

December 24, 2017:  For a Christmas Eve lunch, we enjoyed the all-you-can-eat Japanese food at Sano Sushi.  This is a little Japanese restaurant that serves all your typical Japanese buffet food including sushi, maki rolls, teppanyaki, tempura, salad, katsu, handrolls, and desserts Continue reading

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Trial Class at Kalari Kickboxing and Martial Arts

Kalari Kickboxing and Martial Arts

Kalari Kickboxing and Martial Arts located at 57 Glen Cameron Rd, West Unit in Markham

December 23, 2017:  First time trying kickboxing at Kalari Kickboxing and Martial Arts for a free trial class!  The trial class was surprisingly two hours long which was incredibly valuable and worth attending to try this out.

What I liked the most was that the trainer Steve was incredibly encouraging, understanding, yet motivating and a very patient teacher too!   Continue reading

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Hot Pot Dinner at Chongqing Liuyishou Hotpot

Chongqing Liuyishou Hotpot

Chongqing Liuyishou Hotpot located at 650 Highway 7 E #102 in Markham

December 21, 2017:  Other than tastings, it’s been a while since I’ve actually went out for a hot pot meal.  This restaurant, Chongqing Liuyishou Hotpot, used to be called 100 Degrees Hot Pot (I came here for dinner before and is blogged here).  Since that one closed down and this one took its place, I hadn’t visited.   Continue reading

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Injeolmi Bingsu Dessert at The Cups at First Markham Place

The Cups Markham Bingsu

The Cups Markham located at 3235 Hwy 7 in Markham

December 21, 2017:  I finally made it here to The Cups!  Despite them opening a second location here at First Markham Place and me living so close to it, this was my first time here.  Natalie and I had one of the best foodie chats here and I was so glad to be able to try The Cups’s bingsu for the first time and see what the hype was all about.   Continue reading

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Vegetarian Pad Thai at Sukhothai Parliament

Sukhothai Parliament exterior

Sukhothai located at 274 Parliament St in Toronto

December 19, 2017:  After unsuccessfully navigating through the Toronto Christmas Market, the four of us decided to go to Sukhothai for dinner instead.  I’ve been to the Wellington location of Sukhothai but not this one.  As a matter of fact, I didn’t even know Sukhothai had expanded so much in the recent years to now have four locations in the GTA!  Wow, great job, Nuit and Jeff!     Continue reading

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Weekly Photo Challenge: 2017 Favorites

 reflection in a photo

New York, New York. April 2017

Looking back on this year (Get it?  The photo?), there were definitely very many favourite moments.  This week’s photo challenge asks us to recall a fave photo from 2017, whether it be a technically accomplished one (like beautifully captured or something) or a favourite moment or whatever.  I can’t say I have a most favourite photo from this year because there were so many good photos and it’d take me a long Continue reading

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Ascend

Tianmen Mountain fog

Approaching Tianmen Mountain, China. September 2017

When you ascend so high that you see the mountain tops, mist, and fog outside your tour bus window.

(On our way up the Tianmen Mountain in Changsha, China of 1,518.6 m [4,982 ft] to see the views!  I blogged about the visit here.)   Continue reading

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