punta cana

On March 11, Brian and I arrived in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for the start of the most relaxing vacation either of us have ever taken. Spring break this year was full of sun, naps, food, drinks, and sand. We stayed at a delightful all-inclusive resort that let us stop worrying and stressing for a full 5 days.





The beach had the softest white sand, clear turquoise water, and an abundance of European sunbathers.




The food and drinks totally surpassed my expectations. Huge buffets were set up for all 3 meals, in multiple locations across the grounds, and a few a la carte restaurants were available for dinner too. They even had my favourite Twinings English Breakfast tea!



There were of course, plenty of open bars as well. Many beachside mojitos (for me) and rum and cokes (for him) were had.









The days started to blend together after a while, but we didn't mind at all. Waking up to a big breakfast, heading to the beach, lazing around until mealtimes, and then snuggling into a comfy bed for an early night every day was not a bad routine to have.


PS: Wow, that was my 100th blog post! Thanks for following along, everyone!

warmth / chill

A much delayed post from my lovely winter break! With a new wider blog format too, for bigger pics. Everyone likes bigger pics.



Break was filled with plenty of eating and relaxing with my family, friends, and kitties. I had time to bake too- mastered the chocolate chip, ginger, and brownie cookies.


Lots of family dinners. This is my little cousin Justin waiting on dessert.


We had a delicious, albeit non-traditional, Christmas dinner at home.



Presents!


First time over at Billy Bishop airport to pick up Brian. Right after the big snow.


Touristing in the cold



Poor boy had never had a Kinder Surprise before. Can't believe these little pods of happiness and childhood are illegal in America!


Black cod at Lee. Can't get enough fusion!


Winter sangria at Insomnia with some friends. Was not excited to return to America's silly drinking age laws.


Home base. Miss public transit too.


Brian's first poutine experience! Poutini's House of Poutine makes the best in Toronto.


Completed the meal down the street with delicate macarons from Nadege


Escaping the chill in Cafe Pamenar with a hot cup of chai and my favourite boy

Day 4: Wan Chai/Causeway Bay

For today's outing, we took a double decker tram to Wan Chai/Causeway Bay. Obviously, we sat on the second floor.


The trip came out to $2.30 HKD, which is equivalent to about 30 cents Canadian. Public transit is much more affordable than the $3 it would have cost me in Toronto.


Our destination was Butao Ramen, a hole-in-the-wall Japanese restaurant. Few seats and long lines necessitate ordering before even entering. There were only about 12 seats, and we had to share a table with strangers. Here, our server reviews our orders outside.


Seeing as my Chinese reading ability is nonexistent, I blindly ordered this heaping bowl of 'black' ramen. I was later told that the strange black lump in the middle was some kind of pork and sesame...thing. Zero for presentation, especially after said lump crumbled into bits that reminded me a bit of tar, but ten for taste, as this was easily the best bowl of ramen I've ever had.


Everything in Hong Kong is very cramped, narrow and busy.


More escalator madness, this time in Times Square.


Waiting for a taxi back from Admiralty.

pastimes

home
december 2011 - january 2012

when in the south

north carolina state fair
october 21, 2011