First Holidays away from home_Day 11

29TH DECEMBER 2011:

Hmmm... What did I do today?
Nothing much. I was just lazing around in the house again after two days of outings. :)
Today I went to watch my cousin's basketball game in his school. He is a pretty good basketball player. There were a lot of articles about him in the newspapers too. Wow! Amazing eh!

After the game, I came back and started to read the book about the inspiring Canadian stories. Most of the stories were about hockey (Canada's national sport). I am really impressed with their patriotism to their country. I felt the goosebumps while reading their stories. WOW!

Then I was chatting with my aunt. Nice little chat. Then we had our dinner. Guess what we did after dinner: we played scrabble. That was my second time playing it. I really loved the atmosphere. Playing games with family is the best part because it shows how we are capable to work or play together, despite the difference between us.

Here goes another day. :)

First holidays away from home _Day 10

28th December 2011

Today was a long day too. My friends and I met up in the train station at 10.30 am and came back to the same train station at 8.00pm. Just imagine that long day. Where did we go and what did we do?

First stop: Yaletown- We walked down to Yaletown Dock, on the way we saw a building, which exhibits an old train. It was closed and I don't know the name of that building.

Then we walked down the dock while taking pictures of the beautiful scenery. Then we walked to BC place and Rogers Arena. On the way, we ate lunch in a shop. The food was pretty good and not expensive. I ate grilled chicken with rice and mix vegetables.

Then we went to Terry Fox plaza. That moment the atmosphere has changed. I did sense it. From happy atmosphere, things became gloomy and sad. I felt moved too when I was looking at Terry Fox statue and admire him for his intention and deeds. It is very hard to get people like him, who united the nation with only one cause: raise awareness about cancer and funds for cancer research. Very impressive and inspiring.

At this point, words from my teacher came to me: Inspiration is everywhere, it is just a matter of oneself where to find it.

Then we took sky train to waterfront station and met with another friend before going to Stanley Park.


We went to Vancouver aquarium in the Stanley Park. :) OMG! The line up was so crazy. We waited almost 20 minutes to buy ticket. Oh man! But WORTH it. There were mind-blowing animal shows and I learned a lot about aqua animals here. So long I don't know whether I was not aware or ignorant about them. Oh well, now I know them now. :)

When I was in the aquarium, all I could do was being amazed with the nature when all just fall just nicely like a fixed jigsaw puzzle. This is also one of the places that I wanted to bring my friends and family to visit. :) I also experienced 4D movie in the aquarium for about 15 minutes. Haha. Pretty good experience that you couldn't get everywhere. :)

Then, went to eat dinner in food court of Pacific Centre Mall. Pretty good dinner too. Headed back home tiredly.

After reaching home, I had a hot shower and felt so good. Then I ended up watching movie with my aunt. The movie was: Aqeeela and the Bee. It was an AWESOME movie. So inspiring.

Then my cousin bought us some Nando chicken and the food was good.:)

There goes the day with these awesome activities.

First holidays away from home_ day 9

27th December 2011:

Today I went out for shopping for boxing week sales. Last night I talked with my friend Rupin and Ruben and we made arrangement so that we could meet today. I was so happy to go out after hibernating in the house for three days. Probably because I am so eager to buy stuffs for nieces and nephews for their birthdays. I loved shopping for them. It reminds me of the days I used walk around the mall with my dad to look for presents for them.

I met up with my friends at 11am and we went for lunch together. Then what? SHOPPING! I just love window shopping. Some people find it frustrating when I spent the whole day in the mall without buying anything. Hahaha. But today I did some real shopping. I bought myself a pair of court shoes and then a t-shirt for each nieces and nephews.

My friends bought their own stuffs like t-shirts, winter coats and etc. They actually went grocery shopping on boxing day. :P

When I came home, my uncle's friend: Uncle Mark was there. He had made "Sambal Tofu." I ate dhal made by my uncle with the dish made by Uncle Mark. It was amazing and the dinner was enhanced with salad made by my aunt. :) It was a good, but tiring day. :)

First holidays away from home _ Day 8

26th December 2011,

Boxing day! It is the day after Christmas and the perfect day for shop because there will be loads of sales going on nationwide. It is similar to Black Friday in United States of America. :)

Well, I didn't go out for shopping today. Why? Because I don't know what to buy. So what did I do today? Well, pretty much nothing expect baking with my aunt. She taught me how to bake cashew nut short bread. It wasn't that difficult to bake. You just need to know right amount and some techniques. Well, I learned them today. :)

She taught me while cooking soup for lunch. Then, Grandma went back to Vancouver Island. :( I wish she stayed longer. After lunch, I watched movie with my uncle and cousin. Guess what movie it was- Home Alone 2. I was LoL-ing.

After the movie, I was so lazy to go out. So, I decided to read, but ended up skyping with my family. I have the urge to skype with them although I skyped with them yesterday. Probably, because everyone ( my dad side and mom side cousins) were at home. The kids are growing up fast and my dear Dayaliene is also started talking.

Then my uncle talked with my dad after dinner. I called my friend in Toronto and talked with him. Another day of the holidays is gone and I am excited for tomorrow because I am going shopping for gifts for my nieces and nephews. :)

Till then good night, folks.

First holidays away from home_ day 7

25th December 2011,

Christmas!!!

This is my first time celebrating Christmas. Back in Malaysia, I don't celebrate Christmas with my family. Last year I went to one of my friend's open house. But this year, it was amazing. I woke up and had my breakfast, then what? Gifts time.

Well, I wasn't aware how gifts were so important during Christmas. I just got a box of chocolates and two very little gifts for my cousins. In return, I got so many presents. Everyone in the family gave me gifts. I was so touched. It was so overwhelming when my cousins gave me indoor flip-flops. I didn't expect that and I feel so bad for not preparing decent gifts for them. :(

Then, I helped Grandma to do salad for the dinner. For lunch, I had some soup. Then, I was helping my aunt and Grandma in the kitchen preparing Christmas dinner. :) I loved working in kitchen. It reminds me of how I used to help my mom and sis-in-law occasionally back home. I saw how they roast turkey and do gravy. Indeed, I did the gravy and helped mashing the potatoes.

My very first Christmas dinner was amazing. We took our food and sat down in the table. After everyone got their food, we prayed and wished the best for the people who couldn't make it for the dinner. Then we ate. It was so nice to get together and have dinner. This reflects the strength behind you is your family. Wow! It was just a very good day. :)

First Holidays away from home _Day 6

24th December 2011:

Christmas Eve!!

I woke up in the morning and went down for breakfast. I had some milk and cereal. :)

Then, my uncle and I went to pick up Grandma from ferry terminal. She lives in Vancouver Island and coming home for Christmas. My uncle brought me around a town called Tsawwassen and we drove until the USA-Canada border. It was nice small road trip actually. Tsawwassen is a small town with flat land. Then we saw the coal harbor, where coal from Canada is transported worldwide through big cargo ships. The beach in Tsawwassen seems very pretty during summer. So, I can't wait to go there next summer.

After picking up Grandma, we went back home. Then we headed to Richmond Centre, a shopping mall for last minute Christmas shopping.:) We ate lunch in the food court. A surprise happened to me in the mall. When my uncle was taking a picture of me in front of the big Christmas tree , the Santa was right behind me in the picture, which I didn't realize until my uncle says thank you to the Santa. It was just unbelievable how lucky I was. :)

At night, we went to a Unitarian church for Christmas eve celebration.

Unitarian: " We are a community of diverse beliefs and shared values. In fellowship with one another, we seek spiritual growth, social justice, and environmental sustainability through worship, ethical action, education, and artistic expression. We welcomed all who would join this compassionate and visionary community." << right from the pamplet :P

The celebration was amazing! We sang few Christmas carols. I can only recognise "silent night" and "we wish you Merry Christmas" . My favourite was "Deck the Halls". Then we had seasonal reading and a little meditation in the end. We lit up candles in the end before singing the last carol. It was such a nice atmosphere, when everyone in the building gathered to celebrate one event with unity regardless of anything. I was just amazed and realised that celebrations are social constructed events which are meant for unity and joy.

On the way back home, we went around the neighbourhood, looking at the houses decorated with lovely Christmas lights. It was so beautiful.

The highlight of the night: we played monopoly. Although I bankrupted in the end, but playing it was so fun. I remember how my cousins and I back in Malaysia used to play it all the time when we have family gatherings. It was so nice and I have no words to describe the joy I felt today!

First holidays away from home_ Day 5

23rd December 2011

Today I didn't so much. I just went to my uncle's place in Richmond from North Vancouver. I left my friend's place after lunch. She drove me to the sea bus terminal. That is very kind of her. I am really grateful to have such good friends. :)

First time getting into a sea bus. Well, its like ferry but its smaller than that. Initially I thought of reading my newly borrowed book during the trip, but I ended up looking at the window with awe and taking photos. I wonder how others would have thought about me. But, I don't care. :P

The trip wasn't that long. I reached Vancouver and I thought of going around the streets there to see how the Christmas preparation is going on in the west world. But it started drizzling and I don't want to bring my big luggage around too. So I decided to head towards my uncle's place in Richmond using sky train from the Waterfront station, which is in the same building as the sea bus terminal.

On the way, I decided to drop by a mall called Oakridge mall to get a box chocolates to my uncle's family. I went into the mall and hunting for the chocolates. I got a birthday card to my niece,who is turning 3 and debating whether to get her a toy or a dress. Well, I should decide before boxing week.:)

The atmosphere in the mall was great. Everyone was high in Christmas spirit and the line ups were so crazy. I wonder how it would be during boxing day though. The mall was decorated nicely and there was a photo shooting with Santa session in the mall. I took few pictures in the mall.

Then, BAM I am in Richmond. My uncle fetch me from the train station and we went to grocery shopping. This reminds me of Deepavali shopping I used to do with my mom and dad. Old good times.

Back home, I was welcomed warmly by my aunt. We ate dinner and I showed them my family photos. Then we planned what we can do during this break. I am so excited. :)

Its time to go for bed.

First Holidays away from home_ Day 4

22nd December 2011

Fourth day:

Day started off as usual with breakfast. Vanessa made me scrambled eggs and I made myself a toast. I know that this is not a big deal. :P

Then we did dish washing together. It was so much fun. The work was done faster too. I had good time doing it as it reminds of me doing dishes back at home. :)

Then we relaxed a while because we are going to go to Vanessa's family friend's house after lunch. Vanessa's mom went to work, so we had to do our own lunch. Guess what was our lunch: last night's salad roll and ice cream. :D Ice cream tastes great with cakes! You definitely should try it. :P

Then Mr.Bob picked us up and we headed to their house in Burnaby. We took a highway and it wasn't that long, probably 20-25 minutes and this is because we had stop in a vet clinic on the way. Or else, I bet it will take shorter.

Today is their youngest daughter's birthday. She is turning to 4 today. That is exciting. Her name is Ella and she reminds me of my nieces. She is so cute too as them.

Next, we walked to Burnaby Village Museum to see the old fashioned Christmas celebration and carousel riding. The place has few building which look like the buildings in a little village in the past and it portrays how the first village in the town would have looked like. It was more awesome with Christmas spirit.

The highlights of the place:
-> you can know how an old town in Burnaby or in British Columbia would have looked like.

-> You can see the father of Christmas ( now we call him as Santa Claus). Its pretty classic.

->You can visit a model of old house.

-> There is a guy who sings the Christmas songs and spice up the spirit. :)

-> Carousel riding! Even adults can do it and its pretty fast too. I enjoyed it very much.

I must thank Morrie and Sigrid for the wonderful outing and dinner!

What's next? We walked back home and then played. I didn't know that I could play with a 4 year old kid without getting bored easily. Then we had dinner and saw shows put up by Stephanie and her friend! Cake cutting ceremony and we had Christmas crackers. I don't know how to describe them. It was fun. Finally, we had presents opening sessions. It was something really different from Malaysia, where we don't open the gifts in front of the guests but here its opposite. It was great actually!

That's all for today. I am so tired and gonna snuggle my pillow now.

First holidays away from home_Day 3

21st December 2011.

Today was so awesome!

Morning wake up call from home! Skyped with them randomly as early as 7 am! This was not planned! It was so awesome. My youngest niece called me aunt!! Oh yeah! :)

After refreshing myself, I went upstairs for breakfast! Vanessa (my friend) served me breakfast!
I ate cereal with milk while reading Vancouver Sun for the first time! :)

Later, Stephanie's friends came over. (Stephanie is my friend- Vanessa's sister) . Then we wanted to do some Christmas baking, and browsed through the recipe books. Unfortunately, we didn't have ingredient to do gingerbread house and the time was so limited. Then, Vanessa's mom had this ready make ginger bread dough and all we need to do is bake it. So, we did that. :)
It was my first time to do gingerbread man! Because it was ready made, we couldn't mold the dough, so it wasn't a real gingerbread man. :( The process of doing it was fun!

Next, we decorated the Christmas tree. Wait, this sounds so plain. It wasn't an easy nor plain work to decorate the tree. First, Vanessa's mom put on Michael Buble's Christmas songs as background music and Vanessa brought us the ornaments. The atmosphere was so nice and christmassy!! :P Stephanie's friends were there too. Then, we had some photo shooting sessions to capture the moments. Vanessa and her sister wore their first ballet performance costume.

Mission one completed. Then what? Lunch time! We had cheese sandwiches with salad and sparkling apple juice. After an hour, we walked around the neighbourhood. We went down to Vanessa's elementary school and Edgemont Village , which is a small commercial place. It was decorated with light and everyone is in holidays mood! Then we went to North Vancouver library and spent an hour there. I borrowed a book called "Chicken Soup for the Soul- O Canada" to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the people in Canada!

Then we walked back home. Guess what today was the first day of Winter and it was shortest day of the year. Yeay! After a nice hot shower, I went upstairs and had dinner with Vanessa, Stephanie and Vanessa's mom. :) She did Udon soup and prepared Vietnamese salad roll. Stephanie did the dip sauce and Vanessa put the salad roll pieces together. It was a great dinner. I have never eaten both dishes. One thing I realised is that Canadians' culture is being multicultural even at home.:)

Then we had another movie night again- The Letters to Juliet. It was a good romantic story. A qoute I like the most, " I am madly, deeply, truly and passionately in love with you." Ha ha ha. It was a very beautiful scene. You should watch it! if you haven. That's all for today. Oh yeah, I totallt forgot about this. I had good night call from home too. Aww.. :)

Its quite late now and I have to be in bed soon as tomorrow we have even more stuffs to do! Oh yeah! Till then folks take care.

First holidays away from HOME!_ Day 2

What did I do on the second day of the holidays?

Well on 20th December, 2011

Woke up in the morning.
Went to see the student advisor regarding second term courses.
Met my friend, Ahrthyh and spent an hour and half with her.
Then came back and did the laundry, remaining cleaning and express packing for my winter break!
My friend's mom fetched my friend and I from the residence.
Went to a japanese restaurant in 4th Avenue for dinner.
Here I go to North Vancouver past Downtown, Stanley Park and Lion gated bridge! It was so colourful and beautiful! I loved it so much.
Settled down in my friend's place, went around her house!
Movie night--> Get smart!

Had an awesome day and pumped for the 3rd day! :)

First holidays away from HOME!_ Day 1

Hi there,

Guess what? I am done with my first term in university and 1/8 of the way to my first degree. Oh yeah, sounds great. Anyways I never regretted that time flies because I did so much fun, crazy and serious stuffs in first term as I have mentioned in earlier posts.

Back to my holidays, do you wanna know how it went? It starts from 2.30pm on 19th December 2011 after my physics finals! The test was terrible though. Oh well, it is over and I don't want to talk about it. Lets move on to the first day.

19th December 2011,

1) Cleaned my room about 50% of it.

2) Went to dinner with my seniors to red robins and we were supposed to go to an event in Stanley Park. But because we ended up eating so long (the burger was too big for me!), we didn't go there.

3) Instead we went to Downtown Vancouver to watch movie- Sherlock Holmes. That was so random actually. Before watching the movie, we went strolling down the streets and had great photo shooting session! I hope they are not in facebook.

I came back at 3 o'clock in the morning because of the movie. The Christmas and holidays atmosphere in Vancouver and Canada in general was so good! Now I have the Christmas spirit too! Oh yeah!


That's how the first day was!

Exam but its holidays!

Hello there,

How are you been doing? Well, I am pretty good. Just little sad that 1/8 of my university life in Canada is going to end soon, in two weeks. :(

But its ok! I had done so many new things this term and I am really satisfied! By the way, today is my first niece's and first nephew's birthday! They are turning to 10 and 7 respectively! I am so happy for them! May God bless them. I just skyped with them, Hell yeah, I miss the great birthday atmosphere back at home. But, I am glad that I could actually join the celebration virtually! Thank to these technologies. :)

Oh yeah, I am done with all the lectures in the university and having exam period now. Two papers: psychology 101 and chemistry 121 are done! These are my one of most favourite subjects. I have done my best and keeping my fingers crossed now! Well, three more papers to go: Biology 112, Math 100 and Physics 107! Wish me luck peeps.;)

Well, I am signing off now. Have a great day ahead, people!

Random!

Hi there,



How are you doing? I am doing great here. My first term is over and now I am waiting enthusiastically to end my finals and looking forward to next term, where I planned to do a lot of interesting stuffs. Well, let's wait and see how things go next year.



This was totally random. I thought about this when I was walking back to my room after my math class. What triggered me to think the following was my friend's text message. How she was happy to read my previous post. So yeah.



This is what I was thinking about:



This is what I told to people back at home,
I won't be back till 2015,
Bet that they will miss me so much,
I will overcome that feeling easily soon,
Now when I am walking alone,
All I can think is about home,



What would be kids doing?
What did mom cook?
What is my dad up to now?
Who is carrying Dayalienie?



Two more weeks I will be done with finals,
Now what?
Break?
Hibernation?
Social life?
Fun?
and fun without them?



Oh no!



Khugaan, Subhatra, Vasundthra
Jananie, Dayalienie and Visvarupa
The precious jewels in my heart.
What would holidays be without them by me?




This is when I thought
Why not I fly back to home during winter,
Home is not as near as 5km,
19 hours of flight,
I have better choice than that.
Enjoy the winter!



I bet one day I will bring them here and show the places that I have been.
Relive the moments with them again.



I miss home badly!! :''( and I am so sad that 1/8 of University life is gone, but no worries, I did so many things in that period.



So bye bye 1st term and welcome new term. Let's get it started!! :)



Signing off and till then take care folks.