Hotel Escape

B and I hit the road for a mid-week getaway. Our new pal, Mr. Ji, and Buddy joined us for the fun. The weather was pretty blah but our hotel was nice and cozy. Mr. Ji and Buddy were happy to have their own queen size bed!

Buddy the Beach Bum

Buddy and I escaped to the beach on Friday! We met up with BC in London, and ventured on a pleasant one-hour drive to Grand Bend.

The beach was nice and clean, and not too crowded. Buddy was excited for an afternoon in the sun.

Buddy spent most of his time napping, eating snacks, and reading a book.

Buddy was a natural beach bum!

36 Hours in Ottawa

Maggie joined my girlfriends and I on a short trip to Ottawa. This was Maggie's second trip outside of Toronto. In February, she went to Montreal with the Mins.

After settling into our hotel, we checked out the stalls and shops in the Byward Market. As you can tell from the photo above, it was a bit windy!

We had a late afternoon laze before heading to Navarra (think Top Chef) for dinner. Maggie opted to enjoy the hotel room. She liked the idea of having the whole place to herself. I tucked her in before I left for a night on the town.

The next day, we had brunch and went on an afternoon stroll. Here's Maggie outside of the National Art Gallery. She didn't want to get too close to the massive spider across the street!

Our next stop was the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica. It took Maggie a while, but she made it up to the top of the church steps. I scooped her up so we could go inside.

We caught the tail end of the Tulip Festival. Of course we stopped to smell the flowers.

Maggie liked reading all the historical plaques around Parliament. Even in French!

It was a gorgeous day to mill about. Maggie = one happy monster.

While crossing a bridge, Maggie paused to look at the locks at the Rideau Canal. She was hoping to see boats go through but no such luck.

After a relaxing of day of sightseeing, we booked it back to the hotel to get ready for a wedding. Our friend got married at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club - tres chic! We were glad to be a part of the festivities.

Enjoy the rest of the long weekend, fellow Canadians! Happy Victoria Day!

Road Trip with Mini Q

Mini Q joined me on a road trip to Ithaca. I was visiting a few friends that I met in China two summers ago. These friends have met Q before but not Mini Q. Q stayed home this time around to hold down the fort. Mini Q was excited to go on his own adventure!

Here's Mini Q crossing the border. We were just approaching the Canada-US divide at this time. Don't worry, I wasn't driving while taking this photo. It was stop and go, stop and go, all the way to the gates.

Cornell is very picturesque! The setting was exceptional with the rolling hills, the leaves changing colour, and the lake below. I was impressed.

Mini Q checking out the famous clock tower.

Inside the A.D. White Library (Uris Library) - the oldest library on campus. It's also opened 24/7.

Gearing up for spicy hot pot. We ate for two hours! I was in a food coma afterwards.

On the way home, my friend took me for a tour of his school - the University of Buffalo. This is North campus.

 

Mini Q (and Alex's hand) with the school's official mascot. Naturally, it's a buffalo.

Mini Q made some new friends! We then had buffalo wings for dinner. I've had buffalo wings before - my first time in Buffalo. They were messy as all get out (hence, no photos of Mini Q - my fingers were too sticky), but they were worth it. Yes, they were definitely worth it.

Thanks Shuai, Yufei, and Alex for a great weekend! It was a long overdue reunion. I'm happy we made it happen!

Cross Border

On Saturday, my mum, Q, and I went on an impromptu cross border shopping trip. Here's Q in the car, approaching the Canada-US marker on the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge. Don't worry, I wasn't driving and taking this picture at the same time!

Though we left early, Fashion Outlets was packed! Most of the cars in the parking lot were from Ontario.

I always like to stock up on odds and ends at Target. Here's Q travelling in style in my Longchamp bag.

After lots of walking (and unfortunately, not too many good shopping finds), Q feasted on some all American fare. It was nice to spend some quality time with my mum and Q. I hope everyone is having a great weekend so far!

Quatch the Adventurer

Q joined my family and I on a road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon this past September. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and looks forward to exploring other parts of the world. Here are some photos of Quatch the Adventurer.

Q enjoying the scenery.

Q at the Hoover Dam.

Q at the Grand Canyon.


Q taking it all in.


Q taking a break at the rustic El Tovar Hotel.