Not your typical "Chick Flick"

Behold, Judd Apatow's latest -- Bridesmaids. It's The Hangover but with chicks. This hilarious film was released earlier this month and I was beyond excited to see it as I am a fan of Apatow's previous works. I expected a lot of laughs, crude humor, and obscenity.

When Annie's best friend Lillian becomes engaged, she's asked to be Lil's maid of honor. At the engagement party, she meets the rest of the bridesmaids.
There's Becca, a seemingly innocent newly wed who's nothing but smiles. Rita, a housewife and mother of 3 boys who's itching for girly time. Megan, Lil's fiance's sister who's low maintenance and has no filter, literally (she belches and passes gas like it's nobody's business). Lastly, there's Helen, Lillian's fiance's boss's wife, who's beautiful, passive aggressive, and Annie's competition as BFF.
Annie has to endure all the duties of maid of honor while keeping up with the other girls and trying to upstage Helen (which later seems impossible).
 
Toss in some vulgar language, cat fights, innuendos, hilarious catchphrases, sexual content and lots of puking, and you've got an Apatow movie. He sure knows how to cross the line.

Kristin Wiig is also worthy of acknowledgement. The story allows for her comedic styling to shine through. Joining her is fellow SNL regular Maya Rudolph and both funny ladies work really well together. Alongside the duo is Jenny McCarthy, best known for her role on Gilmore Girls. It was refreshing to see her play someone who's completely different to Sookie St. James. Rose Byrne adds to the group. Her striking good looks are deceiving, and she proves she's more than just a pretty face. Another recognizable face is Ellie Kemper (Erin from The Office). Though her character is similar to that of Erin, she's a great addition to the cast and brings a lot of laughs with her. Lastly, there's Wendi McLendon-Covey. I haven't seen much of her, but she's a very funny lady, as made evident in the movie's outtakes that made it on Funny or Die.
This talented group of women makes it clear that raunchy comedy isn't just for boys.

There were some really uncomfortable scenes to sit through, but the hilarity of the rest makes up for it.
I really did enjoy this movie and would recommend it to anyone who possesses a funny bone.

From Chuck to Tybalt

2 months ago, I blogged that Hailee Steinfeld had been cast to play Juliet in the upcoming adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.

Well I've just read that Ed Westwick will be playing Juliet's cousin Tybalt in the Shakespearean love story.
You've probably seen him in the CW hit show Gossip Girl, in which Ed plays Chuck Bass. A heavy schemer who is devilishly charming. He plays that role with ease, and from what I know of the character Tybalt, I believe Ed's familiarity with playing the douche-bag will help him deliver a notable performance.

I can't wait to hear who will be cast to star opposite Hailee. She's only 14, so he's got to be age appropriate, otherwise it could get creepy.

Crap, please let it be anyone BUT Justin Bieber?!?
Who would you like to see play Romeo?

Read more about it on Perez!

HK: Day 18

Well, today was our last full day in Hong Kong. So we spent most of it wrapping up our trip.

Started at noonish today. We all had a late night, so we didn't eat our first meal till 12. We had dim sum with my uncle downstairs. (I love how convenient it is to eat around here!) Shortly after, we went back to the flat to do some packing. This is when I figured out that I bought the most during our time here. Most of which is from H&M. They have more stuff, AND no taxes. C'mon. How could I not??

Anyways... when my Mom and aunt came back from their massages, we made our way to the old folks home to see my Yeh Yeh one last time.
He looked so much better today than the last time. He seemed more aware of his surroundings, and was sharp and quick with his replies. He really does remember a lot, but he's a man of few words, so he doesn't always reply to our many queries. In fact, if he's feeling like he's being tested/pestered he'll just ignore the question and not say anything. It's pretty funny actually. Great to see he's still got a little kick in him after all.
When we finally had to say goodbye, that's when my heart broke yet again. I can't leave him like this... It was really hard to not get teary-eyed when kissing his cheek and saying joy geen (good bye). I can only hope to come back in the very near future to see his face again. I love you Yeh Yeh.

Some other very important people we had to see one more time was my Dai Bak (oldest uncle) and my auntie Moh. What better way to end our HK trip with some Korean BBQ? Good times. Good food. My auntie Moh talks so fast that we have to constantly remind her to speak a little slower. It's way harder for Ev and I because we have to translate whilst being ultra attentive.
Anyways, after dinner, with much persistence, we had a little family photo shoot in Tsim Sha Tsui. So many photos... So much fake smiling. Haha I miss them already though.

All in all folks, this was a great trip. I learned a lot about my family. Some good, some bad. I got to know my cous a bit better. And I could actually carry a conversation with my relatives. Winning!

Missing Dai Bak, but we're mostly all here.

HK: Day 17

Busy(ish) day.

Met up with Peter and Chess for lunch. It was a mini-Bronte Camp reunion!! Great company, great conversation, and great memories. Sad to say goodbye to Peter as we won't see him for a year (at least). And Chess I'll be sure to see when she visits in August.

So today we had made plans to go to a factory store to shop. The clothes and accessories come straight from the factories and are sold at outlet prices. Really cheap. Anyways, I was the only one that didn't buy anything (there). I know, I was surprised myself!

Well, our shopping adventure didn't end there. We made our way back to Ladies Market in Mong Kok and Langham Place, where my favorite H&M is. Of course I had to buy a dress I had been eying the whole 3 weeks we'd been here.

All that took just about the whole day. Dinner rolled around quickly.
My aunt made reservations at a restaurant downstairs to have Peking duck again. Personally I found it better than Taiwan (and my family agrees). Really good dinner.

Went home, and it was finally time for my facial. After that, I came to the conclusion that I like squeezing my own pimples... Not so much when someone else does it for me. Good times though.

It was our last night with my cousin, so afterward we exchanged our "goodbye"s and "see you soon"s. He promises to come to Canada in about 2 years time. I'll hold him to that.

HK: Days 13-16

Wow. Really dropped the ball on this one... Can you tell I've gotten lazy? Also no internet for 3 days = awful.

I've grouped days 13-16 together is that we spent them in Taiwan. I think my cousin Kelvin really over-hyped it... We did not have as much fun he normally does.

We were invited by my aunt (on Mom's side) to join her. My aunt's older sister lives in Taiwan, so we had a place to stay. Of course we agree to free accommodations, not knowing that her apartment is way old and not kept very well. I refused to take pictures of it, but believe what I said because even my Mom agreed. And that's saying something.

Basically there were no set plans, my family pretty much tagged along as my aunt and her sister went all around Taipei buying stuff for my aunt's coworkers. Where's the fun in that??? We took the metro, took buses, taxis, and walked til we could not move anymore.

The one thing keeping me from going insane was the fact that I got to see my housemate Maggie every day. She acted as tour guide, navigator and translator. And also got bossed around by my aunt and her sister. Bless her soul. She was such a good sport.

So Day 1 in Taiwan:

Guess which is mine.

Touched down in Taipei and it was pouring. Great start. From the airport, we took a very long bus til we got to the mall and had lunch. I called up Maggie and she met up with us later at 101, the largest building and shopping mall in Taipei (I think). Firstly we can't afford anything there, so we left and wandered around in the rain. Maggie brought us to this place to have bubble tea. I ordered a Large mango smoothie. It was WAY bigger than a Large back in Canada.

Anyways... After bubble tea, we wandered yet again in the rain til it was dinner time. We ate at a very famous restaurant with a very good reputation. It was ranked one of the top ten restaurants of the world in 1993. Impressive huh?? Really good food, and really good service. Overall, great experience.

Got home, and passed out in bedding that smelled like moth balls. Ew.

Day 2:

Took another long bus ride to find some hot springs. Almost left without dipping our feet in a spring until we passed by a random who pointed us to the river and where he had built his own little structure with hot spring water. It was sweet. The water is actually scalding (but very comfortable after a while). So we chilled there for a bit.

That's pretty much the most exciting thing of the day. I will spare you the frustrations we experience.


Day 3:
My last day with Maggie :(

Met up with her after lunch. She took us to have some mango ice dessert, then to see the memorial built for the first president of Taiwan. We're not history buffs, just an excuse to sit in some A/C. But it was pretty much like the Lincoln Memorial, but for the president of Taiwan.
Had Peking duck dinner with Maggie's Mom and sister. So nice of them to treat us to dinner.

That's about it.

When we got back to HK, my uncle had bought a cake in light of our return and to also remind us that no matter what's happened to us, we're still a family. Heart warming sentiment that we all shared.
Oh oh! After that we watched a home video from 1991 of me as a baby. I was CUUUUTE to say the least. Not biased at all.
Ask my Mom.

HK: Day 12

Today started like any other. Except we slept in a bit.
Lunch downstairs... you know the drill.

After breaky, my cousin came with us to shop for a bit in Mong Kok. A sudden flow of dollars prompted us to get some major shopping done.
I love the H&M Here. I can shop for hours. And the lack of tax makes it soo much better.

Today was a special day because after 10 long years, we finally got to see my Yeh Yeh (grandpa). He has Alzheimers and we were worried that he wouldn't remember us. But right when he saw her, he could recognize my Mom. Slowly he looked at the rest of us and you could see his face light up as he realized that his grand kids had come to see him.

Truth be told, he's not in the greatest condition. After watching videos from our last visit, it aches my heart to not see the healthy younger gramps I knew.
This man was much older, skinnier, and doesn't seem all there. But he was still my grandpa. I hated seeing him like that. But when he realized who we were, he really did seem happy. So happy that throughout dinner he held back tears. Tears he later let flow freely when we had to say goodbye. The hardest thing we've had to do. I didn't want to let go of him.

HK: Day 11

You know the stereotype that Asians can't drive? That is arguably false. Having witnessed the driving in China, it's safe to say that Chinese people are crazy good drivers, but only in their own environment.
Road rules do not apply there -- people drive as they please. So you have to be extra cautious. Canadians would not feel comfortable driving here. (This point was made by Ev)

So, didn't do much today. But before boarding the bus to go back to HK, we ate hot pot for lunch. But with congee. That wasn't the best lunch, but it sure was interesting if anything.

Thus began our journey home. Another 3 hour bus ride. Small problem at the border though, Mom and Ev filled out the wrong forms, so there was a short delay. Thankfully we all made it in time to catch the bus for the remainder of the trip.

That's about it for day 11.

HK: Day 10

Woke up at 6:15am to shower and get on a bus for 8:15am headed to China. But when we got to Mong Kok, my mom realized that she had left our tickets back at the flat!! Way to go Ma...
By that point it was already 8:00am and there wasn't enough time to go back and retrieve them and get on the bus in time. Thankfully my uncle was home and he raced to meet us. Also we were fortunate enough to switch our tickets to a later departure time.

After a 3 hour bus ride, we were finally in the motherland. We were greeted by my two (older) cousins, who drove us to the fanciest Chinese restaurant I've ever been to. My family sat at a table that was on a raised platform and surrounded by a pond that housed the biggest fish on the planet. Originally from Brazil and about 4-5 ft long... Holy massive. Holy expensive ($10 000). Not to mention tres ugly.

After dim sum we went to check out the factories my cousin now owns. There, they make lanyards, shoe laces, dog collars and so much more. So cool to see machinery at work.
I also really had to pee, so when I walked into the bathroom, I was really caught off guard when I saw the toilet which was essentially a hole... Never again.

Following our trip to the factory, we visited my family's houses. My uncle and cousins each have their own places, bu they're also all neighbors. Their houses are huge. Very high ceilings, and all 3-4 floors high. The thing my family likes to do is reminisce on the old days and look at old pictures. We saw a picture of my mom visiting my uncle's family at the age of 16. It's crazy to think our parents had lives before us. Oh, it was also here where I was a target for mosquitos...

For dinner we went back to the dim sum place. But this time our family booked a private room. This was our first really huge family gathering (with real family). even though it was with mostly extended family, I'm thankful we got to share that with them. And seeing my Mom with her brothers is a very rare and sweet thing to see. So glad we came.

This last part I'm writing in a very relaxed state. Just came back from a massage. Never gotten one before. A little strange but I think I can get used to it!!
As I write I'm kickin back in a pretty swanky hotel. Jiaxin Conifer Hotel in Shunde. Only opened last year. So nice.
Anyways, I'm gonna sleep in my uber-comfy bed now.

So, recap:
Peed in a hole. Got eaten alive. Well fed. Massage. Fancy hotel.

I love China.

HK: Day 9

Today started off like any other... Eating breakfast downstairs, then coming back up to chill. But today I finally finished my handmade, leather passport holder!!! It was actually so much fun. And I'm really happy with my finished product. I even punched in my name Stephanie L (or Stephaniel, as my Waterloo family calls me). It's a bit crooked, but hey, cut me some slack. This is handmade baby!!

After basking in my triumph, there was nothing else to do but chill some more and pack for our two day trip to China. So basically... one days worth of clothes in a bag. Done.

At 5:40 Ev and I boarded the metro to meet up with Karen and Peter. Yes, ladies and gents. We are the first to see the couple in person. So great to see our good friends somewhere other than Canada. And also so good to finally see them together! It was just like we were hanging out back at home, but he was calling her names like "sweetheart", and calling me "butthead"... Ick. Hahah
Oh those two... But hey! I made them look the same height in the picture!!!! -->

Back at home now. Have to get to bed soon... Gotta be on the bus to China by 8am. Great. Anyways... I don't think I'll be bringing my laptop with me so I'll keep a two day journal.

Till then...
Good night!

HK: Day 8

Didn't do much today. Had breakfast at the flat today. The moms went downstairs to purchase some food and brought it back up. Such service! Hahaha

At about 11:45 we headed to Mong Kok to shop around for a while. It was SO HOT today. OMG. Almost unbearable. Thankfully we were in the air conditioned mall for a bit before venturing out to the Ladies' Market. I learned that my mom's got some mad haggling skills. We bought a couple bowls for a mere $100 HKD thanks to her haggling.

Anyways, it was so hot that we had to come home shortly after. Napped for a couple hours before going to dinner.

Currently we're watching old videos of my cousin's family visiting us in Canada in 1995. Hilarious stuff. Oh my... I was a real gem.

PS. Getting lazy. Can you tell?

HK: Day 7

Probably the most tiring to date...

We left the flat at 10ish this morning, and just stepped in at 10:15pm. We were out for 12 hours today folks. It's safe to say I'm pretty tired.

So we took the subway to Central, then bused to Stanley where we did what we do best... shop and eat. Stanley is a pretty touristy place. You can tell cuz there's white people everywhere! As tourists, Stanley was the best place for us to buy souvenirs. Opportunity to practice haggling skills.

Today was pretty much all about the sights and views of Hong Kong. At Stanley/Central, the view of the water was amazing. My sister described it as the Hamptons of HK, as it is by the beach. The beaches were pretty crowded because it was a holiday (Buddha's birthday). Everywhere we went there were hoards of people. Heat + Sweat + People = Sticky Situation...

After a very long and nausea-inducing bus ride, we made it back to Central. We chilled at a place where my cousin's friend tends bar. Such a sweet atmosphere. My family and I were just about the only ones in the joint, and it was nice just to lay back, sit, and enjoy some A/C.

A while later, we took a tram headed to the Peak to check out more sights of Hong Kong. The view was amazing. By the time we got up there the sun had set, so the city lit up and looked so beautiful.

Our day didn't stop there...
Took another nausea-inducing bus ride back to central, but instead of subway-ing back to Lok Fu, we took the ferry to Kowloon. So much motion sickness in one day! I'm glad I didn't throw up over the side of the ferry...

Finally, we're back in Lok Fu, and before we go back to the flat, we eat a late dinner. Mmmmmm... pho..... Though admittedly it's not as good as B&T somehow.

That brings me to the end of my day. It really was a lot more tiring than I'm making it sound I think... Believe me, I'm sitting half dead on the couch right now as I'm writing. Need to take a quick shower and get to bed. Gooooood night!!

HK: Day 6

Note: This was supposed to be posted yesterday. Blogspot would not let me post...

Well gang, I’m happy to announce that I’ve finally overcome jet lag. I went to sleep at the late, late hour of 11:30pm and slept all the way till 9:30am. It was glorious. I can only hope that changing back to regular time won’t be as daunting of a task…

Anyways, today was our day of rest. Bummed around until 10:30 when we finally went downstairs to eat breakfast. Noodles for breakfast – again. Only on vacation though... I don’t know if I could do this on a regular basis.

Since today was our day of rest, I don’t have much to report. Ev and I ventured to a mall in Kowloon Tong and of course I ended up buying a couple things. Probably the shortest shopping trip ever, including travel time! We were pretty much on a mission.

Came home to catch the tail end of my mom’s facial. Afterwards we looked at my aunt’s past clients’ photos. She’s an aesthetician who helps to beautify brides on their special day. I didn’t realize how talented she is! She does everything! Facials, makeup, hair, designs the dresses… You name it she does it. Pretty much recruited her to doll me up on my day... when it comes. Ha.

The only set plan we had for the day was dinner with my late aunt’s husband. But before dinner, the highlight of my day was passing two gwai-lo (white) pubescent boys, and they were talking about chicks I suppose. The one was describing his dream girl: “Tall? Hot? Wassup!!” It was actually hilarious and made my day.

So anyways, my uncle took us to a place I’d classify to be fine Chinese dining. The food was MSG-free and deeelicious… especially the fish hand picked by my uncle. So fresh, so good. I could have eaten the whole thing. If you haven’t noticed, I’m a huge fan of seafood.

Pretty stoked for my facial. My aunt popped my brother’s huge zit. THAT was quite the sight. Should be a good time. I’ll keep you posted.

Well that pretty much sums it up. How’s Canada? Did I mention I miss home?

HK: Day 5

We haven't even been here for a week and already I'm a wreck.

First of all, as much as I appreciate the subway system here, it's tiring going from place to place to place. I miss sitting in a car. Standing is a bit much, and I've come to the conclusion that I'm not built for this lifestyle. The good thing about all this traveling though, is that there's no way you can get fat. You've got to walk everywhere! No excuse for extra poundage!! Hopefully my theory pans out... We've been eating out every meal. *fingers crossed*

So what did we do today?
Had McDonalds for breakfast. For 4 people, it didn't even cost $10 CAD. It's crazy how cheap food is here! Not to mention tasty and convenient.

At 11:30 we met up with my aunt and cousin in Kowloon Tong to head to Tung Chung Bay. We took a gondola to Ngong Ping Village, where we walked around and saw the gigantic Buddha. The most tiring part was waiting in line to get back. But at least the scenery was nice!

After a quick bite to eat, we did some shopping at Citygate Outlets. So many brand names but so little money. I'm so low on funds that I passed on the most beautiful pair of Burberry sunglasses! Instead I settled for a top and shiny leggings (finally) from Mango. Now that I think about it, I overpaid. Even at outlet prices... Ah well. It was red pocket money.

2.5 hours later, we ended up taking the subway to the gates of Disney. We didn't get off... but the actual subway cars were incredible!! Plush couch-like seats, and Mickey-shaped handles and windows, and even Disney character statuettes in glass cases. The seating was so comfortable, we didn't even bother to move. I could have ridden that line for hours.

Anyways, with that minor detour out of the way, we finally made it to Festival Walk in Kowloon for the most satisfying dinner so far. Chinatown food court-style meals. I was very happy with my char siew, siew yuk faan. So simple, yet so delicious. Good eats = Good times.

To all the mothers out there (who actually read my blog), I hope you have the most happy Mother's day. You're the most under-appreciated amongst us, so it's your day to bask in your awesomeness.
And to my own Mom (who doesn't read my blog), I'm sorry I don't show it much, but I do appreciate everything you do for me. You're the best mommy anyone could have.
I love you Momma. 

HK: Day 4

What better way to start off the day than to see my puppy back at home?? My family and I miss Abbie so much that we had to set up a Skype date just to see her. She's doing well, but apparently sits by the door awaiting our return. Heartbreaking, but so adorable that my love for her grows exponentially.

Afterward, we headed downstairs to have some breakfast. Instead of eating noodles today, I had corn and pork congee. Mmmmm. So good. Oh, and what meal isn't complete without HK style milk tea?

Once breakfast was over, we went back to the flat to take a quick nap before meeting my aunt at 11:30. Today we had dim sum and shopped in Sha Tin. We had a $1000 HKD gift card for Zara, and I thought I would spend it in a flash no problem. WRONG. I almost forced myself to buy stuff. Thankfully our Mother's Day present saved the day and helped us spend the rest. Also, having to spend 3 hours in the mall was the worst  because we're still fighting jet lag. After about 1.5 hours, we were beeeat. Plus, apparently people in Hong Kong don't believe in providing comfortable seating for the weary. It was quite the adventure just to find a bench to sit on.

Mom's new friend

When we reunited with my mom and aunt, we headed to Sai Kung's Public Pier to check out the scenery. It was refreshing as we were by the water. Loads of people walking around with their dogs, and it was there we met the most beautiful 3 year old St Bernard. I don't care that they're super slobbery, I'm definitely getting one when I grow up.

Soon it was finally time for dinner. I'd been waiting to eat some good seafood, and eating by the pier calls for nothing but. I got my wish and ate some lobster and about 2 full crabs. I'm a fiend when it comes to yummy crustaceans.

K, so I'm finally back at home. Exhausted and my feet hurt. It may be time to go to bed. I'm clearly still jet lagged... but I did sleep from 10-7 straight last night. So it's getting better.

But for now, I'm going to give into fatigue and hit the hay. Peace out.

HK: Day 3

Another busy day in Hong Kong. We've been going non-stop for 12 straight hours.

Jet lag is starting to diminish. I managed to sleep from 10:30 to about 6:30am. If only I can stay up past that time... I'll be kicking jet lag's ass in no time.

By 8:30, my mom, brother and sister were ready for breakfast, so we went downstairs and had noodles for breakfast again. Hahaha
After a hearty breakfast, my Mom took us to the market. Smellier than a supermarket, but the produce and meats are SO fresh. Everywhere you go, you'll see fresh veggies, fish, meat, baked goods. All cost what seem like mere pennies compared to prices back home.

What my product looks like so far...

After about an hour back at the flat, the fam and I left with my cousin to go to his studio where he taught us how to make simple leather goods. We decided that passport holders/small wallets would be our first projects. It's tougher than I'd thought. I've learned that I can't cut leather in a straight line... even with the help of a ruler.

At about 4pm Evelyn and I met up with our favorite campers from Bronte last summer -- Chess and Jenny!
We met up in Mong Kok to do some shopping. Really surprised I only picked up a few things, including pj's -- which I forgot to bring. I would forget to bring pyjamas.

Ladies Market in Mong Kok

Anyways, after a few hours of shopping, we needed to eat. So we opted for Korean BBQ. But it was way different than back at home! Instead of ordering food, like a buffet, you got up to get your own. In addition to the traditional meats etc, you could get dessert and drinks (like soy milk and herbal teas). Still feeling the food coma as I write...

It's almost bed time, so I'll just finish off.......... Now.
G'night!

HK: Day 2

It's only the second day in Hong Kong and I am beat.

Let me start off by saying that jet lag is a bitch and a half. I woke up at 4am and couldn't fall back asleep. Thank goodness I brought my laptop. It served as my entertainment til the rest of my family awoke. Hopefully I'll adjust quickly so I can finally get a good nights rest.

Once everyone was finally up and ready, we left the flat to eat breakfast downstairs. I love having instant noodles in the morning. I'll try not to make a habit of eating it or I'll end up being a fay poh (fat lady) and will have to gaam fay (lose weight) when I return to Canada.

After breaky we made our way to the cemetery where our late aunt Julie rests.  It was a somber moment, as her passing still affects our family -- even though it happened 7 years ago. I hadn't seen her in years, but the memories I have of her are precious and it's fair to say that she is dearly missed.

After visiting Julie, to brighten up the mood, we were led to APM, the largest shopping center in Kowloon. 7 floors of retail heaven to some... I however, felt overwhelmed because my head hurt trying to figure out CAD from HKD. I'm just happy that phones come equipped with calculators nowadays. Math woes aside, I actually ended up coming home empty handed. Chea. I know. Shocking huh? Haha

Following the shopping trip of the day, my cous brought us to the Jockey Club Creative Arts Center. A government sponsored building that rents out studios for artists and art classes. Most places weren't open, but we ended up looking at some neat light fixtures and crazy detailed dioramas. I wish I was creative...

Sounds like a jam packed day huh? Damn straight it was. We scarfed down a quick lunch and made our way back to the flat where I passed right out for an hour. If it wasn't for a previously arranged dinner with my aunt, I probably would have slept til the middle of the night. Which would have screwed up my sleep schedule even more.
So we met up with my mom's cousin (my aunt... kinda) to eat at a seafood restaurant. Food was alright. My stomach is also confused, so when I eat I can't really appreciate the quality of the food. But seriously though, at the rate I'm going, I'll definitely have to lose weight when I get home...

Well that was my day. How was yours?

HK: Day 1

Since our travels began, I've already learned one important lesson: Never travel with young'ns prone to misbehave.

After a daunting 15 hour long flight, I've come to the conclusion that I will NEVER fly with a 2 year old who screams at the top of their lungs for over an hour straight. That's right. Over an hour straight. I thought he would have tired himself out... I underestimated him entirely. Screaming for that long prompted my family and I to develop ill feelings towards the parents and their [obvious] lack of disciplinary skills. Parents, be wary of traveling with young children. Remember, there are others around you who are subject to their cries.

So, in Canada, we already stand out as white-washed Chinese kids. Imagine standing half a foot taller than most, dressing differently, speaking English and less than passable Canto. The Lais stick out like a majorly sore thumb. Not nearly as much as Caucasians though. We've started a tally, and in the metro station alone, we counted 14. Seeing white people makes me feel more at home. Man I miss Canada...

Haven't done much yet, but apparently we've a set itinerary courtesy of my more-than-eager 2nd uncle. Boredom is out of the question!