Heavenly Paradise@AdelineAng.com

Source: Canada.com

Living in the small city of Fredericton with the population of 51,000, I’ve been quite blessed with the reasonable cost of housing here. What can you do with $675? Perhaps a monthly rent for a comfy and spacious bachelor apartment, or a decent size two-bedroom apartment. Of course, as you’ve expected, kitchen, living room, bathroom will be included as well.

Imagine… an apartment unit in the above picture is all you can get in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. How big is it? About the size of two parking spaces!! The 270 sq. ft. “micro loft” includes kitchen and bathroom too. Amazing! It really makes me wonder, if we’re now following the footsteps of some congested cities such as Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. The whole idea of these “micro lofts” is to allow low-income individuals to be able to afford a place of their own. Nonetheless, living in an apartment about the size of a standard bedroom will certainly drive me nuts!

Let it snow…let it snow….let it snow… The white and fluffy snow is not only pretty to look at, but also fun to play with!

We had joy
We had fun
We had seasons in the snow
But the snow that we played
was just never last too long

* Modified from “Season In The Sun” by Westlife.

The womanized “Winnie the Pooh.”

The cute snowman blushed as being kissed on both cheeks.

There was a group of us who attended a friend’s farewell party at the East Side Mario’s Restaurant. John, who was part of the “gang,” has decided to move to Toronto for a more stable job. John, we shall miss you always :)

Despite the sadness of John leaving us, we had a great meal together. Of course, I had fun snapping pictures too ;)

The interior of the East Side Mario’s.

The signature crispy garlic bread. Freshly baked. Yummm…

Caesar Salad.

Bruschetta. Fresh Roma tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil and balsamic glaze served on herbed flatbread.

 Cheese Cappelletti for cheese lovers! Pasta stuffed with ricotta cheese filling, topped with even more ricotta, baked with our Besciamella-Tomato sauce and our blend of Mozzarella, Provolone, Gouda and Parmesan cheeses.

Firecracker Shrimp Farfalle. Large black tiger shrimps sautéed in extra virgin olive oil with fresh green chilies, snow peas, Roma tomatoes and basil. Served with bowtie-shaped paste tossed with herbed garlic olive oil.

Zesty Sicilian Pizza. Italian sausages, Capicolla ham, black olives, pizza sauce, and four cheeses.

 Sizzling Calamary Al Diavolo. It’s the signature appetizer. Lightly seasoned calamari sautéed with garlic, onions, red, green and hot cherry peppers and served sizzling in a herbed tomato broth with lemon.

 The New Yorker pizza. Pepperoni, red and green peppers, mushrooms, pizza sauce and blend of cheeses.

Cannoli.

Cannoli (meaning “little tube” in the Sicilian language), one the most famous Sicilian desserts that can be found in almost all Italian pasticceria. The Cannoli shell is made of flour, sugar, salt, eggs, water, vinegar, and vanilla. It’s traditionally filled with rich and sweet ricotta cheese.

Chocolate Mousse cake.

One year after another, and twenty four hours a day never seems enough; each minute passes by even before we realize it.

Canada, or Fredericton to be precise; a place that I called my second home, for more than a quarter of the chapter of my life thus far. I couldn’t be grateful enough for all the blessings that’ve been showered upon me, in this foreign land that I used to know no one and no one knew me.

Live the life to the fullest, and cherish every moment in life. Welcome to the year 2010! May this year be a fruitful and a blessing one to you and me!

Stylish? Practical? I’m perplexed looking at the so-called “winter boots” on the market. Most of the women boots look pretty and stylish. Nonetheless, it doesn’t take long to realize that they have poor insulation, and with no water resistance! What good it is to keep one in the winter?

Oh well, I shouldn’t say that. For someone who hops into the car from home, drive to work, hop from the card into the work building, and hop back into the car and drive home after work, maybe, those boots won’t be a bad option.

For me, a few hundred metres of walk to the bus stop everyday, and a few kilometres of walk for groceries or to downtown when the buses are not available.

Where can those boots get me to? No where! It doesn’t take long before they get soaking wet from the snow, and leads to wet socks, and freezing feet.

So, be practical!

I’ve a good pair of leather boots that I’ve been wearing for the past six winters. It has good water resistance and well insulated. However, over the years, soles are losing treads and the traction isn’t the best. There were times where I almost slipped and fell on the icy patches, and worse still, I could barely balance myself walking down a steep slope. That was terrifying…

The solution to this is, studded boots! Same idea as studded winter tires, they will give more traction as compared to regular winter tires. These studded rubber strap, “Stabilicers,” can be placed around the bottom of my boots.

Off I went! Instead of avoiding the icy ground, I can now walk in a straight line without much complications.

Thanks to Miles for the great idea. It’s a nice Christmas gift, that allows me to walk in the winter with confidence ;)

I’m not a big fan of flu shots; not that I’m afraid of needles (I’ve had lots of practice from blood donation), but I’d rather let my own body immune system fight off the virus. What would happen if my body depends too much on the flu shots? Yes, by getting flu shot, I’m quite certain that my chances of catching the flu is close to nothing. Nonetheless, who can guarantee that I’m not catching something else in the air?

How many flu shots does it require for us to stay away from all the bugs? The answer is “too many.” Hence, my idea is, let my body defend for herself. This way, defense system can be strengthen and fight a longer battle.

Conversely, immune system that’s over protected (fully depend on flu shots) has a harder time to be on its own when crisis arises. Worse comes to worst, our body loses the battle and we feel miserable. At least, our body will then recognize the enemy and will do a better job in defending him/herself next time around.

When H1N1 flu shot became available to the public, I was contemplating whether or not I should get one. I convinced myself to get one in the end based on the following reasons:

1) H1N1 can be deadly. It doesn’t seem to get any better but worse. Prevention is better than cure.

2) If I never get the shot and happen to catch the flu. I’ll be the only person to be blamed.

3) It’s free. Actually, it’s more like I’ve already paid for it since it’s from the taxpayer’s pocket.

Some of the symptoms of H1N1 swine flu are: extreme fatigue, sore throat, cough, headache, runny & stuff nose, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. Who can get it? It’s just about anyone!  

The media hype on H1N1 influenza virus leads to absurd paranoiac amongst the public. Here is the question. Is H1N1 flu virus any worse than other flu or disease that we know of? Reports have shown that seasonal flu kills more than 35,000 Americans every year, 1.6 million people died from Tuberculosis in 2005, and SARS killed 163 people up to 2003. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were about 8,000 confirmed death cases caused by H1N1 flu virus, up to end of November 2009. Is H1N1 virus any worse? Do the math.

What are the impacts of H1N1 (by getting the public paranoid)? Drug companies are selling more drugs, doctors are attending to more patients, medical institutions are getting more businesses. These phenomena made me wonder: are these all about media and politics?

Look at this. Every month, 50,000 people die from AIDS in South Africa. Every day, nearly 1,600 people die from AIDS. And guess what? 42,000 people died from car accidents in 2001 and more than 20,000 death cases from the common flu in the USA annually.

Stay healthy. Be happy. Instead of living in fear because of influenza viruses, there are lots of other things in life to be treasured and cherished.

Not a dozen, nor a hundred
But a single one
One that shows its vibrant red
Sparkles as the light shines on

On the pond, printed image of two
Once were strangers
Not knowing each other
Are now sharing love together

Most people would probably agree with me that puddles aren’t pleasant to stumble into. Muddy and yucky. Eww! Pedestrians, especially, have to be extra cautious while walking along the sidewalk. Try to stay as far away from the road as possible. The “man-made fountain” is not as pretty as you thought it might be; yucky splashing water when a car is driven by the puddle is best to be avoided.

Apparently, carrying an umbrella on a rainy day can be very useful. Besides keeping ourselves dry, it can potentially be used as a “shield” to protect us from the splashing water.

Having said that, puddles can be a great setup for capturing water reflection images. Pretty cool!

The surroundings seem so different when it’s covered in snow. Although winter weather can be brutally cold, I enjoy the beauty and serenity of winter. It’s part of the nature, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to experience winter. I’m hoping to enjoy the most of it. Dress warm and stay strong!

My winter boots made their first appearance of the season this past Sunday. Taking pictures in the winter can be enjoyable, yet torturing. By the end of the session, my hands were nearly frozen. Gloves and camera don’t seem to go along very well. I was snapping pictures with my bare hands. Cold… freezing cold… but it was worthwhile :)

Ever get bored of doing the same thing over and over again? That’s one the dilemmas I often face; when I lose interest in a particular event or simply because it doesn’t seem meaningful to me anymore.

During my first year of the university, I was eager to explore new adventures, which includes becoming a radio DJ! The online radio streaming broad casted the radio show live and allowed my family and friends in Malaysia to listen to my voice. Unbelievable!

It wasn’t until several years later after I graduated, I was back to the campus radio station (College Hill Radio Station) again. With the recent renovations at the studio, I’m enjoying my brand new experience hosting radio shows on the weekends.

Together with other radio DJs from the Chinese Student Association of the university, we’ve a blast presenting the only Chinese radio program to the local community!

Fishing is my new found hobby this past summer. Fishing in the province of New Brunswick requires a seasonal fishing licence. There are specific areas that mapped for fishing. Depending on the area and type of fish, the fishing season varies. It’s important to keep in mind that a special licence is needed for catching salmons. On top of that, the size and amount of fish that can be caught per day is regulated. Trout, Pickerel, Muskellunge, Burbot, White perch, and yellow perch have to be at least 10cm in length to be kept.

More information about fishing licence can be obtained here. A regular seasonal fishing licence, or sometimes known as trout licence can be purchased from Department of Natural Resources offices, Service New Brunswick Centres, and licence vendors (e.g. Canadian Tire and Home Hardware) throughout the province. It’s offered for $20, with $5 fish stocking fee and $5 conservation fee included.

Over the fishing season, Miles and I have learned that artificial bait doesn’t work very well. We have also came to a conclusion that it’s easier to catch a fish earlier in the season, since fishes live and learn; they will nibble on the bait, but smart enough not to be caught.

During the summer months, we went fishing in several places; mainly Killarney Lake in Fredericton and Lily Lake in Saint John.

Placing an earthworm on the hook was challenging the very first time.

Patience is the key for fishing.

Sunfish:” Poor me…I’ll be put on the supper table tonight.”

Yellow perch:” Oopsy…I shouldn’t be greedy to take another bite of the yummy worm! Too late now…”

Another Sunfish:” Posing for my last shot…”

Catfish:” Alamak! He caught me! I failed to escape this time lah…:(“

Most of the fishing we did, was catch and release. It was too sad to kill the fish. Furthermore, some fishes were small. Catch and release worked well for us, as we got to enjoy the fun of fishing while fishes munched on their snacks.

The Issac’s Way Restaurant in Fredericton offers a cozy dining ambiance. It features a bar section that serves a variety of alcoholic beverages.

There are lots to choose from the food menu. Miles and I had a hard time making up our mind for what we’re going to have.

Finally, I made my decision and settled for the Smoked Salmon Salad. The “hot” smoked salmon was served on a  bed of greens with sliced cucumbers and onions, dried cranberries, mandarin oranges, toasted walnuts, with their very own citrus vinaigrette. This went along with a freshly baked bread stick on the side. The meal turned out great and it was very filling.

The Smoked Salmon Salad.

Miles ordered the Big Isaac Burger. It was piled high with onion rings, grilled mushrooms, mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, and pesto mayo on a Kaiser bun. 

The Big Isaac beef burger is piled high with onion rings, grilled mushrooms, mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, and pesto mayo on a Kaiser bun. It was served with a generous serving of home fries and pickle. It was a challenge to take a bite off the burger. Miles really had to open his mouth big and wide. No kidding!

The BIG Isaac Burger.

Dessert time… Miles had a Triple Chocolate Cake and I had a Brownie Cheesecake. Yumm…

The Triple Chocolate Cake with delicious chocolate icing.

The Brownie Cheesecake drizzled with chocolate sauce.

Address:
73 Carleton Street
Fredericton,
New Brunswick E3B 3T2

Tel: (506) 472-7937

What is your favourite apple? McIntosh, Lady Pink, Cortland, Honey Crisp, or Gala? To  me, those freshly picked apples are the best! Nothing can beat that.

My first apple picking experience three years ago was great. I missed it so much that I wanted to go again! The apples were fresh & crisp, and tasted better than those store-bought ones. Besides eating on its own, apple is great for baking too.

$6 for 10lb bag of apples (McIntosh, Lobo, Gravenstein etc.)! It’s a price that you can never find at the grocery stores. Furthermore, the fun of picking apples off the trees is priceless!

The vibrant colour, cool breeze and clear sky. These are some of the many things I like about the fall season. Nonetheless, frosty morning and freezy evening can be rather brutal.

I enjoy taking pictures of fall scenery, which can be so different from year to year. I didn’t think I’ll ever get tired of it. I was especially amazed by the wonderful nature during my very first autumn experience in Canada. The amusement from observing the colour change in the environment was beyond comprehension. I’d pause and enjoy the surroundings, on my way to classes each day.

The colour changes slowly, and leaves fall gradually; the transition of the season displays its unique pattern everyday.

An annual event celebrated on the 5thof the fifth month (according to Chinese Lunar Calender), Dragon Boat Festival is deeply rooted in the Chinese culture. Participating in a Dragon Boat Race and eating Zongzi (glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves) are some of the ways to celebrate this festival.

The origin of Dragon Boat Festival is to commemorate the great patriot poet Qu Yuan.

“Like other Chinese festivals, there is also a legend behind the festival. Qu Yuan served in the court of Emperor Huai during the Warring States (475 – 221 BC). He was a wise and erudite man. His ability and fight against corruption antagonized other court officials. They exerted their evil influence on the Emperor, so the Emperor gradually dismissed Qu Yuan and eventually exiled him. During his exile, Qu Yuan did not give up. He traveled extensively, taught and wrote about his ideas. His works, the Lament (Li Sao), the Nine Chapters (Jiu Zhang), and Wen tian, are masterpieces and invaluable for studying ancient Chinese culture. He saw the gradual decline of his mother country, the Chu State. And when he heard that the Chu State was defeated by the strong Qin State, he was so despaired that he ended his life by flinging himself into the Miluo River.

Legend says after people heard he drowned, they were greatly dismayed. Fishermen raced to the spot in their boats to search for his body. Unable to find his body, people threw zongzi, eggs and other food into the river to feed fish, so hoped to salvage his body. Since then, people started to commemorate Qu Yuan through dragon boat races, eating zongziand other activities, on the anniversary of his death, the 5thof the fifth month.”

* From About.com

I missed the Zongzi (a.k.a. rice dumpling) from home. The rice dumpling is so popular that it’s easily available all year round. The preparation is time consuming and very skill demanding. Since I couldn’t get any fresh ones here in Fredericton, I made some a few years ago to soothe my cravings. It was a tedious process. I’ll have to improve on my wrapping skills for the rice dumplings appear to be more presentable.

The 5th Annual Dragon Boat Race was held in the city of Fredericton in September. Why in September? I’m not exactly sure. In my humble opinion, spring weather might still be cold. The summer months allow participants to sharpen their rowing skills, so that they’ll be ready for the race when it comes fall. Furthermore, most people are away during summer for vacation and spending time with family & friends. Needless to say, winter is not on the option list due to the extreme cold temperature and frozen river.

Majority of the participants are amateur rowers. The race is considered more like a friendly match rather than a competitive one.

It turned out to be a nice day for the Dragon Boat Race on a Sunday morning.

Participants were getting ready.

The competition began!

Boat No. 2 was the winner in this elimination round.