Wander Beyond Boundaries: 2016

2016

that love - hate relationship

Airports - over the years I have developed this love hate relationship with you.
How can a place bring so much exhilarating joy and sadness all at once.

This is a story of a long distance relationship...
With every reunion comes another tearful goodbye.

People will always ask how can you do it, being miles apart, do you miss the person? & of course, but what I look forward to the most is that next flight to share another adventure together. Another memory to add to our book.

I truly believe, where there's a will, there's always a way.

Just remember,
that there is someone in Toronto that loves you.

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, by Unknown

2016

Hawaii: Feed your tastebuds

Coming from Toronto, where it offers a diverse range of food from all across the globe. Making it fairly easy to satisfy those cravings without having to travel. Regardless, one of my favourite part of traveling is to try the various authentic food the place has to offer. So of course, while being in the middle of the Pacific Ocean - I was dying to eat up all the seafood!

WHAT TO EAT

Poke bowl - raw fish done right
Simply marinated raw ahi tuna topped on your choice of salad or rice. Most common is to be on rice. The combination of the two is to die for!

Loco Moco

essentially burger patty topped with a fried egg smothered in delicious gravy - the Hawaiian poutine

Fresh Coconut

you can find these everywhere, best way to quench your thirst while on the road. & the benefit of tipping, they always give you more than what you came for.

Fish Tacos, the North Shore - Oahu
Food trucks central!

Thanks for feeding my taste buds Hawaii!
Until next time.

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, by Unknown

2016

Oahu, Hawaii: Touchdown

HAWAII - Paradise on earth.

Never was it on my agenda of places to see. It was however, on Franz's top list of destinations. So as one of our last big trip before he head back to Dresden, Germany - we decided on a spontaneous trip shortly after our visit to Ottawa. This is how we ended up in Oahu, Hawaii.

From the moment you land, you are welcome by the warm breeze of the ocean, endless amount of palm trees, and beautiful sighting of the mountain peaks. An absolute stunner.

Constantly leaving you wanting more.

Prior to this trip, I had no idea where Hawaii was located on the map. 12 hours later where we departed from Toronto, Canada, we finally landed in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in the capital, Honolulu.

Oahu, you are beautiful.

In order to fully experience the island, I would recommend renting a car to drive along the coast. With all the scenic stops you will be making along the way, give yourself at least two days. However, it is possible to see it all in a day.

PLACES TO SEE:

DIAMOND HEAD STATE MONUMENT

one of the many historical site in Oahu, Hawaii. An ancient crater created through a volcanic eruption where it ascends 560 feet from the crater floor to the top of the summit.

Located at the eastern edge of the Waikiki's coastline

Trail: Diamond Head Summit Trail

Length of trail: 1.3 km, one way

Approximately, 1.5 - 2 hours leisurely hike

The hike up the summit is quite strenuous and steep, consisting of a few flights of stairs BUT the view is totally worth it.

Just make sure you pack plenty of water and wear proper feet attire.

NORTH SHORE

You will definitely need a car to get to North Shore from Waikiki, worth the trip. With many food trucks to taste from, for a foodie like myself - I was in heaven! Known for its shrimp trucks where I had to get my hands on a plate.

HALEIWA ALI'I BEACH PARK

One of the stops along the road towards North Shore. The most surreal experience with massive sea turtles washing up shore at your feet. Not to mention, they are so adorable.

WAIKIKI

beautiful beach front neighbourhood located along the south shore of the island, where we stayed for majority of our visit in Oahu. Tourist hot spot for beach bumming, what we did best!

Where we stayed: Waikiki Beachside Hostel

A walking distance to the many attractions around Waikiki. Air conditioned rooms, which was necessary in the Hawaiian heat. Great way to meet new people from all over the globe.

With my traveling buddy, best friend, and other half

The only way is the Pacific

The waves were a bit rough, ha

Catching the Pacific Ocean waves

LANAI LOOKOUT

Is this for real? Constant thought running through my mind.

This is one of the three lookout along the Kalanianaole Highway.
A great location to see a panorama view of the southeast coast line of Oahu.

HāLONA BLOWHOLE LOOKOUT, a natural wonder of the world

This is formed from molten lava tubes from a volcanic eruption years ago. Making it the second of the three lookout along the Kalanianaole Highway. Definitely worth the quick stop for some photo snapping during your drive along the coast line.

You are beautiful, Hawaii

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, by Unknown

2016

National Park: Bruce Peninsula

One of Canada's national park, located in Ontario just in between
Georgian Bay and the basin of Lake Huron. Where the water is blue as day.

This place quickly became one of my favourite spot.

Photo Diary from this beautiful place in Ontario

Worth wild road trip to get away from the city life.

The Grotto, take a dive - I dare you.

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, by Unknown

2016

Never on the agenda

My life is a organized chaotic mess but the one thing I am sure about, it was that falling in love was not my agenda. I enjoyed being on my own almost a little too much. However, the unexpected is always expected.
But, somewhere along the way - I met someone.

After summer 2011, I made myself my number one priority. It sounds selfish but I needed to love myself, find my own independence... soul search. I didn't need someone to fill a void or have empty conversations with, I needed someone to show me a side of myself that I have yet to discover.
So I made it a goal to finished my BSc. degree and backpack Scandinavia where soon after I graduated in 2013, I realized it was not feasible at the time so I opted out for a plan B.

Pick a city, buy a one way flight and work while I am there to funds my wandering mind
& DRESDEN, GERMANY is where I ended up in.

Fast forward to today, from strangers to friends to lovers. From living in the same city to long distance to reunion. However, with every reunion it feels like there is another expiry date.
Everyone who hear our story is always in 'awe' but in reality, it is hard work for an international relationship.
Having to keep in mind the cultural differences, language barrier, visa issues.
It's been one hell of a rollercoaster of emotions but worth the ride.

What's next for us? ...

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, by Unknown

2016

Toronto: Tommy Thompson Park

Leslie Street Spit

1 Leslie Street, Toronto

The city life can be exhausting especially when you live in one of Canada's largest city - TORONTO.

With constant hustle and bustle, sirens blaring and honking of cars.

It nice to know that there is lots of green space in this city. One gem that is a must in the city is the Tommy Thompson Park. Gives you a phenomenal view of the skyline without the cost of a ferry to Toronto Islands. Makes for a great biking adventure for some sweet photographs.