This was from Disney that I forgot to post up. I LOVE my camera!  If only I can really learn how to use it.   I was just snapping away, and was lucky enough to get this beautiful shot.

This is actually something I saw a couple of months ago at Ichiban Sushi at Yonge and Sheppard.  SO politically incorrect??

Because it was about $300 cheaper, I flew a connecting flight through Charlotte, North Carolina on US Airways.  Love Elite status, as I didn’t have to pay the $25US to check my baggage.  The Charlotte airport was actually a lot bigger and nicer than I expected.  I didn’t realize that Charlotte was actually the LARGEST city in North Carolina.  Still, with a population of only 700k, I didn’t expect it to have SO much traffic!

The best meal I had on my trip was actually at the sushi bar at the airport, drinking Chardonnay out of a plastic wine glass (bottom left):

I know I’ve said that drinking wine from a plastic cup doesn’t taste as good – but I think the fact that the plastic cup was in the shape of a wine glass, made it taste better.  Seriously.

Also, at the time, I got a kick out of the fact that the sushi wasn’t even made by Asian, it’s probably the first time I’ve seen an Hispanic sushi chef – but it just occurred to me that I managed a Japanese restaurant that was RUN by a COUPLE of caucasian Sushi Chefs! haha.. (Dan – don’t kill me, I miss ya!)

Especially vacation.  As cute as my 11-year old nephew can be:

I think my new rule for going to Disney World, will be that I will never travel with children (at least – that aren’t my own) again.  Kids just require WAY too much attention.

Here’s me and ConCon hiding out in the lobby of our hotel the last night, trying to get some peace and quite while we were enjoying our Chardonnays!

Apparently an Australian label – a pack of 4 minis that we picked up at the gas station for $6.99!  It was not bad actually, but wine always tastes better in a glass!

One of my favourite things to do at ANY Disney park, is to attend all the parades!!  Hollywood Studios didn’t really have many parades.. There was a Pixar Block Party, that was a lot of fun to watch.. Here are just a few highlights:

I really have to commend all the actors/performers.  I was melting in the heat just watching the parade.. I can’t imagine to be dancing around or in the costumes!

Believe it or not, I did not see Mickey in person this visit.  Because we only had one precious day at Disney World, I thought we’d go to Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios).  It was my favourite park last time.  I didn’t realized that it closed early some days: (7:30??wtf), but anyhow, we probably wouldn’t have made it passed then anyhow (the bus pickup was at 8pm).  Even though I didn’t see Mickey, I always find comfort in seeing his ears:

How can you NOT believe that this really is a place “where dreams come true”?

After I took this photo.. I realized I think I have this exact same shot from 10+ years ago!  Oh well.. still great as always!

I think I was sick of American food by the 2nd meal.  I think one of the best things about living in Toronto, and even in Beijing to some extent, is just the exposure to SO many cultures, foods, and restaurants.  I was surprised that it was difficult to find any good Italian food down there.  While we saw lots of pizza, and spaghetti and meat balls.. it was all the Americanized.

We ate at this seafood restaurant one night next to our hotel.  But unfortunately, I don’t have any pics of the food.  I have to admit, the only reason it made the Best Dining Experience in Florida.. is that IGOT CARDED!!!  hehe..  Sorry.. just days before my *uhem* 25th Birthday.. I really needed that ego boost!  Hahaha Thank You very much Jerry (I think that was the waiter’s name or maybe it was Jeremy!)

I do remember the salads were really good, fresh, and so was the blue cheese… and the clam chowder was better than expected, creamy and clam-y.

My beautiful cousins ConCon and Lidia

ConCon liked the old American feel of this place…

We actually spent TWO days at Universal, and ONE day (ONLY!!) at Disney this visit (-must go again SOON).  The first day we went to the Island of Adventure, where I had TOTALLY forgotten about how wet you can get on the water rides! 

One of the highlights though was the Harry Potter area of the park.. here are some pics.

The entrance…

Hogwarts Express!

I’m not sure if this would be Diagon Alley or Hogsmede.  I little bit embarrased about the atrocious attire.  I was wearing jeans earlier that got soaked.. and didn’t want to waste too much time shopping, so picked up the first pair of long shorts I could find.. which happend to be pink Universal sweats – to go with my Plastered T-shirt (with Chinese water bottle and Beijing girl on the back!).  I felt like one of those Chinese grannies walking to the fish market in their pjs!

The picture was taken early on when we got there, area a few hours later became packed, the only other thing I’ve seen liked it is the Beijing train station two days before Chinese New Year!

The Boys of Durmstrang – These poor actors.  I don’t know why people complain about sweatshops in China.  These guys were wearing very dark and heavy outfits, and it was about 40 degrees plus TONS of Florida sunshine.  Later we saw even cleaners clearing the garbage bins was wearing a long sleeved school sweater!

The first day down in Orlando, since we only had half day, we decided to just head downtown Disney.  (God.. I LOVE DISNEY!)  Not even getting to any of the parks.. just stepping onto Disney owned territory just makes me all giddy.

LOVE all the Disney shops.. but there were a few niche shops there as well.. Came across this interesting one, which sells mismatched socks/leggings/footwear!  And I thought- CAN’T believe I missed out on this business opportunity???   I swear, no joke, I must have a dozen pair of single socks in my sock drawer (I have this theory that my washer/dryer eats them – doesn’t yours?)  But who knew, with the right packaging, you could sell 3 single socks for $10??

Here’s the store.  You can also find them online at:  http://www.littlemissmatched.com/

Money well spent on their packaging.

My cousin picked up these flip flops – they were on sale for $5!  I think it was a good deal!

Guess where I’m going???? DISNEY WORLD!!! YAY!  Cannot wait!!  I’ve been to ALL the Disneys around the world.. (but not all the parks!)  Haven’t been to Disney World since 1999, but it is still BY FAR my favourite one!  Finally… one GREAT thing about living back in Toronto, is that Disney World and Disneyland are SUPERclose.  Disneyland Tokyo and HK don’t even hold a candle. — And actually, I hate to say it, but I am actually NOT looking forward to Shanghai Disney, especially after their Expo experience (from what I hear only, but at which I’m not surprised, -the crazy NON-line ups!!)

Here are some of my favourite Disney World pics from that trip… Will of course post new Disney pics after my trip.

When I was skinny

Sunset on the Disney Cruise… SO romantic!  *sigh*

Mickey and Minnie in formal dress on the Cruise… Don’t they just look adorable??

We stayed at the Disney All Star Resort… Can you see me and Colleen sitting on Woody’s lap?

Winnie!

According to Wikipedia, this is Dale: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chip_%27n_Dale.  They were SO much fun!

And last, but certainly not least, this is my favourite picture with Mickey.  I was recovering from a fever that day.. that’s why my face is all red!