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Out & About #1011 | Matcha Ganache Cake, Pink Swirl No-Bake Cheesecake + Yeah Yeah Thai

6/29/2024

When a senior member of the management staff questioned my absence in the office, I knew I could no longer escape another week of attendance.

Leading up to my commute into the city, I sampled Bokbunja from Vancouver, crafted cake (of course), and elicited the last-minute assistance of my browsing partner, who was shortly due to depart for work ventures. The minimal overlap in our schedules had restricted interactions to just one day, thus I was grateful for the few hours spared to replace a cracked screen protector and pick up baked goods.

The severe heat warnings of the week prior had subsided. In spite of this, the house was atypically warm. Generally stuffy conditions would cause me to awaken at thirty minute intervals, making for an approximate 4-5 h of sleep and horribly drowsy start to the morning.

The drive was treacherous and the usual fifteen-minute trek from Union was tougher than usual. I also realized I had grown accustomed to walking slower having been in BC for two weeks. Next to me, a lanky girl with black bell bottoms, platform sneakers, large sunglasses, and Gen Z-approved mini handbag strode past with both ease and intent.

Debuting my new ashy hair, I was welcomed back with giant smiles and cake talks. In the face of a reduced work load, I was also given a tour of the employee gym facilities, which I had never known to exist previously.

The lunch hour was spent perusing every floor of the Eaton Centre, leaving no air-conditioned corridor untravelled.

Observations included:

Lululemon supporting Canada in the Paris 2024 Olympics
Ted Baker's closing sale
Bingz's opening in the urban eatery food court
Daily Combos at my coworker's go-to bubble tea outpost of machi machi
A Jinyoung sighting at Sukoshi Mart

In order to combat sleep deprivation-induced fatigue, a large Iced Caramel Coffee was redeemed from McDonald's. Truth be told: it was one of the most revolting iced coffees tasted to date: acidic, watery, and immediately inducive of nausea.

The following office day boasted breezier conditions, making for more enjoyable conditions for exploration.

Out & About #1010 | Auberge du Pommier Wedding Lunch + Star Dance

6/22/2024

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"Don't forget you have a wedding to go to." my browsing partner had warned. "If you show up with bright orange hair..."
The voice trailed off, with the potential consequences never revealed. Such statements had assumed the response to my declaration of colouring my hair while on vacation. When I returned with a faded grey though, no further concerns were uttered.

With the coming of age, weddings have transformed from a fun social outing that enabled an opportunity to dress up to a financial burden and substantial time commitment, encompassing not only participation in receptions, but the ceremony and - often dreadful - commute as well. When presented with the chance to try Auberge du Pommier though, I eagerly requested to be added to the invitee list. After all, Summerlicious/Winterlicious prices weren't going to be get any cheaper.

In order to prevent a prolonged stay amongst unfamiliar faces, I took to handling my own logistics. Upon conclusion of the reception, I'd be relieved of further social interaction and happily carry on with my own itinerary instead.

Traffic was awfully sluggish for a Saturday morning, and my usual tardiness hadn't helped the situation either. As per the given directions, I'd descend into the underground parking garage upon arrival. Parking rates were posted just before the entrance gate arm. Grudgingly, I pressed the button for a ticket. It was with much relief that I later learned of the restaurant's complimentary parking validation.

The ceremony would commence at 10:30 AM, leaving me with just enough time to find the washrooms at the bottom of a carpeted stairwell. One accessible stall was located at the same level as the entranceway. Though, the establishment was still far from accessible given that transitioning between the foyer to the dining room to the covered patio involved steps and stairs. These marbled tiles camouflaged into the rest of the décor (read: low visibility) and sported propagating cracks at areas of high usage.
Generally speaking, the bathroom facilities were well maintained, but not exceptionally clean. The stalls utilized a white wooden frame with bevelled surfaces, on top rested a thin layer of dust. They were wide enough to accommodate voluminous attire and featured sturdy hooks on the back of the door. Tissues and thick, disposable hand towels resided by the sinks. By the end of the event, these hand towels had vanished entirely, an indicator of absent mid-reception bathroom checks.

A cool white tone was embraced by the establishment: the exterior wooden and the interior stone. The design was slightly reminiscent of Italian eateries, but differed in its incorporation of flat ceilings (instead of cave-like curves), abundant light fixtures and illumination points, ashy stone furnishings, and choice of centrepieces (angels, baby ducks, etc.) Auberge du Pommier's wine inventory, along with glassware in various shapes and sizes, could be spotted lining the walls. Perhaps one of the more interesting tidbits was the fragile nature of said glasses: Guests were advised against clinking glasses in celebration due to fear of breakage.

Steps from the dining room was a stunningly beautiful outdoor venue. Despite compact, the area was bright and vibrant: edged in greenery and stone, shielded from the sun and other elements, and featuring a fountain at its centre.

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Out & About #1009 | Return to Work, Heat Wave + Bingz Square One Opening

6/21/2024

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There was a noticeable difference in energy levels associated with my return this time around. Or maybe it was that the overall energy supply have been sustained by alternating periods of rest and recovery over the two-week period.

As much as I love the Thai ahgase and her immense consideration for my bathroom usage habits, operating at maximum capacity for four consecutive days in a typically comfortable setting did not align with my vacation goals.
My regular routine is jam-packed enough; vacation ought be reserved for leisurely exploration with touches of tranquility. The fondest takeaways are rarely the days that involve hurrying from one place to another, but rather recollections of organically engaging with the new and familiar alike.

I re-entered the workforce in just under 12 hours following my return. As much as I despise the trivial matters of desk booking - and "desk snatching", the hybrid model works best to sustain energy levels and employee productivity.
In consideration of a throbbing headache and sore throat, I opted out of my usual office appearance. The week-long heat wave, mixed with sporadic thunderstorms, only served to finalize this decision, single-handedly, of course.

The steady transition involved a boatload of fresh fruit and small collection of homemade café items. While abroad, kitchen tools were few and not always fully functional. Back home, I gleefully took to my cutting boards, knives, and sieves to process in-season cherries, strawberries, mini Taiwanese pineapple, Honeycrisp apples, oranges, and Ataulfo mangoes.

Somewhat disappointing were these strawberries; their small size, damp exterior, and nearly undetectable sweetness sent them to the stovetop, where they were simmered down to form a compote, and eventually, a jam.
The quantity of sugar had been scaled down from my go-to jam recipe, while the lemon juice was a rough estimate (read: too generous of a squeeze) and the gelatin maintained consistent with 4 cups' worth of strawberries. Naturally, the yield was more reminiscent of a zesty strawberry jelly than a jam.

Most surprising was how the formula had reduced with impressive speed - much quicker than both the breadmaker and Instant Pot! Within thirty minutes, I was able to transfer the solution to an airtight container. Some several hours later, it thickened enough to be used in a Strawberry Matcha Latte, sweetened with a few spoonfuls of golden yellow sugar syrup. (Truth be told: Vancouver's version of "not too sweet" is still, in fact, quite sweet.)
Overnight, it congealed to a slice-able dessert. It was no longer spreadable, but nonetheless tasty and refreshing.

The freezer supplied breakfasts of Apple Crumble Cake, while my existing Paragon and Costco inventory enabled the creation of an Oolong Tea Latte and Guava Refresher.

Emails were reviewed as I munched my way through meatballs and plasticy pork jerky from Mei Jan Hong (now blacklisted). Nayeon's ABCD was also played on loop around the clock. Despite being an utterly different vibe than POP!, it still proved to be an equally adored track by yours truly. (I shall admit: Since its release, I have strived to learn a different segment of the choreography each chance I get.)

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Vancouver Ventures | DAY 15: Return + Recap

6/16/2024

For the first night since my arrival, slumber had been fitful. I woke up periodically, only to eventually settle in with cooler temperature settings.

My alarm was set for 7 AM, enabling just enough time to complete two loads of laundry and wrap up garbage disposal, in the most literal sense, before readying myself for the flight home. Admittedly, it was still a strange feeling to be departing the unit without a sendoff from its customary occupant.

A breakfast of coffee and a Hot Dog Bun later, I'd call an Uber to the airport. This time, the driver neither read nor replied to my messages notifying him of the presence of luggage. Upon arrival, he seemed surprised that I, someone travelling to the airport, would have baggage in tow.
The driver was a middle-aged man who primarily spoke Mandarin. At first, he'd open the trunk and merely observe my struggles with the check-in luggage. He later extended an arm to offer assistance, though refused to undertake the lifting assignment alone. "Are you moving back to your hometown?!" He switched to broken English after receiving English responses to his Mandarin inquiries.

In stark contrast to my usual chaotic airport-bound excursions, I had reserved ample time in case of delays. Unlike Pearson, there was no queue for printing baggage tags, though an approximate ten-minute wait for the baggage drop.
Another twenty minutes would be required for security screening. A member of staff hovered nearby, redistributing the line to the international side of screening as required. Thankfully, the line was cut right behind me; I remained on the domestic screening side.

I adhered to the standard protocol for laptop screening, but was not asked to separate the cameras out from the rest of my carry-on luggage. Nevertheless, I was still pulled to the side since wet wipes had been mistaken for sharps. Apparently, the occurrence had been quite common, based on the screening agent's carefree response.

The conservative allocation enabled sufficient time for bathroom usage, gate location, and even purchase - and unhurried consumption! - of a Cuban Ham sandwich before heading back to gate for boarding.

Vancouver Ventures | DAY 14: Chores, Gym + Packing

6/15/2024

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The second-last day of my trip was an odd one. Being alone in the unit was a first for me; its usual occupants weren't present.

A breakfast of a Kam Do Pineapple Bun and pour over using East Van Roasters' Empress blend eased me into the morning. Even after settling into the morning though, I didn't feel like doing much.

Weather conditions were extremely forgiving: relatively cool with none of the blazing hot temperatures of the weekend past.
While the opportunity to hop onto the SkyTrain and roam Gastown until reaching my friend's recommendation of Nemesis was still plausible, motivation levels had hit rock bottom. Feeling slightly tired and wholly inconvenienced by the, at best, hourly operations of the 414 bus and grueling commute, the day was spent at home instead.

I readied myself for departure instead, depleting leftovers, undertaking cleaning operations and inventory checks, and stashing items away for the next visit. Periodically, I'd rise from my position perched over the laptop to try my hand at the ABCD choreography. A gauze wrap protected the permanent ahgase marking, which had just begun to scab and shed.

In the early evening hours, my footsteps led me to the second floor fitness facility. It was my first - and only - visit to the glass-encased room over the duration of the trip.

Just two other residents were present: a scrawny male likely younger than me and a tattooed, black tank top-donning regular.

Approximately 23 minutes was spent on the treadmill, briskly walking on an incline while listening to Nayeon's new EP.

Next, I transitioned to the Bosu ball for plank-based routines and later a 4 lb medicine ball for twisting/lateral exercises. rotational mobility.

Gazing about, the lightest dumbbell was found to be well beyond my lifting capabilities. It was with a grimace that I picked up the 9 lb kettlebells. With one in each hand, I attempted a handful of upper body exercises, only to strain my already fragile wrist with a painful warning.

The day's routine would conclude shortly afterwards.

Further leftovers were consumed at dinner time. The garbage and recycling were also sorted between the many disposal bins.

As the sun disappeared beyond the horizon, I would conclude my packing efforts and slip underneath the covers one last time.

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Vancouver Ventures | DAY 13: Macu Tea + Richmond Errands Feat. Deposit Return + Kam Do

6/14/2024

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The sheer magnitude of my planned activities often doesn't dawn on me till much later, when all schedules have been completed and I crumple into an exhausted mass, recapping the hustle of it all. Back-to-back happenings of the previous day had resulted in greater levels of fatigue than anticipated. I fell into a deep slumber, then continued dozing until 9 AM the next morning.

Gradually, I eased into the day and even accomplished a bit of packing.

Lunchtime would see unveil of the instant carbonara ramen packets obtained from T&T (Vancouver Ventures D1 P2?). Four packs of the seemingly popular Thai convenience food would be sealed within the intriguing pink packaging. I ripped open one of these squares, discovering a seasoning oil that smelled like cheese and a flavouring powder with what appeared to be bits of dried bacon.
The noodles themselves were typical of any instant packet. Straying from the directions slightly, I didn't drain enough of the cooking liquid before incorporating the add-ins. The sauce emerged looser than intended for carbonara, and boasted a very synthetic - but bland - aftertaste overall. Before transferring the concoction to a container, a splash of half & half cream was mixed in with the aim of adding richness, followed by a cornstarch slurry for improved texture. Nevertheless, the results were disheartening.

Consumed alongside the instant noodles was my own pork belly shabu, which proved much more flavourful and hearty. Blanched choy sum and a soft-boiled egg served to round out the otherwise dismal, nutrient-deficient meal from Oriental Kitchen.

In the early afternoon hours, I was offered the opportunity to select an afternoon snack. Macu's King of Mango Smoothie immediately came to my mind - Would it live up to the hype?

Two cups of the King of Mango Smoothie (楊枝甘露 2.0) would appear in time to constitute an afternoon pick-me-up. Despite the City of Richmond's intensive ban of single-use plastics, the bubble tea shop had prided themselves in their use of sturdy, clear plastic cups to showcase the various layers and toppings forming their best-selling beverage.
A vibrant red drink carrier with the Taiwanese tea shop's name printed would replace individual drink bags. This embellished strip of eco-felt, while making for easy handling and sleek presentation, would not accommodate storage of napkins nor possess the ability to contain spills, should they occur.

I was quite happy to note the presence of plastic straws, however, as paper straws often fall short in encounters with thick smoothies/slushes featuring an abundance of toppings.

The tall, narrow cup delivered a formula icier and sweeter than preferred. Quintessential elements of grapefruit pulp and sago had been omitted; while I didn't mind substitution of sago for slippery jellies, I was appalled to find such drastic variances embodied in a creation proclaiming itself to be a drinkable Mango Pomelo Sago. The freshness of mango was missing, as was any sort of flavour profile in the jellies.

Overall, the lineup-inducing beverage was decent, but inconceivably worth its given price point, supposed 20-minute wait time, and loyal following.

In the early afternoon hours, I set out to complete the last of my suburban errands while the rental vehicle remained available for use. Deposit returns at OK Bottle Depot would not be excluded.

The same miserable middle-aged man was on site, sorting through cartons and cans and restacking mould-infested plastic bins with hatred. My appearance with a faulty light bulb and mixture of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer cans sent him in a frenzy. He angrily tossed the light bulb into a bin at least 20 metres behind him, causing it to land with an ear-shattering clang. It was almost as if I was inconveniencing him, though prior research had indeed confirmed acceptance of e-waste at this location. He then reprimanded me for not separating the alcoholic and non-alcoholic aluminum cans, pointing to the label with his soiled glove-clocked index finger and reading it aloud to me. Again, his attitude implied irritation and condescension, as if I wasn't fluent in the English language or it wasn't my first time returning both.

Exiting the foul-smelling facilities some few minutes later, I continued with errands in the vicinity. Cravings for carby snacks would lead me to Kam Do.

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Vancouver Ventures | DAY 12: Metrotown, Crystal Mall + BGM Recap

6/13/2024

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Midnight talks had led to delayed slumber. As my head didn't hit the pillow till the wee hours of the morning, the following day's schedules were consequently impeded.

Our journey towards Burnaby would now take place in the late morning hours instead.

Six days had passed acquisition of my permanent Ahgase marking. I awoke to find the design cracking at the wing, which alarmed me slightly until I recalled that the shedding of skin was a natural process and simultaneously a pivotal one in the process of healing.

Metrotown would assume our first stop. Traffic conditions were acceptable during the off-peak period, and locating parking within the garage wasn't tragic either. I'd liken the excursion to a Yorkdale trip on a weekend morning.

We'd arrive in time for lunch, coming face to face with a bustling food court. Venturing a bit beyond the boisterous space, my eyes fell upon hula.

The poke bar operated by a husband and wife duo. The man appeared to be of Hawaiian descent, though the tanned skin could have been linked to Filipino origins as well. His primary focus was assembly of the bowls, while his wife, a thin, pale Korean woman tended to customers and cashier duty.

All bowls were priced at $16 or under - utterly unheard of in the Toronto scene in recent years. We took to sharing a Yuzu Bowl with a four-dollar Double Fish add-on of Ahi Tuna and Salmon. The description noted inclusions of: yuzu, ginger sesame, avocado, cucumber, edamame beans, carrot, furikake, black sesame, crispy onions, and kale. However, the twenty-dollar bowl did not present itself as colourful as the menu had indicated.

I appreciated the abundant portion of kale, which had been chopped into fine pieces for ease of eating and maintained crispy edges for textural interest. The chosen treatment had remarkably rendered the leaves crispier than fried garlic. Our chosen base of coconut rice was also interesting: the grains weren't sticky whatsoever, since Basmati had been used in place of East Asian short-grain varieties, yet tinged with the aromatic essence of coconut.

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Vancouver Ventures | DAY 11: (Pt. 1) Mobi Bike Share + McArthur Glen Outlets

6/12/2024

Every suburban citizen understands the importance of a personal vehicle. Without one, you're essentially bound to the schedules of public transit systems, to conducting favours for those equipped with a vehicle, or investing copious amounts into Uber services. While one can navigate Richmond quite well with the SkyTrain during peak hours, bus connectivity - and, more generally, reliability - remains an area of concern.
In advance of undertaking an all-day agenda, I obtained permission to operate the rental car. The process would enable me to drive within the Greater Vancouver Area for the first time since becoming a license holder!

My plan involved securing a spot at one of the region's very few Park and Ride garages, then venturing into downtown to test out the Mobi Bike Share system. The closest one was situated at Bridgeport.
Admittedly, I had expected a greater number of commuter lots, given the prevalence of riding the SkyTrain for daily work commutes. Seeing no other designated spots on the map, I carefully made my way to Bridgeport, nearly crossing the Sea Island Bridge in error due to lack of clear signage at No. 3 Road and Bridgeport Rd.

To my horror, all five levels of the parking garage were full. My presumption of low commuter volumes on a Wednesday afternoon at 1 PM has been refuted. Thirty minutes of scrutinizing spaces and their posted signage later, I attempted the nearby River Rock garage, only to find posted signage at the entrance noting restrictions for casino guests only. Heaving with great despair, I opted to route to Costco. By parking along the extremities of the lot, I could board one of the double-decker bus along Bridgeport and for a seamless escape - or so I thought.
While the asphalt lot was relatively empty, menacing signage graced every pillar in existence, clearly forbidding one's departure from the lot without taking his or her vehicle. Underneath this list was a towing sign for further enforcement.

I almost tossed in the towel at this point, but settled for taking a trek about Costco first.

Emerging with a bag of Dare gummies, I planted myself back in the driver's seat and angrily tore the bag open. In response to this aggression, the packaging was disjoined from its resealable zipper. Munching on handfuls at a time while fuming, I consulted my browsing partner on the situation, who advised against taking the risk, and began to contemplate further alternatives. The ordeal had already spanned one hour - it was now 2 PM.

At long last, I resorted to a location that guaranteed an abundance of spots and no parking restrictions: The McArthur Glen Outlets. Two lots could be found within proximity: a paid "Long Term Value" designated for travel to and from YVR, and a substantially larger complimentary lot to support retail functions for the outlet shops.

Settling on a shaded location at the midway point between the outlet entrance and Templeton station entrance, I tucked my Dare gummies into the backseat, locked my belongings, and strode towards the open-air shopping haven. The detour would serve a number of purposes: to ensure penalty-free parking, use of washroom facilities, and browse, at a high level, any outposts of interest.

String lights and bevelled facades would contrast against the cloudless blue skies for a beautiful backdrop. Meanwhile, pavers of uniform elevation would ensure a peaceful walking experience.
My heart dropped slightly at seeing The Body Shop's impressive 50% off sale, for I had replenished my inventory of tea tree oil at Richmond Centre the previous week. I averted any purchases, however, for additional weight would make for a noticeably exhaustive commute.

Serving a smaller crowd than the terminus, Templeton station was rather compact. Nevertheless, it included accessibility features and a scenic overpass boasting an unobstructed view of planes departing the International Airport.

After about ten minutes, the next train would arrive.

I'd disembark at Yaletown just after 3 PM. The district comprised of eateries, offices, and a few independent retailers. Immediately behind the station entrance was a small square for outdoor performances.

Vancouver Ventures | (Pt. 2) Maruhachi Ramen + Hanlin Tea House

6/12/2024

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Read Part 1 HERE !

I was particularly glad for my usually punctual dining companion to admit a delayed arrival. Not yet fully acquainted with city streets led to accidentally crossing the wrong bridge. I'd be required to traverse over Fraser River either way, but had ended up at the familiar intersection witnessed while en route to Cafe de L'Orangerie. A later ETA time and signage reading "Welcome to Vancouver" had further confirmed my suspicions of taking the wrong path.

The tail end of weekday evening rush hour was rather forgiving of my blunder. Looping about SW Marine Drive imposed a delay of fifteen minutes. Even with this navigation mishap, I succeeded in finding parking across the street and entered the premises before my dining partner. Glad was I to discover the absence of parking restrictions during unsigned (non-Night Market) hours.

At my time of arrival, two vacant tables remained. However, Maruhachi's policy was that "All members of the party must be present to be seated.". The notice was posted on the door, then echoed my members of staff in a somewhat frustration-inducing tone, "Do you know what time your friend is coming? What if your friend comes in thirty minutes? We cannot hold a table." Although I could understand the concern if one person was holding space for a party of eight for a ramen shop with limited seating, reserving a table for one versus two were essentially the same.
"Sorry!" another member of staff called out in an obviously unapologetic manner, while closing the door before me and gesturing for me to step outside instead hovering in the waiting area.

My friend would arrive in the next few minutes, but the two previously unoccupied tables would be surrendered. We were eventually slotted at the central bar area.

Circular, backless stools and an absence of hooks under the table had me rolling my eyes in irritation for the lack of consideration towards bag storage. As if on cue, however, a female member of staff swiftly appeared with a basket, offering for me to place my backpack inside for the duration of our stay. With the restaurant setbacks experienced thus far, the gesture was greatly appreciated.

Residing before us was a trio of condiments unlike any other establishment: red pepper flakes, fried garlic pieces, and white vinegar. These bottles were smear-free, contrasting against any Chinese diner or pho restaurant.

Also tacked onto the table was a four-dollar Summer Time Special for Maruhachi Draft Beer. Taking advantage of the promotion would have been a breezy decision, had I not been abstaining from alcohol due to permanent Ahgase endeavours.

Recalling Midori's delectable tori paitan had resulted in my proposal of Maruhachi. For BC's competitive standards, I had expected equal, if not superior, quality and flavour for the price paid.

The egg, served on the side due to confusion and miscommunication, emerged golden, gummy, and glorious. Embracing a thoroughly dashi soy-seasoned white and divine centre of lusciousness, I immediately declared it the best ramen egg in my sampling lifetime. Braised eggs are time-consuming projects that few eateries bother to execute, but well worth the efforts in any scenario.

Nicely marbled were the Pork Shoulder Chashu. The slices were tender, but lacked the char of Midori. Toppings were tasty, though included in a scarce portion. I enjoyed the herby accent of Aosa, though must admit to a subdued fragrance compared to the North York contender lined up for comparison.

Similarly satisfying was the broth. The formula was creamy, yet by no means satiating. That said, Midori's was more addicting, prompting spoonful after spoonful without monosodium glutamate-induced recoil.

Strictly on the basis of economics and egg supremacy, Maruachi holds the trophy. Meanwhile, Midori excels in producing a memorable bowl of tori paitan, luxurious chashu, and plenty of varied toppings with welcoming service and equivalent speed.

"I wasn't sure if you wanted dessert." My fellow food enthusiast (931) cast a knowing glance in my direction.
"I thought you'd never ask!" I squealed in response.

Our final stop of the evening was Hanlin Tea House.

While a Salted Cheese Foam Watermelon Slush and Earl Grey Chiffon Roll Cake graced the seat before me, I desired nothing more than to deplete the remainder of my Homer Donut. I did exactly this, repressing feelings of guilt with an order of hot Tie Guan Yin Tea Latte to combat the hefty draft overhead.

My drink pick was delicious, but far from revolutionary. Hanlin's menu lineup suggested expertise in brewing of traditional teas, though defining differences from its neighbours in the plaza could not be detected. For proper evaluation of tea potency, I'd need to sample a hot version of Chicha one day.

The evening would see continued conversations on a vast array of topics. The culinary scenes of Toronto and Vancouver would be compared and contrasted, the latter emerging as the preferable destination for reliable dining experiences. With regard to municipal infrastructure and transit, the nation's largest urban hub would have the upper hand.

Once Hanlin closed for the evening, we retreated to the car for further discussions on societal matters, ranging from living expenses/quality of life, leisure activities, job happenings, and interpersonal relations. Investment of time was appreciated equally from both parties, which is a rarity to say in the least.

At midnight, we finally resolved to head back. I returned fatigued from the day's affairs, but wholly fulfilled. Availability of a personal vehicle had enabled journeying to my heart's desire at any time of day - or night.

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Vancouver Ventures | DAY 10: BGM Hip Hop Intro Class

6/11/2024

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Gradually running out of steam meant for quieter days in the unit, namely relaxing (a shocking act, to say in the least) and reviewing photos captured thus far.

An Oat Milk Latte was crafted in the afternoon, combining Starbucks Instant Espresso and ginger syrup leftover from making tang yuan. Minor Figures' creamy attributes lent an almost bubble tea-like milkiness, making for a splendid concoction overall.

After another brief round of errands at Aberdeen, I made my way towards BGM Dance Studio for my second class.

The Hip Hop Intro session that I had missed the previous week due to hair-colouring shenanigans would be led by Yaebin. Her original choreography piece would not be posted in advance of the session, likely to preserve its integrity - and fluidity, should details be tweaked before teaching.

The track of choice was Summer Too Hot by Chris Brown, an absolutely fitting track for the imminent June heat. Despite having exercised to the song countless times before, this was the first time hearing it on loud speakers with emphasis on the bass and underlying beats.

Consistent with the previous class, the instructor arrived just a few minutes before the start time, then commenced the session with unwavering punctuality. A warm-up sequence would integrate the fundamentals to be used later in the choreography.
Afterwards, while she set up the music, we were encouraged to choose a member of the class with which we were unfamiliar to learn their name and favourite summer food. A total of six class participants (and a few latecomers) surrounded me. I'd turn to my right and introduce myself to "Dylan", who had tagged along with a friend to try out dance for the first time ever. His partner was no dance novice, being a supposed regular performer of Bachata.

Majority of the time would be spent teaching the moves, along with refining details. Approximately only ten minutes were left towards the end of the class to practice with music at full speed, resulting in stress. I had quite a bit of difficulty recalling the moves, in addition to timing it accordingly with the renowned R&B record. Suffice to say, I did not dance as well as I wished. The movements weren't difficult, but grasping the groove to properly express the dance surely would not be happening over the sixty-minute period.

As the class concluded, a handful of students were observed to approach the instructor for questions. One inquired of exercise or stretching routines that could improve her ability to dance. While the RFI had not been posed towards yours truly, I can confirm the most effective way to develop one's skills is to consistently engage in the act itself (ie. dance drills, choreography-learning, and potentially Zumba), and perhaps condition with mobility-enhancing pilates routines to strengthen and lengthen.
My own dilemma was less geared towards physical aptitudes, but rather timing of movements. The query launched an in-depth discussion on musical theory, bars of music, and beats. Yaebin began to delve into the subject with enthusiasm, continuing the conversation beyond the studio and into the reception area.

"Beats are always the same throughout the song, even if the melody changes." she explained. The natural bobbing of the head was actually one's innate ability to identify the beat, and also the reason why even those who cannot dance can still go clubbing and "bop" to the rhythm.

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<<Previous

Out & About #1011 | Matcha Ganache Cake, Pink Swirl No-Bake Cheesecake + Yeah Yeah Thai

Out & About #1010 | Auberge du Pommier Wedding Lunch + Star Dance

Out & About #1009 | Return to Work, Heat Wave + Bingz Square One Opening

Vancouver Ventures | DAY 15: Return + Recap

Vancouver Ventures | DAY 14: Chores, Gym + Packing

Vancouver Ventures | DAY 13: Macu Tea + Richmond Errands Feat. Deposit Return + Kam Do

Vancouver Ventures | DAY 12: Metrotown, Crystal Mall + BGM Recap

Vancouver Ventures | DAY 11: (Pt. 1) Mobi Bike Share + McArthur Glen Outlets

Vancouver Ventures | (Pt. 2) Maruhachi Ramen + Hanlin Tea House

Vancouver Ventures | DAY 10: BGM Hip Hop Intro Class

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