When GOT7 hinted - then readily provided spoilers - for their long-awaited comeback, many ahgases had speculated the possibility of a concert. While most of us yearned desperately for a world tour, the likelihood of seven members aligning their schedules for an extended period of time was low. At the very least, a domestic show would occur - this was later announced to be the two-day event known as "NESTFEST".
Tickets rapidly sold out, prompting the boys to add a third show as well as an additional livestream. International fans could take part virtually on either February 1st or 2nd via the Beyond LIVE portal, which apparently supported streams for other popular artists such as Taeyang and NCT. As the site notified ticketholders that streaming capabilities would only be possible for Windows users through Edge and not Chrome, I prepared accordingly, setting up my laptop and replacing batteries in my Ahgabong Version 3 in the designated viewing room well in advance of the 4 AM start time.
However, there was no way to predict a black screen blocking off viewing capabilities and a horrifically irritating, stuttering connection. My laptop was a recent acquisition with minimal usage, but the Beyond LIVE site quickly sent it to the grave of blue screens. I was left with no other option than to download the mobile app. Despite missing the first six minutes of the show, the rest thankfully progressed without interference.
Tickets rapidly sold out, prompting the boys to add a third show as well as an additional livestream. International fans could take part virtually on either February 1st or 2nd via the Beyond LIVE portal, which apparently supported streams for other popular artists such as Taeyang and NCT. As the site notified ticketholders that streaming capabilities would only be possible for Windows users through Edge and not Chrome, I prepared accordingly, setting up my laptop and replacing batteries in my Ahgabong Version 3 in the designated viewing room well in advance of the 4 AM start time.
However, there was no way to predict a black screen blocking off viewing capabilities and a horrifically irritating, stuttering connection. My laptop was a recent acquisition with minimal usage, but the Beyond LIVE site quickly sent it to the grave of blue screens. I was left with no other option than to download the mobile app. Despite missing the first six minutes of the show, the rest thankfully progressed without interference.
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It wasn't the first time I had voluntarily subject myself to sleep deprivation for KST-favouring livestreams. From the 7 for 7 Showcase in 2017 to the HOMECOMING Fancon in 2022, I thought I had grown accustomed to these odd-hour airings. But age is not a aspect to be argued with. Even just two years has made a difference in terms of exhaustion levels.
I could barely bring myself to execute the fanchants and strived intensely to remain awake for the entire duration of the show. NESTFEST would proceed for a whopping FOUR HOURS - a period in which some of the members would excuse themselves for the bathroom at least once. By the point of ending ments, I must have dozed off, for I awoke to Mark's tearful, heartful message to fans and the supportive group hug that would assist him in completing his speech. Jinyoung's and Jackson's ments were wholly excluded from my memory. Thank goodness for the upcoming re-streaming session!
I could barely bring myself to execute the fanchants and strived intensely to remain awake for the entire duration of the show. NESTFEST would proceed for a whopping FOUR HOURS - a period in which some of the members would excuse themselves for the bathroom at least once. By the point of ending ments, I must have dozed off, for I awoke to Mark's tearful, heartful message to fans and the supportive group hug that would assist him in completing his speech. Jinyoung's and Jackson's ments were wholly excluded from my memory. Thank goodness for the upcoming re-streaming session!
The boys performed a wonderful combination of timeless classics, new releases (PYTHON and OUT THE DOOR!), solo hits, and transitioned into an encore segment led by Encore. Eleven years into their musical career, the heptet reinvented beloved title tracks of Girls Girls Girls, A (original and Remix), and the ever-humourous 하지하지마/Stop Stop It and furthered the musicality of Playground, 따라와/Follow Me, and 너란 Girl/Magnetic. FISH was tossed out unexpectedly by Mark as one of the encore tracks chosen on the spot, but ultimately excluded due to hesitation from the leader. Throughout their unfiltered ments and playful performances, it dawned on me that I not only knew every single song, but the lyrics and era from which they derived. GOT7 answered to the burning desires of both long-time and new ahgases, even extending fanservice to the second floor of the venue during the encore.
Approximately three years will pass before another comeback, but, as our selfless, courageous leader had assured in his ending ment, GOT7 will return when the opportunity is right. The small bird within me nods with every ounce of energy in her, in spite of my body expressing exhaustion at the treacherous time difference (3:40 AM to 7:55 AM!).
Approximately three years will pass before another comeback, but, as our selfless, courageous leader had assured in his ending ment, GOT7 will return when the opportunity is right. The small bird within me nods with every ounce of energy in her, in spite of my body expressing exhaustion at the treacherous time difference (3:40 AM to 7:55 AM!).
I collapsed into a fitful slumber on the couch for roughly three to four hours, awaking around noon to immediately delve into chores. Adulting must resume.
Proceeding through the day with haziness, I eventually reached for lunch around 3pm, then commenced pilates ninety minutes later.
The session naturally caused me to be late in attending my browsing partner's CNY dinner. While the early supper of 6:30 PM was foreign to me, I recognized that I had committed to the event, thus apologized for my perpetual lack of punctuality.
The meal comprised of stir-fried veggies, braised pork knuckles, black vinegar ribs, braised beef and daikon, lo hei (a custom uncommon to those without Malaysian/Singaporean origins, such as myself), chow mien, and more. I was gestured towards a rice cooker on the countertop, as well as an assortment of disposable utensils, complete with labels for distinguishing one's name.
The session naturally caused me to be late in attending my browsing partner's CNY dinner. While the early supper of 6:30 PM was foreign to me, I recognized that I had committed to the event, thus apologized for my perpetual lack of punctuality.
The meal comprised of stir-fried veggies, braised pork knuckles, black vinegar ribs, braised beef and daikon, lo hei (a custom uncommon to those without Malaysian/Singaporean origins, such as myself), chow mien, and more. I was gestured towards a rice cooker on the countertop, as well as an assortment of disposable utensils, complete with labels for distinguishing one's name.
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Needless to say, the array of alcohol sparked most intrigue from me. Next to the club-sized bottles of soft drinks were three glass bottles: one red wine, one white wine, and a rosé sparkling cider. The white was decent, while the carbonated, sugary beverage inciting immediate rosiness.
The dinner ensued in a potluck-style fashion, rather than one household managing all aspects of the celebration. In addition, the convenient, single-use utensils contrasted against the ceramic platters and seemingly endless dishes that Christmas dinner had summoned.
Rather than the entrées themselves, the most memorable article was none other than the mini Walnut Cookies crafted by a fellow baking enthusiast. Featuring a stunning, golden sheen and delectable crunchiness, I reached for two more before finally asking for the recipe. We reviewed the YouTube video together, while she noted the use of lard in place of butter, one egg yolk as opposed to half a whole egg, and a twelve-piece yield versus the declared eight. I excitedly made mental notes of these swaps and observations, bookmarking the video for the next 合桃酥 craving.
The dinner ensued in a potluck-style fashion, rather than one household managing all aspects of the celebration. In addition, the convenient, single-use utensils contrasted against the ceramic platters and seemingly endless dishes that Christmas dinner had summoned.
Rather than the entrées themselves, the most memorable article was none other than the mini Walnut Cookies crafted by a fellow baking enthusiast. Featuring a stunning, golden sheen and delectable crunchiness, I reached for two more before finally asking for the recipe. We reviewed the YouTube video together, while she noted the use of lard in place of butter, one egg yolk as opposed to half a whole egg, and a twelve-piece yield versus the declared eight. I excitedly made mental notes of these swaps and observations, bookmarking the video for the next 合桃酥 craving.
Just when the festivities seemed to cease, dessert was arranged across the countertop. Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream was bestowed upon the attendees, much to my delight! Even more exhilarating was the ability to converse with the creator; beyond being a mere follower of Claire Saffitz, the interest had prompted enrollment in an introductory baking course at George Brown. We discussed baking supply vendors, machinery and tools, and recipes - niche toppings that had me extremely giddy by the end of the night.
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My proposal of mahjong would be dismissed at the late hour of 10 PM, and thankfully so. I had completely forgotten about my plans for the subsequent morning!
At 11 AM the next day, my browsing partner and I set out for Yorkdale.
My primary objective was to observe the sizable snake installation positioned outside the future storefront of Simons. The bevelled, origami-style sculpture was striking to behold. Its underlying red floor decal was also fitting of the New Year colour scheme.
While we could have departed immediately afterwards, we resolved to peruse nearby shops briefly.
At least thirty minutes were spent at Muji, for I was keen to determine whether the baby blue earmuffs spotted at the Atrium flagship was also subject to the store's 30% off promotion. Unfortunately, the accessory was sold out.
At least thirty minutes were spent at Muji, for I was keen to determine whether the baby blue earmuffs spotted at the Atrium flagship was also subject to the store's 30% off promotion. Unfortunately, the accessory was sold out.
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I turned towards analyzing fuzzy room slippers, Toronto-exclusive canvas totes, and ribbed beanies on paper - excuse me?? - hangers, then strolled next door to Uniqlo.
My go-to halter top of the past summer had expanded to include baby blue in the colour lineup.
By the time we had made our way to the centre of the mall, it was already 12:30 PM. Although my original plan had been to take advantage of North York's complimentary street parking before 1 PM for dining purposes, it dawned on me that departing with just thirty minutes to spare would not be feasible.
We decided on a meal in the food court, which had been renovated to introduce a brighter landing area and commuter-friendly seating.
We decided on a meal in the food court, which had been renovated to introduce a brighter landing area and commuter-friendly seating.
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Roywoods' Holiday Sampler was supposedly exclusive to the Yorkdale outpost. The contents of the container included: Oxtail, Jerk Chicken, Mac 'N Cheese, Plantain, and Rice & Peas. Having left both jackets and water bottles in the car, two $2.50 cans of San Pellegrino were appended to the order.
I approached the box fully aware that the Jerk Chicken would not be within my range of spice tolerance. In spite of the tender flesh, its marinade was far too hot to handle. My tongue was immediately set ablaze, enveloping the mouth cavity with a sharp, excruciating bitterness. Neither carbonated water nor gooey Mac 'N Cheese appeased the horrifying sensation. Albeit invisible to all those in my surroundings, the torture could be visualized as steam aggressively escaping my ears and nostrils, and observed in my teary eyes and very runny nose.
I approached the box fully aware that the Jerk Chicken would not be within my range of spice tolerance. In spite of the tender flesh, its marinade was far too hot to handle. My tongue was immediately set ablaze, enveloping the mouth cavity with a sharp, excruciating bitterness. Neither carbonated water nor gooey Mac 'N Cheese appeased the horrifying sensation. Albeit invisible to all those in my surroundings, the torture could be visualized as steam aggressively escaping my ears and nostrils, and observed in my teary eyes and very runny nose.
The sauce cloaking the Oxtail and a portion of the Rice & Peas was equally fiery. Admittedly, the carbs were stellar, but my body simply was not made for spice. I joined the singly longest lineup in the entire food court at Bingz for a sip of soy milk.
The process spanned a grueling thirty minutes, likely caused by positioning a single staff member at the cashier, another for packing orders in chronological order, and the rest jn the kitchen for food preparation. The efficiency witnessed at First Markham Place and Square One had not been replicated.
The process spanned a grueling thirty minutes, likely caused by positioning a single staff member at the cashier, another for packing orders in chronological order, and the rest jn the kitchen for food preparation. The efficiency witnessed at First Markham Place and Square One had not been replicated.
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Strictly offered in a hot format, a cup of ice was requested alongside the Red Dates Soymilk. Admittedly, the beverage was tastier when warm, and somewhat diluted when iced. The presence of red dates was also less pronounced, though I appreciated the absence of the fishiness usually associated with soy milk.
Again, we could have made our exit immediately after. But alas, the high degree of liquid consumption convinced me that walking was mandatory. Throughout this short-lived trek, we spotted the Yorkdale's gold take on the New Year arches, a map of all the washrooms (and their connecting corridors), Lunar New Year specialties at Lindt, and Jisoo as the spokesperson for Dior Addict.
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Continuing east, the next stop was Don't Yell At Me.
My browsing partner had visited just two days prior, but agreed to stop by when I expressed my desire to partake in the consumption process.
My browsing partner had visited just two days prior, but agreed to stop by when I expressed my desire to partake in the consumption process.
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A duo of hot Osmanthus Coffee Latte with Brown Sugar Pearls and iced Orange Lychee Four Seasons Green Tea were procured.
Being potent, caffeinated, and adequately sweet with a luxurious mouthfeel, the former has assumed my default selection. Meanwhile, my browsing partner's choice was zesty and floral - ideal for those that enjoy the noticeable bitterness of green tea.
As wet snow began to descend on the city, I opted for an impromptu detour en route to STC.
Being potent, caffeinated, and adequately sweet with a luxurious mouthfeel, the former has assumed my default selection. Meanwhile, my browsing partner's choice was zesty and floral - ideal for those that enjoy the noticeable bitterness of green tea.
As wet snow began to descend on the city, I opted for an impromptu detour en route to STC.
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My approximate 3 PM arrival at Red Sail Boat Bakery conveniently coincided with the release of a freshly-baked tray of Egg Tarts. Having sampled a handful of items from the bakery before the BAMESIS show, I was eager to visit again for their scrumptious best-seller, the Pineapple BBQ Pork Bun. Puff pastry egg tarts would, of course, be secured as well.
At long last, we reached the fourth and final destination of the day: Scarborough Town Centre. The decision to undertake the lengthy trip to STC hadn't been an easy one. That said, I retained overwhelming curiosity towards the mall's New Year snake installation (and needed to sustain my car battery with long, continuous drives).
The installation did not disappoint in the slightest. Besides the friendly demeanour of the snake itself, the ingots and floating coins were other pleasant additions.
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Seldom do I venture to the STC neck of the woods. Learned from this space, my last visit dates back to 2018, also to witness new year installations. And before that, the sole aim was for Naan & Kabob's media event.
We conducted a comprehensive lap about the two-level retail space, as one does when my browsing partner is involved. I learned that locals were more courteous than expected: Visitors naturally formed a single-file line to take photos with the snake installation, as opposed to crudely stepping in out of impatience.
We conducted a comprehensive lap about the two-level retail space, as one does when my browsing partner is involved. I learned that locals were more courteous than expected: Visitors naturally formed a single-file line to take photos with the snake installation, as opposed to crudely stepping in out of impatience.
I also learned of the repulsive washrooms (not worse than Bramalea however) and the existence of the largest Sukoshi Mart known to the GTA.
The K-Pop selection was impressive, ranging from 2NE1 lightsticks to Jay B's latest solo release.
Interestingly, Decathlon and IKEA were stacked on top of one another at the south end of the mall. Even more amusing was the expanse of the stores, with IKEA combining a showroom, market hall with corridors, and warehouse in an exceptionally compact space. Self-serve kiosks were used in the Swedish Bistro, thus favouring dining space over a manned counter.
Never before seen items included a Soup of the Day and Vegetable Samosa, which I reckoned may have been added in response to local demographics and demand.
Never before seen items included a Soup of the Day and Vegetable Samosa, which I reckoned may have been added in response to local demographics and demand.
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Around 5:30 PM, it was finally time to bid farewell to some of the worst drivers south of Steeles. I escaped the parking structure with some difficulty, eventually arriving back home just before 6:15 PM.
T'was indeed an ambitious day.
T'was indeed an ambitious day.
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