Out & About #848 | Pursuit OCR + Myungdong Kalguksu Shabu Shabu

When a self-proclaimed "casual climber" proposed the idea of Pursuit OCR, I leaped at the idea. Technically, it could have been a mention of great nonchalance, but I took it to heart and immediately began planning. Prior to their relocation from Etobicoke, I had already been interested in the entertainment facility, but not invested enough to make the trip.

The date was confirmed about two weeks in advance, with a group booking for seven at 5PM arranged after two rounds of consultation.

I spent the morning revisiting a writeup with supposedly insufficient details, then enlisted the services of the sleepy polar bear to complete some errands.

​Most of the stops proved speedier than expected, enabling a walk through Sandford Farm Park. Despite having driven by on a number of occasions, I hadn't exactly trekked through on foot.

With temperatures hovering about the comfortable double digits, we explored the last of fall foliage amongst lean and lofty barren trees, fenced off from the playground and paved pathway. An asphalt basketball court and spacious soccer field were found towards its west limits, in close proximity to the narrow - yet sizable - parking lot.

​We set out around the 4:15 PM mark and arrived just before our check-in time of 5PM. Having pestered other members of the group to not only arrive early in athletic gear and sign the waiver in advance, it was admittedly a tad annoying to have some reveal themselves in tardiness, for our allocated 90-minute slot would be enforced.

​​I proceeded to inquire of the location of washrooms and lockers in the meantime. Beyond the neon lights and colourful wallpaper were arcade games (boasting a handwritten "Out of Order" sign) and two "gender-neutral" stalls. Several girls had entered beyond the orange-lined, prompting me to use the next one, lined in black. Within this space was a single stall, two urinals, and sink. Despite being the only user of the space at the time, I couldn't shake the feeling of anxiety that other participants would enter. The introduction of gender-neutral facilities had not been executed in a manner that offered comfort; should there have been insufficient space for gender-separated facilities, standalone unisex stalls ought have been considered.

​Guidance through Pursuit's confusing, saturated corridors was not provided. Our group, along with other groups, were left to discover these routes on our own. At a three-way fork, we bypassed a flight of stairs and finally found the lockers. They were situated just before the obstacle course section along both sides of the wall. I proceeded to place my belongings in one of the numerous half lockers, slide into my cycling gloves for protection, and join the safety orientation.

​Delivered by a staff member with his cap worn Ash Ketchum-style, our group, along with another group, listened to the barely audible introductory speech (they really need a mic) and observed the safety orientation for the curved wall, one of the facility's namesake obstacles.
Reaching the top relied mostly on momentum, with a light bounce off the feet towards the end. To maintain safe conditions, players were instructed to turn away from the wall and slide down. Failing to do so was incredibly dangerous, warned the staff, and had even resulted in severe injuries in the past.

The entirety of our group had emerged triumphant, either in the first try or after a few slides. Having observed Ash Ketchum glide between the levels with ease, one member of our party attempted to reach the second level organically, though didn't manage to pull up despite reaching it. Eventually, I too saw success after bouncing off momentum and firmly gripping the top.

We then proceeded onto the tricycle track. A total of four tricycles were available for use. Taking turns between ourselves and the previous group, we rode on the dilapidated seats at a slant. The brake for mine for quite finnicky, causing some hesitation as we began to pedal forward. Steering capabilities were also rather rigid, inducing jerky maneuvers. I crashed into the walls a few times, but thankfully learned that the tricycle's wide base prevented overturning and damage to the upper and lower limbs, as the wheel would hit the barriers before one's body.

I failed to secure enough momentum to traverse over a sharp, raised turn, causing me to travel backwards into those behind me. After manually reversing, I would attempt again. And again, and again. While others were drifting and swiftly passing me by, I was truly struggling with the contraption and the lack of user-friendly gears.​

There were two tricycle routes to explore. Once complete, we navigated to the other side of the course, past the wall, to commence a series of climbing obstacles.

LED lights furnished the facility, serving to provide illumination and visual appeal to the challenges at hand. Through the renowned group photo spot was a rope-climbing course similar to that of GYGO. Adjacent to the corridor were four horizontal bars, each positioned at a different height than the former. I wasn't able to make it through the rope course, nor did I bother with the monkey bars; some members of the party bounced off the wall, while others swung themselves forward with full force - the "dyno" tactic.

​Rope nets were another popular installation, with both upright and flat-lay variations present. There were, of course, a number of climbing-centric fixtures, a mini climbing wall with decent holds, and even a dedicated training area for climbing and parkour enthusiasts.

Admittedly, I found the black rope net quite fun. As it involved more coordination and core work than upper body strength, I was able to scale across while maintaining stability on the central frame, a material that was neither flexible nor rigid and reminiscent of backpack straps reinforced fivefold. The only initial fear was in regards to the size of the holes, which were large enough for my foot (and entire leg) to fall through. I laid my leg across the gaps before continuing on all fours.

The vertical rope net reminded me of Treetop Trekking, yet less abrasive on the hands. Its close proximity to the wall made it challenging to fit one's feet through, though it wasn't too difficult once a point of stability could be secured.
At the other end were three compact segments of sloped tunnels, first ascending then descending. They led to the top of a double slide adorning a paint splatter design.

​A few members of the group waded into the ball pit and began aiming at each other like five year-olds. Despite countless attempts to pry them out of the area such that I could cannonball in without injuring them, they remained in their mindlessly playful state.
They did shift slightly after some time, and took an interest in the mini basketball hoop on the wall. Making my way through the pit, I was constantly attacked with falling balls from the failed attempts of our group as well as another couple. Evidently frustrated, I called out "Stop!" with undeniable sternness, yet my woes remained unanswered. Time was being wasted here.

Dragging myself angrily out of the pit, I urged the group to the dodgeball field. We played one quick round of volleyball (unplanned) and about two minutes of dodgeball before we were called off the court at 6:29 PM. Our slot had concluded.

​By this point, I was frustrated and hangry. Shoes were retrieved with haste, then we sped off for supper.

​We arrived just in time for a 7:30 PM reservation at Myungdong.

Placed before us was a double-sided laminated menu. I pointed towards the Hot Pot options without a shred of hesitation, then began to peruse side orders on the back. Ordering on behalf of the group, I proposed the following:

• MD Special Shabu Shabu (Beef & Seafood) - 2 orders
• MD Dumplings
• Haemul Pajeon
• Kimchi Jeon
• Bossam (Large)

​Myungdong's gargantuan steamed dumplings and bossam never cease to impress. The Haemul Pajeon was crisp and delectable, while the Kimchi Jeon savoury with a gently acidic kick of well-fermented kimchi.

​The group eagerly took to ssam wraps, asymmetrical pieces of jeon, and various hotpot items including oden (my fave!), supple marbled beef, kabocha slices, assorted veggies (bok choy, napa cabbage), and mushrooms. Muscles, shrimp, and cheese-filled tteok were submerged into the pot in the second round, followed by starchy wheat noodles.

​The bill totalled just under $217 after tax and tip, averaging out at $27.12 per person - superb value and quality for banquet-like portions. We departed satisfied, with just enough room for bubble tea and dessert.

Next door was Chicken Plus and Royaltea. The European market that was occupied the space was ceasing to be, with a sign denoting closing promotions of 15% off.

Upon securing a trio of Mango Slush, Mango Slush with Macchiato in a bear container, and my coveted Passion Fruit Slush with Passion Fruit Jelly, we moved onto the next (and final) stop.

Apple Mania productions would be revealed at the sleepy polar bear's. An unexpected round of board games commenced shortly afterwards. Monopoly in card form was learned while sipping on a combination of too-sugary jelly and extremely bland, seedy slush.

​In this visit, I would also sample a rum-filled mini Bundt cake obtained from the sleepy polar bear's Atlantic travels. It was adequately chocolatey with a small injection of rum; moist and sticky after microwaving, the cake clung to the insides of my mouth, coating the cavity with tender crumbs and subtle sweetness.