Out & About #964 | Flu-Filled Revelries

Since returning from Montréal, I had hoped for recuperating sooner rather than later. But, oddly enough, I felt worse. Sleep quality was wretched and a low fever persisted in the morning. On the second day, I awoke to tremendous eye pain and an overall sense of congestion. In addition, the entire left side of my face was aching - a symptom I had never experienced before.

​When the world reopened on the 27th, I succeeded in securing a slot for medical attention. I'd be informed that the flu had permeated my sinuses, consequently leading to sinus infection. Pressure in the sinuses would then cause pain in the face, specifically under the eyes and near the temple. Antibiotics and nasal spray were prescribed accordingly.

​My cough persisted, so I was directed to take cough syrup wherever necessary. The same would apply to Tylenol, though most of the headaches were now unrelated to fever and concentrated at the temples instead.
Near-immediate relief was experienced in terms of pain level, though phlegm production and cough frequency posed another separate challenge.

​On the third day of antibiotics, my sense of smell was recovered partially, but then quickly skewed. Everything smelled the same: tea tree oil, food, perfume - they all reeked of this unpleasant, medicinal undertone. A third COVID rapid test confirmed that it wasn't the rampant virus, however.
Queasiness in the stomach also surfaced, along with high amounts of acidity in the mouth. Sufficient sustenance before medication was truly not an option, however low appetite I had.

​By the halfway point of my antibiotic-ingesting period, I was, arguably, well enough to embark on unassisted outings within the neighbourhood.

​My former carpooling partner had extended an invitation - or solicited company, rather - for a viewing of The Boy and The Heron. The original appointment dated back to pre-Montréal days, though my unexpected decline in health and sluggish recovery had postponed the event two instances more.

The Square One Cineplex location was not one to be remembered fondly. Its facilities were dated, auditorium aisles cramped, and seats filthy. Nearly all aspects paled in comparison to the newer, cleaner Junxion. That said, the Studio Ghibli production would, regrettably, not be airing at the swanky, modern spot.

A 2:45 PM showtime worked in favour. Had the movie aired in the evening hours, I would have likely dozed off within minutes of being seated. The dim setting, in conjunction with a merely average - yet very typical Ghibli - plot would have escorted me into dreamland with ease. I appreciated a number of the landscape scenes, as well as the inclusion of green birds (갓부심!) in spite of their role as villains. As with all Ghibli tales, the ungrounded fantasy world spurs a sense of uncertainty, similar to situations where one's feet never touch the ground, and masses of stacking creatures a sense of discomfort.

Subsequent activities would take place around the City Centre district. My proposal of skating, while initially regarded with some skepticism, was honoured and we navigated towards Celebration Square after disposal of over-salted popcorn and stretching (me).

​The rink was busier than anticipated, which hindered practice on the ice. My amateurish abilities were recalled after a few laps, though achieving familiarity with the movements proved difficult compared to less chaotic visitor volumes.

​Gazing towards the southern end of the square, skaters would be able to observe a series of snowmobile stunts being performed. The stunts were sporadic and primarily comprised of mid-air flips as high as the tree adjacent.

​Being underdressed for extended periods outdoors, I suggested retreating indoors for hot chocolate. Alas, this recommendation had been voiced without the knowledge that my partner-in-crime would prefer an uncomplicated cup of hot tea in place of the sweet, creamy delicacy I had envisioned.

​Square One offered nothing for my cravings. Perusing the newly-opened Saint Germain outside Simons, I spotted a large sign promoting Hot Chocolate Day, followed by a handwritten label of "Sold Out".

​Their shelves were graced with a barrenness of buns, though their freezer, cake, and cookie selection remained intact.

After much dilemma, I settled on the following items: a Hot Dog Bun, Hot Dog Bun with Cheese, two Puff Egg Tarts, and a single slice of Chestnut Cake. The six-item purchase was exempt from tax. ​Be mindful that paper bags incur an additional thirty-cent charge while large boxes (for buns) an additional loonie. Meanwhile, cake slices and egg tarts come with complimentary unsealed boxes.

VIP cards offering 10% off discounts were also available at no cost, but involved completion of a form with personal details for record..

​The Hot Dog Bun with Cheese was taken back to the car for medication-consuming purposes. It was in this moment that I once again learned of Montréal's bread and cheese supremacy: the "cheese" topping before me was simply salty, stripped of the buttery aromas associated with Boulangerie Première Moisson's Paille au Fromage (Cheese Straws).

Then back into the mall we went, essentially browsing till closing time.

​Meals of the week comprised of: Salted Pork Congee with non-squeaky White Cheddar cheese curds from Avril, toasted St-Viateur Bagels with butter, 排包 from Akko Cake House, Pineapple Ribs, Tomato Egg + Steamed Pork with Choy Sum over Rice, and more Congee Queen takeout.

​The bagels, despite hailing from a renowned, reputable source, were simply not worth the hype. Albeit not as dense as the typical Ontario specimen, these rounds were thin (read: not ideal for spreads), bland, and hardly memorable.

My Chinese cough drop supply was replenished at long last.

​I am also proud to declare that this year's Christmas was not entirely devoid of sugar cookies.

​Although my poor health has prevented engagement in regular exercise and holiday festivities, a sugar-sprinkled dose of joy was made possible with Elf-themed pre-cut Pillsbury Sugar Cookies on clearance for $1.99.

​Suffice to say, there were no Christmas nor New Year's countdown happenings this time around.