Study Abroad Day 3: Wandering butterflies

Hi guys! Although today was supposed to be a day of slight rain and thunder, I managed to stroll around for quite a bit. Even now, while typing this, the sun is still shining outside! I woke up around 7AM with a pain in my neck and decided to go Downtown to buy some stuff. Because I felt so cold at night I wanted to march off into the centre with a hot water bottle on my shopping list. Mind you it is summer here, lol. I decided to leave early because of the forecasted thunderstorms. Enjoy reading!

Because of the weather forecast, I was just about to give up for the day and stay inside cosy. Tomorrow the sun would be shining without any rain, so I figured Sunday would be thé day to act like a tourist (which I still am although I am here for studying purposes). But when I went outside to quickly buy some breakfast/lunch around 9 am, I noticed the Chinese foodtruck was not there. Darnit! If I was going to carry on throughout the day peacefully, food in my stomach was needed. So I changed clothes and headed off Downtown by foot.

As I got closer to the centre I started regretting my wardrobe choices. It was pretty chilly when I left, but in Toronto's core people were walking around in bootyshorts and naked tummies. And there I was, sporting denim shorts yes, but paired with a pantyhose ánd leggings. Plus a long sleeve shirt, blazer, and faux leather jacket.

My first stop was the Shopper's Drug Mart. I went there solely for a hot water bottle and blowdryer. Little did I know this shop was a drugstore ánd grocery store combined. My heart skipped a few beats when I encountered all the varieties of sweets, chocolates, icecreams, frozen dinners, and even cereals. It was so overwhelming that I ended up not buying anything "unhealthy" at all.

Despite my butterflies when I saw all the food, I suddenly felt an urge to eat a piece of fruit. I asked, but unfortunately no fruit was available near (without coming with a very steep price). And just like that I started to appreciate the Albert Heijn and Dutch markets a bit more. Most of the healthy food was pretty expensive, but I ended up buying some rice crackers, canned tuna, "healthy" candy (no sugar or fat), vitamin water (which contains loads of vits, our Vitamin water is nothing compared to this), and of course my hot water bottle. Blow dryers were also available, but meh for the price I decided to just stick to washing my hair at night so it will be dry by morning.

After I peeped into the beauty section (/walhalla) and quickly got away without indulging in makeup heaven, I was on my way to Rogers (phone company) and Eaton Centre. On my way to Rogers I bumped into 7-Eleven, hoping to find some onigiri—It's Judy's Life fanatic here. Unfortunately I did not find any being in Canada and not Japan, but I did find some fruits! Bananas and apples were the only fruits available, and I chose to buy 2 bananas. Although I had no clue how to get boiled water my gut told me to buy some instant noodles on sale and so I did.

Unfortunately, Rogers did not offer ANY attractive deals for me in terms of prepaid calling/internet, so loved ones I am going to stick to Skype and Whatsapp! The Eaton Centre was next, where my eyes nearly popped outta my head with all the sales going on (but I did well not purchasing anything, I am truly proud lol). To complement my noodles, I was on the hunt for a cheap water boiler (which is called a kettle here... what in the?) and I found one for about €9 on my way home.

On my way home I stopped to buy some Korean food at a place I had been eying for ages named Bapbo. I ordered the bulgogi bento box with tempura, which comes with miso soup, salad, and a sidedish. I was beat down when I arrived home, from walking around in way too many clothes, such heavy bags, and a nearly empty stomach. But it was all worth it!

The food was truly delicious with capital letters, and little did I know I would get so friggin much! I still have not finished it to be honest, lol. I will save it for tonight or tomorrow morning. The miso soup was one of the best I have ever had, and both the salad and dumpling were amazing. Miss Korea ain't got nothing on Bapbo, seriously. Such flavorful, tender beef *mmm*.

That is it for my third day in Toronto! Now I am off to bed for a nap and to test out my hot water bottle, hehe. Look out for my next post and drop a comment below!

X

Sefanja Rubina