One Word: Falafel

Have you ever had one of those moments where you know you're craving something, but you can't quite put your finger on it? This has been me lately. I'm a creature of habit. I tend to stick to a schedule, partly as a means of keeping a consistent system, but also out of laziness. However, the last few weeks have been presenting a bit of a challenge to me. I'm ready to branch out a bit, in the food-away-from-home department, but just haven't decided what I'd branch out to yet.

So, after chatting with my pal, Laura (Lemon, of 'Lemon and Ginger' fame), she informed me that I needed to get groceries (something I have avoided for the last few weeks). AND, since the grocery store was in the same direction as she was needing to walk in order to catch the tram, it was decided I would do this.

I never made it to the grocery store. Instead I picked up a few things from a fruit and veg stand and decided I would just make something myself. But then, as it usually does*, peer-pressure kicked in. Laura informed me of the lack of falafel intake in my current diet. So, we crossed the street, and I am proud to say, I have lost my falafel-virginity to a slightly shady, yet delightfully welcoming falafel shop. It had samples...and FREE is my kind of price!

I ordered. I paid. This photo was snapped.

(Photo credit: Laura Dempsey)

I walked home. Entered my room, and opened up iMovie. It was time to document a momentous event in my life. And folks, I'm here to tell you, life as I knew it will never be the same. That falafel changed my life.

-the Orange Canadian

*Note: I do not usually fall to peer pressure...except when it comes to food and pushing my comfort zone. Decisions are usually carefully considered, particularly when risk is concerned. 

£1 Wiggly Worm or Celebrating Chinese New Year in Manchester

Each year millions - possibly billions - of people around the world celebrate Chinese New Year. The purpose of the holiday is to commemorate the beginning of the new Chinese calendar year. As the Chinese calendar is lunisolar, the start of the new year can take place anytime between January 21 and February 20. There is a massive history behind Chinese New Year, for which I will not even begin to attempt to describe - mostly for fear of butchering the details and misrepresenting the actual story behind it! Plus, I've linked the Wikipedia page above, so I'm sure that's a better source than my recreating it!

This year it began on February 19, but for this girl, celebrations kicked off a few days in advance! Sunday, February 15th, to be exact! The RA team in my hall (which I happen to be a member of) organized a celebratory lunch (for which I had no part in planning) at a local restaurant. The earlier date was meant to allow our Chinese residents to participate, without interfering with their own celebrations. We had a great turnout, and got to sample a range of dishes. I tried pretty much everything, except for the chicken feet. But, this was not for lack of trying, more so an uncertainty of how to try them!

The "adult table"
(Photo credit: Yong Kai Jie) 

Some of the dishes we happily consumed
(Photo credit: Yong Kai Jie)

Group shot
(Photo credit: Yong Kai Jie)

Then, the festivities were put on hold for a few days...



Thursday marked the first day of the New Year, which happens to be the Year of the Goat/Sheep/Ram, depending on who you ask! Wanting to partake in the celebration, a few friends and I walked into the city centre to watch the first of four planned light shows. As we walked to St Ann's Square, we took a slight detour and walked through China Town.

(Photo credit: MaCris Gutierrez Cottle)

When we arrived at the Square, the wall of the church was covered in a depiction of a goat/sheep/ram. The light show was pretty neat. I'm not entirely sure what the storyline was, but it was interesting to watch it unfold. When the initial show finished, some of the crowd began to disperse. As we debated what to do, another video (?) began...this time a very obvious "travel China" advertisement. Those who had remained in the first place seemed to stay for the first few minutes of 'phase two,' until the vast majority of us became confused and left! It was at this point that we discovered the Second Cup!

Unfortunately, the particular camera I brought does not take the quality of
pictures I would have liked to snap. But...I'm sure you get the gist of it!

(Photo credit: MaCris Gutierrez Cottle)

(Photo credit: MaCris Gutierrez Cottle)

The last of my celebratory participation came today, on the final day of Manchester's events. A group of us gathered (amongst what I'm fairly certain was every other resident of Manchester and their 800 children*) in St. Albert's Square to watch the parade. But here's the thing, the weather forecast stated light rain, which given that I've lived in Manchester for several months, and grew up on the east coast of Canada, I should have known better than to discount the possibility of anything other than that. Light rain quickly transitioned into a mix of snow (SNOW!!!) and rain of varying degrees. At first, I was pretty pumped with this mixture of precipitation, but that faded soon after. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon, but it got mighty cold being so damp and standing outside in the wind for a few hours. Luckily, I'm not made of sugar, so I'm fully intact and warming up as I speak...errr...write!

Before it really began to rain...
(Photo credit: Samah Haj Ibrahim)

Mid-rain/snow and up a few new group members!
(Photo credit: Samah Haj Ibrahim)

Anyway, the parade was fun! I enjoyed the collective spectator dance that took place as we anticipated the parade will trying to stay warm! However, I'm still a little confused as to where the bagpipes** were...

There are still fireworks tonight, but I think I'm going to pass. The few activities I participated in made for a pretty decent first Chinese New Year!

To all my Chinese friends and readers - Happy New Year!!

-the Orange Canadian


*amount of children per family may not be accurately reflected in this number.
**In Nova Scotia, it's not a parade without bagpipes. I realize that a Chinese New Year celebration would not involve the presence of bagpipes...even if they are awesome. 

'Peak'ing my Canadian senses

It was 6:06 am. My alarm had just alerted me awake. I rolled over and thought in the most whiny voice possible, I don't want to get up! But I'm really glad I did.

After 38 GKH residents rounded up in the lobby, we split up and boarded the two buses we had booked for the day. Out destination - the Peak District. Most were still half asleep at the wee hour of 8:00 am.

We hadn't been on the road for very long when I received a message informing me that there was a little snow action in the area we were heading and to be prepared to modify our plans for the day. After chatting with the rest of my team, we decided to chance it. First stop - Mam Tor. And yes, it had snowed. But even better than that, it was STILL snowing! After recently been missing my usual yearly snow fix, I was beyond pleased with the sights around me. And, it was BIG snow. Not accumulation, but flake size.

When we finally arrived at Mam Tor, we began walking along the trail towards the top. It was stunning. Breath-taking. I saw farmland, snow and trees. The only thing missing from home was the ocean, and at this point, I wasn't about to complain! Snowballs were thrown, pictures were snapped. Although we didn't make it to the top, it was a fantastic way to start off the day!

Areeba, waiting for me with snowball in hand!

Some views from Mam Tor!

My flatmate Sreeman and I.

I believe the saying goes... "Happy wife, happy life." In this case, it's just "Happy Emily!" 

"Progress"

TREES! I FOUND TREES!

A panoramic view from Mam Tor.

Our next stop was Poole's Cavern, just outside of Buxton. Here we took a few minutes to warm up and grab a hot beverage before heading on a tour of the cavern. I will admit, the idea of being in a cave terrifies me in a most irrational way. Thankfully, the cave did not collapse on us, and I got to check off my 'one thing that scares me' for the day! It was pretty amazing inside! Unfortunately because it was so dark, picture taking wasn't the easiest. But, I did manage to get a few!

The group at the beginning of the Cavern tour. 

Inside the cavern.

Some names etched into the cavern walls. We found one dated '1666'!

Once the tour ended the group split up in two. Some went on a short hike at Poole's Cavern, while the rest of us made our way into Buxton. I had the pleasure of walking around Pavilion Gardens with some friends, new and old. Again, I saw trees and I was happy. It was so peaceful to walk around this park taking in the sights and enjoying some good conversation.

Pavilion Gardens

Proof I have friends!
L to R: Ahmed, the Orange Canadian, Matthew, Tom, and Yousef 

Soon after the rest of the group arrived. I joined my friends Yousef and Ahmed, and we took to some adventuring around this little town.  We walked along one of the main roads in search of 'the dome at the university.' It was pretty easy to find. But, the best part of this stop was the fact that there was a recruitment event happening, and we scored free lunch (and there was lobster!).

After we snacked, we decided to head to what's known as the Crescent. It was pretty neat. We climbed the Slopes and found St. Ann's well, where Yousef filled up! And with that, we split up.

The Crescent

A sign of spring? Sorry Nova Scotians...

St. Ann's well

It was no sooner that we had parted ways, when it began to lightly snow, and then quickly transition into freezing rain, and then eventually hail. I was overwhelmed with all of the winter things I'd been missing! I honestly didn't know what to do. So, I filmed it. Then I just stood in it...like an idiot. It was amazing!

A panoramic view from atop the Slopes!
The dome in the right-centre is the university where we crashed the recruitment event.

It was nearing the time to meet up for our departure home, so I began walking towards Pavilion Gardens. Instead of walking through them this time, I decided to cross the street and walk through the cemetery. It was difficult to read most of the headstones, but some of them were magnificently designed - particularly the older ones. I think the earliest date I could find was 1866, and the newest 2012. There's something just so calming about walking through a place like this. I tend to find a simple quietness and connection with nature when in a cemetery, that I cannot find elsewhere. Perhaps it's something to do with the fact that this is pretty much our last interaction with the natural world?

Anyway, I returned to the Garden and walked around in search of a bench to sit and watch the ducks. This, I am sad to report, was a difficult task. It appears that the majority of the benches I found pointed more so in the direct of small children playing, rather than small Anatidae. I felt as an adult, sitting on her own, it probably would flag some concerns had I not sat at the the one bench I found facing water and no children.

Some wildlife at Pavilion Garden

Water.

Soon after, we boarded the buses, and made the trek home. Since I was on the better of the two buses, we enjoyed a little sing-a-long as we drove. The perfect ending to a great day!

-the Orange Canadian

A little piece of Canada in Manchester?

Guys - something AMAZING happened tonight! So, a few friends and I went in to the city centre to take part in the Chinese New Year celebrations. They were great...and I'll tell you more about those at a later time.

After taking in the light show, we decided to go for a walk around (and find food...obviously!). We walked down a few streets, and then it happened. We turned a corner, and suddenly my eyes landed on the most welcomed vision they have spotted in a while. Like a scene from a movie, the world around was dark, and the bright, cheerful words "Second Cup" drew me in. Yes, friends, there's a Second Cup in Manchester. For most of you, this probably isn't a big deal, but for little 'ol me who resorts to Starbucks coffee as a means of fulfilling her dark coffee fix, this was the best thing since sliced bread, or Betty White...which ever came last.

Mulled apple cider...Oh. Man.

I'm pretty sure I completely fit the description of "kid in candy store" for the first five or ten minutes after entering. I ordered a mulled apple cider, and sat amongst my friends. It was probably more exciting than it should have been to witness these two lovely ladies experiencing their first ever sips of Second Cup goodness!

That is a cup of White Hot Chocolate...and my friend MaCris!

I don't think I appear as overly excited as I actually
was in this moment...it was BIG!

Now for those of you unfamiliar with this popular Canadian coffee chain, it's a pretty remarkable story. If you ever find a copy of "When All You Have is Hope" by Frank O'Dea, the founder of Second Cup, I would highly recommend it. It was one inspiring rethinks I have ever read. I'm talking alcoholic who lost everything, to living on the streets, to building this empire, amongst other incredible accomplishments! And all it took was one person to believe in him... True Canadianism at its finest! If you're interested, here's an interview with O'Dea by my buddy (and former 'boyfriend'), George Stroumboulopoulos!

-the (Far Too Happy) Orange Canadian

Kirk Cameron is...Unstoppable

Warning: The following post may offend some readers due to its highly religious topic.

The other day I received an email stating that 5 more seasons of Full House had been added to Netflix. Considering I spent far too much time over the Christmas break watching the first three, I considered this to be pretty big, but worrisome news!

Fortunately/unfortunately since I live outside of the US and Canada, I have limited access to Netflix's offerings. This means that these "5 more seasons" were not available to me. But, as I searched 'tirelessly' for them I came upon a documentary by former Growing Pains star, Kirk Cameron, and I thought, what have I got to lose? After all, he is the older brother to a one DJ Tanner* in real life!

The premise of this film, as the trailer above indicates, is Cameron's journey to answer the question, 'why does God let bad things happen to good people?" While I do not identify with any religion, asking a similar question is something I have considered many times before.

To find the answer, Cameron explains his interpretation of the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and maybe a few others (to be honest, it all started to blur together...). He uses these stories to inform the audience how and why God acts the way 'he does.' To my surprise, he actually makes well thought out, cohesive arguments. Sure, at times he gets a bit preachy, but the overall feel of his presence is more of passion than outlandish religionism.

For those of you who aren't aware of Cameron's transition from teen idol to evangelist, here's a quick recap (based on reliable source - Wikipedia!):

• Best known for this role as Mike Seaver on 'Growing Pains' between the late '80s and early '90s.
• Considered himself to be atheist in his early teens.
• Became a born again Christian at the age of 17.
• As a result of this new-found lifestyle, Cameron began challenging the scripts of 'Growing Pains,' as he felt many of them did not display his Christian values.
• Founded The Way of the Master ministry with Rick Comfort in 2002.
• Works with various camps, charities, and other religious organizations as a means of spreading the word of God. 
• Took to college campuses across the US to distribute altered versions of Darwin's famous book, 'The Origin of Species' in 2009,  which sparked some obvious controversy.

Now, Cameron has taken to the 'big screen.' Part of the rationale behind this documentary is most likely to be used as a recruitment tool for non-believers. However, I truly think he's doing it mostly out of a need to try to find answers himself. 

Before I continue, I want to make it clear that I'm not intending on attacking or denouncing his beliefs. I may not be a religious person, but I have a keen interest in learning about them. Religion is a fascinating topic, and while yes, I know that it's one that leads to controversy, I think it is equally important to debate - particularly in this context. To me, comparing views and attempting to make a person feel bad about their religious affiliation - whether they believe or not - is not something that anyone has a right to do. I respect anyone who can blindly believe in a God or other higher-power. If truth be told, I wish I had that ability, but I don't. That being said, I think it's only fair to confess that before I clicked play, I was skeptical, and felt that it was just going to be like many of the nutball-esque videos found repeatedly on YouTube. Yes, I admit it, most times I find this guy to be on a fast train to crazy town, but not this time. ...well, not entirely, at least.

I've certainly not been converted, nor has this 65 minute film made me reconsider my own beliefs. But, for the most part, I enjoyed it, if not for the artistic capabilities of the film crew or the fantastic soundtrack. There were, however, three things about this documentary that left me upset and wondering what Cameron was thinking. 

To start, the film opens with Cameron rambling on about things related to the question at the basis of this movie. But then - and maybe it's because I missed something - he lodged right into a story about a 15-year-old boy he knew, who had died. The story that accompanied it was fine, as this is probably what started him on this quest. But what I took issue with, was that there was a massive focus on the funeral. I found myself trying to wrap my head around why this was thought of as appropriate. Sure, having the boy's memory kept alive is wonderful, and sharing stories about him is also great. But, I just felt like it was exploring this one family, more than it was tackling the issue at hand - why had this child been taken, when there are so many 'bad people' in the world. 

The second thing I found odd, was the weird reenactments of the bible stories Cameron used to explain his God's actions. They were obviously meant to be artistic recreations, but man (!) they were really strange. Again, I didn't really see why this was necessary to the overall aim of the film. I understand that Cameron was using these stories to describe human action as it relates to God, but I just didn't see why this was needed. It really took away from the message. It was like interpretive dance with bad costumes and aggressive tunes. Weird. 

Finally, there is a scene where Cameron attempts to pitch the idea of making the story of Noah's Ark into a film, or tv show (I'm really not sure which). It shows him pitching his idea in a serious manner, but with his usual enthusiasm for the subject matter. And, here's where I really struggled (even more than the funeral and the reenactments). The producer and creative team start making ridiculous suggestions on how to 'sell' the concept to a wider, more excepting audience. I assume this was done to really drive home the message that God flooding the earth and killing all but those on the ark, doesn't give the kindest view of 'the Creator,' but I just thought some of the remarks were appalling! I felt offended, and I'm not even a Christian! Talking animals, the dove being an eagle or falcon, and making a rainbow the focal point of the story just seemed crazy offensive. And again, it made me think, why is he placing this in this documentary? He could have had just as great an impact without it. Listening to Cameron just talking out his views and applying them to the situations he has faced in his life was enough. 

So, now that I've written this, I honestly have know idea why I did. Maybe it's to get a conversation going. Maybe it's just to practice my writing skills. Maybe I've played into Cameron's plan entirely. Cameron's conclusion is that bad things aren't necessarily happening to good people, because the end goal isn't just to live until death - it's to get to the next level after death. From my own experiences and outlooks on life, I'm happy with the notion that we just live until death. Death is somewhat comforting to me. I'm not saying I want it to find me tomorrow, but, I also don't fear the day when it does. Maybe this is why I have a hard time believing. Maybe, for me, that is enough. 

-the Orange Canadian

*DJ Tanner is the oldest of the Tanner girls. The Tanner's are the family who occupy the "Full House."

The next step in realizing my dream of becoming a rapper

Today I took a downward spiral and became a crack dealer. I resisted it at first, mainly because I hate speaking in class. But when I looked down at the page, and realized I'd get to drop a few f-bombs in class, I accepted my new found role.

Of course, I'm not actually a crack dealer. I was asked, or rather volun-told, to be one of 9 lucky students in my Development Research class to portray one of these roles. Thankfully, I wasn't assigned the one that required the Irish accent, because we all know it would end up sounding Jamaican in the end. Doubly so, because I had the shortest part - it's like the lecturer knew...

But, I made the best of it and attempted to channel my inner druggie. After all was said and done, I can only conclude with on simple fact: I'm far too old and pasty to be saying things like "Word."

"Word."
(Photo Credit: Laura Dempsey)

-the Orange (street-cred building) Canadian

Thirty, Flirty and Thriving

It's official folks, I've survived the big 3-0! I apologize for the use of that terrible quote from an even more terrible film "13 Going on 30!" Like the milestone of transitioning into a new decade of one's life, the celebration that accompanied it was a solid reflection of my hopes for my thirties: positive, epic, and filled with the kind of laughter that leaves you in pain!

Most of my day was as it usually is, but after a meeting and completing a very short tutorial (only half of us showed up!), it was time to let loose and party, party, PARTY!! Now, of course, for me 'party, party, PARTY' consisted of trying to keep awake long enough to actually get through the planned evening - dinner and some good 'ol fashioned karaoke!

Nine of us gathered together and went on a zig-zagged scenic tour of Manchester on our way to a burrito joint we had planned on eating at. We didn't make reservations, thinking it was a Wednesday night, why would it be busy?! Well...it was packed, as was our second choice - a burger joint. Luckily we found a spot willing to take on the lot of us, and it turned out it was a pretty good thing we ended where we did - the food was amazing! We all sat around and chatted about random things from what a "good burger" consisted of to how to use a female condom. You know, the usual for this group! Nothing says "Happy Birthday" quite like the intricate instructions of alternative contraceptive methods!

My beautiful birthday flowers from Samah and Arafat,
and my flashing '30' badge from Laura
(Photo Credit: Arafat Safi)

At dinner.
(Photo credit: Arafat Safi)

(Photo Credit: Arafat Safi)

As we were preping to leave Correction, as I thought we preparing to leave, the lights dimmed and I saw my friend Cillian approach with something on fire. It took me probably far too long to realize that he was holding cake with a single candle (I'm old now, so I can't manage to blow out more than one candle, apparently...or I'd set the place on fire if all 30 had been on it!), and the lights were dimmed with the accompaniment of the oddest "Happy Birthday" mix, I've ever heard! It was amazing! As was the candy covered, mega icing-ed, red and green 'sliver' of cake!

After passing the cake around, we actually packed up and made our way to a nearby karaoke bar. I had booked a room (because that's apparently how karaoke happens here), and we met up with four other friends to have two fun-filled hours of terrible '90s tunes with a smattering of other some newer, some older tasty jams! Our room came complete with multiple inflatable instruments, a tambourine, and a round of birthday shots, on the house (ironic, since the birthday girl doesn't drink!! This is now how I make friends...) It was so much fun to just sit around going from song to song, singing together. No one was trying to upstage anyone, no one hogged the mic, because unlike any other time I've done karaoke, we all participated...for every song! Well, all but one...which is why Celine Dion made an appearance. My Canadian friends, I hope you can forgive me for such indiscretion! Somehow we transformed from IDS students to fairly decent hip hop artists. Seriously, move over Jay-Z...step aside Kenny West, Lemon and Ginger are here!

(Video credit: Russell "Josh Groban" Beaumont)

The gang!
(Photo credit: Junefe Gilig Payot) 

Apparently we were all really feelin' Whitney's "I Will Always Love You!!"
(Photo credit: Junefe Gilig Payot) 

Some more of the gang!

This is what happens when Celine Dion comes on...an intense sing-off!

Looks like we were getting pretty tired by this point...
(Photo credit: Junefe Gilig Payot) 

We even had an appearance by the one and only Josh Groban*...who, oddly enough didn't know his own songs. Weird...

When our time was up, we discovered that microphones are pretty much the greatest things ever. It was at this point that we pretended we were on a talk show. I'm sure we gave it a name at some point, but really we just rambled on about embarrassing stories of a particular friend, and played an 'exciting' game of Green Room. Hey! I just realized that the name of the game doesn't work... Hmm...

Anyway, after about a half an hour, we got booted out, and our karaoke highs were dashed as we began our walk home. It was a great night! And...it was a late night! Rolling in just after 1:00 am was certainly a new one for me, and probably not one I'll be getting used to, being as I slept for twelve hours the next night!

I'm so lucky to have such great friends who spoiled me and made me feel special...and only slightly old! For those of you that came out, thanks for making it what it was!

Yes...that IS a Canadian travel guide...and some 'Emergency Moustaches'
- because you never know when you're going to need a moustache! 

My birthday flowers!

Listen up kids...this is what you get when you ask an Irish friend
to dress up like a leprechaun (man that IS a tough word to spell!) - one
riddle, every half an hour! I've learned my lesson... next time
I won't ask, I'll just bring the outfit.

The next day, I staggered to buy the largest caffeine possible (yes, I said 'caffeine' instead of coffee!). My hand and leg were bruised from my enthusiastic tambourining, and I somehow made it through the remainder of the day (including a morning class and an afternoon tutorial!). When I returned home, I was greeted with my first ever care package from my big Brujjie! I even received birthday greetings from Prestige Worldwide!!!

Birthday care package including Java Blend dark roast coffee!!
Note the cards both from Mike, AND Dale Doback and Brennan Huff! 

Mmm...tastes like dinosaur!

Until next time,
-the (Aged) Orange Canadian

*As a means of protecting his true identity, Josh wouldn't allow us to post photos of him. This statement may or may not be true, but is most definitely not true. There just weren't any pictures taken of him in action...