prairie girl musings

Category: Travel

  • In Transit: Boston

    In Transit: Boston

    In Transit: Boston

    She said, “I think I’ll go to Boston…I think I’ll start a new life, I think I’ll start it over where no one knows my name.”

    “Boston” by Augustana has been one of my most-listened to songs over the past decade. The opening piano chords are instantly recognizable. And the song, as a whole, slowly escalates in intensity, which makes for an excellent lyrical or contemporary dance combination. The lyrics are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever heard, and are extremely relatable to anyone who’s ever dreamt of getting away and starting over.

    I’ll soon be on my way to a city I’ve wanted to visit since I was young. This desire was amplified after meeting Nick (with his Irish roots), beginning my Boston Legal addiction, and drinking scotch. I’m glad I have waited to visit Boston as it’s a city I know I’ll appreciate tenfold now that I’m mature enough to soak in the vast history it has on offer. The home of over 50 universities, Boston is the most educated (and arguably, most picturesque) American city.

    Fortunately, my friend Molly compiled a list outlining how to make the most of a weekend trip to Boston. I’ll be visiting with my boyfriend and two sisters, so I’ve drafted up a point-form itinerary of a few of the things we’d like to do:

    Friday:

    Sportello for dinner
    Drink for a whiskey-based cocktail, and a toast to Denny Crane and Allan Shore.
    Walk around Boston Common
    Visit Faneuil Hall

    Saturday:

    Grab a cappuccino at Thinking Cup and stock up on Stumptown beans
    Check out the Isabella Gardener Museum and Boston Museum of Science
    Explore the Freedom Trail, starting at Boston Common (Bunker Hill, old North Church)
    Walk down Boylston Street and Newbury Street and check out Back Bay
    Stephanie’s on Newbury for dinner

    Sunday:

    Sample the sticky buns at Flour Bakery
    Explore Cambridge and take a tour of Harvard University
    Stop by the Coop, see the Harvard Club on Commonwealth Avenue (amazing Georgian architecture)
    Have lunch at Barley’s Burgers, scenes from Good Will Hunting and The Social Network were filmed there.
    Walk along the Charles River
    Visit La Burdick for the best chocolates in Boston

    Have you ever been to Boston? What are your must-sees?

  • Travel Wishlist

    Travel Wishlist

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    “If you’re twenty-five, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel – as far and wide as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live, eat, and cook. Learn from them wherever you go.”

    From a very young age, my parents instilled in me a love of travel and exploration. My sisters and I were enrolled in French Immersion from age five, and spent evenings and summers learning Ukrainian. While vacations to Hawaii and Mexico are a favourite among North Americans, my parents were far more eager to take us beyond what was comfortable. My most memorable travels include visiting the remote regions of Ukraine, where we connected with our cousin, Ljuba for the very first time, exploring the sacred (and relatively tourist-free, at that time) temples in Ubud, Bali, and navigating the poverty dynamics in a nation that was re-discovering itself post-apartheid. And so, as my 25th birthday approaches, I have been pouring over travel blogs, Pinterest, and friends’ travel photos. Here are my top travel picks for 2013/2014:

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    1. Bolivia

    A country unlike any other, Bolivia is a haven for adventurous travellers. With its arid deserts, tropical rainforests, snow-capped peaks, silver mines, and colourful inland lakes, there’s much more to this landlocked country than you’d ever expect! Not to mention, Yungas Road has been declared the world’s most dangerous road, a must for any daredevil!

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    2. Brazil (Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo)

    Rio is known for its stunning architecture, abundant museums, and delicious food. I’d also like to see the massive Cristo Redentor statue in person, and visit the multitude of beaches (there are 23 just in Rio!)

    I have a few friends who reside in the massive metropolis of São Paolo: my first RA at MSU is from Sãn Paolo, and four of my exchange friends are from Brazil. Latin Americans possess a loveliness and warmth that I’ve always tried to embody, the demeanour of my Brazilian friends is especially attractive to me.

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    3. Havana, Cuba

    I’ve had a strong desire to visit Havana ever since first watching Havana Nights. I’m kidding, but I do have a soft spot for any dance film. After discussing the lively locale with one of my most well-travelled friends, I am certain Havana and I would hit it off. Katherine spent a semester in Havana during her undergraduate degree, and described it as one of the most exuberant cities she’s ever visited. Not so secretly, I plan to extensively visit all the places Ernest Hemingway frequented while he penned two of his best novels. I’d even like to spend a night in the hotel where he spent his days producing the masterpiece, For Whom the Bell Tolls.

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    4. Japan 

    There are endless reasons why Tokyo is considered the greatest city in the world. Its public transport, for one, is efficient and sophisticated and it possesses more Michelin-starred restaurants than Paris! It has taken over as the fashion capital of Asia, and the skyscrapers are remarkable! I could go on, but I’ll just say as an urbanite, Tokyo has topped my ‘must-visit’ list for awhile now. I’ve also heard wonderful things about Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo, not to mention Mount Fuji and those cherry blossoms… Needless to say, I’ll be sure to do an extensive tour of Japan when I finally get a chance to visit!

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    5. Turkey

    I’m aware that this may be a controversial addition to the list. As of late, many travellers have been hesitant to travel to Turkey given what’s happening across the border in Syria. While each traveller has a different level of tolerance for risk, it’s important to remember that Istanbul is a long way from Aleppo. I’ve been reading a lot about Turkey for one of my jobs, and appreciate all the work that’s being done to provide equal opportunities for Turkish women. There are many organizations dedicated to helping educate and send Turkish girls to school. The more I delve into my research, the more intrigued I become with this transcontinental country. I’ve known a few people who have studied in Istanbul, and it’s a hotbed for culture and history.

    I haven’t planned any trips outside North America for 2014 yet, but I will be visiting Boston, Mont Tremblant, and New Orleans in the coming months. 

    Check out my Pinterest board, Travel o f t e n to see where else I’ve been (and would like to go!)

    Where would you love to travel in 2014?

    Need more travel inspiration? Check out National Geographic’s Tours of a Lifetime.

  • Next Stop: Chicago

    Next Stop: Chicago

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    Chicago’s been on my list of must-see cities since my family visited (sans moi) a few years ago. Granted, I was living in New Zealand at the time, so passing up on a few North American trips didn’t seem like such a big deal. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to visiting the Windy City! I’m especially excited to see Chicago’s outdoor public art, something it’s known for around the world. Chicagoans truly take pride in their city, which makes it such an amazing city to visit. My New Yorker cousin (who formerly lived in San Francisco and Toronto) said that she loves Chicago because even the homeless marvel at their city: “Would ya look at that sculpture? It’s beautiful!”

    My sisters and I will arrive in Chi-Town tonight, and I’ve already drafted up a list of things for us to do. Of course, there won’t be much time for sightseeing as we’ll be in meetings all day, but a girl can dream:

    1. Ukrainian Cathedrals: I can’t wait to check out the majestic domes that peek out over the treetops in the Ukrainian Village of Chicago.

    2. Pilsen Murals

    3. Spend an hour perusing the Randolph Street Market

    4. Grab a coffee at The Wormhole on Milwaukee Avenue

    5. Indulge in a slice of Chicago’s deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s

    6. Sit down for well-crafted cocktail at The Violet Hour. 

    7. Warm up with a hot chocolate from Hot Chocolate.

    8. Check out the Chicago skyline atop the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower).

    9. Enjoy a rooftop drink at our hotel’s bar.

    10. While there’s no shortage of good breakfast places in Chicago, I’ve heard that Bongo Room serves the perfect laidback morning feast.

    11. Visit Tribune Campus at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

    Have you ever been to Chicago? What are some must-sees and dos for a non-tourist traveller?

    For frequent updates, follow my Instagram and Twitter accounts!

    xoxo, Vanessa

  • Road Trip Essentials

    Road Trip Essentials

    I’m about to embark on my first road trip of the summer. We’re heading to Montreal for Osheaga, and today’s task (before I leave for work) is to pack. Packing for a road trip, particularly a festival road trip, is not an easy task. It’s important to travel lightly, after all it’s only a weekend getaway. But it’s also crucial not to forget the necessities to make it a memorable holiday. Here are my road trip essentials:

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    Music and Entertainment: We’re headed to Canada’s most talked about music festival, after all! I was sure to stock my iPod with music by all my favourite artists, Imagine Dragons, Mumford & Sons, Vampire Weekend, The Cure, Ellie Goulding, and the list goes on…

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    Water and snacks: Travelling by car from Toronto to Montreal, it’s important to pack some goodies to sustain us over the six-hour drive. I’m obsessed with unsalted almonds, sliced apples and cheese. Better yet, bake your own treats to share with your friends. I also always like to have a water bottle on hand, so I can sip at my convenience.

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    Appropriate clothing: I have the slightest obsession with stripes and denim. My suitcase is currently filled with dungarees, old Levi cut-offs and not one, but three striped shirts. Also, don’t forget to pack a wide-brimmed hat to protect your hair and skin. You’ll likely be spending a lot of time outside since it’s summer in Canada (and we need to make the most of it, kids!)

    Your favourite sunnies: My Karen Walker sunglasses are a must for any road trip or outing. I’m obsessed with her designs, they make a statement and you’ll be sure to stand out in a crowd!

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    Limited toiletries: You’re going on a road trip, so minimalism is key. Don’t pack your entire lipstick collection and please, do not pack your hair straightener. Keep it simple, spritz some surf spray in your hair, braid your hair, wear it natural. If there’s a time to limit your makeup routine to mascara and a bit of bronzer, it is now. And don’t forget a bottle of sunscreen!

    Cash: Take out cash so you can chip in for petrol and have money on-hand in case you need to grab food or beer at the festival. It’s also a great way to budget. Take out enough for the whole weekend, and aim to only spend that amount!

    Well, there you have it! These are my road trip essentials. Please comment below to add to my list. What do you pack when you’re heading off on a weekend trip?

    Stay tuned for my Club Monaco fashion haul and Montreal/Osheaga post!

  • Land of Living Skies

    Land of Living Skies

    There’s something incredible about returning home after being away for a long period of time. I was recently back in Saskatchewan for the first time since relocating to Toronto. Oddly enough, I came home more frequently when I lived in New Zealand. I’m not sure why I haven’t been home. Perhaps it’s been because of my internship and job hunt. With the oftentimes haphazard scheduling of interviews, I didn’t want to miss out on any opportunities that came my way.

    Regardless, it felt amazing to be back at my parents’ house in Yorkton. They’ve only lived here for the past three years, but it always feels like home. It’s the constant in my ever-changing, never stable life. It’s the place to which I return from wherever I’ve been living. As the complete antithesis of Toronto’s urbanity and chaos, Saskatchewan feels like a retreat, an escape from the everyday challenges I encounter in the Big Smoke. I always harp on about how much I love urbanity, and it’s a necessity for me at this age, but Saskatchewan has indescribable charm and vast beauty that many city dwellers will never experience.

    It’s also a place where my family has lived for a number of years. Throughout my life, I was fortunate to live nearby to all four grandparents. Last week, after the passing of my paternal grandfather, I realized what a luxury it was truly getting to know my grandparents. Many of my cousins, aunties, uncles, and extended family are all located in the prairies as well. It’s serene, with vast blue skies and perpetual sunshine. Most of my childhood and teenage friends still reside in Saskatchewan, which makes for a wonderful reunion whenever I am here.

    When I was completing a multimedia project for my creative writing course at The University of Auckland, I conducted an experiment comparing my two reference points (at the time): The Prairies and The North Island (of New Zealand). It was an introspective assignment that I delved into wholeheartedly. It enabled me to record my experiences with displacement. Should you be interested in reading my exegesis, I’ve attached the link here.

    Saskatchewan, I do not appreciate you enough. You’re a wonderful place to call home.

  • Displacement and Chaos

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    I still recall my very first lecture and my very first assignment at The University of Auckland. After transferring from a practical, secure science major with abundant job prospects to an arts degree in English Literature, many people probably thought I had completely lost my mind. And who could blame them?

    However, as I sat in that large lecture theatre, a gazillion miles from home, I remember being overcome with emotion. I was in a creative writing course with hundreds of other students (both domestic and international), many of whom are probably spending their days at so-called dead end jobs, stringing together paycheck after paycheck, while our engineering and commerce peers surely have the last laugh. Nevertheless, there is something to be said about being able to write. It’s a skill that many well-educated individuals fail to possess. This article in the New York Times sums it up quite nicely: “No one has found a way to put a dollar sign on this kind of literacy, and I doubt anyone ever will. But everyone who possesses it — no matter how or when it was acquired — knows that it is a rare and precious inheritance.”

    While at home in Yorkton, I came across this exegesis I had written as part of my first creative writing assignment. We were required to assemble a portfolio of work encompassing the four genres of writing we had studied (poetry, multimedia, short fiction and screenplay). My multimedia, due to its personal relevance, never fails to reconcile my belief that I made the right decision to pursue an arts degree.

    Anyway, I’ll include my original draft. Sure, it’s not perfectly written. There are gaps. But this was my first assignment, and my justification for leaving home:

    “The experience of living abroad has substantially transformed my goals and perspective. Being a Canadian in New Zealand is simultaneously rewarding and frightening, as I aim to communicate through ten paintings (four of which are present before you now.) I have photographed (and attached images) of the six additional paintings in places that demonstrate my familiarity with displacement. They are not being presented to you in one piece (or at the same time) because they are relentlessly in transition, much like myself. I have not settled in one country, but regularly travel back home while continuing my studies at the University of Auckland. Keeping the paintings together would contradict their fundamental purpose of illustrating my longing for each country, and the chaos I endure when absent from either.

    As I embark on a lengthy journey, I hold a painting depicting Saskatchewan’s wheat fields that extend along each highway. Following twenty-four hours of travel time, I will land in Saskatoon on Saturday afternoon. Shortly after emerging from the airport, this art work will be photographed at my destination.

    The painting featuring a runway and an airplane taking flight will be photographed from outside a window at the Auckland International Airport prior to the first leg of my travel itinerary. This canvas is peering out at a world of possibility, establishing its place on this earth. Geographically, Canada and New Zealand sit exceedingly far from one another. In my heart, however, they are intimately connected. While I do not have family here, I have developed close relationships with many New Zealand citizens and fellow travellers who share my love for this place.

    The physical separation of these paintings is comparable to my personal displacement. Half of my heart will always remain in Saskatchewan, alongside my family and childhood friends. The other half belongs in New Zealand, representing my desire of not being confined to what is familiar and recognizable. The displacement began in 2009 when I initially visited New Zealand on a study abroad exchange.

    The graffiti exercise presented during tutorial inspired the use of placement and exposure in my work. I decided to photograph my paintings across two continents to demonstrate the extent to which an idea can travel. With each kilometre travelled, the paintings evolve, and develop new and exciting connotations. The mapping exercise conducted in tutorial was equally effective. It enabled me to expand on the idea of a traditional map. Scattering paintings throughout the Southern and Northern Hemispheres manifest distance and displacement on a realistic and larger scale. Additional inspiration came from Allen Say’s Grandfather’s Journey, one of my favourite pieces of children’s literature. Many of the themes present in this story, cross-cultural experiences, intergenerational relationships, and family history are personally relevant.

    Following the migration of my Ukrainian ancestors to Canada, my extended family is grounded in Saskatchewan. My love for New Zealand’s vast beauty has stirred perplexity amongst my relatives who feel resiliently connected to their homeland. While I thoroughly enjoy my visits home, I have never regretted this decision to live in another distant country.”

  • Style Influences

    Style Influences

    Moving to Canada, Toronto in particular, has undoubtedly impacted my sense of style. Whether it was the continent hopping or simply transitioning from full-time student to full-time intern, I’ve been forced to relinquish my ‘homeless-chic’ fashion sense (a term so lovingly coined by my dear friend, Adrian.)

    The study of style has always been of interest to me. How we evolve over time and accumulate new life experiences certainly impacts our sense of style. I appreciate the various social media platforms at our disposal. They enable us to so easily chronicle our daily lives in such a visual and powerful way.

    My sense of style has certainly evolved since high school. Whilst in New Zealand, I was obsessed with the quirky, tongue-in-cheek designs of Karen Walker, Ruby and Huffer (more on Huffer later…) eventually embracing the more streamlined looks of Moochi, Country Road and Zambesi. Like most Aucklanders, I wore a lot of black and adopted a minimalistic approach to hair and makeup. I love how my New Zealander friends and classmates mix high fashion with consignment steals and messy hair. Their “I’ll be damned” attitude is conveyed in everything they do and wear, as if they had just spent their noon hour having a dip in the Pacific.

    However, working in an office environment, many of my favourite garments have been stashed away at my parents’ home in Saskatchewan, waiting for the next road trip or indie music festival. Lately, I’m finding my style veers towards the preppier, buttoned-up looks of J.Crew and Kate Spade. Club Monaco is another old standard that can do no wrong in my eyes.

    Who influences your sense of style? Or rather who influences your style? Is it your present geographic region? The current trends in your part of the world? Is it a combination of your travel experiences and the cities you’ve visited? Surely you are influenced by the climate and your friends, but what else drives the way you present yourself to the world every day?

    For me, my style is an accumulation of all my experiences. From growing up in rural Saskatchewan to travelling to Europe for the first time to completing my BA in the Southern Hemisphere, and everything in between. Here are some of my favourite outfits over the past few years:

    xoxo, Vanessa

  • Bright Lights, Big City!

    Bright Lights, Big City!

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    I initially fell in love with the Big Apple during my first visit in 2006. It was the summer prior to my last year of high school; the summer I decided I was going to be a Broadway star.

    After five days of intense dance classes at the Tremaine Dance Convention, evenings spent exploring Manhattan and catching the world’s best shows, I was convinced THIS was the place for me. Infatuated with the bright lights, the multitudes of tastes and sights, and its vast history, I felt compelled to return.

    Luckily, thanks to the upcoming nuptials of my friends, Kirsten and Steve, I had the opportunity to return to NYC for a second visit. Kirsten chose New York as the location for her bachelorette trip; a city she had always wanted to visit. The eight girls who comprised our group had all gone to the same elementary school, so you can imagine what a reunion it was! Our five-day trip was packed with sightseeing, gallery hopping, riding bicycles through Central Park, indulging in local cuisine, partying in Greenwich Village, and taking in all the sights and sounds of New York. I also had the opportunity to catch up with some of the friends I’ve had the pleasure of meeting during my travels.

    A lot has happened in the past seven years, but New York still holds infinite optimism and possibility. Not only is it the city that never sleeps, it is a city that anyone can enjoy. Regardless of age or gender, New York City will captivate you; it will dazzle your socks right off. There’s Manhattan that only runs 13 miles long, yet is packed to the brim with people, culture, and skyscrapers. We visited both MoMA (Modern Museum of Art) and the Met (The Metropolitan Museum of Art) where we caught the Punk: Chaos to Couture exhibit.

    Brooklyn, a hipster mecca, is perhaps my favourite borough. It is stocked with flea markets (Artists & Fleas is a must-see) carrying handmade, locally-designed goods, vintage shopping (Beacon’s Closet, anyone?), locavore food scene (you’re seriously missing out if you haven’t been to Smorgasburg), independent galleries (Brooklyn Art Library) and stores and trends that began right in Williamsburg (Catbird!)

    I can’t possibly list all the amazing spots we visited throughout Greenwich Village, SoHo, NoHo, Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, so instead here are some memorable photographs:

  • Ramblings and Deliberations

    Ramblings and Deliberations

    I’m sorry that I haven’t been active this week on the blog. I wasn’t feeling very motivated and didn’t want to write anything less than inspired. I know I’m prone to spitting out useless jargon and I’d like my blog to be more than a collection of my recent ruminations.

    I was able to re-focus my energy towards something positive towards the end of the week. Namely, my summer goals for 2013. I came across this article on Thought Catalog this evening, and it really contextualized a lot of what was going on in my head. I’ve spent the past week freaking about my lack of career. Sure, I’m interning at an awesome magazine and enjoying it immensely, but I still have this nagging feeling that I’m nowhere near where I should be professionally. I constantly feel like I gave up the opportunity at a very good career in favour of pursuing my passion to write (and live abroad). It’s obviously not as simple as that, but I do hope that I will eventually figure out what it is I should be doing professionally.

    In other news: My younger sister is moving to a suburb just outside Toronto, and I couldn’t be more ecstatic. She’s my best friend and it’s been way too long since we’ve lived in the same province, not to mention the same city. Case in point: many of my summer plans will involve my sister.

    So, without further ado, I introduce you to my summer 2013 goals:

    1. Train for another half marathon – Those who know me, know that I’ve been running on and off since I was eight. I completed my first half marathon after finishing high school, and it was all downhill (or uphill?) from there. My best time was 1 hour and 45 minutes at the Rotorua Half Marathon (in New Zealand). It was a trail run and I had been training on the craziest hills the North Shore of Auckland had to offer. That was in March 2011 and needless to say, I’m not nearly as fit right now. It’s time to get back into shape.

    2. Attend as many summer concerts as humanly (financially) possible – I’m a huge concert goer because many of my favourite bands toured New Zealand while I was living there. I’m not surprised that it’s one of the most popular destinations for band tours because it’s literally paradise on earth; a place most people dream of visiting. Last year, I went to Osheaga in Montreal, which was the best music festival I’ve ever been to. The lineup this year is even better, so I’m hoping I can make it again. I’d also like to attend North by Northwest, which Toronto’s version of South by Southwest. My sister wants to see John Mayer and Taylor Swift, so those are two more possibilities.

    3. Ruminate various career paths – I’m wrapping up my second internship in a couple weeks. I have learnt so much from both Ottawa Magazine and Weddingbells and I’m truly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had with both publications. It’s been wonderful getting my foot in the door, so to speak, and learning the ins and outs of the editorial industry. While I’d like to maintain involvement in the magazine industry, I’d also like to continue to build my freelance proofreading business and get my website up. I’m not entirely sure what will happen over the summer, but I’m excited to see where my editing will take me. I have also decided that I’d like to upgrade my university courses over the next year and complete all the prerequisites to begin a Masters or postgraduate program in something practical and rewarding. I don’t think it’s too much to ask to discover a fulfilling career by the time I’m thirty.

    4. Attend dance class 2-3 times per week – I have recently discovered an amazing drop-in dance studio only five minutes from my apartment. It’s ideal for me because I don’t want to commit to the same class every week as my schedule is always changing and I easily bore from too strict a routine. I love ballet boot camp, which is perfect for whipping me into shape. A one-hour dance class has the ability to completely alter my mental state. The prospect of letting go at a ballet or contemporary class is an intoxicating feeling.

    5. Explore and make Toronto my home – I am twenty four years young, but boy do I feel somewhat aged. I’ve spent the past six years being nomadic. I left Canada for North Dakota right after high school, then studied abroad at Massey University in Albany on the North Shore of Auckland for one semester. Then, it was back to Minot for a semester before moving home to Saskatchewan to work at the dealership and flower shop while applying to transfer to the University of Auckland. Auckland became my home for two and a half years before I returned home for the summer before starting my internship in Ottawa/visiting New Zealand/travelling to South Africa for a month/moving to Toronto to begin internship numero dos. Don’t worry if you’re no longer following because it makes my head hurt just to think about it all… For those who know me personally, I’m sorry if you read that all. It’s an absolute bore. Needless to say, I am ready to settle down for the next little while. It’s been INCREDIBLE having my Kiwi boy here with me, and I don’t know what will happen if he isn’t granted residency. I can’t imagine moving again in less than a year not because I don’t love the constant change of scenery and the excitement of exploring new horizons, but because it makes maintaining friendships difficult. It’s nice having a core group of friends that you can call if you’ve had a rough week and need to consume an entire litre of Pinot Noir.

    That being said, I do enjoy Toronto. I like the urbanity of living downtown and having everything at my disposal. Your twenties are about being hedonistic. They are about maximizing on pleasure and not feeling guilty about it. I’m all for bountiful pastures and living skies, but cosmopolitanism is a wonderful, wonderful thing.

    So, there you have it. My goals are broad, much like my life and my current scope. I could get down to the nitty gritty details, but I’d hate to bore you any longer.

    Until next time,

    V.

  • Halifax, Nova Scotia

    I’m in love with my home and native land. Canada is such a vast and beautiful place. From the shores of Nova Scotia to the tundras of the Yukon, it’s eclectic, expansive, and absolutely breathtaking. Unfortunately, like many Canadians, I don’t get around to seeing it as much as I would like to. That being said, two years ago, my family decided to embark on a two-week road trip from our hometown in Saskatchewan to the Maritime provinces. This involved a lot of driving and a lot of sightseeing.

    Last weekend, I ventured back to the East Coast, Halifax in particular, to visit my younger sister who studies at Dalhousie University. The reason for my trip was her Dal Dance Society annual recital. It was a treat to see her perform, but also to visit a few key spots I had missed out on the first time around. One of my favourite spots was Peggy’s Cove, which is located 45 minutes outside Halifax.

    Natalie’s recital, of course, was also amazing. I haven’t seen her dance since high school, and was blown away by how much she’s developed as a performer. Here are some photos of Halifax, Natalie’s recital, and our sweet Air Canada upgrade!