Asian Exploration Part II: Farewell, Canada

Waking up to a loud and annoying T-Pain ringtone alarm set by someone else's Blackberry, I rushed my morning shower and packed my belongings hurriedly (as did everyone else). We checked out of the hotel by noon, and everyone split into their driving groups for the day. Team Sundona headed off to Chinatown to sample exotic Asian fruit. Aside from the smells of herbs of dried fish, we came across tasty rambutan and dragon fruit for a relatively low price. We then discovered Gastown and took pictures in front of a steaming clock that performed a melodic tune and spewed heavy vapor at every hour. After an hour of souvenir shopping, everyone became hungry for sushi (my all-time favorite). We found an awesome all-you-can-eat sushi buffet for a more-than-reasonable $11. Our entire group easily wolfed down over 100 pieces of sushi, with room to spare for tea and gelatin.

Devouring the spread of sushi—like a boss.

Our final excursion in Canada was to the Aberdeen Centre in Richmond. The mall truly boasted a comprehensive Asian shopping experience. We entered a massive Japanese Daiso store that sold many imported Asian goods. After much browsing of clothes and anime/video game action figures, our group took a bubble tea break at the food court. Ryuji claimed to be at ease because he was surrounded by his “fellow fobs.” Leaving the mall cheerful, we drove back to the border in Sundona’s car, singing/rapping/yelling to the familiar beats of his top 90s music. We briefly stopped by the duty and tax-free shop one final time, where Stephanie and Cuong selected a signature scent for me. Back on the road again, we passed by the Peace Arch, a monument that signaled our reentry into America. Overall, the mini-vacation in Canada was an entertaining break from school, but what made the trip great was the people who traveled with me. Three cheers to Team Sundona.