We were picking up some groceries at the local supermarket a couple of weeks ago, when V noticed some interesting fruit nestled among the monotony of apples, oranges, and pears. We decided to pick up a couple of exotic-like fruit that we had never seen before, simply for the fun of it. The first one that stood out, looked like an orange albeit with a little stem sticking out at the top, and with hard plastic like skin. The second one we purchased (but haven't eaten yet) looks a like a distant cousin (of the third or fourth variety) of a tomatoe and a chili pepper.
After having brought these amazing looking fruits home, we turned to the first thing that anyone would when looking for information, google. After a search of a couple of minutes we were able to deduce that the orange-like fruit is known as a Sweet Granadilla(much like a Passion Fruit) while the tomatoe's distant cousin is rather a tamarillo or tree tomatoe.
After having sat in the fridge for a couple of days we finally decided to open up the sweet granadilla (prior to knowing it was a sweet fruit) and proceed to eat it. It was tough at first to cut open, but soon gave in the smooth blade of the knife, revealing a gooey green slimey clump of little seeds (we didn't have any immediate takers, surprising...). After having examined what was before us, I decided to take the plunge at give it a try. It first felt somewhat like jello, but tasted like a bit like a kiwi. The seeds within the gooey goodness were crunchy much like those found within a pomegranate. We passed the sweet granadilla around the table and scooped the crunchy mush out with a spoon until it was all gone. In the words of Maxwell House Coffee, it was good to the last "metaphorical" drop. An interesting experience to say the least.
So it has been a while. We miss our blog...Our lives have been a little all over the place, and even though there have been many so called 'impromptu' moments to write about the opportunity to do so never presented itself.
So here we are...with a few moments to spare, sitting together and collaboratively reliving the last month, so that the things we did get their fair share of recognition.
Posts to come:
1) Miami
2) Exotic Eating
3) Miniaturist Art
4) Recent Finds and Acquisitions
5) Things children say...
6) Some more graffiti
7) Montreal's winter
... if we are really good then all this will be up before we hit Feb...because if all goes well and according to plan then February's posts will be written from across the ocean...
What wonderful things one can find when they take the time to look up amongst the rooftops of houses and buildings in any given neighbourhood. My fascination with looking up to the roofs of buildings began with my urban hunting of old painted advertisements. An interest in all things graffiti related soon followed and with that, a whole new world of looking up, had opened up to me.
There are endless possibilities in terms of what you will find on rooftops, whether it be downtown amongst taller buildings, or in a more residential neighbourhood. Next time you find yourself going for a walk, talk the time to look up, and embrace the opportunity to explore urban rooftops.
So yesterday I failed my driving test....yes very sad news...I felt the same. But...I came home, cried a little, took a 6 hour nap, drank a bottle of wine, wallowed in my own self pity, went out...and now I'm feeling over it and ready to move on...
so here are a few tips that, after a lot of analyzing why on earth this happened to me (again...shhh) I started to realize and decided to jot down for those who are currently going, or have gone through this turmoil...(please tell me I'm NOT the only one!?)
Tip #1: When you are driving to your driving exam and you encounter not 1 but TWO major accidents that are blocking both major intersections surrounding your driving exam location, I suggest that you (unlike me) cancel your test and take it another day...just a thought that did not even ONCE cross my mind...this tip is #1 because not following this tip will leave you driving with a 1000000 other cars that are stuck, confused and scared...NOT a happy driving test atmosphere....if you did not follow this first tip...please continue reading.
Tip #2: This one is for those who did not follow Tip #1 and chose to regardless of the situation do their driving test. If you are driving with a nervous (and they are always nervous) instructor, do NOT test their reflexes, or how well they know how to drive....ie...do not ever so slightly cross that horrid white line (where the people are supposed to walk). Your driving instructor will yell at you...loudly...and make the overall mood in the car SUPER unpleasant...
Tip #3: At this point you have not followed Tip # 1 or 2 and are stuck in an uncomfortable setting for at least the next 10 min, in a car that is usually super comfortable....So make the best of the situation. I do this by either talking to myself...out loud, ever so quietly hum x-mas tunes under my breath as I stick my head out and bite my tongue while making a right on a red light (this makes me nervous after living in MTL for so long)...really you can sing anything, since these are all seasonal tips...perhaps an awesome angry RnB tune would be great...or just repeat everything the nervous man beside you says....ex "at the next street make a left, make a left at the next street".... I would loudly respond "OK! At the next street MAKIN a left" and then continue to hum my x-mas tunes. This behavior will in fact lighten the mood if not for the both of you, at least for yourself.
Tip #4: Always have a bottle of wine ready for when you get home (regardless of the time of your test...mine was at 9:20 am)....This is important because the results could go both ways...That bottle of vino should be there either for celebration purposes (that is if you have nowhere to drive that day...as I do not condone drinking and driving) or as a drink and cry yourself to sleep tool. Either way, this is an essential attribute to any driving exam...this might not be the first thing you think of, but this is why I am writing it out for you...wine is always important and drinking it is necessary and justifiable no matter what the circumstance (unless you are driving...anything...or flying anything...you get the point)
That is all I got for now...let me know if you have any helpful tips as I will be redoing my test in January.
Safe driving everyone...and no matter the result...just remember it could have been worse!
also...if you have not seen this yet...watch...shes
funny...and in a car...and talking to herself...enjoy.
It's amazing, the things that can cause someone to smile and laugh. It can be something as simple as a thought, a sight, spoken words. While drinking a coffee today, I saw a group of youngsters huddled around a novelty "Hurricane Simulator" at a local mall. As four of them crept in and put money into the machine, their remaining friends (spared of the viciousness of "hurricane" force winds), slammed the door shut and began smiling as those on the inside developed worried looks on their faces. As the winds started to blow, everyone began laughing including those enduring the terror. Their laughter slowly attracted larger crowds, who they themselves could not contain their inner children and began smiling and laughing. In viewing this scene I could not help but laugh as well, topping off a nice morning.
Enjoy the video below, it will be a challenge not giving in to the infectious laughter of individuals on a Berlin subway.
