Feb 2013 Highlights

11 Mar 2013 Leave a comment

by Little Sumo Girl in Montreal, Travel Tags: ,

My new monthly segments, which I hope to be able to share on a regular basis…Since my days are quite jam-packed with fun-filled activities, I sometimes find it hard to stay regular with my posts…

Spring is in the air – finally the sun’s come out and we’re getting ready to shed those wintery layers….aah!

Although I love playing in the snow, it will be great to not have to put on the snow pants, scarf, hat, coat and mittens every day. Mom & dad will particularly appreciate it when they come pick me up at the daycare, since it won’t take 30 mins to leave every night…What they didn’t realize is that I am actually able to get dressed myself, rather than them having to force the clothes onto me…but sometimes I just like to see them sweat it out a bit.

Piggybackride_2013

Gotta move!

Second week swimming with the older kids at Regent Lacoursière’s swimming school in Anjou (http://www.regentlacoursiere.com). No parents allowed!! So we get to splish & Splash while learning new swimming skills without the critical eyes of mom & dad…I won’t tell you the special “technique” that Regent uses…you’ll just have to come check it out for yourself….

Another big milestone this week – skating on my own! Soon it will be time to say ‘bye-bye’ to skating support bars – Yeah! Next step….Triple Axel, ok maybe not so soon!

Skating_support

Bye bye skating support bars

Yummy for the tummy!

For those who are in the Plateau area, you gotta check out Boulangerie Guillaume at 17, ave Fairmont Est (http://boulangerieguillaume.com). Best little Brioches ever! Mom also loves their different variety of breads – her fave is the Quinoa bread!

White chocolate brioche from Boulangerie Guillaume :)

White chocolate brioche from Boulangerie Guillaume 🙂

Looking Fab!

Paris Fashion Week just wrapped up with the Fall/Winter 2013 collections. I’m not quite into all the fashion trends yet, but I know what I love and those are my comfy-ruffly tops that allow me to dance and twirl away. For me they are the perfect dress that allow me to bounce and spin and groove to the beat, all while covering up my well-rounded belly 🙂

Ruffle tunic - my dancing dress

Ruffle tunic by Gap – my dancing dress

My bad!

Growing and getting taller is always great and being able to reach things over the counter top is definitely exciting…However, beware when you reach for things blindly with the tips of your fingers.

The bag of milk that was spilled all over the kitchen floor was a result of my zealous attempt to pour my own glass of milk. I stretched onto my tippy-toes and reached for the freshly filled milk pitcher….But can I truly be blamed for someone leaving the FULL pitcher so far back on the counter top??

Talking About!

“C’est pas grave” – a very practical French saying that translates to: “It doesn’t matter!”. Can be used in many, many, many circumstances – for example, when you spill a full pitcher of milk 🙂

I’m sure you can think of many other occasions to use it!

My fave!

This week was ‘spring break’ for most schools in Montreal. I actually had my week off the week before and I must admit the first few days with mom and dad were BO-RING! But then we headed to Quebec City and I had the time of my life at ‘Les Galeries La Capitale’ (http://www.galeriesdelacapitale.com/en/families.php)

I know a shopping mall doesn’t sound all that exciting, but this place has a skating rink (check schedules ahead of time cuz it was closed the day we went), and they have an amusement park with fun rides for all ages…I was too short for a few them, but still loved the Mushroom/Turtle and the Hot-Air balloons!

Galerie_LaCapitale

Big Mushroom ride at Galeries La Capitale in Quebec City

Big Mushroom ride at Galeries La Capitale in Quebec City

Hot Air Balloon ride at Galeries La Capitale in Quebec City

Hot Air Balloon ride at Galeries La Capitale in Quebec City

 

Happy New Year!

03 Jan 2012 Leave a comment

by Little Sumo Girl in Cool Stuff, Travel

Yeah! After a 30-hour+ trip and a transition from +30 degree Celsius in the sunshine to the wintery cold of -15 degree Celsius…I can say I SURVIVED!

I’m still adapting to my new environment and especially to the ridiculous time change, but so far life is good…although a bit tricky at times just to get out of the house (with the scarf, hat, mittens, boots and the bulky Astronaut suit to put on first)

And now that the Nice Man with all his gadgets came by this morning to install some cables into our wall, I’m back online!!

Thanks to all those who’ve been following my sunny adventures from Bali in 2011. I hope you’ll stay tuned into the new year. Who knows what’s in store for me in 2012, but I’m sure it’ll keep me busy!

Happy New Year to Everyone!
Wishing you All the hugs, smiles, food!, and Everything that makes you happy in 2012…

Resto Review: Waroeng WAHAHA

18 Dec 2011 Leave a comment

by Little Sumo Girl in Bali, Restos & Food, Travel Tags: , , ,

Ribs Ribs Ribs…Finger lickin’ Good! That’s what mom & dad were craving for the night we headed out to check out Waroeng Wahaha.

Although set on the very busy Jalan Sunset Road, the resto was relatively quiet this Friday night. As usual, the extra staff were hanging out by the bar discreetly chatting away or texting on their HPs (Hand-Phones).

There are large wooden tables suitable for large groups. The decor is quite interesting – they have Big, Weird faces of pigs painted all over, and  funny animal/kid faces painted on the side of counters – not quite sure what they were? Dad was actually surprised that I was not frightened by these supposedly funny faces. Unfortunately, they did not have a high-chair, which to me is a no-no for any family-friendly wannabe resto. Luckily, mom & dad were prepared and had brought my trusted Portable booster chair!

As mom brought me over to wash my hands (note that most restos in Bali have convenient little sinks that are placed by the dining area so you can wash your hands pre and post meal time – perhaps this is geared for motorbike-riding clientele like us), dad order me a spaghetti bolognese from the Kids menu and a side of steamed veggies (extra soft).

Needless to say, mom & dad went for the house specialty : Rack of ribs! As we waited for the food, the friendly staff kept flashing friendly smiles at me and I quickly found my favourite ‘Ibu Putu N’ who gave me a personalized tour of the resto and the private garden in the back. Don’t forget to bring your mosquito spray if you’re planning to head that way early evening.

Then, my ‘botetti’ (as I like to call it) arrived. It smelled yummy and tasted good, although a little on the sweet side for m taste.  The steamed veggies was nicely presented on a long narrow plate and glistened with the ‘butter’ – yummy!.

 

However, I quickly lost interest as soon as mom & dad’s plates arrived. Ooohh, I was excited! What was this? Just a little word of advice to my little friends out there, when the food on your parents’ plates is different from what is on your own plate, chances are theirs is WAY YUMMIER – so do what you need to, to get their attention and get a bite (or two) off their plates! Just what I learned from experience – don’t want you to miss out!

Mom & dad sank their teeth and their fingers into their ribs. It didn’t take long for dad’s fingers to get all gooey and sticky – but that’s just his special technique when eating things with hands ( I seemed to have inherited that technique (or lack thereof) – although messier, food seems to be tastier!) Dad said that the sauce was a little pepper-y and it was not the ‘fall-off-the-bone’ type of Ribs they were drooling for. As my dad said, it’s sorta like ‘Chinese-Style’ Ribs. Although not what they expected, they were still very pleased.

And I actually liked the ribs very much. I enjoyed it even more than my own dish, and forget about veggies when you have fingers licking ‘Ayam’! I know ‘Ayam’ is actually Chicken in Bahasa Indonesia, but to me all that meat-y stuff is about the same…the trick to getting me to eat it, is all in the Sauce, baby! And this one was yummy!

My “botetti” was packed up into a nice piggy-bag (take away) and made for a great lunch the next day!

Food: ***1/2
Deco/setting: ***1/2
Service: ****
(out of 5 stars)

Waroeng WAHAHA
Jl Sunset Road Barat 1689 Seminyak, Kuta – Bali, Indonesia
Phone +62 361 886-9858
http://www.facebook.com/WaroengWAHAHA

Just in case you were wondering, how does this place stand up to the popular Naughty Nuri’s Warung on Batu Belig (or in Ubud). I’ve only been to the one at Batu Belig, but to me the setting was way cooler there. The attention to detail, merchandising was really well done. There are really big Ogoh-Ogoh like pigs hanging from the ceiling, which are really impressive. Unfortunately, they totally freaked me out and made it  a little difficult for me to enjoy my meal (Tasty, but not my best, Soto Ayam).

Dad had the ribs and mom order the hamburger – they were both extremely pleased with their food. This was before I actually enjoyed eating meat-y textures, so I can’t objectively compare it to the Ribs at WAHAHA, but from the way dad licked his fingers at Naughty Nuri’s – I think those rocked his tasted buds more than the WAHAHA ribs – I guess it’s just a matter of preference.

The staff was just as smiley, and I still remember the super friendly ‘Ibu Laundry’ who greeted us there. Of course, it’s not her Real Name, duh! She left me a sweet gift to remind of the yummy Buta that we ate…

Pig Ears from Naughty Nuri's (1st Year Anniversary)

Naughty Nuri’s has the cool setting, friendly staff and yummy food going for them – and they have high chairs – Yes! However, I think their prices may be a little higher than at WAHAHA, and it can get a little smokey later in the evening… I would definitely head back there, and try to conquer my fears of the Ogoh-Ogoh Pigs! Oh yeah, there’s an ode to little Miss piggy hanging above the bar

Food: ****1/2
Deco/setting: ****1/2
Service: ****
(out of 5 stars)

Naughty Nuri’s Warung (Batu Belig)
Jalan Batubelig, #41, Kerobokan
Denpasar, Indonesia 80361
Phone: +62 (0) 361 847 6722
http://www.naughtynurisbali.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Naughty-Nuris-Warung-Batubelig-Bali/161789547181944?sk=info

Naughty Nuri’s Warung (Ubud)
Jl. Raya Sanggingan
Ubud, Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 977 547
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Naughty-Nuris-Warung/56957597025?sk=info

Gotta get the braids

18 Dec 2011 Leave a comment

by Little Sumo Girl in Bali, Beauty, Fun Facts, Travel Tags: , ,

I know that it may be the trend for some people to get ‘Ze Dreads‘ or the ‘Ze Braids‘ while vacationing on the beach, but that’s just not the look I’m going for.

When I talk about wanting to get the braids, I’m talking about the two SUPER long braids that the local school girls sport on a school day. They all have super long, thick, black hair that seems like it has never been cut. They all coif it exactly the same way, and I mean EXACTLY the same way. Two regular braids (no fancy stuff like French Braids or the like) that start low and fall lankily on either side of their slender bodies. I really wonder if it’s a rule from the schools or if it’s just a fashion trend and ALL (without exception, that I could see so far) the girls are wearing The Braids to school. Some have little colourful ribbons tied at the bottom which adds a nice accent…But even then, all the girls from the same school have the same ribbon.

The fact that their braids are perfect seems to match the way they wear their uniforms. It’s really interesting to see the mass of school kids walking or biking home on the narrow roads with their uniforms worn very neatly. Each school has its own uniform, and pretty much everyone wears it the same way: T-shirt tucked in, skirts exactly below knee length, black shoes, perfect braids and smiling while chatting with their buddies, with broom in hand (don’t ask me why, haven’t figured that out yet…)

Hey, watch it! Motorbike coming!

I know that if I were to wear a uniform, I would be doing little things to add my own flare to it – Gotta express myself and have my own look!

I really wonder if the low braids is a  rule from the schools or if it’s just a fashion trend and ALL the girls (without exception, that I could see so far) are sporting braids to school.

Although I may not follow all the rules regarding the uniform (especially the ‘keeping it clean’ part – shuuut! Don’t tell my mom), I would definitely wear the  braids. Unfortunately, my hair is still not long enough – I’m still growing it out, but one day I’m going to be flaunting my own set of braids too 😉

School girl walking home - with 2 braids of course!

Word of the day: Poche

18 Dec 2011 Leave a comment

by Little Sumo Girl in Bali, Cool Stuff, Fun Spots, Travel Tags: , , , ,

Went swimming today at Taman Segara Madu in Canggu! It had been ages cuz the water had been extremely dirty and mom & dad were a little scared to go into the ‘green’ water. It turns out it was clean today – Yeah for me! Unfortunately, halfway through my practice I was distracted by these 2 couples in their 20-somethings, who obviously did not know how to swim cuz they were in the Kiddy Pool with me…

I don’t mind sharing the pool with others, but then they went to get a basketball to try to shoot into the hoop that’s hung on the edge of this decorative ‘bridge’ they have over the pool. During the entire time they were there, I did not see the ball go into the basket – not even once! That’s when mom and dad started saying ‘Poche’. Everytime we would hear the ball bounce off the water or on the edge of the basket, which was quite rare cuz they weren’t even close to getting close to ‘net’…Michael Jordan these people were Not! So I chanted along, louder and louder: Poche! Poche! Poche!

I learned later on that “Poche” means to ‘Suck’ in pure and proper ‘Québecois’.  I just hope they were not ‘Frenchies’ cuz that would be quite rude, if they actually understood what we were saying. Anyhow, I don’t need to apologize cuz I didn’t even know what the word meant – I just like the sound of it and I could actually Pronounce it…

Also, cuz of them I did not get to practice my kick-kick-kick, paddle-paddle-paddle, bubble-bubble-bubble & my new favourite drill: Streamline! So that was REALLY “POCHE“!

My first musical instrument

14 Dec 2011 Leave a comment

by Little Sumo Girl in Bali, Cool Stuff, Fun Spots, Travel Tags: , , , ,

Music has always been a part of my life, even when I was not in the real world yet. I don’t know if all parents do this, but I remember even when I was in mom’s tummy I would regularly hear music.

Now, I’m starting to recognize some of the tunes that she used to play for me, or sing for me. I sometimes still have nightmares of the time mom & dad went out with their friends to sing together (Karoake, I think it’s called) and dad did a very loud and pitch-y rendition of Madonna’s “Ray of Light”….Can you imagine how scary it was for me!

I’ve always loved music and moving to the beat. I’d like to think that someday I can show my moves on the dance floor. I’ve recently moved on from just bopping my head to the beat, to actually dancing!! My next step was to start making my own music. Then, if I take acting classes I could become one of those popular Asian ‘Celebrities’ who do everything (Sing, Dance, Act). Oh! One catch is that you have to be Cute-sy/Girly! Don’t think they like tomboys like me… ah well!

So back to my music…Let me introduce you to my first musical instrument – The Jegog! I discovered this here in Bali. It’s a local instrument made of Bamboo that have been partially cut in half lengthwise. The ‘pipes’ are assembled together so that you can strike them with two mallets “pangguls“, sorta like a xylophone.

We had one at our house and my friend, Komang has shown me how to play. Well, he’s really patient with me cuz I just like banging on it. At first I wasn’t even able to hit the keys I was just banging on the sides, but trust me I was trying my hardest – I was banging that thing with all my might! I think I’m lucky that I didn’t break the Jegog, othewise my friend Joel would be really upset with me. It’s actually his Jegog, that he received as a gift, and has been nice enough to let me borrrow it while I’m staying in Bali.

I still remember the two times we went to this beautiful villa in Sidemen area (East Bali) called Surya Shanti Villa, they also had two jegogs that I’d played with. They were conveniently placed in the common room and it was perfect for me to practice while mom, dad & their friends were enjoying their cool Bintangs as I provided the nice ambiance music.

My first Jegog!

Reading sounds

13 Dec 2011 Leave a comment

by Little Sumo Girl in Bali, Cool Stuff, Travel Tags:

Now that I’ve started to learn the alphabet and that I’m starting to get my head less mixed up between the different languages I’m learning – all at the same time mind you (Cantonese, French, Bahasa Indonesia, Balinese and English)…

I’ve graduated to the adult-activity of ‘reading’ instead of just flipping pages in a book, and ripping them apart…

I don’t know if this is how it’s supposed to be done, but I settle into my comfy chair, open the book and start gliding my index finger across the page and start reading “Mish-Mosh” aloud…Irregardless of the book or the text I’m reading, the words always seem to read ‘Mish-Mosh’…It must be a problem with the books that mom & dad are making me read…hmmm…

Is this normal? Do you always make the same sounds when you read?

Here’s the book I’m currently reading. Unfortunately, my Bahasa Indonesia has not been improving that much since…It’s ok, I’ll just keep at it for a while and hope it gets better, otherwise, I’ll just tear the pages out – that’s really fun too!

Learning Bahasa Indonesia

Look of the Day – Classy Girl

08 Dec 2011 Leave a comment

by Little Sumo Girl in Bali, Fashion, Travel Tags: ,

Sometimes you just gotta go out with Style, or in my case just find something to wear that is not dirty or that’s already at the laundromat…In this heat, I tend to change clothes 2-3 times a day, so my limited wardrobe gets used up pretty quickly.

As a pick-me-upper, I went for a dress in traditional patterns (don’t know why but it reminds me of Greek or Russian patterns? But I don’t really have a clue, I’m obviously no expert in the matter). Then to boost the Glam-factor, I took out mom’s Jackie O sunglasses. Although still a little too big for me, they instantly bring this outfit up a notch. Now, if only I can get them to stay on my nose…

All dressed up!

If only I could look as chic as Jackie

Oh, and just wait til I’m ready to wear high-heels then I’ll be smokin’. For now, my comfy sandals will have to do!

The other advantage to this dress, besides being all classy & girly, is that with the colourful patterns, I reduce the risk of getting hit by the crazy motorbikers here in Bali!

Family Day

07 Dec 2011 Leave a comment

by Little Sumo Girl in Bali, Beach, Cool Stuff, Fun Facts, Fun Spots, Restos & Food, Travel Tags: , , ,

Family day today….Yeah! I know it sounds silly, cuz I get to see my parents Every single day, but family day is a dedicated day each week, where it’s just us – no appointments, no meetings, no house-cleaning people, no Nanny (even though I love Ami, and sometimes I do miss her on family days too when mom and dad are too boring!)

Today was quite eventful!
1- Petitenget Beach – It was a bit cloudy so was not too hot so we could actually run around the beach without burning our toes, like last week. Sand castles and burying our feet in the sand…Ah what a great start to the day!

Building sand castles at Petitenget Beach

Where Is everyone? must be too early!

2- Bike ride to Denpasar – Perfect for a mid-morning nap!

Streets of Denpasar

3- Bird Market – Went once, but should be enough for me…
4- Lunch at Sakanaya/Ramen on Jl. Sunset Road – I was so hungry before we got there, but then I fell asleep when we arrived. It was perfect cuz I continued my nap while mom & dad ordered. Then, the lovely smell of the Ramen Broth gently woke me up. First words out of mouth? Mum-Mum (ie. LET’s EAT!).

Sakanaya & Ramen Restos - Yummy!

Ooh, the Char-Siu ramen in Miso soup was delicious – I am a little sumo afterall! The fish cakes from Sakanaya were also yummy, but the burrito that dad ordered was a little weird. For older folks who actually eat raw fish, I would probably recommend the Sashimi plate (good quality and very reasonably priced), or go for a fried or grilled fish. Although this spot is set on Jl. Sunset Road which is a busy road with quite a bit of traffic, the setting is still quite nice with tables set outside on a deck.

Just look out for the huge Blue sign with “RAMEN” written vertically and the “SAKANAYA” sign is in front. You’ll see it on Jl. Sunset Road heading from Kerobokan towards Kuta.

They supply for “Ryoshi”, a very popular Japanese restaurant here in Bali. Here is the truck loading up before making the rounds to bring the fresh goods to the restos.

Ryoshi Truck Loading Up

5- Pit stop at home for a quick shower to take off the sand from the beach
6- Bike ride to Kuta – Good afternoon nap (Man, the traffic was so bad. Kuta was actually worse than Denpasar, if you can believe it!)
7- Chill out at home for a nice dinner and a cool Bintang!

Bintang anyone?

Ok, I didn’t really drink the Bintang, but I tried to

Did I say I LOVE Family Day! It should be everyday! xx

Bali Zoo!

07 Dec 2011 1 Comment

by Little Sumo Girl in Bali, Travel Tags: , , ,

Since I was little I’ve loved animals… I don’t know if it’s cuz all my toys are animal-shaped or that most of the characters in my books are animals, or that mom and dad like to show me animal sounds… Which I recognize pretty well, and am able to start imitating for the most part. My faves are the Cow, Horse, Elephant, Dog, and Fish (I know, it technically doesn’t make a sound, but I can move my mouth like a fish does under water – bubble, bubble!)

Since coming to Bali, I’ve also been hanging out more with the local ‘animals’:cows, chicken, roosters, ducks, dogs, snakes, cool birds, ,…Not to mention the endless amount of ants, mosquitoes, geckos, Jeckos, and other unknown insects and reptiles…

I’ve been waiting for mom and dad to bring me to the zoo here, and they finally did today!

Well, it wasn’t exactly the Bali Zoo, it’s actually a place called the Bird Market on Jl. Veteran in Denpasar. They don’t only have birds there, they have all sorts of animals. It’s sorta like the zoo, without an entrance fee and it only has two little alleys with animals on display? Ok, it’s probably not as cool as the REAL Zoo because they don’t have Tigers, Lions, Elephants and any exciting animals like that. However, there are still some interesting creatures to check out!

There were: Bats, Owls, Big Lizards (with large poop), a real Mean-looking Rooster (good for cockfights I presume, which is a very popular ‘hobby’ for the men here), and colourful chicks…

Big Lizard - Big Poop! Yuck!

Mean-looking Rooster

Colourful Chickies

My favourite part was when we saw the painted little snails. They were so cute with their colourful shells with different faces painted on. You could actually buy a little house and pick out a few to bring home with you…Yes, they actually move!

 

Painted Snails - Super Cute!

It’s really weird, the big stands in the middle of the two alleys of this ‘Animal Market’ actually sell Silver Jewelry and semi-precious stones, in addition to displaying the weird creatures.

Although I was quite excited to go at first, I was a little uncomfortable after a few minutes. Some of the animals don’t look very happy and appear to be in need of a better environment. I will spare you the images, but seeing cute bunnies crammed together in cages that are too small, and monkeys with neckcuffs, among others was quite disconcerting.

Unfortunately, we did not spot this huge poster at the entrance until we were leaving – but it can give you an idea of what’s on ‘display’ inside.

Poster at entrance of Bird Market

It was a very hot day and almost lunch time, so we luckily did not stay too long.

I think I’ll stick to the cute animals in my books for now!

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