Lil'Fel Rocks the World

Indie Guide to Thailand: Koh Chang Lonely Beach

2012-01-23T16:57:00.006+01:00

The Best Island in Thailand for Partying, Waterfalls, and Bad Ass Beaches on a Budget

This is my top pick for Thai islands, hands down. On Koh Chang, meaning Elephant Island, you'll find insane partying, adventure with waterfalls and jungles, beautiful pristine beaches, and laid back hippie chillin times. While Koh Phangan and Koh Phi Phi are amazing as well, this island has a more laid back and hidden gem ambiance. It is less overrun with tourists thus making it one of the cheapest islands you can do in Thailand, but yet it is insanely dynamic and fun. If you're travelling as a couple, Koh Chang is perfect for hottie romance as well. I spent one month living here teaching migrant Cambodian children English before my internship in Bangkok as well as spent over a week on the ile with my old amour. It was so amazing we did it twice thus why I want to share every gold nugget of advice that made the experience unforgettable slash mad affordable with you.

Where to Go: Lonely Beach
The island is divided into several areas. If you are a young backpacker looking to party your ace off with others like you, play beach volleyball everyday and more, head straight to Lonely Beach. The taxi ride won't be more than 100 Baht (don't let them trick you!) and it will take you through winding roads and beautiful jungle hills in order to get to this hidden paradise along the beach. White Sands Beach is the most expensive area and usually where all the tourists without a clue end up (or the rich old folks). If you are looking to escape the backpacker scene and have a more mature/expensive trip, I'd recommend Kai Bai. Everything else in between the two polar opposites (both culturally and geographically) is decent I guess, but honestly don't be silly. For the most fun party chillin times and best prices, head to Lonely Beach.

Contents:
1. Lodging
2. Eating
3. Partying
4. Intoxication
5. Practical Stuff (Internet, Laundry)
6. Other things to do

1. Lodging

Ice Beach Huts: This is the cheapest in Lonely Beach for 50 Baht/night, which is the equivalent to less than 2 USD/night and where I managed to spend one month in while volunteering. It provides the basics for any backpacker who is going to spend most of their time partying and not dwelling in the huts - literally just a place to rest your head. And honestly, who needs more than that? There is a fan, a kind of hard bed, mosquito net and a light bulb. The shower is outside and quite an adventure to use. I really have great memories of this place because it was sort of the epitome of what you imagine when you think of living in a hut in Thailand. There are always fun students staying in the area. I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for a romantic getaway or are a bit of a princess, but if adventure is in your blood and money is not in your pockets this is the best place to go. It can be scary because the walls aren't sealed, just wooden sticks put together to make a hut, and maybe giant lizards go and come as they please, but who cares? T.I.T ! (This is Thailand).

Where: Go to the infamous Treehouse bar/restaurant and on the other side of some barb wire and in the forest a bit there is the cheapest hut you'll ever stay at in Thailand. Please tell me if it's still there or not.

Siam Huts: If you want some more of the creature comforts of life but while remaining cheap, I recommend Siam Huts. They are huts along the beautiful water and they have A/C and hot water showers. The price is around 100 baht/night (4 dollars). I stayed there when the amour came to visit and we wanted something cheap and romantic. They have a restaurant there which is absolutely beautiful and overlooking the water but...the food isn't as great as it can be. I recommend elsewhere for eating as seen below.

There are many huts around for different prices, but these two offered everything I could have wanted and for a good price.

2. Eating

Treehouse: This is the most obvious place for people on the island, so as a newcomer you have to know that Treehouse has some of the best food you can imagine. Being right next to Ice Beach huts I ate breakfast there every morning while over the clear blue ocean and writing my lesson plans. The Pad Thai is to die for and for breakfast the Grilled tuna melt is incomparable around the world. The chill ambiance, with reggae and hammocks every where will easily entice you to spend whole hung over afternoons just hanging around awaiting the next party. Parties here are on certain nights of the week they are a lot of damn fun. Be careful jumping around on the wooden planks, people's foots have been known to break through them. Also, they sell happy shakes (marijuana grinded into a fruit drink) there. Historically, this is the place that defined Lonely Beach as the chillest spot on the island. I HEARD IT SHUT DOWN. IMPOSSIBLE.

Rainbow Huts: Get the best BBQ Seafood here. As the sun sets they bust out the grills where they cook the most delicious feast of fresh seafood you could imagine. The whole beach does it, but I found that the flavour here was the most ultimate.

Lil'Fel's recommendation: I always get the white snapper, grilled with some salad and white rice. You can get fresh bbqed jumbo prawn as well. It isn't that cheap, relatively, around 300 baht, but hell it is worth it at least once while there. Also, in any restaurant you go to, you must order Thai Ice tea and coconut shakes. They are dirt cheap and so yummy.

Best and cheapest pad thai: in Lonely beach is at the restaurant next to Reggae Bar. The man is so nice and will always chat up a storm with you. The great thing about Lonely beach is that the locals all really become your friend and are super chill and lovin' life. Also, you can poach free wifi from Reggae Bar too. Where I'd spend my evenings talking to my amour and eating the best deal for pad thai in the hood.

Reggae Bar: If you want food open all night, this is the place to be. It great to chill at during the day but the food is nothing special. This is where the best parties are though.

How to Eat for Free: This is possible every night in Lonely Beach. Every major bar host a BBQ on alternating nights of the week. In truth it is nothing special, some bbq chicken and salad but since it's free, it draws large crowds. It's also where the party is that night. Obviously the respectful and expected thing is to buy drinks at the bar, which has been jacked up in price because of the free food.

Ghetto Tip: What most poor souls do looking for a free meal is they buy one drink at the bar and then buy drinks from the super market for much cheaper.

3. Partying

The bars have coordinated themselves that one of them throw a massive party per week. You can find something every night, but the best are at Reggae Bar, Treehouse and Siam Huts because:

Treehouse: Overlooking the water, great dj's and best ambiance. RIP

Siam Huts: similar thang as Treehouse. Being along the beach is so essential to having the best nights on the island.

Reggae Bar: It's inland but they know how to throw down a good time. Live music is usually playing and some of my best memories were made there. If you are musically inclined you can even go up and play music with your friends and have the whole bar sing along with you!

For Some Naughty Fun..
One of the best things you can do is to sneak into the snobby hotel swimming pools with your friends and bathe in the middle of the night. It's beautiful and peaceful.. until the guards find you and start chasing you out naked with bamboo sticks and whipping your little derrieres! Be prepared to James Bond it out of there as the Thai guard searches for you in the water with his flashlight, in the corners of the pool, under the fountains, oh my! If you don't sneak out unseen you pay the price in red whipped skin.

Important Cultural Tip: While it may seem somewhat acceptable to be belligerent in fancy hotel pools, one thing you never do is mess with the local Thai property. Knew some people who thought it would be cool to sneak on a fishing boat to watch the sun rise (sounds reasonable and awesome) but one of them had to pee and did so off the side of the boat. THIS IS A NO-NO. This was believed to bring bad luck to fishing and as its such a major part of their livelihood, the man was staggeringly upset. Point being, don't be idiots. Respect the Thai people while you have your good time, duh.

4. Intoxication

Listen, what you choose to do is your own business. I'm not condoning or condemning your vices, but be smart about it. Here's some stuff I've heard.

Mushrooms: Koh Chang means elephant island in Thai. Most of the mushrooms in Thailand are grown from elephant dung so there is def' a plethora on this island (whereas in Koh Phi Phi it is impossible to find) and backpackers love to do try out the magical experience. Being discreet is obvious because it's illegal, duh! But actually, it's not as prevalent as it is on Koh Phangan. One reliable place to buy from is Siam Huts. They sell "magic shakes" for 500 Baht, but rather than having them mix it into a shake, I've heard it's better to get them raw in a bag to eat with food.

How do you know they're real? Mushrooms in Thailand have a golden eye and a dark outer area. I've known people who have bought them and have had no effect once it was in a shake (in Koh Lanta). I imagine that is because they weren't real and there is no way of telling once they are grounded up. One tip for taking them is to eat it food.

Alcohol: Cheapest way to drink is by buying in the super market. Since you probably won't have a fridge in your hut it's recommended to buy bottles of Sam Song (Thai Whiskey) and mix that through out the night. The stores in lonely Beach are open late (midnight) so you can buy bottles of cold beer as your night progresses

Happy Shakes: Marijuana is very easy to get on Koh Chang and is cheap. You can get it mixed in a shake too.

5. Practical

Internet: There are internet cafes but they are sort of expensive. If you have a laptop you can get free wifi from Reggae bar.

Laundry: You can get laundry done for you for very cheap, but I've had several pieces of clothing destroyed in the process. Maybe just do your panties and boxers but nothing nicer.

6. Other things to do

Waterfall Road Trip to Long Beach: Rent a motorbike and go exploring on the other side of the island. It takes a couple hours and is a great day trip to arrive at the other Treehouse on the real remote part of the island on LONG BEACH. Along the way there are several waterfalls, monkeys, untouched fisherman's village and more. It's stunning. The waterfalls are nice to see and swim in but they cost some money. At the end of the long and adventurous journey and sketchy roads you end up on Long Beach, where there are only three huts to accomodate people. The water is beautiful. Come here for an escape from drunken crowds and some zen moments, not for insane partying. It's seriously quiet and nice for couples.

Visit the Cambodian School: Donate some clothes, supplies, see the children and if you're there for a while maybe volunteer some of your time teaching english. This is a school set up for migrant Cambodian children who cannot afford to or whose parents are scared to put them in the Thai School System. A lot of them are not legally in the country so they fear registering their kids in school. This school gives them a chance at an education. I volunteered there Summer 2009.

Stop by Evolution Tour and talk to Brian, the Dutch manager. Or give them a call. You have to go through a small path in the jungle to get to it. 30/1/7 Moo 4, Baan Klong Prao, Trat Province 23170, Thailand Phone: +66 39 557 078 - Mobile: +66 9 603 9642

Fish Market at Bang Bao: Rent a motorbike and go to Bang Bao. There's a market over the water and where all the fishing boats are lined up. It's nothing crazy special but it's pretty to sit out on the peer when the sun is setting or shop around for ridiculous hats.

Kayak to Deserted Island for Romantic Picnic: The old amour and I decided to dish a bit of money out on a kayak and head out to one of the little rocky islands not far out to picnic. With our beers in our bag and pad thai ready to go, we set off into the setting sun. It was an amazing adventure for our anniversary, as we jumped off the Kayak and swam in the bath warm water. The only bummer was when on the way back Zeus decided to send out a lightening storm (fine, maybe just heat lightening, but still). It was terrifying to go back to the mainland in a boat! Still, def recommend it for romance + adventure!

This is probably awkward. This relationship doesn't exist anymore. #ohwell #travelproblems

Missing anything? Something doesn't exist anymore? Let the world know and share your wisdom for cheap accommodation and badass travel tips in Koh Chang!

See the rest of the photos here from Koh Chang and please like the Facebook page

Travelling in Thailand? Read Also

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The Vegan Survival Guide to Toronto

2011-12-27T22:12:00.590+01:00

Vegan Restaurant Guide from the Perspective of an Angry Meat Eater

Strawberries and Champagne Breakfast in Spain or As Vegan as I Get

Introduction
Disclaimer: I'm a sassy vegan hater who has somehow published a vegan quide to Toronto. This makes no sense. p.s. I probably hate you.

Okay, when you're limited by shitty diets like being vegan or vegetarian, it is important to have an oasis of eating in every hood in order to avoid starvation. Therefore, I've enlisted the help of the venerable Vegan John, who is also a disco dj, to point you rabbits in the direction of the best of your vegan restaurant world in Toronto. For you travellers, this guide is particularly useful because although your spontaneity may be limited by having such a strict diet, at least you can look up the raddest of the faceless food options in an efficient manner! When Vegan John was in Paris he had a rough time with surviving (he obvi didn't know about my Paris Food Guide and the veg places I listed), so I figured this may come in handy, especially when on a budget or as a poor ass student/intern/media kid. I've somehow had the experience of trying out the vegan way of life because of Johnny boi, but despite the chances of it sucking, he actually made it not vomit worthy. Heed his wisdom!

But before we begin, meet John.

He's been a vegan for four years and has been living in Toronto most of his mundane veg life. This guy has tried it all, from rotten bland veggie mush to the tastiest of stews, and what's listed below are what brings him the most culinary pleasure possible even without having a bloody steak in his mouth. *signal drool..

For those student budget types, one of the big strategies I've picked up from Vegan John and Friends is getting your food from non-speciality spots. It can be more delicious, and it's ONE BILLION TIMES cheaper. I know, I know, finding those hot vegan dishes in the frickin' plethora of delicious fleshtaurants in the city is tricky, but hey guys! I've listed those key dishes too, so you don't have to waste your time and dollah billz on mediocrity. Moreover, while cheap + vegan may be a rare combination, unlike unicorns, it does exist! Stand on the shoulders of your plant loving brothers, my friends! Thanks to Vegan John and Friends, I've listed the most affordable/delicious of veg hotspots too. Enjoi and share the love!

He said that.

How to read this guide: I haven't listed every area or spot of the city that exists ever. The guides are roughly categorized by neighbourhood. I realize when you're travelling you don't always know the names of hoods, so I've listed all the major intersections around them too. The Annex and Kensington are probably the most important because many youth hostels are located around there. Secondly, the order of restaurants are categorized from extreme awesome to least.

Contents:

1. Annex (U of T, Bloor, Spadina, Bathurst, Dupont Areas)

2. Kensington Market (China Town, Spadina and College/Dundas/Queen)

3. Queen West (OCAD area, Much Music and west past Bathurst/Ossington/Dufferin)

4. Queen East

5. Yorkville (North of Bloor between Bay and Avenue)

6. Bloor West (past Bathurst to Dufferin area)

7. Danforth (East in Greek Town)

8. Useful Links and Resources

1. Annex

One Love: Vegan Jamaican food. The corn soup is legendary because a) you get a chunk of corn in it and b) it's spiced just right. Cheap as well. 3 bucks for a small soup and 5 is large. Stir fry is 10 bucks (spices are different from Asian stylez, made with plantains and other exotic stuff). Rotis are good as well, but stir fry and soup are the best. Home made ginger beer too. Airey mon!

854 Bathurst Street 416.535.5683

Butler's Pantry (Markham Street): Great ambiance and always serve a solid vegan soup (tried it myself, yum approval) and are full of other good vegetarian and vegan options. Service is on point. This is more of a cute sit-down spot for a date or break-up or whatever..

591 Markham Street (416) 535-9868

Vegan John's Recommendation: Mixed Vegetable Bhaji. It's really good vegan slash white people version of an Indian dish, but totally worth it. Massive portion too for 8.99.

Burrito Banditos: Get a small bean and cheese burrito (drop the cheese obvi if you're a lacto-hater) for a bit over 6 bucks. Ghetto tip: If you ask for a small they'll usually mess up and give you a large! Make sure they charge you for a small though.

362 Bloor Street West (corner of Walmer) (416) 944-9061

Pizzaolos: Normal fast food pizza joint with bomb ass vegetarian pizza, recommended by a Vegan Friend Lara /schoolmate of mine!

454 Bloor Street West (416) 532-7222

Pita Q: You can get falafels here for 4 bucks. They aren't that special, but worth the price. Being so close to the University of Toronto (my hood!), it's def a clutch for you poor veg types. Also, a great late night choice for you party owls. Open till 4 am on weekends.

750 Spadina Avenue (416) 515-7820

Fresh: True, this place is overpriced and has a shitty atmosphere but it's a good way to bring normal people into the veg lifestyle because it's salty and fatty, win! When visiting the city, this is a cool Toronto spot with a neat ol' story. The lady who started it, Ruth Tal, dropped out of uni and started a mobile juice bar with some student loans. Big balls / courage in hand, she's made it into a pretty decent establishment. Now there are three locations across the city. Budget tip: From 2:30-5:30 Mon-Fri you can get a juice and dessert for $6.50 !

326 Bloor Street West (416) 599-4442

Hot Yam @U of T : Best deal in the city hands down. For 4 bucks every Thursday during the school year (12 - 2 P.M.) you get a main course, soup, and dessert. Tip: If you bring your own Tupperware you can skip the line like a baus. Located at the International Student Centre (33 St. George). Also a great place to meet young souls with giant cafeteria tables and in the summer you can picnic outside. Update: they're in the midst of bringing a permanent vegan/sustainable cafe to campus, so check the site for what's up!

Live Organic Food Bar: This is the first vegan restaurant to open in Toronto but amongst Vegan John and Friends there are mixed reviews. It's apparently delicious and non-vegan friends tend to love it as well so that's huge. On the other hand, it's "a bit pricey and the menu is hit or miss," says V John. Can't comment myself though on its relative shittiness, so if you know better, let us know!

264 Dupont Street (416) 515-2002

Grocery Stores:

Herbs and Nutrition: This is one of the cheapest health food stores in Toronto. If you're in a hostel and looking for cheap snacks and diy whatevers, this is a great find. Right across from Honest Eds at Bloor and Bathurst.

572 Bloor St. W 647.348.8064

Panacea: This is the only all vegan grocery store in the city. It carries some cray cray products like vegan cheese, ice creams, and other junkie delights that you can't find anywhere else. It's a bit overpriced but hey that's the price of such a shitty diet, I guess.

588 Bloor St W (647) 350-3269

Still obsessed with Toronto Artist Brian Donnelly's nudie manimal art.

2. Kensington

Warning: Most places close around 7pm.

Salsas: As a vegan, go with the potato burrito. Just ask for 'No Lactose,' they know what you be talking about, even if no one else gives a shiz. I can personally attest for this place being my fav' burrito spot (with meat obvi) in the city.

249 Augusta Avenue (416) 977-8226

Urban Herbivore: This is a great sandwich spot and loved by Friends. Can't go wrong. A bit pricey at 9 bucks but the portions are big so you can divide it as two meals. Soups are alright, but to quote Vegan John, "I wouldn't go out of my way to get one."

64 Oxford Street (416) 927-1231

Vegan John's Recommendations:
Banana bread with choco chips. "Best vegan one I've had in the city."

Muffins are cray in the morning- freshly baked. Get before 11.

All desserts are bomb.

Tofu sandwich add avocado.

Hibiscus: Delicious soup and salad for 10 bucks. All day and everyday. I, Felicia, have just eaten there last week. Leaves you feeling hella healthy, like you've wrapped yourself in Jillian Michaels power hugs while bathed in baby carrots. The people are amazing and super nice. The ice cream was actually voted best gelato in the city, even though they have no milk in it. Whoah sauce!

238 Augusta Avenue (416) 364-6183

Fel's Recommendation: Almond Butter Fudge thing. Holy god, I will go back forever. It was crunchy and fudgey at the same time.

Moonbeam: Awesome vegan drinks, hot and cold. Everything is dynamite and at reasonable prices. Get the smoothies or some vegan latte bullshit. Tofu samosas are a solid snackeroo for 1.50. Banana breads not that great cuz they be too dry.

30 St Andrew St (416) 595-0327

Vegetarian Haven : Come here for "the best tofu drumsticks" according to Vegan Friend Erika, and pretty good soup too! Reasonably priced.

17 Baldwin St (416) 621-3636

Grocery Store:

Essence of Life: This is the rival of Herbs and Nutrition for cheapest slash best health food store in the city.

50 Kensington Avenue (416) 506-0345

Where NOT to Go:

Wanda's Pie in the Sky: This place is overpriced and limited in their vegan delights. You're better off going to Urban Herbivore.

287 Augusta Avenue (416) 236-7585

Hot Beans: Overpriced at like 12 bucks (insane for Mexican), food is meh and the dudes are the stereotypical 'too cool for school' veg dickhead types that make the rest of us want to vomit tofu. It entices people because it is an all vegan Mexican joint but really just go to Salsas instead- half the price and twice as authentic.

160 Baldwin St (647) 352-7581

3. Queen West / OCAD hood

Fressen: Looking for a hot Vegan Date night? Come here! It's dark, candlelit, beautiful tables, seats and decor. The food can be disappointing but if you ask the servers' their opinions, they are wise. I've tried it out and I was pleasantly surprised! I boldly went with the Tofu Kebabs made in some great bbq kind of sauce with vegetables. As a personal rule, tofu things can suck a big one, but this was tasty as hell and healthy I guess. I would probably go back. It is a bit pricey (16 bucks a plate) and 27 for a cheap half litre of wine, but all in all it was worth the sexy atmosphere of my ethical superiority.

478 Queen Street West (416) 504-5127

Vegan John's Recommendation: Go for breakfast or brunch!

Karine's: Get all day cheap vegan/vegetarian breakfast for 5 bucks here, which includes two eggs, salad, garlic fries, fresh fruit, unlimited coffee or tea, whoah! Also, the owner, Maggie, is supposed to be nice enough to light up any rotten OCAD school day, calling customers 'Baaaaby' and 'Sweetheart' and the like. Also serves smoothies, soups, sandwiches and other brekky goods. Some (ahem* Vegan John) consider the food rather bland, the service a bit fake and where one may go if they're just a baby vegan, but hell if Maggie serves an overflowing plate at a student price, Karine's sounds like a mighty fine establishment to me, minus the vegetarian part. Thanks designer Vegan Friend, Katie! Check out her bomb blog cuz she's cool like that.

109 McCaul Street (416) 591-0863

Fresh: On Crawford is the best Fresh location. People are way nicer, there is more room and a nice patio in the summer.

894 Queen Street West (416) 599-4442

MB Yummy Ethiopian: There's a veggie platter that can be split between two people for 10 bucks. The service is great, everything is Vegan. This spot is the only Ethiopian vegan resto in the city. You can add cheese but you have to request it. You'll leave feeling full but not like a flesh turd.

1263 Queen Street West (416) 516-2798

Gandhi Cuisine: Get massive rotis for 10 dollars. Can feed you for two meals or good for sharing. Hot take-out spot but get ready for stomach blitzkrieg as with all authentic Indian.

Vegan John's Recommendation: Chana Masala Roti or something like that.

554 Queen Street West (416) 504-8155

Czehoski : Best Veggie Burger tasted in Vegan John's lacklustre life. It has a home-made taste, made with quinoa and cuts out the crappy frozen patty taste. The bun is also super delish. Fresh handcut fries but comes with cheese. Ask for their home-made ketchup too. Beware: this place fills up with douchebags late at night.

678 Queen Street West (416) 366-6787

This guy looks vegan. Also, can he be my husband? I'm not normally into tats or 2D men but jeez.. (Credit: Jen Mann. Cool ass Toronto artist who graduated from OCAD)

4. Queen East

Real Jerk : You can get 6.50 gargantuan rotis with chick peas and lentils, plus they all come with a potato base so they're super hearty. You can also get vegetable rotis. The fried plantains are 2.50, which serves as a perfect desert or starter. Great ambiance. The wickedest thing is on Thursday nights they have Irie-oke (like Karoeke with a Jamaican accent, get it?) with a bomb ass DJ Carl Lyte. He plays the most unreal disco rap. A wicked place to sing Jamaican / shitty R&B tunes! For Jamaican food, this is the bomb.

709 Queen Street East (416) 463-6055

Queen Pita: According to Vegan John, this is the best falafel in the city. It's a perfect hole in the wall joint with deliciousness oozing out of it. The sauce makes it especially amazing. The guy who works there, Ali, is da coolest. He's like a buddy and will remember your order if you come on the reg.

1276 Queen Street East (416) 778-9643

Vegan John's Recommendation: Lentil Rice and Baklava

Lady Marmalade: This place gets non-vegan friends upset because it makes breakfast an expensive meal. If John ever brings me here I'll cut him.
898 Queen Street East (647) 351-7645

Sadie's: This is the only place Vegan John goes for a Vegan breakfast when in the mood for hungover, greasy breakky. Well not really, but still stellar.
504 Adelaide Street West (416) 777-2343

Vegan John's Recommendation
Vegan Pancakes with Choco Chips or Blueberries. 10 bucks aboutish.
Breakfast Burritos, switch out hashbrowns for their unreal fries if you don't mind gettin' greasy. 9 bucks.

5.Yorkville

Camros Organic Eatery: Gem!! You can get a full meal of 4 dishes for 12 dollars. Everything is tasty and healthy, similar to Hibiscus, leaving you satisfied but not rotting in your own fat feelings. It's a super hidden gem with Persian inspired cuisine and a good reprieve from the popular and touristy Yonge Street. A nice retreat to a more homey feeling. The menu changes everyday, but at least you can sample anything if you're not sure. Tip: Mix both the dressings for your salad.

25 Hayden Street (416) 960-0723

Rawalicious: For raw foodist, barf. Perhaps not a poor student place on its own but veg parents seem to love it! More info to come (thanks Friend Jennah).

20 Cumberland St (416) 646-0705

6. College

Utopia: A great joint to bring carnivores to because it has great burgers with tons of meat options. For vegans they have gourmet burritos. You can also get vegan gyros and quessidillas. Even though it's fake meat, the gyros are great. The service is quick and friendly, despite being full all the time. Good place to go with friends, but hold up on the romantic date. It also has a neat lil' heated patio in da back for your winter blues.

Vegan John's Recommendations: Sweet potato burrito.

586 College Street (416) 534-7751

Sheba : This is not all vegetarian, they have lots of meat. But the veg options are good and reasonably priced.

418 College Street (416) 963-5527

Urban Herbivore: Same as in Kensington. See above.

967 College Street (416) 645-0349

College Street Falafels: Fresh bread all the time, veg samosas are unreal! but the falafel is a bit pricey itself for 6 bucks. It's not the most amazing but if you're in a pinch, "I'd go there."..Thanks Vegan John for your ever riveting insight.

450 Ossington Ave.

7. Bloor West

Piston: Not the most Vegan place in the world but once a week Vegan John transforms into Disco DJ John and eats here before his big musical night of dancing. The soups are always vegan, the home fries are to die for and well, that's about it. Go here to dance your meat-free soul away to funk, disco and soul! Shibby!

937 Bloor St W (416) 532-3989

Starving Artist: This is a waffle house but they can make any waffle vegan for 2 bucks more. They're all pretty bomb though with sandwich waffels and breakfast ones. They use bananas instead of eggs for the waffles. It's a bit on the pricey side but again, what do you expect when you cut out delicious faced, resource depleting foods.

584 Lansdowne Avenue (647) 342-5058

The Beet Organic Cafe : Good veggie burgers. Ambiance is pretty cool because it's in an old bank. Seating on a cozy upper level. It's a low key spot for a date if you're in that hood. It's also cheaper than one would expect given that the owner lady is a serious chef and takes her cuisine to the next level. Moreover, they make you feel way welcome. They treat people right because it's not a tourist spot, they rely on regulars. The hood is cool so it's totally worth it to head out to Bloor West Village anyway.

2945 Dundas St W (416) 916-2368

Hogtown Vegan: Southern comfort food that pretty much beats the point of those Skinny Bitch vegan types but even vegans deserve a break from being uptight and boring and this seems to be the junky ethical retreat. It's fatty, greasy and thus delicious. Some (ie. John) say it's overpriced, but other friends love it.

834 Bloor St West

8. Danforth

TeaTree Cafe : If you're not feeling the usual Greek veg choice of potatoes and hummus, come here. It's just outside Greek Town. The atmosphere is blah, but when you're on the Danforth, Vegan stuff is limited, so this is a find. Average price is around 8 bucks and you'll be full. They have desserts but not all are vegan.

Vegan John's Recommendation: Lentils Shepard's Pie, Hummus and cucumber sandwiches on home-made rye.
867 Danforth Avenue (416) 901-9089

Veg Grocery Store

Big Carrot: This is one of the biggest health food stores in Toronto. It's expensive as hell but worth checkin' out because it's HUGE, when health stores are normally quite small. You can eat there too for 6 bucks getting a soup and salad.

348 Danforth Avenue (416) 466-2129

Where NOT to Go

Magic Oven : Been seriously recommended against this place due to its crappo service,
food and stupid prices. Holy trinity of food fail. But hey, I've never gone myself. Let me know if
you disagree.

798 Danforth Ave (416) 462-0333

9. Useful Links and Resources

Happy Cow : Unbiased rating systems of veg restaurants in Toronto

Toronto Vegetarian Association : Pretty good resto listings but some postings are sponsored.

Lil'Fel Indie Guide to Toronto Restaurants: Cheap and Cools Eats : General awesome spots to eat on the cheap for students and the like, with best sushi, thai etc.

Conclusion

As with these indie guides, this vegan restaurant guide isn't meant to be an unbiased, balanced, hold hands and skip along in the park resource. If you want that check out the billions of other generic travel sites. This has been my perspective and in this case aided by trusted Vegan John and amplified by the power of word of mouth recommendations from other trusted vegan/vegetarian former school mates and friends who live in this city. And while I love meat, obviously take what I say with a grain o' salt. If you didn't, then that leftover faux-turkey is way too far up your butt to like this blog anyway.

Am I really such a Vegeturd?

And while on the subject, I'll give you my straight up thoughts on the matter. I'm into part-time vegetarianism, inspired last year by the TED Talk by Graham Hill, the creator of the site Tree Hugger. Wow. Cat's out of the bag that I'm not a moron! I'm not gonna go on about environmental ethical implications from eating meat because you probably know how resource heavy it is to produce meat products rather than plant ones, and if not, watch this frickin' interesting Ted Talk for a succinct overview. But essentially, scratch McStubborn Retardo as prevailing personality traits in this ol' bird. I defo don't lack consideration of consequences of my actions and meat love, thus I've tentatively started to venture down some sort of vegetarianism, cutting my overall consumption of animal products.

With the ex amour in Paris, we took the miniest step of all towards cutting down our meat consumption by having Meat-Free Mardi (Meat-Free Tuesday). As avid carnivores we weren't ready to take the full plunge, and as Graham Hill aptly points out, do you really need to (if for eco footprint reasons)? So many meat-eaters are daunted by never having a steak or burger again and rather deterred by the limitations of the current binary options of either being a meat-eater or vegetarian that they that they don't even consider limiting their diet. This is stupid but understandable if you've never thought you had a plausible third alternative.

This year I'm going even further, and thanks to Vegan John I've discovered that even being a full on vegan isn't as impossible/barf worthy as it sounds. I've made my authentic as hell French crepes with vanilla soy milk and fake eggs, and guess what? I swear to you that somehow it turned out better! I dunno if it was a fluke or what, but whateva mate, it's cool to know that veganism can be legit. Lastly, cutting down on meat stuff is giving me a great excuse to mix vegetables more into my beer/wine/instant noodle diet. ugh. New Years Resolutions 2012 obvi needs some tweaking. But hey, I'm excited, especially with this hella awesome guide to try out!

If you Give a Shiz, Give your opinion

Okay, enough blah-ing. This list is biased as all eff. If you disagree or have anything to add, please share and I'll incorporate it into the guide. These guides are written for you/by you! Will be working on the Vegan Survival Guide for other cities too. If you have some tips, sling them over to the Facebook page. Thanks and peace and love on earth. One Love.

For travel tips even more mind blowing than organic, fair-trade, shade-grown coffee beans, or vegan strip clubs in Portland follow the blog on Facebook and Twitter! Woo dawgz!

How to Survive Canadian Winter: Ice Skating and Ugly Sweater Parties

2011-12-19T06:23:00.001+01:00

This time last year I was having a bbq on a rooftop, swimming with friends and ending it all off in a jacuzzi overlooking Jakarta, Indonesia. Not gonna lie, it was pretty damn hard to miss Canada and its winter at that point while chillin' in a bikini. Thinking about the wretched cold, numb toes and wet socks from walking in the snow, please I don't think anyone could yearn for that.

But now, I'm back in Toronto and to be perfectly honest to you cats all hot in the heat, there is so much charm that comes with living here that I had forgotten. But this past weekend has brought it all back.

Blades of Glory with Trend Hunter
That's what's been partly responsible for my holiday joy recently. Skating! Have you ever done it? I hadn't in 10 years. But thanks to Fun Day at Trend Hunter Mag at Nathan Phillips' Square, the whole crew went. Um, reasons why to love working for a young, hip start-up. Anyways, lacing up the skates brought back all sorts of Daddy Issues the Canadian Edition- memories of having your dad be the only one could tie your skates up super tight, pickin' your little munchkin body up off the ice every 2 minutes, (unsuccessfully) trying to run away because I was a determined little runt to do it on my own.

This time, what looked like an angel floating down from the heavens was actually me skating. Ha, nah I wish. Picture a new born donkey trying to run for the first time. Mad struggles. But that didn't stop us from trying to recreate Disney on Ice with the Programmers! Also the great thing about working at such a hip place is that everyone looks so good all the time. Obvi had to take pictures.

My programmer twin, Daniel flying on ice.

Little Armi in the middle skating for the second time in her life

Winter Olympics better watch out.

Liv' may have the most beautiful hair I've ever seen, ever.

My intern partner, Teekay, skating like a badass because he plays hockey. Some stereotypes are real.

Ugly Sweater Party or the Best Dressed Event of 2011?

This night was simple and awesome. You know how it goes, too much rum and egg nog + wine never ends well (today was a day of pain). But so worth it. Mostly because of these Man Highlights of the evening, but also thanks to a great host!

Calling all Crazy Cat Ladies! Hit me up for his number. Also. Note the Xmas bulbs collar! Plenty of Fish profile pic for surreeee.

I know something big when I see it. What may appear to be two douchbags who crashed an ugly sweater party is actually the new lifestyle choice known as BEIGE. Couple wisdom nuggets for this path:

- If it's beige it's not gay
- beige is the new black
- The Beigans do the left hand shake

Beige Wall. I had to modify this picture like mad to be able to see the Beige Man Group hidden against the backdrop.

And while I miss Christmas in Jakarta or Paris, this year in my home town is going to be amazing. I can feel it. Great weekend, can't wait for more to come! Whoah. Next thought: NEW YEARS? Where are you spending yours? And what's the best place in the world that you've had?

Anyhoo Happy Holidays everyone!

Indie Guide Jakarta: Vintage and Local Shopping Guide

2011-10-26T16:39:00.005+02:00

The Anti-Shopping Mall Guide to Jakarta
Where to Find Rad Vintage and New Threads on the Cheap
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Intro: Like, why are there so many malls?

You're in Jakarta now, but let me give you some perspective of the world outside. Today, Toronto's autumn air was crisp and invigorating, the sun glinted off the yellow tree leaves like a cocky grin and my friend Jeb and I decided we were going to eat our hungover burrito outside. I had no idea where we could find a park in the area we were downtown, but he wasn't worried."I'm pretty sure if we walk far enough in any direction we'll hit a park," he said breezily. 500 metres later in rando direction we were sprawled in the green grass, sour cream dribbling down my chin. Like duh was soaked deep in his #firstworldproblem voice, but little did he realize the urban planning cluster buck nightmare that is Jakarta that I had come from before.

Upon arrival in Jakarta, September last year I had a haunted visit akin to ol' Ebeneezer Scrooge. I saw the ghost of anti-consumerist highschool Fel's past scream in agony and attempt a roundhouse kick to my sensibilities. Everywhere I looked, everywhere I walked and everywhere I ate, I was surrounded by MALLS. As prominent as zits are to your adolescent pizza face are shopping centres to Jakarta’s expat living, but unlike Scrooge this was no nightmare.Where was the local goods? The cool markets?

(purse: vintage Pasar Senen 80K IDR (8 euros). High Waisted skirt: Semmangi 60k IDR (6 euros), shirt: top shop NY, socks: American Apparel )

Before you know your way around, you will feel trapped in massive luxury shopping centre universe. I know it sounds like something out of a futuristic sci-fi film, but it's true! Everything from cool cafes, your gym and even the clubs are found tucked away between shops of Chanel and Versace. Some of the only walking you'll get to do on real live legs things will be through the fake air of Grand Indonesia while enjoying the fake scenery of sakura trees, not to mention loathing your povo intern life as you lust after than Lanvin dress you see every day coming from the office. If you dare walk "outside" proper, proceed with caution, (unless you live in Kemang, Taman Rasuna or Mentang), due to ubiquitous sidewalk sewer holes that will drop you to your sludgey mortal end or to dinner with the Ninja Turtles?

Open door invitation to Ninja Turtle party aka sludgey death party in hell

Beyond my bitching, it's actually a problem. There's only 9.7 percent green space in the city with developers having snatched up most spaces for luxury malls and apartment buildings(source: Jakarta Globe). You would think there would be more regulation regarding the urban development but low priority for green space over the years, lax laws and corruption has made fighting for the side of the greater good the underdog. A new urban planning bi-law for 2010-2030 has hopes of increasing green space to 30 % but as you live in Jakarta a bit longer and learn about how the city works, you're optimism will fade as quick as your cholesterol rises. Goreng depression please?

Hope for cool shopping, but not outside chilling
With so little public and pleasant space in the city, it's safe to say most of your leisure is spent in the out-of-your-league presence of ol' Louis V and Marc Jacobs. Are you starting to wallow in despair? After two weeks there and having Robin Sparkle’s “Let’s Go to the Mall” on repeat on my brain radio and a cool clothing void, I did too. Had I fallen into a worm hole and emerged in an Asian anomaly without rad local clothing markets, indie and affordable shops as I had seen in Bangkok, Hong Kong or even Kuala Lumpur? I just wanted to avoid the damn malls and do some normal baller student/intern shopping and roll in some green grass! While the latter was impossible (sorry), the former held hope.

Turns out I was only I was only lost in cloud ignorance and was pulled out by local and expat friends in Jakarta who took shopping very seriously. I knew I could trust them. They opened my eyes to the light. Once I went to some of the markets my friends Maeve and Sycillia told me about, optimism burst out of me like a strained damn in spring, with my pent up Rupiah gushing forward in equally copious amounts.

Anyways, newcomers, let me save you the consumerist chagrin I felt upon arrival, also the buttloads of money you may dispense at Top Shop from belief that you have no local cool options! As with the indie nightlife scene, Jakarta will continue to surprise you when you know where look! Hopefully this indie guide to Jakarta Shopping will help ease your transition!

Contents:

1. Intro on how rotten Jakarta shopping can be

2. Vintage Spots

3. New Stuff and DVDS

4. Electronics and Odds and Ends
5. Music: New Indie Pop Song

2. Vintage Spots

Pasar Senen: Vintage.Paradise. Imagine a whole mall full of second hand goodness. Two floors, packed back to front with stalls. It's hot, sweaty and hella cheap. More than just clothing though, you can get home appliances, kitchen stuff, electronics, anything everything at a local price and prices range from 4000-200,000 IDR. The best time to go is Saturday because it's when they get the new shipments. But careful, you need to bargain like crazy because if you're a westerner they'll obviously try to get you to pay more than 5000 RP for that shirt you love (truth. you can get clothes for that cheap). Also, perfect place for costume party shopping and where locals go for everything! Details here.
Trans-Jakarta: Senen, Taxi: Ask for Senen or Atrium

jeans shirt: 10,000 IDR (1 euro)

High waist shorts: from Kuala Lumpur Vintage shopping.

Real leather handbag: 80 000 IDR (8 euros). Had to bargain hard and almost didn't take it because it was the most expensive thing I would have ever bought there. Best bag I've ever owned though.

Jatayu: Mini vintage market. There's some potential but it's so small and out of the way that I'm not sure it's worth it. Having made the trip there though, I couldn't resist buying that high waist blue skirt! Maybe you'll be more successful.

Jl. Jatayu 1
Kebayoran Baru
Jakarta Selatan 12130

Uniqlo Jeans shirt (my brother btw!!): 50k IDR pasar Senen

3. New Stuff

Pasar Baru: Not as cheap as Hong Kong or Bangkok shopping but still one of the cool places to shop for hip and most importantly, new clothing. Sort of like the Pacific Mall of Toronto. What's cool is that it's outdoors, like a plaza so it gives you a chance to breath air, yay! Got a sweet blazer there for 100 000 IDR (10 euros) after bargaining of course. Unfortunately, given my internship stipend, my shopping for new clothing was severely limited and that's why I stuck mostly to vintage as seen below.

Semmangi: This is a mall but not luxury baloney. More new clothing and a wide variety. The basement and first floor is where the best and cheap stuff. There you can find reasonable priced blouses, blazers, shorts for work but also funky pieces too. Everything in the first picture is from Semmangi.

Flower hat to kind of match my flower shorts? Yessss. (Didn't actually buy it)

In a Muslim dominated country, you get the extremely conservative versions of all the clothing, including ankle length jean and plaid shirts.

Manga Dua: Here you can get a variety of Asian made clothes for good prices. My Spanish colleague got many things for work, blazers and such but also party clothes. But even better, Manga Dua is known for it's huge DVD selection and where friends would go to buy independent or non-blockbuster films that you can't find elsewhere.

Top Shop at Senayan: I know I know I said avoiding the designers and cheap but I just had to point out one piece of advice for those days you want to splurge on greatness. The best Top Shop in the city is NOT at Grand Indonesia but at Plaza Senayan. It's way bigger, more sales, more sizes and selection. Okay back to the indie guide stuff. (Take TransJakarta to Ratu Plaza. It's behind it).

Shirt and Flower shorts: TOO MUCH BUT WORTH IT
Brogues: Shopping in Malaysia

4. Electronics and Odds and Ends

Tanah Abang: Apparently run by Nigerian druglords, this is where you go to get textiles, electronics and whatever else for the cheapest prices around. Tanah Abang is an area of Jakarta, not one shopping centre. Admittedly it's pretty damn ghetto, but if you are looking for the best deals this is where to go. There's also an Arab market there where you can get cheap coals for your shisha pipe, vaseline, olive oil etc. The huge green building is the largest textile market in Jakarta. (Central Jakarta: If you tell your Ojek or taxi Tanah Abang, they'll know where it is).

Ambassador Mall: Electronics haven. Cell phone shops everywhere, cheap (cheaper than Ratu Plaza, the nice sort of Electronics mall). Also you can get cheesy as hell clothes, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Blok M: Haven't been yet but apparently also good electronics spot.

Have any recommendations that I missed?
What do you do to escape the malls in Jakarta?
If you can't escape, what's your favourite shopping area there?

5. Music:

The Sigit: Midnight Mosque Song: Finding good local talent in a new country is exciting. And this is the best song I've heard out of Indonesia (not that I'm an expert). It has a jazzy funky beat similar to Timber Timbre, streaked with melacholic noir and beautiful lyrics that you can only fully love once you've lived in Indonesia. It reminds me of Bandung for some reason.

Download: Midnight Mosque Song- The SIGIT.mp3

And special from Canada..Come on Anna, come on Janhavi, you won't be sorry!

New to Jakarta? Check out..

Indie Guide to Jakarta Eating: Mbah Jingrak or the Spiciest Warung Ever

Finding Indie Rock Parties : Black Out

Avoiding the Prostitutes : Review of Immigrant Club

Best Vintage Shopping of your Life? Pasar Senen

The Show Must Go On : Cool Indo Art

Practical: Avoiding Taxies that will Rip you Off

Things to do at Hallowe'en: Zombie Walks

2011-10-25T16:42:00.001+02:00

When the Dead Come out to Play..Tennis?

Okay, not to sound like a necrophiliac, but I've always had an abnormal obsession with the living dead. I suppose it follows the logical order of my interests. Not sure if you could tell but I'm a pretty big sci-fi nerd cookie, loving the idea of apocalyptic inducing diseases, post apoco societies, disorder, anarchy, politics, human nature studies etc so of course zombie anything has always drawn the me in! Though I must say that I prefer the 28 Days Later zombie story over any other, probably the same reason I love Planet of the Apes, and Oryx and Crake : we crazy humans be the agents of our own destruction in our perennial quest for technological advancement. Hell, the first night I even met my (ex) amour before we started dating, we bonded over zombie role play, pretending the foggy, scary night outside of the camp grounds we just snuck out of in the French country side were the set of a zombie film. Ooh! The key to my heart!

ANYWAYZ. You can imagine how bloody excited I was when I realized I was in a city that had a Zombie Walk. Toronto. Paris has one too but somehow I find it hard to imagine French kids dropping their cool capes enough to really pull off the ugly grunginess of the zombz. In this article people complain about the French getting too drunk all the time and hanging out at the bars haha. If you can comment on the nature of the Paris version, please do!

Despite my excitement, I was in a bit of a dilemma. The rain had let up after a week straight and I was just dying to play tennis too. Only the most obvious solution struck me and that was to play zombie tennis in Trinity Bellwoods Park! Duh rahhreehhhee* !

*zombie translation

Here are a couple pics from the march.

While Tennis a la mort vivant was fun , it was hard to take myself seriously. Especially with all the groans of the dead echoing around the park, it was damn and delightfully distracting, sorry Cindy! Toronto you are too cool sometimes.

Eat the ball boy? Attack the weak and small

Somehow the little tyke was unperturbed by my menacing swagger

Now THIS could give you the shivers. Hundreds of zombies marching past us, see the fresh blood of tennis players and suddenly rush the fence, climbing it and groaning for our flesh. It was actually frightening, I felt like I was in the Walking Dead (show not comic) and reality and fiction lines were way too blurry!!

Best zombie that day at Bellwoods. Not necessarily how she dressed but the way she dragged her leg behind her, the distant look in her eye, the slow bend of her neck as she walked around. She was freakin into it and for that she has my love forever.

Zombie Bloggers, Lauren O'Nizzle and Casie Stewart. Check out their pictures from the day that included more than tennis!

Political zombie farmers even showed up! It should have read "Zombies feed (on) cities". Anyways, that concludes that deadly awesome day. I had to go into work (I'm serving to save money atm) a couple hours later and although I begged them to let me serve customers all dead like, my managers didn't want me eating our customers for dinner. Seriously dudes, if you're lucky enough to be in a city where the living become dead the Saturday before Hallowe'en, don't procrastinate. Throw on some fake blood and your limpy swagger and march!

Resource:

List of Cities with Zombie Walks

Ps. I'm going to be on TV tonight (Tuesday 8:30 on Rogers Channel- canadian only) because I was interviewed. SOO EXCITED. SO COOL. Please watch and tell all your compadres!

Pop Kult at the Gladstone Hotel: Review of LCD Soundsystem's Nancy Whang

2011-10-12T16:07:00.007+02:00

The Politics of Partying: When the Main Act Sucks

Nancy Whang of LCD Soundsystem vs. Scottish DJ Hal Kilmer

I know we can barely remember if we put our Mustard Yellow or Nantucket Red socks on today, but let's walk our ADD brains back to the weekend for a sec. Can I be perfectly honest with you guys? Okay, I'm going to be perfectly honest. People may have paid to see Nancy Whang of LCD Soundsystem for Pop Kult #002, but it was the opening Scottish man beast, Ross aka Hal Kilmer who actually gave folks C-4 levels of awesome at the Gladstone last Friday night.

I mean sure it was just Whang's DJ set, but just cuz you're kinda famous and pretty cool doesn't mean you can stop trying to make people shake their bon bons, right? "Day Time Disco" describes the style of her way slow set (yes, it's actually a thing, pretty groovy stuff too), and is all the rage in New York atm but unfortunately what she played fell as flat as what your stomach didn't look like post multiple Thanksgiving dinners. In the end, what was left of Hal Kilmer's high voltage crowd resembled obese men trying to do the robot in a bowl of Jell-O as the vibe was drastically slowed..down... for... Ms.Whang. Whoah. The effort of slow motion must have been too much as the crowd waned and ducked out early to the afterparty (turkey dinner cooked by the Mansion boys probably had something to do with it as well though).

So What's the Deal?
Arguably, the 24 year old Hal Kilmer perhaps should have played a slower set in order to not upstage the main act. There were murmurs that it was a bit heavy for what the night was supposed to be, but I'd have to disagree. It was pretty much thanks to Ross that Pop Kult #002 remained the event I've come to absolutely adore in the city, helping pull a great crowd and throwing down surprisingly good tracks to rock out to all while still incorporating the disco theme. What's more, he worked jiggity darn hard to do so too. I recently (at the last Pop Kult actually) befriended the straightfaced Scot' and saw a microcosm of the hours he put into gathering songs that would get that crowd pumped up. My new fav' is posted below. Here's a mini interview from Toronto Blogger Lauren O'nizzle. See? Look how keen he is.

Booking and organization had a part to play too. Nancy Whang just has a different sound and wasn't prepared to play the crowd that anxiously awaited her. Originally, The Mansion had managed to score Tiger Love slash the king of my heart right now (singers of Pussy Cocaine, duh), but the British trio apparently has some shart stained management that weren't able to get their visas sorted in time for their Toronto date. Secondly, one might say that given Hal Kilmer's high energy style, his place in the line up probably wasn't ideal to support Whang, making transition a bit rough. There are openers and there are closers, Ross is a closer.

But hell, you know what? To quote Kanye, that sh*t's whack (or is it cracked?). Whang is a veteran musician who has been touring for a while. If she saw the direction of the crowd and did nothing to adjust to the flow of the night as any good performer/musician would, that's her fault. Maybe inflated egos/paycheques asphyxiate room for flexibility and flow. I mean, apparently she livened up a bit later but I don't know. Also, what did Toronto do to piss her off? She had no energy nor stage presence while up there and I felt confident I'd see a unicorn before I'd see a smile on her face. I guess enthusiasm is hard to fake. And was that a dirty look I got while dancing before she came on? *Sigh. On the flippy, Hal Kilmer used more than his doe eyes to get the crowd going. He was up on stage jammin' out and feeding the crowd his enthusiasm like it was fresh haggis. Seriously, this kid handed the warmed up, rosy cheeked scene over to Whang on a golden platter and she dropped it.

Anyways, enough pointless analyzing (which I love to do), for partyers it's all about how good we feel in a night. Ultimately, when it comes to DJ sets specifically, people don't really care about the big names if they don't use their musical ear talents to help them towards the best night of their life. Moi, I loved Friday night. What I said before still stands and is magnified. Pop Kult is one of my fav' events in the city at the moment and I'm uber looking forward to the next one on November 4th with Gigamesh. Huge thanks to Mansion and Earmilk.com for adding high levels of radness to Toronto!

Remember team T Dizzle, this is just my humble opinion. What the jazz do I know about events? I just love going to good ones. Think differently? Baller. C'mon now, don't be shy. Share!

CTS Vintage + Bloggers Pic!

My Gay Boyfriend not loving the Whang this time.

Russel Brand sighting! Just Kidding! That's just an immigrant Aussie trying to..dance?

Brother Ross = Bross

For more pictures and coolness way surpassing sleeve tats, UK accents and even lazer guns, follow this blog on Facebook and Twitter! Pew pew pew!!

Music that Rocked my Night

Never heard this before Hal Kilmer busted it out!

Download: Generate the Heat- Foamo.mp3

Download: Cooler Coleur- Crookers (Feat. Yelle).mp3

Living in Toronto? You'll Also Dig

Indie Guide to Shopping: Best Vintage and Cheap Asian Stores

Dance Party in a Chinese Restaurant? Yes Please, Toronto

Pop Kult 001: Wicked New Event to Hit the City

Restaurant Guide: Cool and Cheap Eats in the City

My Special Cover Letter for 3 Monkeys

2011-10-04T09:19:00.006+02:00

3 Reasons Why I Would Be the Next Great Monkey

Dear Mr. ***,

First, I’d like to take a second to thank you for responding to me on Twitter. Congratulations on the new job at 3 Monkeys, as I tweeted I am also intensely motivated to find work within such a fun and dynamic company. Because we’re all busy media people, I took it upon myself to make this cover letter more interesting so I made a blog posting! Not to mention it will be more efficient with all the references right at your finger tips. Anyways, below I wanted to swing you through three reasons why I’m worth hiring at 3 Monkeys or at least thinking about a little bit more.

1) I have an unexploited skill in the Jungle

People like what I create. I recognize the importance of creating fun and engaging content for today’s A.D.D media consumer and through my blog, Lil’Fel Rocks the World, I am adept with deploying this asset with high energy and creativity. As proof of my success, readers of my blog spend quite a bit of time on it. I have higher than average times according to Google Analytics, with up to 4-5 minutes per posting. Although many of my readers are not in direct demand of my product (the country/city guides) they have nonetheless become invested in the brand I've established and as a result consume the content regardless of the subject; an asset that may be best maximized in the PR world. Further highlighting the impact of my content development, I was contacted by MTV regarding the possibility of a television show and more recently I was interviewed on Canadian Television for a program called, Start Something Big on Rogers. However, it is important to note that I'm not a one branch chimp. My strong writing capacities, idea creation and strategic mind are transferable to other products and I am absolutely motivated to use all my capacities for the 3 Monkeys’ digital team if given the chance.

2) The Social Media Banana is one I have much experience peeling

Of course, none of that content would have been recognized if it weren’t for my social media strategies. On Facebook I’ve achieved over 1200 Likes- an impressive number for a single community manager of the site, most of which I’ve accomplished through multi-media engagement. I produce engaging status updates, not only promoting personal content but topics that the readership relates to. Furthermore, I liaise with local events management and PR agencies to produce photographic and video media content and thus helping draw their audience to my blog on Facebook. Lastly, I give people reasons to why they should follow on Facebook and Twitter rather than just asking them to do so. When framed in the right way, it has been quite telling to see how effective this approach has been. My practical experience in community management will allow me to make immediate and effective contributions to clients' social media needs for your agency.

I even like climbing trees! Already a 3 Monkey Brand Ambassador

3) I am not a monkey on a typewriter

It is not by chance I have come this far. Any experience I lack, I make up for in hard work, high energy and most importantly competence as seen through my academic and non-academic experience. I have worked grueling jobs from the age of 16 to save up for university, succeeding entry at the prestigious Trinity College at University of Toronto and most importantly to send myself to one of the elite institutions in France, SciencesPo Paris as well as obtaining an internship with the UN in Indonesia. Even before university I co-founded and was the editor-in-chief or my highschool paper, which helped gain me admission into the best journalism school in Canada. I am not satisfied with mediocrity and strive to be a leader in anything I undertake. I have worked in the public sphere and now I’m ready for an innovative and creative company that both matches me creatively and fosters ambition. With its independent standing, intimate staff and large year by year growth, I truly believe 3 Monkeys embodies those qualities.

All this is to say that I am dynamic, creative and motivated with the right skills. I know I can make a great fit with your company if you give me the opportunity to become the newest monkey to the team!

Different Jungles: Practicalities

True, I am currently based in Toronto, Canada but I am as flexible as a Chinese gymnast when it comes to mobility, plus that archaic connection known as the Commonwealth makes it fairly easy for a young Canadian professional to gain employment in the UK. I hope it will not be a factor in your considerations. Please let me know if you have any questions or if there is anything else I may provide you with. Thank you for "hanging around" and reading my application, I hope we may discuss this further in an interview.

Sincerely,

Felicia M
(Contact information removed)

Indie Guide Nightlife: French House Electro in Toronto

2011-09-19T23:57:00.005+02:00

Where to Find French House and Electro in Toronto + Wicked French Playlist

Okay fine, I'll admit it. I have an affinity for all things French, goddamn. I can't help it though. I spent the best year of my life on exchange at the ScPo, and now I'm waiting on my visa so I can start my baller' media and communications job in gay ol' Paris. I'm just jonesin' for the culture while here in Toronto. And while that makes me a bit of a floater loser it has given me superhero powers! Seriously. I can gravitate to anything in the city related to Frenchness.

Sort of.

The DJs Nicolas and Steven (Photo cred: Franco Deleo)

Recently I was pulled to a cool, cozy bar in Ossington where you can listen to the classics of French Electro and house like Daft Punk and other Ed Banger super stars the third Wednesday of every month. The bar is Unlovable and the event is called Soirée LXXXVI with a great crowd of those 20 somethings who dress cool without trying too hard. Rock n' Roll.

It's normally headed by Toronto DJs Steven Manning and Nicolas Pilaprat but the upcoming event on the 21st will have guest DJ slash magic fingers Josh Chong bustin' the tunes alongside Steven. Go for a pint or two, flirt a little with the cuties and maybe shake ton derriere if the mood strikes you as hard as Napolean struck Europe. Seriously kids, it's probably the coolest thing you can do with this one Wednesday night of the month.

A plus tard!

Unlovable

1415-B Dundas St West,

Toronto, ON M6J1Y8

Wanna know what it's like to party in Paris? Listen to this mini list

This is "not a party" with les meufs in Paris

French Musique Playlist

I wish I was a DJ so I could play these songs..or maybe I'll just request them through my blog! Excited to see you guys!

1. Hit Pop- Numero.mp3
Just want to start dancing and French kissing to this Kitsune produced artist. An oldie but goodie.

2. Gio Gio-Tiger Love.mp3
I'm obsessed. They're a London electro synthy trio featuring a French lady. Amazing. Plus they're coming to Gladstone in October!!

3. Drugs in my Body- Thieves Like Us.mp3
A classic in Paris. More chill.

4. Homecoming (Gentlemen Drivers Remix)- The Teenagers.mp3
Gentlemen Drivers are some sick djs in Paris who do a wicked remix of this Teenagers song.

5. Sur la Planche- La Femme.mp3
Funky pop electro song with a surfer feel

6. Je veux te voir- Yelle.mp3
This is probably not the most well known Yelle song amongst anglophones but it is certainly a must know amongst your French friends.

Have you ever ate French cheese while having a ménage à trois? Me neither, but it's probably not more satisfyingly French than following this blog on Facebook and Twitter . Oui monsieur!

Concert Review: SebastiAn at the Hoxton TORONTO

2011-09-15T23:04:00.004+02:00

From Inside the Pit: All Hail SebastiAn

Sure, kissing your own face for an album cover may border on narcissism but reenacting the Third Reich while substituting speech with turntables and a Mac definitely puts you in the Shaquille O'Neil of the self loving. But while SebastiAn manages to exude both forms, namely the latter last Thursday at the Hoxton in Toronto, this Ed Banger DJ takes you through one hell of a concert ride.

To start with, his set was a party bag of awesome and bang. To some disappointment he only teased with the beginning of Embody, preferring to play more climactic tunes off his latest album, Total, like Tetra and Total's bonus track, Organia. But hey, it got the crowd dancing in a sweaty pulsing mass of human. It even turned into crowd surfing that I may have partaken in (in a dress) and may have worn panties so granny they make Beatrice Arthur look like Lady Gaga and which was gloriously displayed to the world. Whateva.

But if ol' Seb noticed he didn't act it probably because he was too busy looking like the head of a totalitarian state, fist pumping without the pump, his angular face straighter than a Christian jock at Pride Parade. I'm gonna take a leap of faith and assume this politicized theme is connected to the album's name, Total. With the juxtaposition of the projected images saying 'Votez" behind him and his face over the tricouleur of the French Flag and on the other hand, militaristic videos one has to wonder if this is more than just narcissism but a politically charged message to youth like 'Yo, use your voting privileges you fools, or else your democracy will be headed by scary looking people like me.' Or maybe I'm just being an International relations loser. Whateva x2, it strummed my brain strings which has a direct line to my heart.

Regardless of the message, it was still Orwellian creepy with the mindless indulgence of the pulsating crowd and with one man relishing in his control of it all. Yet it was exactly this attention to theatrics in combination to a great set that distinguished the electro show from any I've ever been to before. Even Justice on their Toronto tour years ago at Circa didn't compare, with cool light displays but not much more. On the neg side, at the Hoxton it did seem to be a pre-determined track list without much live action goodness, but hey I'm no expert. Anyways, it was still cool to have the massive venue concert experience without being forced to see the Black Eyed Peas or somethin'.

Partying on a (or no) budget
Being the broke as bumble bee I am (until I start real adult job in Paris), I was wicked lucky to go. I had seen SebastiAn at the epic opening of the Social Club in Paris back in 2008 when studying at SciencesPo and I was dying to see him again especially in my home city. Thus came Operation Billet Gratos. Plan A consisted of writing directly to the man himself on Facebook with a Five Point Plea for reasons why he should hook me up with guest list. I put in a solid hour of forgotten French and carefully thought out arguments like 'I bet I can make you laugh' and 'we bring dance to dance party' but his response was colder than a Siberian labour camp. Zilch. My pride was wounded but I wasn't going to let my deflated ego and povo situation hold me back, hell naw! And so I turned to friend and former Trin school mate also one of the guys behind Salacious Sound, Dave King. After some convincing of my situation he finally hooked a sistah up. Legend.

French electro is some of my fav' shows to see outside of Paris, and the dancing and sweating at the front and centre of this one while the madness of TIFF had added electricity to the whole city that night made all my groveling for Billet Gratos, totally worth it.

If it's anything like this show in Toronto, I'd definitely see you again in Paris, Seba!

While on the subject of Ed Banger DJ's my sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of DJ Mehdi who passed away a couple days ago. I would have loved to see him live at the Grand Palais in Paris in October and I liked his work a lot while apart of Carte Blanche. You would've rocked man. RIP.

If you want to be cooler than Dr. Grant in Jurassic Park, Follow on Facebook and Twitter !! Plus see the rest of the photos here!

Completely unrelated but kind of: Go F*ck Yourself
If SebastiAn could, he would.

Indie Guide Nightlife TORONTO: Pop Kult at the Gladstone Hotel

2011-09-14T07:57:00.005+02:00

Newest Toronto Event at the Gladstone is One of the Best Yet

Photo credit: Felicia Moursalien

Take the mad chill and good looking folks from those dim sum dance parties my blog has been deep fried in recently and boil in sexy location and you have probably one of the raddest new parties around. That location is the Gladstone Hotel. The night that made me a believer is called Pop Kult, a new event thrown by Earmilk.com and The Mansion.

I hadn't realized the heart shaped hole in my soul until I showed up at the Gladstone. Location seriously makes all the difference. Whereas Happy Endings, thrown in a crazy restaurant in China Town gives it a super underground vibe, rockin' out at the newly renovated scene spot, the Gladstone, with its subtle but classy decor and well lit brown tones made me feel like I could be partying in Paris. I also realized I'm a huge believer in good lighting. It holds everyone accountable for not looking like/making out with dirt turds (even Konrad put on a striped sweater!)

Girls travel together in the bathroom so they can take pics together, duh.

Of course the music was a mega huge factor as well. They had djs from RAC playing most of the night and they busted out a very "dancey" (merci Thomas) set, remixing electro hits from Cut Copy to adding their own flare to pop tunes. It doesn't hurt that the djs were ridiculously gorgeous, fitting them in perfectly with the electro disco ambiance kinda thang.

I know I have a tendency to jump on the golden eagle of excitement and fly away to the moon, but honestly cats, throwing an event at the Gladstone + good music + the cool following these guys have brings you to the kind of soiree full of sexy funkiness without pretension that gets my heart beating. I'd like to say I'm looking forward to the next one, but I probably won't be in Toronto anymore, so please party hard for me!

NEW INFO: I just found out TIGER LOVE IS GOING TO BE AT THE NEXT ONE IN OCTOBER. Do you know how long I've been waiting to see these guys?? I'm turning into a super hero called Mega Jealz !!! Pussy Cocaine is not Under Control. Gio gio! I'd postpone my flight to Paris for this.

Photo credit: Felicia Moursalien

RAC doing their thing

ps. I took some of the pics for the event! I used my toy camera so excuse the non-pro star stuff of it, but hey you get to see the point of view of a person partying with the crowd rather than standing outside of it, non? Plus it was my first time photographing for someone who wasn't me. Here are some of them. The rest can be found on Facebook.

Photo credit: Felicia Moursalien

Immigrants at a party, always a good sign.

Try following this blog on Facebook and Twitter for ultra high levels of cool bombs. Pow!

Indie Guide Nightlife: 3 Rad Hip Hop Nights in Toronto

2011-09-06T09:31:00.006+02:00

Hip Hop Parties Where you Don't Need Diamond Grillz to Fit in (unless it's ironic?)

What the hell do I know about hip hop? Probably as much as I know about making my booty clap and let's just say if a bow legged, curled spine grandma and I got into a competition I would get pwned, so yea. That doesn't stop me from kind of loving the opportunity to try to swagger and wine to Young Money and Kanye once in a while and I'm finding out in Toronto there are mad fun places to do that.

Seriously, I'm way into dancing like a bird that can't fly to electro and indie rock but damn girl, sometimes I want to feel my legs cramp up from shakin' my healthy butt to hip hop. It sucks though because the clubs in Toronto where you find that scene is typically filled with dumb broads who listen to Kiss 92 and aggressive dudes who like to hang out their window and drool like you're Dr. Heiter's sweet three dog. That's why I've been totally surprised in a joyous way that I've found somewhere to bust it out with a super cool crowd.

1. The Crawford: Bad Table Manners
The first is an event at the Crawford on College called Bad Table Manners. It's run by the same dudes who do those dim sum dance parties, Happy Endings I've been writing about. I stopped by just for fun and found the line way long and the place at capacity (much to the Mansion dudes' surprise). People are insanely into the hop these days, eh? I don't know if it's becoming more digestible or if I've just grown to love the genre more and more, but the demand for a cool scene to dance it is clearly on the rise. Even in Paris, le Regine, one of the trendiest spots in the city has started a hip hop night.

Bad Table Manners happens roughly once a month and is a 5 buck cover. There's two levels of music with the main floor playing fun stuff (to my immense pleasure they busted lots of Watch the Throne, which I know many aren't into. I am. Niggas in Paris waat.) and downstairs with less popular stuff. It's nothing hardcore or super legit but a seriously non-pretentious good time with good people. Check out the website for dates.

There are a billion more photos from this dirty night, here!

2. Parts and Labour: Bitch Craft the all girl DJs
Holy god, I just went to this event on Saturday night and it was a throbbing sweaty mass of dance party. Parts and Labour's club area called The Shop will definitely become one of my Queen West Favs but this event went beyond my expectations. The crowd is good looking, not sleazy and the girls come looking to DANCE, which unfortunately I feel is getting lost in the major scene clubs where people go to be seen rather than whip their hair back and forth. The all girl dj crew may not be the most experienced with some rough song transitions but they do know how to feel the crowd out and have an intuition for what people want of the "loud rap music" category. I don't know if it's a girl skill or not but they have a good sense of vibe that many young dj's lack. Don't come expecting Tyler the Creator or anything top quality, but just fun tunes. I swear I was drenched in sweat after this night and I had not danced like that since a first year Trinity Pub Night (U of T). Maybe that's why someone decided to pull the fire alarm that ended the party early? Yea. Lame them. Oh well we ended up taking pitchers of beer home and continuing our own baller dance party. This event happens once in a while at the Shop and is a 5 buck cover after 11 pm. Before then it's free. There are more nights there, like with White Girls and I look forward to checkin' them out too so I can report back!

3. 751 on Thursday Nights
This is next on my list to check out after reading it on this blog, True Vagabond. Their rap night happens weekly so that's cool and it is known for cheap drinks and a laid back local atmosphere. Stoked.

This is just the beginning. If you know more chill hip hop parties in Toronto, please share so we can go dancing! Blap* Blap* ghetto we are.

Yo Wakka Flakkas! Follow on Facebook and Twitter for exclusive tips and parties around the city and the WORLD.

Music: Tyler the Creator

Okay okay, I know this is mega old but this video/artist is worth sharing forever. I heard it a couple months ago and was mesmerized by its darkness. I love his style and his lyrics (even if they're kind of rough). Not your typical hip hop and you probably won't hear much from Odd Future at the spots I recommended, but whatever. I am in love.

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Stupid Shit French People Say or..

2011-09-02T05:28:00.011+02:00

7 Ways the French will Ruin your English

There are very few times in your life where you will sympathize with Madonna, but living amongst the French for prolonged periods of time will lead you down such a sad, dreary path. Remember how diva everyone thought she was for taking on that corny, fake British accent? Well, you'll find out for yourself that she wasn't faking completely. If you are an expat or a student in France you are definitely experiencing your own language transmogrification except you'll learn that in your case it's to a degree worse than the outdated pop Queen herself.

I mean, all expats go through language warp regardless of country, but this is to the worst extent because a) it's not even English unlike North Americans who go to Oz or UK. While they may come back sounding like cylindrical turds saying 'reckon' or 'bloody hell' at least their grammar and expressions make sense and b) the French are so smug about their language superiority in France, don't let them conquer your English too!

Bref, listed here are 7 weird things all French people say all the time, enough to wear down your wall of reason and overrule years of English class. In order to prevent the spread of the pretentious disease known to many as the Frenglish accent, they have been documented.

7. It changes nothing

Translation: Ca ne change rien

Example: It changes nothing for me, we can speak English if you want.

What they're trying to say: It doesn't matter. It may not be grammatically incorrect but it's still weird. This is precisely what's so tricky about hanging out with French, they change the language ever so slightly that it hoodwinks correct common speech. Saying the dramatic 'it changes nothing' to replace the casual 'it doesn't matter to me' is forcing you to speak like a soap opera superstar and I will not stand for it.

6. To read diagonally

Translation: Lire en diagonale

Example: Of course I read your blog posting, says the Ex, I read it diagonally.

What they mean to say: To skim something over, which is what my hand did to his face.

5. That tells me something

translation: Ca me dit quelque chose

Example:

Me: Hey Justine, do you know that crazy, sexy new site Beautiful Men in Paris?

J: Hmm..oui...That name tells me something..

Me: Oh la la! It's an artistic and creative version of the site Cute Boys Make me Nervous but dedicated only to the sheer beauty the men command in their stunning city. Hellooo septième ciel.

What they're trying to say: That reminds me of. This sneaky strain has pervaded the deepest levels of my speech. Even in the company of Anglophones it tumbles out of my mouth like rotten escargot, and it's only now that I've spent some time outside of La France do I wonder if I even make sense to my peers. News flash: You don't.

4. For when is it?

Translation: C'est pour quand?

Example:

For when does this website start?

Me: As soon as I get back to Paris! Which is hopefully in one month. FYI French administration in August essentially shuts down shop and it's impossible to get anything done. Putain.

What they're trying to say: When is it? Adding 'for' in front of questions is quite stupidly common for French people, like For what are you going to be in Paris? Attention for this useless word messin' up yo flo!

3. To talk alone

Translation: Parler seul

Example: *mumble mumble? What? Sorry Félicia, I was just talking alone.

What they're trying to say: Talking to oneself. First of all, my name isn't French, so stop bastardizing it. Second, are we in a Shakespearean tragedy? Keep talking alone, Frenchies, no wants to hear your crazy ass English.

The muse and inspiration for the alluded to site coming soon. Beautiful Men in Paris. Be the first 100 to follow for privileged status for future giveaways and stuff.

2. The scooter of Jacques Léopard was stolen (abandoning the possessive apostrophe mark)

Translation: Le scoot de Jacques etait volé.

What they're trying to say: Jacques Leopard's scooter was stolen.

You'll find this happening and not even realize how prevalent it has become in your speech- 'the party of Camille will be amazing, the dinner of Caroline ended with us making music! etc etc.' Because in French they use the 'de' for possession, meaning 'of'. It's not wrong per se but another step towards Lingual No Man's Land.

1. Take a drink/ take a glass

Translation: Prendre un verre

Example:

"Oui Laurène, I am a beautiful charming and brilliant French man who will be featured on a website called Beautiful Men in Paris, do you want to maybe take a drink tomorrow night and talk about it while I make sweet love to you?"

What they mean to say: 'Get/have a drink.' This is the most forgivable of all their follies because when a French person wants to have a drink with you, you do it. You are in one of the most visually and linguistically beautiful countries in the world and while it sucks to sound like them or have your dull Canadian name sound like a luxury perfume line, it'll make your sejour in France that much more romantic when you integrate. Your answer in broken English should be "Oui, Pierre ouiiii! I was just asking myself if you would ever ask me to take a glass with you. I do!" Plus, if you don't come out of France sounding like an English Mutant Ninja Turtle then you have not experienced the culture nor the people nearly enough.

En revanche.. The French View

Besides as one of my charming French friends, Dimitri (from the band Western Indians I posted about last week), pointed out when I told him about how rotten my English gets, he said, "Good! It's nice to know that it works both ways. For us French who speak English, we become aliens in our own language too." Apparently they start saying things like "Ca fait du sense" meaning 'that makes sense' but things don't make sense in French, they're logical (C'est logique). There are some more but I forget slash don't care just keeping talking to me because I'm with Josephine Baker on this one who once said, "I like Frenchmen very much, because even when they insult you they do it so nicely". Can anything sound bad in French?

Anyways forget what I said before. Having the best time in France means finding other citizens in the Land between Languages where French try to speak broken English and you try to speak bad French. In doing so you proliferate the greatest language of your young life and make the best of friends while doing it, Vive le Frenglish!

French people being normal at my French Stereotypes party

If you've been contaminated or diagnosed with Frenglish, help add to the list with your own symptoms!

Follow on Facebook and Twitter for internet supremacy for infinity.

Some French Music: Birdy Hunt

More underground indie music discoveries and a small sneak peak at the music I will use when this blog is featured on T.mofuggin' V next month!! This band just rocked out at the Parisian Music Festival Rock en Seine and it's no surprise at their success with the catchy indie pop sound full of fun and happy feelings. Thanks to my lovely and ridiculously bilingual friend Claire for introducing me! I'm reminded of Two Door Cinema Club. Although I'm loving Toronto, I can't wait to get back to Paris and bask in everything cool.

Mediafire: Furies and Lights- Birdy Hunt.mp3

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Self-Loathing Moments: Why don't I have a business brain?

2011-08-22T05:27:00.013+02:00

How Can I Make Money from Blogging?

I'm starting to come to some self-loathing infused realization that I'm not one of those "business types". I want to make money out of blogging but my brightest idea to do so was this:

Art copyright Renan Schneider

Relying on consumer goodwill may have worked for some recording artists to bring in the dollar bills, but all I ended up with was someone hacking my Paypal account and it has been effectively shut down. Bloody hell, Fel.

My plan B then turned to the dumb off-chance that someone will discover me. I thought I had my big break when MTV contacted me about making a show of my blog, but turns out working with Vice to
make a travel show was more appealing. Fools (why doesn't Vice hire me to write for them, holy duh). Recently, I was interviewed for the show Start Something Big for Toronto television. Will that be my big break via local tv like Wayne's World? Party time. Excellent. Although my heart was soaring like your sodium levels after too many instant noodle dinners, I will not bank on me making mad bank on it. Some people can just look at something and see the dollar signs written all over it like a bad case of chicken pox. But I, like a poor chump am not driven by money, just the damn awesomeness of writing something that helps people out and hopefully makes them laugh or dream a bit. There are definitely big things ahead, like making this lil' blog into a real damn cool, world renowned travel guide, but I'm not too proud to say that I'll need to get a business minded person on board to help out. It's a sad point in your life when you begin reaching an age where you see you start to stare your limitations in its ugly face. Is this what it means to go from emerging adult to just a bitter old person? In the interim though, what the hell is next?

Well, I saw this site, business2blogger, that seems to understand that bloggers aren't exactly business minded creatures and that wants to help them with giving them paid blogging opportunities. Let's face it, I love to write about nightlife, authentic eats and cool as shopping for us 20 somethings around the world, so I figure let me try my hand (again) at getting paid to write about this stuff. Mind blowing revelation, right? This website brings people with inverse needs together- companies and bloggers. They send out these hot Gossip Girl like email blasts that alert you that fresh opportunities are afloat and you can sign up. "Leveling out the playing field, for the little guys (smaller blogs)." Given my failed Donate Here Sign, this sounds perfectly reasonable. I decided to mention it (instead of adding a button) because maybe it could actually help out some of my blogger friends too. I dunno. Let's do this.

I mean, there's no harm in trying it out, especially at this point in the game. Did I tell you, World that I was moving to Paris because I got HIRED in communications? Yea? Well did I tell you that it doesn't start till mid-September so I'm doing some lower than life summer work? Didn't think I shared this other self-loathing infused tidbit. Anyways, hopefully this plan C works out marginally better and helps supplement my pathetic minimum wage job where my brain feels like it can switch to autopilot and jump out the window at any moment. (People wonder how I finance my travels. As you can see it's not a fairy godmother).

Besides that, summer has actually been pretty sweet. Discovering the smaller joys of Toronto, like patio brunches with great friends after all-night parties. Gosh what a weird self-deprecating mood. Maybe I'm just blue from having slept 10 hours the whole weekend. I'm sorry for this emo as heck post, guys. These things happen sometimes (or like once a month? Just saying), next one will be so stellar you'll pass the moon! Anyways, here's to blogging for not free and overcoming our non-businessy brain things.

To Jack,
I just read that Jack Layton, former leader of Canada's Leftish political party has died from cancer. I don't know how to approach death so well, but I know I feel kicked lower than when any celebrity has ever died. I met him at school and he was such a nice dude. I even voted for him and his party years back! RIP.

Music: Some Coming of Age Indie Pop Rock from Paris
This song, Young is Getting Old hits too close to home these days. As you saw, I'm getting way over being a poor student! I've graduated! Anyways, as I wrote on Facebook, this is as underground as it gets. The Western Indians, a cute Parisian duo recently recorded and released the album Young is Getting Old. This is the album titled track that I think is the strongest on the album. The album on the whole is cool stuff, sounding like the soundtrack for a Michael Cera movie.

Download from Mediafire: Young is Getting Old-Western Indians.mp3

Listen to the album, here.

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Yo! Keep yourself up to date on exclusive party tips and stuff on the Facebook page and Twitter!

Indie Guide to Nightlife: Happy Endings Toronto

2011-08-18T22:07:00.003+02:00

The Ending is the Best Part: Dance Party in a Chinese Restaurant Part Two

I kinda wondered to myself, Could a dance party thrown in a Dim Sum Resto with a pool-party afterparty in a mansion really be topped? However, this past Saturday night my wonderings were licked down good. Happy Endings, the event thrown by The Mansion guys + Scion is seriously taking itself and Toronto to a new level.

First of all, this city is way too used to going to bed at 2:30 am (ew), but when this Toronto + French trio throw a party they understand how real nightlife works, ie. you're not supposed to go to bed till the sun rises (Paris, clubs close at 5:30 am. Jakarta you can party till noon). And as a result they've been building a real following, coming a hella long way since their humble beginnings a couple years back.

The main party starts at Forestview restaurant in the heart of China Town. This time the music was hen(2) hao(4) ! We walked in, not even inebriated and I felt my body compelled like a marionette to start dancing to the electro being thrown down. It eventually turned into some music with lots of shouting over the beat, which I'm less inclined to bunch my panties up over, but whateves.

Next, the crowd was better looking than the last time too! My gay friend and I could not help but notice the delicious men romping about, but as he aptly pointed out, "Hipster gaydar is hard," so we were both confused albeit content with what we saw. The women were all super well dressed and showed all the funkiness I know exists in this city, which brings my heart to happy places.

What differentiates this event from any ol' night in Toronto is the after party. Last time, as I mentioned, it was in a real mansion in Rosedale with a pool, this time it was on a rooftop. No, I'm not talking a 3 story roof over a ratty Pizzeria. I'm talking a massive 20 story building inundating you with a gorgeous view of the city. Can you imagine the anticipation you feel as you slowly mount the stairs towards this roof? The distant heavy bass is getting louder and louder like a deep thunder in the narrow whitewashed hallway until finally you're spored out of reality onto the lightly pulsing masses on the roof. My expectations and mind were just blown. The roof was packed with chill people. The music crawled over your skin and your eyes had a feast that it could never fully digest. That Toronto skyline, I've got to give it to you is something I'll never get over (one thing Paris does not have).

It ended a bit early (like 4:30 am) but the party was continued at various locations and it ended with Friend Jeb and I basking in the early Toronto sun rays walking around Kensington, grinning like we had bananas stuck in our mouth.

It was on that roof though that Friend Jeb and I stood there together and asked, is this real life? Whenever I have to ask that, I know it's been a good night.

Definitely check this event out if you're in the city for a full night of incredible. Word on the street is that they're going to start a party at Gladstone Hotel in the Fall. So look out for that. Feel free to contact me for details and guestlist stuff slash.. follow on Facebook for all the details on finding more cool shiz like this!

Click here for the rest of the pictures !

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These are just my suggestions and how I've rocked this city but I am always on the lookout for more. Please send me your tips and what it is that makes Toronto full of badassitude!

Indie Guide to Indonesia: Gili Trawangan

2011-07-20T09:26:00.011+02:00

Gili T: A Guide to the Party Pearl of Indonesia

So just to fill you newcomers in, I was living in Jakarta doing my UN internship that paid a shitty stipend and that barely covered living expenses (see my shitty living here). That being said, I definitely looked to travel Indonesia on a budget but had a burning flame of desire for good parties, food, fun times whatever. Just a boat ride away from Bali, Gili T is the second most popular party destination in Indonesia for backpackers and young expats alike. Totally worth it, to be explained later in 6 Reasons Why Gili T Kicks Bali's Ass. Anyways.

Fact: Budget and Awesome are not mutually exclusive. Here is some stuff my friends and I wished we knew before we went. Hope it helps!

(I feel like this is a billboard waiting to happen but from the 60's)

1. When to Go: Party Time
The thing you have to know is that the party is not every night, it’s not even concentrated to the weekends. There are three days you have to bend your life around: Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays. That’s a pretty reasonable party schedule but it sort of sucks because if you show up as a Jakarta expat for a weekend as my friends did, you’ll only enjoy one night of debauchery. Otherwise, between parties it is quite calm (having partied like 5 days straight in Koh Phangan till 6 am, this place sort of pales in comparison on the party meter).

2. On Taking Stuff
It's obvious and everywhere and we all hear the same stories, but here you go anyway. You can get mushrooms and marijuana. They are advertised with ridiculous signs that are too vulgar to repeat here. Apparently the police stay off the island and mushrooms aren't illegal so there is a general feeling of security amongst tourists trying out some magical stuff (which is supposedly fresh but not that strong). Marijuana is supposed to be more difficult to find but obtainable. I've heard stories of undercover cops that will bust dumb tourists who go around openly asking for pot. Just be safe and smart if you choose to do that!

No, you are not on drugs. This is indeed a horse with a chicken on his back that is excited. (Thanks to Ms. Sophie G for some of the pics!)

3. Drinking for Cheap
One of the biggest attractions to Gili is the abundance of cheap alcohol. You can drink for 11.000 when getting local gin and tonic for example. In the Reggae Bar happy hour (can't remember the exact times but something like 6-9pm) 2 local cocktails go for the price of two = total 20.000! But be aware, some people get really sick from the local stuff (e.g. my two wonderful colleagues) and from what I heard, a couple of years ago someone actually died (thanks Anna, my dear former colleague for the contribution). Everyone I had the pleasure of drinking way too many local vodka Redbulls with didn't get sick though, so it's at your own risk.

Besides the main bars that throw the parties, you can check out Sunset Bar on the west side of the island where that "bloke dances with fire thingys" (thanks Jo!). Worth a visit if there!

4. Things to Do
Perhaps related to number two, or maybe not, rent bikes and explore the mini island! The back country is pretty cool and you get a glimpse of local life, while climbing the main attraction- a hill!

Also tried snorkeling but to be honest a lot of the coral was dead and the fish were not very spectacular. We saw a sea turtle though! For the best snorkeling I'd recommend the Perhentians in Malaysia. Also the other two beautiful Gili islands are meant to be amazing albeit quiet. Gili Meno and Gili Air, if someone wants ultimate seclusion between the partying is recommended. The accommodation there is more expensive but supposed to be another world (and better snorkeling). If one only wants to go for a day, there is a ferry in the morning going to both and a ferry coming back late afternoon (Thanks Anna).

Most importantly, get in contact with South Sea Nomads for pre-parties they do on their boat before the start of a big night! We had the coolest time there, away from drunk assholes, blasting music of our choice, partying on a motherf**in BOAT! It's a young business started by two siblings and their mate who built their own boat to live, do tours, and party. They shuttle you from the island for free and you buy your drinks once on the boat. Perfect. Paradise.

Inebriated and flipping off boats into the ocean would never fly in North America..Yet this was so much fun to do. You have to grab the net before the current sweeps you away!

View from the South Sea Nomads' boat

5. Practical Stuff like free wifi
Internet: There are cafes everywhere. Scallywags was the only place that seemed to have wifi included where you ate. One word of advice though if you have your laptop and that’s to buy wifi access from one of the places because it’s about IDR 15 k/hour. It ends up being cheaper than buying food from Scallywags. I had the internet wifi from the market area, Ruby’s and it was decent speed and reliable.

ATM (scam alert!!): At Bengsal they will tell you there is no cash on the Island and they will try to get you to take out money with them at the port. You will be scared of being stranded so you may be tempted to pay their ridiculous transaction fees. Friends, BEWARE! There is definitely cash there. I almost got scammed, glad my card didn't work. There are 2 ATM spots once on Gili T. But, as my gal Chelsea aptly pointed out, they often run out of money and you sometimes have to wait a couple days before they refill them.

6. Cheap Eats Guide
I spent way longer than I had expected and found my fav places to eat. Hope they help a bit in saving your money from crapola, instant chocolate rain, food.

Ocean 2. If you’re facing the ocean, it’s left of the pier. This place has GREAT Mexican food for a cheap price. We got the burritos and tacos for 30k Rp. Also the place is a bakery so you may smell fresh bread in the oven. The donuts are yummy too although I wouldn’t waste my Rupiah on the banana pancakes. It was too thick and “chocolate sauce” didn’t mean Nutella or even imitation Nutella, it was some icing sort of thing.Best of all, the service is impeccable. Even my cheap poor self felt the need to tip a bit while there!

The Market: The cheapest seafood you can get is from here. It’s not in a restaurant and is a warung set up (outdoor stall eating) so the whole thing feels pretty local. I recommend the seafood that is set up around Green Café. I ate from there several nights and had no stomach problems. My pick is the butter fish which you can get grilled with rice and vegetables for 30k IRD (3 euros). It is fresh and grilled in sweet and sour spices that leaves the juiciness of the fish itself to still be tasted. It is a mild fish and oh so good! Sitting in Canada dreaming about that right now. May have just gotten a food woody (a foody?).

After dancing all night, and skinny dipping in diving pools, we decide it would be a good idea to take one last naked bath in the ocean with the sun dangling her toes in and ready to get up and start the day. Getting nude is obviously essential to backpacking.

You can get other local flavours in the market area, but compared to Jakarta it’s not that tasty nor cheap. Around 20k for a nasi goring (fried rice)! If you’re on an island, seriously just eat seafood. If you’re looking for a good deal you can go inland a bit and get local things, apparently. Meals are around 10-15k.

Beachhouse: The Shrimp skewer for 60k = ahmagad. They give you this melted butter/garlic sauce thing that will melt straight through to your heart (and probably clog your arteries one day, but ohwell). The barbecue seafood here comes with potatoes, salad and buns. The ambiance is lively.

Otherwise, most of the other places have fish bbq starting from 60 depending on what fish/seafood you are having. They usually come with the complementary buffet with as much salad, potato and bread you want. (Thanks Anna!)

Sushi Place: I had heard something about good sushi on the island so obviously I had to check it out. I got a dynamite roll, consisting of avocado and shrimp tempura and it was okay. Definitely no Toronto J-Time but hit the spot, barely. It was 40k for 6 pieces.

Also recommended is an awesome tuna carpaccio for about 60.000.

Scallywags: This place is chic, trendy yet casual. It’s a cool spot but the prices are some of the more expensive you’ll get on the island. What brought my poor ass here was my weak spot: free wifi. Don’t think you can just order an ice cube and you’ll get it though. There is a minimum purchase price of 50k. If you are forced to eat there I would recommend the Tuna with a wrap. They make the tuna with cream cheese and sprinkle a delightful sweet vinaigrette around it. Wow. Another foody It was about 40k.

7. Where to Stay
For the life of me I can't remember the name of the place I stayed but I can tell you what price you can expect to pay when you're searching. For a crappy basic room with bathroom and fan I found it for 40k IDR/month. It was truly basic, but hell, all I needed was a bed to rest my party exhausted head anyway. When I was with a friend we stayed in cool elevated bungalows for 100 IDR/night. They were nice looking and comfortable. If you are looking at the pier you go like 500 meters left, I think they are called Cool Bungalows...sorry I couldn't help more.

If you are not on a local salary you can head to the other side of the island and get pimped out villas along the ocean for like 300 IDR /person (30 euros). Our friends stayed there and wow does it make you feel legends will be named after you!

8. Getting there (without being too ripped off)

To Gili T from Mataram Airport:
Took a trusted Blue Bird Taxi and it cost us about 70k IDR to Bangsal. Then there was a 10k IDR fee (each person, cursed rip off that was), to enter the ferry port area. You can definitely walk it, but I hadn’t slept much the night before and my bag was feeling extra heavy. Excuse me for being a princess and taking the taxi the extra 500 m.

Ferry:
It didn’t have a set time but waited for 25 people to buy tickets. The public ferry, which is the cheapest way to get there costs 10k IDR one way. It is cheap and takes about 45 mins. Apparently these things sink sometimes, according to my Indonesian colleague, but luckily for us (and my laptop that I never leave home without) we were fine.

From Bali:
The even more popular way to get there and away - speed boat to/from Bali. Depending on the type of speedboat (its speediness basically) costs anything from 150.000-600.000, including bus transport from Padang Bay to anywhere you wanna go to Bali. Be aware though, from Bali to Gili it's often more expensive given all the scamming they do there. Yet it tends to be worthwhile because flights from and to Bali (from Jakarta) are often much cheaper than those to and from Mataram (the airport closest to the Gilis). (Thanks again Anna for the contributions!)

If you have any tips or anything to add, please share with the world! This is only what I noticed on my 1 week stay there in February 2011!

Indonesia Traveling Relevant Stuff

(Coming soon) Gili T Versus Bali: 6 Reasons Gili Kicks Bali's Ass

New Year's in Bali or How I Learned to Stop Hating Aussies (Video log!)

Indie Guide to Kuta Bali: Locals' Advice and A Girl's Paradise

Just in Case..How to Survive Traveler's Diarrhea

Magical Music by The Bewitched Hands
Amazing animation video perfect for you adventurous souls looking to try all of Gili's vices. But regardless of vice, I am in love with this fun, quirky song sang in French by my favourite band at the moment, the Bewitched Hands. Sur le Quai is off their recently released second CD called Burn and Explode and even if you don't understand French, the dreamy sound and vid should be enough to tell you that this is something about dreaming and imagination. Deep. Please friends, love them with me if you don't already, because this won't be the last I blog about them.

Download: Sur le Quai-The Bewitched Hands

Vintage Shopping Starts in Grandmother's Closet or..

2011-07-13T23:47:00.006+02:00

How I Almost Dropped a Grand at Topshop NEW YORK #Firstworldproblems

Luckily, I had a brain.

This is a straight up vanity posting. Yea yea I know, nothing to do with travel but c'mon. It's summer, pretty outfits, shopping in New York, being with my grandmother for the first time in over a year, etc
etc. Cut me some slack on this one, okay, Team? Anywayz.

The story starts in Paris. While in the centre of the fashion world I was influenced by two beautiful ladies, Ms. Solenn Berthou and Juliette Eisner, who kept popping up with charming little accessories to completely distinguish their already bangin' Parisian outfits that I love so much. I was dazzled and super eager to know where one 'hypothetically' could get such cool shit. Disappointed, I found out that what they adorned would never be sold again but totally inspired because I had the same potential treasure chest waiting: grandma's old stuff. After living a dog life in Indonesia and roughing it out in Paris, I couldn't wait to return back to Toronto and rifle through my gran's jewelery box and closet, she herself a lover of the finer things in life. While doing said rifling this is what I found.

The only things not from Topshop is the blue blazer and maroon bag (H&M), ring and hat (grandma)

This gold ring is the prettiest thing I've ever seen but somehow I can't convince my grandmother to give that junk up. I mean, true, she dropped a pretty penny on it but doesn't love and family conquer all? She wasn't buying into my pleas. Her joy of my return wasn't going to extend that far. At least she lets me wear it around though and hopefully by the end of the summer she'll come around. Also, completely inspired by the British royalty's love for hats and head pieces I threw on her hat to finish my outfit off. It's perfect for looking summer chic (and as a brownie, keeping from turning into darkness)!

On the up side, she has offered to give me her beautiful fur of some sort in her closet but my ethical issues of fur are keeping me from completely indulging my vanity..but still..I love it! What should I do? More #firstworldproblems be keepin me up.

Now the story moves to New York specifically Topshop, the highlight of my trip as discussed on the Facebook page. Friends recommended other stores (thanks!) but after getting sucked into shopping Zion I ended up spending all day here! I had a personal shopping experience and dudes, I almost dropped a G on all this. They took my potential clothes, followed me around the store and put everything in my hands away like I was Blair Waldorf, lined it all up in this wonderful changeroom that had a chaise and couches and cookies and tea, oh my! Holy Moses was it consumer paradise. I am a bit tearful about not getting that green mini dress on the left. It gave such good cleavage but as I had no special occasion to wear it to, I resisted. I just felt a pat on the back. Thanks guys. It helps..barely.

I was mega itching for a big floppy mariniere sweater + light green blazer with gold buttons but somehow I logic-ed myself out of it. Thinking, 'hey it's summer. I ain't need a sweater!' and 'How many outfits can you make with a mint green blazer anyway?' eh? eh?

In the end I only got about 4 items out of the dozen outfits picked out, thus saving myself a massive amount of debt. The yellow collar t-shirt above, the shades, golden chunky necklace and some sheer shirts so I can make it easier for men to stare at my chest. Jk, I'm actually in love with sheer everything. If you're in New York I definitely recommend checking out this Top Shop. I have been to the mega huge one in London and while the London one had more selection and funky designers, this one just makes you feel hella good. God Bless America and their customer service model!

So there you have it, a virtual tour of my vain brain and how I backhanded that biatch of consumerism to know her role. Sometimes, late at night I hear the whimpering of those long lost outfits longing to be in the warm solace of my closet. 'One day!' I tell them. One day..

Music! :(
I'm feeling mega uninspired. Please recommend to us what is making you love life this summer, because I need some help! Boss.

Dance Party in a Chinese Restaurant? Yes Please Toronto

2011-07-11T23:24:00.002+02:00

Dim Sum Dance Party give me Happy Endings

This is my first time in like 4 years that I'm spending a summer in Toronto, my home town. Not gonna lie, but I found the Toronto scene hurting a bit from lack of energy and with kids who are just too cool for school (dickheads) so I avoided it as much as possible preferring Paris or Asia (dickhead?). However, Saturday night despite my fat swollen allergic putain face I went to a party that showed the coolest side of this city. The Happy Endings party, with DJs rocking out in a Chinese restaurant at Spadina and Dundas was pretty darn epic. The place was packed with cool and even good looking folks and everyone was dancing their heart out. Also, you could get Chinese food and dim sum while dancing, um awesome? The DJ's were throwing down some good tunes but on a personal note I'm more of an electro person.

The best part of the night was the after-party then an after-after party organized by Toronto event guys The Mansion. In Toronto the clubs have to close at 2 am which is the weakest sauce in the world (like America), but after the resto we went to a real mansion in Rosedale that turned into a massive pool party. The place was beautiful, there was a hot tub and we stayed until the police kicked us out which was 6 am. Finally, Toronto stepped up its game to reach Euro or Asian levels of awesome. I know in Jakarta, it's not a solid night out until you've seen the sun rise. But here in Toronto, this is one of the first times I've seen it happen. True, it didn't have the sex-in-the-pool mentalness of a Thai Full Moon Party, but hell was it fun and the crowd was mega cool.

Courtesy of Alex Johnson

Pal from Perth! Who are you? Bathroom fun

After the Po-po came to boot us out, we moved it to the organizers', Konrad, Matt and Thomas', place for more chillin' good times. I somehow didn't make it home till 10:30 am and that was the Happy Ending I always hope for when partying. Good job Mansion guys and massive thanks! I can say honestly that you stroked my heart good on Saturday.

8 am beers

In the Sauna slash DJ booth at the mansion

For the rest of the photos, go to the Facebook page and like that shiz !

More on Toronto

Indie Guide to Vintage Shopping

Restaurant Guide for Poor, Hip Students (need help updating!)

In Pictures: This is my city

Resto Review: Khao San Road in Toronto

2011-06-29T16:14:00.005+02:00

A Perfectly Reasonable Thai Place/ A Far Cry from the Real Khao San Road

You've just met your friend's 'meh' boyfriend. He's not someone you would call up for a drink or anything, not that you have anything against him but when your friend eagerly wants to know what you thought of him you struggle to respond. And so with that polite enthusiasm when describing someone we had no exceptional opinion of, you reply, "'he's nice." You know what I'm talking about, that over-compensatory upward inflection tinged with a sprinkle of defensiveness as if our unspoken thoughts had been exposed nude to the world. Khao San Road, the new Thai restaruant in Toronto is a nice place.

This article summed up in one big Larry "meh" face

I had been very excited to experience this restaurant, as I am back in T Dizzle for my French visa and looking to update The Indie Guide with some rare ethnic gems, but the only experience I had was a remarkable amount of ordinary, like the sedimentary rocks of the resto world or something.

First of all, it doesn't do justice to its namesake, the infamous chaotic and scummy but loads of fun backpacker spot of Khao San Road in Bangkok (think opening scene of The Beach with Lionardo Dicaprio). I had a very interesting experience there a couple months ago that is still seared into my memory. I will blog about it someday. Anyways, an unremarkable Khao San Road may seem rather like an oxymoron but not in Toronto. This version of dining is fine; the ambiance was rather basic with only a cool chalk board wall that stood out. It was actually quite loud making my reunion with my highschool friends into a shouting match. But not the sort of loud that gets you excited about life and socializing as say the real Khao San Road, just annoyingly so. Definitely do not take an intimate date there! The demographic is mid 20's to older and the prices are nothing to tweet about. However, one good thing Sibel, an old friend of mine dining with me observed, "The tables are sturdy." Score! You don't get that just anywhere.

In the Holy Restaurant Trinity of food, price, and ambiance, at least one thing must excel to find parking in my heart..which Khao San Road fails to do.

Yet the place has been drawing a lot of attention. On Twitter it was recommended to me by @wucandoit who had heard good things but hadn't been there herself and my close friend had told me of the same place (sorry ans!). The line was huge to get a table, so the publicity is definitely good (good hype from its sister resto Sukhothai), but somehow this location just failed to impress. I had got my staple of red curry with rice for 12 CAD. While the portions were pretty large, the taste lacked the spicy dynamic you find in more authentic and smaller Thai restaurants in Toronto, like my beloved Chiang Mai on Baldwin that passed away in 2010. The Thai Ice Tea was pretty expensive at 4.5 CAD and just way too sweet. Service was slow but nice at least.

My beloved, if you had a gravestone I'd leave flowers for you. Truly the best Thai food in Toronto. Where did you go?

As I said, the place is perfectly reasonable, not much to complain about but not really my thing. In my Holy Restaurant Trinity of food, price, and ambiance, at least one thing must excel for it to end up in my Indie Guides slash my heart, which Khao San Road fails to do. It's my firm belief that Toronto is the best place in the world to eat ethnic foods (read here), but this catchy named fake Khao San Road just does not do Toronto nor its namesake justice. If people love it I think it's because it's easy and accessible decent Thai food in the centre of the entertainment district and people feel part of the resto culture scene going there, unlike the badass and sometimes risky mom n' pop shops this guide goes gaga over. But as I said, I would not take a date there, it's not even that trendy. Know that there is definitely better in this city, and I. Will. Find. It.

Khao San Road: 326 Adelaide St. West (between Peter St. and Widmer St.), 647-352- 5773, khaosanroad.ca.

Alas, the hunt for a great Thai gem in Toronto continues, as well as any other resto gold nuggets in the city! I am only here for a couple more weeks so please share your summer's top resto picks! I apologize if this has come off too harsh, it's only my opinion (which probably suffers from being spoiled on Thailand's food itself too recently). But whateves, looking forward to going food hunting some more. The next Thai place best make the cut, yo. Next on the exploration list is definitely Guu, a new Japanese place that everyone is raving about!

Exceptional Awesomeness in Toronto...
A Guide to Cool and Cheap Eats in Toronto

In Pictures: This is my City

Indie Guide to Nightlife

Best Vintage Shopping and Asian Imports

Music: The Way My Heart Beats

Whether it be 'Meh' feelings about girls or restaurants,The Good Shoes, an Indie English Pop Band says it best while giving you a melodic pop/indie rock song to sing your heart out too! It's not this-week new or anything but still will find a warm place in your playlist.

Download: The Way My Heart Beats-The Good Shoes.mp3

From Bollywood to Bumfruit Nowhere Canada

2011-06-27T05:29:00.006+02:00

My Super Canadian Life Return

When one of my closest buddies invited me to his friend's farm for a hoe-down near Niagra falls with square dancing and a dj called Rockin' Robin in a barn, there was no way in hell my Canadianness deprived self could say no. After 14 months away from the great white north, hanging out in Whiteyville Canada seemed like the best way to re-initiate myself. We even camped out in a tent (that I won in Tim Horton's Roll up the Rim to Win Contest!). Because the tent belongs to my Guyanese calypso dancing family who knows nothing about camping, it has officially been named the Soca Dome, as all great homes should be named. Pictures and good times courtesy of Katie Hinks, a talented and lovely graphic designer in Toronto. Thanks gyal!

My Movember Rebellion

Movember Rebellion part 2. Canadians invented plaid bt-dubz. Whereas the fashion is dying out around the world after a Canadiana craze took over in 2009-2010, plaid will never die here! Live strong, Lumberjack stereotypes!

You can either get this when you come to Canada or..

Bollywood!! This weekend was the IIFA (International Indian Film Awards) which brought a billion people to Toronto (mostly brown, obvi) and while meeting up with my old partner in crime, we somehow made it into this fancy exclusive Bollywood charity event. ("Somehow" being her main squeeze Brooks, who is a bad ass film director.)

We saw this famous singer from some movie called Guru (I think...). Please forgive me, Bollywood fanatics (like my family!), but I had no idea who all these famous people were. Apparently the woman who was to win the Lifetime Achievement award was sitting behind us.. This weekend of Bollywood has actually gotten me pretty obsessed. They are all so beautiful, gave me lots of inspiration for hair, makeup and dresses because I feel bodytype/skin solidarity (big hips!). The movies themselves though need a bit more complexity to float my boat.

There are so many faces to Canada, and this weekend made me remember why I love this country (also the best eating ever, find the Indie Guide here)!

Lastly, a highlight of my weekend: GoT

Long Distance Lovin to the Geekiness Maxitude!! Another way (besides the three I listed) to stay connected is to watch movies together or in this case GAME OF THRONES aka the best show on television right now, via skype!

Music: My personal fav from Bollywood

James, the big ginger above said I was" a white girl in a brown body" which I resented very much. Anyways, in subconscious rebellion I spent all today watching Bollywood films with my family. I do love me some Indian music, and here is one of my fav's to help you sort through the thousands. Eat it, Sasquatch man! (If you have suggestions for your best bollywood hits, let us know!)

Happy Birthday to Me

2011-06-21T14:00:00.006+02:00

Time Travel to 1987 or How Lil' Fel turned into a Travel Addicted Monster

June 21, 1987. 24 goddamn years ago, my mother popped out this little Asian looking nugget. I was one of the first grandchildren born and I rewarded them good on this summer solstice by pooping all over my incubator while my family watched their precious new member's first moments. Showed them good that I wasn't part of the system!

1991. Rebellious curled lip smile showing off the infamous Family Gap. Not happy at all to be wearing pink. Age 4 in Junior Kindergarden. Major events this year: learned to tie my show laces, discovered my addiction to high places when I started climbing my apple tree, realized I loved some instrument called the French Horn because it was pretty, and took the training wheels off my bike (which was the biggest thing ever. My first means to go exploring the great unknowns of my neighbourhood). Big year for Lil'Fel.

10 years later: For my 14th birthday I got my hair professionally dyed BLUE. Here it is faded to some gross green. And what is with the rocker ball chain necklace and 3 ear piercings/ear? No comment. In highschool and middle school my hair went from pink to purple blue and finally...wait for it..dreadlocks. I was into KORN and Pennywise and snowboarding. F*ck the system blah blah. In 2001 my restless spirit embodied itself mainly through my appearance. As I became older, I realized there were cooler ways to be adventurous. I dreamed of being a photojournalist mainly so I could rock out around the world and write, then I chose international relations as a program for university because being a diplomat and being able to live everywhere seemed like the best deal eva..

Now, I'm here. 24 years later. Did I become the journalist or the diplomat? No. But those aspirations drove me to be the person I am today, from studying abroad at SciencesPo for its reputation in IR, to living in Thailand and Indonesia to work with international organizations. However, it was this year I realized that I wanted something between int'l relations and journalism. Something more creative, but where I could write and be awesome. And so..just yesterday I just got offered a position in a media agency that specializes in communications for governments, non-profits, embassies and like interesting people overall in PARIS!! My first real job, what will the next ten years bring? They say age is only a number, but today I am really about to grow up.

Oh yea..I'm back in the city of my birth. LET'S PARTY HARD(Y) !!!

I'm not part of the system! I'M AN ADULT.

Andy Samberg - I Threw it On The Ground - watch more funny videos

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The Graduate/I Hate College

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London vs Paris (vs. America)

2011-06-03T14:27:00.009+02:00

The first 5 things my eyeballs saw in London

So, I was here in London three years ago but I don't think it really counts. It was only for a weekend and on a school trip with SciencesPo for the Weekend Integration (like Freshman week). We spent the whole time drunk, partying in Kings College and speaking French (with some Top Shop and Burger King being the only culture I took in). Anyways, I'm here for a job interview (waiting to hear back from them) and taking the time to enjoy this city like a real lass. Below are my very astute and well thought out observations of the city upon my first couple days here.

1. The French weren't wrong. It's definitely European New York. There are houses on the streets, everything in North and East London is a bit more grungier, the bars and nightlife seem just more American unlike the beauty that surrounds everything in Paris. Also, the diversity of people make me feel like I'm in NY or Toronto, which is cool (hello my fellow brown brothers!). Whether the American feeling is for better or for worse, I'm not sure, I'll see tonight when I see Is TROPICAL (who I just posted about) woot!

2. English are not that ugly. I'm sorry but I just kind of thought that in comparison to the French and having grown up watching Mr. Bean, that the English were just all weird teethed mates. But actually walking around the city I was super impressed by the style and the charming faces that surrounded me. The style is much less conservative than Paris and is filled with funky tights and bright colours. I'd have to say the people are much better looking than anywhere in NY or Canada and the accents are a bonus!

3. I have to be wary of getting stabbed by girls. There's something sinister feeling when you walk by certain groups that I never once felt in Paris. I don't like it. I have prepared my mean Scarborough face to ward off arseholes and lay some smackdown if need be this weekend (I'm obviously kidding myself. I'll get eaten alive by butch English girls).

4. It feels more like Canada. The parks are much more natural than Paris. You're allowed to sit on the grass, whoah, whereas in Paris a majority of the fields are meant for looking at, wtf. The nature itself looks Canadian with soft grass and oak like trees that I used to love climbing as a youth.

5. You WILL go poor here. To take the "tube" did you know it costs 4 pounds for one way? That's like 6-7 dollars to use public transportation! In Paris it's around 2 USD and in Toronto about the same. Absolute bollocks. McDonalds is more expensive than in Paris too! The Royal Cheese (quarter pounder) is a whole euro cheaper in France. I haven't bought much else, but with staples in life such as fastfood and public transport being hella expensive I don't want to imagine the other costs of living. There are entrance fees to most clubs here too, but at least they're cheaper than Toronto (here it's 5 dollars). I think if you are a poor student, Paris although expensive in itself, is much more livable than London and why I'd rather spend my vacation there than here.

This is only the beginning. Let's see how the weekend goes. Have a good one everyone and please feel free to share your experiences or recommendations on London!

Music
While on the topic of charming Englishmen, Alex Turner and the Arctic Monkeys have just released their new album Suck it and See. Not quite sure if I'm digging it yet because I haven't heard it all but feels a bit too rock and roll for my tastes. What's your take?

Indie Guide to Paris: Eyes Wide Open for Stan Kubrick Expo

2011-06-03T10:33:00.007+02:00

My Strangelove for Stan or How to Spend an Evening in Paris without Drinking

Stanley Kubrick was unknowingly one of my favourite directors before I even knew or cared what a director was. In middle school I had memorized quotes from Full Metal Jacket to effectively diss my friends:

Me: "How tall are you, little Suzie ?"
Little Suzie: "I dunno, 4''5?"
Me (snickering in anticipation): 4'5''? I didn't know they stacked shit that high! *muahaha Annoying Orange laugh as I ran away.

In highschool, I hosted a movie marathon Night of Horror with friends and spent most of it smooching the guy I liked except for when The Shining came on..which was the only one to scare the teen love out of me.

I had waited two long days for A Clockwork Orange to download off Limewire and had watched it every other night before bed (these were the days before blogging and facebook. Donnie Darko was also on this weird obsessive list). I confused and worried my young self with how humourous Alex kicking the shit out of his friends to classical music was. Was I supposed to be laughing?

Miniature model of the set in Dr. Strangelove

But when Uni came and I started to get a clue. We had to watch Dr. Strangelove for my second year International Relations class to analyze Mutually Assured Destruction in a more fun way. That was the moment when I realized this dude Stanley was pretty damn cool and pursued watching his work just for the sake of it being by him.

With friendboy Big P we watched 2001 together and felt all the soundless awe and bewilderment imaginable as if we were both in the 60's and untouched by the wonders of modern movie effects. The larger than life soundtrack, and the ape thing smashing the skulls in the beginning still linger both lovingly yet all uncomfortably in my memory (like all of his films see to do).

That's why when friendboy told me he had free tickets to the Stanley Kubrick Expo at la Cinemateque francaise, Humbert levels of desire took me over. It took us a month to find the time between partying and working though, but finally we made a date on a Sunday evening (along with trying an Indonesian restaurant) and did the deed.

The expo was divided by movie and holds old props, scripts, financial statements of all his films, hate mail, fan mail, costumes and everything you can imagine and will be more than enough to indulge you intense fan buffs. For friendboy, an aspiring film producer and director he particularly was into the process of making the films, the budgets, the theory in the filmmaking. He took forever to get through Kubrick's earliest films (apparently his first feature film lost 20,000 dollars), whereas I was dying to know about the stories and the writing process. I particularly liked the Lolita bit, where he explains his regrets about making the movie and how much he had to tone down the steamy love scenes. It was cool because he used humour and music to express what he wasn't permitted to show.

The next Kubrick of the internet?Check out Ninth Pole's new site: www.idtc.fr

The expo is a massive pleasure and gives you the chance to shortly relive all your favourite Kubrick moments whilst diving deeper than you could have thought into the world of his film making. Coming out of it we both had the urge to re-watch all the Kubrick films. Truth, you'll have a craving that needs to be satisfied. Next one on the list for me is Eyes Wide Shut, which I've avoided seeing because Tom Cruise makes me want to punch him in the kidneys..Anyways enjoy!

Alternative names for Dr. Strangelove.. Amazing!!

Details
Exposition Stanley Kubrick
Until July 31st 2011

Hours:
Monday-Friday :12-7pm except closed on Tuesday
Thursday: 12-10pm
Weekends: 10am-8 pm

Cinémathèque française - musée du Cinéma
51 rue de Bercy
75012 PARIS

Fee:
8 euros regular price
6.5 euros reduced (bring your student cards!!)

One of the coolest new music videos around
Speaking of wicked film making and directing, check out this bad ass music video! The artist, Kitsune Maison produced 'Is Tropical' (NOT THE GREEKS) have their latest video done in big style. Megaforce, the same who made Kid Cudi's trippy but legendary Pursuit of Happiness video has done it again. This time infusing you with the joy it is to be a child again. I'm sort of pissed that this is portrayed as only the imagination of little boys, with not one single girl in it. Definitely wasn't true of my child hood where we played with ropes and bondage, bazookas and lots of karate moves (Ninja Turtles and Karate Kid were major influences for a 90's childhood)!

Indie Guide to Paris Eating: I Love Burger

2011-05-28T22:28:00.001+02:00

Importing a Little Piece of America
Rad Diner, American Prices at I Love Burger

"I love it because its' because it's cheap, and amazing."- Big P

You know that (hungover) feeling when you want a juicy burger and fries or say a casual burrito but then you realize you're in Paris and poor? Anyways, I know that feeling (um, right now). Ten euros is the minimum you'll pay at the American burger joints in Paris like Breakfast in America, and that's why my mind exploded when I discovered I Love Burger. I had heard it was the "best place ever" but since I heard it from Big P and he tends to say that every other day..I wasn't convinced. Until now.

This is a new joint in Paris that is a mix of American style diner, bakery and tex-mex all in a cozy and intimate setting. You can get a burger and fries for 5 euros, tacos for 3 euros and all sorts of (North) American awesomeness like donuts and milkshakes (try the cookies and cream!). The service is friendly and pretty efficient and they have a giant screen television with a Playstation hooked up! Radical! I Love Burger is open late (for Paris anyway) which is midnight during the week and 1 am on weekends, so depending on your intoxication and the certain cravings you may get, I Love Burger is the perfect place to go and chill (I personally think if they have short movies playing it would make it the ultimate place ever). If you have too much of la flemme to bouger from your various vices they even deliver! Legends.

How to explain this anomaly in Paris with cheap and good quality and not McDonalds? Well it's not a magical business model or anything. They've just accepted to have lower profit margins per customer by keeping the prices dirt cheap and counting on mega high overall sales. Although the space is small (part of its charm) they have many delivery orders, and that keeps them going. It must be going well because after having chatted with them, or rather, having Big P speak in French with them and him translate for me, they are also planning to open another location and start a similar delivery service with wine at reasonable prices (I guess like dial-a-bottle in Canada). Anyways, as an expat who craves a dose of North America sometimes and loves small cozy establishments with good prices, this is one of the most exciting finds and is certainly going to become HUGE. Enjoy !

I Love Burgers

Metro: 7-Jussieu, 10-Lemoine
Address: 20, rue des boulangers, 75005

Website: http://www.iloveburger.fr/
Hours:

Mon - Fri:	11:00 am	-	3:00 pm
	6:00 pm	-	12:00 am
Sat - Sun:	11:00 am	-	4:00 pm
	6:00 pm	-	1:00 am

I See London, I see France..
Update: So like, two months here and I'm still absolutely not sick of Paris. The thing is, I have two interviews coming up, one in London and one in Paris and both for jobs that seem pretty damn cool. If I have the luck of succeeding both of them I DO NOT KNOW WHERE I WILL CHOOSE. Which city is preferable? My north american friends all dig Paris but those Euros all say London is da place to be. "European New York" they call it. *Perplexed decision face. Anyways, below is a little bit of chillin' along the Seine before we headed to I Love Burger.

Spring in the city.. as you you've seen before is just magnifique. Pont de la Tournelle

Canadian red tuque represent. P sporting some Toronto Vintage as well.

Colonel Sanders? God?

Kind of Useful Paris Stuff...

Complete Cool As Restaurant Guide

Hype Nightlife in Paris

A Day in the Life of..

A Night in Paris or How I Tried to Interview Kavinsky

Music
Sometimes I'm obsessed. Right now it's by this song by Jai Paul, a 21 year old English guy. It's smooth, soft, and sexy.

Download: Jai Paul- BTSU.mp3

Indie Guide to Paris Clubbing: Le Truskel

2011-05-09T14:32:00.006+02:00

My Latest Crush

I have developed a major crush on the ambiguously oriented Truskel. It describes itself as an "Indie Pop Bar" but once you give her a feel you'll know she's more of a club. It's this ambivalent disposition that has got my knickers in a knot. I've been there twice in one week (considering the weekend has only 2 days..it's a lot) and yet I'm yearning for more. What is it about this little ladybar that has captured my heart?

Finishing off some pre-game drinks before heading inside.

True Fact: There are a billion clubs and bars in Paris yet this one is different. It has a cozy dancefloor upstairs which creates an intimate and friendly atmosphere as well as a large smoking area/lounge in the basement. The smallness is cool because if you see a bird you fancy you can exchange hungry eyes all night from across the bar until you inevitably exchange numbers/saliva/dancemoves/political views whatever. It also manages to ward off extremist dickhead factions with the ultimate weapon: A synthesized Anti-Guestlist-Covercharge-Dresscode-Minimalmusic Laser Beam! Eat it, dickheads.

Pretension is left at the door (or at Social Club) and the music is fun and eclectic ranging anywhere from Abba to Snoop to Daft Punk. The crowd is still somehow awesome infused with trendy Parisians and excuse me from the gender-neutral table for a second..there are a ridiculous amount of men there (the odds are in your favour) plus they are all very cute in that slender, scruffy Parisian way. Winning!

Last but hella not least the best part is the Rock n Roll dancing. I was told by my lovely Parisian girlfriend Clara that this bar is notorious for dancing "le Rock," French swing like dancing of the youth (see video here) when it is not too busy. I went there on a Tuesday night and as soon as we walked in I was pulled on to the dance floor and being swung around in a billion different directions. By the end of it all I was sweating from all the twirling and twisting and even had one guy try to flip me over! Heart beats faster = love. On a Thursday night it was much more busy so there was no room for Rock dancing (in theory), that didn't mean people didn't try.

In general if you're looking to wear your heels or best shirt for a chic night out, save Truskel for another time, it's way too chill for that. Come here when you're jonesin' for a laid back atmosphere, good crowd and lots of dancing for the ultimate fun fest! Think Le Tigre (another fav) but without the hipster Olympics there. For you tourist or expats, Truskel is as Parisian and authentic as you can get and definitely in my Top Three bar/club things in Paris at the moment. Anyhoo, let me know what your experience has been there and if you have more suggestions, don't hesitate to share !

One word of warning! Be careful about leaving your stuff unattended. Friend had her jacket stolen off the bench we were dancing right in front of!

Truskel Indie Pop Bar
12, rue Feydeau
75002 Paris
Metro: Bourse
Entry: Free

Musique from France
One of the best French indie rock bands on the rise. Seriously, drink happiness in while you listen to this upbeat and joy infusing song. You may just be tempted to run outside, throw your head back to the cloudless Parisian sky (or wherever you are in the world) and just sing and cry your heart out to the Bewitched Hands. Wonderful, I've probably hyped it up too much now.

Download: Bewitched Hands-Work.mp3

More on Partying in Paris

The Indie Guide to Hype Spots: Nightlife in Paris

A Night of Vanity: Photo Essay

One Night in Paris or How I Tried to Get an Interview with Kavinsky

Finding Asia in Paris: Thai Grocery Store Score (L'epicerie thailandaise)

2011-04-25T15:59:00.002+02:00

Of Sexy Dinners, Chili Peppers and Thai Grocery Stores in Paris

I have come across a diamond of a find while aimlessly perusing the streets of Paris on the sunny Easter afternoon! The name of said gem is Thanh Binh Jeune and it specializes in Thai, Vietnamese and East Asian foods, located in the 5th arrondissement.

This may not seem like such a big deal, but you cannot understand the challenge I experienced when looking for something fairly simple (in Asia anyways) and that's red hot chili peppers. I needed them to impress the pants off of ex-amour last week (complicated, read here) with this bad ass Arrabiata sauce of chilies, basil and fresh tomatoes after having being similarly charmed culinary stylez when in Jakarta. I'm convinced that this sauce can open hearts.

So after easily getting the other ingredients all I needed were the chilies. Quite reasonably I figured I would find it in the Franprix and at worst the Monoprix but in the end the only thing I found was disappointment. To make a long story short they were nowhere to be found so I replaced fresh chilies with chili paste, ended up with an overly salty sauce that sizzled the taste buds of my cooking victim and did nothing to prove my large claims that I had finally learned how to cook something out of this universe (I'm the least domesticated person eva but I had thought I had evolved!). To say the least, having both parties panting like dogs in the sun before bedroom goodness is NOT the most romantic way to start the evening.

I was told for future reference that I'd have to venture up to Gare du Nord, the Indian/ethnic hood of Paris to get certain vegetables and spices and felt only dread because I am too lazy. Then by some stroke of luck yesterday I sauntered by this little Thai grocery store not far from 'home' and found the sought out red hot chili peppers! They also had other major staples in poor student/intern/unemployed diets such as a wide variety of instant noodles like Korean Kim Chi and Tom Yum soup. Lastly, it was much less expensive than the local grocery stores (30-50 centiems). Um..Bi-WINNING!

One more 'Lastly' just told to me by an old uni mate who lived in Paris. "It's also open on most, if not all holidays, so if upon flying into Paris on 31 December you discover an empty fridge, despair not! Delicious frozen dumplings are only a short ride away!" Merci Alain.

Next day after my attempted murder, we get Subway for din-din, and he takes me to the Dan Deacon Show. His charming idea > my attempted charming dinner. Sad face.

Address:
Thanh Binh Jeune
18 Rue Lagrange
75005

Epilogue..
I wish there was a happy ending to this Easter tale of chili peppers and Thai store finds but unfortunately I made one massive mistake when attempting the Arrabiata again for my guests of our Orphans' Easter Dinner. Being the antithesis to Martha Stewart, I didn't realize the outrageous power these midget chilies had over their longer, more chillin' brothers (picture above) and nearly had a double homicide plus suicide combo with spiciness as the murder weapon! Word to the unwise: For six tomatoes, do NOT use 6 of the little chili peppers. I'd say 3-4 to keep it pleasantly spicy. Sorry ladies!! Anyways, good luck, World with your various love recipes and please share your ethnic grocery finds with us!!

Hungry and in Love in Paris? You'll also dig...

Three Ways to Survive and Thrive in a Long Distance Relationship

A Poor Student's Restaurant Guide to Paris

Ode to Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, Goodbye Jakarta and Paris Lovin'

2011-04-07T19:25:00.002+02:00

Shopping in Bangkok, Chillin' in Paris

This post is going to be a mega fusion of guiding you to the raddest place to shop in South East Asia to kickin' back with me in my first day back in Paris/the Western world after my 7 month hiatus in Jakarta on internship.

I need to tell you, World, that stepping out of the subway at Pont Marie while the morning sun was getting up for work and shining on the white, gray stones of old buildings and causing a sparkle on the Seine almost brought tears to my eyes as I returned from the airport. It doesn't end there. To see all these handsome people bundled in coats and men in scarves (yum!) bustling about in the streets in the crisp spring air was a literal breath of fresh air that I had not felt after living cooped up in the air conditioned bubble/ fried men's urinal smell that is Jakarta. People were walking around..for pleasure! We were able to kick it... outside on the STREETS. So weird. So epic. Unless you live in an Asian city, it may be hard to fully grasp the novelty I felt.

Can you imagine your heart being overtaken in utter joy? I had a happiness tsunami from the visual splendour that greeted my starved eyes. Not to make my other senses jealous or anything, I rounded off this intake with buying a fresh Pain au Chocolat at the boulangerie on our street corner and got my mouth to stop grinning for a couple seconds as I chewed on some warm, buttery heaven. I know Parisians are meant to be assholes, but when I told him this was the first pain au chocolat I was having in 7 months he was so pleasant! Either that or his expression was just a squint from my annoying showcase of happy pearly whites at 9 am. Whateves, it felt good to be back!

Anyways, here's how I spent my first day. Look at me casually eating this Berthillion Coconut icecream and totally not posing. On Ile Saint Louis in Paris 4th arrondissement, this icecream is a specialty here and mega delish. Oh, you noticed the two fingered ring? What a coincidence, I got that in Bangkok's Chatuchak Weekend Market (see posting). 50 baht (less than 3 USD).

The Chinese brother from another mother pretending like he was going to jump off the ledge of the bridge with his board. Apparently there were "too many people looking."

First sunny and warm day in Paris (note Camille's bare chest, wtf right?), we all feel lucky as hell not to be stuck in an office (ahem, Paul). I bought the two hats for 200 baht a piece (7ish USD). I feel like I'm in A Clockwork Orange minus the violence with them on, so wicked. The gray one is for my little trendster brother. Hope he likes it!

Beers along the Seine is a must when the weather is nice. Just the occasion to sit outside was rock n' roll. In Jakarta outside spaces are few and far between. The river is filled with sludge and pollution and probably sewage. Really, people who live in the Western world, don't take your cities for granted!

More casual staring into the distance.
Cut off American flag jean shorts vintage: 150 Baht (5 USD)
White blouse: 100 Baht (3ish USD)
Slouchy blazer thing (so comfortable and key to the wardrobe): too much money to say..but like 30 USD.

Beautiful bird tanktop by indie designer, Panthai Style, in Bangkok: 100 Baht (3ish USD). *Sigh, it's like art on a shirt!

TIP: For the best areas of shopping in Chatuchak Market go to sections 4 for indie designers (but a bit more pricey) and Section 5 for vintage.

Later on we hung out au Gymnase (the name of our friends' apartment) had a taco night with friends and finished it off watching Get him to the Greek. Jeez was I touched by that movie. So funny slash I love R Brand! (For the record, Camille made the jump.)

Anyhoo, tonight is a new adventure. Paris is just filled with things to do, it's almost hard to choose. For example. Crookers is playing at Social Club, Tiger Sushi DJ set, some other stuff and BEST OF ALL: We got free tickets to Dan Deacon. Weeeeeo!

(Apologies for all the mega long sentences and probably buttload of typos. I'm running late for dinner!!)

For more on Paris..
My First Week in France VIDEO

Where we find the cool events: Indie Guide to Clubbing in Paris

Cultural Differences

2011-04-06T19:56:00.008+02:00

Asia versus Europe

Free condoms distributed in Indonesia courtesy of the UN versus Durex condoms in France. I tried to give Camille a condom (he's finally getting laid) that I had gotten for free. He opened it up and laughed at its inutility (not that he's some sort of big shot or anything).

Having known western men who have used the local condoms, it is indeed possible to fit but they said it was hella uncomfortable and had to keep readjusting so it didn't fall off.

True story: One super motivated fellow without options actually ended up losing it..inside and had to go fishing (pun intended). So boys and girls, don't settle for free local condoms if you can avoid it. As you can see from this visual aid, the difference is hard to deny! Oh and of course it's the motion of the ocean that counts, just make sure you find what fits you best, World! Good luck and let the fun times roll!

Ps. I'm back in Paris (as you can see, I'm reunited with my brother from another mother) and I've never been happier. More to come on our first day together!

New! Check out this map on Penis sizes (thanks Marcel)! http://www.disinfo.com/2011/03/world-penis-size-map/

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Real International Relations: Hooking up around the world

Indie Guide Thailand: Where Interns Live in Bangkok for Cheap

2011-03-22T06:04:00.002+01:00

Cheap Accommodation for Intern Living in Bangkok

(Like the dress? Bangkok shopping is one of the best, after HK of course)

I saw that someone google searched "where do UN interns live in Bangkok" and found my blog. Apologies for the utter waste of time that google hit put you on. I have never written about where I lived in Bangkok as an intern with the IOM (not UN btw) but I will make it up to you because I do indeed have theeeee most ultimate gem in the world for Bangkok living on the cheap.

Sathorn Saint View:
201/1 Sathorn Soi 17 Sathorn
Bangkok 10120
Phone: 66 2 675 8921 - 27
Fax: 66 2 212 1231
Email: sathornsaintview@yahoo.com

This place was a thriving cesspool of interns. I made all my friends there and we had the craziest times in Bangkok. We had the same lifestyle, lived together and really I don't know if I would've had the same experience if I hadn't stayed there.

The cheapest room available is for 6000 Baht/month and you pay for electricity and internet on top of that. It comes with a mini fridge, hot water, a large bed, fresh towels and sheets. There is no kitchen and it's considered a serviced apartment. For short term intern living it is perfect. Everything is clean and new and the best part is that there is a pool on the roof! Also a crap ass gym. It was a 20 minute walk away from where I worked on Silom Road and you can access the Sky train within 5 minutes too. It is very central and I think the best you can find in that area.

Bad parts about it: the management can be complete wankers. You are not allowed to have guests on the roof unless you ask for permission before hand. I asked them to use the microwave and they tried to charge for that. It's just small things like their pettiness that make it sort of annoying but if you were on a 5 USD/day stipend like I was than you learn to swallow your temper..

Hope this was helpful! I write this as I sit in a restaurant in Koh Phangan trying to freelance edit to make money while I job hunt!! I am hopefully interviewing for a UN consulting position in Bangkok next week. Wish me luck!!

More on Bangkok..

Indie Guide: Nightlife and Tips for Getting in for Free

Indie Guide Shopping Bangkok: Best Markets

Indie Guide Thailand: Cheap Accommodation in Koh Phangan

2011-03-20T11:51:00.000+01:00

Haad Rin Beach Resort: Some of the cheapest accommodation you'll find in the main area

This is one of the best hidden gems of Haad Rin Beach and I believe the cheapest bungalows you can find in the main Full Moon Party beach area. I've stayed there twice now, and I'm not going to lie, it's kind of the projects but you know when you're backpacking, stacked with student loans and earning a local salary at your internship, it's the best bang for your buck so you get over it.

It's located on the hill and you have one of the most glorious views of the island. Waking up mid afternoon after partying till 9 am and seeing the blue ocean at you're feet will cure your hangover instantly (okay, that's a lie. Only Pad Thai + coconut shakes can do that duh). It's very basic inside with a large bed (can definitely fit three people on it) or 2 single beds, and a cold water shower.

Each bungaglow is sort of unique, it's hit or miss with the quality. For instance, the one I'm staying in right now is extremely clean and large with a great view. Downside? We can't use our toilet. No biggie. Our friends next to us have a functioning toilet but crappy view and yesterday morning 2 cats fell through the roof and almost died etc. But besides these minor details and if you're not scared of the occasional grotesque hairy spider it really isn't that bad. I know I haven't talked this place up very well but really, you spend most of your days and nights outside, it doesn't matter where you stay. Save your money for buckets. I actually love the simplicity and beauty of the place. It feels like a tree house!

There is no booking in advance and the place usually fills up 3 days before the Full Moon Party. Because it's so well hidden though it's one of the last places to fill it up. I'm probably screwing myself over by blogging about this but as always, it's my duty to share the secrets of cheap travel being thee ultimate Johnny Cheapo myself. Anyhoo, party mammals, have the best time ever while in Koh Phangan.

Haad Rin Beach Resort
Price: 300 Baht/night
Directions: Tell the taxi Neptune Villa. It is just past that and it's on the same street as the legendary Same Same Burger. 10 minute walk from Full Moon Party beach
No Booking in Advance.

More on the Full Moon Party

The Party that doesn't End: Video

Full Moon Party Moments

Getting there from Malaysia

Music: La Vie Moderne

By Logo off of Kitsune label, sexy electro

Download: La Vie Moderne- Logo

Full Moon Party: The Video

2011-03-18T06:19:00.000+01:00

Koh Phangan: The Party with no End

I'm sitting in a restaurant in Koh Phangan right now watching BBC news (should I be surprised that Germany abstained in the UN action against Gaddafi?). It's noon and I haven't yet gone to sleep. I know The Beach kind of ruined the appeal of this place for many (I definitely was deterred) but honestly, I love this island now. Everyone has so much energy all the time, it's truly unparalleled around the world.

Here's a peak at what this cussin' crazy night, famous around the world for its debauchery looks like. In four words: IT DID NOT END. I kept trying to go home and found myself in a million after parties. The sun got hot, it became that late in the day. Can't wait for tomorrow night. Wonder if it will be as mental! If you are in Thailand and love partying I seriously hope you consider trying it out.

How to Get an Internship with the UN + 2 Internship Offers

2011-03-08T05:05:00.002+01:00

Getting an Internship Abroad and With the UN

Hey, so one of the main questions eager new graduates (especially in my field, international relations) ask is how can one score a ballin' internship with the UN. I'm writing this because well, I've seen in the NY Times that kids are PAYING agents to find unpaid internships (read article, here). As a povo graduate with student loans past my face I say eff that noize.

Anyways, I've seen several ways and I know what worked for me so I'm going to share it with you and uh.. I'm also going to post 2 offers for internships. I'm posting it here because if you are reading this blog, chances are you an intelligent student or young adult with a love of life and gets thrills from discovery of other cultures. You are also into social media to some extent which is important for one of the internships.

I mean, I know doing an unpaid internship is the opposite of helping you pay off school loans and stuff, but seriously besides an exchange, it's one of the best things you can do for your career, life experience, social life and assuaging your affinity for adventure.

The day we all wore stripes to office by accident. Obviously needed a picture. #workinghard

I'll keep it short because I'm kind of at my UN internship now (last week, ahh what next, omg, but seriously, what next etc.).

1. Email every country office you can. This is what my fellow intern colleagues did and they got several responses. It's easy, you go on the website of the UN agency and the country you're interested in, find the email address and tell them you are interested in internship opportunities. Trust me, these UN agencies are dying for your brain. Someone will reply.

2. Email specific people. This is what I recommended to my school mates to do and it worked. They went to the country specific office 's website of the agency they liked, then found the project that interested them most. Most UN websites have this information about projects displayed (I think) and then you can find the name of the person who is the CTA (Chief technical adviser) of the project. With your honed research skills you'll be able to dig up their email. When you've done that, impress the pants off of them saying you are interested in their project and that you have done work in their field before, or have written papers, volunteered etc. It's your chance to show your specific knowledge and puts you directly in contact with the person who has the power to take you on.

3. Network, network, network! Take business cards like mad and email them up when you are looking for an internship. I was with the IOM in Bangkok last summer and just by chance I met the director from the office I'm at now at a conference. I emailed him after I graduated and he put me in contact with the CTA of the project I'm with now. So voila, there's the story of how I ended up in Jakarta. I love business cards and you should too. Attend conferences at your university or put on in your city and go talk to the guest speakers, people attending etc. after.

4. Word of mouth. Hanging around UN people in positions of power, you'll find out how many opportunities there are and they'll be completely useless because you are already being exploited at your current internship. If I hadn't sworn off this current thing as my last internship EVER I would be mega interested in another one. Anyways, I'm making that whole word of mouth thing accessible to you. Check out below for the offers. Good luck and please let me know how it goes! I hope I've done my duty of inputting into the eternal circle of internship.

Also, please pass on to your ambitious, smart friends!

Offers for Internship
ps. In a nutshell, they want native English speakers and starting very very soon.

Position: Communications and Outreach Intern

Duration: no less than six weeks and no more than six months

Dates: As soon as possible

Salary: Unpaid

Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Supervisor: UNV/UNDP Programme Officer

Background

UNDP Office has organised internship programme to provide a framework by which students from diverse academic backgrounds may be assigned to UNDP offices, where their educational experience can be enhanced through practical work assignments as well providing an opportunity to make substantive contributions to an office’s work. The current internship will provide opportunity for student to learn and gain practical experience in the field of communication and outreach.

Tasks

· Researching and writing communication material

· Assisting in developing partnerships with mass media to generate and maintain public interest and advocate for further promotion of volunteerism

· Assisting in planning and updating content for UNV Indonesia social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter

· Supporting the UNV COT with events and campaigns

· Maintaining and updating UNV website

· Gathering information for journalists

· Other tasks assigned

Outputs

· Effective support to UNV programme in increasing visibility of volunteerism contribution towards peace and development tin Indonesia

· Effective support in developing and maintaining partnership with media

Qualifications

· Enrolment in a graduate-level degree programme in business administration, or other related field. Not have graduated prior to the beginning of the internship.

· Strong communication skills, especially writing skills

· Fluency in English. Knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia considered to be an advantage

· Ability to gather information quickly, and prepare in various written formats

· Experience working in with media

· Computer literate in standard software applications

· Demonstrated keen interest in the work of the UN, and of UNV and UNDP in particular, and have a personal commitment to UNDP's Statement of Purpose and to the ideals of the UN Charter

· Demonstrated the ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. Strong interpersonal skills

· An interest in global mobility; adaptability to varied physical and other environments; a desire to work with and gain the confidence and respect of people with different language, national and cultural backgrounds.

Financial Issues

Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP.

All costs connected with an intern's participation in the Programme must be borne by:

a) the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students;

b) the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his/her own arrangements for travel (including to and from the office), visas, accommodation, etc.

Application procedure

Interested applicants are advised to follow application instructions as detailed on http://www.undp.or.id/internships/.

Position: Research and Policy Analysis Intern

Duration: no less than six weeks and no more than six months

Dates: As soon as possible

Salary: Unpaid

Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Supervisor: UNV/UNDP Programme Officer

Background

Tasks

· Conduct background research on state of volunteerism in Indonesia

· Assist in conducting background research on volunteerism-related policy framework in Indonesia

· Compile research findings and drafting reports
Conduct research and propos feasible concepts for diversification of volunteer modalities (e.g. corporate volunteerism, online volunteering) and development of new joint initiatives with academia, private sector, civil society etc

· Other tasks assigned

Outputs

· Effective support to UNV programme in its policy and research-related efforts.

· Effective support in developing new joint projects

Qualifications

· Enrolment in a graduate-level degree programme in business administration, or other related field. Not have graduated prior to the beginning of the internship.

· Strong communication skills, especially writing skills

· Fluency in English. Knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia considered to be an advantage

· Ability to gather information quickly, and prepare in various written formats

· Strong experience in conducting background research

· Computer literate in standard software applications

· Demonstrated keen interest in the work of the UN, and of UNV and UNDP in particular, and have a personal commitment to UNDP's Statement of Purpose and to the ideals of the UN Charter

Financial Issues

Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP.

All costs connected with an intern's participation in the Programme must be borne by:

a) the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students;

b) the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his/her own arrangements for travel (including to and from the office), visas, accommodation, etc.

Application procedure

Interested applicants are advised to follow application instructions as detailed on http://www.undp.or.id/internships/.

Intern Music

The interns and I found ourselves singing this song constantly as we walked down Rat Alley, ate on the dirty streets, and had to talk our way into expensive clubs. But we knew it was all worth it and that one day we'd be.. Dedicated to J, A, C-bro, Clara, Saki, Hani.

If you find yourself interning in Jakarta, (congrats) check out also..

Travel Junkie Graduate Finally Settles Down

Vintage Shopping: Best in Jakarta

Indie Guide to Partying: Blackout Parties

Getting to the Full Moon Party from Malaysia

2011-02-23T12:00:00.000+01:00

Taking the Train or Bus to the Full Moon Party from Kuala Lumpur
Don't get scammed

Originally dedicated to my colleague and friend Anna, who was supposed to meet me in Koh Phangan for the FMP from Kuala Lumpur, but instead decided to go and get HIRED after her internship with the UN. What a slew. Anyways, profit bien, the rest of the world.

Ferry ride to the island with the crew I met on the train from Malaysia. We became friends and had the most insane time

Getting there from Kuala Lumpur
Train → Bus → Ferry
Kuala Lumpur → Hat Yai→ Port→ KOH PHANGAN

Info on the internet on getting from Malaysia to Full Moon Party sucked raw clams. So here is the indie guide to doing it. There were a couple alternatives but I was looking for the cheapest and fastest (priority on the cheap though). Remember, they expect dumbo tourists with lots of beer money and they (local scam artists) are a tough lot, be smart. Here’s how.

I. Train from Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai
I couldn’t find a direct way to the port. A bus would have been ideal and probably cheapest but it was just super hard to find. The train was more comfortable anyway.

Departs: 21:15
Arrives: 10:00
Cost:
Lower bunk: 54 Ringgit (540 Baht)
Upper Bunk: 48 Ringgit (480 Baht)

II. Bus from Hat Yai-Port
Bus + Ferry Ticket: 800 Baht

Notes:
This was the most stressful part of the trip. We were woken up mega early on the train to be bombarded with ambitious Thai boys trying to get our business. They sort of grabbed our backpacks and were shouting “Bus to ferry! Bus to ferry, come on, come on!” Still in a daze, you will have no idea what the hanus is going on, but it sounds about right so you may follow them. My advice is DON’T. They will rip you off, as they did to us.

Take a second to get a hold of the situation and yourself. You have two options at this point. Wait for the next train to Surathani train station and then get to the port, or like me, take a bus to the port (it’s faster).

If you want to take the bus, go to the bus station. Don’t let them take you to their private tour company. You will have no options. They made us pay for the TukTuk as well to their own agency as well as to the bus, those damn piranhas and then tried to make us pay 1200 baht for the bus+ferry ticket which we had to fight down to 800 THB. Others did not pay for the tuk tuk (they wanted 20 baht each person) and paid less for the same ticket.

In summary:
- Negotiate your own tuk tuk directly to bus station. Don’t pay more than 50 Baht (it’s close).
- If you get sucked into a tour agency, don’t pay more than 800 baht for the bus+ ferry ticket. And don’t pay for the tuk tuk. Negotiate not paying before hand!

Once you are on the bus, it is smooth sailing from there. No more scams and you will arrive at Koh Phangan in the late evening. For lodging, people will try to get you to stay at their hotels, I suggest paying to 100 Baht taxi ride to Had Rin Beach (full moon party area) and getting a cheap place around there yourself. More about that in the Lodging section.

Getting from Koh Phagnan to Kuala Lumpur
Ferry+bus ticket = 1300 Baht (includes everything)

Schedule: 6:00-4:30 am
20:30- 22:20

Train Option
1500 Baht

Notes
Being hard core as I am, I decided to do the 6 am thing and just stay up all night partying… I mean I had been doing it every night anyway, what was one more night? I checked out of my place and tried to rock out. Turns out my body was over that whole party-for-10 days-straight thing and decided to put me out of the game. I got sick and ended up squatting in a friend’s place from 5 am-6am. Then embarked on the roughest trip ever. If you have the funds to take the train, then do it. I had to take the bus.

The “mini van” was crowded and uncomfortable. It stopped ALL THE TIME and you had to keep transferring buses. For my angry body that hadn’t slept a decent night in a while it was NOT ideal to be woken up every couple hours. She punished me further and I fell more ill.

SCAM ALERT: While crossing the Thai-Malaysian border the bus guys tried to make us pay some border tax. They had some bullshit laminated piece of paper all prepared and everything saying that when you arrive in the evening you have to pay an extra 10 baht. I, not sure whether it was a scam or not, said I would rather pay the border guy directly. Did the border dudes ever ask me? Nope. I arrived to the other side just fine. Beware party dawgs.

Keep your internet feelers on alert, more on the parties to rock out at that AREN’T on the beach (hidden jungle raves). Ps. World, I JUST BOOKED MY FLIGHT FOR MARCH. I am going again to the insanity. I paid 300k IDR (40 USD) for a one way flight to Phuket from Jakarta and I’m going to be traveling around from March 13th till April 6th. Hit me up, homies if you’re around and we’ll party hardy!!

5 Unexpected Things Australia has Given the/my World

2011-02-21T12:39:00.003+01:00

Why Australia Doesn't Suck Completely

I don't know why, but since my hater-licious post on Kuta Bali and scummy Australians, a bunch of things keep popping up that have (grudgingly) given me small nuggets of appreciation for the Land Down Under. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I've just moved in with one in Jakarta. Anyhoo, here are some things that have impressed the pants off me.

1. Tim Tams: so cheap and scrumptious. They have revolutionized snacking for me and have pushed out my love of local goods in Indonesia.. (yup, peace out Beng Beng). Ps. Do they sell this in Canada?

2. Machine Gun Fellatio: sexy music, funky jazzy beats, crazy lyrics. wow. How has it taken me this long to have heard of them?

3. Summer Heights High: Mr. G's room is a special place for me.

"Because he's a ranga, sir!" Ha, I need to watch this all again.

4. Hugh Jackman. The poor guy's reaction on MTV Punk'd after he thinks he's blown up a house because of a "barbie" malfunction, is priceless. He is the first Aussie I've developed a crush on.

5. Steve Bradbury: The luckiest gold medal in history? Man, I wish I could pull a Bradbury sometimes, this guy makes me happy in his sheer dumb luck. Also, the only way an Aussie can win in the Winter Olympics! Hey, take what you can.

Not going to lie, I actually struggled to find five, but at least I have hope restored of what goodness this continent has. If you have some suggies let the rest of the world know, whether you're aussie or not.

Lates.

(Ps. Home dogs, take this blog and its postings with a grain of salt yea? It's just for a laughs and obviously does not reflect real world views. People have been getting mega sensitive and swearing in comments and stuff. Let's keep it civil and hold hands and think of rainbows.)

More Aussie Stuff..

Aussies Aren't All Bad- The Video