Lesson learned. Need more days in Disney!!! Aug 2010 (NEW 1/20-COMPLETE)

[MAGICFOR2]

Great Biodome visit! I love the puffins! You got alot of shots and your commentary was HI-larious! Love it. That was so funny the tour director tried to "adopt you!" Maybe you should have joined them - could have got a free lunch or something! Aren't Canadian pennies are alot smaller than the American ones? Maybe they wouldn't fit in the slots the same, probably. Or maybe they are stronger and don't smash?

 

[jenbear123]

Seagulls? In a Biodome? Really???? They must be the happiest seagulls in the world. I never knew about this place. Next time I go to Montreal I am definitely go there. I love animals and any sort of Natural history type place I can get my hands on. Great update Yuki! The outside pictures remind me of just how cold it used to be. Glad it`s warmed up since then.

 

[YukiPhnx]

Great Montreal Update !!The whole place looks fascinating !!!!

Thanks Rosie! Yeah, this place was REALLY cool to explore! Too bad it was so small though.

Great Biodome visit! I love the puffins! You got alot of shots and your commentary was HI-larious! Love it. That was so funny the tour director tried to "adopt you!" Maybe you should have joined them - could have got a free lunch or something! Aren't Canadian pennies are alot smaller than the American ones? Maybe they wouldn't fit in the slots the same, probably. Or maybe they are stronger and don't smash?

The puffins are ADORABLE! Haha, I'm so glad you like the way I told my story. I loved that we were able to capture those "candid" shots of the animals.

Yeah, maybe we SHOULD'VE gone along with them, haha! Looks like they were given this booklet too...maybe it was a free guide book?hm...

Canadian pennies are about the same size as American ones. I know because sometimes I get some American pennies and spend them without realizing they're not Canadian. Now I wonder if it has anything to do with their aversion of squishing The Queen's face...

Seagulls? In a Biodome? Really???? They must be the happiest seagulls in the world. I never knew about this place. Next time I go to Montreal I am definitely go there. I love animals and any sort of Natural history type place I can get my hands on. Great update Yuki! The outside pictures remind me of just how cold it used to be. Glad it`s warmed up since then.

Yeaaah, they must be!! No more fighting and scrounging for food like they do around the lake here. I'm surprised you didn't know about this place. It's like...one of the landmarks of Montreal.

You'll definitely love it here. It's not that big of a place, so if you go when it's not too busy, definitely take your time to look at EVERYTHING because there is so much.

Oh my gosh yeah....I'm surprised it's so nice today!

 

[Kellybelly777]

The biodome is amazing! Sounds like an awesome experiance!

 

[YukiPhnx]

The biodome is amazing! Sounds like an awesome experiance!

Yeah, it was really cool!

Wow, you're going back to Disney so soon! I'm so jealous!

 

[YukiPhnx]

Anime North 2011

Hey everyone! Long time no see! I'll have to admit that I haven't been online much because the weather outside is FINALLY getting nicer! Summer has finally arrived in Toronto! So I've been spending most days outside, just enjoying the nice weather.

This past weekend was the annual Anime convention held in May in Toronto. It's the largest anime convention in Canada and 4th/5th largest anime convention in North America! The ranking fluctuates with a convention held in the US (can't remember which, but it's definitely not Otacon).

I've been attending this convention every year since...2003. It was just a small convention then, held in a small hotel close to the airport and had a modest number of dealers, artists, and guests (but the guests were MUCH cooler back then...geez, I'm getting old). Now, it has grown SO big and takes place in the HUGE Toronto Congress Centre, the Doubletree hotel across from it, and the Sheraton hotel down the street. One convention, 3 buildings.

For those of you that have read my PTR, you'll know that I'm a cosplayer and love to make costumes and dress up as characters and frolic around. For this year's Anime North, I had designed and made a human-version of Minnie-and-Mickey-at-a-dinner-party for Andrew and I to wear to the convention. I swear, every chance I get to wear my ears from WDW, I'll take it.

We had planned to go for the whole weekend, but Andrew's grandpa passed away just this past week, so he immediately flew back to Taiwan and came back Saturday night. I didn't think I would go to the con at all, so I didn't pack my costume. We decided to check out the con on the last day anyways.

Even though it's an anime convention, a LOT of people dress up in non-anime characters like video game characters or Disney characters! Two years ago, an awesome Maleficent and Aurora cosplayer showed up. This year, there was a little less Disney cosplay, but it was still very fun to see.

So here are some of my photos from the convention.

Did anybody see Suckerpunch? I really enjoyed it. I especially loved their use of music. This Babydoll cosplay was very good.

This my friend from high school and I. We dated briefly and I once gave her a promise ring too. We're still good friends now.

Just to give you an idea of the crowds of people. This only shows you a fraction of how many attended.

This group was really cute.

I LOVED this cosplay. Only because I LOOOVE How to train your dragon. I thought the Astrid cosplay was great.

My little sister's best friend in a kimono she made. In case you were wondering, almost everybody I took a picture of made their own costumes.

Andrew and I were sitting around, waiting for a fashion show to start and I tried to take a picture of us. These are what happened...

1st take.

Eyes half open.

2nd take.

Eyes barely open.

3rd take.

Half open again.

4th take.

Eyes not open at all.

5th take (more of a candid shot)

Again, not open at all!

We gave up at this point. We've concluded that my new camera, Katy, just does not want to take a picture of Andrew with his eyes fully open. Andrew says to tell you guys not to expect much of our next Disney photos if I bring this camera.

I took this one for my little sister because she is a HUUUGE Dr.Who fan.

His sonic screwdriver even made the sound! My sister has 2 of those...

At the fashion show, they had this showcase of Japanese kimonos and the many different kinds. It was my favourite part of the show. It was like...a walking museum exhibit. Very cool and the kimonos were gorgeous.

This is the kimono of a full fledged geisha. The white around her collar is a sign of her maturity in the arts.

This is a maiko, geisha-in-training. She has more hair ornaments than a full geisha and her kimono is 20 cm longer than the average kimono.

The samurai is wearing a full authentic armour.

This is a noble women of the...Heian period? I didn't take any notes. Anyway, the high eyebrows painted on her face shows her high status.

There were many more, but I couldn't find them after the show to take pictures of.

Any Scott pilgrim fans in my readers?

She's wearing the outfit from the Vol5 cover! Yes, I'm that kind of geek.

I thought this was adorable. The puppet was a great touch and the pose is SO CUTE!

They're characters from the Professor Layton games. Highly recommended for any DS-owners out there.

Flynn Rider was at the convention!

Andrew tried to photo bomb it, but his eyes are closed!

We also found a Belle!

I thought this Pokemon trio was very cute.

This is a friend from my anime club at the university.

Her "wig" is made out of duct tape! And so is most of her costume.

I was wondering where Rapunzel was and I found her.

Her frying pan is so cute!

They also had a Snow White with them.

Most of this guy's costume is store bought, but I love the way he put it together.

Of course, I had to get in on this one too!

And that's pretty much all the photos I took. I saw an Esmeralda a couple of times, but never got a chance to take her picture. I also heard the evil queen from Snow White was there, but couldn't find her.

I'm planning on going to a cosplay picnic next month as Mickey and Minnie so you can see our costumes then!

 

[jenbear123]

I adore the geisha outfits. If I had the money to buy the authentic stuff, I'd love to dress up as one for Halloween. I've been watching a lot of Akira Kurosawa movies lately. His movies depict much of the early early history the Japanese. I am in love with samurai and the whole culture. He also does other Japanese dramas as well. His movies have really inspired me to learn more about the Japanese culture.

Looks like a fun convention! Sorry to hear about Andrew's grandfather. Please send my condolences

 

[YukiPhnx]

I adore the geisha outfits. If I had the money to buy the authentic stuff, I'd love to dress up as one for Halloween. I've been watching a lot of Akira Kurosawa movies lately. His movies depict much of the early early history the Japanese. I am in love with samurai and the whole culture. He also does other Japanese dramas as well. His movies have really inspired me to learn more about the Japanese culture.

Looks like a fun convention! Sorry to hear about Andrew's grandfather. Please send my condolences

Oh, I've heard of Akira Kurosawa. I'll have to check out some of his movies.

I ADORED the Geisha kimono. It looked even better when she was walking around in it. The way the fabric flowed and moved was beautiful. It's actually pretty easy to make your own own yukata, so maybe you can check that out? The obi is the hardest part, but you don't need an elaborate one for a yukata.

I'll pass on your condolences to Andrew. I really appreciate that.

I'm glad we were able to have a good time. He was really out of it when he heard about his grampa. They were pretty close.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

The convention looks like a lot of fun, I love all the costumes! The kimono's are so beautiful. I saw a couple girls in full kimono while at WDW and they just looked so graceful and beautiful. I love that while not an everyday part of their culture anymore the kimono is still worn on occasion.


Doing a little trip report pimping. I just started my new report and thought I would let you know.

Feeling Hot Hot Hot! The Rain Curse is Broken! Two Weeks of Fun in the Sun!

 

[englishrose47]

Hi Yuki great update!!The costumes are awesome !!!!

 

[Kellybelly777]

Looks like you had a good time at the convention! We were in Boston about a month ago, and we happened to be at the same place where one was going on! It looks like so much fun!

 

[glennbo123]

Hey, I learned that I'm not overly geeky because there were a lot of characters in there that I didn't recognize. I thought the Peter Pan and Wendy were pretty funny.

 

[YukiPhnx]

The convention looks like a lot of fun, I love all the costumes! The kimono's are so beautiful. I saw a couple girls in full kimono while at WDW and they just looked so graceful and beautiful. I love that while not an everyday part of their culture anymore the kimono is still worn on occasion.

Doing a little trip report pimping. I just started my new report and thought I would let you know.

Feeling Hot Hot Hot! The Rain Curse is Broken! Two Weeks of Fun in the Sun!

Yeah, conventions are always a lot of fun.

Wow, kimonos at Disney? Niice. I love that they wear kimonos for their university graduations. It looks so much nicer than the robes WE wear!

And I'll be at your TR asap!

Hi Yuki great update!!The costumes are awesome !!!!

Thanks Rosie! Yeah, there were some REALLY nice costumes this year.

Looks like you had a good time at the convention! We were in Boston about a month ago, and we happened to be at the same place where one was going on! It looks like so much fun!

Yeah, my favourite part of this convention is bumping into friends I hardly see cause we all go there!

Oh yes, I know about the Boston convention. Yes, conventions are a LOT of fun. I can't wait to go to a D23 convention!

Hey, I learned that I'm not overly geeky because there were a lot of characters in there that I didn't recognize. I thought the Peter Pan and Wendy were pretty funny.

Was there really? Haha, I guess that's a good thing? I'm so geeky, it's hard to escape it...

I assume you mean Peter Pan and Tink, haha. There was no Wendy, but that would've been nice!

 

[glennbo123]

I assume you mean Peter Pan and Tink, haha. There was no Wendy, but that would've been nice!

Oh, you're right. I guess by the time I got to the end of the post, I forgot who was in that picture.

The other thing I was going to mention is all of those pictures of Andrew with his eyes half-open....he looks like he's feeling no pain.

 

[YukiPhnx]

Oh, you're right. I guess by the time I got to the end of the post, I forgot who was in that picture.

The other thing I was going to mention is all of those pictures of Andrew with his eyes half-open....he looks like he's feeling no pain.

Yeah, that happens to me a lot...And I almost always forget what I was planning on commenting on and I end up scrolling up and down to remind myself, which is why they're always all over the place.

Yeah, you're right about Andrew, haha! He's convinced my camera hates him.

 

[jkCT]

Lurker de-lurking here!

Loved the cosplay pictures! My daughter is counting the days until our cosplay convention here in CT...I was so amazed at all of the costumes last year! What amazing creativity and detail! She's already planning her three Hetalia costumes for this year's convention...must wear something different each of the three days, you know.

 

[YukiPhnx]

Lurker de-lurking here!

Loved the cosplay pictures! My daughter is counting the days until our cosplay convention here in CT...I was so amazed at all of the costumes last year! What amazing creativity and detail! She's already planning her three Hetalia costumes for this year's convention...must wear something different each of the three days, you know.

Oh my gosh, hooray for de-lurking!!!!

Yeah...I got into cosplay at 14 and it's addictive!! I'm always blown away at everybody else's skill.

Yes, of COURSE you have to do a different one each day. I used to think 1 was enough for the weekend, but now I always have at least 2 if not 3 costumes planned.

Which of the countries is she going to cosplay? I love Canada of course because I'm Canadian!

ConnectiCon? This is the first I've heard of it, but then I only know of the really big ones. She must be so excited!

 

[eng girl]

You've managed to pull me out of lurking as well. I'm from Montreal and I love your perspective on my city.

Looking forward to more Disney trip report as well.

Just a note about your photos of the biodome. Hedgehodgs are not native to North America. You took a photo of a porcupine in the tree and porcupines mainly live in trees which is why it was in the tree.

 

[YukiPhnx]

You've managed to pull me out of lurking as well. I'm from Montreal and I love your perspective on my city.

Looking forward to more Disney trip report as well.

Just a note about your photos of the biodome. Hedgehodgs are not native to North America. You took a photo of a porcupine in the tree and porcupines mainly live in trees which is why it was in the tree.

Hooray for another de-lurker!! I loved visiting Montreal and can't wait to check it out in the summer time.

Ohhh, they live in trees??? I always get hedgehogs and porcupines mixed up...I also get gophers and badgers mixed up too...

It was a very cute porcupine.

 

[PennyLane1084]

Yuki Great Post! I Geeky Cons are soooo much fun! I wish I had my camera with my when I went to ACEN last week because I saw some REALLY good princess costumes including Tiana, Cinderella, and Bella. The Kimonos were beautiful!!! And the Samurai was really awesome too.

So sorry to hear about Andrew's grandfather send him my condolences.