Toronto, Canada
I first met Kaori in Montreal, we were both working an internship at the Canadian Space Agency and both had horrible bosses. We took solace in giggling over terrible stories of my boss Elvira who screamed my name from her office out into a sea of cubicles, fortunately the cubicles were two inches taller than me so as soon as I heard the screeching I started to sneak away in the opposite direction.
Even though we were both from Nova Scotia we quickly lost touch until we discovered, through the magic of Facebook, that we were both in Toronto. We renewed the friendship and started working as a writer/photographer team for food events for Torontoist where we were able to attend so many events I couldn’t have afforded on my own.
Some of my best food memories are with Kaori.
Before I left for Mexico Kaori took me out to a fantastic French restaurant for one of my favourite dishes – steak tartare. No restaurant does it better than Le Sélect Bistro.
So when I arrived back in Toronto I was eager to meet up with her. Of course she knew the amazing place for brunch and promised that if we went early enough Beast Restaurant would probably have some of its maple bacon donuts still warm.
But what struck me the most that day was her positivity. Usually when you catch up with people they tell you everything that is wrong with their life. But on this cold Sunday morning Kaori told me how great her life was, not bragging but encouraging. I left brunch feeling so upbeat, her enthusiasm for life had left me walking away with a smile.
I want to be like that.
And while coming home has had highs and lows, it seems every time I feel a low she pops up. Earlier this week I was sick and had to miss out on a fantastic event with Well Preserved, and she showed up at my door with bacon jam and stayed to talk.
By the time she left I didn’t feel sick at all.
I'm Ayngelina and in my mid-thirties. I left an amazing job, boyfriend, apartment and friends to find inspiration in Latin America. I'm creating a new life choosing what I want instead of what other people think I should do.
Oo, bacon jam. My girlfriend made me bacon jam for my birthday last week, prior to which I had never heard of it. Is is a normal food stuff over in Canada? Cos it’s bloody awesome!
This is the kind we scarfed together. http://skilletcanadaonlinestore.bigcartel.com/product/skillet-original-flavor-bacon-spread
It’s not common at all! In Toronto, it’s only available here: http://www.allthebestfinefoods.com/
Ayngelina and I covered their opening for Torontoist: http://torontoist.com/2009/06/small_boxes_at_summerhill/
Ayngelina!!! You crazy girl! I’m so happy to have my food, and now yoga, partner on crime back! You’re the BEST!
Great post. Sounds like your visit home is doing you some good too!
Nicole (colehaber.com) recently posted..i think i remember that film
Sounds like a brilliant friend to have–who wouldn’t love someone who shows up on the doorstep with bacon jam?!
Christine recently posted..Stretch into a sun salutation in Indonesia
lovely story.. so wonderful to be a sunshine Light.. thanks for the inspiration*!
It’s really great when you meet people that positive and specially if you connect with them. Even more so if they become such great friends. This was very inspiring
I love friends like this!
And people with upbeat, positive attitudes. They remind you that there’s a good side, too, no matter how much of a rut you’re in. Here’s to wonderful amigas!!
Michi recently posted..Cookie Lasagna (or, Slutty Brownies).
Anyone who brings you bacon jam when you’re sick is a friend for life.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Journey to the End of the World (aka That Time I Thought I Might Die in the Wilderness)
These are the friends to treasure. They are the people that make life worth living, really. Yes, it’s true… you ARE a lucky gril.
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Everyone, I wrote this post when Ayngelina was about to leave: http://icantbelieveimbackintoronto.blogspot.com/2010/03/ill-miss-you-ayngelina.html
I’m so happy she’s back!
bacon jam? hmmm…it is so great to have someone as rare and beautiful as bacon jam in one’s life
Paola recently posted..“When in Doubt Make a Fool of Yourself.”
Bacon Jam – yum. Also, you are enthusiastic & bring a smile to us
Love your blog.
I love catching up in a positive way! Part of the hard part of going home is seeing people who haven’t changed or improved AT ALL since I left. it’s so nice to see people who are doing great and are happy.
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Kaori sounds wonderful. Friends like that are a true gift and I love that you wrote this post about her
BTW have you ever tried a bacon and banana sandwich? So good!
Hannah recently posted..Impatience, positivity and planning
I’m sorry but I’m fixated on all three of the cocktails in that photo. I would like all of them right now, please!
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Those cocktails were at susur lee’s Madeleines in Toronto, which has been replaced by something else he is doing.
We were there working on this: http://torontoist.com/2009/04/shang_to_shang_in_36_hours/
Cute! I love that you guys have this rekindled friendship. Can we have a massage chair party soon?! Pretty please?!
Friends like that are amazing.
Makes me so happy. You especially need people like this around you for when you’ve arrived home.
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