A Passenger socializing with other passengers

Posted on Categories Joy Gao, Sparkling

I always consider myself a lone ranger. I used to figure things out myself. But in the end, friends inspire my life and make it a lot different. I started to look at the world at a different angle and have to admit that at certain point, socializing makes me feel good. Sometimes it’s worth it to push ourselves.

“Everyone feels happier when they socialize, concluded the researchers – introverts included.”

Especially this year, as my current company is closing down the Montreal office, I have been through so many farewell lunches for so many key personnel,  including my former mentor Albert. That is the worst lunch choice that I have ever made: a Korean fast food at the food court downstairs. Not that the food is bad; instead, the food is great especially the bbq beef. It is just that we should have gone to a more decent place. I remember that day, Anthony was in his suit, he was happy as he was designated as a new CFO. Albert was happy too as he found another opportunity as CFO. I was happy as well as I did not have to bring my lunch that day……..After that lunch, we three fell apart.

The Keg downtown:

I went there a couple of times this year. Bernard, Tayfun’s farewell lunch. Corn soup is a must:

Corn soup

I had Tuna tarcos once; it was pretty good. I will recommend this to Qiuyu:

keg-tarco

I had GRILLED STEAK for the second time: Flat iron steak on greens, tossed with vegetables, bocconcini cheese and pine nuts. Served with an herb vinaigrette. Amazing! I love it-

salad

It is sad that such a great team is falling apart. During lunch, they did not even mention the entire closing thing. They talked about a lot of things, but not that. I have to say: man, they are really good at hiding their feelings. They basically talked about sports, movies, tv shows and even some celebrities….. I also noticed the differences between English speakers and French speakers. I mean the culture.

Another The Keg this year was with my girlfriends:

Girls wear the same bracelets:

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With new earrings; the dinner party actually is for Yang: IMG_1466

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I had steak this time:IMG_1463

Taverne Square Dominion

Fay’s farewell lunch and mine…French Bisto and Scottish Pub together in perfect harmony.

It is full all the time. As soon as you enter it, you feel the energy. The atmosphere and decoration are warm and inviting. People described it as European style..I have no idea but find it comfortable enough.

The waiter is attentive but not annoying. The service is top notch.

But the food.. I tried  mussels with bacon that day. Not so good.  Luckily the Sticky Toffee Pudding and cappuccino afterwards made things right.

At my farewell lunch, we talked about a few interviews that we have been through. One of the “amazing” interview questions that Anthony had was “if you have a magic bell that can take you to any place that you want, where would you like to go?”…..I believe that is a day care owner who was interviewing him…    We also talked about the coming election. It is really true that they don’t want to talk about religion and politics. I pushed them too hard.

mussels

toffee

Le Taj

It is an Indian buffet. I loved the lambs there. But there was none the second time that I went there. I decide that next time, Katerine and I will try another restaurant.

Sushi Crystal

I love the variety of food there.  I am thinking to take Qiuyu there one time.  I was with my girlfriends:

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Ritz carlton montreal afternoon tea

With girlfriends; Wendy’s birthday:

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Cinko

with CiCi and Helen. The food is surprisingly good. Unique, warm and comfortable.

Helen is a seasoned HR talent. A lunch with her is better than sitting in a university class for a semester. After the lunch I made up my mind to take on that challenge. It is such a pity that it did not work out in the end due to my health problem. But I took it as a sign that God is guiding me to take another route.

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Enoteca

With former collegue Karin and Sophie. Like old times:

After dinner, we sat right beside the street, talked and talked about the recent interviews. The Chinese company that I was planning to go and all other things. We talked like old friends who were catching up things… Feels good to have conversations like that.

But no matter where I go, I feel the most comfortable and the happiest when I am with you:

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