As you read this title, you might be thinking; What? A world exists beyond U of T? I know, shocking! Seriously though, with engaging classes and university events, sometimes it can feel like we’re all in a campus bubble. While…
Frosh 101
Frosh week was one of the most memorable moments of my entire university career. It was a time of pure excitement, laughter, anxiety, and joy. There was no school work or stress, just simple excitement. As a froshie, you are…
Summer is Here!
If you have been down Augusta Ave. recently, you may have come across a flashy marquée that reads “Wrestlers” and wondered, “Hmm…what is that?”. No, it is not an underground fight club I assure you!
Lions and Rhinos and Bears… Oh my!
It seems like spring is finally springing! Sure, there’s been a lot of rain, but we’ve also had a few beautiful, sunny days. Last weekend, I took advantage of the balmy 12-degree temperatures and went on a day trip. What better place to fill yourself with the joys of spring than at the beautiful Toronto Zoo?
It’s actually pretty simple to get there on the TTC; just take the Bloor-Danforth subway line all the way East to Kennedy Station and then transfer onto the East 86A Scarborough, which will drop you off right at the front entrance. The trip usually takes just under an hour and a half, but it’s worth it to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city.
General admission is $23, but if you’re going to be around Toronto for the next year, I’d recommend getting a student membership for $60. The zoo is open every day of the year, except for Christmas Day, but I think it’s especially nice at this time of year because it tends to be less busy and the warm-but-not-hot weather is perfect for wandering and exploring.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes the urban jungle gets a bit overwhelming for me. The zoo is a great place to get some fresh air, take in some sights, and learn something new! It’s the largest zoo in Canada, covering 287 hectares, and it is home to over 5000 animals. There’s always something going on and there are a ton of conservation initiatives to get involved with too!
Of course, there’s another draw this springtime. You may have heard by now that the Toronto Zoo recently welcomed two not-so-giant-yet panda cubs! Their names are Jia Panpan (Canadian Hope) and Jia Yueyue, (Canadian Joy). These two fuzzy little stars already have friends in high places.
Well, those three are not the only majestic bundles of joy who have been hanging around the zoo lately.
“Little Victories” and Where To Find Them
You’ll never guess what I got to do last weekend. I took a stunt fighting seminar! We have a Jiu Jitsu regional event every few months and last Saturday’s regional welcomed Lori O’Connell from British Columbia.
Lori O’Connell is a 5th degree black belt in Can Ryu Jiu Jitsu and a professional stuntwoman! Move over Ronda Rousey (former UFC champion), I’ve found a more suitable role model.
It was AWESOME. Best decision I’ve made recently. We practiced different aspects of stunt fighting and then choreographed short stunt scenes and filmed them. I picked up a signed copy of her book When the Fight Goes to the Ground: Jiu-Jitsu Strategies and Tactics for Self-Defense afterward, which I’m super happy about.
Trying new things has been bringing me a lot of pleasure lately. I think it’s largely due to what I’ve coined as “little victories.”
A Walk In The Parkette
Moving from a smaller city to a bigger one, I’ve expected many changes in my new environment: more people, more city events, more culture, etc. However, what took me by surprise about living in the big city of Toronto is…
I think I’ve Got the Travel Bug…
U of T’s Centre for International Experience is quite a gem. Located in Cumberland House, it’s a bastion of activities, adventures and travels from far-flung places in the world. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Marco Adamovic, who…
Excuses in September…Tae Kwon Do in October
After a whirlwind summer of backpacking through Europe, sleeping on overnight trains, and pushing my body past its limits on grueling bike rides in the Italian Alps, I arrived at U of T slightly dreading the school year. I cringed…
The best quiet spots on campus – Part 1
Have you ever walked around campus with all its bustling and hustling, and wondered where on St. George can you find a quiet spot to study, relax, or eat? I wondered too, and I polled the students who were interviewed…