On the first day of this summer break, I had made an oath to myself, with pages of plans and bucket lists as proof, to make the most of this summer by doing at least one eventful thing every week so that I can look back to see it filled with colour.

Last week, my friend and I trekked all the way across another city to get our CPR-C certification and on the way, we got to see a sunset of splendour, a spectacular backdrop to our tasty Popeyes chicken tender feast in a notoriously turbulent neighbourhood (though not so much anymore).

This week, I convinced her to visit the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery in Toronto by the Toronto harbourfront to see the Kapwani Kiwanga exhibit before it leaves by this Sunday. Nothing screams out for my attention more than electric lights and pastel colours do, so not seeing this exhibit would have been out of the question.

Kapwani's minimalist exhibit turned out to be one of the many highlights of this visit. One of my other favourites was the Museu do homem do nordeste by Jonathas de Andrade (the hanging canvases of working-class Brazilian men) and the indigenous artwork collection from Maria Hupfield.

Each exhibit was a feast for the senses, at times giving an ASMR sensation when watching the videos and audio that accompanied the artworks.

After May 14, there will be a new collection of exhibits that are sure to keep up my expectations. Considering this art gallery is free admission, a visit here when visiting Toronto would definitely be worthwhile.

I can't be the only one reminded of Hotline Bling here...right??

8 months have gone by and just like that, my first year in university is now over.  This year was filled with many moments of self-reflection, self-discovery and personal growth (and a lot more of wholesome instant ramen than I'd like to admit).

Living on your own is the perfect time to allow yourself to go out and sight-see, not having to report back to your parents about everything you do, and just learning to see who you are on your own. Luckily for me, I always craved independence, so the transition wasn't very rough in terms learning to self care, chores and maintaining household necessities.

The most overwhelming phase was the first week of classes, when the syllabuses for each class was given. Getting a bigger picture of all the course loads in such a short period of time lead to a week of self-doubt and crippling stress.

By the end of the year, university is all about balancing time for your studies, while taking care of yourself and letting yourself have some fun with friends (a process I'm still learning).

As someone wise once said, "Party as much as you can. Study more than you party. Sleep more than you study."

[all photos shot on Samsung s6]

Roommate's cooking

Another of roommate's cooking.