What a way to start the trip to PDW. After waking up at 5AM to catch the Windsor flight to Toronto, we had a stopover at Regina, Saskatchewan's provincial capital. While in the airport, I was feeling a bit hungry so I ordered a Croisanwich (sp?) -- a combo sandwich / croissant breakfast meal. After all, the two continental breakfasts served to me (one of the flight to Windsor, the other on the flight from Toronto to Saskatoon), wasn't enough! Thanks goes out to G who took this lovely photograph.

This picture was taken before the opening ceremonies, a semi- formal event. Rashna and Dora somehow wanted to be in this photo (at some opportune moment for myself...) The girls behind didn't think I would take this photo. Maybe they were too preoccupied for posing for the camera on the other side of the bed. (The drink in Rashna's hand was spiked-- but I think she already knew that!)

A little bit of everything in this picture. This was before the first night out to the Pat-- a very popular U of S pub in the heart of Saskatoon. Dora's doing her toothy drin, G is always smiles and what about me? Looks like I'm dazed and confused... The Pat? Basically, it was like the Phoenix in Toronto but in the Prairies. Drinks in Saskatoon were cheap! Bottles for $2.50 (every day) and mixed drinks were incredible in price. Guess us Toronto people are used to getting ripped off and so we made the most of the price discount by having more than we usually do!

This is the U of T poster competition team accepting their third place finish. As you can tell, Rashna and Dora are quite disappointed by our result-- we were certain of at least a second place showing. Oops-- guess we were much to cocky to be thinking of that. The teams that beat us did have a concise poster. We had better learn to summarize the important things to place better NEXT year!

Here we are at the hotel restaurant during one of the nights that didn't have provided meals. At this time, Dora, Rashna and myself had already gone to McD's three times in the past 2 days so a change in venue was in order. I had the stir-fry pasta, which was surprisingly good. (What kind of cuisine was I expecting in Saskatoon?) Behind is Leslie, who suffered from a terrible fall in an intramural basketball game a few days previously-- she's a warrior to be hopping around PDW all week.

At the drug fair during Friday morning / afternoon, our dean was signing books. He had written about drug use in school-aged children and how to talk about it. A bunch of us U of T students came to the drug fair early (we didn't go out the night before to the barn), and got the book. I'm sad to say-- all of us look WAY TOO PERKY. A tell-tale sign that we are not the party-animals that we should be. Guess we're getting too old...

A couple of fellas for a few drinks before dinner. Good thing for me my tie is still redder than my face. Andy, however, is starting to get that glazed look on his face. Him and his rye and ginger ale! Mark, the non-Asian in the picture, is not at all enzyme-deprived like the the guys on the left and centre, so he's looking just fine.

Dora in one of her finer moments-- I have to say that the pose is quite salacious. Following the Asian stereotype, one drink and Dora turns redder than a lobster. Not a bad thing-- a very inexpensive date. (Aside: how come Rashna is all smiles? She must be thinking bad thoughts! Perhaps the national counselling champion, Baris, who is in the white shirt must be giving her some good vibes... after all, they're on a bed...)

The people of room 241 pose at the dinner hall. I have to say I was very lucky to room up with two very understanding classmates. I feel very bad for Dora who is a very light sleeper-- my snoring kept her up much of the evening. How did R sleep through it? (Some of my family members can't take it!) Advice to self: lose that gut!

This is a nice picture of the people of Table 17. As you can tell, it was a race to see who could turn reddest the fastest. At this point in time, it's a close one between Andy and myself. By night's end, Andy clearly had taken the championship. Don't forget about Dora-- she turns red at the slightly hint of alcohol. She had an early night. (Matt was not included in the race for he turns white when he drinks. Guess blood rushes somewhere else...)

A picture of Rashna and myself. Can you guess what table we were sitting at? Well, I wonder where Rashna learned to sit-- isn't that bad for your posture? (and your back?) Rashna, do you have any ideas where you got that from??? (Aside: what do you think of the shirt / tie combo that I picked out? I think it's nice...)

Some of the people sitting at our table. From left to right, Andy, Matt, Dora... Rashna. I don't know where Rashna gets her photogeniality-- either bad posture or good smile and closed eyes. (sigh) Well, looks like everyone was all smiles. I have to say it was a pretty good event and conference. U of T did fantastic-- national champs in patient counselling, trivia bowl, third place in compounding and the CHF poster. Even though about 35 of us attended (out of a faculty of over 500), we represented. I'm proud of us all who showed up and partied hard (even though I couldn't keep up with most of them...)

This is a big toast at Table 17. Even G has a water glass to wish everyone a very productive and successful year. It was a great way to end a great week in Saskatoon. Congratulations to the organizers of this year's event-- everything went without a hitch. Quite an accomplishment considering the size of the event. (Hint: ask Baris if he will ever hold his glass with his right hand ever again!)