Gathering with old friends is always a special occasion, but when it involves a creative twist and delicious food, it becomes an unforgettable experience. Recently, I had the pleasure of reuniting with some of my civil engineering friends where we indulged in the art of candle painting, and made Vietnamese salad rolls, and California rolls.
We started the day by making Vietnamese salad rolls. With rice paper, fresh vegetables, mint, and protein options laid out before us, we followed a step-by-step process to assemble these delightful rolls ~ we even made our peanut sauce! From julienning carrots to tearing mint leaves, every step was a collaborative effort filled with laughter and friendly banter. After filling our bellies, we gathered around a candle-lit table and dipped our brushes into the colourful wax. Each of us let our imaginations run wild as we decorated the candles with creative designs. It was fascinating to see how each of us expressed our individuality through our artwork, turning simple candles into personalized masterpieces.
As the afternoon turned into evening, we embarked on our final culinary adventure: sushi making. Armed with bamboo mats, nori sheets, sushi rice, and an assortment of fillings ranging from imitation crab to cucumber, we embraced the challenge of rolling our own sushi. Though some of our attempts resulted in lopsided rolls and misplaced fillings, we approached each mistake with humour and determination.
Throughout the day, amidst the painting, rolling, and laughing, what truly made the experience unforgettable was the camaraderie shared among friends. As we savoured our homemade creations and reminisced about old times, it became clear that it's not just the activities we engage in, but the company we keep, that makes moments like these truly special. In the end, our reunion wasn't just about painting candles, making salad rolls, or rolling sushi—it was about coming together to create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds of friendship.
Submitted by Olivia Chupik, BASc '22
