Life
【Life】Chili Pepper Care Guide: Growing Spicy Peppers at Home
A complete beginner's guide to growing chili peppers — from choosing varieties to harvesting your own spicy crop.
Life in Canada
Otto Notes
Our Blog
Stories and practical notes about life in Canada.
Life
【Life】Sunflower Care Guide: How to Grow Healthy Sunflowers
A practical guide to growing and caring for sunflowers — from planting seeds to dealing with common pests.
Life
【Life】Prayer Plant Care Guide: How to Keep Your Maranta Happy and Healthy
A complete guide to caring for prayer plants (Maranta leuconeura) — covering light, watering, humidity, soil, propagation, and common problems.
Work
【Working in Singapore】Visas, Employment and Job Hunting Advice for Foreigners
In recent years, many Taiwanese or overseas Chinese have become increasingly interested in job opportunities in Singapore. As a major technology and business hub in Southeast Asia, Singapore attracts many job seekers with its superior infrastructure and multicultural environment. However, the Singapore job market in 2025 will look very different from the past few years. This article will focus on four aspects: the current situation of the employment market, the work visa system, the difficulty of finding a job for foreigners, and practical job-hunting advice, to help you understand the overall picture of employment in Singapore.
Life
A complete guide to growing Monstera: How to create a green healing space at home
Monstera deliciosa is a popular indoor foliage plant, a favorite of many plant lovers due to its unique lobed leaves and low maintenance requirements. Whether you are a novice or an experienced plant lover, Monstera can easily integrate into your home environment and add a touch of nature. This article will comprehensively introduce the cultivation methods, daily care and common problems of Monstera, helping you to easily cultivate healthy and beautiful Monstera.
Life
Monstera Feng Shui Guide: How to use Monstera to improve your home's aura and wealth
Monstera deliciosa is not only a beautiful foliage plant, but is also considered in Feng Shui to be a plant that can bring positive energy and wealth. Its unique leaf shape and healthy vitality symbolize prosperity and vitality. Therefore, many Feng Shui enthusiasts choose to place Monstera in their homes or offices to enhance the aura and promote good interpersonal relationships and wealth. This article will detail the role of Monstera in Feng Shui, its placement, and how to use Monstera to improve the Feng Shui of your home.
Life
What is a "Floater Friend"? The modern social mode with the least stress!
The term "Floater Friend" has been widely discussed on social media recently. "Floater Friends" do not mean loneliness, but a new model of modern social interaction. As the pace of life changes, people's social needs are becoming more diversified. Whether you like a stable circle of friends or are happy to move around in different social circles, the key is to find a way that suits you and enjoy the fun and value of it.
Life
【Malaysia Travel】 Malaysia Socket and Voltage Guide
Planning to travel or settle in Malaysia? Understanding local socket types and voltage standards is important preparation to ensure that electronic devices can be used smoothly. This article will introduce in detail the socket specifications and voltage standards in Malaysia, as well as how to prepare suitable adapters or transformers to make your journey smoother.
Life
【Taiwan Travel】 Taiwan Sockets and Voltage Guide
Planning a trip or relocation to Taiwan? Understanding local socket types and voltage standards is important preparation to ensure that electronic devices can be used smoothly. This article will introduce in detail Taiwan's socket specifications, voltage standards, and how to prepare suitable adapters or transformers to make your trip more convenient.
Life
[Travel in South Africa] Essential luggage list & South African socket knowledge!
Planning a trip to South Africa? Understanding local socket types and voltage standards is an important preparation to ensure smooth use of electronic devices. This article will introduce in detail the socket specifications and voltage standards in South Africa, as well as how to prepare an adapter or transformer to make your journey smoother.
Life
【Travel in North Korea】Must-have luggage list & tips on North Korean sockets!
Planning a trip to North Korea? Understanding local socket types and voltage standards is an important preparation to ensure smooth use of electronic devices. This article will introduce in detail the socket specifications and voltage standards of North Korea, as well as how to prepare an adapter or transformer to make your journey smoother.
Life
[Travel in France] Essential luggage list & French socket knowledge!
Planning a trip to France? Understanding local plug and voltage standards is an important preparation to ensure smooth use of electronic devices. This article will introduce in detail the socket types and voltage standards in France, as well as how to prepare an adapted adapter or transformer to make your journey smoother.
Life
【Vietnam Travel】Must-have luggage list & Vietnamese socket knowledge!
Planning a trip to Vietnam? Understanding local plug and voltage standards is an important preparation to ensure smooth use of electronic devices. This article will introduce in detail the socket types and voltage standards in Vietnam, as well as how to prepare suitable adapters or transformers to make your journey smoother.
Life
【Travel in China】Must-have packing list & Tips on Chinese sockets!
Planning to travel to China? Understanding the local plug and voltage standards is an important preparation to ensure that electronic devices can be used smoothly. This article will introduce in detail the types of sockets, voltage standards, and how to prepare suitable adapters or transformers in China to make your trip smoother.
Life
[Travel in Thailand] Essential luggage list & Thai socket knowledge!
Planning a trip to Thailand soon? In addition to the tropical atmosphere and delicious food, knowing Thailand’s socket types and voltage information is crucial to keeping your electronic devices running properly while traveling. This article will introduce in detail the commonly used socket types and voltage standards in Thailand, and provide some travel tips so that you can have no worries during your trip.
Life
[Singapore Travel] Essential luggage list & Singapore socket knowledge!
Planning a trip to Singapore? In addition to enjoying the local food and shopping paradise, don’t forget to understand Singapore’s sockets and voltages so that you can ensure that all your electronic devices can work smoothly. This article will give you a detailed introduction to Singapore’s socket types and voltage standards, and provide some travel tips to help you better prepare your luggage.
Life
[Travel in Germany] Essential luggage list & knowledge about German sockets!
Planning a trip to Germany? In addition to scenic spots and cultural experiences, understanding the socket types and voltages in Germany is an important part of travel that cannot be ignored. Make sure your electronic devices can be used smoothly in Germany, making your trip easier and more worry-free. This article will introduce Germany’s socket types, voltage standards, and some travel tips to help you be better prepared!
Life
[Travel in Canada] Tips on Canadian plug type & essential luggage list!
Planning a trip to Canada? Don’t forget to bring a charging plug when packing your luggage, but do you know what type of sockets are in Canada? Is there any difference in voltage? What electrical appliances cannot be brought to Canada for use? Let’s read this article together!
Life
【Japan Travel】Japanese Sockets & Japanese Voltage Tips!
Preparing to travel to Japan? When packing your luggage, don’t forget to know the socket types and voltages in Japan in advance, so as to avoid the problem of electrical appliances not working properly. Come read this article and get ready for your trip to Japan!
Life
3 things you can do during Christmas weekend in Toronto 2024
The streets are covered with snow, lights are twinkling all around, and the air is filled with a festive atmosphere - the Christmas season has arrived. There are many fun and festive winter activities waiting to be discovered in and around Toronto. So grab your coat, put on some warm clothes, get out of the house and explore!
Life
[Travel in the United States] Guide to American voltage and American sockets, do you need an adapter/transformer?
Millions of people travel to the United States every year, hoping to see this diverse and vibrant country. From Hollywood movies to NBA basketball games, from magnificent natural landscapes to world-class theme parks, everything attracts the attention of travelers from around the world. . However, do you know what the voltage is in the United States? What type of sockets are there in the United States? In order to ensure that your electronic equipment can be used normally in the United States, these are all issues that must be considered. This article will introduce US voltage and US socket specifications in detail, hoping to help you prepare before traveling.
LifeImmigrant
[Life in Toronto] Toronto House Buying Guide
Due to the highly active rental market in Toronto, housing prices are generally higher compared to other cities. Over the past few years, rental prices in Toronto have consistently risen, making it increasingly challenging for many individuals to find affordable housing.
Life
[Scarborough Life] How is the security in Scarborough? Is the transportation convenient?
Scarborough is a district in Toronto, located east of the downtown core and known as one of the largest Chinese communities in the Greater Toronto Area. It offers diverse culinary options, including Chinese, Indian, and Korean cuisines. Due to its relatively older infrastructure, rental costs in Scarborough are generally more affordable compared to areas like Don Mills and North York, with exceptions in some newer Condo developments.
ImmigrantLife
[Toronto information] Which neighbourhoods has the best transportation and security?
As we all know, Canada is very large, and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is larger than six Hong Kongs. So how do you distinguish the different areas in Toronto? Which area has the best living environment? Let’s take a look at the Toronto neighbourhoods introduction!
Immigrant
Do I regret immigrating? The reason why I immigrated to Canada
When many people consider immigrating, they hesitate to know where to settle and worry about regretting immigrating in the future. I myself decided to apply for Canadian PR status through the "Hong Kong Pathway" in 2021. This time I will share the reasons for choosing to immigrate to Canada.
Life
A complete guide to a one-day trip to the Toronto Zoo!
Toronto has numerous attractions, and in the nearby suburb of Scarborough, you'll find the largest national zoo in the country. It can be said to be one of Toronto's most popular family destinations! Let's take a detailed look at the one-day itinerary for a visit to the Toronto Zoo!
Working
How I become a data analyst | Canadian work experience
With the rise of Big Data, the demand for Data Analysts has surged across various industries. Despite my background in humanities and marketing, I successfully transitioned to a Data Analyst role in Canada. Here's my experience.
WorkingStudy
Google Data Analytics Certificate Experience | Are Google courses and certificates useful?
Can self-study lead to becoming a data analyst? In this article, I will share my experience in obtaining the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, a credential in data analysis. I'll also discuss how the Google course has benefited my career.
Life
Traveling to the UK: What Plug Adapter Do You Need? Besides an Adapter, Don’t Forget These 3 Essentials!
Heading to the UK? Make sure you're aware that the plugs and voltage there might not be compatible with your devices. To fully enjoy the British experience without any worries, you need to understand what type of outlets the UK uses, what the voltage is, and which devices you can't use there. Let’s take a look!
Life
Best 3 Vet in Toronto
This Toronto veterinary recommendation article provides several trustworthy clinic options and details the pros and cons of each clinic, providing helpful information for pet parents when choosing a veterinarian.
Life
A Beautiful town near Toronto - Stratford
The small town of Stratford is located in Ontario, Canada and is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural environment. A day trip to Stratford is sure to provide visitors with an enjoyable experience.
Working
Is it difficult to find a job in Toronto in 2023? Is it easy to return to your old profession?
Many newcomers in Canada initially opt for blue-collar, food service, or service industry jobs due to lower requirements for local experience and English proficiency. However, the job market is surprisingly robust, with high demand across various sectors. Many companies are willing to offer competitive salaries to attract talent.
Life
Is the TTC subway really unable to access the Internet? Unravel the secret behind it!
Toronto's public transportation system is often criticized. Not only are services often delayed, but you can't access the Internet on the subway. However, there are actually ways to access the Internet on the TTC subway. I believe it can make your life in Toronto more convenient! Therefore, this time we will introduce the secret reasons behind the TTC subway’s inability to access the Internet, as well as the solutions!
StudyImmigrantWorking
Should I choose a program with Co-op internship?
Co-op (Co-operative Education) paid internship program is one of the features of studying in Canada. Should I choose a course with Co-op internship when I come to Canada to study and immigrate? Do you need local experience to find a good job? Let’s learn about the experience of co-op for international students in Canada!
WorkingStudy
Can a part-time marketing student in Toronto earn up to HK$30,000 per month?
All walks of life in Canada are flourishing. Many disciplines with limited development opportunities in Hong Kong are popular industries in Canada. This time I will share the working conditions and salary levels of Marketing in Canada.
Life
Things to note when living in Toronto during the winter
The first impression of Canada for many people is that of ice and snow. People often ask us, "Is it cold in Toronto?" and "How cold is the winter in Toronto?" This time I will introduce some things to pay attention to in winter life in Canada!
Immigrantlife
[TFSA Tutorial] How to apply for Canadian tax-free account & 2023 investment limit limit
Canada is often called the "country of tens of thousands of taxes." Not only do you need to pay taxes on wages earned from work, but there are also related taxes on interest placed in banks or stock profits. Therefore, if you want to manage your finances more effectively, you must understand various Tax Benefit Tools. The TFSA tax-free account is one of the financial management tools. The investment income does not need to be taxed. Want to know what TFSA is and how much is the TFSA limit in 2023? Let’s read this article together!
Immigrantlife
Pet Immigration DIY-PIC Process (Pet-in-Cabin) Six Months Preparation #1
Many owners of cats and dogs will immigrate to Canada with their pets when applying for immigration, but they feel that they are unable to do so or that the information is too much or out of date (due to COVID19, the Canadian government’s animal entry policy has frequently changed in recent years). This series of articles will Explain the process in detail from beginning to end.
Working
How to quickly integrate into Canadian culture - Work
When moving to a new place and wanting to truly settle down, in addition to more pressing issues such as housing and finances, how to integrate into the local culture is also a big challenge. Below I will share some little things I noticed about the local culture when I was working in a North American company.
Working
Four key points in finding a job most effectively in Canada
Many people think that it is difficult to find a job in Canada before immigrating to Canada. If they do not have local experience, they really have no way to start. This article would like to share a few tips that can help you find a job in Canada. If you are looking for a job in Canada, especially in the engineering or IT industries, these tips will definitely be helpful to you.
Working
How to write a resume that can secure an interview in Canada?
As one of the most developed countries in the world, Canada, coupled with its geographical advantage of being close to the United States in the south, has attracted global talents from popular industries such as technology and finance. This time I will share how to write a Canadian resume so that you can securely get an interview.
Life
Comparison of monthly mobile Internet fees, advantages and disadvantages in Toronto
Toronto has a small population, perhaps because the cost of laying signals is too high. High-priced phone plans have become a constant worry for Canadians. This article will introduce to you how to choose the phone company that suits you in Toronto.
Life
Is life in Toronto boring? Introduction to towns around Toronto - Elora
Many people say that life in Toronto is boring, but in fact there are many surrounding towns where you can travel. This time I will share a tourist attraction called Elora near Toronto. Elora is a small town known for its unique natural beauty and cultural atmosphere. It is about 1.5 hours' drive from Toronto and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ontario.
LifeImmigrant
Which city is more suitable for immigrants: Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal?
If you are considering immigrating to Canada, you may want to know which city is the best choice. Canada is a diverse, affluent country known for its peace and sense of security. Therefore, no matter which city you choose, you will enjoy a rich cultural and living experience.