Crazy Exciting American Road Trip!

At the end of December I took a break from Europe and flew home to celebrate my birthday, Christmas and New Year.  Mike and I packed up the car and hit the open road less than 24 hours after I had arrived in Denver!  Here is our fabulous adventure across to the Wild West:

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” 

– Jawaharial Nehru

Food Adventures - Jellied Eels

Over the last few months I've had a couple of friends (Hi Ray and Joe!) come an visit me and I took them to my favorite fish and chips shop: Poppies.  It is an amazing diner in Spitalfields with a 1950's vibe and a variety of fish to choose from.

http://hereisthecity.com/

First off:  the fish is amazing.  The appetizers (UK: entrees) on the other hand are less desirable.  Joe and I tried Jellied Eels the last time I frequented this purveyor of fish.  We didn't know jellied eels was a dish that originated in the 18th century and had been a favorite fast food in the East End for hundreds of years.  What we got was a bowl full of fishy jelly with bits of eel and a bottle of chili vinegar to put on top.  The waitress explained you cut up the slimy freshwater eel and boil it for hours.  The slime from the eel turns the water into a gelatinous mixture once it cools.  Yum?

Learning to Speak British

Growing up in the US I thought I knew how to speak English.  I even knew that there were two ways of pronouncing "Z" thanks to the Canadian Broadcasting Channel's version of Sesame Street.  Now that I'm living in the UK I have learnt that British English and American English are two different things entirely.

When I first came to the UK I kept avoiding foods with "aubergine" because I thought it was some kind of sardine fish.   I didn't figure out what aubergines (UK: eggplants) were until I went to a "You-Pick Farm" (UK: Pick-your-own).  I wandered the fields until I came upon as posted sign stating what type of vegetable was actually planted in the field.

UK   =   US
aubergine = eggplant
bangers = sausage
biscuit = cookie
brown sauce = steak sauce (HP Sauce)
chips = french fries
courgette = zucchini
coriander = cilantro
crisps = potato chips
digestive = round cookie
entree = appetizer
jacket potato = baked potato
marrow = squash
pudding = dessert
red sauce = ketchup
rocket = arugula
spring onion = green onion
swede = rutabaga

Once I figured out the proper name for food I felt fairly confident in my British English.  That was until I started playing Monkey-in-the-Middle (UK: Pig-in-the-Middle) with my roommate's niece (Age: 10) and nephew (Age: 7).  Both the kids where in their pajamas (UK: jim-jams) and the little boy started to overheat.  I bent down and suggested he, "...roll up his pants."  Immediately, he had a look of horror on his face and his sister burst out into laughter saying, "She means trousers, Louie, trousers!"  Little did I know but I had just suggested he roll up his underwear!  The rest of the night was spent quizzing me on how I said things or giggling at my accent.  :)

UK   =   US
budgie smuggler = men's speedo
jumper = sweater
pants = underwear
pinafore = jumper
tartan = plaid
trainers = gym shoes
trousers = pants
stockings = tights/nylons
sweater = sweatshirt
wellies = rubber boots
Y-fronts = men's briefs

London Weather

People always ask me how the weather is in London.  It really isn't that bad.  Of course it is cloudy and damp, but then you always know what to expect.  Since moving to London I now talk about the weather on a daily basis.  Is it warm and cloudy, cool and rainy, mild and sunny, or is it cold and the rain is coming down at a 45 degree angle which no umbrella has a chance of stopping?  It seems to be that 45 degree angled rain only occurs when I am on my 15 minute walk from the train station to work or in another country in Europe.  Actually, it rains every time I leave England.  Every time.

When it rains it's only for an hour or so, but it is always a good idea to have an umbrella with you.  I was just looking through my pictures and most of the pictures in England have blue or partially cloudy skies.  Only one has an umbrella!

Cool and rainy:

The evening to day temperature swings are usually about 10F and this week the high has been in the low 50F rather than -15F that most of the US has been experiencing.  Sure most of the winter is in the 40/50s and spring/fall is in the 50/60s, but that's what summer is for!  For a week it might even make it up to the 80s!

Cool and Cloudy:

Mild and Sunny:

Looks like I still need a warm and sunny picture!  :)