Salzburg- a city of Christmas cheer, baroque music, and where the hills are alive!

Back in November my mom came out to visit me and to celebrate Thanksgiving.  At the beginning of her stay we took a side trip to the City of Salt aka Salzburg, Austria.

Originally we decided to go to Salzburg because of their famous Christmas Markets.  I already knew that I wasn't going to be in Michigan for Christmas.   The season was already was going to be a hard season for us since it would be the first Christmas without my Grandpa.   He was a man who loved Christmas.  Everyday he would use a chalk board to countdown the days to Christmas and, with my dad's help, came up with the idea to have a room dedicated to Christmas 365 days a year.  Each Christmas Eve we'd gather around the piano and candle light tree to sing Christmas carols and listen to him play a very special version of Stille Nacht.  Christmas without Grandpa was going to be hard, but in order to celebrate his life we were going to Austria to immerse ourselves in Christmas cheer.

Two city plazas were filled with the market.  As we wandered the smells of mulled wine, cinnamon from handmade ornaments, and pine from the decorated wreaths kept us warm despite the rain.  Well, maybe I was kept warm by  rum spiked tea that was actually hot rum with a dash of tea.   There were groups singing carols and bells ringing in the hour.  It was the perfect way to welcome in the Christmas season.

The next day we went on a Sound of Music bus tour.  This tour was amazing!  I would recommend the tour even if you don't like the Sound of Music.  Actually, if you HATED the songs from Sound of Music you'd want to skip the tour.  Between stops they play the music and people just maybe sing along.  They taught us all about the history of Salzburg, the real Von Trapp family, and also visited two small cities in the mountain region.  First stop was where I was Singing in the Rain.  Oh wait, wrong movie.  I was 16 Going on 17.

Did I mentioned it rained in Salzburg?  

Warning: If you go outside of England we me IT WILL RAIN!  Sorry I'm cursed.

Next we stopped at the lake from the canoe scene where the kids are wearing drapes.  You might notice the house in the background looks nothing like the house in the movie.  That's because it isn't!  All the scenes towards the house were shot at a location down the street at another location.

Next we went up to the mountains and that is where I fell in love with Austria.  The valleys in between the mountain peeks were filled with lakes.  In the summer you can kayak between quite mountain towns and in the winter the farmers carve cross-country ski trails across their fields for the locals to use.  It was even was cold enough for the rain to turn into snow.  Eureka!! 

Our last stop was at the church where Maria and the Captain were married.  It was a beautiful church with a surprise on the inside.  Above the alter there seems to be 5 mummies.  In fact the mummy in the center is real!  I believe he was the first priest or cardinal of this church!!

My mom and I had a wonderful time in Austria.  I'm so glad she was able to come out and celebrate an early Christmas with me!

PS I forgot to mention why I have baroque music in the title of this post.  Mozart was born here and we toured his childhood home!

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!  :)

Food Adventures- Cuttlefish

In November I went to Barcelona to celebrate my friend Robert's birthday.  Hopefully I'll get around to writing a post about it soon, but first I wanted to tell you about the famous 4 Gats.  4 Gats is a restaurant that has been open for over 100 years and made famous by Pablo Picasso's many visits.  He even made paintings in honor of the restaurant.

Why am I telling you this?  Well, this is where Robert want to go for his birthday dinner.  We went in and decided to be adventurous.  We ordered some appetizers, entrees, and a dessert.  The apps were tasteless, my entree was okay, and the puff pastry dessert contained no puff pastry.  We started to think that someone played a horrible trick on 4 Gats by miss translating their menu.  The real kicker was Robert's entree: Cassoleta de sípia de platja amb picada or Cuttlefish Casserole.  We had no idea what cuttlefish was but Robert and I are from the midwest.  We know casserole.  What came out was not a casserole; instead it was a stew!  A stew with tentacles and a weird white protein covered in something brown.  After watching Robert struggle to take a few bites we switched plates.  After a couple bites I gave up, too.  Later that night we looked up what a cuttlefish actually was:

Yep, we ate that and mysteriously two days later I ended up with the flu.  Coincidence?  I'll let you decide.  :)

Happy Thanksgiving!?

Guess what?  My mom is in London this week to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and my big three oh!!  I am ecstatic that she is here!  We had fun experiencing Salzburg for a weekend and now she's been exploring London while I've been at work.  

But today is the the big day.  The big Turkey day.  It is the first time in 7 years that we've been able to celebrate Thanksgiving together.  Back in Michigan we would have enormous Thanksgiving dinners.  It wasn't uncommon to have 25-30 people over and to have them seated on a table that snaked from the dining room, living room, and ending in the foyer.  The day would begin by rolling out of bed to watch the Detroit's America Thanksgiving Parade on the TV (FYI it has been going on longer than the Macy's Parade), followed by Miracle on 34th Street, and while cooking the food watching Holiday Inn or White Christmas.  Thanksgiving was our day to spend together lounging and cooking food.  Well, that is until having our house filled with family members.

We finally get to celebrate Thanksgiving together again in London!  Where they don't celebrate Thanksgiving or eat Turkey on any day other than Christmas day.  English coworkers told me not to worry, that you can find turkey in the supermarket.  For the past week I have found turkey cutlets, turkey legs (yes the kind you eat at the Renaissance fair), and a big empty spot above the label for "Turkey Crowns" (aka Turkey without the legs or wings). "No problem!" I told myself, "I have over a week for them to be restocked.  I'll just go by Tesco everyday until I get one."  So, I went everyday looking for a turkey crown and finally the sign and the empty spot for turkey crowns disappeared.  

No problem!  I'll just find a place that normally serves turkey on their menu and we'll go there.  Lo and behold there weren't andy restaurants that normally serve turkey, but there were restaurants that were having special Thanksgiving dinners for American expats.  AWESOME!  There were even two restaurants near the Panto theater where we would be on Thanksgiving night.  I sent my mom the menus, we selected the restaurant, and they were booked until 10:45pm, both restaurants were booked .  .   .  Fine.  I didn't want your turkey anyway.  

No problem!  I heard you could order a turkey from Whole Foods.  I found the perfect pre-made turkey dinner with stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, brussels sprouts, and mashed potatoes.  The first available pickup was on Saturday which was fine.  My mom and I would just go to Bath and Stonehenge on Friday.  I would work from home on Saturday and we would celebrate Thanksgiving Saturday afternoon.  We selected our mini pies and hit purchase.  What!?  I can only pickup the food up late on Saturday night.  So late that we won't have time to cook the turkey before my mom leaves on Sunday morning.  Okay,  well I really did want that pumpkin pie but I guess it won't work out.

No problem!  I'll order from Salisbury, thaw the delivered turkey breast overnight, cook everything from scratch, and it will only cost 10 pounds for a meal for two.  Wait.  There is a minimum order of 25 pounds, I don't have room in the kitchen for that much food and I'm too stressed out to even try to pick another 15 pounds worth of food.

No problem!  We'll go to KFC and have chicken, mashed potatoes, and maybe they'll even have stuffing.  I looked up the KFC UK website to find out that yes the do have chicken, but instead of mashed potatoes that have chips (aka fries) and over cooked corn on the cob.  Dammit England!!  

No problem? My mom suggests we have a roast, but of course you can only get roasts on Sunday because Sunday is Sunday Roast Day.  At this point I may have thrown a bit of a pity party for myself.  I give up.

That is until I wake up the next day to go to work on Thanksgiving Day.  I tell myself it's a good day.  My mom is here, the sun is behind clouds but it isn't raining, and tonight we're going to go see a play.  I get to Chelmsford and order my morning coffee when something in the display catches my eye.   Plan H has come through. No problem! Thanksgiving is saved!!  

Happy Thanksgiving from a country that does not celebrate Thanksgiving!

"Sliced succulent turkey breast, beechwood smoked bacon from British farms with stuffing
in a seasoned mayonnaise and sweet cranberry sauce on malted bread"

Couch the Cat

Could you help me get the word out that my cat, Couch, needs a new home while I'm in London?  My roommates have tried to take care of her, but often aren't around for days.  She is a cuddly long hair cat looking for someone to head-butt and play.  Couch tolerates dogs and will become friends with other cats.  She is fantastic with children (they can even pull her legs) and she'd prefer to be able to go outside.  Earlier this year she received a 2 year rabies vaccine and she has been microchipped.

Please let me know if you know anyone interested in taking her!

-Anna

Meow!  I just want so cuddle and no Anna isn't a crazy cat lady!  :)

I Live in the City of London!

You may be asking yourself...  why does Anna care that she lives in the City of London?  Don't millions of other people live in the City of London?  Well I am sorry to say this, but you a wrong. While millions of people live in London about 7000 people live in the City of London.  The City of London is only 1 square mile and resides within London.  Confused yet?  It was the ancient Roman city surrounded by the London Wall build and protected by dragons.  Yes, dragons.

My first weekend in London I learned that these dragons protect the City, then a few days ago while walking home I saw one right next to my apartment.  Could it be?  Could I live within the City of London?!  After a little bit of wikipedia and google maps it was confirmed.  I live within the City of London!

If you'd like a little more history of the City of London please check out the video below:

Food Adventures - Scottish Egg

While on an evening walk along the Thames I worked up an appetite.  I went to store after store but nothing sounded appealing to me.  Just as I was about to give up I saw a cute little stand selling Scottish Eggs.  Sure I had no idea what a Scottish Egg was but figure what the heck.  This is what I received:

Basically it is a soft boiled egg, covered in sausage, and then deep fried in bread crumbs.  It is served cold, sliced with a bit of mustard on top.  It was yummy!!  I can see this being a big hit with the drunks making there way home after a night on the town.  By the way, people drink here All. The. Time. Seeing someone get sick next to the train station in a business suit on a Thursday at 4 pm isn't an uncommon sight.  I'm still trying to get used to it!  PS don't worry it wasn't me in the business suit next to the train.  :)

London at Night

One of my favorite things to do in London is wander around at night.  London is a beautiful city in the evening.  Luckily it now gets dark at well... 4-5pm... so now I have plenty of time to go exploring.

Normally my walk takes me across the London Bridge.  There are river walks along both sides of the Thames but most people prefer the south but to get a good picture of the Shard you need to take the path less traveled.

I love the river at dusk as the lights reflect upon the water.  In the second picture you can see St. Paul's Cathedral in the background.  I think most of my pictures either have St. Pauls or the Shard in them.  At least I know what I like!

In the late fall there was a fair along the Thames.  There were slides, street performers, and even a popup dance club.  I think everyone was getting in a last bit of excitement before then rainy winter set in.

And of course no walk at night would be complete without a picture of Big Ben, Paralament, and the London Eye!

Math in the UK

While on a country walk some children asked my if I would like to buy some conkers.  Translation: horse chestnuts.  They are used in a game where kids thread the conkers onto strings and then take turns hitting each other's conker until it breaks. ( I'm sure they hit each other with them as well).   I was about to ask them if they were saving the money for something special when I noticed the sign:

That's right folks!  Buy your conkers here!!  5 for 5 pence, 10 for 20 pence, o  for a short time only 40 for a £1!!!

Britain's future businessmen:

(Don't worry the dad said I could take their picture)

Prost!

Sorry I've been missing the last month.  I've been back to Colorado, evacuated a house, moved to a new apartment in London, worked and gone a trip.  Needless to say I've been a little busy.  Luckily I had a mini break from life this weekend in a wonderful place called Oktoberfest- Munich.

To start things off right,  Robert and I went to Hofbrauhaus for dinner with 1000 of our closest friends.  We sat at a table with some friendly Germans.  Luckily we spoke the common language of pointing and beer.  They showed me how to properly hold a stein (3 in one hand in fact!), count while drinking (Einz, zwei, ZUFFA!!), and that the crispy part of the Schweinshaxe aka pork knuckle is worth drooling over (well... at least the Germans think so).  I also learned that as a kid I didn't like potato dumplings and nothing has changed.  If my mom had been here I would have given her mine!

The next day we went to the Munich Residenz.  The Bavarian royalty lived here for hundreds of years.  Each king would add a new wing or add more gold filagree to the walls.  Their Tresury also put the Crown Jewels to shame.  I swear one of the crowns had over 1000 diamonds on it.  We also went to the largest engineering and technology museum in the world.  Basically, if you have a 9 year old obsessed about something you should bring them here.  They will learn more than they ever could have imagined. 

Now, let's get back to why I really came to Munich:  Oktoberfest.  One night we didn't have anything to drink, but instead wandered the festival and checked out some of the tents.  Each tent has a different theme and decorations.  In one of the tents they only played top-40 hits in another the top-10 traditional german songs.  No matter where you went people were having a good time.  We also went on top of this huge ferris wheel to look out on the festival.  The view was amazing from the top.

The next night we DID Oktoberfest.  It was a Monday afternoon when we found our way to the tent and straight away found two seats near the band.  I love how international our tent was and as the drinks were flowing we all started speaking the same language!  There was an old German man who kept filling the table with steins.  Agnes who was our sweet waitress who could carry more than her weight in beer.  Simon, Nikki and Johannus were our new German friends who helped us understand the songs.  Our two Hungarian guys who loved my smile and a guy from Penn State who what to take a picture with me to send to his daughter in Afghanistan.  I loved my weekend in Munich and would recommend Oktoberfest to everyone.  It is tough to explain the atmosphere of Oktoberfest other than be ready to meet lots of new friends, go home with songs stuck in your head, and a smile that will stay on your face for days!

Ein Prosit, ein Prosit 
Der Gemütlichkeit!!! 

Food Adventures - Haggis

(Sorry I thought I had posted this a couple of weeks ago, but it didn't work!)

Before heading to Scotland I started to look up the traditional Scottish fare.  Haggis, neeps, tatties, rollmops, crappit heid, and potted hough all came up in my search.  Of course I had no idea what any of those were or how they were made.  Then I turned to my UK coworkers and asked them what I should try while in Scotland.  The answer: Scotch and Haggis.  I had no problem with the first, but on further inspection I was nervous about the haggis.  Sure I've tried the traditional mushy peas that go with the fish and chips, but they ware just mashed up, bland peas.  Haggis on the other hand is scary.  It is made with a she eps stomach, heart and lunch of one lamb, onion, spices, and oatmeal.  That's it.  Sounds tasty doesn’t it?

Looks yummy doesn't it?  What is up with these Brits and their mushed up food?  I have a confession to make to you.  I hope you aren't offended.  I love haggis!!!  It is so flavorful and goes perfectly with neeps (mashed turnips) and tatties (mashed potatoes).  If you ever get a chance make sure you try it and if you're vegetarian don't worry.  They make vegetarian haggis , too!