I'm back! Apologies for not having posted anything for almost a month, the internet connection situation while at Mom's kept me from putting one together. However! I have updates.
1. And most Important....I have a Visa!!! The wonderful people at A Briggs, Passport and Visa Expeditors called me back quite quickly (why was I ever worried?) and let me know about my documents and what else I needed to supply them. I just needed one more item, which I got, thanks to my honey and his scanner. They sent out my application on Monday morning. By 4pm that same afternoon, there was an email in my box saying my Visa had been issued. WOW! A Briggs was so incredibly worth the money!
2. With the realization that I now had a Visa, I took the opportunity to create simple invites for friends and family in the states. It would be less costly and even though I know no one will be making it, I did want people to have it as a memento and to know that I would have liked to have them with me if they could.
3. Got to surprise Mom, see a bunch of friends I've really missed and got all my culinary goals done! Lombardi's Pizza - Check, Rice to Riches - Check, Spanish food about 100th street - Check, Tamarind or Ajonjoli drink - Check (Tamarind), Pecanbon - Check, Pax Salad - Check, Red Lobster - Check, Pulled Pork Sandwich at the Renaissance Faire - CHECK in a whole new way! Pumpkin Spice coffee - Check. Thai at Siam Grill - Check, Carrot Cake and Red Velvet Cake from the Little Pie Company - Checkety Check.
The Trip back home was a bit stressful since I had my wedding dress in my hands, but I figured out how to move with two large suitcases, a backpack and the dress and it got much easier. Ended up taking the National Express coaches back home and it was a comfortable, hassle free ride. Just took the Heathrow Express one stop to Terminal 3 (its free to use to transfer between terminals) and then followed the signs to the Heathrow Central Bus Terminal. Both my bags went underneath and my dress was carefully folded and put into the overhead. Then I just sat back until my switch in Nottingham, then my Mum-in-Law-to-be picked me up at the bus station at home.
And now I'm back with my honey and the kidlets. I'm thankful for my time back in the states, but this is home and where I want to be. I now look at my love and it seems like its a dream at times. A number of my own past self-doubts have gone away and what I am feeling is love and excitement for a future we are building. And I thank the Universe every day for it - in speech and thought and action.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
We Interrupt this program to bring you a special news bulletin...
Well, everyone, I am back in New York and enjoying my stay! I've already had Thai at Siam Grill, my favorite Thai restaurant. I've already had a Pecanbon and Coldstone Creamery Ice Cream. Only things left for me that are a MUST while I'm here is a trip downtown to Rice to Riches, and a Trip Uptown to Spanish Harlem for some yummy Puerto Rican food and Sesame Seed or Tamarind (or maybe one of each!) drink.
Ya know...I can't imagine how in the world we ever got along without the internet. I know we did....but wow! How disconnected to do I feel at my mom's, where there's no wireless (or other) connection? I have to sit in the lobby of the building to be close enough to a wireless connection from the Starbucks just a few dozen feet away from me. Not that I can spend much time down there, since I can't connect the computer down there either. I feel so isolated!
It didn't help that I also needed access to a printer and passport pictures for my Visa. Well thanks to Walgreens Pharmacy at Times Square I got the pictures I needed (even printed out a few of my honey, myself and the kidlets to leave with mom). Thanks to FedEx Office on 47th off of 6th Avenue, I was able to not only print the items I still needed to print, but I was able to ship it all in one shot.
I decided to overnight it to the Company that I hired to help me with my Visa. This way I could make sure it was received. So I shipped it Wednesday for Delivery on Thursday. They say that the 15 days starts the day after they receive all of your documents. I just checked the Status online and it says that they still haven't received my documents. I checked FedEx and, sure enough, it was signed for yesterday. I don't have time or room for it to sit around, so I went online to their chat.
They helped me and located my documents and have confirmed that they are, indeed, in. But the local office wasn't picking up the phone, so they asked me to check back after 4pm. I'm glad that they do acknowledge that my documents have arrived. It may just be a case of not having updated the status files for the day. But I am counting on today being day 1. And even with that, I only have 14 days before I leave, unless they are counting Saturdays now.
So I'm on a new set of worries at this point in time. If I'm missing something I need to know now, today. But for now I'm crossing my fingers that I gave enough info and documentation to back it up.
Till next time!
Ya know...I can't imagine how in the world we ever got along without the internet. I know we did....but wow! How disconnected to do I feel at my mom's, where there's no wireless (or other) connection? I have to sit in the lobby of the building to be close enough to a wireless connection from the Starbucks just a few dozen feet away from me. Not that I can spend much time down there, since I can't connect the computer down there either. I feel so isolated!
It didn't help that I also needed access to a printer and passport pictures for my Visa. Well thanks to Walgreens Pharmacy at Times Square I got the pictures I needed (even printed out a few of my honey, myself and the kidlets to leave with mom). Thanks to FedEx Office on 47th off of 6th Avenue, I was able to not only print the items I still needed to print, but I was able to ship it all in one shot.
I decided to overnight it to the Company that I hired to help me with my Visa. This way I could make sure it was received. So I shipped it Wednesday for Delivery on Thursday. They say that the 15 days starts the day after they receive all of your documents. I just checked the Status online and it says that they still haven't received my documents. I checked FedEx and, sure enough, it was signed for yesterday. I don't have time or room for it to sit around, so I went online to their chat.
They helped me and located my documents and have confirmed that they are, indeed, in. But the local office wasn't picking up the phone, so they asked me to check back after 4pm. I'm glad that they do acknowledge that my documents have arrived. It may just be a case of not having updated the status files for the day. But I am counting on today being day 1. And even with that, I only have 14 days before I leave, unless they are counting Saturdays now.
So I'm on a new set of worries at this point in time. If I'm missing something I need to know now, today. But for now I'm crossing my fingers that I gave enough info and documentation to back it up.
Till next time!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
A Journey Home, Part 2
Had a great flight and didn't fidget too much. I joked to my honey about the fact that you know you are heading to NY when you can hear Dominican's talking ;) Yes, there I was at Heathrow and from behind me is familiar Dominican accent. I just had to giggle.
I touched down in Newark at 9:20. Customs was a breeze, thanks to the great work of the customs agents and only our flight coming through at the time. My baggage was also pretty quickly collected and then it was outside to wait for a good friend of mine, who so generously offered to pick me up since she was in the area.
Being back in NY feels Surreal. My first and main goal is to get my Visa Paperwork done. Second, to surprise my mom who (hopefully) doesn't know I'm back yet. But she wont know until next week. I need to take care of errands up here and move things around and out of storage. So I want those done so I can concentrate on just spending time with Mom and my Visa paperwork. But it feels so weird to be back.
There are mixed emotions coming back here. I'm happy to know I can see people, but, at the same time, it saddens me to know I'm so close to my prior life and an ex whose friendship I lost and wont ever get back. I only hope and pray he's happy, or at least getting there.
I miss my honey. I miss that I don't get to see the kidlets today. I miss my two sentinels, the cats who are always around me. Not in a sad way, but in a practical "I don't get to share time with you" way. This is simply a trip, not a separation.
But I am comforted and happy. Oh New York tap water...how I've missed you so! And oh, showerhead...thou art a heavenly visage which pours thy blessings upon my countenance. In sooth, yea verily. This morning I had Hazelnut coffee from a Keurig coffee maker and popped in some english muffins with only minor tearing up. Heh.
And during this week I'm staying with a good friend of mine. When I left, I let her pick out any decorations she wanted to take so she could decorate her newly purchased condo. She also purchased part of my old bar. I'd forgotten about that. And so when I came in, I was greeted by several familiar items. I can't tell you what that meant to me. And I was doubly happy they had a new loving home to be in.
After she showed me to the guest room, I got to meet her adorable kitties. They were 7 months old and I felt even better. It was as if "the parts of Mimi and Tassie will be played by Jack and Grimalkin"! Grim looks just like a young Tassie and Jackie is black with some white spots. But they are opposite in that Grim is the one who cuddles up to me (like she is doing right now, all snuggled right up to me on the couch) and Jack is the "I'll let you touch me when i'm ready, but I'm still playful" one.
With all these "signs", I am fine and have a very positive outlook that everything will be ok. I will keep you all updated.
Till next time!
I touched down in Newark at 9:20. Customs was a breeze, thanks to the great work of the customs agents and only our flight coming through at the time. My baggage was also pretty quickly collected and then it was outside to wait for a good friend of mine, who so generously offered to pick me up since she was in the area.
Being back in NY feels Surreal. My first and main goal is to get my Visa Paperwork done. Second, to surprise my mom who (hopefully) doesn't know I'm back yet. But she wont know until next week. I need to take care of errands up here and move things around and out of storage. So I want those done so I can concentrate on just spending time with Mom and my Visa paperwork. But it feels so weird to be back.
There are mixed emotions coming back here. I'm happy to know I can see people, but, at the same time, it saddens me to know I'm so close to my prior life and an ex whose friendship I lost and wont ever get back. I only hope and pray he's happy, or at least getting there.
I miss my honey. I miss that I don't get to see the kidlets today. I miss my two sentinels, the cats who are always around me. Not in a sad way, but in a practical "I don't get to share time with you" way. This is simply a trip, not a separation.
But I am comforted and happy. Oh New York tap water...how I've missed you so! And oh, showerhead...thou art a heavenly visage which pours thy blessings upon my countenance. In sooth, yea verily. This morning I had Hazelnut coffee from a Keurig coffee maker and popped in some english muffins with only minor tearing up. Heh.
And during this week I'm staying with a good friend of mine. When I left, I let her pick out any decorations she wanted to take so she could decorate her newly purchased condo. She also purchased part of my old bar. I'd forgotten about that. And so when I came in, I was greeted by several familiar items. I can't tell you what that meant to me. And I was doubly happy they had a new loving home to be in.
After she showed me to the guest room, I got to meet her adorable kitties. They were 7 months old and I felt even better. It was as if "the parts of Mimi and Tassie will be played by Jack and Grimalkin"! Grim looks just like a young Tassie and Jackie is black with some white spots. But they are opposite in that Grim is the one who cuddles up to me (like she is doing right now, all snuggled right up to me on the couch) and Jack is the "I'll let you touch me when i'm ready, but I'm still playful" one.
With all these "signs", I am fine and have a very positive outlook that everything will be ok. I will keep you all updated.
Till next time!
A Journey Home, Part 1
I'm typing this from the US. I arrived last night, with all my paperwork, to begin my fiance Visa process. I'm crossing my fingers everything goes well. We've also booked a provisional date, contingent on my Visa approval, of course, of November 26th of this year. So if all goes well, that will be our wedding date! ::Kermit the Frog "Yay!" dance::
I have six words: London during underground strike is BEDLAM!
I awoke to find that underground tube workers were on strike and most tube stations were closed, the lines suspended or partially suspended. Before I left I checked on bus transportation as a back up. I just needed to get from King's Cross/St. Pancras to Paddington Station, where I could take the Heathrow Express.
I took my train to London from Nottingham. Great ride! Every so often I softly squeed "SHEEP!" as I saw them graze on their fields. I did get quite excited when I visually recognized some Blue Faced Leicester sheep just outside of what I realized when we got to town, WAS, in fact, Leicester!! And I giggled when I saw the one "Black Sheep" in the midst of a whole flock of white sheep. As a side note so you understand my squees: I make yarn from sheep (and other animal) fiber (hair). BFL, as its called, is my favorite, since its so soft.
When I got to London, it didn't seem very chaotic - until I got outside. Then it was Bedlam!!!! A total madhouse with tons of travelers dragging their luggage with them, trying to find a way to their destinations. The streets were packed. The traffic was packed, but not necessarily an actual traffic Jam. Since I couldn't take the tube just a few stops over to Paddington Sation, I found out that the 205 bus goes to Paddington Station if you take it going towards the West Terrace area. So I went in search of a stop on Euston Road.
Lucky for me, I started walking the wrong way. When I realized the stop I was looking at was heading in the opposite direction, I crossed the street looking for a bus stop going the other way. This put me at an earlier bus stop than I was looking to get on. I payed with my Oyster Card (You can use your Oyster Card on Buses with some exceptions) and got myself and my luggage on. By the next stop, he was only letting people with small bags or no luggage at all. I'd gotten lucky. You started to see the looks of panic when people realized they couldn't get on the bus, again.
We finally made it to Paddington Station. That place is ANOTHER Madhouse! Sheesh! And no one tells you that buying a ticket on the Heathrow Rail means you are taking the Regular Rail...not the Express. Once I figured it out, I looked around, a bit panicky. Then I figured it out. So I'm going to let you know so it doesn't happen to you. If you are taking the Heathrow Express from Paddington Station, they leave off of Platforms 6 & 7. Walk towards the platforms and you will see the specific window on your left that sells the tickets. Don't buy it anywhere else or you just bought tickets for the wrong train. Be sure to buy the ticket at the window. It will cost you less (18 GBP) than buying it on the train itself (27 GBP). Making it to Terminal 4 was a breeze, with a quick switch at Heathrow Central to switch to the shuttle for Terminal 4.
The flight was wonderful. Took a Continental flight back from Heathrow. Lines were short and I breezed through all the sections and answered all the question asked. We had to sit at the gate for about 30 minutes, which was fine. Dinner and Snacks were in abundance and the entertainment was great. Got to watch FOUR movies!
Started things off with Prince of Persia then moved on to the Last Airbender. Glad I didn't have to pay for either of those. Then I moved on to two "I'll watch them over and over again until the end of time" movies. Started with My Big Fat Greek Wedding (What do you MEAN he don't eat no MEAT!?). Of course I giggled at all the usual parts and I can't help but think of my honey during the Easter scene when the entire family finally gets to meet him. I don't think it'd be far off from that scene at all. And I know my Aunt Cookie would live up to her role just like "Aunt Voula" did in the movie. I then moved on to ::dreamy sigh:: The Phantom of the Opera. Nothing like Gerard and Patrick fight over the girl they love in song. Woof.
I have six words: London during underground strike is BEDLAM!
I awoke to find that underground tube workers were on strike and most tube stations were closed, the lines suspended or partially suspended. Before I left I checked on bus transportation as a back up. I just needed to get from King's Cross/St. Pancras to Paddington Station, where I could take the Heathrow Express.
Let me tell you...that's the way to go. If you need to get to Heathrow from a place other than London, just get a rail ticket to St. Pancras International Rail Station, take a quick tube or bus ride to Paddington Station, then buy your Heathrow Express Rail ticket at the Paddington station. Much cheaper than taking the rail to Paddington Station directly in some cases. And you wont have to deal with the long trip on the Picadilly line. Check your options.
I took my train to London from Nottingham. Great ride! Every so often I softly squeed "SHEEP!" as I saw them graze on their fields. I did get quite excited when I visually recognized some Blue Faced Leicester sheep just outside of what I realized when we got to town, WAS, in fact, Leicester!! And I giggled when I saw the one "Black Sheep" in the midst of a whole flock of white sheep. As a side note so you understand my squees: I make yarn from sheep (and other animal) fiber (hair). BFL, as its called, is my favorite, since its so soft.
When I got to London, it didn't seem very chaotic - until I got outside. Then it was Bedlam!!!! A total madhouse with tons of travelers dragging their luggage with them, trying to find a way to their destinations. The streets were packed. The traffic was packed, but not necessarily an actual traffic Jam. Since I couldn't take the tube just a few stops over to Paddington Sation, I found out that the 205 bus goes to Paddington Station if you take it going towards the West Terrace area. So I went in search of a stop on Euston Road.
Lucky for me, I started walking the wrong way. When I realized the stop I was looking at was heading in the opposite direction, I crossed the street looking for a bus stop going the other way. This put me at an earlier bus stop than I was looking to get on. I payed with my Oyster Card (You can use your Oyster Card on Buses with some exceptions) and got myself and my luggage on. By the next stop, he was only letting people with small bags or no luggage at all. I'd gotten lucky. You started to see the looks of panic when people realized they couldn't get on the bus, again.
We finally made it to Paddington Station. That place is ANOTHER Madhouse! Sheesh! And no one tells you that buying a ticket on the Heathrow Rail means you are taking the Regular Rail...not the Express. Once I figured it out, I looked around, a bit panicky. Then I figured it out. So I'm going to let you know so it doesn't happen to you. If you are taking the Heathrow Express from Paddington Station, they leave off of Platforms 6 & 7. Walk towards the platforms and you will see the specific window on your left that sells the tickets. Don't buy it anywhere else or you just bought tickets for the wrong train. Be sure to buy the ticket at the window. It will cost you less (18 GBP) than buying it on the train itself (27 GBP). Making it to Terminal 4 was a breeze, with a quick switch at Heathrow Central to switch to the shuttle for Terminal 4.
The flight was wonderful. Took a Continental flight back from Heathrow. Lines were short and I breezed through all the sections and answered all the question asked. We had to sit at the gate for about 30 minutes, which was fine. Dinner and Snacks were in abundance and the entertainment was great. Got to watch FOUR movies!
Started things off with Prince of Persia then moved on to the Last Airbender. Glad I didn't have to pay for either of those. Then I moved on to two "I'll watch them over and over again until the end of time" movies. Started with My Big Fat Greek Wedding (What do you MEAN he don't eat no MEAT!?). Of course I giggled at all the usual parts and I can't help but think of my honey during the Easter scene when the entire family finally gets to meet him. I don't think it'd be far off from that scene at all. And I know my Aunt Cookie would live up to her role just like "Aunt Voula" did in the movie. I then moved on to ::dreamy sigh:: The Phantom of the Opera. Nothing like Gerard and Patrick fight over the girl they love in song. Woof.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Hey! Your food doesn't suck!
One of the things I kept hearing over and over again was how dull and horrible English food is. Even honey jokes about it whenever I talk about needing my Spanish products.
I haven't had too many "Traditional" English meals (I don't think) but everything I've had here I've really liked. Granted, I have to comment that it doesn't have a wow factor - but! Its solid comfort food.
Lamb and pork is extremely popular and there's bangers (sausage) for everything, everywhere. (Baked) beans go on EVERYTHING (huzzah!), and most things are fried. Meals are no nonsense meat and potatoes set ups, but there is PLENTY of it. Lunch is called "Dinner" and Dinner is "Supper". My poor head tries to get around that one still. Oh! And, "Pudding" means dessert and has nothing to do with actual pudding, which is called "custard" here.
Beef actually tastes different, here. Trying to make picadillo took practice since the minced beef handles and cooks differently, but you can get it just the way you like it, with a few tries. Deli meats are also different in look and taste. I've had very good sliced ham here, and it still isn't what I'm used to in the states.
Oh and by the way, McDonalds, Burger King and Subway are still places you can 'count on' (for lack of a better phrase) to taste pretty much the same. Though their chicken with sweet chilli sauce is yummy!
The other thing I like about this place is that Indian, Chinese and Thai are your everyday alternatives. Most everyone goes for a 'Curry' and its easy to get Indian food at the supermarket. In fact, Morrisons (a supermarket chain) has some really good 'Indian for 1 (or 2 or 4)" meals. And its their supermarket brand. But don't expect all the usual favorites at your local Chinese place. And ordering what YOU think is Sweet and Sour Chicken, may be different than what you actually get. Funny thing is that most Chinese places make Indian curry dishes and most places have the usual "British" items on there.
I think the best thing about food around where I live - is how affordable it is. Local growers are at the town market every day with tons of fresh fruit and vegetables. I don't know why anyone would go to the Supermarket for fruits and veggies, actually, unless they happen to be there and are short on time.
For just about 5 quid (British Pounds), which is just under $8, I can get 6-10 bananas, about a dozen peaches, two pineapples, and a bunch of asparagus and still have change left over. The people are great, the produce is delicious and people eat healthily.
....or not.
The one thing that really surprised me was the amount of candy and chips (wooops! I mean 'crisps') that people consume here, right along with deliciously bad for you meat or bean pies of all kinds. But really...wow...the amount of chocolate and candy is astounding. My jaw dropped on several occasions and I fear for some people blood sugar! LOL.
I'd mention all the fried food as well. But really...who am I to talk about fried food when most of the stuff on the island comes out of a pot of oil? LOL. They've got a pretty good balance between fried and roasted, but its easy to fall into the fried side.
With that said. Here are some of my favorites...
1. Chips and Beans - as in, French Fries and Baked Beans. Oh man this is awesome at any time and ESPECIALLY after a night of bar hopping. Move over 3am pizza! Stand aside 4am Gray's Papaya hot dogs!
2. Bangers and Mash with Yorkies - As in Sausages and Mashed Potatoes (with Gravy) and Yorkshire Pudding. Yorkshire pudding is, in fact, not pudding as we know it, but a dough that's baked in oil. Like a cross between a pancake and bread. Delicious! Especially the way my honey makes them. Did I mention he's a wiz at Yorkies and Scones? Mmm...
3. Fried Bread - as in regular sliced bread fried in lard or olive oil. OH. MY. GODS. How amazing is this!?!? Add a fried egg, sunny side up, on top of it, add some beans (yeah...beans for everything) and bacon and I'm a happy camper. Speaking of bacon...
4. Bacon - as in....BACON. Puts us and the Canadians to shame.
5. Salad - as in British Salad. Salad isn't necessarily salad. Its a spread. With just about everything you can think of from canned corned beef, to pickled onions, to pork pie.....everything!
6. Cobs - as in...sandwiches. Also called "Baps". My favorites are Chicken Tikka (which I now make at home) and Tunafish with Mayo and corn. ::drool::
And yes. I HAVE tried Steak and Kidney Pie. But no...I haven't had Bubble and Squeak. OH! And - thanks to me landing in the hospital one night with a very bad throat infection, I tried porridge! Yummy!
Until next time! Keep eating!
I haven't had too many "Traditional" English meals (I don't think) but everything I've had here I've really liked. Granted, I have to comment that it doesn't have a wow factor - but! Its solid comfort food.
Lamb and pork is extremely popular and there's bangers (sausage) for everything, everywhere. (Baked) beans go on EVERYTHING (huzzah!), and most things are fried. Meals are no nonsense meat and potatoes set ups, but there is PLENTY of it. Lunch is called "Dinner" and Dinner is "Supper". My poor head tries to get around that one still. Oh! And, "Pudding" means dessert and has nothing to do with actual pudding, which is called "custard" here.
Beef actually tastes different, here. Trying to make picadillo took practice since the minced beef handles and cooks differently, but you can get it just the way you like it, with a few tries. Deli meats are also different in look and taste. I've had very good sliced ham here, and it still isn't what I'm used to in the states.
Oh and by the way, McDonalds, Burger King and Subway are still places you can 'count on' (for lack of a better phrase) to taste pretty much the same. Though their chicken with sweet chilli sauce is yummy!
The other thing I like about this place is that Indian, Chinese and Thai are your everyday alternatives. Most everyone goes for a 'Curry' and its easy to get Indian food at the supermarket. In fact, Morrisons (a supermarket chain) has some really good 'Indian for 1 (or 2 or 4)" meals. And its their supermarket brand. But don't expect all the usual favorites at your local Chinese place. And ordering what YOU think is Sweet and Sour Chicken, may be different than what you actually get. Funny thing is that most Chinese places make Indian curry dishes and most places have the usual "British" items on there.
I think the best thing about food around where I live - is how affordable it is. Local growers are at the town market every day with tons of fresh fruit and vegetables. I don't know why anyone would go to the Supermarket for fruits and veggies, actually, unless they happen to be there and are short on time.
For just about 5 quid (British Pounds), which is just under $8, I can get 6-10 bananas, about a dozen peaches, two pineapples, and a bunch of asparagus and still have change left over. The people are great, the produce is delicious and people eat healthily.
....or not.
The one thing that really surprised me was the amount of candy and chips (wooops! I mean 'crisps') that people consume here, right along with deliciously bad for you meat or bean pies of all kinds. But really...wow...the amount of chocolate and candy is astounding. My jaw dropped on several occasions and I fear for some people blood sugar! LOL.
I'd mention all the fried food as well. But really...who am I to talk about fried food when most of the stuff on the island comes out of a pot of oil? LOL. They've got a pretty good balance between fried and roasted, but its easy to fall into the fried side.
With that said. Here are some of my favorites...
1. Chips and Beans - as in, French Fries and Baked Beans. Oh man this is awesome at any time and ESPECIALLY after a night of bar hopping. Move over 3am pizza! Stand aside 4am Gray's Papaya hot dogs!
2. Bangers and Mash with Yorkies - As in Sausages and Mashed Potatoes (with Gravy) and Yorkshire Pudding. Yorkshire pudding is, in fact, not pudding as we know it, but a dough that's baked in oil. Like a cross between a pancake and bread. Delicious! Especially the way my honey makes them. Did I mention he's a wiz at Yorkies and Scones? Mmm...
3. Fried Bread - as in regular sliced bread fried in lard or olive oil. OH. MY. GODS. How amazing is this!?!? Add a fried egg, sunny side up, on top of it, add some beans (yeah...beans for everything) and bacon and I'm a happy camper. Speaking of bacon...
4. Bacon - as in....BACON. Puts us and the Canadians to shame.
5. Salad - as in British Salad. Salad isn't necessarily salad. Its a spread. With just about everything you can think of from canned corned beef, to pickled onions, to pork pie.....everything!
6. Cobs - as in...sandwiches. Also called "Baps". My favorites are Chicken Tikka (which I now make at home) and Tunafish with Mayo and corn. ::drool::
And yes. I HAVE tried Steak and Kidney Pie. But no...I haven't had Bubble and Squeak. OH! And - thanks to me landing in the hospital one night with a very bad throat infection, I tried porridge! Yummy!
Until next time! Keep eating!
Monday, August 23, 2010
WTH!? Am I the ONLY one with curly hair up in this place?!
Hello Everyone. I'm back :)
Well, let's see...where was I? Oh yes...
Very cool place, this is. Interesting to see people of all different nationalities and colors speaking with a British accent. Its very evident when you are submerged in the middle of a new accent and new...er... English.
Pants are underwear. Trousers are pants. Its not a tank top, its a vest. Its not a sweater, its a jumper. Eggplants are called Aubergines and Cucumbers are Corgettes. If I'm sick I am "feeling poorly". If I'm complaining about something I am "Having a winge". They aren't bangs on the front of your head, they are "Fringe". Its "Cheers" more often than "Thank you" and, apparently, people really like their fowl, cause half the people around you are calling you "Duck" when they speak to you, if they haven't called you "Love."
I may not be speaking with a British accent but its just easier to use their words, and sometimes I catch myself using their inflections - especially when I speak to the kids. But no matter how much I may be slipping in, word-wise, I stand out. Stand out like a neon sign.
I have curly hair. Not wavy....curly.
Yes....my hair is long, and curly and it seems to be the only head of hair to do so in my town. Everyone else's hair is straight. Whether its naturally straight or they straighten it out themselves at home or at the salon......its straight. And usually cut in the same style (regardless of face shape....shudder).
Go to any pub or club and visit the ladies room, and you will find hair straighteners hot and ready for everyone to use. So when I'm feeling like people are looking at me. I don't feel its the color of my skin, or the shape of my eyes or my weight at all...its my hair.
As a Puerto Rican and American and New Yorker, we are taught all our lives that when we are put in a situation where you are the one that sticks out from others, people are going to look at you and you are going to have it harder because of your uniqueness.
Darker-skinned Latinos talk about the "struggles of a black person in America" because they live it, because of the color of their skin, over their nationality. Mexican soap operas have blonde-haired, blue-eyed, cream-colored beauties in the leading roles, while darker-colored actors play servants, farm-hands and clergy. The color of ones skin, and the resulting treatment by others when not in your own comfort zone, is always in the front of our minds.
But here...I haven't come across any of it. Sure, people notice me immediately, so you'll be able to point me out to anyone, but I've yet to be treated differently (that I know of) because of it. People are accepted for who they are - as long as you aren't here taking up benefits in one hand and complaining how horrible the UK is with the other. As a side note: I must say...its interesting hearing people complaining and having really negative feelings over someone who isn't Black or Hispanic. Very interesting.
But it doesn't stop me from noticing when people take a double look at me as I walk through town. They know I'm different and the moment I open my mouth, they immediately know why. I'm not from around here. Of course, it instantly gets me a "Oooh Where are you from?" and then they are fascinated with what I'm doing here and why I'd leave New York. But on first looks, its not because of my skin color...its because of my curls.
The Kidlets have commented on more than one occasion, asking me why don't I cut and straighten out my hair. I said "Because I like my curly hair". They responded, "but it would like nice straight." I responded back "It looks like everyone else if its straight. My hair is naturally curly and it makes me unique here. And I like being unique."
And I do.
Well, let's see...where was I? Oh yes...
Very cool place, this is. Interesting to see people of all different nationalities and colors speaking with a British accent. Its very evident when you are submerged in the middle of a new accent and new...er... English.
Pants are underwear. Trousers are pants. Its not a tank top, its a vest. Its not a sweater, its a jumper. Eggplants are called Aubergines and Cucumbers are Corgettes. If I'm sick I am "feeling poorly". If I'm complaining about something I am "Having a winge". They aren't bangs on the front of your head, they are "Fringe". Its "Cheers" more often than "Thank you" and, apparently, people really like their fowl, cause half the people around you are calling you "Duck" when they speak to you, if they haven't called you "Love."
I may not be speaking with a British accent but its just easier to use their words, and sometimes I catch myself using their inflections - especially when I speak to the kids. But no matter how much I may be slipping in, word-wise, I stand out. Stand out like a neon sign.
I have curly hair. Not wavy....curly.
Yes....my hair is long, and curly and it seems to be the only head of hair to do so in my town. Everyone else's hair is straight. Whether its naturally straight or they straighten it out themselves at home or at the salon......its straight. And usually cut in the same style (regardless of face shape....shudder).
Go to any pub or club and visit the ladies room, and you will find hair straighteners hot and ready for everyone to use. So when I'm feeling like people are looking at me. I don't feel its the color of my skin, or the shape of my eyes or my weight at all...its my hair.
As a Puerto Rican and American and New Yorker, we are taught all our lives that when we are put in a situation where you are the one that sticks out from others, people are going to look at you and you are going to have it harder because of your uniqueness.
Darker-skinned Latinos talk about the "struggles of a black person in America" because they live it, because of the color of their skin, over their nationality. Mexican soap operas have blonde-haired, blue-eyed, cream-colored beauties in the leading roles, while darker-colored actors play servants, farm-hands and clergy. The color of ones skin, and the resulting treatment by others when not in your own comfort zone, is always in the front of our minds.
But here...I haven't come across any of it. Sure, people notice me immediately, so you'll be able to point me out to anyone, but I've yet to be treated differently (that I know of) because of it. People are accepted for who they are - as long as you aren't here taking up benefits in one hand and complaining how horrible the UK is with the other. As a side note: I must say...its interesting hearing people complaining and having really negative feelings over someone who isn't Black or Hispanic. Very interesting.
But it doesn't stop me from noticing when people take a double look at me as I walk through town. They know I'm different and the moment I open my mouth, they immediately know why. I'm not from around here. Of course, it instantly gets me a "Oooh Where are you from?" and then they are fascinated with what I'm doing here and why I'd leave New York. But on first looks, its not because of my skin color...its because of my curls.
The Kidlets have commented on more than one occasion, asking me why don't I cut and straighten out my hair. I said "Because I like my curly hair". They responded, "but it would like nice straight." I responded back "It looks like everyone else if its straight. My hair is naturally curly and it makes me unique here. And I like being unique."
And I do.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
My Kingdom for some Goya Products!
You know us Puerto Ricans - our memories are made up of what and where we ate and with whom. And yes, in that order.
If we aren't feeding people, we aren't happy. If there isn't some family get together or someone coming over for dinner, we aren't happy. And just like every other nationality, we absolutely love our food. We can't wait to get our hands on our tacos and enchiladas and....
Wait..............what?! What are you talking about Ana!?! Tacos and enchiladas!?!? That's MEXICAN! What have you been smoking! That's not Puerto Rican food!
Oy yeah? Try telling that to the supermarkets, where the 'Spanish' section consists of nothing but Old El Paso. I seriously need to open up a Puerto Rican restaurant. Oh DAAAAAaaaaad!!!! ::runs off::
Anywho, where was I? Oh yeah.
Color me shocked when I found out Goya doesn't ship internationally. I thought I'd be fine in the condiment/bean/guava paste/malta section, but alas...no. They don't ship internationally. You could literally hear the moment my heart broke. And while I can (and have) made my own Adobo, the ingredients for Sofrito and Sazón are really difficult to find. So before I came I shipped myself a care package.
The Adobo and Sazón have lasted the longest, but now I'm just left with a tiny bit Adobo. I cling to it, hoarding it like precious salt in Medieval times. Adobo is my key to every one of my meats tasting delicious. And how do I make my yellow rice without my Sazón with Achiote (Annatto)? ::cry:: And I prefer achiote over saffron, so lets not go down that road, ok?
The stores here are full of Indian, Chinese and Thai ingredients. Luckily, Indian and Thai are my two favorite kinds of food, next to mine, so...Yay for me! But when all you can do is stare at a wall of Old El Paso for "Spanish" food, you have to learn to be creative. Luckily, you can search through the Indian, Chinese and Thai sections for ingredients that you share. I've found things like tamarindo (tamarind) and coconut milk, and cilantro (coriander) is very popular here.
Also, understand that you can't count on people sending you care packages. ::stares at her friends and family:: So you have to fend for yourself and anything that DOES show up is a wonderful surprise. But there IS a solution. If you have set up a mail forwarding service in the States. You can order from the Goya website in the states and have them shipped to your mail forwarding service. Most offer repacking services and will then ship it to you. Obviously you won't be ordering perishables and frozen food, but that's not too bad.
I have, however, had some wonderful findings. I found that there is an "International Store" in Nottingham that carries ripe plantains! Oh man was that ever a happy moment. And let me tell you, my honey appreciated those plantains the day I made maduros! I even got him to learn to make them himself (not like its all that difficult and we have a deep fryer so...WIN!).
I also found Malta (a non-alcoholic malt beverage) locally! Its not as sweet as the Maltas in the states, but its close and it definitely hits the spot when I'm craving for one.
I've also found - to my absolute delight - that Parcha/Maracuya (Passion Fruit) is not only in abundance here, but its CHEAP! Gone are the days where I spent $2 for EACH piece! Now I can get 6 for less than $2! Huzzah, I say! Huzzah!
I'm still getting the hang of things and figuring out what I can and what I can't recreate. There are Afro-Caribbean stores online in the UK that offer green and yellow plantains shipped to my door. They have some other ingredients I can get as well, but things like yautia (taro root), malanga, yucca (cassava root) etc. are just about impossible unless I grow them myself. Luckily we have a nice back yard :)
Till Next time!
Adios!
Monday, August 9, 2010
EEEEEEEEEnglaaaaaaand!!!
Alright, that's enough of me trying to recreate famous speeches by British Queens.
You may be wondering what the hell was I drinking when I decided to go so far away from either of my islands (NY and PR). There's a four letter word for that. Love.
Yes, I loves me a Brit. And I'm not going to go into how that all happened. Let's just say - there may be a movie on Lifetime, one day. But! I love my honey, and honey comes with kids on the weekend. And since I don't have kids yet, there was no way I was going to yank him across the pond. I couldn't do that to him or them. No way.
So here I am, on an extended vacation at the moment but marriage is on the horizon. And I'm already tired of people asking me "How's London?". Well.....it was still there last time I heard on the news. But I wouldn't know cause I LIVE THREE HOURS AWAY!!!!!
OY! ::facepalm::
England is NOT London. And yeah, you think a New Yorker wouldn't go anywhere but London. Well let me let you in on a little secret: This New Yorker doesn't want to live anywhere near London. Or Manchester for that matter. I like it right in my town, not too far from Nottingham.
Yes, ladies and gents, I moved to Sherwood friggin Forest and I'm loving it.
I think of it as the Nottingham's Westchester :grin: and since I lived up North about 40 minutes from NY for the last 7 years of my life, the change has been pretty seamless. But let me tell you, I'm still in shock, no matter how well I've adjusted. Here are some of the topics I'll be covering soon.
1. FOOD! ::wail:: My kingdom for some Goya products!
2. WTH!? Am I the ONLY one with curly hair up in this place?!
3. FOOD! Hey! Your food doesn't suck!
4. Why no....I'm NOT Hawaiian...
5. What do you MEAN an hour each way is to far for 3 plantains!? We're talking PLANTAINS!!!
6. Ok....if its a 'cubed steak' in the states...what's that called over here?
7. Its not that I don't want you to understand what I tell my Godmother...I just haven't spoken in Spanish for so long!
8. Damn this time zone difference!!!
Till then!
Adios!
You may be wondering what the hell was I drinking when I decided to go so far away from either of my islands (NY and PR). There's a four letter word for that. Love.
Yes, I loves me a Brit. And I'm not going to go into how that all happened. Let's just say - there may be a movie on Lifetime, one day. But! I love my honey, and honey comes with kids on the weekend. And since I don't have kids yet, there was no way I was going to yank him across the pond. I couldn't do that to him or them. No way.
So here I am, on an extended vacation at the moment but marriage is on the horizon. And I'm already tired of people asking me "How's London?". Well.....it was still there last time I heard on the news. But I wouldn't know cause I LIVE THREE HOURS AWAY!!!!!
OY! ::facepalm::
England is NOT London. And yeah, you think a New Yorker wouldn't go anywhere but London. Well let me let you in on a little secret: This New Yorker doesn't want to live anywhere near London. Or Manchester for that matter. I like it right in my town, not too far from Nottingham.
Yes, ladies and gents, I moved to Sherwood friggin Forest and I'm loving it.
I think of it as the Nottingham's Westchester :grin: and since I lived up North about 40 minutes from NY for the last 7 years of my life, the change has been pretty seamless. But let me tell you, I'm still in shock, no matter how well I've adjusted. Here are some of the topics I'll be covering soon.
1. FOOD! ::wail:: My kingdom for some Goya products!
2. WTH!? Am I the ONLY one with curly hair up in this place?!
3. FOOD! Hey! Your food doesn't suck!
4. Why no....I'm NOT Hawaiian...
5. What do you MEAN an hour each way is to far for 3 plantains!? We're talking PLANTAINS!!!
6. Ok....if its a 'cubed steak' in the states...what's that called over here?
7. Its not that I don't want you to understand what I tell my Godmother...I just haven't spoken in Spanish for so long!
8. Damn this time zone difference!!!
Till then!
Adios!
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