Miss Tilde & My Weekend Until Now

Right this very moment, my roommates daughter is running circles 'round the apartment with one of her friends from "børnehave" pronounced boor nih haoowa (in English - day care center). They are playing force-the-cats-to-chase-us-until-someone-stubs-their-toe! Actually it is quite cute, and I am thoroughly enjoying watching and listening to them. I spoke to her a little in Danish, and she responded so I know she understood me! She is just learning English now, and I think we can really benefit from each other!

Friday was a big day! I took the oral final for the introductory Danish course, partook our class party (I brought these really fantastic caramelized oat cookies with dark chocolate filling, yumm!), then headed for Kastrup with the intention of boarding my flight at 16.25. Unfortunately, due to weather delays, the flight didn't leave the ground until about 18.00! The flight was short and sweet and I made my way through Heathrow, past customs, past passport check, down to "the tube" and off on the Piccadilly line towards South Kensington Station.

It's funny being in an English speaking country again. No more being timid while ordering -- I can speak my mother tongue freely! In fact, my brother and I went to a kebab kiosk and I was so awkward while I was ordering. I kept wanting to say "Ja, og, eller, tak skal du have, tak i lige måde, jeg har en spørgsmål", etc...

Today (July 25th) was a really rewarding day. I loved being able to go with my family to the places in the UK that I have been to before, namely Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and the absolutely picturesque village of Bath. I proudly ordered bangers and mash* for lunch and shared a traditional pasty** with my mom later. My mom seems to have taken a fondness to the architecture, bustle, and lifestyle of London -- I wouldn't be surprised if she and my dad move here within the next 4-5 years. Just sayin'.

Today was quite long, tomorrow will be long as well, I am going to take the advice of a great friend and explore some of the wonderful sites here in London. Tate Modern, Royal Academy, Royal Opera House, and Convent Gardens are high on my list!

Monday morning we all fly to Copenhagen!

Until again,

A. Taylor

*Bangers & Mash is a traditional dish from the UK: Sausages on top of mashed potatoes with onion gravy, scrumptious!

**Traditional Pasty is another traditional dish, more for on-the-go eating: Think of one handed pot pie! Superb as well.













Pictures:
1) My mom hated Stonehenge... JK! Isn't she pretty with that umbrella there?
2) Is this a real castle? My family w/out dad. Gosh I just love my calves...
3) Look at all the umbrellas. I need to fool around with the umbrella shots, some of them will be really cool I think!