Yesterday we moved into our permanent flat at Tyndale House (pics to come soon!), with the help of Sarah and Joel Dixon, in a mere 20 minutes. This seemed so strange, that for the first time we could move essentially our whole life in such a short amount of time. Very refreshing, indeed. Then we went to Tesco (the grocery/walmart of England) with Collin and Candice. Let me just say that this was no small undertaking. If you're ever in need of a zucchini, it's known as "courgettes" across the pond. (Strangely enough the British have seemingly adopted random French words for things, such as "courgettes" and "serviettes," which are what we in the States would call "Napkins." Unfortunately a "nappy" is a diaper and a "napkin" would typically refer to feminine care products.) Resume thoughts on the grocery store adventure: If you're looking for familiar cheese at a British grocery store, forget it! Candice politely informed us that there is nothing close to Monterey Jack cheese, but Red Leicester is nice. ;) Also, no luck finding heavy whipping cream (O, how I miss the free days of Starbucks at moments like this), squash, or canned crushed tomatoes. I know these things seem minor, but if you've already trimmed the recipes down to ones that include simple, non-brand-name ingredients, it's a bit overwhelming to plan even a few meals. Essentially flexibility is the key to surviving here, and a British cookbook will be the next thing I purchase. Regardless, thanks to all of our Oklahoma friends in Cambridge! I would be even more lost without you.
Today's lessons included: (1) using our electric shower, (2) learning more Cam. U. jargon at Wolfson College Orientation (my college @ Cambridge), and (3) learning that College Porters are essentially the RA on duty, except they know the answer to almost any question. After a few hours spent at Wolfson I went to play in my first University football (soccer) match. We won 3-2 against the Witchford Ladies. Lastly we made a delicious dinner, with essentially no kitchen gadgets (I feel so spoiled for feeling that I
need a garlic press, but not so bad for hoping for hot pads/oven mitts and scissors), inspired by a lovely little diner in Austin called Magnolia. The dish is called Love Veggies; please try it out if you like some spice and veggies:
1 head broccoli
1 handful of sliced mushrooms
1 yellow bell pepper, or squash
1 red bell pepper
2 handfuls of spinach leaves
1 purple onion
2 small zucchinis
2 jalapeños
3 cloves garlic
1 stick of butter
salt and pepper to taste
Tortillas
Shredded jack or red Leicester cheese
* optional to add scrambled eggs
Chop everything. Melt butter in a large frying pan. All jalapeños, then garlic; simmer. Add all veggies and s&p; simmer until done. Place veggies in a serving dish, and sprinkle cheese on top. Serve with warmed tortillas.
More lessons in surviving English everyday life and studies to come...
