Notes from a Glorious Island
So, after 3400 miles, more pre-packed hot meals than a human being should ever be subjected to - I arrive back home. 1st things 1st one pays homage to Mr Red Bull (twice) and I jump on a train to Sheffield. Unpacked and armed with the fiancee I head off to buy food. It amazes me that we Brits have such an appalling image on the world scene when it comes to food. The home of the garbage plate need take note. I have been deprived of real food for too long, the local mid sized Morrisons has more diversity of food on offer then both Henrietta and Pittsford Wegmans put together! I have missed my raisin and fennel bread, my super strong cheddar cheese (the sort that numbs your tongue, nothing as weak as that so called 'sharp' rubberised rubbish fobbed off onto unaware Americans), real - REAL sliced bacon that isn't the scraps left in the process (and no - it isn't like Canadian Bacon), a deli bar that contains more sliced meats then a shop that sells sliced meats and then… to a rousing chorus of Hendel's Messiah's Hallelujah! … the Beer isle.
I zone in to five little shelves of pure happiness. British Beer. 4 for £5 (about $9). I look for someone to hug but settle instead for a shopping trolley. Oh how I have missed the real stuff. And then into town on Sheffield's public transport system (we have one!) for a couple of pints and a real British Curry. One cannot even begin to describe the joy of a real Curry. A chicken Jalfrazi with extra green chillies served Asian style (additional Coriander). The nice chap at SB's hears about the wedding and furnishes us with two complimentary shots. It is great to be home, can't wait for a full English Breakfast later today. The only down side as far as I can see thus far is being wide awake at 4.30 in the bloody morning. I sound like some of my students at the end of the quarter.
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British Curry, Asian style?
seriously. re-read that and re-read it again.
thieves.
I have similar questions as Gaurav about “British curry.” I think Gaurav’s people thought of curry a few THOUSAND years before the Brits.
In any case I would kill for an English Breakfast!
Welcome home Dr…best to you and Rose next week. Make us proud!
Congrats on the pending wedding!
I just returned from my first visit to London (beautiful city) Saturday night, and I agree that the food there is unfairly maligned. I was very happy with everything from the Norwegian brunch (though Aquavit at 11am is a bit harsh…) to the late-night diner falafel. Much better than what I’ve been getting in Ithaca…Also felt that while Waitrose may not carry 7 brands of corn flakes, the *real* variety of foods was impressive.
Also, i would recommend a dye job, preferably Black. The whole carrot top thing just freaks us out.
the greatest pint availabe in Britain isnt even British
www.stella-artois.com
Amy! good to hear from you - trust life is treating you well and that youre continuing to impress people with your consultancy skills
Stella? Gaurav - are you trying to upset me? this has been universally renamed Belgian Gnats Pee with bubbles. I am deeply dissapointed in you and urge you to immediately change your ways. When youre back in Rochester look me up - we need to continue your education in beers of the world it seems. I’ll even pay.
Life is good, but Cornell has kept me too busy for anything other than a little freelance web development work. Managed to win a couple case competitions, though, including one at U of R just a few weeks ago.
Spending the summer at American Express Interactive investigating ways to improve the online user experience. Also doing a fundraising plan and online implementation for Matt’s research group (an international consortium of hospitals and cancer centers).
Busy and scrambling to figure out what I’m doing, as always…but what else is new? I’d be bored to death if I wasn’t.
you know Neil, i would listen to you. except your country passes off some monstrosity as the India Pale Ale.
Face it. the Sun has set
Ah, Neil and Rose: (great Birthday video Rose!!) Wishing you the best day for your nuptials. I’m salivating for real Indian and a “proper pint” Can hardly wait to get over the pond in Sept to visit and spend time in the “locals”.
Dear Sue,
Real Indian and proper pint can only be had with the real ‘locals’ down in Bombay.
Dont let the ginger minger tell you otherwise.
Hi Gaurav
A lot of British-born Indians and Pakistanis might disagree with you on that one. Good food is good food, regardless where it originates or where it is eaten.
The ginger minger has a point I think.
Gaurav - wheres my first class BA ticket to Bombay this wniter?