As I have previously written, my daughter recently completed a junior year abroad.
After much debate on destinations, the University of Edinburgh was selected–not surprising since she was already an Anglophile. She quoted Monty Python regularly, bought Cadbury chocolate at the local British Shop, studied British history, and had even baked a Tardis Cake or two (from the iconic BBC series Dr Who) for parties.
Holyrood Palace, photo courtesy of E.M.
We said our goodbyes but kept in touch over Skype and as the year progressed, I realized… she was beginning to “go native.” She took up Scottish Country Dancing, celebrated Boxing Day, and even tried Haggis, the traditional dish of sheep “innards” cooked inside a sheep stomach. Were it not for immigrations laws, there could be Cheeky Bingo parties on the horizon, and a pram with tots who freckle in the sun. (Not even the Haggis phased her.)
At the end of her stay she returned home with a broader view of the world as well as some new tastes–and new cooking ideas for me. One can never have too many ideas for a food blog!
In the past few months I have made shortbread a half dozen times (versus once in the previous 10 years), both plain and lemon-lavender versions, and there are more recipe trials on the horizon. Stay tuned as I post my results!
But there is no way am I cooking Haggis.
What an awesome experience for her! And no way that I could cook or eat Haggis either.
She said that the Haggis she had was good. I just can’t imagine holding, much less trying to stuff a sheep stomach though I heard there was somewhat of a black market for them in the US when they were illegal to sell here!
Travle really does broaden the mind (and sometimes the tummy!) I’m so grateful my mum packed me off on a regular basis – lucky girl that I was !!
It is wonderful to have the opportunity to travel. My daughter is looking for excuses to go back now!