Norwegian Brown Cheese

I have a friend here who is a Norwegian Naval officer. She recently went back to Norway for a visit and brought me some Norwegian Brown Cheese.

The first bite resulted in the thought, "What...the Hell... is in my mouth?!?" It certainly wasn't cheese. I took another tentative bite and then another. It wasn't that it tasted bad but I couldn't reconcile the taste with the fact that it was supposed to be cheese.

It looks rather dry but is actually creamy. And it tastes like salted caramel. Once I identified the flavors I was able to enjoy it. Now I'm sad because it's all gone. Hopefully she'll make another trip to Norway soon. Maybe I'll have to go with her!

Hoorn & Enkhuizen...A Visit Home

I organized a weekend trip with the walking club back to my old stomping ground in North Holland. I love these old port towns. They are very different from where I live now. They have a completely different feel and the landscape is totally different. I'd move back up there if it were an option. For now I have to settle with visiting. I'm glad I got to introduce a group of friends to some of my favorite places.

The original entrance to Hoorn

At the Dromedary in Enkhuizen

This is life when you live below sea level just behind a dike.

Simone - one of the mother's I had during my exchange year. She joined us at dinner and it was great catching up.

London

A friend from NC moved to a base outside of London last year. I finally made it over there for a visit. Now I just need to get them here for a visit!!

Kelly and I in Bury St. Edmonds

Madeline in front of Buckingham Palace

At the Tower Bridge (mistakenly referred to as the London Bridge).

The Tower Bridge from the Tower of London - side of the river.