Happy Thanksgiving

It has been quite a while since I've had a "traditional American" Thanksgiving. I regret the fact that it has been about five years since I have attended the annual feast at the Mehlmans’. I think it has been long enough to actually establish my own tradition: spending Thanksgiving abroad. Unfortunately I do not have any Americans to celebrate it with this year (Em is so close in Germany but I didn't want to miss any classes), so I dined on the only American thing I am able to make without and over, macaroni and cheese.

At lunch I did ask the chef for turkey, but he didn't have any so he made me a nice tilapia in lemon coriander sauce instead (quite good, very zesty). I've been quite impressed with the food that is served at school, since Dutch cuisine is a bit bland and the food service is run by Sodexho. The chef, a Dutchman, is really friendly and makes excellent lasagna since he has an Italian mother in law. Today I found out that he had spent five years living in Cape Town, illegally, until he got deported. Apparently the South Africans are expedient, they put him on a plane home the same day. Anyway, my day was relaxing nonetheless, only one class, a trip to the market, and I finally found the local swimming pool (the steam room is mentholated). I hope that everyone has a pleasant Thanksgiving and enjoys their day off.