So that's what that was...

« A nativity crib from Austria, #4 on the Jouluseimet/Nativities 2004 map. I have a series of photos from the various cribs, but they'll have to wait until after Christmas. »

I am incredibly flattered that Clandestina this month selected a series of photos of mine from January's trip to Funchal, Madeira. It was difficult to choose the eight photos for the submission and, well, I just don't know what to say since it came as a nice holiday surprise. :)

For the friends who always ask if I've had lutefisk yet, the answer remains no, but I did notice a vat of floating smelly whitefish in the lunchroom yesterday which I decided was not at all appetizing and took the other entree option. Someone sat across from me with a heaping plate of the aforementioned white, gelatinous, smelly unidentified foodstuff and I couldn't help but ask what it was. I got about every third word as he explained in turbo Finnish and then, as the translation caught up with me, it dawned on me what this mystery meat was. I cautiously asked, "Is this what is called lutefisk in Sweden?" The immediate smiles and nods confirmed my interpolation. He also added that it didn't really taste like anything to which I asked why eat it? Perhaps I had missed the obvious? I then had an epiphany as to why it is the butt of so many jokes. So, yes, I've been close to lutefisk but my gastronomic curiosity is satisfied that it is close enough. :) I can send you the recipe and story about how it is made featured in today's newspaper if you like.

The office was like a ghost town after 2pm or so today. I showed the Rare Exports, Inc. Movie to everyone around to spread the holiday cheer and slack. I'll be going into the office for a while tomorrow as I know one box senses that its keepers are going on holiday and is plotting something. Perhaps I should whisper in the ether that I have a tesla coil handy should there be any shennanigans while we're away. I should load up some Morricone music to play loudly in the office tomorrow to go along with the tumbleweeds. :)

Update: Did I say ghost town? It's more like a deserted island. I somehow managed to take the wrong bus and had to go ask the driver when he took an unusual turn, "Onks tämä sata kolme?" "Ei. Sata yheksän." I must have hallucinated the right number. Much amusement and a different bus later I arrived at work without seeing a single person or vehicle. It's the festive post-apocalyptic effect.

An enjoyable holiday weekend to all and to all the return of the daylight! :)