Oh man has it been a good day. I did about a million loads of laundry (yay for clean clothes), I went on my first official run in Strasbourg (felt so good, now I'm oh so sore, and I cannot wait to get back into running shape and a routine again), and I got a bike! Her name is Madeleine and she'll be with me for the next 3 months, I'll introduce her to you tomorrow :). I also recently realized why all my food pictures have been so off. They're either too bright, too dark, and/or oddly colored and it's all because I haven't been using the flash. That's my excuse for not including my meals from the beginning of the week, they just don't look that nice. On my old camera I took a better picture without it... on this one I suppose it's necessary. Just look below and see :).
Two below I guess? This isn't exactly food... yet, hehe. They don't sell instant oatmeal at any store in France. For good reason I guess, the less processed the better, but every now and again, when you're in a rush and need something to warm you up and keep you full, instant oatmeal is the way to go. The English teacher that I intern with at the bilingual school received a large package from her parents (they're in the states) and decided to share some of the food goodies. I now have two packets... or I guess one, since I already ate the first :).
I've actually never had instant oatmeal before. I was convinced for the longest time that I hated every kind of oats, I don't know, I think it was the appearance and perceived consistency. But last year, as I started getting into reading blogs beginning with Kath and her beloved banana oats, I got curious. I asked another original favorite, Jenna, on how to go about making oatmeal from scratch, and the rest is history :). Instant oatmeal cannot compare to my usual bowl of oats but it was a yummy substitute. 
I made it with water in the microwave, mixed in a mashed banana and yogurt for a creamier consistency, and then topped with copious amounts of cinnamon and sliced almonds. Wow, I knew I missed my oats but I didn't realize how much. I'm making it my mission this weekend to see if I can find any. Steel-cut, rolled, instant, whatever :) even 5-grain cereal will do!
After my internship I had lots of errands to run before class so I didn't have a chance to make myself lunch as I usually do. Fortunately, I stumbled upon a Bio Panini café. Bio is the equivalent of our organic and there were a lot of healthful choices! I ended up with the Panini Duo, toasted flat bread filled with mozzarella cheese, zucchini, tomato, and arugula. I ate my tasty lunch alongside my Elle Cuisine magazine that I was reading (or at least trying to read). Can't wait to go back!
After many a classes I was home back home again and very ready for dinner. We began with a brothy soup that didn't like to get it's picture taken. I love me some Soupe de Legumes in the midst of a chilly winter!
Our next course was a Salade with tomatoes, carrots, and a hard boiled egg. My host-mom dressed it in a fabulous mixture of olive oil and vinegar and it was absolutely parfait.
Then replacing the usual bread and cheese, I had some Frommage Blanc with crumbled dark chocolate. I've talked many a time with my host-mom about my eating habits so she knows all about my love affair with bitter dark luxurious chocolat :).
Finally, for a healthy dessert we had some Purée de Mangue. This tasty concoction came together with a mango that we bought from the market last weekend, a handful of dried apricots, and a touch of brown sugar... it was a fabulous way to end my day... and that it did. After dinner I watch the news with my family as a way of practicing my French and staying up to date with current events. I had planned on doing so and then going out with friends but when I found myself falling asleep in front of the TV I knew it was better that I stay in, so I did.
And I had one of the best night's sleep I've had in a very long time. Don't you just love when that happens? I do, and it totally set the tone for my "good day" :). I leisurely awoke around 9 and went into the kitchen for a breakfast of toast, jam, cheese, a clementine, green tea, and a yogurt. I find that yogurt is one of those perfect foods, it tastes good, is good for me, and keeps me satisfied for a long time afterwards. So, although, My host-mom sets up breakfast for me daily but rarely includes a side of yogurt, I always seem to add it in :). 
Today's lunch was a half a sandwich with an entire cucumber and a pear, (haha, that sounds funny but it's true) and now I'm sitting with my friend Liz in Café Brant, drinking an espresso, and reviewing the itinerary for spring break. Ready for this? Dublin & Budapest & Florence. Random, unique, and lacking a beach. I'm very excited about our plans, I have all summer to lie in the sun and these are 3 of my top cities that I wanted to see. Following our official break I'm also going to London to meet some friends from school and miss a few classes (oops). And aside from that, I have a plans for Geneva, Prague, and Istanbul. Oh, and that's on top of another trip to Paris with my Art History class and one to Nancy, Verdun & Reims with the entire program. Just think of all the scrumptious food!?! I can hardly wait! Food was the first thing on my mind... I love being able to admit that :). TGIF bloggies, enjoy the beginning of another wintery weekend!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Penny for your thoughts...