Sometimes the timing of everything is just so impeccable. On Monday, I impulsively decided to visit the world renowned Royal Botanic Garden. I roamed around the gardens and took too many pictures, all while wondering if it was worth £6 to enter the glasshouses.
It was definitely worth it.
Once I stepped inside, it was like entering another dimension, filled with so much greenery and the most diverse plant life. The climate of the greenhouses transitioned from arid to temperate to a variety of tropics – all green but unique in their own way.
I initially mentioned impeccable timing because while my visit to the garden was on a whim, I was assigned to write a speech on the same exact garden at work the next day, in honor of its 350th anniversary.
350 years.
350 years of discovering new species, conserving plant life and educating the public. With environmental change occurring so rapidly, institutes like this one are needed more than ever before so my speech encompassed my gratitude for their work and a plea to parliament to continue supporting institutes that are committed to protecting the environment.
Survival Mode:
Haggis & Baguettes
While I do enjoy the culture of “tea and crumpets” (I would die for scones), the lack of access to diverse cuisines has been very challenging. In both San Diego and LA, I’m spoiled by the unlimited options I have of Asian, Mexican and Middle Eastern foods to name a few and I definitely miss going on taco and boba runs.
However, to the shock of my family and friends, this “challenge” has prompted me to start cooking. I finally learned how to cook chicken somewhat properly (a big deal for me btw) and even ventured to make dishes like Thai Yellow Curry! The vegetables may have been a bit soggy but the important thing is that I’m in the kitchen cooking instead of on my phone ordering Grubhub.
Needless to say, I have been trying various Scottish foods! Haggis, the national dish of Scotland, is a “pudding composed of various sheep parts, minced with beef suet and oatmeal and seasoned with onion, cayenne pepper and other spices”. To be honest, it’s not my favorite food in the world BUT I’m open to giving it another chance and think everyone should definitely try it. On the other hand, I really like all the potato dishes, like Neeps and Tatties (turnips and potatoes) and desserts like Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Anyways, thanks again for reading! Cheers 🙂
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