05 January 2011

Hagelslag (Ha-hel slaag, with a hard 'h')

Today is the day!


After many months of applying, reading, researching, thinking, reading, booking, and reading some more.. it's time to go!! Flight leaves at 7:50pm.. and I still have not put the teeny organized piles of my stuff in the bag. Fingers crossed I don't have to suddenly eliminate half my luggage..


Now, you are all probably wondering how a landscape architecture student decided to structure her travel blog with food.. WELL, let me tell you! 

Here is a short piece from my blog proposal that I recently submitted to my program counselor:


     "[Food] is what brings people together, a social device, conversation starter and important consideration in any design. Any one person can understand the influence food has on the human population. People plan their day around food, when they will have it, what they will have, and who will join them."


There are so many considerations when it comes to food, it's everything from a chore to a career, and it changes from one region to another. I want to see, appreciate and experience this. This blog is to help document the process, from the challenges to the discoveries, and prove to myself I won't just eat bread and cheese the whole time. 


Guess we'll see...
To start my food challenge, I figured I give a quick low-down on what most of my mornings consist of. Now, some of you may disagree.


Starting the day off right, with Hagelslag.
   Hagelslag: (explanation from the oh-so handy Wikipedia.)
Dutch hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles) was first invented in 1936 by Gerard de Vries for Venz, a Dutch company made popular by said treat. Hagelslag is used on bread, most of the time butter is spread out so the hagelslag does not fall off.
   Butter is key. 


Starting with my arrival in Paris early tomorrow morning, I am going to abandon my morning toast and 'taste of Europe' Keurig coffee to eat like the local do. 


Now, with my 59 cent 'spork' in hand, I am armed to take on the food of the real Europe, not just 'a taste in my cup'. However... if I make it back up to Nederland, I will be treating myself to toast with Hagelslag.


Cheers! to the last moments at home, shannon xx

7 comments:

  1. Fun blog title! Looking forward to hearing your answers and findings. Have a great trip.
    a.s.

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  2. Have a great time Shannon - love the blog title!

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  3. Way to go can't wait for details! :)

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  4. This is wonderful Shannon. I am really looking forward to following this theme wherever it takes you!

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  5. We like your blog and we will also enjoy some hagelslag with you. Looking forward to hearing the rest of your blog!

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  6. Hagelslag: aka chocolate sprinkles.

    HA!

    mar

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