Throwing the Shock in Reverse

Those of you that have been hanging out with us for a likely remember that we've written a bit on the blog about culture, and adapting to life in a new country. Things we've learned and experienced as we journeyed across the ocean. Differences in Norwegian & American culture. Things that were strange or difficult for us. Things we love about this culture and country.

Things like...
Our "What's It Like" series (here)
Our "Christmas Cheer" series (here)
The boys' school experience (here)

Yeah, three years of learning and being challenged, feeling frustrated at times, and at other times quite encouraged, struggling to understand differences, working to find substitutes for things that were once normal for us, finding balance in a new routine, and so much more.

We have grown to love life in Europe. It has become home. Then again, we've also learned that the idea of home has greatly changed. There is no longer that one place that is home for us. Instead, it's a feeling, and it's more about who than where.

But now it's time for a bit of reverse culture shock... the Dove family is embarking on a visit to our other home! We're headed to America soon (in 15 days, to be exact), where we'll be spending the holidays with family and friends, doing a bit of work, and relaxing a bit as well.

Zack and I have each been back to the states once. But our boys have not been there in over three years. Needless to say, they are a bit excited!

We are excited as well - and maybe a bit apprehensive. Three years is a long time. And we'd be lying if we said this time and experience has not changed us.

Two months in America - this is going to be interesting!

So stay tuned to see just how much we've changed - and how much the world and life we left have gone off and changed on us!

Kaffetur 24 / Coffee Tour #24: Artisan, London

Artisan. An apt name for a shop serving specialty coffee, if you ask me.

On a recent trip to London, we stopped in Ealing for breakfast, and decided to pop in Artisan for a coffee before we set out to explore the city with Zack's brother and sister-in-law.

Zack had actually been here before, on a business trip. He'd raved about their smoked salmon sandwich, and spoke highly of their coffee as well.

Walking in, I thought the shop was cute. Fun lighting, lots of seating, great signage, and a nice overall setup. Artisan in Ealing is a perfect blend of rustic, charming, and cozy. But honestly, the charm factor was so high, I found myself feeling less than confident about the coffee itself.

Not to worry! Zack and I decided on a cortado and a V60. Our 13 year old, as he usually does, chose a cold brew. And imagine the delight of our 10 year old when the barista delivered a Babycino to the table for him.

Seriously. Other cafes should take note. Artisan offers a free Babycino for their 'junior' customers. It's a very simple concept: steamed milk, topped with whipped cream, chocolate, and a marshmallow. Simple, and yet, it was totally appreciated by me, and devoured by my little man!

Babycino - yeah, the little man was thrilled!

Our coffee was excellent. Every drink ordered was carefully prepared, and was really delicious. Way better than I expected. Their coffee is just as excellent as their shop is cool.

The Ealing location is also home to Artisan's Coffee School. Wish I could have taken part in one of those!

When in London, I encourage you to take a little side trip to Ealing. The neighborhood itself is full of cool shops and lots of charm. It's got such a great feel, without all the touristy hoopla.

And Artisan is just icing on the cake - or should I say, crema on the espresso.

Artisan Coffee

http://www.artisancoffee.co.uk

(They have four locations... we visited them in Ealing)

32 New Broadway

Ealing, London W5 2XA

Project 'Get it Together': Let's take a walk

Funny how you can change over time.

Just three shorts years ago, we lived in the states. And I remember that whenever I saw people walking from the grocery store, I typically thought one of two things. Either they were poor and could not afford a car, or their car must have broken down. Either way, I looked at them with pity.

Pity for me. Pretty narrow-minded, in all honesty.

 

Now let's fast forward a few years. We moved to Norway, and for the first six months, we didn't have a car. So walking became normal. We walked to get groceries. We walked or biked to visit friends. We used public transportation. We learned not to let a little rain or ice or snow bother us. 

And then we got a car. But by that time we had learned that we liked this life of not being so dependent on four wheels. And we learned that it's a pretty common practice among many Europeans to walk or bike or take public. Even if you do have a car.

Now there is a big difference I must mention. Where we live now, there are sidewalks almost everywhere. And lots of cross-walks to get to the other side. And for the most part, aside from the occasional and quite rare aggressive driver, we live in a pedestrian-friendly society. Cars are typically quick to slow or stop when a pedestrian or biker nears an intersection. It really is nice.

Yeah, that's a big difference between here and the American suburbs. You might live a short distance from shopping. But typically, there is no safe way to walk or bike there. Roads usually do not have sidewalks, and rarely have even a shoulder wide enough for walking. In most cases, it's just not an option.

It is quite normal for us to walk several miles a day. Something we rarely did a few years ago. But it is a great way to get in some exercise, and a great way to get to know our city better. It's much easier to connect with those around you face-to-face versus looking through a car window!

Kaffetur 23 / Coffee Tour #23: Attendant Coffee, London

We found the location and walked down the steps, to the underground cafe.

I feel quite confident that this is the strangest location we've visited for coffee. You would be hard-pressed to find a weirder one. If you do, please tell me.

Yes, an underground cafe. But that isn't what makes it so odd. In fact, this coffee shop had a prior life. As a urinal.

Urinals. Yep.

No joke. This location was once a men's public toilet - a Victorian toilet - but has been converted to a charming (albeit wacky) coffee shop.

It takes serious effort to suppress the urge to use some major potty humor here...

We arrived at Attendant, and my initial fear was that a place such as this would be so focused on its kitchy-ness, it would not be quite as concerned with quality coffee.

But once we received our drinks, my fears subsided. Attendant has excellent coffee. I enjoyed a cortado, while Zack had a fresh-brewed coffee via AeroPress.

Both were delicious, and I can say that Attendant in the Fitzrovia district of London is well worth a visit. And the only time one will feel comfortable cozying up right next to someone in a urinal, I'm sure!

The Attendant

27A Foley Street

London

W1W 6DY

Telephone: 0207 637 37 94

https://www.facebook.com/Attendantespresso

info@the-attendant.com

Project Get it Together: Body Project

Body Project

I am not a gym rat. Never have been, never will be. Some people are motivated by being at the gym. By being around other people who are exercising.

But not me. I do NOT want others to see me like that. It's not motivating, and it's not pretty. No thank you. I prefer the comforts of home. Working out in my living room.

Now, I do appreciate the value of motivation. Having someone to train alongside you can push you, and I get that. But I have my training partner. Zack totally motivates me. We work out together.

About 5 times a week. we do some sort of video-based workout. We use several...

As I wrote last year, we've gone through the 30 Day Shred program. And from time to time, we use these workouts again. Not as the 30 day program, but just to mix up our routine.

30 Day Shred

We have the Insanity workouts. There are quite a few we can do in our living room, but some simply require more space than we have here. And some are simply too long for my taste.

Insanity

We have also tried some of the Insanity Max 30 workouts. I like these. Thirty minutes is a perfect length for me. I also like that with all the Insanity workouts, I can easily modify them to a level that challenges me but is also attainable.

Insanity Max 30

Our latest workout program is a program out of England called Body Project. A variety of workouts at various levels of intensity, some with weights, some focused on boxing, but all offering a great workout. Many of these workouts can be found on YouTube. 

Alexandra from Body Project

If you are a total newbie to exercise, there are some great starter-level exercises. If you are a bit more advanced, you'll be able to find something as well. And the beauty of even the beginner level workouts is that you can always take them up a notch by adding speed, weight, or more motion to the exercises.

Daniel from Body Project

What is your preferred workout? Do you like going to the gym? Working out at home? Taking group classes?

Project 'Get it Together': Smoothies

One of the things we've done to "up" the nutritional value of our daily diet is making smoothies.

Zack and I have a smoothie almost every weekday. Typically, right after our morning workout.

It's really not complicated. All you need is a blender, along with some veggies and/or fruits. Pick a blend of things you like.

Our smoothies almost always include kale, spinach, banana, flaxseed, chia, ginger, turmeric and milk.

In addition, we can mix in apple, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, carrots, broccoli, cucumber, yogurt, and coconut - all dependent on what's in the fridge and what kind of mood we're in!

Chop it all up, throw it in the blender, and let it whirl!

Do you make smoothies? What is your favorite flavor?