Japunzel

I have, over the years, come to realize something. Christmas is not about the gifts. It's all about the food.
Yesterday we were gonna celebrate christmas like in Sweden. We had meatballs, small sausages and I even made my own caramel toffee. But it was on dutch terms of course, and it was to be honest pretty far from my usual julbord. However that was expected.
Afterwards we followed the classical routine with the guys, first having a few beers at Job's place, then head out for our oasis, the Waterhole. The really shady bar that only plays rock music. But not even there you can avoid the song "I gotta feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas. Felt good to be back though.
The christmas days here are so confusing. In Sweden we celebrate the 24th, with dinner and gifts. In Holland they get presents from Sinterklaas on the 5th, but celebrate some other christmas on the 25th, when it's tradition to have dinner with your family. This means that the extreme sale that takes place in Sweden between christmas and new year's is spread out on 25 days instead of 5, making it less extreme. But the store's are closed today, it being christmas, and tomorrow, being the 2nd day of christmas. And the day after is a sunday, meaning that the stores are usually closed, but there might be a few open ones in the centre.
Very confusing.
Well since today was the 25th, Diederik's family gathered up in his uncle's studio (he's a graphic artist) for massive amounts of food. There were aunts and children and friends and it was very scary at first. But as one could expect they turned out nice. There was red wine, white wine, cider, beer and Tia Maria. First we were served some spicy meat with rice but I avoided the main dish, garnelen met groente, shrimps with vegetables. I have always been of the opinion that shellfish are the insects of the sea and I dont enjoy the thought of eating them.
The dessert however... I have never been a fan of tiramisu, but having been heavily assured that D's mom makes excellent desserts (which I sort of knew already) I took a piece. Best tiramisu I've ever had. Sooo delicious.
The chaos of the many people around me and the stuffing of food made it a christmassy dinner even though I mostly ate salad and tiramisu.

I am still glad to have gotten away, getting a break really, even if I miss people at home.

Today's song:
Regina Spektor & Ben Folds - You don't know me

PS. Me and D took some nice pictures by his christmas tree (A real one!!! Not plastic! I forgot how nice they smell), and I will poste them later, like, maybe during daytime. Am off to sleep now.

PS 2.
Watched The Girl with the dragon tattoo today, it was really good. The book was partly better, but at times the movie won. Gotta see the other 2 movies as well.

Goodnight!