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I have been to the UK quite a few times. Mainly in London, but also some in the countryside. A friend of mine lived in England for a few years for work and studies, and I had the opportunity to visit her. London is vibrant and, above all, you feel that it is a world city. All cultures are somehow gathered there and everyone wants to meet.

About 15 years ago I made a trip to Malaysia. I had heard about the Cameron Highlands where there are tea plantations in the mountains. I wanted to go there. They weren’t exactly easy to get to, but I remember sitting in an old bus driving on winding roads through the mountains to a valley where the tea plantations were. It was hot on the coast, but cool in the mountains. On the bus, it was just me and a French family. They had taken time off from their jobs and chosen to travel with their three little young children for a year. The parents were relaxed and the children played with dolls and cars during our journey. Unaware of the beautiful nature and steep slopes.

When we arrived, we said goodbye to each other. In the small village with the tea plantations there was a calm. I found a small shelter where I spent the night. The next morning, I got up early to attend a tour of the tea plantations. It was chilly. People from surrounding countries were there picking tea leaves. The plantation was reminiscent of vineyards. I remember tasting my first cup of tea after the guided tour. It was very popular with guided tours, but I managed to find a spot overlooking the green valley. I sat with my cup of tea and found a calm that I can still think of and that I always carry with me. There was a big difference between the tea I drink at home compared to the tea I had at the plantation.

I bought a small package of tea with me. Since I was traveling, I couldn’t carry too bulky packages with me. Back home, and on well-chosen occasions, I had my cup of tea from Malaysia. When the 15 bags were gone, I couldn’t throw away the box. There was a picture of the valley on the packaging where I had had my almost sacred tea time. I still have the empty package in my kitchen even though it is empty.

My friend then moved from London to Sri Lanka where there also are tea plantations. I was lucky enough to be able to visit her and her family. She shared tips about fine tea plantations in Sri Lanka. The UK is strongly linked to Sri Lanka, and I am delighted to have been able to experience both countries up close. This weekend a new king is crowned in Great Britain. His mother passed away last year, and before her passing a jubilee was held for the Queen. By chance, I happened to see this little film. Tea, and sweet, sweet Paddington.

This weekend, spring becomes official because it is the traditional Valborg in Sweden. SMHI (weather forecast) is, however, preparing us for some snowflakes next week in Stockholm. That is why I’m thinking about summer instead. I don’t want any more snow, I am longing for summer. The sun is fantastic, but one must not forget that it also can be harmful. Moderation is what one should relate to regarding most things in life.

This semester I have started swimming again. Of course, I wish I had salty splashes instead of chlorine. As usual, I follow the news in the world, and to my surprise, I read that somewhere in the world’s oceans, there is an area of garbage that has accumulated to three times the size of Sweden. Mostly plastic. In Sweden, we are approaching 11 million inhabitants. Instead of writing how the mountain of garbage should be removed, it was described how certain animal species have begun to live in symbiosis with the trash. Why not instead unite forces to remove this artificial island? Is it due to the war in Ukraine?

My training continues. Cycling, strength training, swimming, walking, yoga, and so on. In the countryside, I go for walks with Molly, and recently I have been able to borrow a dog in Stockholm as a walking companion. I don’t know why, but I have to have company on walks. I can go jogging myself, but not walking. Jogging has to wait until SMHI’s snowflake warning sign is gone.

Spring arrives this weekend. I have herring in the refrigerator and will see if I can find some potatoes and dill. For the spring and summer’s first herring lunch. Summer is soon here, Happy Valborg!

Sometimes I don’t understand myself. Yesterday was Friday, and late in the afternoon I suddenly had a craving for chili peppers and pasta. Why this sudden desire? I remembered I had shrimp in the fridge, and it is usually good to combine with chili. All said and done, I quickly procured garlic, chili peppers, shallots, and parsley. I had extra virgin olive oil and cherry tomatoes at home. Cooking pasta doesn’t really take that long, nor does sautéing the other ingredients, which are then combined with the pasta into a well-balanced blend. What takes time is chopping the ingredients. I chose the mildest red chili. I didn´t dare take a chance. Exactly. When I started chopping the chili, I started to cough. Everything took about 60 minutes to prepare and cook, but it was definitely worth my Friday evening: TGIF. Today, I have my usual exercise, and it feels good to have loaded up on carbohydrates. Perhaps, is that the answer why my sudden desire?

As you know, I like to stay active. I am in rather good fitness now, but I am focusing more on training strength than before. To maintain a good posture, you need good strength in the back and shoulders. For that, training is required. Sometimes I use the watch to monitor my heart rate and it gives me feedback on my training. There was no doubt that I had lost fitness when I studied last spring. I didn’t have time for training as usual, because I was traveling between Stockholm and Uppsala. My watch is mean to me. Not always positive feedback, and sometimes very concrete letting me know that I need to practice more to improve. I am trying to stay friends with it even though it doesn’t say what I want to hear. The truth hurts.

I do exercise to be able to eat good and well. Cooking is a big part of my life, and it is also a very nice experience when traveling. New flavors, and you can discover things like that some countries use bananas as we use potatoes on a daily basis. Anti-inflammatory foods are popular, even though it hasn´t really reached grocery stores. The idea seems good. I try to target slow carbohydrates. Since it is Sunday, I have training on my schedule, but I need some sweets. This evening, I will have homemade carrot cake with tea. Goodies with slow carbohydrates to stay healthy. Or what is your opinion?

Daylight saving time brought us brighter days. I really enjoy this time because it is still a while until midsummer. When the days slowly turn into darker days again. Soon the macadam will disappear from the roads. New waves of pollen, but not so much dust in the air. Maybe a turn of snow again. It is somehow a bit of a subdued atmosphere, even though it is Easter. Not as happy ambiance as it usually is. Could it be that Halloween has taken over the tradition of Easter witches? I didn’t see a sole Easter witch on Maundy Thursday. I put a little rouge on my own cheeks on Good Friday to remind me of times gone by. Yes, I have been an Easter witch once, and I remember what it was like.

There is a lack of eggs. Poor chickens herds with Salmonella. Inflation, on top of this, and we are reminded that there is war in the world. I couldn´t believe the war would start this decade. Perhaps in case of a lack of natural resources such as oil, minerals, and clean water. The war came earlier than that. The great world powers are balancing against each other to find a new equilibrium in the world. That is what I learned in chemistry lessons. Everything strives for balance.

In these times I feel gratitude. The pandemic is behind us. I embrace each new day with joy.