continued....
Lesson two: Chinese Aged eggs. Dove must have worked all day Saturday, shopping and preparing, and also Sunday morning, cooking. When we arrived at the apartment she had a table set, ready for lunch, so I couldn't take her out for lunch. After lunch we took too long walking, and then I had to leave at 5:30 on the train, so we couldn't go out for dinner, either. The time was just too short. I owe you a dinner sometime in the future, dear Dove. Later on the ship I changed my Kroners back to Marks.
The train had come at noon. While I relaxed she finished a nice salad made from carrots and Chinese cabbage, which was very good. Then she brought a large bowl of Won Ton Soup, and placed it before me. (She ate hers with a bit of sauce made from soy and vinegar.) I did not think I could eat so much, so I asked for a smaller bowl, which she brought. Dove already knew that I have an aversion to fowl. On the table I saw the famous Chinese delicay of Old Eggs. We have read over here about the Hundred Year Old Eggs and much is made of it. WELL, THERE ON THE TABLE, LOOKING AT ME, WERE DARK EGGS. IT HAD TO BE THEM! WHAT TO DO?
Dove said "I know you do not eat chicken", so I replied real fast: "Yes, anything with feathers on, and no 1,000 year old eggs." She looked at me somewhat puzzled, but said nothing. She had some of these eggs in sections. A little later she took a knife and cut a small piece off. Smiling at me she said: "How about trying a little piece." Now was the moment of truth. I braced myself and accepted. It seemed to taste just like hard boiled eggs. Well, certainly acceptable. I took some more salad, and then, to please her, I took the rest of that piece of egg and ate it. It was OK and it sat all right in my stomach. Thank God it was not chicken feet, another delicacy. I know you all will laugh about it, but just think of it as a cultural experience. In Mexico they eat tripe, made from cow's stomach. Maybe you would find this hard to take. I am used to it, because in the Black Forest they make a similar dish, and I ate it there. So I learned lesson two: The eggs are OK. Maybe next time I will have to learn Bird Nest Soup. Well, if Dove makes it I will eat it. She is a wonderful cook, and the little meat dumplings in the soup were tender and tasty. The salad was delicious too. Dove also served tea. And she had a Danish cake with rhubard, which tasted very good. Once again, Dove. Thank you so much for that delicious lunch!
Now I brought out the little gifts I had brought from Mary and me. Small things really. A touch of Canada. Dove was pleased. Now I thought, maybe we could go walking. Dove went out of the room and then came back with a big bag. Presents for us. Totally unexpected. All well chosen, and generous. It touched my heart. Lesson Three: You can give to a Chinese person, but they return it double or more. Once again: Thanks a million!
Dove spoke English fluently and I understood her perfectly. But even if she had not been able to speak at all our hearts communicated. She treated me so nicely, anticipating any needs, taking my arm crossing streets, and such. She mentioned with me speaking German and English that I could get a teaching position in China. Something to think about. I do think my brother-in-law is lucky to get such treatment.
Now Dove, who only had been in Cobenhavn one week herself, took me on a tour of sightseeing that I am sure a local guide could not have done better. As a matter of fact, we did see some tour groups on our walk. We walked along the canals with the many boats and ships, and it brought me back to the town of my childhood, Stettin, which also has access to the Baltic, and has similar sights. Then Dove showed me the palace, where the king and queen of Denmark stay, and a beautiful church and gardens, and a most wonderful fountain. Denmark has been mostly neutral during wars, like Switzerland has, and the royal couple are most likely fine people, but I have no use for royalty, and said so. Then we walked on. The sun even came out for awhile. Dove took me to see that most famous Little Mermaid. She took my picture there, made sure I did not slip into the water. Shortly after we passed a Yacht Basin with many sailboats. Then came a dock for cruise ships, with a big liner there from England. We asked where they were going and they told us, first to Belgium, and then to Southhampton, England. There was a kiosk, and Dove finally allowed me to buy her a refreshment. A soft drink. I took a coffee. The people in Denmark whom we met all spoke English.
Now came the time to get back to the railroad station. We hopped on a bus and arrived near the station. A short walk, and we were there. On the way, we saw the entrance to the famous Tivoli -- Denmark's amusement park, but Dove indicated it was nicer to see what we saw, and I fully agreed. Just before boarding the train Dove quickly disappeared and then returned with Bananas. How did she know? My favourite fruit, which I had not bought in Europe because I considered it too expensive compared to Canadian prices. We pay as low as .49 cents a pound in Canada, and in Germany they cost two marks per pound, or more. That is about $1.60 per pound, Canadian. Dove brought four to be eaten on the train. We said good-bye and waved to each other from the departing train.
What a day! What a wonderful meeting! I arrived four hours later in Luebeck. The crossing on the ferry was stormy, but I enjoyed that, coming from a seafaring family. The bus brought me back, and by 11 pm I was in my bed.
That's my story of the great trip to Denmark to meet Dove. It will stay in my mind forever. I read the report from Dove, and must say, her kind remarks about me are one of the best compliments I have ever received in my life. Seen through the eyes of a loving niece, and therefore somewhat rosy-coloured, but gratefully accepted.
Best Wishes to all.
Uncle Ben
