Friesland 2008: Chapter 1 - Travel Adrenaline

I was sitting and waiting quietly at the Lelystad Burger King when I felt a tap on my shoulder. Upon looking up, I see Carol Bontekoe, my long-lost Honduran friend (well, friend I traveled to Honduras with, but that just doesn't sound as cool). Although I hadn't seen Carol in person for almost 2 years, after traveling alone for two days this familiar face is certainly a sight for sore eyes. Immediately, we fall back into old habits, exchanging stories, talking so quickly that I'm wondering if we are taking enough oxygen in. In the midst of the storm of conversation, I hear we are going to stop and get some type of typical Frisian food. It all happens so fast. Next thing I know, I am sitting on a bench in Lemmer in front of an orange Fanta and a raw herring covered in chopped onions.

I have already agreed to consume this, apparently, and Carol is looking on expectantly. So... I use my travel adrenaline. This is the passion I have for travel that gives me endorphin-like confidence and courage to try new things. It allows me to do things that seem supernatural to myself and those who know me. This is similar to the force that allows small women to lift cars that have fallen on their babies, I think. I pick up the fish by the tail (as instructed by Carol - its the way you have to do it, apparently). The tail is wet and slimey, and the fish almost slips out of my hands. I almost loose my resolve, but the travel adrenaline allows me to perservere. I take a sizable bite, chew a bit, and swallow.

Contrary to expectations, I am still alive. And honestly, it wasn't all that bad. A little fishy? Yes. But for the most part, the onions and Fanta did an interesting dance on my taste buds and the overall flavor was actually decent. I even finished half of it, which entailed taking atleast 3 more decent-sized bites (see finished product below). And most importantly, I just tried a typical Frisian dish, Hollandse Nieuwe, and get to impress all of my new Frisian friends with this fun fact.

You know when you finish a race and you get that post-race endorphin rush, where you feel like you can do anything? Well I now had a herring-induced rush, and couldn't wait to take on everything Friesland had to offer. Indeed, it would be a good trip...