Baby, Birthday and Budweiser Budvar

Our friends Michael and Tiada are leaving on 1 June—14 days before the term actually ends—so that Michael can start an internship in South Korea. Since Tialda was born there, but grew up in the Netherlands, the summer spent in Seoul offers something for both of them.

Not only did they recently announce their imminent departure from Cambridge, but they confirmed M*'s and my suspicion that they were expecting a baby. Tialda gathered friends around on Wednesday on the bridge by The Mill to divulge the information. Since M* and I had seen a pregnancy book partially hidden high up on their shelf, noticed that Tialda had completely stopped drinking and received a tip from Michael that Tialda had a surprise for me, I was armed with celebratory lollipops.

Wakako, Yuri, Tialda, Maria and me celebrating the pregnancy news.

There was more celebrating for the couple during the surprise party that Tialda threw for Michael. Since the majority of M*'s classmates are in their late 20s or very early 30s, it's nice to have another 35er around. Tialda came over to our flat the day before to bake two pies and drop off the lyrics to two Dutch birthday songs: Eenjarig and Langleven. She showed me where to download them in mp3 form, and I played them for the guests so we would know how to (somewhat) properly sing when Michael arrived.

Michael blowing out the 3 and 5 candles to celebrate his 35th birthday.

At the birthday celebration, M* asked the bartender for a beer recommendation. I expected a beer on tap to be mentioned, however a pilsner in a bottle was suggested: Budweiser Budvar. While it has a familiar name, this is not an American beer. According to the bartender, this is the beer that Anheuser-Busch version of Budweiser took its recipe from. Budvar has been brewed since the 1200s in Bohemia. M*'s thoughts: more memorable and refined pilsner than the American version.

M* discovers the original Budweiser: Budweiser Budvar.

Manuela's Birthday

Friday night a group of Judge MBA students gathered at CB2 (best salad I've had in England!) to celebrate Manuela's birthday. The large number of attendees was evidence of how much Manuela is liked by her classmates. A downside of a 10 month MBA is how quickly you have to leave friends that you've just really begun to appreciate and rely upon.

Manuela enjoying her meal.

The knife provided to cut the cake sported a frighteningly long blade.

You Know You Are Getting Old When...

people gasp when you say your age. It sounds like a bad birthday card, but it happened.

I met up with some friends on Friday to celebrate three birthdays—mine was one of them. I was talking to someone when I realized that the "birthday girls" were being asked how old we were turning. Maria and Anna had answered already, but I didn't hear their responses. I already knew that I was the oldest, although not the only person in their 30s, so I prepared myself for some surprised reactions. When I said, "Thirty-five, " people actually gasped. I'm pleased that I look younger, but the gasping just can't help but make you feel different from those who uttered the exclamations.

Luckily this did not affect how much I enjoyed the lunch. The staff at La Tasca was very nice: they were helpful and did not rush us. The food was fine: some things were a bit cold and flavors were mild where I would expect strong or spicy. The sangria, however, is worth going back for. Tialda, Wakako and Yuri presented us with very sweet gifts: tulips, handmade cards and stylish tote-bags.

M* and I repeatedly say how fortunate (and surprised) we are that his classmates and their partners are such nice people. They Judge MBA generally fosters a collaborative, instead of a competitive, atmosphere. While it wasn't the same as celebrating with my friends in Los Angeles, the lunch helped make it feel like my birthday actually passed.

Happy Birthday!

Yesterday was M*'s birthday. He was lucky enough to have two final papers and a final presentation due. He also had two meetings. We were able to fit in the opening of presents, Skype birthday phone calls and dinner at Loche Fyne followed-up by birthday cake at home.

M* at Loche Fyne (slightly blurry because photos with a flash made him look like a floating head)

M* as a a simple caveman lawyer trying to figure out how to cut a cake

He figured it out!

I like cake as well

Especially when it is frosted with Grandma Welling's Seven Minute White Icing