GOOD TO KNOW

                              MORE ODDITIES AND ENDS

Stadle Stones
In the English Cotswolds I ran across a mushroom shaped stone under the barns, more or less as support. I learned the mushroom–shaped stones are called stadle stones, not saddle. They provided air circulation/ conditioning for the barn and also kept out the water as well as any varmints that might want to get in the barn. I have never seen stadle stones elsewhere.

Vodka
In Russia, we learned the five rules for drinking vodka. 1.Vodka should be chilled but never have ice put in it. 2.It should always be drunk from small shot-type glasses with food---a little vodka, then a little food to prevent a headache. 3.Vodka should never be mixed with anything bubbly and avoid bubbly drinks after drinking vodka. Vodka is sometimes mixed with fruit liqueurs. 4.Do not switch alcoholic drinks when drinking vodka. 5. One should always drink with friends.
In Mandrogy, Russia we visited a vodka museum where 2600 different vodkas were displayed. I didn’t drink a lot of vodka in Russia, but when I did I actually drank it straight!

Danish Farms
It is said there are twice as many pigs in Denmark as there are people. Danish ham is a big export item. Danish farms are built U shaped and include the main house and barns that surround a central court. Quite different from our farms.

Smorrebrod
A Danish smorrebrod, no resemblance to our smorgasbord, is an open face sandwich with any combination of thinly sliced items, usually vegetables, you want. They are made to order, usually in a bakery or specialty shop. The only limitation is one’s own imagination.

Children’s Split Pants
It was in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China that we first saw a child with split pants. As mothers held their small ones, little bare cheeks peeked through split pants. As we traveled, it became a familiar sight. As much as I would have liked to snap a good picture, I felt it was just too invasive to ask permission to take a photo of a child’s rear end!