For the Love of Pølse

No. I ain’t gonna write about the hostage drama nor the ‘major, major’ speech of  the Miss Universe Philippines candidate, as what some people I know are talking about since last week,  coz for one this is not something we only have, Filipinos. It could happen to any other country and it could happen to anyone. Lesson learned. We move on.

I was born in a house with a gambling annex. I used to sound the bells to warn if I saw authorities coming to raid our place. ‘ Don’t follow what I do, follow what I said’  was one of my father’s favorite lines.  I love my father.

On the other hand, my mother took her fascination on fate. But she wants it to be calculated as possible. She kept a tally of results right under her bed since a few years back and worked on them in some unknown formulas to come up with a ‘credible’ guess  in the lottery. I love my mother.

I am not too fond of gambling as I’d rather spend my money in indulgence such as food and travel. But when I am caught in situations like in a casino or in a friendly game with friends, I ended up losing or winning money more than my monthly salary. You think I’m exaggerating? Yeah.. but let’s say I go home with pockets empty..You think I’m exaggerating again? Yeah.. maybe some fare to go home.

And now I am married. And I am in Denmark. In Europe where everybody knows nothing but football and the endless leagues they have. Football a game which I found boring before – taking such a long time before anyone can score. But here I am – with my dream team of Premier League. I was even in the stadium last week to support my husband’s club. I was singing, jumping and doing whatever the club choreographed for the hard-core fans.  I sure can dance tango in Mexico!  Spain? Southern America? whatever- it rhymes.

Hell yeah, I was there in the opening of tour-de-france in Netherlands. And we are even planning to go again next year for the closing ceremony in France. If there is one, more boring than football, it’s Tour-de France. All you see is sweating, salivating cyclists with their asses going up and down on those flat and mountain stages. Or so I thought.. I am now able to appreciate their unwritten rules and etiquette, drama and endurance without drugs.

And last Sunday, I was in  the yearly horse derby in Denmark. Seriously I feel for animals, but I feel ashamed of myself when I don’t care as long as my betted number wins.  Well I did not on that day. Well, yeahh.. on the last derby but then it was not able to compensate the lost I have had on the previous ones.

When you are penniless, you start to contemplate. I started contemplating – am I really just caught in a situation or is it the bloody bloodline? No.. no.. no.. not the situation coz I can choose whether to go or not or to bet or not. Neither the bloodline coz I call a day  ‘a day’ without betting or gambling.  What could it be…

And so it dawned on me when I took the last bite dipped in ketchup and mustard. This Danish sausage…too big for my mouth could handle..the thin crunchy skin and the juicy meat. This is it! This is me! Indulgence! Food and Travel! Eureka!

Sure, I enjoy betting and watching the game and the thrill of it. But its just the bonus part. One thing that makes my spirit soar and filled with enthusiasm is to go out! out! someplace else, familiar or not. Not, preferably. And quietly amidst the cheering clueless crowd, I will eat my pølse. After all, that’s what I came here and will be coming for more. Good night everyone!