Alexandria, VA Sister Cities Committee

03/14/2021

VisitDundee

VisitDundee

Happy International Bagpipe Day! #dreamnowvisitlater #visitdundee

The assembled mass pipes and drums of the Invertay Pipe Band competition in Dundee Sunday 12th May 2019

03/14/2021

Historic Alexandria, VA

We are excited to announce that select Historic Alexandria sites will reopen starting late March. Alexandria Archaeology Museum, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, and the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum will be open 3 days a week, plus Friendship Firehouse once a month! For detailed times for each site, as well as safety protocols for guests, visit: https://www.alexandriava.gov/Historic

03/13/2021

Sea Shanty for Alexandria, VA

Sea Shanty for Alexandria, VA

Presenting our own silly sea shanty about Alexandria’s rich history. Sea shanties were a common part of seafaring life. The unaccompanied, rhythmic lyrics we...

03/05/2021

Sevärdheter i Skåne - 50 Tips på utflyktsmål och saker att göra

Sevärdheter i Skåne - 50 Tips på utflyktsmål och saker att göra

Det finns mängder av vackra platser och roliga saker att göra i Skåne. Här är en lista med sevärdheter i Skåne som man inte bör missa!

02/27/2021

Historic Alexandria, VA

Happy Purim! This holiday celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman, a Persian official, whose plans to kill the empire’s Jewish population were foiled by Mordecai and Esther. Early Jewish Alexandrians celebrated Purim in a number of ways, including enjoying a festive meal, attending religious services reciting the Book of Esther, and giving to charity. In March 1871, the “Hebrew ladies” of Alexandria held a ball at Harmonie Hall (likely inside the Mansion House Hotel that once stood in front of Carlyle House on Fairfax Street) that was open to all of the city’s citizens. Proceeds from the event went towards building the Beth El Hebrew Congregation’s first synagogue on Washington Street. #HistoricALX2U

02/27/2021

American Swedish Historical Museum

Happy Saturday! Did you know that in Sweden, Saturdays are for indulging in sweets with lördagsgodis (Saturday candy). The occurrence was introduced in the 1950s by the Medicines Agency after (some quite unethical) research showed the correlation between sugar consumption and cavities.

Want to try a variety of Swedish candy? Join our Guided Candy Testing on March 11th with owner of Sweetish, Tyler Graybeal! But hurry, if you want to have your candy shipped to you, the deadline to register is on March 1st or you can pick it up at ASHM or Sweetish in Lancaster PA.

https://www.americanswedish.org/events/guided-swedish-easter-candy-tasting

02/19/2021

Cllr John Alexander on Twitter

Did you know the wires and cables from Dundee are now on Mars? Just goes to show you how globally connected we all are.
https://twitter.com/cllralexander/status/1362803298571534339?s=21

“🚀👨‍🚀🌌 #TeamDundee Wire and cable products from Dundee's W.L. Gore were critical components for successful data processing and communications between the Perseverance Rover and the descent stage of the mission. The products helped with the precise landing operation. https://t.co/dzjg...

02/19/2021

Alexandria Apothecary Named Newest National Historic Landmark - The Zebra

The Apothecary has been named a National landmark! It really is a fascinating place to visit. 

Historic Alexandria announced this morning that the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105 N. Fairfax Street, has been selected as a new National Historic Landmark.

02/16/2021

It’s pancakes for #shrovetuesday in Scotland and semlor (plural of “semla”) for #Fettisdagen in Sweden. Enjoy #mardigras !

02/16/2021

Embassy of Sweden in USA

Have you ever tried one of these? 😋 The Swedish word of the day is definitely: fettisdagen! Today is THE semla day in Sweden👇(also known as fettisdagen, Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras etc etc).

During the months of January through March, you’ll find these cardamon buns filled with thick almond paste and whipped cream, in bakeries and cafes. On this day alone over 6 million are sold!
This is what it's all about: https://sweden.se/culture-traditions/the-semla-more-than-just-a-bun

#yummy #swedish #traditions #thisissweden #semla #fettisdagen
📸: semlor by @swedishembassychef

02/12/2021

Semla is one of Sweden’s most popular pastries and is the traditional #Fettisdagen (Fat Tuesday) treat. Why not make your own this weekend?

The semla is a wheat cardamom bun filled with almond paste and whipped cream.

Semla Recipe (from Swedes in the States)
Makes: 15-18 buns. Time: 2 hours

Buns
2 tsp dry yeast
1/2 cup lukewarm water
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup whole milk
1/3 cup melted butter
1 tsp salt
1 egg
1 tsp cardamom
4 cups all purpose flour (more if needed)
3 cups whipping cream
powdered sugar for dusting

Glaze
1 whipped egg

Almond Paste
7 oz almonds without skin
7 oz sugar
2 tbsp whole milk

Directions:
1. Add yeast to lukewarm water and stir gently.

2. Mix milk, melted butter and egg together and add to the yeast mixture.

3. Add flour, cardamom, sugar, and salt, and mix it all together.

4. Cover dough with a kitchen towel and let rise for 45 min or until doubled in size.

5. Cut pieces of dough, shape into round balls, and place on a greased cookie sheet. Cover with the kitchen towel and let rise for another 45 min.

6. Preheat the oven to 350º F.

6. Brush buns with the glaze. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

7. Grind almonds in a mixer. Add sugar and mix until creamy. Turn off mixer and gently add a little milk and stir with a spoon.

8. Let buns cool after removing from the oven.

9. Slice into each bun with a sharp knife, cut down into the center to create a space for the almond paste. Put a teaspoonful (or more) of the almond paste in the center. Top with whipped cream and put the sliced top back on. Dust with powdered sugar.

02/10/2021

Everything You Need to Know About Fika, the Swedish Coffee Break

One of our favorite Swedish traditions!
https://www.afar.com/magazine/what-is-fika-a-guide-to-the-swedish-coffee-break

What actually is fika? How do you pronounce it? Better yet, how do you do it right? Find out in the AFAR guide to fika.

02/07/2021

Manumission Tour Company

ICYMI! We are indeed a best bet!

02/07/2021

Got The Blues? Here Are 10 Swedish Hacks To Get You Through Winter

Got The Blues? Here Are 10 Swedish Hacks To Get You Through Winter

Winter in Sweden is long, cold and bleak, yet Swedes consistently rank among the happiest people in the world. Here’s how they do it.

02/06/2021

Guinness Six Nations

On the 150th anniversary of rugby’s oldest rivalry, Scotland beat England in London for the first time in 38 years!

How does that feel, Scotland fans? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Scottish Rugby lift the Calcutta Cup at Twickenham after a 11-6 victory over England.

02/05/2021

Alexandria's Black History

#TBT Members of the Dundee Alexandria Twinning Association were moved when they visited the memorial a few years ago., and returned to leave flowers at the site. Visit Alexandria VA

Black History & Culture in Alexandria

02/04/2021

Dundee - One City, Many Discoveries

We’ve been called lots of lovely things...And Britain’s Coolest Little City...Well, that’s one of the best

Find out more: www.dundee.com/visit2021

#PutDundeeOnYourMap
#DreamNowVisitLater
#VisitDundee2021

02/03/2021

Lovely winter glow at the base of King Street, on the waterfront.

02/01/2021

Visit Alexandria VA

Beautiful snow day ☃️ scenes in Alexandria from the #visitALX feed. Tap ❤️ on your vote for most magical.

02/01/2021

Underground Railroad Tour in Alexandria Virginia | Historic Walking Tour | Walk with Travel+Leisure

Congratulations John T. Chapman and Manumission Tour Company on this great Travel + Leisure video! Your walking tours are lively and fascinating, a great way to learn about important local history. Visit Alexandria VA

Explore different stories in Alexandria Virginia’s history of slaves who ran away to freedom using the underground railroad. Join us as we walk around Alexan...

01/31/2021

Snowy Visit Alexandria VA!

01/31/2021

Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

We got snow today, with a little more expected tomorrow and Tuesday! Our first snowstorm in a few years and Visit Alexandria VA looks lovely! Not sure we’re having as much fun as the pandas in DC, but it’s a pretty sight. Sleet now making things icy, so stay safe!

❄️🐼 Slides, somersaults and pure panda joy. Happy snow day from giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian! 🌨🐾
. . .
#SnowDay #PandaStory #NatZooZen

01/30/2021

George Washington Birthday Celebration: "Cherry Challenge" | Alexandria, VA

George Washington Birthday Celebration: "Cherry Challenge" | Alexandria, VA

In honor of George Washington’s birthday, participating Alexandria restaurants will create unique, cherry-centric dishes in celebration of one of the most cherished legends surrounding our first president. Each restaurant will develop its own cherry cocktail, appetizer, entrée, and/or dessert, in...

01/29/2021

Here’s the full video of Burns expert Jim Mathieson, explaining his reading. See his amazing transformation! Thank you so much Jim and DATA!

01/29/2021

Special treat for you! As we wrap up Burns birthday celebrations, we’re sharing the full videos that include introductions to help us more fully appreciate the performances! Here, Neil Powrie, Chair of the Dundee Alexandria Twinning Association, sets the scene for Eve Whelan’s beautiful song!

01/28/2021

Historic Alexandria, VA

The George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee and Gadsby’s Tavern Museum are pleased to present the annual celebration of the birth of our first President, George Washington -virtually this year! Going virtual allows us to open this typically sold-out Alexandria tradition to as many who wish to participate, celebrating George Washington with a banquet and ball. For additional information on the evening, dinner, ball and ticket reservations, visit https://shop.alexandriava.gov/Events.aspx #HistoricALX2U

01/27/2021

Alexandria Celebrates George Washington’s Birthday

Alexandria Celebrates George Washington’s Birthday

This year, experience new and adapted events and tours throughout February to celebrate the first president.

01/27/2021

Virtual Tour - George Washington's Mount Vernon

Virtual Tour - George Washington's Mount Vernon

01/26/2021

Northern lights seen in Dundee!

For the first time ever last night I managed to get some Aurora/Northern lights from the top of the Law! The nuclear bright moon washed out most of the stars and it was quite cloudy but I managed to get this bit just over the top of the Sidlaws :-)

Vanguard Photo UK
Breakthrough Filters UK
Dundee - One City, Many Discoveries

01/26/2021

Robert Burns statue in Dundee.

Wishing everyone in Dundee, Scotland & Beyond a happy & safe Burns Night! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🥃

#StayAtHome #BurnsNightIn

01/26/2021

Lost Scotland

Burns night celebrates the life and work of Robert Burns, a Scottish poet who is widely seen as the national poet of Scotland.

Did you know its not a national holiday, yet it is arguably more widely celebrated than St. Andrew's Day, Scotland's national day.

Robert Burns was born on 25 January 1759 in Alloway, Scotland. Robert was born into a poor family, but his father ensured that he received a good education and Robert's interest in reading fuelled his poetic output.

While earning a living as a farmworker, he started composing poetry as he worked. His first collection was published in 1786 and became an instant success, and Burns was seen as a leading light in the Romantic movement.

Only 37, Robert Burns died from a rheumatic condition on 21 July 1796.

The tradition of a Burns night (Burns supper) began shortly after the poet's death when some of his friends gathered to remember Robert and his poetry on the anniversary of his birth.

As Robert Burns gained prominence as the greatest of Scottish poets, so the tradition of honoring his work on Burns night grew in popularity.

Though they may differ in formality, Burns evenings generally follow a similar pattern. A meal with haggis is served.

Not forgetting a wee dram of a good Scottish single malt whiskey in honor of the poet.

Finally, the activities of the evening are framed within his poetry. When the haggis is carved, 'To a Haggis' is recited, with its famous line, "Great chieftain o' the pudding race". Before the meal another of Burns' poems, the Selkirk Grace is read.

The evening ends aptly with "Auld Lang Syne". Robert Burns was the first to write down this old Scottish folk song, and its popularity is now global as no New Year's Eve party is complete without its rendition.

01/26/2021

Scottish-American Women's Society of Washington, D.C.

Scottish-American Women's Society of Washington, D.C.

Julie Allen shares a beloved family recipe straight from Scotland to help us celebrate our #VirtualBurnsNight! The recipe card can be found on the original post, or on our instagram @ScottishWomenDC

Check out our website for more information! https://www.scottishwomendc.org/videos

01/26/2021

ScotGovUSA on Twitter

This is a fun Burns Night video from the Scottish Government Office. If you look closely, you can spot several of us from Alexandria Sister Cities Committee!

“#BurnsNightIn wouldn't be complete without an Address to the Haggis. We hope you enjoy this one delivered to you from all across the US. 🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Thank you to all our friends - we look forward to seeing you all soon! Happy Burns Night ☺️ https://t.co/eR2lqnV6oy”

01/26/2021

Delighted to share a #burnsnight message and poetry reading by Justin Wilson , Mayor of Alexandria, Virginia on Robert Burns’ birthday!

01/25/2021

We are very honored to have Joni Smith, Counsellor, Scottish Government USA from the
British Embassy participate in our Robert Burns Celebration,with a warm welcome to Burns Night and a reading of “The Rights of Women.”