Hello Friends!
Welcome to my Spain Blog. I will update you with what I've been doing while visiting Granada for the month. I have been here just over 24 hours, and so far, so good, but I have already noticed a few cultural differences, and miss some things from home.
Cultural Differences:
1. I just can't get used to the kissing on the check to greet people. I'm used to saying "hello" and possibly shaking hands, or maybe just waving, but here, when you first meet somebody you kiss on both checks. I'm starting to get the hang of it, but I hope I'm not offending anybody when I am hesitant!
2. Work schedule. This morning, I came in about 9am, worked for about 1.5 hours, then we went to get coffee. But not like, oh lets go walk to starbucks and get a cup of coffee and walk back. We sat at a cafe and got "cafe con leche" which is pretty good. It was basically a cappacino. The coffee is very black and the milk is steamed. Anyway, everybody else ordered some food, mostly toast which was served with a little bowl full of pureed tomatoes. At first I thought it was strawberry jam. Also, on the tables was olive oil. So they poured olive oil all over the bread, then spread the tomato, then more olive oil and some salt. I bet its good, and I'll probably try it tomorrow. Now I'm working again, don't know when or where lunch will be, but yesterday I had lunch at Francisco (thats the professor I'm working with) house. It was a huge lunch with chicken, rice, salad, etc. Then I worked until 7pm and went to another students house for dinner. So, they probably work the same number of hours as we do in "the states" (thats how everybody refers to the US), but its stretched out over more hours.
Things I miss already:
1. I don't like the milk here. I think its whole milk. Blech. Its very heavy and kind of sweet. I want non-fat milk.
2. Scones and muffins. I like something sweet with my mid-morning coffee.
3. My husband. We've chatted already a few times on skype. Love that thing.
4. My cat. She's cute, but she doesn't talk to me on skype.
I need to take some pics soon, and I will, so stay tuned.
3 comments:
Laura! I'm so glad (and envious!) that you're in Spain! My visit to Granada last summer was brief, but it is definitely one of my favorite places (just behind Madrid and the northern coast). I can't wait to read more about your adventures of all kinds - sightseeing, cultural, and culinary.
Beware of the gypsies (don't take their rosemary and watch your bag!) and definitely try the toast with olive oil and tomato!
Besos!
It took me two years to get used to the milk here! It's not pasteurized which is the big difference... But definitely try the typical breakfast of tostada con tomate and get into Spanish coffee - it's amazing and so much cheaper than Starbie's!
Hi Laura -- your photographs are beautiful and I am going to start checking your blog daily. We can't wait to throw a big tapa party with you when you get home. What is your favorite tapa so far?? I think mine was patatas bravas...fried potatoes with a mayonaise and tomoto sauce. They are particularly good at authentic restaurants but even good at Pans and Co. Go dancing at a disco for me!
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