tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57857853282703629922024-03-12T19:43:01.489-07:00The Richness of Loving and KnowingUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-23339125794375819292014-04-10T11:08:00.000-07:002014-04-10T11:08:28.718-07:00Travel Break<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello to my very few faithful followers! I want to let you know I will be taking a short break from the blog these next two weeks. It is Easter/Spring Break/Semana Santa, and I am excited to be doing a bit of travelling. Fill you all in very soon! </div>
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Have a wonderful Easter holiday and see you in two weeks!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening stroll in Retiro Park</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-19000373807470260442014-04-01T06:10:00.001-07:002014-04-01T06:10:25.736-07:00Tapas Tuesday: Pulpo a la gallega<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>This weeks tapa:</b> pulpo a la gallega/pulpo a feira<br />
<b>English translation:</b> Galician style octopus/fair octopus<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The tender, slippery texture of this seafood, while sometimes the main reason to put people off, makes pulpo a la gallega one of my favorite Spanish plates. Unlike the states, octopus is quite a popular order in Spain, and is Galicia's (Northwestern Spain) signature dish thanks to its extensive coastline. It used to be most commonly sold at fairs, hence one of the names of the dish. The octopus is usually boiled in salted water, sometimes with sherry, lemon or garlic, although I have also seen it sauteed or grilled. It is then covered with a good olive oil and powered with smokey pimentón (Spanish paprika) and sea salt- which surprisingly does not overwhelm the mild taste of the octopus. Traditionally pulpo is served on a wooden plate and often accompanied with bread or boiled potatoes.<br />
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However simple the plate may sound, preparation is the key to its goodness. Timing is everything. To ensure just the right texture, small details like making sure the octopi are boiled in copper pots, dipping the tentacles in first so they curl nicely and allowing a resting period after boiling, before slicing the pulpo with scissors, make this dish what it is. If you're in Spain, this plate is a must-try!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AuxXkQBwaok/Uzq52W0C3vI/AAAAAAAABo8/mSEuoBsVAVU/s1600/pulpo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AuxXkQBwaok/Uzq52W0C3vI/AAAAAAAABo8/mSEuoBsVAVU/s1600/pulpo.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pulpo_a_la_gallega_-_jlastras.jpg">wikimedia</a></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-14557070416825302442014-03-27T07:37:00.003-07:002014-03-27T07:37:44.950-07:00Extroverted España <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have always sort of reveled in my introversion. While I am quite social and enjoy interaction with my friends and other people, it is during alone time that I gather my energy, process my thoughts, and feel totally comfortable. Being an introvert has enabled me to write, to read a ton and to be able to live on my own with happiness and peace (relatively speaking..). I have always relished in my alone time, and for me it is necessary in order to live out my busy, interactive days successfully here in Spain. If I ask many people back home, they will agree with me that introversion is an essential component to a functional social life. </div>
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I have noticed slightly different behaviors and attitudes towards introversion here. In English, there is an expression, 'still waters run deep.' I was explaining this idiom to a fellow co-worker recently, and they right away said that this expression would never exist in Spanish. A person who is quiet and calm would not be regarded as someone interesting or intellectual or thoughtful, rather, only strange. When I held parent-teacher meetings for some of my students, I was advised NOT to use the word shy (timido/a) to describe the student, even if in the nicest way. This, I was told, would probably be taken as an insult to both the parent and the child. I found this kind of strange.<br />
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This got me thinking, are there any shy Spaniards out there? I realized that everyone I know is quite extroverted. Even among the high school students there doesn't seem to be anyone who is on the introverted side, more reserved, quiet, etc. Has the negative connotation with this personality type in both language and culture affected how people act? Have other aspects of the country molded extreme extroversion? Or am I overlooking an entire population of introverts?<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-52912016409933988852014-03-25T14:15:00.000-07:002014-03-25T14:15:02.063-07:00Tapas Tuesday: Jamón Iberico<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>This weeks tapa: </b>jamón iberico<br />
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<b>(My) English translation:</b> "thinly sliced pieces of heaven"<br />
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Once upon a time I was a vegetarian. Back in 2011 I made my first trip to Spain on a crazy whim to get to know this Spanish man I had met in Turkey a little better; hours of skype just wasn't enough. In hindsight I'm happy to have acted on instinct, however spontaneous it was. It was during these wonderful two weeks that I was introduced to jamón. This salty, silky, cured and incredibly thinly sliced piece of meat called me out of my vegetarian state, taunted me with its rich aromas and acclaimed amazing-ness. From the moment I tried my first piece, there was no looking back, and I have been a content meat-eater ever since.<br />
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So let's have a quick class on jamón. There are two general kinds: <b>serrano </b>and <b>ibérico</b>. Let's start at the bottom of the list in terms of quality. </div>
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<i>Jamón</i> <i>serrano </i>is made from ordinary white pigs from the 'sierra' or the mountains. These pigs are not fed a strict diet, usually just commercial compound feed. They are lowest on the quality list of jamón and also cheapest in the stores (however still yummy!). </div>
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<i>Jamón Iberico </i>is made from black Iberian pigs. The quality of jamón iberico depends on what the pigs are fed. If we continue our list from bottom to top, Iberian pigs fed compound feed come next.</div>
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<i>Jam</i>ó<i>n Iberico de cebo o campo </i>these little piggies are fed natural feed and are allowed a period of field grazing for up to 2 months.</div>
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<i>Jamón Iberico de recebo </i>these little piggies are pasture fed along with a mix of acorns and compound feed</div>
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<i>Jamón Iberico de bellota </i>sits at the top of the list. Best quality, best taste, most expensive. And these little piggies are free-range and fed a diet of acorns.<br />
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Jamón Iberico (and serrano) is a perfect pairing with cheese, bread, and wine- you really don't need much else. However, the dry-cured meat is combined with many different plates. Jamón is so popular, there is even a national holiday dedicated after it- November 6th: Día del Jamón!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-72038690319765440862014-03-23T06:56:00.002-07:002014-03-23T06:56:54.315-07:00Mercado de Motores<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Mercado de Motores is held the second weekend every month at the museo de ferrocarril (railroad museum), about a 10 minute walk from my apartment (metro Delicias). This flea market is held inside the museum as well as the surrounding outdoor area. You can find a plethora of vintage clothing, art, and amazingly yummy food and live music.. and admission is free! Check out their <u><a href="http://www.museodelferrocarril.org/comunicacion/PDF/MERCADO%20DE%20MOTORES%202%C2%AA%20temporada.pdf">flyer</a></u>!<br />
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I spent a recent Saturday afternoon perusing the different vintage clothing stands and taking in that nostalgic smell of outdoor barbecues, enjoying the sunshine and listening to the live music playing on stage nearby. I even found me a big, comfy, durable jean jacket for 10 euros! </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-49707514723028760312014-03-20T08:27:00.000-07:002014-03-21T04:06:02.662-07:00Updates<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello family and friends! Happy first day of spring! The change in seasons is definitely felt over here in Madrid, I am currently sitting in a tank top with windows open and sun filtering in. I love the beginning of spring, it seems to be a time when everyone fully appreciates this weather they've missed so dearly. These days just being outside in the sun for some time is all I need to be drunkenly happy each day. I hope to hold on to this appreciation and the positive attitude it brings.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outdoor seating everywhere you look!</td></tr>
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Here are a few updates on what's happening with me these days:<br />
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<li>After 5 months, I am feeling much more comfortable in the two high schools where I teach. I find that my work days are pleasant and easy, people are nice, and I can communicate much better with students and teachers. What changed? I think maybe I am just feeling more comfortable in a place that was once new and intimidating. I really enjoy going to work.</li>
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<li>He empezado clases de español! I have started individual weekly Spanish classes! Every Wednesday afternoon, a Spanish teacher comes to my home and teaches me for two hours. I hope to learn a lot from her. After only one class she has also made me feel more confident to use my Spanish- not being shy to speak is half the battle for me!</li>
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<li>I have taken on four more hours per week of teaching English, totaling 11 hours weekly, and possibly adding two more next week! I see this as a good thing. I am earning more, and I am busy. At the end of each long day I feel as though I have spent it well, travelling in and out and around the city, working hard, staying busy and feeling accomplished. Plus, one of my classes is with 2 year olds! Last week we tried lemons and chocolate (to learn sour and sweet). It was pretty adorable. It is fun to help people learn, especially those who have the interest! And at about 20 euros per hour, I'm not doin' too bad.. </li>
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<li>This new weather brings with it energy to do more! I recently went hiking in Cercedilla, near Segovia. It was refreshing to feel snow under your shoes on the mountains while at the same time feeling the warmth of the sun on your bare arms. The more time I spend outdoors the better. Other activities include picnics, walks, runs, drinking and or eating on terraces, etc. I'm pretty sure spring in Madrid has got to be one of my favorite things. </li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A walk in Retiro Park</td></tr>
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Sending love and warmth to those back home. Just remember those famous words of Albert Camus! XOXO</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-42456881177485922322014-03-18T01:53:00.000-07:002014-03-18T01:53:46.216-07:00Tapas Tuesday: Pimientos de Padrón Fritos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>This weeks tapa: </b>pimientos de padrón fritos<br />
<b>English translation: </b>fried Padrón peppers<br />
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The Padrón pepper comes from the municipality of Padrón, in the province of La Coruña in Galicia (northwestern Spain). However, because of their popularity among tourists and locals alike, they are also grown in other parts of the country. Their taste is mild and I love them for their simplicity. Needing only to be fried for a minute or so in oil and sprinkled with coarse salt, this tapa is delicious no matter where you eat it. The picture above I took in my home- it was a snack I made on Sunday!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-43534593081606837712014-03-16T14:06:00.000-07:002014-03-16T14:06:39.037-07:00Oribu Gastrobar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm always up for trying new restaurants in the city. And when it's locals who are choosing where to go, I'm never disappointed. On Saturday I went out to dinner with a group of Nacho's friends to a restaurant called <a href="http://www.oribugastrobar.com/"><u>Oribu Gastrobar</u> </a>in Chueca, just off of Gran Vía.<br />
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The restaurant's name comes from the pronunciation of 'olive' in Japanese- and the menu puts an oriental twist on traditional Spanish cuisine. We were a party of ten and were seated at one of their big, rustic, wooden tables and immediately served homemade hummus in precious little tins with bread. It was a very nice touch.<br />
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We decided to go family style, and ordered many different plates to share. Plates included langostinos fritos en tempura (tempura fried shrimp), chicken nuggets with a curry sauce, and a new, fried way to eat tortilla de patata (Spanish omlette with potatoes)- see below. But my favorite plates were the salmon tartar and arroz negro de sepia y calamares (a rice dish made with squid ink and calamari) served with a garlic aioli. Everything was delicious and satisfying!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys sampling the dessert- la tarta de queso en espuma y torrija de sobao pasiego</td></tr>
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It was great to catch up with some of Nacho's friends who I haven't seen in a while. It was also great to have an evening entirely in Spanish (thankfully, wine always helps me speak better..). When I first arrived in September, I remember I went to dinner with the same people, and couldn't understand a word of the conversation. I felt lost and like an outsider and spent most of the dinner in silence. On Saturday, however, I was completely able to keep up and add to the conversations. The night was filled with laughs and stories. Little by little I am feeling more comfortable with the language, and because of that, speaking it has become much more enjoyable. It was a happy, yummy night. :)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-77598256994704972082014-03-12T08:47:00.001-07:002014-03-12T08:47:20.921-07:00The Double Edged Sword of Living Abroad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm sure you've heard me mention in previous posts that the things I love about living in Spain are, many times, also the very things I hate. These aspects which I both love and hate are, surprise!, things which are different from what I am used to having in my life. It's quite unfortunate, and something I've only recently discovered and admitted about myself, that I frequently confront something new with a lot of mistrust, skepticism and reluctance. As much as I preach and try to model myself against ethnocentrism, I can't help but (I suppose somewhat naturally) react towards changes in daily life with frustration and hesitation. Let me explain with a few examples:<br />
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1.<b> People are slow at doing anything and everything! </b>Whether it be making their way to class, moving out of the doorways or finishing up a conversation (many times about absolutely nothing), people can't seem to do what they came to do. They get sidetracked. They stand in your way. They move at a frustratingly slow pace. Or, I go to a meeting only to end up spending the entire time talking about someone's kid, or how to make a <u><a href="https://www.google.es/search?q=tocino+de+cielo&espv=210&es_sm=93&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=EH0gU7a8EcWb1AXmlYHQCw&ved=0CCwQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=643">tocino de cielo</a></u> (which is also very useful information, but I digress..). Man, can it be frustrating. But it is with this uncomfortable and frustrating feeling, of having to force myself to slow down, to not interrupt people or push them aside, that I have realized just how much I rush through <i>every</i> part of my day. Folding laundry, washing dishes, having a conversation with someone, eating lunch.<i> Every aspect of my day is done with haste.. and just recently I've begun to ask myself.. why?</i><br />
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2. <b>Food is under-seasoned. </b> Spanish food is quite simple, they don't spice things up, they take something for what it is with no need to add more. Many times I've thought about the endless ways to better a meal or a tapa. With just a little pesto or hot sauce, with some basil and cilantro and a little sprinkle of pepper.. oh how I could improve this dish! But recently, in restaurants and in my own cooking, I have come to realize the power of some of these basic flavors I've otherwise been covering up all this time. Let the meat taste how it tastes, without a sauce or something to mask its flavor. With simplicity I have come to realize, for example, how great an egg alone can taste (without a large dose of sriracha that is). And this principle has started to spread to other areas of my life. <i>Let things be what they are, don't dress things up, and tell it like it is..</i><br />
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3. <b>Professionalism. </b>After completing a masters I have, if nothing else, become quite comfortable with my 'professional self.' I have mastered the use of certain jargon, I can small talk uselessly for hours and feel comfortable presenting myself to superiors in the workforce. But coming to Spain has flipped all of that upside down. First of all, a large language barrier changes all the rules. I have also found that my (semi-, I suppose) professional life in Madrid does not have the strict boundaries of conversation as does the professional arena in the U.S. Conversation flows to <i>any and every</i> topic, and disagreements are strongly stated no matter the authority of those involved in conversation. People seem to stay 100% themselves all the time, regardless of whether or not that will create a negative view of themselves from an authority figure. This has been something new to me and difficult to adapt to. <i>But it has allowed me to realize the power of my own voice, and also that my opinions have value even if I do not hold the authority to enforce said opinions.</i><br />
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4. <b>Space. </b>I'm sure if you've been reading for a while, you know that I hate how small everything is in this city. I feel large, I'm used to large, I can handle large. What I can't handle is holding up a teacup that feels as though it will shatter in my hands. Or squeezing through and making a space for myself in a bar that, to me, seems filled beyond capacity while everyone around me is comfortable. Even walking through the quaint, picturesque streets I am overwhelmed with how much beauty there is in each tiny corner of this city- if that makes any sense. It's like a movie set, it's unreal, and it's so very different from where I'm from- that is, seeing beauty in open, country space. But it is with this spacial difficulty that I have begun to find actual comfort and appreciation. It has become easier to create beautiful things, because they are smaller and take less effort. And I am satisfied with a small coffee, instead of a large.<i> </i>I have found I do not actually need as much space as I originally thought. <i>And I am allowing people to be closer to me, at first only by means of proximity but lately, closer also to my heart and my head. </i><br />
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There are many new and frustrating aspects that come with living abroad. Life is exciting and dynamic, but many constant differences in daily lifestyle can take a toll on a person. It's only recently that I've noticed these difficulties have forced me to realize things about my own personality and temperament, and many times have actually played a part in bettering my daily life.<br />
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Thanks for reading :)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-10705070834380282132014-03-11T01:48:00.000-07:002014-03-11T01:48:17.739-07:00Tapas Tuesday: Foie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>This weeks tapa: </b>Foie<br />
<b>English translation: </b>duck liver<br />
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Despite the established French tradition of foie, the delicacy is quite popular among and mastered by the Spaniards. The smooth, buttery texture of the warm pan-fried foie mixed with the crunch of a baguette is something which can't be explained and which everyone should try! I've had foie topped with baked apple, with sweet or savory marmalade, with carmalized onions, with melted brie. You really can't go wrong. Believe me. Just try it. You won't be disappointed.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-68610594189530484712014-03-08T01:54:00.001-08:002014-03-08T01:56:03.988-08:00Spring is Here!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello from sunny, warm Madrid. Spring is in the air, and I hope it is here to stay. It has been in the upper 60's with no cloud in sight since about Wednesday, and will continue like this until late next week. Yesterday Nacho and I had a wonderfully delicious picnic lunch down at the river. It's amazing how a little warmth and sunlight (and also some smoked salmon) can change your perspective, fill you with energy and remind you of life's important things.<br />
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This weather has got me thinking about what spring/summer life will be like in Madrid! The city has more energy these days. Terraces are full of people young and old, sipping on cold beer or tinto de verano, soaking up some sun. The streets are filled with crowds, jackets in hand, and summer clothes are making their first appearances. And oh how I love keeping my apartment windows open!<br />
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More importantly, it is running weather again! I have been cooped up in the gym and am itching to start my long, outdoor runs. The ones that turn into a meditative session, the ones which cleanse me, mind and body. Got me thinking about maybe another half marathon??<a href="http://es.competitor.com/madrid/"> <u>Hmm..</u></a><br />
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Thinking of family and loved ones back home, still enduring the cold polar vortex. I am sending warm energy your way, and reminding you that though it may not seem so, spring is just around the corner! XOXO<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My one shot from our picnic.. </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-307816827236619302014-03-05T06:24:00.000-08:002014-03-05T06:24:01.723-08:00Kitchen Nostalgia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For anyone who has spent time in Spanish homes, I'm sure you've realized that the kitchens are teeny tiny. There is no room to park yourself on a counter, to sit down on a rug and pet the dog. It's not the most condoning space to have both the most meaningless and meaningful conversations I tend to have in my kitchen in Connecticut. No my friend, only an American kitchen can give you those things. Today I am missing my kitchen, a special, magical place.<br />
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This poem by Joy Harjo:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps the World Ends Here</span></div>
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The world begins at a kitchen table. No matter what, we must eat to live.</div>
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The gifts of earth are brought and prepared, set on the table. So it has been since creation, and it will go on.</div>
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We chase chickens or dogs away from it. Babies teethe at the corners. They scrape their knees under it.</div>
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It is here that children are given instructions on what it means to be human. We make men at it, we make women.</div>
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At this table we gossip, recall enemies and the ghosts of lovers.</div>
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Our dreams drink coffee with us as they put their arms around our children. They laugh with us at our poor falling-down selves and as we put ourselves back together once again at the table.</div>
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This table has been a house in the rain, an umbrella in the sun.</div>
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Wars have begun and ended at this table. It is a place to hide in the shadow of terror. A place to celebrate the terrible victory.</div>
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We have given birth on this table, and have prepared our parents for burial here.</div>
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At this table we sing with joy, with sorrow. We pray of suffering and remorse. We give thanks.</div>
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Perhaps the world will end at the kitchen table, while we are laughing and crying, eating of the last sweet bite.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Found at the <u><a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/179782?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PoetryFoundation%2FPoemOfTheDayText+%28Poem+of+the+Day%29">Poetry Foundation</a></u></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-41134589219742388572014-03-04T00:30:00.000-08:002014-03-04T00:30:05.115-08:00Tapas Tuesday: Solomillo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>This weeks tapa: </b>Solomillo<br />
<b>English translation: </b>Sirloin<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tapas night in San Sebastian (Summer 2011)<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Although you will probably never get this tapa free with a drink, it is an amazingly delicious and very popular one to order! The cut of meat is usually solomillo de cerdo (pork) and is cooked simply a la plancha (grilled) with some olive oil and topped with some sea salt. This tapa is quintessentially Spanish: highlighting the popular meat of choice, cooked with simplicity and love. There's no need to spice it up or add fancy sauces, this tapa is about tasting a delicious and perfectly cooked piece of meat. I've never been disappointed by ordering solomillo.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-30430448279079137212014-03-02T12:16:00.000-08:002014-03-02T12:31:30.747-08:005 Things Dating a Spanish Man Has Taught Me:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
(Sorry Nachy, but I had to...well no, I wanted to)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West Hartford, CT, USA Fall 2012</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nacho and his jamon, Tangier, Morocco, Summer 2011</td></tr>
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1. <b>Embrace possibility and creativity.</b><br />
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Yea I know, that sounds great. In theory. For me, as idealistic as I am, I really have always thrived on realism. Only allow room in your mind for what is possible, and that way you won't be clouded by things that cannot be, you won't waste your time. Oh, but dating a Spanish man has changed that. Not only are hypothicals a very real part of my day-to-day conversation, but I think I have finally figured out the reason for the existence of the Spanish subjuntive tense.. (something that "could be", they have an entire verb tense for hypothetical situations which doesn't even exist in English!)<br />
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2. <b>Know what you want, and be a little bit selfish about it.</b><br />
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I've always been a people pleaser. If everyone is happy, I'm happy. I have always felt a little uncomfortable making decisions for the whole group. But lately that has changed a little. After some time dating a Spanish man I've learned to fully realize and go after what I want. Whether that be a certain food I'm craving, or a job I'm searching for, confidently expressing my needs has been nothing but healthy for myself and our relationship. Feels good too!<br />
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3. <b>Wear layers.</b><br />
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I'm from Connecticut. I know winter very well. I know the cold, the snow, the sleet, I have experienced the vortex. Because of that I know that Madrid doesn't really get <i>that </i>cold, people. But wintertime to a Madrileño, I have seen, can be quite traumatic. Everyone is layer-happy (god forbid it gets below 40°F). Men and women alike never leave the house with just a shirt and a jacket. There is a t-shirt, then a button-up, then a sweater, a scarf, a jacket or two. Women have always at least one sweater and a scarf over their outfits. It's quite dramatic if you ask me. Nacho is sometimes amazed that I can leave the house for the evening with a thin (however long-sleeved!) shirt and a jacket. For me, it's enough. For the Spanish people, it's crazy. But nevertheless, I've learned to layer up- otherwise I'll be asked if I'm cold all night long.<br />
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4. <b>Feel your feelings fully.</b><br />
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As a relatively passive-aggressive person, it feels quite healthy to quickly acknowledge a feeling and then brush it away and move on. Not to say I fully get over things in the moment, no, I usually wait for a later, much more inconvenient time for a meltdown/crisis/anxiety attack, when I can no longer hold everything inside me. But dating a Spanish man has taught me that when I feel a certain way, not only should I recognize that feeling, but I should react to it fully in the moment I feel it, however long that reaction should take. Although at first this seemed a little dramatic and unnecessary, over time I have found the results to be healthy, cathartic and quite helpful to my overall mental health.<br />
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5. <b>Appreciate the importance of family.</b><br />
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I'm pretty sure family values are important in every culture, and they have always been something important to me. But dating a Spanish man has really driven home the fact that family is <i>everything</i>. It's important to spend time with the family, life pretty much revolves around it. The father is respected fully at all times and the mother is listened to and helped at all times. Thankfully I love everyone in Nacho's family and truly enjoy spending time with them and getting to know them! And believe me, there's never a dull moment. :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with the nieces and nephews, Christmas 2011</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-78515157843993209682014-02-26T09:18:00.000-08:002014-02-26T09:18:02.600-08:00Salamanca<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As my classes on Friday were cancelled last minute, it was time for a impromptu overnight trip! When my sister studied abroad in Spain years ago she was based in Salamanca, and because of her stories I have always wanted to visit. I also know that the university there is one of the oldest in Europe, and because of that it attracts students from all over the globe. I figured the city must be young and full of energy, and for that I also wanted to visit. I posed the idea to Nacho Friday morning, and him being the smart, organized planner he is, quickly jumped online and found an airbnb room for us to stay that night. Within the hour we were on the road (with me behind the wheel!) to make the two hour trip west, into the autonomous community of Castilla y León, into the Province of Salamanca, to its capital city.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found this style of graffiti all over the city</td></tr>
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We spent a cold but sunny Friday afternoon exploring the Old City. After a warm <a href="http://vayamadrid.com/where-to-have-the-best-menu-del-dia-lunch-in-madrid/"><u>menú del día</u> </a>from a local mesón we lazily wandered our way through the streets. Sites included the old and new cathedrals (new used quite relatively here as the cathedral was constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries..), the beautiful plaza mayor, the university, and Casa de las Conchas. Favoring a siesta over more cold sightseeing and with our minds already thinking about a night of tapas and drinks, we headed to our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/">airbnb</a> home to recuperate.<br />
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That evening was for amazing jamon and vino tinto, tapas and drinks, more tapas and more drinks. I found the free tapas to be bigger in Salamanca than in many places in Madrid- a definite plus for Salamanca. As the night grew on and we moved from relaxed sit-down bars to more club-like places, the crowds seemed to get younger and younger. It was then that I realized how much I've changed since my college days. These days I prefer my drinks with tapas, my bars with seats, and music low enough to still allow for conversation. I even turned down a free gin and tonic at the end of the night- what has happened to me!?<br />
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The trip was a short but wonderful break from reality. Our host gave us an amazing free breakfast spread Saturday morning with everything we could ask for (from churros to homemade yogurt!) and we were home by 2pm to get some sleep and recover after a late night out. Salamanca was good to me, and I was happy to share another city with the best travel partner a girl could ask for. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-64239606673892517302014-02-25T06:48:00.002-08:002014-02-25T06:48:53.334-08:00Tapas Tuesday: Cojonuda<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>This weeks tapa: </b>Cojonuda</div>
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<b>English translation: </b>"awesome" "superb" "fucking good"</div>
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Well, as general as those translations may be, the word describes this tapa beautifully. Cojonuda is quite simple, and simply delicious. A slice of baguette, a slice of morcilla (blood sausage), a fried quail egg and an extremely spicy roasted red pepper. YUM!<br />
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This particular picture was taken when I went to Burgos, a city northwest of Madrid known for its amazing morcilla. The blend of salty, spicy goodness makes this tapa one of my absolute favorites. (Their brother tapa, the cojonudo, is similar but topped with chorizo instead of morcilla, and for that is less tasty in my opinion). Morcilla is made with pork fat and blood, mixed with rice, onions, paprika and salt. And, of course, the Spanish like fry the sausage in olive oil, so the overall flavor is beautifully rich unlike anything I've tasted before. Definitely one of my favorites!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-76218652636455226932014-02-19T11:01:00.000-08:002014-02-19T11:01:50.266-08:00Jazz Night<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A couple of my Spanish friends said they had never heard live jazz before! Although I have spent hours listening to amazing jazz in the clubs of Cape Town, of course the heart and origin of the great genre resides in the United States, and is one I love to listen to. So they invited me along to a famous club in Madrid, and I was excited to join them for a night of live jazz!<br />
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After some wine and pizza at their place, we headed to <a href="http://www.populart.es/" style="text-decoration: underline;">PopulArt</a>. The cafe is located on Calle Huertas, an important street when it comes to both restaurants and night life. The stretch of road is in Barrio de las Letras, between Calle Atocha and Plaza Santa Ana, and is filled with cafes, tapas bars, restaurants, and two famous jazz clubs, Populart and Cafe Central. That area of the city is called Barrio de las letras because it was once home to many famous literary artists; it is the 'literary neighborhood of Madrid', where famous writers once worked and played. One prominent landmark is the home of Cervantes. Nowadays the barrio continues its fame through its many bars and restaurants.<br />
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The night actually turned out to be a rhythm and blues night, which for me is even better than jazz! The band was American and sang many blues classics. Hearing the music took me right back to the states, and I thought about how magically music can transform your mood, spirit and even transport you to a different place and time. For my Spanish friends, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King or Muddy Waters were unrecognized artists. It took me by surprise, for even an American who doesn't listen to much blues I think can recognize a classic when they hear one. It is ingrained into our culture, in our tv shows or movies, played in bars or restaurants. So it was over gin and tonics that we listened, danced along and discussed different songs and artists. I tried my hardest to explain what I knew about the blues and the south (including a 5 minute lesson on the correct pronunciation of cajun haha- <i>it's not ca-hoon</i>).<br />
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It was a really enjoyable night for me. The music brought with it a happy nostalgia for home, and it felt good to enjoy something outside the Spanish culture for a night. I must go again and bring Nacho!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-43583362272912919232014-02-18T01:04:00.001-08:002014-02-18T01:04:09.995-08:00Tapas Tuesday: Rabo de Toro<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am starting a new series called Tapas Tuesday, which will document some of the many Spanish tapas I sample. Warning: Do not read when hungry. Enjoy!<br />
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<b>This weeks tapa: </b> Rabo de toro<br />
<b>English translation: </b>Oxtail or tail of the bull<br />
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After the bull is killed in fight, all parts of the animal are used- including the tail! It is through this long-standing tradition that the bull tail has become one of the most classic foods of Spain. Most typically found in a stew, rabo de toro dates back to the days of the Roman Empire. The meat is quite famous throughout Europe, but its Spanish roots are from Andalucia (Southern Spain), more specifically Cordoba. The tail is cooked very slowly, usually with red wine or sherry. Because of this, the meat is tender and falls apart in your mouth. I was lucky to try this particular rabo de toro as a tapa at a restaurant in Majadahonda (where Nacho's family lives, 20 minutes northwest of Madrid), and it was served atop foie gras and topped with a crunch piece of jamon. It was cooked in a rich, red wine sauce and also served with a mustard sauce and fresh pesto. It was, in my opinion, the absolute best way to be introduced to bulls tail! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-74090574496606044862014-02-17T03:19:00.001-08:002014-02-17T03:20:05.963-08:00Impromptu Peruvian Tapas Tasting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Saturday morning was for sleeping in and taking things super slow. With no real plans for the day, we saw an ad online for a<a href="http://www.cheapinmadrid.com/peruvian-tapas-festival/"> <u>tapas tasting at a Peruvian restaurant</u></a> close by and decided to check it out. The place itself was tiny and didn't look like anything special. Both Nacho and I agreed that, had we not seen the advertisement, we would never think to try the place out. But we gave it a chance and were not disappointed. We were lucky to have showed up early, within the hour the place filled up with people from all over the world. Nacho and I were able to grab two seats at the bar while there was still space!<br />
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We started firstly with ceviche, which just happens to be one of my favorite foods of all time and also what comes to my mind when I think of Peruvian food. It was delicious. For those of you who haven't tried ceviche- you must! It is fresh and simple- consisting pretty much of raw, local white fish marinated with lime juice and red onions. We ended up chatting with the chef for some time (enough for him to order a beer for himself from one of the waitresses as we spoke..) and he told me a detailed step by step guide to how to prepare the ceviche. It sounds simple enough and I can't wait to try it out for myself! (now that I know the secrets) ;)<br />
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Next we tried a traditional Peruvian food called causa, which I had never heard of before. Apparently, because its ingredients are common and cheap and it is quite easy to prepare, the dish is one of the most popular throughout Peru. It is made mainly with mashed yellow potatoes and aji, which are both staples for the country. The aji pepper, which the chef explained to us, is not a spicy pepper but one with a warm, smokey flavor that really enhances many of the dishes. It comes in many different varieties, and it is an essential part of the local cuisine. The dish is prepared like a casserole, and the potato/aji layer is followed by a layer of a mayonnaise based salad- like a Russian salad. Sometimes there is a layer of avocado as well, and the dish is topped with hard boiled egg and a Peruvian olive. It was simple and tasty.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceviche on the left, Causa on the right</td></tr>
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Lastly we tried a tapa called lomo saltado. Because of the large number of Chinese immigrants in Peru, it is no surprise that the two cultures have mixed cuisines. The dish is like a beef stir fry, one in which beef, onions, tomatoes and peppers are mixed with soy sauce and other spices and served over french fries and/or rice. It was delightful, the beef was tender and there was just enough soy sauce to create a tasty, flavorful sauce without overwhelming you with salt. And it was great to pair the tapas with a Cusqueña, a tasty, local beer from Peru. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lomo Saltado- didn't get to snap a pic of this one<br />
but thanks google images- it looked similar</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't be fooled by the Heineken label- <br />
those were delicious Peruvian beers</td></tr>
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The tavern filled quickly with people from all over the globe. I heard an Australian, a Brit, some Americans, and another language I couldn't quite identify (maybe Polish?)- and of course Spanish! Although I'm not sure why, I love to hear people around me speaking a variety of different languages. I guess knowing that people from all over the world can come together to celebrate and enjoy the food and culture from one place makes me feel good, as though I am helping in a cultural exchange to better the attitude and increase the knowledge of everyone around me. It gives me energy. It was a nice, colorful way to spend an otherwise dreary, rainy Saturday afternoon. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-29595196752457035012014-02-16T09:21:00.002-08:002014-02-16T09:24:29.464-08:00Día de San Valentín<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As far as Valentine's Day goes, neither Nacho nor I are big celebrators of the holiday. It has always seemed a little over the top for me, as if you had only one day to show how much you loved someone. Chocolate, flowers, romance. It all just seems a little..forced. And forced romance is the absolute worst.<br />
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Nacho and I often find time to have dates and do things together, so the day does not seem so special to us. But at the same time, <i>I love love</i>. I mean, it is the single most beautiful thing that connects us in this world, and the greatest gift a human being can give to themselves or another. It's what makes us happy, and what we all deserve. And <i>that</i> is something worth celebrating. It is worth not one, but all the days in a year. So for me, Friday was less of a celebration and more of a reminder. It was not the typical chocolate and roses day, but a reminder to live with an intention to show myself and those around me as much love as I can possibly manage.<br />
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Today was the first sunny day we've had in a while here in Madrid. The sun was strong and the day was warm with a light breeze. As I walked home (from an amazing Indian lunch with friends in Lavapies, yumm), I took a detour and headed to the river. I wasn't ready to go back indoors. Between soaking up the sun and feeling the light, cool breeze run through my hair it seemed as though my body was actually growing healthier with each step I took- if that makes any sense. Like that first warm day of spring, when the sun feels like heaven on your skin. I sat on the bridge and looked down at the river. I watched the birds being carried by the current, occasionally plunging their heads into the water. I watched the clouds above playing hide and seek with the sweet sun. I watched rollerbladers and bicyclists and couples hand in hand. And I held on to a feeling which flooded my body. One of relief, of happiness, of<i> pure love</i>. A love and acceptance of myself. A love for this city and its people who know how to live well where they are. A love for this earth and the sweet sun warming my head. And a love for the birds who allow themselves to be carried by the natural current of the river, trusting it to lead them to where they are supposed to be. And that is what Valentine's Day has reminded me. That my main reason for being on this earth is to love and be loved. It is the greatest gift.<br />
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Happy Valentine's Day. I love you.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-66471712438472354512014-02-12T12:09:00.000-08:002014-02-12T12:09:42.743-08:00Churros con Chocolate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Come on now. I wouldn't be writing a blog in Madrid without the classic Churros con Chocolate post!<br />
So here we go:<br />
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I'm sure you are familiar with this sweet, fried, chocolaty deliciousness. If not, please, let me enlighten you. The hot chocolatey drink Americans know and love is actually quite different from the mugfuls of thick, velvety, rich chocolate you can find here in Madrid. Madrileños do NOT mess when it comes to hot chocolate, and you will find its consistency to be closer to chocolate fudge than hot chocolate. Most Spaniards enjoy churros for breakfast, although they are a great afternoon merienda or late night snack as well. It is socially acceptable to eat churros con chocolate at any time of day- another reason to love them. </div>
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Chocolatería San Ginés near Sol is known as the #1 best (read: touristy) place to try churros. It has been open since 1894, and these days you can stop to eat 365 days a year, 24 hours a day! Being the American guiri that I am, it is only appropriate that I try the place out! So last weekend Nacho and I strolled for about ten minutes north of my apartment into the heart of old Madrid to satisfy our craving. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Despite its fame, the Chocolatería is actually tucked<br />
away and out of site from the main road</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And there's ALWAYS a line, no matter what. Around<br />
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Believe it or not, both churros and the hot chocolate are not super sweet. The chocolate, although thick and rich, is made with dark chocolate, so it does not overwhelm you with sugar (and it is quite easy to finish a full mug). It is for that reason that I fell in love with the traditional snack, and also why many people find they actually don't love the beloved churros con chocolate. To compensate for this, many people firstly dip their churros in sugar, then submerge them in the heavenly chocolate. I can eat mine either way.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jmD3wNK_YTY/UvuxAYPqvRI/AAAAAAAABYg/ywCXTgZ2S0w/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jmD3wNK_YTY/UvuxAYPqvRI/AAAAAAAABYg/ywCXTgZ2S0w/s1600/006.JPG" height="476" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the left you see churros. On the right, porras (like churros but thicker)</td></tr>
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As you can see, they were delicious. 'Nuff said. I'm sure I will be going back again soon. Now if this post did not make you crave something chocolately or sweet, then I did not do my job correctly.. Now go have some chocolate!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-8678358678586796852014-02-11T12:05:00.001-08:002014-02-11T12:05:23.668-08:00Crêpes by Candlelight<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Don't
get me wrong, I love my tortilla and jamon, but on Saturday night it was time to
take a break from Spanish cuisine. A friend I work with, Roxanna, is from Paris
and invited me to dinner at a French crêperie called Breizh for a
traditional Brittany dining experience. When I was studying in Greece I tried
my fair share of crêpes, both savory and sweet, but something told me these would taste different- and they did! </span>My idea of French food consists of cheese, wine, baguettes and macarons. I mean, what more do you need, really.. I
have never been to France nor have I ever been close to anyone from the country
so my knowledge of its cuisine is actually quite limited. When Roxanna invited me to go out with some of her friends I was thankful to try
something new and expand, if only a little, my limited idea of french food.</div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">As
we wound our way through the narrow streets of Malasa</span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">ñ</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">a I introduced myself to
her French, German and English friends in the common language we shared-
Spanish. The moment we entered the small restaurant, the power cut out and
everything went dark. Turns out they were having some issues with their
electricity, but the owner/chef welcomed us with some French cider while we waited for them to
fix the problem. We were in no rush and happy to sip on some free cider surrounded by
soft pink candles, joking that we were to have a heightened gastronomical experience with our
limited sense of sight. When it became clearer that the problem was not to be
fixed anytime soon they offered us a discounted price with a list of cr</span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">ê</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">pes
they were still able to make without power in the restaurant. All of us feeling
too lazy to change locations at that point in the night, we chose to stay. I
decided on a cr</span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">ê</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">pe with jamon de pato, caramelo de naranja y pistachos (dried, thinly sliced duck meat, orange honey and pistachios), and I was NOT disappointed by the
choice. The thin, flaky crepe mixed with the sweet sauce and salty duck was a
perfect blend and I savored every bite, wanting more when there was nothing
left on my plate. Everyone feeling similarly, we decided to order more, moving
from savory to sweet</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">. So it was with chocolate, fruit, nutella and ice
cream cr</span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">ê</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">pes that we finished the night, discussing tv series and how annoying
the job of teaching languages can be. It was a wonderfully relaxing way to
spend a Saturday evening. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">I find that with every new experience my eyes open wider and my mind is humbled by the friendliness of
strangers. This city is filled with people from all over the world who offer me insight, generosity and friendship, and I find it somewhat ironic: it is with strangers from all over the world that the city feels starts to feel more like home.. </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-20570932601118095552014-02-10T13:42:00.001-08:002014-02-10T13:43:48.616-08:00Una Comida Valenciana<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Five of the 27 present on Saturday..</td></tr>
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It has been weeks since I've visited Nacho's family, so it was with smiles and open arms that we reunited at the house of Nacho's brother, Daniel, with the entire family for a big lunch on Saturday in Boadilla. <br />
<a name='more'></a>Per usual, the day was filled with lots of food, noise, catching up and holding babies. Besides a wonderful array of delicious appetizers, Daniel (see far left in picture above) made arroz Valenciana, a wonderful rice dish with sausage, morcilla and ribs. After lunch and quite a large array of desserts (including my apple pie!) Nacho and I siesta'd on the couch together, next to other random family members who were lucky enough to claim a spot. The implied nap time after lunch is something every family member respects, and I love that a room which was filled with noise and chaos only minutes before can transform into a shared, peaceful space. A family that naps together stays together I suppose..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gambas y camarones:<br />
the best of the appies in my opinion!</td></tr>
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It seems I'm falling in love with this family- as if the whole group of them come together in one large package. They have shown true interest in my life and my relationship with Nacho, they support me and accept me. I feel very special to consider myself a part of such a loving group of people, and I cherish how comfortable I have become around them. It was a wonderful way to spend a cold, rainy Saturday.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-24991391201567279002014-02-10T12:57:00.001-08:002014-02-10T13:09:19.630-08:00BlogLovin<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Follow me on BlogLovin!<br />
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11737445/?claim=uct4dshuh6c">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5785785328270362992.post-25875078411511180732014-02-07T07:12:00.003-08:002014-02-07T07:17:25.654-08:00It's time for pie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After a week of disrespectful students and cold, rainy days, I was in need of a warm pick-me-up. Time for pie! Pie solves all! I am having lunch with Nacho's parents and his brother's family tomorrow, so I figured why not show them the traditional, wonderfully satisfying experience of warm apple pie and vanilla ice cream. How American of me. Can't wait to try it! I've made pie dough from scratch before but it has always been difficult- too flaky, too moist, etc. I never seem to get it just right. But this time it went surprisingly well! Thanks <u><a href="http://www.elephantineblog.com/2014/02/how-to-make-an-apple-pie.html">elephantine</a></u> for the inspiration :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the oven!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JGCkwwKslbs/UvTz4fBiJOI/AAAAAAAABVk/aOb-ZVMlJEs/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JGCkwwKslbs/UvTz4fBiJOI/AAAAAAAABVk/aOb-ZVMlJEs/s1600/048.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished product</td></tr>
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It felt good to spend some time in the kitchen. I always seem to process my thoughts best while working with my hands and creating something delicious. It was a good way to end a long work week. Happy Friday everyone! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amVXfIuhRnw/UvT1BWDOD3I/AAAAAAAABV0/qS-46HwYaAc/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amVXfIuhRnw/UvT1BWDOD3I/AAAAAAAABV0/qS-46HwYaAc/s1600/011.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found one of my favorite quotes in a magazine article I was<br />
reading while attempting to better my Spanish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MMMmk1TlqH0/UvT1HM3xdkI/AAAAAAAABWE/bmCRszlCww0/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MMMmk1TlqH0/UvT1HM3xdkI/AAAAAAAABWE/bmCRszlCww0/s1600/014.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New addition to my wall. <br />
Great show, great message.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIwDlw4McYs/UvT1EeYytVI/AAAAAAAABV8/KoWdz81SeDo/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIwDlw4McYs/UvT1EeYytVI/AAAAAAAABV8/KoWdz81SeDo/s1600/021.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spent my Wednesday afternoon with Nachy and a beer watching <br />
the sun go down in the park next to my apartment.<br />
I wouldn't say my week was all that bad..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ru9FZmxp07o/UvT1lleFKfI/AAAAAAAABWM/c18mt1qUuTo/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ru9FZmxp07o/UvT1lleFKfI/AAAAAAAABWM/c18mt1qUuTo/s1600/039.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another wonderful message I received while <br />
reading on my way to work :)</td></tr>
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Tonight I am going to <a href="http://konalei.com/" style="text-decoration: underline;">this bar</a> in Chueca to meet up with fellow American travel bloggers! It should be a fun night. I hope to meet some people with similar interests as myself, and who knows, maybe find some inspiration/tips for future blogging :) </div>
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