Tapas y Vino

Earlier this week I was able to attend a tapas cooking class with the students in the CIEE Language in Context program. On the top floor of this pastry/dessert shop, we watched as our teacher (her name escapes me at the moment...) made delicious foods right in front of our eyes, and the students actually got to help her, which was fun to watch, too.





I am always appreciative of the relationship that the Spanish have with food. It's a medium for conversation, friendship, and soul-searching. Sometimes, sure, they have to eat on the run (who doesn't?) - but most of the time, they pay attention to and savor what they're eating AND invest happily in the conversations that are taking place around them. In the U.S., I sometimes feel like food is an obligation, as opposed to a right, let alone something to be enjoyed.

Needless to say, everything was delicious! The rich flavors seemed to linger, even after the food was already gone. Here are a few photos of the things she made, including clams, sausage, stuffed peppers, and more...











After work yesterday, several of the CIEE staff and I went to visit Santa Margarita vineyard, located far out in the country, about an hour away from Alicante proper. We had an amazing ride there, listening to music as I tried to cue in to the conversations taking place. Can I just say, these people are so fun to be around?



We went on a tour of the winery...it was so cold! Then sat down to try three wines (1 white and 2 red) while nibbling on a few snacks, like ham, bread, cookies, etc.



I don't remember saying much during the tasting, except maybe to Debora who was sitting next to me, and who--I have a feeling--I would love to be friends with, but I couldn't stop thinking how amazing it was simply to be around these people, picking up on bits of their conversations, immersing myself in the language, and having such a charming time doing so.







After the wine had settled in, and warmed us up, Debora and I took a stroll outside to admire the mountains, say hello to the horses, play with the cats in the desert garden, and just talk - in my broken Spanish, of course. :)



Here am I con los gatos.



We came back to Alicante and I rested before heading to Paco's for a late dinner and great fun with the CIEE staff and their families! I got home pretty late, and wouldn't have had it any other way. I wish there was something I could do for them in exchange for all they're giving me.



Right now, it's Saturday night and I'm just waking from a siesta. It's dark, but I think I'll go out a little later and spend some time among the people. I've heard that Saturday night, much like last night, is a night when the city doesn't sleep. Look out Alicante, here I come!

Vale?

Vale.

Adios!