comida - feb. 21

I finally want to go in depth about the food here. There are things I feel are prized here more than I've seen in the U.S.
1) Jamon - ham (and all things ham flavored. ie: ham chips)
2) café con leche - half coffee half steamed milk
3) chocolate con churros (not like Mexican churros; less sugar)
4) Tinto de Veranos - red wine with lemon soda *can't wait to make these back home
Beer and wine are cheaper and many times come with free tapas. Granada is known for this, because it's really the only big city in Spain that gives them free. Tapas are varied. A tapa can be anything from bread with ham to a piece of cheese to rice.
Things I miss:
1) Mac and cheese
2) tortilla chips
3) Mexican food in general (What they call a tortilla here is like an omelet with potatoes)
4) Dr. Pepper
5) Mom's salad dressing (even though all dressing here is made with oil)
6) Ranch dressing

For all you peanut butter fans, there isn't any here. Not a problem for me.

Things I have started to eat that I have never liked before:
1) Potatoes (still not mashed)
2) Runny eggs-are they called sunny side up?
3) Hot drinks: tea, coffee and cocoa.
4) Jam and marmalade

My señora is always trying to get me to eat vegetables, but I can't like everything !!

Breakfast is always very small and limited. Every morning I have two pieces of toast with jam, a glass of cocoa and juice. This is the only meal of the day where we are allowed anything other than water.

Lunch is served around 2:30 and is always huge. I feel like my stomach has stretched while I've been here! I receive at least two plates worth of food, plus salad and bread. Fruit is served for dessert. In the house, we don't eat sweets.

Dinner is almost as big as lunch and similar food is served. Around 9-10pm is when we sit down.

We have the son living with us and he constantly makes fun of my roommate and I how we eat and what we eat as Americans. Everyone here thinks all Americans eat is BBQ, pizza and fast food. My señora thinks that I am going to have diseases early because I don't eat veggies. My brother says that I am going to have a huge butt before I'm 30.

Meals outside the house are different than the states. People here don't have the same mentality when it comes to service as we do in the states. When you go out to eat, be prepared to allot at least and hour and a half for your meal if not more. Waiters aren't tipped so they are not always fast or attentive. But it is also the European mentality of socializing and taking your time. And it's rare to see people eating or drinking things on the go. Spaniards also don't get things in doggie bags when they don't finish their meal. No one really eats alone.