When we think of “Spanish Food” in America, we typically think quesadillas, tacos, and burritos; the usual foods you can find at almost every street corner. How wrong are we? The chain restaurant food, which we in America consider “Spanish”, does not compare to the delicacies of the Spanish cuisine. Our trip has included wonderful meals from delicious paella to authentic chorizo and lomo, types of foods we frequently cannot find in America. Every meal is prepared by hand for hours and creates a new exploration of taste and culture. However, similar to the language and culture, the Spanish meals are very different from those at home. In the United States, meals typically last and hour to two hours. For instance, dinner would be served around 6pm or 7pm. However, In Spain each meal is prolonged greatly. Lunch, in the school, is served around 2pm and students typically eat dinner with their families at around 10pm. Dinner at a restaurant can last up to 3 hours between appetizers, different courses, and immense amounts of desserts. Although many things are very different than the routine which we experience in America, every meal with our “families” creates a wonderful and memorable experience which we will carry with us forever.

Group in front on Botin, oldest restaurant in the world!