I don't know about you, but my response to stress is enjoying some tasty morsels. I've had many, many morsels lately... (which could be why Matthew 26:41 keeps popping into my view and thoughts...) and I thought I'd share with you some of the fare I've enjoyed.
In Huelva (well-vah) they grow some tasty, juicy, sweet strawberries, which remind my of my sweet grandparents, who I've been missing terribly. Finding myself at the fruit markets at any given chance, I've bought 2 kilos each time, and the locals look at me like I'm a crazy woman. Seriously: who buys 4.4lbs of strawberries at a time?!? It works out to about $1.13/lb if my math is correct, though it's never been my strong point so I could be waaay off... We've also enjoyed fresh mandarin oranges from markets in Cadiz (CAH-dith) and Jerez (hair-ETH), and bananas from Jerez as well.
In Puerto (pwer-toe) Sherry, we had a farewell dinner at an Italian restaurant for the previous director where my Sohlmate's taking over. He and I shared an amazing salad with pesto, field greens, black olives, provolone, sun dried and fresh cherry tomatoes. Fantasmo! We've started eating our salads with only EVOO (as Rachel Ray calls extra virgin olive oil), vinegar, salt and pepper. MMMM! There are a few more options here when it comes to olive oil. Intenso is a stronger flavored oil, used for dipping or breads. When cooking or frying, suave is the oil of choice. Either way, I'm in!
The drive from Rota to Jerez is gorgeous, passing fields of girasoles (hir-a-SOL; sunflowers) and vineyards filled with the grapes to produce sherry wine. I'm anxiously awaiting my 1st bodega (bo-deh-gah) tour, where we'll sample the local sherries... obviously a feat for after the arrival of my Young Sohl (thanks C-Tooley!).
In SanLucar (sahn loo-car), we visited el centro comercial, Las Dunas. This is essentially a mall, though it includes the equivalent of a Super Walmart. One interesting thing is that before entering Alcampo (the WalMart-esque store [or actually any large shopping center]) you use a fuser to seal your other shopping bags closed. Then you use a 50 cent or 1 euro coin as a deposit to borrow a shopping cart. Another unique trait is you can buy anything from a 220 fridge to still squirming fish, scales, head and all. Mmmm! Nothing like the smell of old seafood to encourage you to shop! LOL!
Anyway, at Las Dunas we stopped at a small cafe, where my friend Mari and I ordered the same thing - a chicken, cream cheese, and pineapple croissant and a tall limon ice cream/slushy drink/treat thing. If you've ever had a lemon flavored italian ice, the taste is very similar, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am in heaven here, as I LOOOOVE tartly-flavored lemon treats. Lemon cookies, lemon drinks, lemon desserts, lemon breakfast items... ahh!
This is dragging on, but there's so much more to share: fresh bread, pastries, cookies, fruits, and cheeses. Jamon serrano, a unique taste all its own, is best with queso iberico IMHO, though I look forward to sampling other flavors as well.
All that to say, I have a few cautionary hints. I discourage all jamon/meat-flavored chips, smoked salmon anything (just too fishy for me), and overheating olive oil. It's also helpful to know that most eggs are not refrigerated, most stores do not sell canned fruits or veggies, and that milk is often sold in unrefrigerated boxes. As I mentioned before, fish is sold as is, often with all its glory, and in smaller markets you can request to have it "cleaned," though it can cost more to have the guts and head removed (but, if you're like me, it's most always worth it... GROSS!).
All in all, we've enjoyed what Spanish fare we've had. Even our McD's experiences have been unique. But that's another blog.
Love you all!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Keeping you in the loop...
Hola!
Last week my Sohlmate and I took a class to learn about the Spanish culture, language, driving laws, and about the rules we must follow while we're here. I enjoyed the class, including the two tours we took to Cadiz (cah-dith) and Rota (rrrro-tah). While we were in Rota, we dined on breaded fish (grouper), a fresh dish of potato salad, Spanish style of course, with tomatoes, green peppers, garlic, and olive oil. While in Cadiz, we dined at this place, and I have to say that it's somewhat ridiculous how good our gastronomic experiences have been.
We had an ultrasound yesterday, and the baby looks good. It's a boy, in case I hadn't already shared that with you, and as of right now, he weighs about 1lb and some odd ounces. His older brother is getting excited and asks many questions. His sister is currently entranced by cars, dogs, juice, and her brother's bike.
My Sohl son, who I'll now have to find a new name for, got a much needed haircut today. This is an event of sorts, because it's the first time he's had someone outside the family cut his hair. His reward, he decided, was ice cream... blue ice cream. It was messy, as you might guess, and he loved it.
The kids are switching days at "school" with Carter getting 3 days, and Elaina 2. This is my way of ensuring they both get some one-on-one time, and I get some sanity back.
We love it so far, and other than being unable to locate fruit snacks, wrinkle releaser, and a 110 oscillating fan, we're loving it here. Sometimes the language barrier is frustrating - like when my mobile company calls in Spanish to offer me the latest in something... no entiendo (I don't understand). Overall, I have to stress how friendly and accomodating I've found the Spanish to be. I see that once they realize I'm trying to speak in Spanish, the level of patience increases greatly, and I'm much more likely to remember how to conjugate that verb.
Though it's not even the surface, I have to run. I know I'm holding out on the pictures, but I promise that as soon as I am able to, I'll post more. In the mean time, just know the water is gorgeous (but COLD) and the buildings are beautiful (and OLD!!).
HUGS!
Last week my Sohlmate and I took a class to learn about the Spanish culture, language, driving laws, and about the rules we must follow while we're here. I enjoyed the class, including the two tours we took to Cadiz (cah-dith) and Rota (rrrro-tah). While we were in Rota, we dined on breaded fish (grouper), a fresh dish of potato salad, Spanish style of course, with tomatoes, green peppers, garlic, and olive oil. While in Cadiz, we dined at this place, and I have to say that it's somewhat ridiculous how good our gastronomic experiences have been.
We had an ultrasound yesterday, and the baby looks good. It's a boy, in case I hadn't already shared that with you, and as of right now, he weighs about 1lb and some odd ounces. His older brother is getting excited and asks many questions. His sister is currently entranced by cars, dogs, juice, and her brother's bike.
My Sohl son, who I'll now have to find a new name for, got a much needed haircut today. This is an event of sorts, because it's the first time he's had someone outside the family cut his hair. His reward, he decided, was ice cream... blue ice cream. It was messy, as you might guess, and he loved it.
The kids are switching days at "school" with Carter getting 3 days, and Elaina 2. This is my way of ensuring they both get some one-on-one time, and I get some sanity back.
We love it so far, and other than being unable to locate fruit snacks, wrinkle releaser, and a 110 oscillating fan, we're loving it here. Sometimes the language barrier is frustrating - like when my mobile company calls in Spanish to offer me the latest in something... no entiendo (I don't understand). Overall, I have to stress how friendly and accomodating I've found the Spanish to be. I see that once they realize I'm trying to speak in Spanish, the level of patience increases greatly, and I'm much more likely to remember how to conjugate that verb.
Though it's not even the surface, I have to run. I know I'm holding out on the pictures, but I promise that as soon as I am able to, I'll post more. In the mean time, just know the water is gorgeous (but COLD) and the buildings are beautiful (and OLD!!).
HUGS!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Learning the lingo...
Hola! Como estas?
Estoy muy bien y me encanta mucho cosas a Espana. (I'm very well, and I love many things about Spain).
I love that I can walk about a half a mile to get freshly made pan de molde (sliced sandwich bread) and pastries. My Spanish is improving daily, and I am encouraged that I can not only communicate with the Spanish, but that I can also understand most of their responses. I also love that it's sunny and warm here, and that we can sleep with our windows open and cool our house at night.
I love that since we've purchased a bike for our Sohl son, he's been able to ride it on the sidewalks of our mostly unpopulated current neighborhood. He's doing a great job, and inspite of several crashes that would splinter my bones, he's loving the freedom and decision making power.
We found out which house we'll be living in, and it has an amazing view of the blue-green waters of the bay of Cadiz (pronounced CAH-dith). We're learning this week about Spain, and that the idea of tomorrow means tomorrow, the next day, or possibly a week from then. And, tomorrow afternoon, then, means between noon and 22:00 (10pm) on the day that ends up being tomorrow. Simply said, life is much, much less stressful. They are so family-oriented here, and live life by enjoyment.
I'll try to update soon. In Spanish terms, I'll update manana (mahn-YAWN-ah). :)
Estoy muy bien y me encanta mucho cosas a Espana. (I'm very well, and I love many things about Spain).
I love that I can walk about a half a mile to get freshly made pan de molde (sliced sandwich bread) and pastries. My Spanish is improving daily, and I am encouraged that I can not only communicate with the Spanish, but that I can also understand most of their responses. I also love that it's sunny and warm here, and that we can sleep with our windows open and cool our house at night.
I love that since we've purchased a bike for our Sohl son, he's been able to ride it on the sidewalks of our mostly unpopulated current neighborhood. He's doing a great job, and inspite of several crashes that would splinter my bones, he's loving the freedom and decision making power.
We found out which house we'll be living in, and it has an amazing view of the blue-green waters of the bay of Cadiz (pronounced CAH-dith). We're learning this week about Spain, and that the idea of tomorrow means tomorrow, the next day, or possibly a week from then. And, tomorrow afternoon, then, means between noon and 22:00 (10pm) on the day that ends up being tomorrow. Simply said, life is much, much less stressful. They are so family-oriented here, and live life by enjoyment.
I'll try to update soon. In Spanish terms, I'll update manana (mahn-YAWN-ah). :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
