Hello from the sunny Villanueva de Córdoba! I am happy to be falling into a routine after a rough start in Madrid.
Spending the summer in Spain didn’t become real to me until I touched down in the Barajas airport, and all I can say is that it was a bumpy start. From Barajas, I accidentally took the train to Chamartín instead of Atocha. I then jumped on a different line that was supposed to take me to Atocha and sadly watched as the train passed the station and made its way to Perla instead. Unaccustomed to how the train system works, I spent a whopping two hours riding a total of four lines until I finally arrived at the correct station.
When I finally made it to Atocha — sleep-deprived and sweat-soaked — I, for reasons unknown, thought it would be a good idea to accept and eat candy given to me by a total stranger. In retrospect, I realize how dangerous and silly that was, and thankfully, nothing happened to me. (Caution: please do not ever accept candy from a stranger!)
From Atocha, the trip to Pedroches was a quick two hours, and I have been in Villanueva now for a little more than one week.
I’ve had a few chances to explore the local food, and I have fallen in love with the seafood dishes, such as the ensaladilla from La Dulce and the paella that my host mother made. If I had to choose, I would say that my favorite meal so far has been the escargot dish from El Ruedo. I haven’t stopped talking about those snails!
The snails from El Ruedo come in a flavorful and savory tomato-based sauce. I enjoyed eating this dish with bread and left my bowl spotless. I also tried snails served in a spicy, herbal broth from a nearby bar. It was equally as delicious. It reminded me of babbouche, a Moroccan street food that features snails in a thyme, liquorice, mint, chili, and tea-laden broth.
Reflecting on my first full week, I am excited for the weeks to come and not just because of the food. The students at the academy are great, and I have really enjoyed sitting in on the different classes. Spaniards have a great sense of humor! I am also looking forward to exploring and traveling. For instance, this weekend, I will go to Granada for a day-trip/jamón competition.
Until next time,
Vivian