A lifetime of encounters with Spain.
Posted in Corners of Spain, Fairs, Feasts and Fiestas, Reflections on Spain on May 14th, 2008
Children, with all of their exuberance, are to be enjoyed and treasured within the family and all whom they touch; and a Spaniard’s home is thought of as an extension of his greater family. Perhaps the Jamón Serrano resting on its stand is a symbol of the hospitality that is the essence of the home.
Posted in Amigos, Corners of Spain, Fairs, Feasts and Fiestas, Reflections on Spain on Dec 14th, 2007
I sense fidelity in the Spanish soul which transcends the various twists and turns of fortune. This constancy is revisited each year at about this time, when Spaniards gather to renew their familial and cultural roots each year. Of course Spaniards hold this in common with other people with hallowed pasts. Often cultural centering is expressed in rituals such as the Seder, the Mass, and the Muslim Call to Prayer.
Posted in Fairs, Feasts and Fiestas, Reflections on Spain on Jan 15th, 2007
Other mothers (and grandmothers, of course), whom we would view as strangers, will joyfully come up to a little baby and admire her profusely. Then they will reach into their purse for an omni-present caramelo to present to the child. ¡Que guapa! – How beautiful! – She will exclaim. Those women are not strangers but part of a broader community that supports the child all her (or his) life.
Posted in Reflections on Spain on Sep 19th, 2006
These have been a gratifying ten years for me. Working side by side with my family each day at La Tienda, is a blessing. We enjoy bringing the very best of Spain to your table. There are more roads to travel, more traditional products to discover. Thank you for continuing to be a part of our journey
Posted in Amigos, Corners of Spain, Reflections on Spain on Jul 16th, 2006
I have enjoyed many personal contacts with Spanish artisans and families over the years of La Tienda — it is a source of deep satisfaction. Through the bonds my family and I have formed with families throughout the many regions of Spain, we have grown to have a profound respect for the values of the traditional Spanish culture.
Posted in Amigos, Reflections on Spain on Feb 15th, 2006
What I find most appealing about Jorge is that his integrity, his lack of pretension, and his joyful approach to life. When he recommends wines to La Tienda he does not list costly bottles of wine which might bring him more income. Instead he includes wines from across the spectrums which are good values for their price. He wants you to enjoy life through the wines of Spain. And, I must say, I find joy in his company.
Posted in Reflections on Spain on Oct 15th, 2005
The more I travel the byways of Spain and meet her generous people, the clearer it becomes to me the affinity we have for one another as Americans and Spaniards. The incidents of history make us appear to be very different, especially since America is such a young country. But we share the core values of valor, an independent spirit and the interdependence of the family.
