A lifetime of encounters with Spain.
Posted in Corners of Spain, Reflections on Spain on May 10th, 2010
Many times when I am traveling the byways of Spain, I feel an almost magical bond connecting me with the hundreds of generations who have populated this ancient land. Sometimes it is prompted by a seemingly insignificant object such as the humble cazuela, the simple terra cotta dish that has been used by Spanish families [...]
Posted in Amigos, Reflections on Spain on Mar 15th, 2010
I have been writing reflections about Spain and her culture over the past several years. The prevailing theme has been that the bedrock of the traditional Spanish culture is the importance they place on being together as a family, including the extraordinary way they cherish their children. A few years ago, this was the normal [...]
Posted in Reflections on Spain on Jun 16th, 2009
To appreciate people you need to be with them, adapting to their way of life. Ruth and I cannot think of a more pleasant time than sitting with friends, having a glass of Manzanilla and some shellfish in the main plaza of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Around us, life unfolds: we see young couples with their babies being fed caramelos by some delighted grandmother; pensioners basking in the sun; little boys and girls scampering gleefully around the central fountain.
Posted in Amigos, Fairs, Feasts and Fiestas, Reflections on Spain on Dec 14th, 2008
One of the most appealing aspects of the Spanish people is the prevailing attitude of mutual support, of sharing in a common life. It provides integrity to their way of life, for their communal approach to life is what keeps them centered. Traditional Spaniards view their extended family – all the uncles and aunts and [...]
Posted in Reflections on Spain on Sep 12th, 2008
If you want to experience the soul of Spain, you need to sit at her table. Throughout the week, the people of Spain devote a lot of their leisure time visiting with one another over food. In traditional Spain, families have their main meal together during the noontime siesta. Later in the late afternoon, they gather at a café with their neighbors over delicious plates of jamón, manchego and olives. Often, the tapas bar is the same one they have gone to year after year – perhaps since they accompanied their parents as little children playing under the table.
Posted in Reflections on Spain on Apr 13th, 2004
Our quest at the Alimentaria was to find for you authentic all-natural products prepared the traditional, pre-industrial, way. What a satisfying task! We stopped at one booth where our new friend Eleuterio was showing us his organic olives (which had no flavor enhancers). Soon he introduced us to his lifetime friend Jordi whose family makes marmalades that are 75% fruit, and the rest is just sugar — no pectin and no citric acid to maintain a certain color. Before I met this man I thought 50% was the standard of quality “a cup for a cup — fruit to sugar.” Of course the fruit preserves were not as solid without the additives — but what delicious strawberry, fig, and even tomato jam! And the quince membrillo was the best I had ever tasted.
