Breakfast is *not* overrated.

Madeline Peterson

 Ceramics and Spanish 

Universidad de Cantabria, Spain

I never realized how much I love breakfast food until I came to Spain and began only eating a small pastry and drinking a cup of tea for breakfast every morning. Back home, I eat SO MUCH more and it has certainly taken getting accustomed to. After a couple of weeks, I got used to eating very little in the morning, eating a small snack or merienda around 12 and later eating a larger meal for la comida after class, usually around 2:30 or 3. I still miss breakfast, though, and have learned that it’s 110% necessary to carry some kind of food with you at all times. My host mom is an incredible cook and loves teaching me about new foods that are typical in Spain, like the tortilla española or various kinds of fish.

 Something I have grown to love in Santander is going out in the evenings and getting tapas with my friends. One of the most popular dishes in Santander is called rabas and is basically calamari (but better, because it’s Spanish, of course) and is typically served with fresh lemon squeezed on top. Talking over a plate of rabas with my friends is one of the best things after a long day of walking, studying or laying at the beach.

 Despite the cultural food differences between Spain and the US, I have thoroughly enjoyed trying new foods here and can’t wait to cook for my family back home!!

Ciao

M

 Categories: Spain, Summer II, Food, Local cuisine, Breakfast