Paella, paella, and more paella!

To say my tummy is full of paella would be an understatement! Before I give you all the details, it's important that all my readers understand what an important cultural tradition paella is. Read about the history of paella here. My host mom has made paella for us at least once a week, usually for lunch (typically the biggest meal of the day in Spain). The main ingredients are olive oil, rice, meat, beans, and spices.

ISA took us on a short excursion just outside of Valencia to a farm (quite reminiscent of South Dakota), where we spent the entire afternoon watching and learning how to make paella from the world-famous chef Toni Montoliu at La Barraca.

The restaurant was absolutely beautiful, and they served us a nine course meal (yes, you read that correctly, NINE). Bread/pepper dip, patatas bravas, fried okra/zucchini flowers, paella, salad, fruit, dessert cake, and coffee!

Feeling overly-stuffed, I spent the rest of the evening in the apartment attempting (and failing) to cool off. I'm glad we had some down time this weekend- it has felt like go, go, go 24/7, so a break was wonderful.

The next afternoon, a group of us went to Ashley's host mom's apartment for more paella! It was great chatting and hanging out with my favorite girls in an actual house (not an apartment, which is virtually all the housing in Spain). She also had air-conditioning, which was a plus :) Ashley made paella for us, while I fell in love with an 11 month old baby boy named Adrian! (Of course I would find a child- nanny problems!)

please ignore my unattractive face

Once again, I'm stuffed to the brim with delicious paella! It's hard to believe I only have a few more days in Valencia... I need to get studying for my final exam!

Until next time,
Maggie