Feliz cumpleaños

Last time I lived in Spain I spent most of my time with other Americans who were also studying abroad. I was very lucky to have met so many amazing friends participating in the same program as me but, consequently, my social life did not regularly include Spaniards. Living in Spain a second time has provided me with a great opportunity to immerse myself in authentic culture and, as they say, “do as the Romans (or Spaniards) do”.

This past weekend was my roommate’s birthday. María has known me a little over a week but nevertheless she invited me to join her and our other roommate, Leslie, for dinner to celebrate.

María had chosen a seafood restaurant near Plaza de España for dinner. Coming from Nebraska my knowledge of fish and the sort is limited (ask me about steak and I could tell you where on the cow the meat is from). At dinner I tried shellfish, oysters, and the best chorizo I have had in Spain – after we ‘mojamos’ (dip) the bread into the lemon sauce.

Assuming birthdays are somewhat universal I expected us to enjoy dinner and then offer to pay for at least a celebratory drink for María. Unlike in the U.S. where you are treated on your birthday, María insisted on paying for our entire meal (after all, “it’s what they do”). After dinner we strolled through the streets of Madrid to a neighboring café where we had a healthy after dinner drink and a café con leche.

I felt so welcomed being able to share such a wonderful Spanish conversation and meal with two great people I had just met by chance in Madrid. It’s certain that María was not the only one who was able to celebrate something this past Saturday.

Un beso, Rachel

Below is a picture of Leslie, María, and I at the restaurant where we had dinner. The owner insisted we take a photo behind the bar with our wine bottle (right) on display.