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A cerveza was in high demand Friday afternoon as Megan, Lindsey and I had just finished up with a fun yet crazy week full of Halloween activities in our schools. Lindsey and I are strong believers in staying loyal to those who treat us well. As we have found out, our loyalty has helped form strong relationships with the owners of the local barrio shops and businesses. It is a comforting feeling to walk through your neighborhood and to have people greeting you by name or ‘inviting’ us to a round of drinks.

That afternoon we headed over to Casa de Cordoba our local, family owned and run restaurant/bar in our barrio. In typical Jaen fashion, when a drink is ordered, a free tapa is given. But as we have discovered, when we order a drink at Casa de Cordoba, a huge ration of homemade, delicious food is graciously brought to us to enjoy! Antonio and Maribel (the parents/owners) are the most self-less people who always welcome us into their home (their restaurant) with open arms.

As we sipped on our cerveza and chowed down on salmorejo and rabo de cerdo (porks tail) Antonio and Maribel introduced us to their two nieces. After chatting with the girls for a while and of course falling in love with them, we arranged to meet up with them Halloween night. Antonio and Maribel always love introducing us to ‘good’ people so we can surround ourselves with more locals and to help Jaen feel like home. As Antonio sipped on a glass of wine with us, he smiled and then told us that we too are part of his family! He told us that if we ever need anything, to never hesitate and ask and we are always welcome in Casa de Cordoba. That moment literally brought a tear to my eye. That moment helped me realize that I have made a home here in Jaen. I have established new friendships and created a place for myself here in Jaen. The very generous family of Casa de Cordoba has also taken us in and adopted us as our second family.

I have always been well at adapting to situations and making new places feel like home. But when you move thousands of miles away, it can become a little more difficult. I would have never thought living 6,000 miles away from ‘home’ could feel like home again so quickly. Muchisimas gracias Jaen and la familia de Casa de Cordoba for helping me feel that I belong in Jaen.