Fiesta Fiesta

Typical Spanish Tapas


I know I am living in the right country when Spain has a fiesta for every holiday. I was recently invited to join in on one of my school’s afterschool luncheons. The lunch happened to be on Thursday at 2:00pm, a day I do not work (shocker), but I would never miss out on an opportunity to eat nor socialize with the staff. As I entered into our staff room, I took notice of the large amount of tapas all ready for us to grub on. Tapas are little bites of food to enjoy while engaging in conversations with friends. Typical Spanish tapas consist of: ham, cheese, olive oil, bread, tortilla Espanola with potatoes, green olives, peanuts, shrimp and potato chips. Don’t forget the Cruzcampo and wine to wash it all down!

As about 25 of us sat down at the T-shaped table, I made the mistake of sitting, I guess in the place where the bride and groom would sit during their reception. Needless to say Javier, a student teacher, and I were the brunt of many jokes as we consumed our lunch! Sorry Javier for choosing to sit in the spot where I would have full range of all food! Luis played a great host, making sure my drinks were constantly above the half-full mark and that I did not leave the table hungry. Little does he know I have no problem neither filling my belly with yummy food nor asking to pass the bottle of wine my direction.

After we finished eating lunch and what I thought was dessert, we all began cleaning up. I thought to myself, ‘Hmmm ok, looks like we are all getting ready to go.’ As I walked over to put on my jacket, what do I see? I see Antonio bringing out bottles of champagne, bottles of rum and more dessert! Uh…I guess the fiesta is to continue!I was handed a bottle of champagne to pop and then we all toasted once again. ‘Izquierda, derecha, el centro, adentro.' The mood of course turned sillier and we all jumped into the Christmas spirit. We sat in a circle and sang Christmas carols. They began with some classic Spanish tunes and then turned to me to lead ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘O Come All Ye Faithful.’ Oh ya…great idea. (For those of you who know how talented I am at remembering lyrics. I usually just end up making up my own songs…!) Some teachers stood up and danced, while others picked up empty champagne bottles and played them as instruments. As jokes were told and laughs her heard, the clock turned to 5:15pm. It was now time to really clean up and depart.

As I spent my day off bonding with fellow co-workers, drenched in typical Spanish life and culture, I would say the luncheon was a great success! Much love to my amigos at Serrano de Haro.


The Tortilla Espanola con patatas, I cooked!