"Meaningful Mealtimes" by Ava Vanhelfteren

One cultural and psychological difference I have noticed in Spain is the meal time and meaning. Though at home I always have a sit-down dinner with my family, it is nothing compared to the Sevillano host family evening meals encountered. While it makes little sense to me to eat so late into the night (22:00) when you've been hungry already for hours and while you don't need much sustenance to sleep, la cena here is more of an event or excuse for socializing. Dinner here is smaller, logically, and the timing provides ample conversation opportunities. There is a long sobre-mesa, speaking after having finished eating. In the US, of course, people go out to eat and chat for hours, but it is typically at an earlier time, and more so with friends or colleagues than with family at home. I have become extremely fond of this habit in my homestay, as it is a chance to laugh and communicate with my "siblings" and it comes at an hour when many are giggly and slightly tired but still willing and able to share the entirety of their day. As with the longer lunch, dinner provides a way to discuss the highlights of your daily experiences and end each day with a lively conversation and a jubilant state of mind before bed.