Enjoy your break, Cate Ottaviano

I never was the type to rely on coffee to kick start my mornings. Instead, I always got enough sleep and never needed it to go throughout my day. I also preferred a fruit smoothie, a Matcha Tea, or a Chai Tea to start my mornings.

When I moved to Spain, I very quickly noticed how popular drinking coffee is. It seemed that no matter where you turned, whether it was morning, noon, or night, coffee held a revered place in the hearts of Spanish people.

A Staggering statistic from Euro Weekly News explained how deeply ingrained coffee is within Spanish society. It claims that 87% of Spaniards drink coffee regularly, while 70% drink it daily. It quickly became evidence that coffee was not just a beverage but a cornerstone of daily life. Furthermore, the average Spaniard drink 2.2 cups of coffee each day. I was shocked, as I never fully grasped the extent of its popularity.

Prior to my time in Spain, I held reservations about coffee and the negative effects it may bring. I had concerns about caffeine- induced headaches, dehydrations, anxiety, and elevated heart rates.

However, my experiences in Spain provided me with a new perspective on the cultural significance of coffee. As we discussed in class, cultural norms and expectations exert a strong influence on our actions and behaviors. Coffee drinking was a popular cultural norm that I witnessed in Spain, where individuals took the time to savor their coffee. In Chicago, the act of drinking coffee intertwined with the hustle and bustle of daily life. People may drink their coffee while on a phone call, while typing on the computer, while driving to work, etc. Yet, in Spain, coffee breaks are special moments where individuals can come together to savor the rich flavors of their coffee without the rush of having somewhere to be.

My time in Spain taught me to appreciate a cup of coffee. Not to take it on the go, but to sit and chat with a friend and no place to be. Coffee in Spain taught me the importance of comfort and community.

Vegan and vegetarian options into Seville's gastronomic landscape, by Sofia Rodríguez-Burno

Seville, renowned for its rich culinary tradition deeply rooted in Mediterranean flavors, might not be the first destination that comes to mind for vegans and vegetarians, as It definitely was not for me. However, wander through the winding streets of this historic Spanish city, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the abundance of plant-based options waiting to be discovered. Just down the street from my house, Vib3 Burger can be found. The entire menu consists of burgers and fries, and one veggie burger sits at the bottom of the menu. Even going to small cafes, you can still find creamy almond milk lattes and traditional tapas bars offering tantalizing plates of patatas bravas with a vegan twist. Now, the most carnivorous food enthusiasts will be impressed by the creativity and flavors found in dishes like hearty chickpea stew and colorful, fresh salads bursting with local produce. What's truly interesting is the seamless integration of vegan and vegetarian options into Seville's gastronomic landscape, reflecting a growing global awareness of sustainable and ethical dining choices. Sevilla’s culinary scene truly emulates different subcultures, enculturation, and cross-cultural awareness. Within Sevilla's culinary landscape, subcultures such as the vegan and vegetarian communities emerge as distinct groups, each shaping its unique culinary identity informed by ethical, environmental, and health-related considerations. Despite existing within the broader framework of Mediterranean cuisine, these subcultures enrich Sevilla's food culture, contributing to its diversity and dynamism. Enculturation, the process through which individuals internalize cultural norms, is evident in Sevilla's deeply ingrained culinary traditions, influenced by centuries-old practices and local dynamics. However, the integration of vegan and vegetarian options reflects a shift in these traditions, driven by global trends toward sustainability and ethical consumption. This adaptation showcases the dynamic nature of culture, where traditional practices evolve in response to changing societal values. Moreover, Sevilla's embrace of vegan and vegetarian cuisine underscores the significance of cross-cultural awareness, fostering cultural exchange, challenging stereotypes, and promoting mutual understanding. Through appreciating culinary diversity, both visitors and locals transcend cultural boundaries, fostering a sense of unity amidst differences.

So, whether you're strolling along the picturesque banks of the Guadalquivir River or exploring the enchanting alleyways of the Santa Cruz neighborhood, be prepared to be pleasantly surprised by the diverse and delicious offerings awaiting you in this vibrant Spanish city.

 

A Gluten Free Life in Sevilla, by Olivia Upchurch

As a person with celiac disease, I was nervous to move to Spain to study abroad, not knowing if there would be enough gluten free options for me. I am sensitive to cross contamination, so even if restaurants have gluten free options, I often can not eat there because they use the same cooking equipment that is used for food with gluten. After arriving in Sevilla, I was pleasantly surprised with the wide access to safe restaurants. Within walking distance, I have access to two bakeries, two tapas restaurants, a Venezuelan restaurant, and a Mexican restaurant that are all fully gluten free establishments. In comparison, my city in the USA (Knoxville, Tennessee) only has one gluten free bakery that is a 30 minute drive away, and there are no fully gluten free restaurants within driving distance. According to an article about restaurants for celiacs in Sevilla, Vazquez wrote that 1 in 71 children in Spain have Celiac disease. These numbers are higher than in the USA and may explain the differences in access to fully gluten free restaurants. The article also mentions a challenge I have found to be true: it is extremely hard to find gluten free fried food that is safe for me to eat. Restaurants in Spain often use the same oil to fry all the food, and thus, it is often contaminated with wheat flour. Many of the traditional Spanish tapas such as patatas bravas, croquetas, and calamares fritos I am unable to try. This has limited my ability to try tapas. As we discussed in class, Spanish culture places an emphasis on relationships with others, and one of the main ways people spend time together is eating and drinking in restaurants and bars. This aspect of culture has been a barrier for me as I can only eat in a handful of restaurants, and if my friends go out, I often cannot eat and do not get to fully participate in the experience. I am experiencing the duality of the joy of having more restaurant options, and the sadness of not being able to always participate in an activity that is so central to Spanish culture. I am focusing on appreciating the increased food options available and feeling thankful that café con leche is always gluten free!

Playgrounds in Seville, by Avery Bergschneider

Walking around the neighborhood by my residencia I saw this playground randomly placed next to apartments and shops. It is on top of a parking garage and there are many benches to sit on surrounding the play area. It seemed out of place to me because in the United States all playgrounds are in parks surrounded by trees and grass, however here it is surrounded by concrete and streets. To me, the playground looks a little sad as it is artificial grass and isn’t very big for children to run around. I have observed that in Seville there aren’t many parks or grassy areas for children to play so they have created these types of playgrounds. I have seen families come here to let their children play and the children seem to love it. They can interact with other children or play on their own and it gives them the space to play and be active. There are parks closer to the center of the city, however the outlying neighborhoods have these smaller areas for children to play. This is just one example of how a child's environment growing up is different in different cities and countries around the world. It is interesting to note most of the play structures are similar to the ones found in the United States. Slides, spring riders and swings are very popular in both countries. Seville is also a very warm city especially in the summers so many have a covering to shield the sun and provide shade.

My neighborhood playground unfortunately didn't make the list 🙁

https://www.citynibbler.com/home/2018/5/20/the-best-playgrounds-in-seville-for-toddlers

Best Playgrounds in Seville Spain for Kids — City Nibbler My favorite playgrounds in Seville for kids to spend an afternoon. I share restaurant recommendations near each playground. www.citynibbler.com