A different kind of memorial day

As I began planning our Memorial Day long weekend in Poland, I realized that we would be able to visit Auschwitz, the infamous Nazi concentration and death camp, while we were in Krakow. It is located about an hour and a half from the city and many companies offer day trips that include transportation and a guided tour. We decided that it was a priority for our time in Poland. 

In college, I took multiple European history courses, including one completely dedicated to the Holocaust. I have visited the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in DC and the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam (both of which I also consider absolute musts if you are in either city). I knew that one day I would go to one of the camps, but honestly nothing could have prepared me for what I felt at Auschwitz.

Under the most impossibly blue skies, on a day so sunny and beautiful that it was painful, we visited the location where over 1 million people were robbed of their lives. Mostly Jews, but not all. Men, women, and children. The immensity of that number is incomprehensible. There were moments that the sadness was so immense, the horror so palpable...but there were also stories of such hope.

Long weekend in Poland

My mom, sister, and niece just left to go back to the States this morning after spending 8 days with us. I haven't seen them since October (when I went back for my sister's wedding) and this was their first time visiting our place in España. So, even though I've been meaning to share these pictures from our Memorial Day weekend trip, I've been too busy catching up with them, showing them where we call home, and just generally enjoying having a casa full of family.

When planning for the long weekend away, I had only one requirement - to go somewhere new. As much as I love España (and Portugal...and France) I was ready to explore a different area. After a quick internet search for flights we decided on...Poland!

Thirsty Jueves! Strawberry Peach White Sangria

Spain is known for sangria - red wine mixed with liquor and full of fruit, often served in a brightly painted ceramic pitcher. Flamenco, bullfights, sangria - it's the trifecta of what first comes to mind for many people when they think of Spain. But I have a confession...

On a hot summer day, I prefer tinto de verano. To me it's lighter and more refreshing than traditional sangria. And let's be honest, you feel like less of a tourist when you realize that you're drinking what the locals are. It's also simpler and easier to make at home, for those lazy afternoons on the patio.

Don't get me wrong, sangria is delicious. But when I take the time to make it, I prefer this version:

Strawberry Peach White Sangria

May - not just for feria!

I'm not going to lie...the last few weeks have been a whirlwind of polka dots, rebujitos, dancing, long afternoons, and late nights under the lights at the feria grounds. Starting with El Puerto, followed directly by Rota then Jerez, the first part of each week has been spent recovering from the previous feria and the last has been spent doing it all over again. This Americana has loved every minute of it (and there are still more ferias to come, but for now my dresses and dancing feet are happily taking a break) but it has certainly made for a lapse in blogging.

And May hasn't just been filled with feria, it's been a busy month in general. Especially for Graham...

Uno for me, Uno for you: Winner!

Last week I put a bottle of delicious and nutritious Spanish olive oil up for grabs in my first ever giveaway. And the winner is...

Are you ready for feria?

I am! The official opening of the El Puerto feria and the alumbrado, the lighting of the portada (the main gate) was on Wednesday night. Feria is all the best parts of Andalucian culture combined with a county fair, where locals go all out with dressing up and party all night. It is oh so Spanish. So, what does an Americana need to do to get ready?

This year's portada - different than the traditional arches and a point of conversation.

Take Sevillanas lessons. A type of flamenco dancing for the masses, Sevillanas may look like a lot of arm waving, stomping and spinning, but there are specific steps. Most Spanish people learned as schoolchildren, which is why they make this look easy. If you want to join in at feria, you'll need to take lessons or at least have someone teach you some of the basic steps. I've been taking a class twice a week since January. There are 4 dances and after several months I'm confident with the first, alright with the second, not great at the third, and still get completely lost in the fourth. Practice, practice, practice! Then, realize that you will never be perfect, have a rebujito or two, and jump in!

Get your dress. The traditional traje is a must. Bold color combinations, polka dots, ruffles, lace, fringe - at any other time, it would seem ridiculous, but not for feria. What would usually be described at best as "loud" and at worst as "gaudy" or "tacky" is transformed into something vibrant and beautiful. The sight of so many women wearing these traditional dresses is nothing short of striking. I didn't have a dress last year (since we were traveling for a large part of the feria season) and I knew I would have to have one this year. So, I bought two.

Uno for me, Uno for you: Liquid Gold Giveaway!

*A winner has been chosen. Gracias to everyone for your comments!*


Olive oil, aceite de oliva, it's not just an ingredient in España, it's a dietary staple and a source of national pride. Any mention of olive oil and you're bound to hear these fun facts: More olive oil is produced here than any other country. Italy imports olive oil from Spain. Spanish olive oil is the best in the world.

Olive trees for miles kilometers...

Aceite is used at every meal, from drizzling it on toasted bread for breakfast to cooking shrimp in a dish of it for dinner. If you order a salad, it will arrive at your table with bottles of olive oil and vinegar, it is used for frying, and in some desserts. Olive oil is sold in every store, even the corner frutería, in small bottles and giant tins and jugs. It is ubiquitous. And delicious.

Typical breakfast of toast, olive oil, and pureed tomato.

I started cooking almost exclusively with olive oil several years ago, when we were still living in the States, because of the health benefits. I would buy a small overpriced bottle from the grocery store and use it sparingly. Now, we buy it in 5 liter tins, and use it for everything. The aceite here is much better quality and cheaper than what I could get before. 

Our tin of olive oil ran out just before we left for our weekend in Benaojan, so we picked up another 5 liters when we were in Ronda. I especially like this brand, Oro Natura*, and keep it in our kitchen because it's extra virgin, mechanically pressed, and extracted from organic Lechín olives that are grown in the Sierra de Cádiz. Basically, it's the best - natural, local, and flavorful. 

So, I just couldn't resist getting an extra half-liter bottle of my favorite to give away! One for me, one for you!

I love this smaller bottle, because it also comes with a pour spout and you can reuse it. I have the same one on my kitchen counter that I refill from our larger tin.

Now, I wish I could buy gifts for everyone, but I just can't. So rather than play favorites, I figured I would leave this up to chance. 

Here's all you have to do to win:

-Comment directly (not via facebook or email, although I love those comments, too!) on this post. It can be about olive oil or whatever you like. 

-Have a US address where I can send it. I know, I live in Spain, but I still use the US mail system. If you're in Spain (without a US or FPO address) get your own olive oil! Also, I'd be more than happy to send it to a friend or family member of yours in the States. Share the love!

-I'll use random.org to determine the winner and will announce who the lucky person is on Monday, April 29th.

¡Buena suerte!

*Oro Natura has no clue who I am. I just like their product and am feeling generous. 

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