I forgot to mention that a few weeks ago I made my first tortilla (de patatas y cebolla) and paella! I was told by the most important food critic in all of Madrid that they both came out really well! WOOHOO! Of course, this means I have to keep making them more often. I'm excited to learn how to cook more Spanish and Celiac-friendly food while I'm here! Pictures soon to be posted.
Tortilla
This is usually translated as a Spanish Omelette and usually is a tortilla made of thinly sliced potatoes (and egg of course). I made mine with potatoes and a little bit of onion.
Paella
Basically a huge rice dish that is very typical in Spain and each area has a different way of making it. Apparently in Valencia they tend to have rabbit meat and chicken in it, others tend to have a lot of seafood, etc. We like veggies so we focus on more veggies and for meat it's chicken and tuna.
:-)
Showing posts with label living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label living. Show all posts
Nov 25, 2007
Nov 23, 2007
It´s cold.
It´s cold and this isn´t even the beginning of Madrid´s winter. There have only been a few days where I couldn´t feel my toes, so I´m guessing that is what I should expect in Dec, Jan, and Feb. Let me give you an idea...
I go walking to school about 20 minutes. In the morning it is really cold (dry air). I leave the house wearing:
Bottom: Jeans, long knee high socks or double up on the socks, and shoes
Top: tanktop, sweater --or--- tanktop, short sleeved shirt, blazer of some sort
Outerwear: Jacket, gloves, and if I´m really cold, i put on my beanie and scarf
Underwear: not for you to know.
I usually time my walk so that I will get to school 5 minutes before class starts. Sometimes my timing is off and I really have to walk fast. Either way, I get to school sweating but with a freezing cold face. Once you get into the classroom, you are reminded that central heating exists and you take off all outerwear. Then 5 mins later you realize you are cold. Then after 30 minutes, the simple fact that we are 54 people in one classroom = heat!!! So it´s a constant battle. But no matter what, you know that your walk home will be nice and chilly.
I go walking to school about 20 minutes. In the morning it is really cold (dry air). I leave the house wearing:
Bottom: Jeans, long knee high socks or double up on the socks, and shoes
Top: tanktop, sweater --or--- tanktop, short sleeved shirt, blazer of some sort
Outerwear: Jacket, gloves, and if I´m really cold, i put on my beanie and scarf
Underwear: not for you to know.
I usually time my walk so that I will get to school 5 minutes before class starts. Sometimes my timing is off and I really have to walk fast. Either way, I get to school sweating but with a freezing cold face. Once you get into the classroom, you are reminded that central heating exists and you take off all outerwear. Then 5 mins later you realize you are cold. Then after 30 minutes, the simple fact that we are 54 people in one classroom = heat!!! So it´s a constant battle. But no matter what, you know that your walk home will be nice and chilly.
Oct 17, 2007
The Washer Machine
Let me tell you a nice story about our little washer machine. First things first, I must explain how washer machines work in Spain. It's one unit, but I can't really call it a washer/dryer because it's really a washer/centrifuging unit. So imagine the size of your washer machine in the US. Now imagine it is 2/3rds of its size and it is both your washer and your dryer. Now imagine that the normal place for your washing machine is under the kitchen counter. Welcome to Spain. You have just finished your first class: "Lavadora 1A".
So now let's talk about purchasing a washing machine. We purchased the "M6 1000ME" model and what was delivered to us a few days later was the "M6 1001", which looks slightly different. As that was confusing, we decided to discuss this for a bit with the customer service guys at the store. Apparently the store takes whatever model you order and they order it from the manufacturer, who has every right to replace the model with a more current one if they so desire. They so desired. While this is nice that they give you the most up-to-date model, it's quite confusing as the customer when nobody has called you to inform you of this in the first place and you are looking at a different machine already installed in your kitchen.
Oh wait...ours wasn't installed. Oh noooo. The installation guys, who spoke with the worst accent I've ever heard yet (imaginense un tipo re-madrileno que habla con la boca medio abierta) and are asking ME about the plumbing in the apartment. Greaaat. So basically they don't hook up the machine because we need an extra PVC elbow pipe where the drain hose meets the apartment pipe. So the next two days involve going back and forth to a plumbing store to find the right elbow. Now we want to make sure the guys come back to properly install the machine, since that is included in the price. Seems easy but screw them. They're responsible and need to make sure the machine works.
So my friend, the installation guy, comes back. This time he is nicer because we have talked to his boss. I also didn't let him leave until he answered all my questions. You gotta love a small kitchen; it's easy to corner people in. He basically explains to me that he is opening up the valves but no water goes into the machine. Great. Now we need to talk to a plumber and get the landlord to pay for it.
So today I knew that there was a plumber coming to one of the apartments in this complex and I made sure I was home during that general time. The concierge was going to ask him to drop by and help out with our washer machine project. 2 hours later, I realize this plumber never stopped by. I go and talk to Paco, the concierge and so far my best friend, and he is perplexed as to why the plumber hasn't come by at all. So he says, let me lock up and take a look at your washer machine. Well, wouldn't you know it. There was ANOTHER freaking valve above the counter that opens up the washer machine pipes. Paco found it and we tested it all out. YAYYYY I can wash clothes!!!!! I feel like such an ass but that emotion is quickly taken over by a feeling of pure bliss that I don't have to deal with this washer machine's installation anymore! Paco is my saviour!!
So now let's talk about purchasing a washing machine. We purchased the "M6 1000ME" model and what was delivered to us a few days later was the "M6 1001", which looks slightly different. As that was confusing, we decided to discuss this for a bit with the customer service guys at the store. Apparently the store takes whatever model you order and they order it from the manufacturer, who has every right to replace the model with a more current one if they so desire. They so desired. While this is nice that they give you the most up-to-date model, it's quite confusing as the customer when nobody has called you to inform you of this in the first place and you are looking at a different machine already installed in your kitchen.
Oh wait...ours wasn't installed. Oh noooo. The installation guys, who spoke with the worst accent I've ever heard yet (imaginense un tipo re-madrileno que habla con la boca medio abierta) and are asking ME about the plumbing in the apartment. Greaaat. So basically they don't hook up the machine because we need an extra PVC elbow pipe where the drain hose meets the apartment pipe. So the next two days involve going back and forth to a plumbing store to find the right elbow. Now we want to make sure the guys come back to properly install the machine, since that is included in the price. Seems easy but screw them. They're responsible and need to make sure the machine works.
So my friend, the installation guy, comes back. This time he is nicer because we have talked to his boss. I also didn't let him leave until he answered all my questions. You gotta love a small kitchen; it's easy to corner people in. He basically explains to me that he is opening up the valves but no water goes into the machine. Great. Now we need to talk to a plumber and get the landlord to pay for it.
So today I knew that there was a plumber coming to one of the apartments in this complex and I made sure I was home during that general time. The concierge was going to ask him to drop by and help out with our washer machine project. 2 hours later, I realize this plumber never stopped by. I go and talk to Paco, the concierge and so far my best friend, and he is perplexed as to why the plumber hasn't come by at all. So he says, let me lock up and take a look at your washer machine. Well, wouldn't you know it. There was ANOTHER freaking valve above the counter that opens up the washer machine pipes. Paco found it and we tested it all out. YAYYYY I can wash clothes!!!!! I feel like such an ass but that emotion is quickly taken over by a feeling of pure bliss that I don't have to deal with this washer machine's installation anymore! Paco is my saviour!!
Oct 12, 2007
Hello. My name is Luca.
I live on the second floor...
Do you remember that song from Suzanne Vega in the 80´s? Yeah who doesn´t. It played endlessly and with hopelessly simple lyrics.
Well....why the heck was I hearing this song and other random songs in English while eating at a restaurant that specializes in cuisine from Galicia!???
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