Tapas

      Everyday of the week I meet friends for a drink or at least get a coffee, during my break at school. One of the reasons why I love Spain, and especially Galicia is the culture of going to a bar or cafe with friends regularly. The atmosphere seems more relaxed to me, because the waiters and waitresses are paid at least the minimum wage, so tipping isn't necessary and you don't find overly anxious wait staff. It isn't uncommon for me to go to six places in one day on the weekends. Alternating between coffee, water, beer, and wine while having snacks, meeting with friends, exploring different parts of the city, and searching for the best free tapas isn't such a bad way to pass the time. And the fact that the wine is no more expensive than 2.25€ makes this a fun and cost effective way to make the best out of the weekends.

       The word tapa is said to come from the verb "tapar" which means, to cover. In order to prevent flies and other insects from getting in the wine, people put a small piece of bread over the wine. As time went on people realized that people consume more drinks if they have a snack to eat, especially if that snack is salty. 

      The tapas differ from a savory to sweet depending on what you order. If you order coffee, tea or hot chocolate you will get something sweet. If you order soda, beer, wine or a bottle of water you will get a savory tapa, which can be anything from potato chips, olives, nuts, soap, bread and cheese, bread and meats, empanadas and many other foods!

bread with honey, cheese and coffee grounds

Sometimes the tapas are really unhealthy. This assortment includes; Empanada, pizza and some type of hotdog in cooked dough.

The cafe in Panxón that I go to almost everyday when I have my breaks. The coffee is always served with churros.

This was at a bar on one of the first days of class. I was studying my schedule.

The tapas I have pictured all came with a consumption.