Sipping and Strolling – or Stumbling Through Spain

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By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher

After spending a mere eight days in Portugal and Spain with Lisa Ann and compadres in tow, the term “sip and stroll” has an entirely new meaning for me.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but apparently, we embarked on a journey to not only do it all, but to drink our way through these amazing countries.  Mr. Kaminski brought this to my attention after I texted some photos to him – proof of life and all.  They were cute photos – don’t get me wrong – but I suppose in each of the photos I may or may not have had a glass of wine in my hand.  Let’s go with may.

I call imbibing of the local grape support – support of the local economy, home grown businesses and all.  I also call that particular activity a cultural exchange.  How better to experience the culture of a country than to partake in their local cuisine and beverages?  Lisa Ann and are nothing if not supportive, and we supported, thoroughly.

It’s interesting that in Portugal and Spain – and in many European countries – they consume wine like water.  In fact, if you want water, you must pay for it.  Now I don’t know about y’all, but if I’m going to pay for a beverage, and the choice is wine vs. water, what do you think I’m going to choose?

The other cultural phenomenon is the siesta situation.  Now I’m not saying that one activity begets another, but if you start drinking cava in the morning, it tends to feel most appropriate and somewhat necessary to take a two to three hour “break” midday so you can ramp up again for the evening vino ventures, which begin late – really, really late.  A common dinner time is 10 pm with the dining experience lasting a couple of hours, so the siesta is a must.

I personally think the Spanish are on to something with both cultural activities:  wine vs. water and the siesta situation.  The people there are beautiful, kind, svelte and jovial. Again, Lisa Ann and I fit right in.  Well, maybe not with the svelte description, us being full-grown and all, but we did walk miles on the daily, so we are clearly on our way to Spanish slender.

Guess I’ll have to be more careful about the pics I send to Mr. Kaminski.  But honestly, wine AND naps?  I’m a believer.  Just call me Patrícia going forward.  See y’all next week – on the porch!

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Patti Parish-Kaminski

Follow Patti Parish-Kaminski on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OnThePorchWithPatti/ and on Instagram at instagram.com/ontheporchwithpatti/.

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