Tag: culture and traditions

Culture and traditions appear in small, everyday moments. These posts focus on customs, habits, rituals, and unspoken rules. They examine how people live, gather, eat, and move through the world. They pay attention to practices repeated quietly and consistently, not performed for visitors.

FOOD AND DRINK tomato mozz tapas in Spain

Why I Love the Late-Night Tapas Tradition in Spain

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In Seville, the concept of dinner starts at a time that might seem late to many, with restaurants typically beginning service at 9 p.m. or even later. However, this late dining hour aligns perfectly with the local tradition of bar hopping. Spaniards frequently gather with friends to enjoy tapas and drinks in the early evening. Visiting several bars or cafes and trying various tapas dishes is customary before settling for a complete meal. Here, I’ll share a few delicious reasons to love southern Spain and return to this enchanting place whenever possible.

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FOOD AND DRINK Freshly caught octopus grilled with garlic and olive oil and served with wine sauce-featured image

Venice Food Secrets: What Happened at Don Fernando’s Octopus Dinner

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We both sat there staring at the plate placed before me. When I ordered a seafood salad, I figured I’d see a little crab and shrimp over some leafy greens with a splash of vinaigrette. I had no idea someone would go into the kitchen and out the back door to the canals beyond, scoop up whatever was unfortunate enough to swim into the net, and serve al fresco with a splash of olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper. We sat there, staring at the seafood salad I ordered. This is the story about My Octopus Dinner on the Venice Canals at Don Fernando’s in Treviso, Italy.

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SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD military spouse staring out airplane window- featured image

How Life in the USA Feels After Leaving South Korea

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I miss living by the ocean and the mountains. I miss being able to go hiking and hear monks chat echo across Palgongsan. I miss feeling anxious, excited, unsure, and overwhelmed– all at the same time. And I definitely miss being able to shop for fresh fruit and vegetables at a corner market in either direction. It doesn’t take long for reverse culture shock to be a genuine hurdle for settling back into life at home. American Reverse Culture Shock is a phenomenon that goes beyond the anticipated cultural adjustments of moving abroad and reintegrating back into life in the USA.

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