My First Stop in Spain: Paella and Sangria

Guest writer: Clint Laschkewitsch

Our tour leader, Karen, had been teasing our appetites for several days as we were touring around Portugal.  “Oh, we will stop along the way to Seville and have some of the best paella”, she would say.  “Its right down on the beach.”

The day came and we travelled by bus leaving Lisbon behind and entering the farmlands of Spain.  Fields of stubble which probably grew cereal grains like wheat spread out from the highway.  I could imagine Roman soldiers and conquered peoples working those fields 2000 years ago.  After awhile, the flat lands of the fields gave way to hills with grapes and olives.

About noon, our bus driver headed for an exit along the Costa del Sol region of southern Spain.  By the signs, we were likely to run into all kinds of transportation modes in the town we were headed to. 

Down toward the Burriana Beach, we headed through Nerja, Spain and parked within easy walking distance of our restaurant.  A city street ran along the beach with shops and places to eat along the road up from the beach

While along the beach side, open-air restaurants, umbrellas, and places to rent chairs and water sports equipment lined the sidewalks.

Within a few minutes, we arrived at our restaurant, Chiringuito de Ayo, and Karen talked to one of the staff to get us seated.  Just 10 feet away was our kitchen where huge mounds of paella were cooking.

A waiter came by and took our drink orders.  Do you like sangria?  It came in big pitchers.  Soon the waiters were bringing our heaping plates of paella.

Shrimp, chicken, rice all with a delectable mix of spices made mouths water.  It was all you could eat but seriously one plate full seemed to be the limit for most of us.  Oooohhhh it was so good!  My mouth waters even today as I write this article.

One of the things I most enjoyed about Spain was the lack of “sales pressure” on tourists.  Shops and restaurants were there for you to peruse and enjoy but you were not constantly haggled to buy something.  While we ate, a lady wandered around with trinkets to buy. 

She did not stop and try to sell.  If you wanted to look more closely, you could motion her over but she would not disturb your meal.  Refreshing.

After our meal, we had a chance to stretch our legs, walk on the beach, or find a restroom.  Plants, different from what we can grow in southeast Minnesota, were around to enjoy.

Refreshed, and perhaps ready for an afternoon nap, we re-boarded our bus for the journey to Seville.