Although this meeting didn’t focus on English or French practice, it still contributed significantly to our cultural learning. We spent the evening discussing traditional dishes from our regions (Andalucía and Aragón) and comparing them to the versions we were tasting at the restaurant. It was fascinating to see how Spanish food is adapted abroad and how flavors change when ingredients or preparation methods differ.
We reflected on dishes like tapas, tortilla, croquetas, and other foods we grew up eating. Sharing our thoughts on the flavors, presentation, and authenticity helped us gain a deeper understanding of how cuisine plays a role in shaping cultural identity.
Discussing typical foods in such detail also helped us organize our thoughts about our cultural backgrounds, something that will be useful when we return to English in future meetings.
This meeting reminded me how important food is in representing where we come from. Eating Spanish dishes in another country created a mix of nostalgia and curiosity. Some dishes tasted very familiar, while others had been clearly adapted to Finnish ingredients or cooking styles, which sparked interesting conversations.
Speaking in Spanish allowed the conversation to flow naturally, especially when talking about food-related memories—family meals, celebrations, or regional specialties. Food is a deeply emotional and cultural subject, so using our native language felt appropriate.
This experience also made me realize that cultural exchange doesn’t always need formal explanations or structured tasks. Sometimes, simply sharing a meal can lead to meaningful reflections on identity, traditions, and the connection between food and memory.
One challenge we faced was evaluating the food fairly. Since we were comparing the dishes to authentic versions from our regions, it was sometimes hard not to be overly critical. However, this also led to interesting discussions about adaptation and authenticity.
In this meeting, our linguistic goals were not the main focus, but our cultural goal was fully achieved. Talking about regional cuisine—and tasting it together—added a rich cultural layer to our learning process. The experience of eating Spanish food abroad was meaningful and helped us connect through shared identity and regional differences.
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