Wk 3: Taste and Travel of Valencia + Tarragona

    My third week in Barcelona began with a city-wide celebration as Spain’s national soccer team defeated England in the Eurocup. On Sunday, I joined the crowd at Plaça de Catalunya to witness the final between Spain and England. The square was packed with locals and tourists, all eagerly awaiting Spain's victory. Watching the game there was an incredibly exhilarating and irreplaceable experience, especially with the massive crowd's electrifying reactions to each goal. From every angle, the Spanish flag was represented with immense pride, and through these moments I witnessed how soccer has become integral in the identity of many individuals in Barcelona. 

    The rest of the week consisted of trips to Valencia and Tarragona. In Valencia, I witnessed the use of two languages: Spanish and Valencian. Valencian developed as a dialect of Catalan, distinct from the Catalan spoken in Barcelona. One of my favorite experiences in Valencia was trying Valencian horchata, reminding me of my cultural roots. Unlike Mexican horchata, primarily made from rice water and cinnamon, Valencian horchata is made from the milk of tiger nuts. This ingredient was introduced to Spain by the Arabs during their rule of the southern Iberian Peninsula since it holds North African origins. The flavor of Valencian horchata was incredibly refreshing and delicious, especially with the heat roaming that day. Although I enjoy Mexican horchata, I found the Valencian version particularly delightful. On top of this traditional drink, I tried authentic Valencian paella, which instantly became one of my favorite dishes in Spain. I look forward to immersing myself further in Spain's and Catalonia's traditional dishes and delving into the origins of each plate. 

   

           

    From Valencia, we traveled to Tarragona, which quickly became one of my favorite cities in Spain. The city was unbelievably beautiful, especially since it offers stunning beach views that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. Walking through Tarragona felt like a journey through both past and present given the presence of the Roman ruins that stand today. The Roman ruins, set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea were mesmerizing. For four centuries, Tarraco remained the capital of the Roman province, given its large size. Our first stop was the amphitheater, built in the 6th century, where gladiators once fought each other which was a form of entertainment to the people of Tarraco. Learning about the rich history of Valencia and Tarragona has been a privilege and unforgettable experience that I will eternally cherish. 

    As my third week comes to an end, I look forward to exploring Barcelona and Girona in the upcoming week through our class excursions. I am also thrilled to conduct a qualitative interview with a community member and gain further insight into the multicultural and multilingual landscape of Barcelona.  

-Natalia Arias