Short Funny Travel Stories from My Vacations
A little knowledge of Spanish would have helped us understand the local people better and converse with them, I realized this after a couple of incidents where we had food. Here are two short travel stories from my vacation in Spain.
Short travel story from Segovia – Traveling with kids require more planning for food than about places to see, I am sure you will agree. On day one of the trip itself I would stock myself with jam and cheese among other necessities for travel. I would buy bread along the way that would be sufficient to munch during the long drives.
In Segovia, I set out to buy bread from a very small store (which was the house of the store owner) near the hotel we halted. Try as much as I would the store owner just couldn’t understand the word ‘bread’.
I almost gave up, when it struck him to use the Google Translate in his desk top. I typed in the word BREAD – and lo… instantly he squealed ‘Pan pan’ nodding his head vigorously. I was a little worried, as Pan in my language meant Betel Leaf, wonder what he would come out with. He got me the bread! Whew! All thanks to Google Translate! We exchanged wide smiles.
Food options are plenty in Granada. The streets are lined with tavernas (small restaurants) with seating arrangements both inside and outside. Curiosity and hunger, both factors made us grab a table at one of the tavernas.
It was slightly awkward initially but then a waiter walked up and made us feel comfortable. He seemed too happy and came with a long list of dish, their specialties. Their sea food looked tempting at least in the pic they had in their menu card. Rice comes complimentary with sea food dishes we were told. Finally after a few minutes of conversation in broken English and hand signs the order was placed successfully, at least that is what I thought then.
Taberna Divisa Blanca Granada Spain
Lunch in Taberna Divisa Blanca
Soon after the waiter left with our orders plates with toasts, chicken slices and olives arrived. We were surprised that the plates arrived even though we didn’t order it. It was just our third day in Spain and first time at a Spain’s taverna. We assumed it to be some kind of complimentary dish, and hogged it up completely – 4 hungry stomachs you see. Only when the bill came later we realized nothing comes complimentary in Spain. We shelled out good 4 euros for them. (You can refuse these we learned.)
Menu Card of Taberna Divisa Blanca
The main dish arrived accompanied by rice and some gravy dish. So much of fish and different varieties of them; I have not seen this kind of fish presentation even in Goa! Prawns, squids, sardines, basa fish all crisp and crunchy, but wait something was missing.
Fried fish Taberna Divisa Blanca
Bread platter Taberna Divisa Blanca
SALT! They use less salt. Indians are used to little spiciness too. So mustering some courage I asked for ‘salt and pepper’. I was worried if this too would require some explaining and actions. The waiter seemed to understand in one go and came back soon with a plate of salt and pepper!
I was shocked!
The plate had fried wedges of salted potato and fried chillies! I was like: “Hello! What is this?”
Guess how much I paid for that plate of ‘salt and pepper’? Full 5 euros!!! The costliest salt and pepper I ever had in my whole life! For the rest of my trip in Spain I never dared to ask for it.
I am sure my Indian friends reading this can relate well to this Spain experience. Do you remember any of your travel stories? If yes, narrate an interesting funny travel experience of yours in the comment box.
Salt and Pepper Taberna Divisa Blanca – Short Travel Stories
Conclusion
I am sure my Indian friends reading this can relate well to this Spain experience. Do you remember any of your travel stories? If yes, narrate an interesting funny travel experience of yours in the comment box.
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(Updated post. First written on 5th July, 2015.)
exciting story! lesson learnt always carry salt and pepper !!
Lesson of the day- Carry your own desh-ka-namak when in Granada 😀
Nice post!
Antarik Anwesan
antarik.blogspot.com
Lol,that's a high class salt and pepper 🙂 wonder how much the chili sauce will be.
Oh, sometimes travel gives us some harsh lessons. I had a similar experience in Mexico years ago. Not with food but with mariachi singers while having lunch/dinner. I thought it was free, lol.
Looks absolutely amazing!
Afraid, no matter how good the food, the view or the atmosphere, the first time I was charged for salt and pepper would be the last time I ate at that restaurant. Great post!!
All Dishes look good.. except the "Salt and Pepper" ! What an hilarious experience !
What a delicious array of food.
Something got lost in translation there. I love the food in Spain, but it's not cheap.
That's a cool story.
Ha ha ha! some time it happens. I don't know about the taste but potatoes & chilies are looking awesome 😉
Ah, the food looks delicious, but I had to chuckle at the "salt and pepper"!!! Fun, colorful post for the day, Indrani!! Hope you have a great week!
Hahaha That made me crack up. Expensive indeed!
OMG…salt and pepper for 5 Euros…eh Indians are going to definitely feel the pinch of salt a little hard in Spain 😉 I wonder how much for Kanda(onions)?!
Quite a learning experience for you —
and us. 🙂
Thank you, Indrani. It was really interesting to know that you could chose not to take what was offered to you, outside of your order.
Lovely pics. 🙂
Ouch, you'll remember that meal for a while! That restaurant does NOT seem very ethical. Spanish 'bread baskets' are notorious for arriving unordered, but the salt & pepper dish was stretching it too far. :-/ Oh well, I'm sure this put you on your guard for the rest of the visit! 🙂
Delicious food !!
lol… did you finish the 5euro salt and chilli 😉 ?
Food without or little salt! Did you find it difficult to eat?
Hehe… a perfect salt and pepper…but oops..5 Euros… 🙁
Ah 5 Euros for salt and pepper! How much for a bottle of water?
Food looks delicious. Experience novel. 2 Euros for salt is a bit high. Thank you for sharing.
I hate it when they charge for water or that they have a cover charge!