What am I up to this summer break? I am excited to say that I am doing a Centennial College summer international program at the University of Oviedo in the province of Asturias in Spain. It is where I will be spending the next three weeks learning Spanish. Often, the first week can be nerve-racking, not knowing anyone yet, the new time shift, and unfamiliar customs. That’s why it’s important to try these 3 things in the first week of your summer international program in Spain that can help you transition smoothly to the new setting.
1.ESPICHA FIESTA:
In the first week, I had my first epic welcoming party and sipped Sidra from an interesting technique. This is an event you do not want to miss out on your first week in the Universidad de Oviedo intensive Spanish course. This is where you can meet some of your classmates in a social setting and also try something new. What is an espicha? It is a festive, social event in Asturia and Sidra is usually consumed at the local sidrería, such as Tierra Astur, in which you would not have a difficult time finding in Oviedo. Sidra is a cider and is a popular alcoholic beverage in Asturias, that is made from fermented apple juices. The person usually pours it from a height so the Sidra becomes foamy and sparkling. As well as, it is drunk in a short amount of time, as it will get warm. A 1/2 inch residue of the Sidra is left at the bottom of the drinking glass, so to rinse and clean it out.
2. SIDRA:
The video above shows me making my first attempt at pouring the Sidra from the large wooden barrel. This is a must-try when in your first week in Oviedo, Spain. I and others had the same feelings when we hesitate to try this technique. We were worried about it getting all over ourselves, spill it everywhere or it might pour the wrong way. To my surprise, it was not what I thought, I only had some Sidra on my hands, but was easy to clean up. The night finished off with traditional music, usually, the bagpipe musical instrument is played, along with singing, and dancing. They also served a tasting of a walnut dessert.
3. CITY HALL:
Ayuntamiento de Oviedo is the city hall of Oviedo, where the municipality decisions are made. It’s one of the places you can go inside with your school group. The meeting table is where the council communicates with each other in order to make important decisions on the municipal level.
Hasta luego!
Sherry Ing
Centennial College Massage Therapy Student
Summer International Program 2016 Oviedo, Spain
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