It gets pretty hot in Spain. Because it´s dry, the mornings actually start out quite refreshingly cool, but then the temperature builds until 4 pm, and stays right up there until around 8 or 9. And the sun beats down. Yesterday while we were eating out on a terrace a cloud passed in front of the sun. A number of us diners looked around furtively, startled. I think it may have been the first time it happened this past week (other than up in the Sierra Nevada). So what to do about all this heat and sun?

Enter siesta.

The siesta is, of course, a chance to take a break from the oppressive heat of the afternoon and, depending on who you ask, should last from 3 to 5, 2 to 6, 4 to 8, or maybe 1 to 8. We took advantage of the idea a couple of times in Granada and went back to our hostel to nap. At this point, though, we hadn´t yet figured out Spain´s eating schedule.

It turns out the big meal in Spain is lunch, which usually happens at about 2 or 3. At this time it´s best to find a seat in a courtyard patio, sip some sangria and have a nice meal (like maybe Paella!).





But then what do you do for food in the evening, if you´ve already had your big meal of the day?

Enter tapas.



Usually consumed at 8 or 9 pm, tapas are little dishes of things like smoked ham, potato omelettes, toast with fried goat cheese, or eggplant stuffed with shrimp and veggie ragout.



I think we may be getting the hang of this place´s rhythm.