THE POTATO BABE

Barcelona: On The Road Again

As I wrap up my adventures with Vagabond Gourmet, I wanted to share some things I’ve learned about Europe – and Europeans – (and, conversely: Americans) in the last six weeks.

• Everyone smokes. Everyone drinks. Why do they live longer? Could it have anything to do with the two hour lunch breaks and six weeks of vacation?
• Americans are the only people in the world who speak only one language.
• No one here is fat. No one counts carbs. The fact that even old ladies walk everywhere must be part of the secret.
• Even the f-bomb sounds classy when yelled across a crowded bar in a British accent.
• A lot of hot men work for the European rail system. God bless public transit. Maybe it’s those little blue uniforms and captain hats.
• Trains are like real life: there truly is a difference between first and second class.
• You'll live a better life if you let yourself slow down and enjoy your meals.
• All wine tastes the same after two glasses. 90 percent of people who claim otherwise are just pretending to understand.
• Spanish men are hotter than French, but France has a way better train system.
• I'll never think of coins as real money.
• There’s a rumor that liquids that are, shall we say, disposed of in train bathrooms in Italy and France are dismissed onto the tracks while the train is moving. That’s why you can’t use the restroom during stops – there are too many people around. Do the math and get back to me. (If you live in Chicago, insert your own Dave Matthews memory here).
• If Americans had to pay $8 a tank for gas, maybe we'd drive small cars too.
• Europeans are much more affectionate - everyone kisses instead of shaking hands and couples generously kiss and hug in public. At home that bugs me, but here I think it's romantic.
• Turkish toilets are a mystery. Diet Coke is $5 a can and you can't afford a $12 toilet seat? And will a sit-down shower ever be truly refreshing?
• Every place I’ve stayed has a towel warmer. So there’s no air conditioning, but I need a hot towel? Help me with that logic.
• Next time you have good fish or potatoes at a restaurant, chances are they were cooked in duck or goose fat. Don't ask, just enjoy. But understand why you'll never be able to re-create it at home.
• Europeans don't care about American news, but they love our tabloids and embarrassing celebrity stories.
• The world gets bigger when you open yourself up to it.
• Sometimes I'm relieved to hear English and sometimes I dread sitting next to Americans at restaurants. But today I jumped for joy when I saw my first Starbucks since May 29.
• It doesn't matter what you do for a living. No one truly cares and they’re actually being polite – not disinterested – by not asking. It's how you live your life that matters.