“I've found that in Spain, especially in Madrid, meals are about more than just eating—they're a time to slow down and connect with others. People really use meals to catch up with loved ones, and it's totally normal for them to sit around the table long after the food is gone just talking and enjoying each other’s company. Because I live with a Spanish host mom, I’ve been lucky enough to try a lot of authentic home-cooked dishes like paella, tortilla española, and lentejas (lentils).”