Maria Alejandre Farinas (Spanish Lanugage Resident 2007-09)
Where do you live in your home country?
I live in Oviedo, the capital city of the northern region of Asturias, in Spain. It is a small historic, culturally rich city, surrounded by beautiful green mountains and it is famous for its Pre-Romanesque art and the Prince of Asturias Awards –Some of the U.S.A´s winners are Paul Auster, Susan Sontag, Woody Allen, Bob Dylan, etc.- However my family home is in Galicia, where I was born. Galicia is the most north western region of Spain. It is famous for its beautiful landscapes, varied gastronomy and for being the focus of the medieval Way of St. James, followed by pilgrims from all over Europe and the world since the Middle Ages.
What is your favorite cultural tradition or holiday? Why is it special to you?
I love summer holidays because most cities and villages celebrate their local fiestas! I specially enjoy St. James’ Day on July the 25th in the medieval city of Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia. As in every Spanish fiesta, gastronomy and fun are the stars. The celebration ends with an audio-visual show with music and fireworks on the main facade of the cathedral at midnight, followed by concerts and parties in clubs. It is special to me because it is the day of celebration of my region.
What is your favorite dish?
I love paella, the most traditional dish of the region of Valencia. This tasty dish is easy to cook and it can include nearly every ingredient, so you can choose your favourite ones. Anyway, the basics are: rice, saffron, olive oil, and meat (chicken or rabbit) or seafood (mussels, prawns, crab…) and vegetables (tomato, peppers…) No matter the ingredients you choose, the result is always delicious and it has all the good properties of the Mediterranean diet.
What fun activities do you like to engage in?
I like meeting people from different cultures, traveling, reading, hiking, partying and I specially enjoy chatting with my friends in a café for hours: no hurries, no worries, only good company and nice conversations to be enjoyed.
What do you look forward to the most about being in the U.S. this coming academic year? (Or simply in terms of being at Oldenborg or Pomona College?)
I look forward to enjoying interesting conversations about Spain and Hispano-America with you, as well as participating in the Hispanic cultural activities we will have during the year. On the other hand, I cannot wait to travel around the USA, learning from the best of its culture, lifestyle and people.