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Say Cheese! Say Trip Advisor!

By Sherrie Cumming
/ in Culinary Europe People Spain Travel Tips
2 comments

 

Two magic words in any language:  Trip Advisor! 



  When we travel, we book everything ourselves, from airfare to hotels to activities, using Trip Advisor reviews as a base.  (I am using the term "we" very generously, here.  It's really all Mr. C).  It's just what we like to do.  And it means that we have an amazing trip, every time, because it's customized to us ~ how we like to travel, what we love do, and what we're interested in seeing.  
Big period at the end of that sentence.

Once we arrive, 
we also use Trip Advisor to ferret out 
some of the best restaurants and dining experiences 
wherever we might be on the planet.




Meet the chefs @ El Gallinero in Seville, Spain


And because this is how we find the great restaurants and bistros and surprising hole-in-the-walls and wonderful family-owned and operated establishments, I feel a sense of responsibility to post reviews of our experience on Trip Advisor once I get back home.  

It seems only right to help others find what we enjoyed, 
or avoid what we wished we had avoided
or moderate what seems to be overrated so the next traveler is not disappointed in their experience or wasting their travel dollars.  
Or euros.  Or whatever.


I find it interesting that in some countries, Trip Advisor is well-known and recognized and heralded.  In in some other countries, like Japan, not-so-much.

Spain has an extremely high unemployment rate.  Something like 25%.  So tourism is an important income for the country, and Trip Advisor and it's positive reviews are held in high esteem.


Most establishments have the Trip Advisor sticker posted on their door.  Many many places have their Trip Advisor standing (their ranking out of a possible 5 stars) printed and framed and prominently displayed.  They are very proud of their good standing.

So when I do in Spain the same thing that I do everywhere I go;  when I snap a few pictures of the food, when I ask permission to take some photo's of the restaurant, the response is:  Well, let's just say I had a great time!

These are just a few of the spontaneous shots that I captured along the way.  Remember, please, that there is a language barrier.  I do not speak Spanish.  Most of them do not speak much English.  This is a representation of a two word conversation, and a little of that universal sign language that I talk about.  

I point at my camera and I say, "Trip Advisor" ?

And they strike a pose.  



 

Lunch @ La Taberna del Vescador in Toledo, Spain
I couldn't decide if they were a married couple or if they are family.  They look allot alike, to me, so maybe brother & sister. 
They were really warm and wonderful.




He even let me try out his conch shell.  It's a little-known talent of mine that I've developed through spending so much time in Hawaii. So there you go, you're never too old to learn to play an instrument.




And just those two words, "Trip Advisor"?  turn this


Into this!

 Christian M,   The owner and chef @ 336 in Barcelona
Yes, he's known for being a bit of a character!





 
In Marbella 
at the faimily-owned Caperuza Bistro. 
These are sisters are from Argentina.
Super sweet.


I even got to meet their dog.

Her name is Meema






And we can't forget Vincent, from Mencia Restaurant in Salamanca.  He has is own story on Passport Envy.  
(See the post entitled "Dinner with Vincent")


Also featured with a story on Passport Envy is Mr. Candido, from the Candido Family Inn in Segovia.   
(See post entitled "Segovia")  
He even shared his family's long-time recipes with me!


It's a great reminder that people are people, no matter where they live or what language they speak ~ and everyone loves to be appreciated, noticed, and respected.  And I am always amazed at the connection that is created when we are simply genuine in our enjoyment and response to what matters a great deal to them ~ their establishment, their food, their livelihood.  

Because people anywhere are just like people everywhere. 
And people everywhere like to be appreciated.
 


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2 comments :

  1. Karen StollNovember 7, 2014 at 5:09 PM

    I love how they strike up a pose for you! Although, those cute dimples of yours like in your picture above while playing the shell may have a good deal to do with why they cooperate!

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    Replies
    1. Sherrie CummingNovember 8, 2014 at 10:54 AM

      I just find it interesting that it's so universal ~ it's not just Spain, although it was frequent there. But I have pictures like this in Italy, in Thailand, and even in the US. In fact, you've been there to witness it a time or two! I do it from a place of authenticity, I truly like to share what we've enjoyed, and I think that's probably what shines through, don't you think?

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Passport Envy

Passport Envy is a personal selection of my favorite destinations and best experiences captured around the world. Inside you'll find my favorite stories of far-flung travels, delicious foods, a few travel tips,and some scrumptious recipes.

Also visit my TripAdvisor page for a full collection of reviews I've written on Restaurants | Locations | Pensiones


Curated by Sherrie Cumming

Curated by Sherrie Cumming

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Accommodations Activities Adventures Africa Aguas Calientes Airports Akha Hill Tribe Alaska Amalfi Coast Amazon Ancient Animals Architecture Arequipa Argo Arizona Asia Athens Australia Ayutthaya Baltic Sea Bangkok Barcelona Beaches Belgium Big Island Birds Boats Bridge Brussels Budapest Camels Capitol Reef Capri Cars Castles Cathedrals Ceremonies Cherry Blossoms Chiang Mai Cities Cooking With Noni Copenhagen Cordoba Cruising Culinary Cultural Arts Cusco Czech Republic Denmark Destinations Dolphins Driving Eating Smart Ecuador Elephants England Estonia Europe Events Experiences Finland Fishing Flamenco Florence Foods France Frankfurt Galapagos Islands Gear Germany Golden Triangle Great Barrier Reef Greece Hawaii Helicopters Helsinki Hikes Historic Holidays Honolulu Houseboating Hungary Hurricanes Inca Ruins Island Hopping Islands Italy Ito Iwatayama Japan Jungle Kauai Ketchikan Ko Olina Koh Samui Kyoto Lake Powell Lake Titicaca Landmarks Laos Lifestyles Lighthouses Lima London Machu Picchu Madrid Marbella Markets Medical Medieval Mediterranean Melbourne Mille Miglia Morocco My Gear National Parks North Shore Oahu Ollantaytambo Palaces Parga Paris Penguins People Peru Phillip Island Pisac Pompeii Portofino Positano Prague Prehistoric Puerto Banus Puno Quito Rain Forest Ravello Recipes Religious Rivers Roman Romance Russia Ryokans Sacred Valley Salamanca Seattle Segovia Seville Shirakawago Shopping Signs and Wonders South America South Hampton Spain St. Petersburg Stockholm Stonehenge Sunsets Surfing Sushi Sweden Sydney Tallinn Tangier Taquile Temples Thailand Timeless Gifts Tortoises Traditions Transportation Travel Health Travel Tips Tuscany UK UNESCO World Heritage Sites USA Utah Venice Volcanoes Warnemunde Water Whales Wildlife Wine Tastings Yachts

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  • A Little Christmas Cheer
    I started making Almond Rocha at Christmas time back when I was a new bride some 35 years ago.......  
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    I'm trying to be a fan of cruising.  Truly, I am. There's all the beni's.   Luxury rooms, luxury dining, luxury servi...
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