I just bought a fish.
Not a special exotic fish. Not even an unusual fish.
Technically it’s not even a fish, but rather a piece of fresh tuna.
I can only imagine what you are thinking.
“Who cares?”
“What’s the big deal?”
“Why are you wasting our time telling us about a fish?”
It’s more about the process.
We have been here in Spain for about 2 days. Just long enough for me to be sure those two years of Spanish I took in high school, (35 years ago) are not enough to carry on a conversation.
However, conversation is what I need in order to buy a fish.
We were told the fishing boats come in around 4.30 and you can buy fish straight from the dock. So that’s where we headed. First we had to pass the sign in Catalan, which I can’t read at all, but I believe said no admittance for anyone not working on one of the boats. Then we walked down the pier to see some activity, but no one selling fish.
A bit of investigation and we discovered that you do buy direct, but each boat has a counter in a large warehouse. Most of the fish were whole, and labeled in Catalan. Actually, most of the day’s catch never makes it to this room as it goes to auction for the restaurants and stores, but we didn’t see this activity. It is initially sorted here:
We walked around the room twice, trying to figure out what type of fish we are looking at, and what is the process for purchase. I am fairly sure they will clean and gut a fish, but I didn’t have a clue how to ask for this. Very few people here speak any English.
In the end we chose a large tuna steak which was already cleaned and ready to cook. Don’t they look great (upper right hand corner of this photo.
In the end I got a fish, we cooked it up and it was delicious. We had it alongside veggies we picked up at the fresh fruit and vegetable market in the morning and a loaf of fresh bread from the bakery. We are eating at home and eating well since we have been here in Spain.
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We are in the forth month of our 250 day overseas adventure, and have just started living in a 17th century stone house in Spain as part of a home exchange. If you don’t want to miss any of our adventure you can:
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Travel with us as we laugh our way around the globe. I am Rhonda Albom, wife, mom, photographer and blogger, sharing the lighter side of our traveling family's life with two teens. 
This is in my opinion one of the very best aspects of living and staying in a different culture – experiencing the local fresh produce. Even better if you can find a welcoming family to prepare a local meal for you
Lynne recently posted..Cuisinart And Other Slow Cookers: Reviews And Where To Buy Online
I so agree. The food is wonderful and the shopping is such a treat and challenge all rolled into one. Our last “local” meal was at Tony and Debbie’s in UK and it was awesome! Hopefully a local family will cook for us one day here too.
There is nothing like fresh tuna. I bet it was good.
Joyce recently posted..Can’t Stop Laughing!
Yummy! It sure was. I think we will be buying fish often.
I remember as a little girl going to the fish marets with my dad, and bringing home that nights dinner, yum, so tasty! I undesrtand how you feel and get excited about home cooking, and you truly appreciate home cooking when you are away from home Glad you are all dong well and enjoying your time in Spain
LisaAuch recently posted..Free Baby Bootee Pattern – Cute Baby Ballet Shoes
You have no idea how tired I was of eating out, especially after the cruise. Wasn’t so bad when we had met up with you as we had been in a apartment with a kitchen prior, plus home cooking at the B&B. Thankfully we had a yummy meal from Tony and Debbie just before we left for the cruise.
Well hubby eats tuna raw with wasabi. So that’s where I thought you were going with this post. I’m glad you are eating more healthy right now. Eating out gets old really quickly.
Have a terrific day.
Comedy Plus recently posted..The British
No, sorry we don’t eat raw fish. I used to before I had kids, but not anymore. But if I did, I know where to get the fresh stuff here in Costa Brava!
Well done. Fresh fish is delicious, and shopping in another language can be difficult.
Jim Alverson recently posted..No last blog posts to return.
Thanks Jim. And yes, it was really delicious.
Sounds brilliant, there is nothing better than freshly caught fish. Hoping you pick up Catalan soon enough. As long as you try the locals should help you along.
Tony Payne recently posted..It’s Written In The Stars – Life As We Know It Is Going To End
Everyone speaks Spanish. I am just working on my Spanish for now. A few simple Catalan worlds, like the ones on the road signs (no parking, etc) are pretty important, but for the rest I think I can get by with a bit of improved Spanish.