Aperitivo: Years ago, this word was used for the medicine used to make someone hungry. Now it its an alcoholic drink consumed before lunch. This Word is also used for Little pieces of food which go with the drink. In many situations it is also called TAPA, and it is served at the “bares” for free . In Spain the use has become a custom and we have “Aperitivo” time, it is from 12 PM to lunch time.
The truth about the SIESTA
Although the SIESTA is one of the better know aspects of our lifestyle … It is not true. We don’t sleep the SIESTA every day after lunch…
We do SIESTA on weekends… We go out for having a caña (glass of beer) or wine as an aperitif. Maybe tapas for lunch or real lunch and then, we go to the sofa, even some go to bed and… we do sleep SIESTA. We take SIESTA very seriously on Saturdays and Sundays.
What is left of our SIESTA tradition is the closure of most small shops and business from approximately 2 to 5pm while most the restaurants and bars close from 5 to 8pm
Now that doctors say a short nap after lunch is good for you… we love remembering we were the ones that created the SIESTA
When I was a girl my father slept 20 minutes SIESTA in the sofa in front of the TV every day after lunch. He snored so one day I asked about the noise he was making… “he is thinking loud” was my mother answer so… we try not to make noise so he did not have to think louder…. I do miss those days and my father snore!!