We're going on a hunt...

Since living in Catalonia, Spain I have become accustomed to the traditions and cultures which define the culture. In fact, it has changed my perceptions about the country, which happens of course if you experience travelling or living there. Here in Catalonia, they don't dance the flamenco and bullfighting (heavily associated with Spain) is banned, as they see it as cruel and barbaric, which is the same opinion as mine. Instead, they have other traditions which some people might not realise. 

Many people in Catalonia like to go looking for chestnuts and they also like to go looking for mushrooms, which they later eat or make into vinegar. Last weekend my host family and I went "hunting" for mushrooms (that is the direct translation from Catalan). When I think of the phrase "hunting mushrooms" it reminds me of the old Bugs Bunny/Elmer Fudd cartoons, where a mushroom sticks its (invisible) arms up in the air while a person is holding a gun! But it simply means to look for mushrooms. There are certain types which are edible, others poisonous. My host family knew which ones to look for and if they weren't sure then they would leave them. We trekked up a steep mountain, with lots of high trees and sharp branches. About an hour later we had come home with around ten mushrooms, some scratches (from the branches) and sore legs. The views I saw while in the mountains were worth it though, as you can see from the pictures they are astounding. 

We're going on a mushroom hunt..

View of San Rock

Mushroom in hiding

A special type of Catalonian fruit called a cirera. It tastes very sweet and looks fuzzy because it grows in cooler climates. Don't eat too many of them though or you'll need to go to the toilet!