One of the sweetest parts of living in Spain has been the relationships that quietly turn into family, even when you least expect them.
The last time I saw my teacher from last year was back in April 2025. She invited me into her home and welcomed me with open arms, like it were the most natural thing in the world. Her family wanted to practice their English, and as a thank you, she cooked me a full-course meal. I’m talking appetizers, tapas, homemade Valencian paella, and desserts, all followed by coffee and tea. The kind of meal where you sit back afterward and think, “Wow, I am deeply taken care of right now.”
Of course, we stayed in touch. And during Christmas break, I had the chance to reconnect with her again, which honestly meant more to me than I expected.
This time, she made fideuà. Fideuà is a traditional dish from the Valencian coast of Spain, especially popular in towns like Gandia and Valencia. It’s very similar to paella in concept, but instead of rice, it’s made with short, thin noodles called “fideus”. The noodles soak up the rich, flavorful broth, usually made with seafood like fish, shrimp, squid, and sometimes shellfish.
The dish was reportedly invented in the early 20th century by fishermen in the port of Gandia. The story goes that a chef was preparing paella for the fishermen, but he ran out of rice, so he substituted noodles instead. He cooked them in the same rich fish broth with saffron and other seasonings, and fideuà was born. It quickly became a local favorite, celebrated for its hearty, comforting flavor and versatility.
Today, fideuà is considered one of the signature dishes of the Valencian region, and making it at home is often a family affair, much like paella. I loved knowing I was eating it exactly where it comes from. Real, authentic food, cooked by someone who grew up with it. Those are the moments that make living abroad feel special.
And of course, it wasn’t just the main dish. There were appetizers (always), and a homemade dessert made with coconut and lemon zest. It reminded me a bit of Jell-O in texture, but way better. Light, fresh, and absolutely delicious. And yes, coffee and tea were served, as always. Some traditions don’t change.
Honestly, I think I might even prefer fideuà over paella. It’s funny, before moving to Spain, I thought paella was the iconic Valencian dish, the one everyone knew and loved. But it took sitting down to an authentic lunch with my teacher to discover a whole other traditional dish, one that’s just as rich in flavor and history. Moments like that are exactly why I cherish living abroad. You don’t just see a new place, you experience it. You learn about the world not from guidebooks, but through real, authentic experiences, shared over a table with people who know it best.
We spent the afternoon practicing both English and Spanish, laughing through mistakes, switching back and forth between languages like it was second nature. But what really stayed with me was how nice it felt to be surrounded by a family during the holidays, especially since I wasn’t able to go home for mine.
Moments like these remind me that home isn’t always a place. Sometimes it’s a table, good food, warm conversation, and people who make space for you in their lives. And for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
