# data[].attributes.body
Really looking forward to leaving for Valladolid in May, excited to work in a restaurant, meet new people, and live independently!

# data[].attributes.headline
Getting ready for my next experience in Valladolid

# data[].attributes.subject
Getting ready for my next experience in Valladolid

# data[].attributes.body
we had an interview today about our coming trip to Spain. I’m so excited to start working in a professional kitchen in restaurant!🔥

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
looking forward to heading off to Valladolid

# data[].attributes.body
I am very grateful for this opportunity and experience

# data[].attributes.body
We arrived in Valladolid on Saturday and have spent the last few days settling in and exploring the area. We went to a traditional market where we got to sample cheese and cured meat and see the locals show off their crafts. There is a nearby park with peacocks and red squirrels just a ten minute walk from our apartment which was lovely to walk around in the sun. We visited Museo Nacional de Escultura, which had cool artwork and sculptures and it was interesting to read the history and stories behind each one.

# data[].attributes.body
I had my first day of work placement today in L'Atelier which is a gluten free bakery. I was nervous to start but everyone was very welcoming and friendly. I was given a tour and shown all the cakes, pastries and bread that they make. They were all very accommodating of me not speaking Spanish and even wrote out recipes in English for me, and gave demonstrations for each task I had to do. Today I was mostly decorating different tarts and cakes, and tomorrow they will be showing me the different bread recipes which I am excited to try!

# data[].attributes.body
on Saturday we arrived to Valladolid, and first few days I spent exploring the city and enjoying very beautiful infrastructure and different views

# data[].attributes.body
Also I had opportunity to visit their local market and try some different foods

# data[].attributes.body
I started working in this amazing restaurant on Tuesday, where I was able to start working with their team like I’m one of them. The atmosphere in the kitchen is very friendly and everyone is a professional chef, who helps me to dive into Spanish food culture more, so I can gain as much knowledge as possible.

# data[].attributes.body
Here are some of the things I’ve been baking in work

# data[].attributes.body
On Monday we all were off work and spent the day in Salamanca. We visited Museo Art Nouveau y Art Déco and spent the day walking around enjoying the architecture and the sun.

# data[].attributes.body
Erasmus isn’t just trip.

It’s about those moments when you learn to live in a new way, meet people from all over the world, and find yourself in a different city Valladolid became part of that story for me 🇪🇸✨

# data[].attributes.body
During my Erasmus experience, I started working at 5 Gustos . At first, it was difficult because of the language barrier, and sometimes it was hard to understand my colleagues and customers. But with time, we started understanding each other better, and the work became easier.

The team is very friendly and always helps me. Thanks to this job, I became more confident and improve my Spanish every day. It is a very good and useful experience for me.

# data[].attributes.body
One thing I really like about 5 Gustos is the food presentation. Every dish looks very красивo and well prepared. The restaurant pays attention not only to the taste, but also to the way the food is served.

The meals are very tasty, and the plating makes them look even more special. I took some photos because the dishes are beautifully decorated and look professional. It is nice to see how much effort is put into every plate.

# data[].attributes.body
On weekends, my friends and I spent time actively exploring Salamanca and its surroundings. We walked around the city, visited new places, and enjoyed the atmosphere together.

These прогулки helped us learn more about the culture, discover beautiful locations, and spend quality time with each other. Every weekend brought new impressions and unforgettable memories.

# data[].attributes.body
During the week there was a street arts festival that I went to, it was really cool to see the different performances and enjoy the atmosphere

# data[].attributes.body
This is some more stuff I’ve been making in the bakery. I learned how to make gluten free puff pastry and made spanish desserts like Palmeras, rosquillas and empenadas. I’ve really enjoyed my work placement and feel like I learned a lot.

# data[].attributes.body
On Monday, we all went to an asparagus farm and got to see how they grow white asparagus, and got to see the quality checks they do before they sell it. Then we went to Segovia and got to look around the city before going for lunch in a really cool restaurant called Meson de Candido.

# data[].attributes.body
I also had the opportunity to cater an off-site event for 50 people, including 19 children, with a special menu just for them. It was nerve-wracking because there were only two of us—me and the restaurant owner, Palmira—but we pulled it off. Everyone loved it, and these weren’t just dishes—they were masterpieces.

# data[].attributes.body
Thanks to Willy and Angel for giving me the chance to see new places and try something new. Thanks to the photos, I’ll remember this trip for a long time, and I’ve also made new friends who supported me and encouraged me throughout the trip. I improved my English—it’s not perfect, but it’s getting better every day.

# data[].attributes.body
Every weekend there were events in the city, and on my way home from work I could see the city coming alive and enjoying itself—there were lots of concerts in the park square, and people were just walking around with their drinks, singing songs and dancing.

# data[].attributes.body
On our last day at work, we made an authentic Spanish seafood paella—I’ve added a lot of healthy and interesting recipes to my collection

# data[].attributes.body
One evening there was a festival, and we were just walking along to the music, but imagine my surprise when a member of the orchestra took me by the hand and led me to the center of the crowd. Everyone surrounded me and sang something in Spanish. I was impressed; I felt like I was the center of attention.

# data[].attributes.body
First day we arrived we had a walk around the city accompanied by our tutor. He showed us plenty of good food spots, markets and landmarks. It was great to get our bearings around the city with someone who had been there before.

# data[].attributes.body
In the first week we had plenty of time to explore the city by ourselves before we started our placements. Valladolid is beautiful with so many public spaces and communal areas.

# data[].attributes.body
One of my main responsibilities was preparing rice dishes. I learned how to properly measure ingredients, control cooking times, and maintain the correct texture and flavor of the rice. Working in a professional kitchen helped me improve my attention to detail, time management, and ability to work efficiently during busy service hours. This experience allowed me to develop my culinary skills and gain practical knowledge of Mediterranean cuisine.

# data[].attributes.body
In addition to preparing rice dishes, I assisted in cooking a variety of appetizers, main courses, and desserts. My tasks included preparing ingredients, cooking and plating dishes, and ensuring that food was served according to the restaurant’s quality standards. I also helped with the preparation of desserts, learning different techniques for presentation and decoration. Through these activities, I improved my cooking skills, attention to detail, and ability to work effectively in a professional kitchen environment.

# data[].attributes.body
I was involved in preparing a variety of main dishes. My responsibilities included preparing ingredients, cooking meat, fish, and vegetables, following recipes, and ensuring that each dish met the restaurant’s quality standards. I also assisted with plating and presentation

# data[].attributes.body
I had the opportunity to visit the historic city of Segovia. One of the most memorable experiences was visiting a traditional restaurant famous for its roast suckling pig. I learned about the local culinary tradition where the pig is cut using a plate instead of a knife to demonstrate how tender the meat is. After serving the dish, the plate is traditionally broken as part of the ceremony. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of Spanish culture, gastronomy, and local traditions

# data[].attributes.body
It was amazing experience, I enjoyed my whole trip to Spain.

thanks Erasmus and BIFE for the opportunity