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Many thanks to all who advised me on my trip to Sevilla.  As everyone reported, I found it surprisingly easy to be gf in Spain.  

I must caution that I am not extremely sensitive, though usually I am careful to avoid even small exposures. But I can't swear that my food was free of the slightest contamination because I don't react immediately or violently.  I felt very well though, with only one slightly questionable day, & that is much better than I usually do when traveling. (Or eating out at all, for that matter.)

We spent our time in Sevilla, Jerez, and Rondo.  (Do make the trip to Rondo if you are in the area-- the gorge and bridge are breathtaking!)  I was lucky to have my son as interpreter most of the time, but I managed pretty well even when I was on my own.

We ate mainly in tapas bars, a style of eating that is entirely to my taste, since I usually find restaurant portions far too large, & I was also eager to try as many different dishes as I could.  Whatever the time of day, there were always many delicious choices prepared without wheat, although there seems to be a tradition of presenting the silverware in the bread basket... I kept forgetting to ask about that & ended up doing a lot of wiping-down at the table. 

Favorite dishes were Pulpo a la Gallega (octopus with olive oil and paprika), Gambas Ajillo (garlic prawns), Tortilla (a potato & egg cake, similar to a frittata, often with vegetables, shrimp or ham added-- one does apparently need to ask if flour is included in these, though it never was when we asked), Setas con Ajo (mushrooms in garlic & olive oil), & Pimientos Rojas (various preparations of  red bell pepper, all delicious).  I also had a good paella-- though my son informed me that paella is considered a Sunday specialty in Sevilla, & having missed my chance by arriving too late the first Sunday & leaving too early the last, I didn't get the cream of the crop, at least by his high standard.  It was still very tasty to my untutored tongue!  

I also did a bit of shopping at the Corte Ingles on Calle Rioja near our apartment, & there was a large kiosk of gf foods there.  I found some crackers similar to Ry-Krisp, & carried a few of these in my purse for occasions when something breadlike was wanted.  (I especially enjoyed them topped with the ubiquitous Queso Manchego, a very flavorful sheep's-milk cheese.)  I also tried some gf croissants, but they were disappointing.  (Even before going gf though, I was very picky about croissants.  I was impressed that they were available at all!)

Not a gf topic per se, but I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh-squeezed orange juice that was available absolutely everywhere, including bus stations, ice cream shops, cafes... pretty much wherever food is found.  Orange trees line the streets in Sevilla & the fruits are delicious, very flavorful, not the bland super-sweet type.  

Altogether it was a wonderful experience, & again, thanks to all for your advice.  

Leah

Leah Palmer Preiss
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