Going out with friends is a typical part of the Spanish lifestyle.  Whether enjoying a meal with friends and family at a restuarant, or merely going out for drinks at a bar, food and drink play a major role in Spanish culture.  One could compare tapas with our American appetizers.  However, the two are not exactly equivalent.  As you visit a bar in Spain, the tapas are the food that come with the drink that you order.  They range from olives to sandwiches to fried octopus.

Historically, tapas are rhumored to have origninated in Andalucia (the southern territory of Spain) many years ago.  As people visited the tavern for an evening drink, they would put a piece of break or slice of ham over their wine or beverage of choice to prevent dust or any other particles from getting into their drink.  As the custom developed, the tapa (which literally means covering) changed from the simple slice of bread and ham to much more.  Current day tapas bars take pride in the both the variety of tapas they offer and the presentation of the tapas.

In many Spanish cities, taps are an additional cost to your drink.  However, in the city of Granada the tapas come with your beverage free of charge.  Make sure you partake in this culinary delight as you visit the amazing city of Granada.

	Wine has been a major beverage in Spain for centuries.  What better drink to enjoy tapas with than some of Spain's amazing wine.
	A traditional tapa to Andalucia is jamon serrano.  Cured ham thinly sliced, placed on a slice of homemade bread topped with cheese.  Delecious!