It’s not about the Tapas: Around Spain on two wheels
by Polly Evans
Travelling around Spain on a bike would never cross most people’s mind but after reading Polly Evan’s book, it will definitely make you get a bicycle (even your old and rusted BMX will look attractive), hop on it and start pedalling to Spain.
If you are not familiar with tapas, these are the appetisers and/or snacks in Spanish cuisine. It comes in different forms, hot or cold and has quite an interesting history. Back in the old times when people travel between towns, inns were good business as people can rest during the long travel. However, not everyone can read and write, very few actually can. Thus, a small amount food is given to be sampled, placed on the pot cover, which in Spanish is, you guessed it, ‘tapas’ which means ‘cover, lid or a cap.’ You cannot go to Spain and not have tapas, which according to the book has an endless variety.
Reading Polly Evan’s amusing tales of the Spanish quirks and scandals supported by historical facts (I researched!) would make the reader laugh out of the blue and think. Her simple question of “Which road should I take to go to …?” would yield 3 different answers plus an unneeded discussion with no real solution did not just happen in one place but in a few others, each area having its own variation. If you are a Filipino, this is highly recommended. You will be able to connect the dots of why Filipinos have peculiar habits and beliefs – blame it on the Español!
In addition, Evan’s blunders, oversights and faux pas as she two-wheeled along the country make an engrossing and relaxing read while she makes you dream of Spain and (re)learn interesting tidbits of history at the same time.
Go buy the book! It’s one you can read and laugh at repeatedly.
Rating:
chronically gallivanting 
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