Feb 14 • 05:25 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Churros, the Perfect Hangover Cure Somewhere in the World

The author reflects on their return to Spain after eight years, exploring the country's architecture and cuisine, particularly the joy of eating churros.

After an eight-year hiatus, the author has decided to revisit Spain, a country they have fond memories of but have not returned to for many years. Despite their love for travel, revisiting the same country can be rare, but the author feels a strong inclination to explore Spain once more, even if they are uncertain about the reasons behind this longing. They initially ponder if it is the iconic Sagrada Familia that draws them back, inspired by the stories of architect Antoni Gaudí, yet they come to realize that the essence of their attraction to Spain lies deeper than just its architecture.

The author indulges in Spanish cuisine, expressing their love for traditional dishes like paella and honey cod, which resonate with their culinary preferences. Despite acknowledging that the flavors might be stronger than what some Koreans might be accustomed to, they enjoy the harmonious combination of the food with the local drink, orange Fanta. However, while food plays a significant role in their affection for Spain, it does not fully capture why they have a special attachment to the country. This realization begins to crystallize as they seek out churros, a beloved dessert in Spain, which leads them to a bustling churros shop with a long queue of people at 8 PM, surprising the author that such a late hour would see crowds for a snack shop rather than a traditional restaurant or bar.

Standing in line at the churros shop, the author recalls the emotional significance that their first trip to Spain held years ago, especially as they were dealing with a breakup and professional challenges during that time. The nostalgia tied to this visit evokes feelings of introspection, where they reflect on their past, struggles, and the progress they have made since then. Through their journey, the churros stand out not only as a tasty delight of the Spanish culinary world but as a symbol of recovery and resilience amid obstacles, highlighting the deep emotional connections that travel and experiences can foster.

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