Silvia Jindra - robert bozsak

L‘auberge espagnole
L
‘Auberge espagnole“ – Newcomers to FACE
always ask the same question: What is it and
what‘s so special about it? Well, first of all, it is one
of the highlights of our annual meetings. But you
have to be there and to experience it to understand
what it is about, because there is no real translation
of the word. Of course, you could call it a “national
food feast”, where you can taste well known
or home made specialities from each participating
country. Because you do find a great variety of different,
tasty national finger food, nicely arranged, on
tables all decorated in their national fashion, and it
is delicious. But what is more important is that you
move from one table to the next, burning with curiosity
to find out what each country has on offer, why
they chose it, what it tastes like- and, of course, to
try it for yourself!
“L’Auberge espagnole“ is definitely not one of those
buffets where people heap their plates with all they
can reach, just to sit and gobble it all down while
their neighbours to the left and right do just the
same. On the contrary, the idea is to mingle with
people as you move along the tables, to ask questions,
listen to their stories, or share your enthusiasm
(or shock!) over a very special taste. You will
get to know people, get in touch, find friends from
all participating countries. „L’Auberge espagnole“ is
not just the imitation of a “Spanish inn” from the
Middle Ages, where people brought their own food.
It is conviviality with an international flair, offers diversity
and cultural exchange at its best and creates
a curious feeling, a longing to know more, to give
something yourself, to be a part of this big and complex
entity we call “Europe”.
Inze Hofmann
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