My home university and my new lifestyle in Lublin.

Good morning/afternoon/evening, my name is Claudia López Cedrún, and I am an Erasmus student here in Lublin,Poland. I come from Cantabria which is a region in northern Spain, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. I will describe several aspects that make it special, from its typical dishes to its iconic landmarks, as well as the University of Cantabria and my favorite things to do in the region.

Cantabria is one of the smallest autonomous communities in Spain, but thanks to its beautiful beaches and landscapes, it attracts millions of tourists each year, regardless of the time of year.

Now that we have located Cantabria on the map, let us discuss the most traditional aspects of ‘La Tierruca’ (the name used by the people of Cantabria to refer to their region).

Typical food in Cantabria

Cantabrian cuisine is rich and varied, influenced by its coastal location and mountainous terrain. Some of the region’s most representative dishes include:

Anchoas de Santoña: Probably the most famous product from Cantabria, anchoas (anchovies) from the town of Santoña are renowned worldwide. The anchovies from this region are known for their delicate flavor and artisanal salting process.

Cocido montañés: This is the quintessential dish of Cantabria’s mountainous cuisine. It is a hearty stew made with red beans, blood sausage, chorizo, and pork ribs, ideal for cold days. It is a filling and flavorful dish.

Sobaos pasiegos: A traditional sweet from the Pasiegos Valleys, famous for its soft, spongy texture and subtle flavor. Made with butter, eggs, and sugar, it is perfect for pairing with coffee or a glass of liquor.

Cantabrian Cheese: The region is known for its high-quality cheeses, such as the cheese from the Pasiegos Valleys or the Marquesa cheese. Many of these cheeses are made from goat or cow’s milk, with some having protected designation of origin.

Seafood and Fish: As Cantabria has a long coastline, fresh seafood and fish are essential elements of its cuisine. Sea bass, hake, and bream are very popular, as well as mussels and gooseneck barnacles.

Iconic Landmarks of Cantabria

Cantabria is home to many emblematic sites, both natural and historical:

Santillana del Mar: One of the most beautiful towns in Spain, with cobblestone streets and perfectly

preserved medieval buildings. It is famous for the Colegiata de Santa Juliana and the Museum of Prehistoric History, which houses replicas of the cave paintings of Altamira, one of the region’s main tourist attractions. Altamira is known as the “Sistine Chapel of cave art,” and its frescoes date back more than 30,000 years. Moreover, Christmas is a wonderful time to visit this town, as it is beautifully decorated and offers spectacular places to enjoy a drink with your friends or family.

Picos de Europa: The Picos de Europa mountain range, one of Spain’s most important mountainous areas, offers breathtaking natural landscapes. Visitors can hike, mountaineer, or simply enjoy the panoramic views. The Cares River, which flows through this region, is famous, and there are several viewpoints, such as the Mirador del Cable. It is fabulous to have a great time in mountain and connect with de nature. Picos de Europa ,for me, has the same vibes as Zakopane.

Cabárceno: One of Europe’s largest wildlife parks, Cabárceno is home to more than 750 species of animals. It is located in a former open-pit mine and is an excellent option for nature and animal lovers. I have a lot of memories of my childhood in Cabarceno with muy brother and my cousins.

The University of Cantabria

The University of Cantabria (UC) is one of the main igher education institutions in the region, located in the city of Santander, the capital of Cantabria. It was founded in 1972 and is recognized for its research and educational quality. The university offers a wide variety of programs in diverse fields, including social sciences, engineering, health sciences, economics, and more.

The UC has strong ties to the local business sector, promoting innovation and technology transfer. Additionally, its campuses are modern and well-equipped, and its location near both the beach and the mountains provides a unique environment for students.

But without a doubt, my favorite part of university is the friendships I have formed throughout my studies and the experiences they offer. Being able to go on an Erasmus program is entirely thanks to my home university. There are some photos with my new friends here in my Erasmus and my friends os Spain who I met at the university.

My new lifestyle in Lublin

I have already spoken about the favorite food of Cantabria, my favorite places to spend quality time, and even about my home university and my friends. But you may be wondering, what is an economics student doing in Lublin?

A year ago, I made the decision to go on Erasmus (Spoiler: it was a good decision), and I chose Lublin because it had excellent reviews, and moreover, a friend of mine did her Erasmus here last year. I arrived in Poland on September 22nd, in Warsaw, but it wasn’t until the next day that my new flatmates and I arrived in Lublin. Since then, everything has been an adventure.

We have traveled to many places: Stockholm, Krakow, Warsaw, Berlin, Wroclaw, Zakopane… A countless number of wonderful destinations (and many more still to visit).

I’m staying in Lublin for 5 months, and I love the city. One of my favorite restaurants is “Dirty Joe,” where their chicken wings are absolutely delicious.

I live in Burzuj, in a building full of Spaniards, where I have had the pleasure of meeting many people from different parts of Spain.

I study at UMCS, a university that has given me the opportunity to study my degree outside my country, and without a doubt, it was a great decision. The courses here are very different from those in Spain, and at first, it is a bit difficult to adapt to the new changes, but little by little, you gain confidence in yourself and your surroundings.”

Conclusion

You have learned about part of my two lives. Although one is temporarily on hold, the other continues here in my new home, Lublin. I will cherish many wonderful memories of this place and the people I have met. I love Cantabria because it is my home, but I cannot deny that this new life is wonderful. Thank you for making it this far!!!