Life in Oviedo moves slowly, stores are closed between 2-4, people stroll down the cobblestone streets often holding hands. Coffee is sipped at a leisurely pace, sitting at a cafe or restaurant watching the world go by. No one is in a hurry, even people stuck in traffic seem content. No honking, flashing lights, and remarkably, even letting other cars go in front of them. (Such a foreign concept to me being from Chicago and being used to aggressive driving!)
Pedestrians always have a right of way.
People work to live, take in every moment and seem content doing the simple things in life.
Food is fresh and wine is cheap. It is totally acceptable to drink wine or the local Asturian speciality of sidra at lunch and then go back to work. Tapas and pinchos are served when one orders drinks (Even at discotecas!). Food and drink are enjoyed, not swallowed quickly. Dinner can last a couple of hours with no one being in a hurry. Conversation is always plentiful and laughter is abundant.
People are friendly, open, welcoming and willing to help. It has been remarkably easy for us to make new friends and even snatch a couple of dinner invitations along the way.
When driving through the countryside one can notice an abundance of Asturian storage huts attached to houses or converted into garages. These elevated part wood - part stone structures, serve as excess food storage during the winter months and prevent any critters from getting in to the food supply.
During our time in Spain, we have learned to slow down. To eat dinner and lunch for a couple of hours at a time. To take siestas in the middle of the day and stay out till 3 am. We learned that life is not about how much you aquire but it's about the experiences you have along the way. Our Spanish life has reminded us that the best pleasures in life are simple.