Not for vegetarians

46 years ago when we first travelled in Europe, I found the food frightening! I had never experienced most of what we encountered. But I'm a grownup now! I love exploring the national dishes and although the rise of tourism means a lot of it is suspect (watch out for the plates of tasteless paella warn the guidebooks!), I'm now like a bird watcher with a list. Check, check, check!
So first on the list is jamón. Spain reveres its jamón. The best comes from Iberian black pigs who roam freely in oak forests eating only acorns (what do you think, Oak Bay?) The best is called jamón ibérico de bellota. We've spotted it in shops - priced €149 for 1 kg. Displays of the long trotters are everywhere. I guess if we lived here, we'd have a hock hanging in our kitchen with a long, terrifyingly-sharp knife at the ready. 
If you want to be a connoisseur, look for savoury (i.e. salty) smooth marbled texture. Served on a fresh baguette with tomatoes. 

Ready for slicing

Common display in shops that sell the ham, some cheese and wine

Plates ready for serving

Shop display

The best - Iberico bellota