Hi dave

You are right about the pronunciation by the Andalusians.

They do tend to shorten words either by running letters together or as you say by missing off word endings.

They also pronounce the "c" plus a vowel as "ss" not "th" as in true Castilian.

When we go to Granada I always say that their dialect is to Spanish what Geordie or "Scouse" is to English.

The dried ham is usually called Jamon de Serrano and is delicious.

Certain regions in Andalucia still retain the tradition of Tapas.

When you go into a bar in these regions they will provide you with small portions of food free if you buy certain drinks....eg beer and wine but NOT tea coffee or spirits or water.

These tapas vary from bar to bar and can include, serrano ham, cheese, chorizo ( sausage ) fish, meats and of course bread etc.

So if you go out to lunch you don't need to buy food if you have a couple of drinks.

My wife's sister lives in onesuch region.

Regards

Mike