La Vida Española

I don't have much to report this week, so I figured I would share some of my observations about life in Spain. This week I both started and ended a 19th century literature class at the actual university. About half of us have decided to drop the class, since we do not need it to graduate and it is definitely above our Spanish level. In our class we have Spaniards (including some dads and grandpas!) and our professor does not speak a word of English. I am also convinced she talks without breathing or pausing, which I have been coming across quite often Spain. A lot of the time I feel as though I am just hearing one very long word rather than the intended sentences. Our intensive grammar and conversation courses are finishing up and we have our finals on Monday, I can't believe how fast this first month went by!

Other than talking fast...the Spanish drive fast, aggressively, and with no mercy. If you have one foot onto the street there is a good chance a car speeding around the bend could run it over and they wouldn't even look back! There does not seem to be a pedestrian right-of-way law here, and if there is, like the drinking age, it is not followed.

Spain loves graffiti! Almost every wall is full of names and drawings. What I love about the graffiti here in Spain is that once a section is "graffitied," no one draws or writes over it. It is your section and there to stay. This allows for the graffiti to actually look like art, rather than the jumbled messes often found on bridges or walls in the United States.

Graffiti in Alcalá

Along with graffiti, Spain loves bodas (weddings). On more than every corner a bridal shop can be found with displays of gorgeous white dresses. As much as Spain loves weddings, there is no push to get married early here. Sons and daughters often live in their parents house or apartment until they are 30 years old and move out once they are married. They also don't have engagements or a proposal, it just happens and a wedding starts being planned. There is no diamond ring or getting down on one knee in Spain, the whole process is much more relaxed, reflecting the Spanish culture in general.

We are truly an American spectacle here in Spain. I often travel in a pack of seven girls and the attention we receive is more than I could have ever imagined. The Spaniards have no shame in coming up to us or shouting "guapas" (beauties) from cars or street corners! While in restaurants we often manage to cause quite a scene and this past weekend in Valencia we were actually all given hats and were asked to take a picture with the owner! We are almost entertainment to these Spaniards, who have no problem sharing it by chatting "U.S.A" or copying various phrases we use, such as "oh my god!" Those are just a few things I have noticed about this new culture, I really have no complaints though, Spain has been more than good to me!

An American Spectacle - Valencia