Our house mama is quite the cook. Everything is fresh and so tasty. For breakfast every morning I have toast, fruit, and coffee. It's a little different from American breakfast, but a small breakfast is plenty for what comes next. Lunch is around 3 every afternoon, and it is always worth the wait. It normally consists of salad, sides, bread, a main meat, and fruit. After lunch, it's siesta time. Then off to my music class that ends at 9 p.m., which puts me home just in time for dinner around 10. It was difficult adjusting to the eating schedule, but now it is completely normal. Most of the time I have no idea what I am eating, but I know that I am always full. Not knowing has been most of the fun, because it leads to tasty surprises. I will for sure miss all of the fresh foods that have so much flavor.
2. Shopping
To all of you that have ever had to shop with me (mostly my parents), it is not always the most pleasurable experience (sorry about that). Anyways, I LOVE shopping here. The clothes are so cute, and they are inexpensive when compared to how much it costs to buy clothes in the States. I was the girl that wore t-shirts and jeans for the longest time. In Europe, that's the fastest way to stand out. They do not wear athletic clothes for anything besides to workout. Don't get me wrong, there have been a few days I just wanted to wear a loose shirt and a baseball hat, but women definitely do not wear those here. Honestly my blue eyes and light hair stand out regardless of what I wear, but I have put in effort to wear real clothes.
3. Architecture
There are so many historic buildings, churches, and monuments in Spain. It just blows my mind how most of these were built before modern technology. They are not only massive, but also beautiful. It gives insight to history and talent of each architect. I have learned so much about Spain through the structures I have seen. One place I have frequented often is Plaza de Espana. It's about a ten minute walk from where we have class. I always notice something new. There's just so much, my eyes never know what to look at. That's how it is with pretty much every structure I have seen.
4. Music
I have to say, I was disappointed when I walked into a store and heard T-swift playing through the speakers. Don't get me wrong I can jam out to her songs with the rest of them, but it is not what I was expecting to hear. I didn't realize how popular American music is here. With the pop music, there's also Enrique Iglesias. They love him here. His songs can be heard through the car radios as I walk down the street. I've enjoyed trying to sing along even though I can barely pronounce the words. Thankfully, I am taking the Music of Spain class where I have learned about Spanish composers and styles. I have been to three flamenco concerts and there is always music in the streets. Follow the music--it will not disappoint.
5. Language
I came to Spain with the ability to greet, count to 10, and say some colors in Spanish. It has definitely been a little difficult not being able to fully communicate with my host family, but I have picked up on some words and phrases. Most frequently used- lo siento (sorry). Most of what I have learned has been through signs, because it is so fast when spoken. I have also learned the name for foods and household items. Verbs are a little more complicated. I would say that I barely know Spanglish because the amount of Spanish I know is still very little.
6. Time
The mentality of the Spaniards is "It can wait until tomorrow." It has been nice to remember to enjoy each moment. As Americans we have this go go go mentality. We are rushing to get to the next practice, the next football game, the next task of our day. Here the people walking in the street are not in a rush. Yes, they have things to do, but it is not the same vibe that is found in the states. To go meals are not really a thing here. People sit down and they enjoy their meals and their company. In America it would be considered "bad" service, but here it's the norm. Even their "fast" food, is not fast. In Sevilla there are Burger Kings everywhere and a couple of McDonalds, but here they appear more like restaurants than fast food. The pace is much slower and enjoyable rather than trying to cram as much as possible into one day (I am for sure guilty of that). Spain has taught me to slow down and soak in everything and everyone around me.
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