Granada

It's like a whole new world over here. I know I keep saying that, but it really is. People look at life in a different way and in a different light. Life is simple over here. It's just that. Why stress? Why worry? Why have mini freak out sessions? haha. I say that like I do that.. haha. This experience is amazing. I have never felt so free, so independent, so strong, so brave...ever in my entire life. This has been the hardest challenge I have ever taken, but it is worth every struggle, every tear, every battle. I have grown and developed in ways that I did know were possible. I found new friendships, I have built relationships that I will never forget, I have learned and submersed myself in a new culture and language, I have appreciated life, everything, and everyone that I have. This adventure has truly opened my eyes...

I am taking a culture class here in Spain & I have learned so much.. I want to share some of it with you :) 

1. In the United States, when you greet someone, you typically shake their hand or possibly give them a hug. Here in Spain, you greet people with "besos" or kisses. One on each cheek!

2. In the United States, people are always in a rush. Not here in Spain, people stop all the time and have conversations on the street, shops, schools, bars etc. This is probably the reason Spaniards are NEVER on time. 

3. Spaniards are always late. You do not show up early. Ever. If you have an appointment at 10:00, you would never get there 15, 10, 5 minutes beforehand. You would get there 5, 10, 15 minutes after. I am not kidding, classes never start on time, my classes at the gym do not start on time... etc. 

4. When you stand in an elevator, you should never turn your back towards someone, in Spain that is horrible education. When people are in the elevator, they make small talk... it is never silent. It's super sweet, men usually hold the doors open for you and ask about your day...precious. People are so sweet here!

5. Lunch here is in the "middle" of the day. In Spain that is 3pm NOT noon. 

6. Water is SUPER expensive here in Spain. Let's just say it's a race in the shower.. how fast can you go!?

7. On New Years Eve, when everyone is counting down the seconds until New Years. The last 12 seconds, everyone eats grapes. The little girls I tutor told me this. At the last 12 seconds of the year, they eat a grape for each second. You can even buy cans of 12 grapes for New Years. 

8. Here in Spain, they celebrate Christmas and Three Kings Day on January 6th. 

9. In the United States, it is typical for us to make a sandwich. A sandwich, two pieces of bread and some sort of meat/cheese. In Spain, there are 2 types of sandwiches. A sandwich is two pieces of bread and then tuna, salami, ham... BUT there are also bocadillos. A bocadillo is basically a sub sandwich. It's on a sub type bread and they are always sent with us when we travel. It's funny :) 

10. There are cute little fruit and nut markets everyone. I love stopping in and grabbing some fruit on my way to school or shopping! 

11. Gum is NOT popular here. They don't have the typical flavors or sizes that we have. One of my first days here in Spain I was told that a stereotypical American is like this.. a) wearing athletic clothes b) wearing tennis shoes c) has some sort of North Face apparel on & d) chewing gum 

12. It is so difficult to not shop. There are stores everyone. Shoe stores, clothing stores, makeup stores...etc. I LOVE IT. And boots are so popular. Short boots, high boots, uggs, you name it they got it here in Spain. It is so difficult to not want to shop!!! I love it!!! 

13. I love the little candy shops! There is one right next to my house, that I always stop at and get chocolate covered peanuts :) 

14. There are so many little bakeries, cafeterias/restaurants , and little stands full of candy, drinks, newspapers, magazines all over Granada!!