During my time in Spain, I have had the opportunity to travel to several Spanish cities and this past weekend we went to Portugal. One thing that I have took great notice off is the differences between cultures. Culture has always been something of interest to me and I even tried to target my sociology classes around it. The smallest things can be huge differences in different countries and I would like to share a couple of things I've noticed here in Spain and in Portugal. One thing we were told at orientation for study abroad was to try to not look too American. All the women here mostly wear jeans or pants and some type of heels, usually wedges, all day everyday. It still blows my mind that they can be in wedges all day and wear pants in this 100 degree weather. The Spanish women are also totally over and done with the Spanish chicos. I witnessed a boy try his hardest to get a pretty girls attention yesterday and to no avail as she blatantly ignored him and went on with her day. It was probably because his way of getting her attention was opening his arms for a hug when she had no idea who he was but either way it made me laugh and proved that what I had heard about the young people dynamic here was right. That is also why Spanish men like American women, some of us don't know any better and fall for their flattery.
Another little things that I keep forgetting here are table manners. The Spanish like to have both hands on the table when eating and I am definitely not used to that. I was always told to keep elbows away from the table and only have the hand I'm eating with on the table. When setting the table, the silverware positions are also switched and they do not switch hands when cutting something on their plate. It took me at least three tries to set the table right but I finally got it today and I still switch hands when cutting things. They also think it is rude when you don't finish your meal or don't try everything that has been offered on the table, well at least the Senora I live with does. I have tried mostly everything she has made whether I like it or not but today I just could not eat the fried sardines and got that ugly look. The food here is delicious though and I am really enjoy the tapas from all the different little restaurants. My favorite is the pork with the whisky sauce and potatoes.
Portugal was beautiful. We spent the weekend in Lagos and explored the different beaches and the grotto and even got to swim in the middle of the ocean. It felt like a dream and everything was amazing... except for some of the locals. Rumor has it that the Portuguese are not too fond of Americans because we visit and think we are better than everyone and that our country is so much better. I, of course, do not think that but we did have an encounter with a few angry Portuguese who were not happy with us or our presence at a restaurant late at night. We got out of that sitation safely but it made me realize some of the sterotypes put on Americans when seen in other countries. We treat international visitors in the states well but America is a crazy country with all kinds of people and a busy booming economy that I could see where they might think that. I respect them and their country, I just wish they wouldn't assume that all Americans are like that. There were a few nice Portuguese though and we still enjoyed ourselves.
I think I am going to keep updating new cultural experiences as they happen. Some are really funny, others a little scary but it's all part of the experience. Overall, I am having a great time and learning so much.
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