Pilar Azmani Spain and America are very different when it comes to our lifestyles. From the clothes that wear, to the time of day that we eat, to what we eat, and how we drink. It is safe to say that though there are many differences there are still some universal similarities that connect us.
I think in general people in Spain dress to impress a little bit more. It might just be me though because most of the time I dress for comfort. I found it was very common for the Spanish people to wear fashionable scarves. They wear them a little bit differently than young Americans do though. In America it’s mostly young girls wearing scarves closer to their necks and what I noticed in Spain is that men and women of all ages wear scarves just around their shoulders and they let them dangle. It seems to be fashionable.
People in Spain also greet each other with kisses. First the left cheek and then the right, that is very important! They also stand a lot closer to you when they talk. In America we really like to have our own space. Couples of all ages can be seen holding each other or kissing basically on any street at anytime. Public display of affection seems like it does not bug anyone there, maybe just the single people.
I love how important family is to Spanish people. There were so many dads and their children doing activities and families together, it really made me happy. Here in America I think that family is not as much of a priority as it should be. They all seem very happy and in love with their families, such a great thing. I will strive to be this way with my family one day. Family is super important to me as well, being one of 8 children; they are my best friends.
In Spain people are less wasteful, both with food, but especially water. They really take their conservation seriously. I took for granted how fortunate we are in the U.S. to get free water at restaurants. We are spoiled.
Speaking of spoiled, Americans eat so much compared to Spaniards. In Spain the eating times are different. They wake up and have a small breakfast, usually something sweet with a coffee and an orange juice. It shocked me that they don’t eat again until about 2pm. At this time they have a break for lunch. Lunch is usually their biggest meal of the day, while I was in Spain I think every meal was the biggest of the day! After lunch, but before dinner it’s tapas time. This was one of my favorite times of day. Who doesn’t like snacks and beer? Then finally around 10pm, even on weekdays, they eat dinner. I thought this was crazy! When I am in the States I go to bed most of the time at 10pm. In Spain they eat a lot of bread. I think I underestimated how much, but my jeans quickly told me when I returned to the States two weeks later!
Finally, I will talk about the difference in the drinking culture. There is definite difference. Lots of Americans drink to get drunk. It is obvious to see when one has had too much. While I was in Spain, of course I saw some who had indulged in too many, but in comparison to what I see in the U.S. it was very few. I think that this has to do with how children are raised as well as the media. While in Spain I didn’t come across any magazines or even television, when I watched, that showed people being “cool” when they consumed too much. Here in the U.S. I think that we have a huge problem in our drinking culture and I don’t think that it can be pinned on just one thing, but rather it is a deep-rooted problem that will take many changes if we ever want to change it.
Spain was one of the best times of my life. I learned so much history, art, lifestyle, culture and much more. This trip is irreplaceable to me. I got to know my choir members better, learned so much, and I have met new friends that now I can not see my life going on with out. Let’s just say the men in Spain know how to treat and truly respect a lady. I’ll leave it at that. ;)
Great insights regarding family values! I didn't think about that aspect of Spanish culture until reading your post. I also love how personal space and displays of affection are a part of life and don't make people as uncomfortable as it would here in the States.
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Austin Nelson
1/29/2015 12:50:42 am
This is something I thought about the whole trip! Its amazing how well kept they are when they drink compared to americans. Also you are so right about their values! You can see the differences there immediately.
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John Kryl
1/29/2015 01:00:25 am
There are so many things that can go into lifestyle! When writing my own post, I made a list of the top things I wanted to talk about and a lot of the things you commented about didn't even occur to me! There are so many small things that get trumped by the bigger aspects, but I think it is those things that truly make a culture different.