To start off this “Spanish Reconquering” of my thoughts, I would like to begin with a Sancho Panza quote.
“They say one madman makes a hundred and love makes a thousand.” I don’t exactly understand what this means, nor does Sancho, but maybe its saying that now that Franco is gone the loving culture is back, full of Spanish love for all!!!!!! ..hahah maybe not...
SPANISH LIFESTYLE---- One can't truly understand Spanish lifestyle until actually living in it. Starting off the lifestyle observations were Austin Merschdorf and Will Mendez, who found out that the wine and beer were complimentary on the plane ride there! Yes, we were already in a new world filled with classy Spanish flight attendants and a drinking culture different from the usual trashy American alcoholics. (We would soon find out that Cervezas were cheaper than water and Spanish men were more attractive then “Boody Allen” himself! )
The first day in Madrid gave us a run for our money as we frantically tried to adjust to the time difference and fathom how we were suppose to consume ham sandwiches for breakfast! It was challenging to stay awake all day but the lifestyle was alive all around us. We couldn't miss it!
Spanish lifestyle begins with the saying, “The Spanish work to live.” These ideals are rampant in the streets. I hadn’t realized Spain to have such a visually stimulating culture. You see this in their dramatic facial expressions or robust hand gestures, their passionate displays of affection, their loving friendships, their colorful cuisine, their beautiful fashion palette, their expressive family values, and their aggressive and rowdy sporting events. Very contrary to the U.S The Spanish people in general have a more communal view on life steadfast on family. You see families together in public at all times of the day. I vividly remember seeing children out an about when I was going to the bars at night or while I was enjoying a late night snack at 1 am. Children and family make up a huge part of the city’s atmosphere at all times of the day. While remaining connected to their kin Spaniards also are very open with things around them. People watching was my favorite past time in Spain because of the interaction people have with one another. Several times, I remember seeing a father multitasking as he was walking down the street. Dog leash in left hand, daughter on his shoulders, snack in other hand while enjoying his wife’s company, kissing her and calling out to friend in the street. Their openness in public made me rethink my opinions on public displays of affection. You see couples confidently embrace one another in the moment even if its right in the middle of the plaza or during a fancy dinner. All to often in America public displays of affection become “groudy germ swapping displays,” that aren’t pleasant for anyone watching. It was enlightening to see these as they should.
Another lifestyle observation I appreciated was their daily routines, or lack of one. Nothing seemed to be rushed in Espana when it comes to daily life. The only thing that seemed to be finite was their siesta time. One thing I did notice is instead of being coped up inside watching Hispanic soap operas they are moving! Maybe because they know they’ll have siesta time to rest! Because of this the morning were always lively: whether it be going to a park, browsing through art museums, enjoying a family walk, dancing in the plazas, taking your moped out for a spin, working out in the park (I saw several parks made out of workout equipment!), or going out for breakfast pinxos (coffee and churros). Plus, any place is a fine place to walk your sweater stylin' Chihuahua! With all of this the streets were always moving and I loved seeing that. It was refreshing and I felt so excited to witness each new day. Next they had siesta time and if they weren’t napping they were having more family time or maybe another dog walk? Either way this was the time businesses close from 2-5 generally to provide for a work break or a good time to indulge in lunch. They considered this meal the most important meal of the day. It already seems like a pretty good day for a Spaniard but they were just beginning. Now starts the long wait for a later dinner. What better way to spend it then with beer and tapas? or maybe a game of handball in an Sebastian?
With any of their daily routines their openness these locals had with the people around them was something to admire. They have a “friendship” culture similar to the Asian customs where they have no shame in holding hands with a friend as they walk down the street. It fosters ideas of being open with the people around you and I could see the benefits as an observer.
Onto the nightlife or should I say 24/7 happy hour that begins at lunch and goes through to the wee hours of the morning. I found this Spanish nightlife very interesting especially in Barcelona. You see people in the streets very late. But after around 2 am there is a switch to a more limited crowd made up, mostly, of the "instigators." Rather than violent gangs that come out at night in larger cities their were smaller groups of pick-pockets that migrate through the streets. Generally these people are non-violent but they aren't shy to approach you and engage in conversation. "Come to this club, come back to my place, try this, try that, dance with me, come here," ect. I had never seen such a large amount of people still wandering the streets at those hours without being warded off by police.
With their different schedules, their family values and their Spanish way of life, 3 things still astound me. Never did I ever think smoked ham would become my breakfast, lunch and dinner by choice. Or that I would make a friend in the Basque country. But mostly shocked that I would be brought to tears from singing..... It was seeing the faces of the people who were so eager to share their country with an American choir. I will remember that forever.
Till next time Spain.....hopefully it will be for the Camino de Santiago! Chao.