Now that I have been in Spain for about a month, I can proudly say that I have picked up on most of the Spanish norms. The first week or so was a bit difficult in adjusting to the culture, but now I think I've become a pro. Spanish culture is significantly different from the American culture, and here are 6 examples:
1. People actually use public transportation
Back in the States, public transportation is thought of as gross and not usable or accessible for most people. But in Spain, taking the metro or catching a taxi is just as normal as driving a car. Who wants to walk 10 miles when they could take the metro and be there in 10 minutes?
2. Greeting friends or new acquaintances with a kiss on each cheek is very normal
Americans are all about our private space. We live in our bubble and if anyone invades that bubble, we get offended or weirded out. Europeans in general are very touchy and love being close to one another (Especially on the subway or in a club). Each person I have met here has greeted me with a kiss on each of my cheeks to say hello. At first I was weirded out, but after a few times of it, it became normal to me as well.
3. No one "scrubs" to classes
In Spain, it seems to me that the norm of going to class means getting up extra early just to pick out a cute outfit and to do your hair and makeup. The one day I wore sweats to class, I got looked at by a BUNCH of people, who could easily tell that I was American. No one wants to be labeled as the American in Spain, so just save the sweats for when you get home and throw on some jeans or leggings.
4. In addition to not "scrubbing" to class, all Europeans dress for the SEASON not the WEATHER
"Oh, those silly Americans in their shorts and flip-flops in this random 70-degree weather in January," is what all Europeans and especially Spanish people think of our weird norm to dress for the weather. I can't say I agree with following this one, especially since I like to enjoy the weather. The whole time I have been here, it has been in the 60s and I still see everyone wearing tall boots and long winter jackets. I don't understand this one, but when in Spain...
5. Meals are later, going out is later, and people stay out later
The Spanish culture is a very relaxed one. People actually sleep in, take their time during the day, and eat just a bit later than Americans. Normally, you would think that eating dinner at 7 or 8 is really late, but in Spain, most people eat dinner around 9 or 10. Since dinner is much later, going out is much later. People usually don't start hitting up bars until around 11, and then moving on to clubs around 12 or 1 A.M. If you think that's late, people here stay out until 6 A.M. or later. Spain is officially the new "city that never sleeps."
6. Siesta
What's that? You actually have a set nap time during the day? Oh yes! And if you're lucky enough to have a break in your classes, you can take advantage of this one. Most shop owners close down around 4 in order to go home and have la siesta, which could be either an actual nap or just relaxing for a bit. With no shops or stores open, most regular people take advantage of la siesta. Napping is such a norm here, and it has got to be one of my favorites.
