After being in Spain for 2 weeks now, I've compiled a brief list of cultural differences between here and the US that have interested me. They're small things, but things that you wouldn't think about being different when traveling to a new culture and country. In the coming weeks, I'm sure there will arise many more interesting differences.
1. Style
Here in Spain, everyone dresses nice everywhere. Unlike in the US, when I walk around the plaza or go to classes or simply go to the library to study, I have yet to see someone wearing yoga pants or sweatpants or a sweatshirt. On the streets, everyone looks like they just came out of a magazine. And while tall boots are the winter/fall trend in the US, short boots are the the style here. I've seen very few tall boots which is a small detail, but to me in interesting that trends differ like that.
2. Calzadores/Zapaterías
There's SO many shoe stores here. The other night when I went to find shoes with my friend, on one single street, there were 3 different shoe stores. On my walk home from school, I pass maybe 3 or 4 shoe stores and countless streets that I know have shoe stores.
3. Shoe Shopping
It is very different in the US. For example, when you walk into DSW or any other US shoe store, you see the shoes, try on the ones you like, and find your sizes in the shelves. Here, in most shoe stores, they display one pair of shoes on the shelf and then you ask the workers to try that shoe in your size. They then bring the shoe to you and continue helping from there. It is a much different process and much more personable here. It's pretty nice and is a good opportunity to practice Spanish.
4. No Pandora
Pandora Radio Station doesn't work here. And Spotify is being stubborn here and not functioning well so it's been a struggle.
5. Light and water = expensive
Here in Spain, light and water usage are much more expensive than in the US. So much so that during the day, I am told to not turn on the lights and only use light from the window. However, my family saw me trying to study without lights on and gave me a desk lamp to use during the daytime. And for showering, it is kept very brief and for some families, water is turned off while lathering up with soap and shampooing. Also, tap water is really good here--good enough to drink from. Another cultural thing about water is the fact that water is often charged for at restraunts. In the US, water is basically always free. Here, if you ask for water you will probably be charged and it always comes in a nice glass bottle.
