This year, I am studying abroad in the beautiful city of Granada, Spain for both the fall and spring semesters of my junior year of college! Although I have only been in Granada for a little over a week now, I have noticed a few cultural differences to what I have grown accustomed to in the United States. (I'm sure that this list will grow longer as I continue my study abroad experience, but for now, this is what I've got!)

1. Tapas

So far, they're my favorite part of Spain! Bars here are a lot more relaxed than in the United States (or so I'm told) and are often open even into the early hours of the morning. When you order a drink (and this is not me condoning underage drinking, as the legal drinking age in Spain is 18, and I have not yet quite turned 21), you pay for your drink and receive a complimentary appetizer of your choosing! Each bar is a bit different, as some have a "two tapas per table" rule, but others have no limit, meaning that if you bought two drinks, you would receive two appetizers, usually for no additional price!

2. The Spanish Flag

Unless they're being used to show support for a favorite soccer team, the Spanish flag is actually only flown by those who identify politically as more conservative. In fact, it is so unpopular to casually wear or decorate with their national flag in Spain that many consider the flag to be a symbol of fascism and intolerance for non-Spaniards. However, in every country besides Spain, wearing a Spanish soccer jersey in public when it's not "fútbol" season, or displaying the flag in your home is acceptable.

3. Tuna

I'm not sure if this is just specific to Granada, but tuna fish seems to be a very popular addition to many dishes including salads and paninis. My host parents and siblings seem to be particularly fond of adding tuna to their meals and as a college student that has been on a limited budget for time when it comes to making food, I have acquired quite the taste for tuna fish over the past two years.

4. Sundays

As Spain is predominantly Catholic country, (although nowadays not as many people actively practice the religion), most of the clothing stores, pharmacies and even some restaurants remain closed for either most of the day or the entire day on Sundays. There are a few 24-hour pharmacies and fast-food restaurants that remain open, but otherwise, shopping will have to be saved for Saturday!

5. No Friday Classes

Again, I'm not sure if this applies to all universities in Spain or if its unique to "Centro de Lenguas Modernas," which is a part of the "Universidad de Granada" but Fridays are generally free days for students and classes are only held on Fridays as makeup days if class was cancelled earlier in the week. For the Fall 2017 semester, there are only four Fridays when I will be required to be in class!

Like I said, I've only been in Granada for about a week, but I hope to continue documenting my ventures through Spain during my semesters abroad!