Differently the Same.

There is something in my bones that makes me think you all want to know about the major differences between the United States and Spain. I´m going to drop my thoughts on the topic, and hopefully it will take you places you thought could only be reached by Aladdin´s carpet. (I think I will use the list format to steer myself away from using unnecessary adjectives to fixate those of you who read this mumble jumble).

In Spain..
1) The toilets always look clogged.


2) The toilets flush harder (you need to have the seat down to flush otherwise your feet will look like you were standing to close to the curb, on a bus route, during a rainy day).
3) They have what I have made out to be some sort of a butt washer right next to their toilets. I want to try it, but I am afraid when I work up the courage that it will get stuck on, or she will walk in on me because none of the doors have locks.


4. None of the doors in my house have locks.
5. Every single meal that my host mom cooks comes with a loaf of bread (which I have grown to love.)
6. Their dessert after every meal is usually a piece of fruit.
7. It is rare to see someone drink a beer without tapas except in the wee hours of the night.
8. They have tapas, which are basically little snacks, and they are usually free when you order a drink.
9. Tipping your waiter or bartender is not as common (Austin is probably double fist pumping).
10. People are curt with each other. They rarely say things like "thank you" or "Pardon." I think it is just expected. (I compare it to when you enter a shopping mall and you don´t steal anything, no one waits by the door to say, "Thanks for not stealing anything." ya dig?)
11. They clean their streets about seven times a day without exaggeration. However, I constantly find my feet dodging dog poop.
12. The stores are open at different hours. Most stores open at about 9 a.m., then they close at about 1 or 2 p.m. for siesta, and then re-open at about 5 p.m. for the remainder of the night.
13. The streets are much more narrow. You have to back up against a wall when a car comes like you are being frisked to avoid a potential collision.


14. I have galletas y cafe con leche every morning for breakfast. (galletas are basically sugar cookies, they are the -ish.)
15. Their television is horrible. It is hilarious to watch. They have shows like "House" in Spanish with the same actors, so their mouthes don´t line up with the words. Also, my host mom loves the Simpsons. Today, is the simpsons 20th anniversary in Spain. They also have a knockoff "heroes" show, which my host mom won´t let me watch with her anymore because I was laughing too much during it. If I can find it on DVD I will.
16. The people don´t know that much about the United States. Before I arrived, everyone warned me that I should brush up on my knowledge of the U.S. because they are well-informed. However, we are equal in our ignorance. Granted, they speak more English than we do Spanish, but perhaps out of necessity due to tourism. I guess with our growing immigration rate from the south are excuse is feeble.
17. They eat dinner at 9:30. It is impossible for me not to snack between lunch and dinner.
18. The kids here go out late and stay out late. Sometimes they don´t leave the house until 11 p.m. and they dont return until 4 a.m.
19. The lifestyle here is far more relaxed. I´ve learned patience while eating, walking, and drinking.
20. They are short.


Un beso,

Coopaloop