Week 1

Update

Week one complete and we are still alive here in Barcelona! Since Molly’s last post our knowledge of the city, which is beginning to feel more like home, has expanded significantly. As time passes, it has become easier for us to assimilate into the Spanish culture. Of course we are holding on to the fragments of American culture that are dear to our hearts such as: Grey’s anatomy, Gossip Girl, Perez Hilton, and late night snacks. However, we have become accustom to the time schedule, portion size, and public transportation here in Espana!

Everyday last week, Molly and I had 1 ½ hours of Spanish class. This proved to be very helpful for Molly, being that she had never studied the language before. She is now learning basic verbs and the rules of conjugation which have enabled her to communicate some of her feelings in conversation. I am convinced that it was her Spanish of course paired with her dashing good looks that attracted a Spanish admirer. On that topic, of course we are acting responsibly and taking care of one another.

My Spanish class (Advanced 1) was very interesting and I was happy to meet a lot of unique new friends. Unfortunately, I decided I was a bit over my head in terms of my Spanish abilities because it has been over two years since I have taken a Spanish class. I willingly chose to change my level to Intermediate 2 in the hope that I will feel more comfortable and confident participating in class.

Cultural Observations

Although we have only been here for approximately 10 days, each day we have learned something new about Spanish culture. One of the most prominent differences we observed between Spanish and American culture is the lack of attention that is paid to the service industry here. This is because, unlike America’s independent mentality, the Spanish culture is interdependent. Some might even call it socialist. This means that each profession has a minimum salary that will allow the individual to provide for themself. Therefore waiters are not motivated to please their customers the same way they are in the states. We were also quick to notice that people bring their dogs with them everywhere they go. Not only that, but the dogs are not on leashes. It’s a good thing Molly and I are not afraid of dogs or we would be living in constant fear. Another important cultural aspect to note is the emphasis Spanish people place on being environmentally mindful. This includes everything from turning off lights one is not directly using, keeping shower time minimal, buying fresh food from local markets, and utilizing public transportation. The green movement is indeed discussed in the U.S. but not translated into action the way it is here in Spain. In response to Tim’s question, everyone here is very excited about Obama being selected as our new president! In fact, there was an Obama poster on our bedroom door when we arrived here.

Family Life

Molly and I each consider ourselves very lucky to be living with such a warm, welcoming, yet easy going family. Ana (our host mother) has been sensitive to our needs and helpful in our learning of Spanish language and culture. We recently learned that she is a sociology professor at the University of Barcelona. Perhaps this provides some indication of her personality and interest in hosting foreign students. She is usually gone most of the day but always home in time to prepare a fresh cooked dinner. Speaking of which, last night she made a lentil soup for us. This was not any ordinary soup though, a few of its main ingredients include the meat from a pig’s ear and foot. This meat is apparently common for Spanish people to eat. However, Ana knew that it would be strange for Molly and I so she put it on the side. During dinner we have had many interesting conversations, which Molly is beginning to understand. Last night a conversation about bull fighting arose after our discussion about the pig ear. Alba (our sister) told us that it is no longer a popular sport here in the Catalan region but it is still a large part of Spanish culture elsewhere, especially in the south. We learned the grading scale (0-3) and customs of the audience. For those who are interested in knowing the details: 0 is equal to nothing/failure, 1 means the matador removed one of the bulls ears, 2 signifies the removal of both ears, and 3 is achieved when the bull is left without any ears or tail! Ayyy dios mio. Alba said she does not personally enjoy the sport because it is very violent and makes her feel sad for the bull. Molly and I anticipate that we will feel the same way but we expect to learn more about the ins and outs of bullfighting in our sports and society class.

I hope this has given you some insight into our lives here. Please feel free to post suggestions or questions you might have for us in the future. Hope life is great back in the states!

Hasta luego,

Tess & Molly