American Culture in Spain

I've been in Spain for a little over a week now, and I am definitely adjusting quickly. I can now use the metro on my own and I usually only cry four times! My sleep/meal schedule is also quickly adjusting, and waiting until 9 p.m. to eat feels almost normal now.

One thing I see a lot of here in Spain is the way my own American culture is presented. It's rather humorous, to say the least. For example, there is a sign on my way home every day that says "Academia de Ingles; A Piece of 'English' Cake'" (see picture below). 

I find it hilarious that this expression, which is used commonly in American culture, is being used to describe learning the English language. There's actually a British flag on the piece of cake, so that makes me think that the expression must have originated in England. Either way, it's pretty great. 

Another thing I've noticed that tends to reflect back to America is the fitness culture that is beginning to become popular here. I feel like Americans are somewhat obsessed with physical fitness, and the industry is booming in the United States. Here in Barcelona, I am seeing more and more fitness stores and advertisements! There's one store near the apartment where I'm staying called "Colosus." The other day there was a HUGE dude standing outside trying to, I don't know, sell protein shakes I guess. So that was about as American as it gets. 

Finally, American music is super popular here, it's great! I guess I expected to plop into Spain and hear nothing but a Spanish music, but no! These people love their American music. My host mother plays Elvis, and sings along enthusiastically while she does it. I was also sitting in a resturaunt yesterday and Justin Beiber came on over the speakers. I wasn't too thrilled about that, actually.

I would say that American culture is represented in both a negative and a positive light. While we are known to be obnoxious, loud, and possibly spoiled, I also feel that Spanish culture has caught on to a lot of American trends. I wouldn't say American culture is completely accurately represented, but I've seen worse! They definitely think that we love our food and our entertainment, which is completely accurate. Americans tend to be thought of as dumber, from what I see, which is negative. But I feel that a lot of Spanish people are genuinely interested in things like the weather in Indiana/America, the scenic views, the cities, etc. Like all cultures, there will always be a mixture of positive and negative stereotypes.

Pro tips: How NOT to be an stereotypical American when in Spain.

1. Do not leave your shoes on when entering a house. Like seriously, your feet have been all over the super populated streets all day, don't bring crap that inside.

2. When on the metro, MOVE OUT OF THE WAY. Don't stand by the door if you still have five stops to go. People will yell at you in Spanish. Also don't cry on the metro after they do this. That is also very American.

3. At least make an ATTEMPT to speak their language, even if you only know four words. People are always much more willing to help when you are trying to communicate in a way that they are familiar with. I know about 6 words in Spanish, most of them referencing either food or the nearest bathroom, but hand motions work too. Just don't waltz up and demand that they speak English. That's not gonna fly.

4. Try whatever food you are served! These people went to a lot of effort to make whatever you're eating, the LEAST you can do is try it! If you don't like it, don't get it again. But trying the food is a sign of respect and courtesy.

5. Dress like you're not going to be laying on the couch all day. Seriously though, Americans are pretty laid back about how we dress. I'm so guilty of this as well. Yoga pants for dayz, man. Yeah, you don't see a lot of that here. So, at least make an effort to look like you didn't just roll out of bed. It's hard, I know.

6. GET SOME COMFORTABLE FOOTWEAR AND DON'T COMPLAIN THAT YOUR FEET HURT IF YOU DIDN'T BRING ANYTHING BUT 5 DOLLAR FLIP FLOPS FROM MACY'S. I have a lot of experience with this. Trust me, if you invest in anything, get some freaking great shoes.

All right, that's about all I have to say this time around. Join me next week to see if Abbey survived Rome without falling into the Trevi Fountain. It's going to be riveting, to say the least.

Here's a picture of me with petting a giant lizard statue for your entertainment.