In my recent transition back to life in Spain I began wondering; just how much do we differ from culture to culture? How much are the ways of a Spaniard distinct from those of an average Joe raised in Boston? Perhaps, in believing that we act so differently from our international counterparts we are able to create fantasies of fabulous far off places. After all, if our destinations looked, smelled, and tasted just like home, would we pay hundreds of dollars to squeeze ourselves into an uncomfortable airplane seat that is inevitably next to the loud
breather or the crying baby? Of course not! Anticipation of being enveloped in an exotic culture is the main reason why we go abroad in the first place. However, after having observed the routines of these oh so "exotic beings" that inhabit this distant land, I have come to find that their ways are not so foreign at all.
Many Americans come here with the impression that all Spaniards dance flamenco, chase bulls through the streets on weekends, and eat paella daily. Visitors want to see exactly what they had pictured become reality, but are only to be disappointed when the array of Starbucks storefronts and Golden Arches that dot the streets of Madrid remind them of home. This is not to say that flamenco is not danced or that the running of the bulls fails to take place annually. They are thriving practices, but those customs alone do not define Spanish culture. These exotic mental images are simply the prized parts of the culture that us, non-Spaniards, choose to relish in. I have witnessed the historically rich customs and inhaled the romantic spirit that permeates in the air, but more so, Spaniards have demonstrated to me just how many cultural universals there are.
In the past year and some months I have observed so much more about Spaniards than what they can do in a ring or on a stage. I admire Spain's unique art forms, and on the contrary there are certainly behaviors of Spaniard's that I find bizarre; the hair styles? Lets just say, I have never seen so many mullets in real life! But day to day and person to person the routines and life goals of a typical Spaniard and those of an individual from Boston are very much the same; adults go to work, parents care for their children, couples go on dates and children play after school. I have come to realize that the parts of the culture that I value most are not based on entertainment and are not foreign at all. I came here with the intent of learning about Spain's unique past, values and customs but what I didn't know was how much I would learn about my own.


Many Americans come here with the impression that all Spaniards dance flamenco, chase bulls through the streets on weekends, and eat paella daily. Visitors want to see exactly what they had pictured become reality, but are only to be disappointed when the array of Starbucks storefronts and Golden Arches that dot the streets of Madrid remind them of home. This is not to say that flamenco is not danced or that the running of the bulls fails to take place annually. They are thriving practices, but those customs alone do not define Spanish culture. These exotic mental images are simply the prized parts of the culture that us, non-Spaniards, choose to relish in. I have witnessed the historically rich customs and inhaled the romantic spirit that permeates in the air, but more so, Spaniards have demonstrated to me just how many cultural universals there are.
In the past year and some months I have observed so much more about Spaniards than what they can do in a ring or on a stage. I admire Spain's unique art forms, and on the contrary there are certainly behaviors of Spaniard's that I find bizarre; the hair styles? Lets just say, I have never seen so many mullets in real life! But day to day and person to person the routines and life goals of a typical Spaniard and those of an individual from Boston are very much the same; adults go to work, parents care for their children, couples go on dates and children play after school. I have come to realize that the parts of the culture that I value most are not based on entertainment and are not foreign at all. I came here with the intent of learning about Spain's unique past, values and customs but what I didn't know was how much I would learn about my own.
Above are two couples taking cover in the rain together. On the left is a Spanish couple in the town of Avila and on the right are my parents John and Cindy born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts.
1 comment:
I remember a similar transitional experience when studying in Cork in 91-92. You go in with a facination of everything, but in a sad way, it's almost a jading experience to see that the new place and people really aren't that different from you. Like you have discussed, you begin to take these poeple and places for granted because of their new familiarity. It is important to remember that this experience is taking place during a very unique time of your life. You most likely will never enjoy this type of free time, contemplation and self-discovery again. It may seem like an endless option - and is for some - but for the vast majority, the movement and changes of life limit these types of experiences as one gets older. Enkoy every minute of it and remind yourself of that!
Post a Comment