Hakuna matata . . .
It means no worries. Well, in Spain, the phrase is “No pasa nada,” and it pretty much sums up the culture here. My time here in Alcala de Henares, España has been life changing already, the way of life is definately something to get used to. Life is slower paced (of course!) — people actually take naps in the afternoon. Yes, siestas really do happen! Most of the reason is because it is so hot between the hours of 2 – 9 (no air conditioning), there is not much else you can do. It is weird though, to have so much free time. Despite 5 hours of class everyday, there is still so much time to contemplate life, which is scary sometimes. You start to realize things about yourself that you never knew were there. Yikes! But in the end, I would say that being abroad ignites passion and boldness that is so freeing. No pasa nada!
Ok so in the past week, I have managed to . . .
*communicate with my host mom, Maria, despite having to ask her to repeat everything . . . twice
*master the public transportation system in Madrid
*explain the lyrics to “If I Were a Boy” to Maria in Spanish
*get used to not having air conditioning . . . except in class . . . when its freezing
*walk EVERYWHERE
*go to Segovia, Spain, where there is a huge Roman aqueduct and a 15th century castle
*start liking fresh seafood
*sit through 2 1/2 hour classes without falling asleep
*get used to the sun setting at 10pm
*spend the 4th of July in Madrid and saw the Gay Pride parade
*try the best Churros and Chocolate that Madrid has to offer . . . and tapas
*see La Guernica at the Reina Sofia. Amazing!
As you can see, life may be slower-paced, but the American in me has kept me going! Spain really is such a beautiful country. There is still so much to do! This weekend, I go to San Fermin in Pamplona (running of the bulls!). It should be a pretty crazy experience. The culture of bull fighting is so interesting to me though. There are so many protests, yet the tradition continues to live on year after year. One thing is for sure, there is not really anything else in the world like it. I guess I’ll find out soon!
That’s it for today, maybe it’s time for a siesta.
Dang. Fun.
Reading your posts is reminding me of living in Denmark.
I love how most other cultures have a pace of life that is different from our own.
Its been true of all the places I’ve visited, from big cities like Cairo or little villages like Mon.
Why is it that everyone else has figured out what we haven’t, life is supposed to be enjoyed, not beaten to death.
More specifically, i think i’ve noticed that other cultures tend to value relationship over activity.
Americans are all about “how much can we get done in as little time as possible”
Which is fine, it has made us the most productive, richest nation in the world.
But is it really worth the cost?
I think I would rather be a “lazy” European, working 40 hours a week max and taking a month or so for summer holiday.
Hakuna matata indeed.
By: stackable on July 15, 2009
at 2:26 pm