Funny Things about Spanish People

 So I'm usually not very critical of things, but some observations are in need of criticism. That being said, I am absolutely LOVING my time here in Spain and it makes me sad thinking how there's only 10 days left. 

*** I in no way intend to offend anyone, but these are things that I (as well as other US traveling in Spain) have noticed. This is not to say that every person in Spain is this way, just that on more than one occasion I've encountered these things***

 Que Calor!!!

So Spain has seems to have this obsession with complaining about their weather. Not a day (sometimes a conversation) goes by where someone's not commenting on how hot it is (Que Calor!) and how they are feeling very warm. I mean, yes the temperature is 'warm' and we are in the hottest months of the year (July/August) but it is by no stretch of the imagination unbearable. Today it is 90, and the high this week is 100. . . (probably the highest since i've been here) and if you're sitting in the house, it's totally fine.  (lows range from 55-68, and at night if we're out they'll say "Oi I'm so cold!")

I understand if you're sitting in the sun, yes, you will be hot. But if you're in the pool, how can you still complain about how hot you are? I've even heard from a friend that their family said "Oh it's so hot! It's too hot to go swimming!"

This has become the running joke amongst every American I've met in Spain. "QUE CALOR!"

Swimming Pool
I mentioned this in an earlier post, but I find it funny how "mandatory" it is to spend time in the pool. This morning, the kids and I had Spanish class from about 10:30-11, till it was time for lunch at 2:30. After lunch their mom said they could watch 1 show then they had to change into their swimsuits and go in the pool. I understand that she doesn't want them just sitting and watching TV all day, but it's not like they can go read a book or just call their friends, the next activity must involve the pool.

We spent all day yesterday at the water park, Aquapolis (look for more in a separate post), running around, waiting in lines, and going down tube slides and body slides. I'm really not in the mood for the pool today after doing it for 6 hours yesterday. Mercedes doesn't want to go in the pool and it seems like her mom is having a problem with it. So funny!

Yes, its 'warm/hot' and the pool is refreshing. But I don't see how it needs to be as forced as getting your kids to eat their vegetables.
 

Oil & Fitness
Most everyone I've met seems concerned with avoiding things that may make them fat (peanut butter, candy, fast food), yet they haven't seemed to realize that some of their hard and fast routines are just as bad. The amount of oil that goes into cooking most Spanish food is absurd (although makes for quite a lovely result). Party Drinking, not getting enough sleep and eating ice cream 2x a day doesn't help either.

I think their association with "bad foods" comes from their knowledge of what is popular in the US (McDonalds. . .) and our recent obesity issues, rather than knowing the caloric content and natural effects of diet and exercise. Also, they think I'm crazy for walking a lot in the city since it's so hot out. I wonder what they'd say if I wanted to go for a run. . .

Let's Go (NOW!)
This could just be specific to my family, but when she says "we're going to the store" that means, let's walk out the door and get in the car as we are leaving right now. Typically, it's not a big deal, I just get up, grab my purse, and tag along. But some things take prep: like going from swimming in the pool, to going out for dinner and drinks. For a girl, I get pretty fairly quickly, and don't have a problem going w/out all the bells and whistles you could do if you had more time on your hands, but it's funny that they use no prep time or fore-warning when it comes to going places and doing things. 

Stereotypes
So everyone is guilty of this at one point or another, and every culture does it in a different way. What I've noticed is that amongst Spanish people, it has a lot do with appearance, and language. While some people have their opinions of each type of ethnic group that inhabits their country, here its more like "she pronounces her La/El differently than we do. Why is that?" Or, having a particular name for people who have lots of tattoos and piercings.

I just found it interesting the amount of attention they give to it. Not saying that the US doesn't or anything . . . just think of a high school lunch room.

Now that you've had a taste of my criticism (if you've ever talked to me in person, this is nothing new) I'll go back to talking about all the nice and awesome things I've been able to do with my time in Spain.

~Jenna