Allaina Kling is a student at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg and an ISA Featured Blogger. She studied abroad with ISA in Barcelona, Spain.
1. SLOW DOWN
Spaniards being lazy is a very prevalent stereotype. However, what some people see as laziness I see as enjoyment. Unlike Americans who are constantly trying to fit a million things into one day, Spaniards understand how to enjoy their time. They could sit with their friends/family outside a café for hours and be completely content. This is because the time they have is not spent living to work but working to live.
2. Two Kiss “Hello”
Okay so not everyone is comfortable with being in close contact with others but how awkward is it (in the States) when you go in for a hug and the other person goes for a handshake? It can get pretty awkward. Instead let’s do as the Spaniards do and just stick to the double cheek kisses!
3. Patatas Bravas
I’m not sure why Americans have fallen in love with French Fries but not patatas bravas. They are essentially French fries on steroids. Bigger and better they are potato cubes with a delicious brava sauce? You can’t go wrong.
4. Zara
Zara, AKA the greatest clothing store known to man and woman. Classy and decently priced. Enough said.
5. Menu del Dia
Hey Americans, we all like getting the most bang for our buck don’t we? Then how come we still have not adopted the concept of the Menu del Dia? If you don’t know what that is it is on of the greatest things in the Spanish culture (especially in terms of food). It includes a first plate, a second plate, and a drink and sometimes if you’re lucky dessert as well. All of this for a whopping price of between 7-12 Euros (I know I still can’t get over it)
Seriously improve your selfie game by studying abroad. Your shortcut to exploring the world starts here.