So today I was engulfed with Spanish culture and the way they live their lives. I felt like I was actually part of the society of Castilians.
Though I decided I could never fit in as looking European. I tried. I attempted to look fashionable, wear scarves, not the boots, but roxy shoes, and very classy. But I stick out like a sore thumb. People can just tell and I don’t know how. They try speaking English to me assuming I am not Spanish. My long hair and blond sticks out too. But I really attempted to fit in by only speaking Spanish and Catalan and with my actions. But I can’t help with not smiling when I see people. And I carry myself differently. An old, English speaking man on the bus said American girls can stand out because they are friendly and walk with confidence. But here they walk with pride, and I guess I have no one to show public displays of affection with so It’s hard to fit in (all teenagers do this). Today I officially gave up fitting in. I am wearing my hair straight and down, rocking the flip flops, and my northface. I know I can never be fully European by my image. But I can continue with my vocabulary and “local” attributes.
Today I took Maria Rosa’s grandkids to the park. This is something every fair weathered Sunday in the afternoon families do.
The parked was packed with screaming children, and the kids playing football could kick my ass any day. Kids idolized the Barcelona team here. It was so much fun playing with the young kids, and it is weird how families are so close here. Parents are always kissing their kids and showing affection. Mom’s and dad’s are equally a part of their child’s life. And they are constantly hugging and kissing them. And so many kids know English. Way more than their parents, and they are very educated in sports and politics at such a young age. I had Spanish/Castilian conversations about Hannah Montana and Futball with so many of them! A weird thing I noticed was kids played Indians and cowboys. An American game. They had the hats and guns, and were playing something that American kids generally did since it was somewhat historic (but very wrong) to their home country. In Las Ramblas there was a man dressed as an American Indian too. I don’t know why I have seen so much of that here!A kid playing soccer had a Harley Davidson shirt on, and when he turned around it said Tomahawk, Wisconsin. What are the odds! I snuck a picture when I was walking by. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it!
I also watched the Disney Channel in Spanish today and Hannah Montana is an obsession here, but with a voiced over high pitched voice. It was a sight to see! Spain has a liking to American music and TV, that is a huge thing I have noticed this week!
Today Erin and I ate at a café by La Segrada Familia boardwalk! We had one of the best views in the city. And later that night we ate chocolate against a wall on a city street. It was a classic moment between the two of us! Two American girls at 10pm eating chocolate on a side street! We both just love walking through the busy streets. But last night the streets weren’t busy because everyone was in the bar. We couldn’t fit in any around my apartment! Young and old guys were congesting the bar for the game! Way bigger than any American football game, the bars were packed for a super bowl. Barcelona played Madrid. And it was the El Clasico! (the rivalry between the two strongest teams in the Spanish Nation) People are so into it here! It is there passion! But I can see why. The stadium where Barca plays can fit 99,000, and was made for the 1992 Olympics. Football in Europe is so intense, and it takes skill and talent. I am going to learn the game really well. I am joining a team here and attempt it!
I just love how a whole country can be so into a sport! More than American baseball or football. Little kids play football and idolize the athletes! I can’t wait to for the next game. The local pubs are an amazing place to connect with the people of Barca. The passion for things in Spain amazes me more and more cada dia.
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