Beginning of April

My "2 month break" is wrapping down, but looking back on it I can say it was amazing. Just last week I got back from Spain, where my Mom and I had a great time. We rented a car and first went to Salamanca, where I had previously studied in High School. It was awesome to be back, show my Mom my old hang out places, and meet up with my host family. After spending some time in Salamanca, we went down to Sevilla for the processions. Processions are huge religious parades where the members of these so called "secret societies" cover their faces and march with large floats of Jesus. Here is a picture: http://www.npjcruzacuestas.org/img/fotografia/procesiones1_grande.jpg (taken from the internet, not mine). It was at first amazing to see SO many people and SO much passion for what they believed in. The amazement died down for us after hours of moving through crowds. People were more packed into that city than anything I've ever seen. Absolutely unbelievable. We then head up to Cordoba, where we saw the "Mezquita de Cordoba". The mosque was built when the Muslims had control of southern Spain and was then reformed into what is now a Catholic Church. Spain's history and culture are amazing. The preservation of the old buildings has left Spain, in my opinion, as the country that most takes you back in time. I think everyone has to visit Spain at least once before they die.

After spending my summer there in High School and after this last trip, I can say that I love Spain. While there, I was thinking about the contrasts between Spain and Germany, and boy there are a ton...

1. German's are extremely punctual, practical, and driven. If there is a task to be done, it will be done ASAP. Of course there are lazy people here, but the general German attitude is one of intensity for getting things done. Spaniards have a lot more "chill" way of life. Spaniards tend to put everything for "manana" and sit back, enjoy their nice weather, and sit and laugh. Of course, too, there are plenty of hard working Spaniards.

2. People are for sure friendlier and appear much happier in Spain. In Bavaria, the people are known for being open and friendly, but generally speaking, I consider people from Spain a lot more amiable. One could say that maybe Spaniards are more superficial, but the openess and happy people is an aspect of Spain that I really like.

3. In Spain, we felt like we were getting ripped off a lot. I should rephrase that, we DID get ripped off a lot. I was very critical in making sure I checked all of the prices, and at LEAST 1nce a day we would be charged more than we should have been. I would have to go up and talk to the guy in Spanish and he would apologize for his "mistake". I'm sure that happens sometimes in Germany, but I feel that the people (especially in Munich) are extremely honest. I have had friends lose their wallets and they got them back; I've had friends undercharged for food or drinks and they always go back up and pay the extra money; and I am amazed that the Munich metro is all on an honors system.


All in all, the mix of both cultures have been really good for me. I see the two as a clash of smiling and laughing Spaniards who works little as more serious looking Germans who are very honest and hard working. Each have their own goods and bads.

Well, hope you've enjoyed this blog for today. Bis spaeter!