Cultural Faux Pas

One of the hardest things to remember while I am here are the little cultural differences that make you look rude or impolite.

For example: I will never again be found in a park with my shoes off... even if they are flip flops because apparently that is extremely rude. Nor will I sit on the ground in a park by a bench. We had a security guard tell us we are only allowed to sit on the benches not by them. We thought it might just be in that park, but we asked the receptionist at the school and she was shocked that we would sit on the ground. Bizarre.

Also, while eating, it is better to have both of your hands visible above the table and don't put your napkin on your lap. Because if your napkin is on your lap, they will ask/ demand from you what you did with your napkin. It's kind of intimidating to have Spanish spouted off at you because you have your napkin in your lap.

Also, everyone here waxes their legs and shaving is manly, so if you mention that you shave, or need to, or anything referring to your use of a razor (like leaving one in the shower), you'll get a weird look.

There are so many more things also when speaking to people that I just don't know. Today I learned in my grammar class about the polite way to "command" people if your out and about walking around. Like if I am on a bike and am crossing someone and they tell me "Pasa!" (Go ahead/ You first) It means that they are mad that they have to wait, but if they say "Pasa! Pasa!" then they are being polite and don't mind. Two times=good, once=stupid American. I have misunderstood this the whole time I've been here thinking people wanted me to hurry as they repeated themselves. Not to mention all of the times I've looked like a jerk by only saying it once. And this is with all of their commands too, which they use way more often here. It's a much more blunt/ direct culture. So after today, I'm constantly in a state of the unknown. I could be doing something completely normal that is offending all kinds of people.

Anyways, this week is continuing to be gorgeous! It's hot in the sun and amazing in the shade. I picnicked with some friends at the Real Alcazar which is about a five minute walk from school today. It is a humongous garden/ building complex from way long ago. It's usually 8 euros to enter but luckily with a student id... free for me :D So my entertainment today was walking around with my camera for about 3 hours. I didn't even see the inside part of it either, but another time. I'll put up pictures soon... the school is about to close.