Classroom Norms in Spain

In our culture class today we discussed the norms that are expected in classrooms in Spain.  I shocked at some of the things students in Spain are not allowed to do.  I have done almost all of them in class here and at home in Kansas.  It seems that the classrooms here are much more strict.  Since I am in a class with only students from K-State we did not pick up on these norms from other students.  We had a discussion about them today.  Fortunately our teachers do not enforce them with us.  Here is what we learned:

• No food or drinks (water is okay)
• No gum
• No leaving the classroom to go to the bathroom
• No slouching in your chair
• No flip flops
• No cell phones
• No pencils on exams

These would be hard changes to get used to if I had to follow these rules!  I like that US classrooms are more relaxed, at least depending on the teacher.

Madinat Al-Zahra

At Madinat Al-Zahra

In front of the city entrance

It's hard to describe what it is like to watch through the ruins of a city that was built over 1000 years ago, but that is exactly what I did.  We visited Madinat Al-Zahra which is located only 7 kilometers outside of Cordoba. Construction on the city began in 936 and took about a decade to complete.  Even though the city stood for barely 80 years it is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Spain and Europe. Currently only one-tenth of the city has been excavated.  Even so, we went on a two-hour walking tour and I would have liked to stay for at least another two hours!  The view from the highest point in the city is incredible.  I could see for miles.  We were able to see gates, stables, servants quarters, remains of the oven, and the hall of Abd al-Rahman III.  I loved to just stand in the center of the city and gaze out upon the remains and imagine what I would have seen if I was standing there 1000 years ago.  What would the people be doing?  What would they look like?  What would they be wearing?  How would the city look?  After the tour at the ruins we visited the museum, which had original and reconstructed items from the city.  Then we got to watch a 20 minute video that portrayed what the city might have looked at during it's prime.  I would suggest to others going here to do the walking tour outside first.  I liked to have my own images of the city before I saw the video. Also, it's a good idea to go early in the morning before you roast in the sun.  This has definitely been one of my most favorite activities so far.

American Influences

I am so surprised at how much the United States influences culture and daily life in Spain.  It is true that more Spaniards speak English than Americans that speak Spanish, but still I am surprised at how much of the English language is seen every day.  I think I see more shirts with English writing than with Spanish.  And in most of the shops and stores that we enter they are playing pop music that is popular in the US.  I have heard Jason Derulo, Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, just to name a few.  I wonder how much of these songs the people here actually understand.  In addition I have seen numerous billboards for Hollywood movies.  The new Men in Black movie and the Snow White movie have both been advertised here.  I like it because it reminds me of home.  In class we have talked about how famous the voices are that speak in Hollywood movies.  Movie goers here can recognize the voice but wouldn't know the faces of these people.  I think that is so interesting.  Last night I was watching a Hollywood movie on TV, You Again, that came out just a few years ago.  The Spanish voice overs were included.  I don't think that I would like to watch movie like this.  There are a lot of influences in TV too.  Spongebob, Dora, and the Smurfs are all very popular here.  The Mentalist, House, CIS, and Sex and the City are shown on TV here.  They also have spin-off of American shows such as Big Brother, Minute to Win it, and Grey's Anatomy.  It makes me realize how much of an influence the US is on the rest of the world.  It also makes me so proud of where I am from.  Yesterday we were shopping at the mall and I we found a scarf that was an American flag.  I thought about it.  Would I ever find a scarf in America of Spain's flag?  Probably not.

Flamenco

The singers and guitarists

Three Flamenco Dancers

We had the pleasure of attending an excellent Flamenco show last week.  The show was in a courtyard area and we had front row seats!  The show began with a solitary man playing the guitar in the dark.  He seemed to be one with the music and I could almost see the music by his facial expressions.  Then a man came out.  He reminded me of someone that would be in the Mafia.  Wearing all black, shaved head, stout, and strong.  Then he belted out some beautiful song.  It was incredible!  He was joined by a young, petite woman and another guitarist.  The band was assembled.  Then came the dancers.  First was a man and woman couple.  They each had little clappers in their hands that added so much to the music.  I don't even know how they moved their fingers that quickly.  There were 5 acts total.  Besides the first one, they stomped their feet instead of using clappers.  I didn't know they did that, but it was so cool!  I was worn out just watching the dancers. The dancers faces looked full of pain.  It was amazing experience.  Andalusia is well-known for their flamenco dances and it is a must-see when visiting Spain.

La Mezquita

Cordoba is famous for La Mezquita.  There are lots of buses full of tourists that visit each day.  Last week we had the opportunity to visit La Mezquita too, which is an obvious must see when coming to Cordoba.  My class had a personal tour guide that took us all around the Mezquita and shared her knowledge with us.  The tour was completely in Spanish, obviously, but I had trouble paying attention for the whole time.  I was distracted by the beauty of La Mezquita.  I wish that I could explain it, or at least show pictures that would convey the beauty of the place, but neither do it justice.  The amount of detail and splendor is indescribable. 

La Mezquita was originally a mosque, but after the Spanish reconquest it was transformed into a Catholic church.  There is so much history that makes this such an incredible place to visit and learn about.  I had the opportunity to attend church there this past Sunday although it was in a small chapel and not the main altar.  Still it was beautiful. 

Host Mom

Before I left America I filled out a questionnaire about my preferences for a family to live with.  I checked that I wanted to live with a family that had children.  Instead I am placed in a home with just one mom.  It is just me her.  Her name is Rosa and I couldn't be happier with her.  She is very particular, but extremely patient with me and understanding.  She has been hosting students for 12 years.  She talks slowly and repeats herself a lot until I finally understand, or at least say that I do!  She washes my laundry every Thursday and cooks my meals, delicious although not always the healthiest.  She talks a LOT!  But I have learned to ask questions.  It is extremely important especially when I do not understand what she is telling me.  My host mom obviously knows a lot about Cordoba and I have learned to ask her questions about it.  She always wants to tell me what she knows. 

What study abroad really means...

Study abroad.  Do not be fooled but this phrase.  Many people may think this is synonymous with vacation.  It is not.  Study comes first, in the phrase at least.  Don't get me wrong, studying is better abroad, but it is still studying.  And it does have to get done.  We are in class 5 1/2 hours each day.  Believe me, in the summer that seems like an eternity.  On top of that there is homework to be done and papers to write.  But when we are here we are learning continuously.  Every time I speak with my host mom I am learning more and more.  I have already noticed huge gains in my comprehension and understanding of Spanish.  But this is not a walk in the park.  Most of the time my brain feels like mush and I crave speaking English.  This is another reason I am glad that I am here with other students from K-State.  Studying abroad is fantastic, but when I signed up for this I kept forgetting about the "study" part.  Even so, I wouldn't change my mind.