Culture

I noticed cultural differences the second I got off the plane in Zurich. All the european people just seem to have a different vibe. Even the flight attendants on the plane seemed to know which passengers to speak to in german and which to speak to in english. (Except they did accidentally talk to me in german a couple time but i guess my 1/4 austrian must have thrown them off). The first cultural difference I noticed on arriving in Valencia was how everyone speaks with their hands so much! Also, the women here dress so well all the time. I mean even on flights; I fly in yoga pants and tennis!
I think learning a language is a great way to learn about a culture. For example, in vietnamese they don´t have the word "if" so they don´t worry as much as other people since they can´t even say "what if." Anyways I´m learning the Spanish language and I think it helps me understand the culture better. I know a lot of Mexican Spanish but its crazy to learn how many words are different. As shown in this funny video that my new Valencian friend showed me after he tried to have a convo with me in spanish.

 As for different sights in this country, topless people on the beach is definitely something you don´t see in the states! Also couples here show a lot more PDA! (The topless people at the beach showing a lot of PDA is even more culturally shocking). I´ve noticed there are a lot more women working here in AIDICO than in most engineering companies in the states. One of the many difference in the work environment is the attire the ladies wear to work. They dress really cute then just change into the work boots when necessary. For another example, I´m writing this at work right now lol. I defintely couldn´t do this at my internship back home. They are a lot more laid back about safety in the laboratories also. It´s kinda funny since I work in the "saftey lab" lol but they still are really safe since the one I work in is really dangerous. Here's a pic of it even though it doesn't really show how big or tall it is though!

Another cultural difference in the work environment is the manager that walks around smoking his pipe and smokes ciggarettes in the office. The way of life is much different especially the general day schedule. The business hours are hard to get used to though! I´m definitely a fan of the siesta. I kinda like the eating schedule. It's a nice breakfast, then a snack at 11ish, a big lunch at 2-3, siesta time, a snack in the afternoon, then finally a late dinner at 9-10 pm. The food is very different too, I was expecting spicy because of Mexican food but it's still good. This picture is of Bravas. It's fries and tabasco sauce with a ton of this butter/mayo stuff on it?? It was good but then it was so greasy it hurt my stomach. But it was fun we watched the world cup and had una jarra (a pitcher). This is a place really close to our flat.

 I have to say italy and mexico are still winning the food competition. We did have some really great sangria though! I also like the fanta and cerveza mix! The night life schedule is way different too! We didn´t even get to the club until 2:00 am the other night! The coolest part is they can basically tailgate in the parking lot of the bars and there are people selling cold beers for like one euro too! (They do it on the beach too it´s so convienent). Then they stay out sooo late. We saw the sunrise both times we´ve gone out so far. I asked this guy I met if it was normal to stay up till 8 am partying and he laughed and said "Welcome to Spain." We walked to the port after the disco and watched the sunrise with them, it was really fun. We were exhausted from the walk but it was worth it.

 One cultural challenge for me is the way guys talk to you at bars. They are very forward and persistant! I mean I barely understand what they are saying and they still try. They are very touchy as well and too persistant for me. One guy I met told me in very broken english that it didn´t matter because there´s no language for love or something and then went in to do the little kiss kiss greeting they do but tried to actually kiss me! I´d literally known him for a minute and a half and he wasn´t even that cute. Overall, I like the Spanish culture and am really enjoying life in Valencia!