Cultural Differences

So, last night we went out again. But it was just me, Holly, Analise, and Sylvia. We went back to the Ovella Negra to see if we could find Rubens because his number didn't save in my phone...he wasn't there. He had offered to take us to a Brazilian party and get us in for free, so we might try again tonight. So we met up and started walking down Las Ramblas which our group leaders warned us not to do alone (you really shouldn't do anything alone at night here except maybe a taxi because we stick out like you would not believe). We were together, so we weren't in too much danger, except for the lurking creepy men who like to tell you how beautiful you are. We had finally reached the end and were headed home when this guy came up to me wanting to kiss me. I told him not to touch me and he was oh, come on, its just a kiss, it will be the best kiss of you life. I told him no and push him away and when he came at me again, my dear friend Analise pushed him and said 'Fuck you! Puta!' (puta = bitch) and he walked away with his tail between his legs. There was a group of guys on another bench who thought it was hilarious as well. We decided we're only going to Las Ramblas on Thursdays when its mostly college students and not so many nasty, creepy guys. I mean, I think its great that I'm so pretty we literally have to fight them off, but I'd prefer to not have that happen again.

So, some cultural differences. Personal space here does not exist. If you want personal space you get it in the bathrooms, which are tiny. Obviously the food is different, but I am not making stuff up when I say I've had ham with almost every meal. Except when I eat cookies for breakfast. They also eat a lot more fruit, which gets things moving if you know what I mean. They walk everywhere which is cool because we get to see a lot of stuff that we would miss if we didn't. And nothing is commercialized. There are no supermarkets like Kroger. You have to go to different stores to get your meat, bread, and everything else. We are going today to get bottled water (the tap is really hard) because all the walking and climbing stairs has made us dehydrated. I did eat Burger King last night (don't judge...I really wanted beef) and it wasn't terrible. I actually liked it better than BK in the states. All the food is really high quality though. So, from going out, we have learned about how it is much more acceptable here for men to cat call. Much, much more acceptable, like almost every icky guy we pass. The more civil ones don't, though. And, when you walk through the plazas and down the streets at night, people stand around trying to sell beers from six packs. There isn't a huge police presence here, but there doesn't seem to need one. And there are people everywhere until all hours of the night. Everyone takes public transportation because gas is really expensive (like $4/liter) and there isn't parking. There are a lot of vespas and motorcycles, and they drive in between the lanes, which is frightening. Things like music and movies that are American are a little behind, and we have yet to hear rap music. Oh, and people stare at us. I'm not sure if its because we are so obviously Americans. Jordi warned us that this would happen but I am shocked how much it happens, usually I just stare back. We're having a great time, and its a huge adventure.

We decided against Tarragona because we haven't slept much and were grumpy (and it was like 20€). So we slept until 2P today, which was wonderful. Now, we're going shopping and probably out to another part of the city tonight. The señora is supposed to set up the internet today but she accidently dyed her hair like bright red and might need to take part of the day to fix it. She's really nice and thinks we're great even though we stay out until like 4A and make noise when we come back. I hope she's going our laundry because her washer looks like a cheese grater that I have no idea how to use. And she hangs everything dry on a line that runs from her balcony across the side of the building outside. So, Barcelona is going to see my choonies. But drying laundry outside is like the standard, so I'm not too worried about it. I'm off to shop now so we can go to the beach tomorrow!

¡Luego!