Okay, so while I admire the beauty of the language, geography and architecture in Spain... I can't seem to wrap my head around certain parts of the culture. I see why people in America think that people in Europe are rude. They're really not, it's just that in American we're so oppressed by the need to be politically correct that we forget that it's okay to not say 'excuse me' or 'sorry' when you bump into someone. Especially because nine times out of ten, it's their fault anyway.
My favorite word in Spanish is 'perdóname', meaning excuse me, or please let me through. Here, it's rarely said. People will nudge you out of the way, or simply tell you to move before they even consider saying perdóname... It's kind of sad really, but only because it's my favorite word.
I've really gotten accustomed to it though in the past two days. All the walking we've been doing and all the times I've tried to use perdóname effectively, and failed, have taught me that it's totally okay to not say excuse me.
Hear me Americans? It's totally okay.
And in restaurants! In America, it's all about customer service. Here, if you need a refill (which isn't gratis, free) you have to ask for it. They aren't going to come by with an endless pitcher of water. You better be ready to pay the extra euro,50 if you're still thirsty after the first one. And while in America the server will leave the ticket for you way before you're ready to leave, here they pretty much forget you exist, let alone your tab, so you have to ask for everything.
It's not rude. It's just the way that they are.
Time to break the stereotype people!
Flirting is the same. :)
Anyway, the really cool legend I was refering to in the title.
So at the Alhambra we talked about how the Christan's overtook the Muslims forever ago, I forgot which siglo (century).
So the legend goes:
When the Christian's took over the Alhambra, and all the Muslims fled the country, some stayed behind but went underground. While they were underground they fell into a deep sleep and are still sleeping there today.
The legend says that one day the ground will shake and open underneath the Alhambra and all of the sleeping Muslims will return to Spain and take their places again in the Alhambra.
... Granted, the woman who told me this legend said it with a lot more detail, but that's the basic jist of it all.
I'll write again tonight about my first day of classes, and hopefully about going out to a bar. Haven't done that yet... but I want more Spanish Sangria!!! :)
Bunas Tardes
<3
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