Doesn't that sound weird? In reality that is what we are doing. We are asking permission to pay the establishment that fed us! Are they really not going to give it to us? I recently had a conversation class with a lovely Spanish lady who has given me great insights into Spanish culture. She asked me why we tip in the States, for here in Spain it is rare to tip, and if you do only 5% is expected. I tried explaining about how TIPS really means "To Insure Preferred Service" and how waiters are paid less so much of their income depends on the quality of their service... honestly trying to explain it sounds strange to even me! Why do we pay them less so people have to dish out more money for food? Looking at your culture from another point of view is quite the experience, I must say.
Well, I am officially half-way through my time here in España, and a montón of things have happened! I have been saved from speeding cars (stupid pigeons!), a Spanish mullet (thank you Kathie!), and Valentine's Day Blues (gotta love single gals who aren't bitter about being single!) There were also some firsts: attending a professional "fútbol" match (¡REAL MADRID!), playing translator for American tourists, and eating cow's heart (so tender and delicious!). Also, spring is quickly coming upon us, and I am pleased to see that mustard flowers run jsut as rampant here as they do in Northern California! Little things like this make me very happy indeed.
Also, a major holiday happened this past week: Carnaval! (similar to Mardi Gras). People here get dressed up and go to parties the two weeks prior to this infamous Tuesday. They also like to burn a sardine...I haven't found someone yet who could tell me why. Several days before the big day students in my school also dressed up in rather strange combinations, such as a silly hat and a facial mole, or crazy hair and kisses stamped onto their faces. Quite entertaining! On Carnaval each class in our school decided on a theme, and in the afternoon paraded around the playground in front of their peers, showing off their lovely costumes. Parents gathered around the fence outside like faithful groupies to cheer on their tesoros (schools here are gated and parents could not come in) and a "dance" party ensued afterwards. It's little wonder the children had a hard time calming down the rest of the week.
The weirdest part of this month is realizing, I mean really realizing, that I have not stepped foot in my home land for 5 months. To think that I really got on a plane by myself and flew 7,000 miles away really blows my mind. I am starting to feel torn between two countries, like my heart is planted in two places at the same time. I love California so so much! And honestly as winter blahs hit me I dearly wanted to fly home and lie in my comfy spring mattress bed and listen to the sounds of my father watching a football game and my mother busy cooking scrumptious goodies in the kitchen. Yet I know when I arrive home I will miss Spain so much. After my grandpa passed away so many people called me or cooked for me or offered their homes and company for me and I realized just how much realtionships with people here have grown. How I am not alone. So the adventures continue....
mmmm....and then you SCARF!
