Comparisons and Contrasts

After being here for 2 and a half months, there are some things I´ve realized about this culture, the people, and the environment that I think are interesting...

1. The architecture is beautiful and much older than in the states.
2. Everyone walks everywhere. Therefore, there aren´t as many overweight people in Europe.
3. Everyone in Europe has a significant other...pretty much!
4. PDA (public displays of affection) is VERY acceptable here-if you´re dating someone, you let the world know.
5. There are fashion statements in Spain, but no fashion norm. "Anything goes" is one of my favorite sayings in relation to wardrobes!
6. There are a lot of dogs out in the streets here, I don´t know if it´s just becuase people actually walk their dogs here, or because there are more of them in general. Because of this, you have to always look at the sidewalk while you walk to avoid the many piles of poo.
7. There are constantly people sweeping and washing the sidewalks and streets.
8. Motos rule the streets-they don´t have to follow any laws-they park wherever, drive wherever, don´t stop at red lights, and I don´t think you have to be 18 to drive one, like you do cars here.
9. The things that are cheap in the states, are expensive here, and the things that are expensive in the states, are cheap here. Examples: Peanut butter-way spendy. Seafood-cheap. Alcohol-way cheap. School supplies-kinda spendy. Hair cuts/colors-cheap. Toiletries-expensive. Etc.
10. You can find good deals on clothes and shoes just like in the states if you´re a smart shopper! The market is a great place for shoes, and sales racks work for clothing.
11. Kids live with their families much longer than kids in the states-up to 30 or so years old is very normal. Part of the problem is finding jobs that are sufficient for living costs.
12. The food here is rather bland, but good!-my mom would die becuase there is rarely pepper set out!
13. Most people live in apartments-large apartments.
14. Everything closes from 2-5 for lunch...everything but restaraunts.
15. The news here covers the whole world-much more informational than stations in the US
16. There is as much construction here in Granada as there is in Fargo/Moorhead!!!
17. People aren´t in as much of a hurry here-you may wait for over a half hour after asking for the bill at a cafe...
18. Europe has a horrible impression of the US and college students thanks to our wonderful tv programs...
19. They have horrible Mexican food here...decent Italian and Chinese, but I think the US wins on variety.
20. People worry about money just as much as we do back home...that´s why my host mom has up to 6 international girls at a time in her house!
21. So many people smoke here, way more than in the US-despite the intense warning labels such as Smoking can kill, that are plastered in bold print on the packages.

I could probably go on forever...but I think you´d get bored. If you have anything to add, please comment!