Mi Barrio

Living on the edge of the Gracia neighborhood provides an authentic introduction to the Spanish lifestyle. I live in a very modern, 5 room apartment, on ”el primero piso” which in Spain is actually the second, not the first, floor. The immediate differences between the cultural norms of the people in Spain compared to those in the states are both stark and sometimes, uncomfortably clear. In this post, I want to share with you the good, the bad in relation to my first impressions of Barcelona.

Barcelona is bordered by two rivers, making it impossible to expand outwards, but commonly surging upwards. Local homes and businesses are small and arranged between and on top of each other. Many of the streets in my neighborhood, including my own, are one-way. Despite this, they are constantly busy with people of all ages, Vespas, cars, and strollers. This brings me to my first cultural observation. I cannot stress enough how common walking is by every age at any time of day. The Spanish love to be outdoors, hence the incredible amount of outdoor spaces like plazas, parks, and street-side or "terrace" dining. It doesn't strike me as too unusual since we have adopted this trend in California throughout the pandemic, but surely the normalcy of this concept is foreign.

In Barcelona's Gracia neighborhood, it is easy to fall in love with the narrow twisting streets lined with flags, plants, Vespas, and various small storefronts, each specializing in either meat, fruits, vegetables, coffee, or baked goods. Since westernizing, there are levels of grocery stores ranging from farmer's market style stands to supermarket-style stores. Generally, the style of life here is to pick up groceries every couple days so people are constantly walking around with fresh groceries. For example, this morning I went to an open market to get sliced bread, carrots, and fruit and I walked by a man holding a single bag of fresh pasta for one. I couldn't help but smile because this would absolutely never happen at home! I enjoy this aspect of life here because it creates a culture that does not lean towards, waste, excess, or tradegy of the commons-like living.

Now, for the harder news. My biggest struggle so far has been normalized staring, cat-calling, and serenading. At first, the attention and ability to stare at others makes this cultural shift sort of thrilling. In the states, staring is widely seen as rude and typically if you stare back, someone will divert their eyes. However, here in Spain, staring back indicates you are engaging, interested, and almost communicating positively with the other party. The men bolding come up to you, ask for pictures, want to know where you're going, or ask you to join them drinking. So far, we've been lucky enough to leave the harassment behind as soon as we walk away. I will admit to laughing and smiling when serenaded with a song directed to me, (ahí va una mujer caminando bajo la lluvia silenciosa/there goes a woman walking under the quiet rain). Overall, the shift from being gracious to strangers is difficult, especially because of what's been ingrained in me, like smiling and saying hello when passing someone.

Overall, I am adjusting more and more each day and I have already begun to understand the layout of the city. It's difficult to take a rest when there's so much to do and see, but we are pacing ourselves as a household. Today we are going out to the old town and seeing where the day takes us! The students in my program are kind and many even willing to practice our Spanish together! I am eager for classes to start this upcoming week, and potentially be in Ibiza next weekend!

Hasta pronto,

Annie