I’ve been in Granada for about two weeks now, following my orientation in Madrid and Toledo. My time here so far has been smooth-sailing and very enjoyable. I’ve met a lot of cool people from all over the United States. Though everyone is super friendly, I’ve particularly bonded with a group of 6 other girls and I enjoy planning little excursions together, like getting ice cream or just walking around town. They remind me a lot of my friends at Pitt; when I first joined club water polo freshman year, I immediately formed a friend group with 5 other girls and we have been bonded ever since!
In regard to Spain, it is a beautiful country, but it is much different than the United States. For one, meal times are shifted. Breakfast is at the same time, but lunch is eaten around 2 or 3 and dinner around 8 or 9. Like the time change, it was something my body had to adjust to, but I became acclimated to this schedule quickly. In fact, I might like it better than the US! It is nice to have leisurely meals rather than rushing to eat lunch in between classes. Having a later dinner means that you can take a nap after lunch and still have time to go shopping or meet friends in the evening. Life here is much more relaxed and people take their time in every way they can. People walk slower, sometimes professors are late, and dining experiences can take hours (just ask for the check)!
In Granada specifically, life is very relaxed and reliant on socialization. Older people can be seen sitting by the river in groups talking, children and dogs are free to roam safely, and people are always filling the outdoor seating at restaurants to have a drink with the friends and family. I’ve noticed some tourists, but much less than the amount I noticed when I visited Madrid, Sevilla, or Toledo, which makes Granada feel more homey. It is a lot different from my rural hometown, where you have to drive everywhere, or Pittsburgh, where there is more commotion. I didn’t fully know what to expect when I came here, but it is safe to say that I love it!