It’s hard to believe that I’ve already been in Spain for two weeks, and I’m absolutely loving every moment! The thought of leaving is bittersweet—I wish I could stay longer to fully soak in the incredible culture and experiences here.

Alcalá de Henares

Life in Alcalá de Henares is distinct from my routine back home in New Jersey and Pittsburgh. One of the most noticeable changes is how meals are structured. In Spain, meals are not only at different times but are also far more family-oriented. Lunch, the largest meal of the day, is served in the early afternoon and is often a communal affair that can last for hours. This contrasts sharply with the quicker, more individualistic meals I’m used to back home, where I usually eat on the go or separately from my family due to busy schedules.

Neighbors

Another striking difference is the closeness of relationships with neighbors. Here, neighbors are practically extended family. I’ve already met two of my host family’s neighbors. Rafa, one of the neighbors, joins us for lunch around three times a week, making the meal feel even more like a community gathering. The other neighbor, Manuel, has become my regular ping-pong partner.

I’m incredibly grateful for how welcomed I’ve felt in my host family’s home. The sense of community extends beyond just our house—it’s a multicultural hub where neighbors from various backgrounds live together. This community includes people from Morocco, Argentina, Ecuador, Uruguay, and now, my roommate and me from the United States. It’s been enriching to not only dive into Spanish culture but also to learn and share about traditions from around the world. At lunch one day, I had shared that my family is from Sri Lanka. The next time Rafa joined us for lunch, he had brought over tea from Sri Lanka and shared a book about the country, written in Spanish! It was such a kind gesture, and it sparked a long conversation about global cultures. I even shared the book with my parents at home, and they were thrilled to see the Spanish-to-Tamil translations in the back!

Siestas

One of the most charming aspects of daily life here is the siesta—a designated time in the afternoon to rest and recharge. At first, it felt strange to pause in the middle of the day, but I’ve come to greatly appreciate this tradition. It’s a great time of rest, especially as I adjust to the differences in climate. The heat in Alcalá has been one of the most challenging aspects of life here. Unlike back home, where air conditioning and ice water are standard, here they are much less common. As a result, waking up in a pool of sweat has become a regular part of my morning routine. Despite this, the chance to explore different cities and immerse myself in the Spanish language has made every sweaty moment worth it.

The study abroad experience has been everything I hoped for and more. It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way. Before coming here, I considered myself relatively independent, though I wasn’t always open to compromise. But this experience has taught me the value of flexibility. I’ve tried new foods, embraced new experiences, and learned to navigate the unknown with a newfound confidence. The directness of Spaniards has been another cultural difference that required some adjustment. They’re open and unfiltered in expressing their opinions, which was a bit of a learning curve for me. However, this straightforwardness has led to clearer communication and less room for misunderstandings.

In just two weeks, I’ve grown in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I’m more independent, confident, adaptable, yet also more spontaneous. This experience has not only enriched my understanding of Spanish culture but also deepened my appreciation for the diverse world we live in. I’m excited to see what the rest of my time in Spain has in store!