First impressions

So as I am finally starting to get used to everything that is going on here I am beginning to notice several things, both good and not as good, about the place, the people, and most importantly the culture. Firstly, I have been surprised at the complete lack of sprawl that exists in this town. It is the strangest sensation to be walking through the streets with tall buildings on either side and then suddenly to have the road end and have there be nothing in front of you but empty land for the 20 miles to the next small town. It is so different from home, and so indicative of how community oriented things are here. Yesterday the streets were full of people out for a Sunday stroll despite the fact that not a single store was open but the heladerias and the dulcerias. The thought of the entire community flooding into the streets in the USA with no where in particular to go seems preposterous. And the best part is that everywhere you look people walking by each other will stop to talk to their old friends and this is the real reason why they are out, simply to be in the community and reconnect with whomever they happen to run into, resulting in an incredibly community oriented feel to this small Spanish city.

Secondly, I realize just how nice it is to be able to walk where ever I might want to go. The city is honestly the perfect size. With the exception of the university, I can walk anywhere in the city in 30 minutes or less. I have to say, I think if there were one cause that could be sited for the general difference in health between the USA and Europe in general it would probably be the lack of walking that we do back home, whereas that is simply such an inherent reality here that no one thinks twice about walking to places.

Thirdly, with regards to the culture here, the idea of a nap every day after lunch is probably the best thing ever. Definitely a schedule that I could get used to!! obviously there is more to be said here but that will have to be for another day. I have to go eat dinner soon so buenas noches a todos.

Ross