This should be a familiar image to all: being in a public space, a train for example, and having a family, or group of people speaking another language. Yes, we may look at them a little funny, curious as to what they are talking about, this only lasting a mere 5 seconds. But it is RARE that an American approach the group, harassing them and shouting obscenities.
Well, true to their blunt and honest culture, the Spaniards (more specifically, the men) are relentless when it comes to interacting with us Americans. EVERYWHERE we go, and yes, I mean EVERYWHERE, people are constantly staring at us, shouting lovely things such as "Oh, las americanas quapas" (pretty americans), "Hola rubia' (hello blondie) and one my favorites that we heard most recently for the first time, "Ah Americanas Borrachas!" (drunk americans...). Additionally, not only are these things shouted across parks and plazas and on public transit, but there are SOUND EFFECTS that naturally go along with them. It is common to hear men making kissing noises and whistling at the group of us 7 girls that walk around. Really, it is quite a pleasant experience...
Fortunately, as the locals get used to seeing us around more, the comments and noises have been lessening (phew). HOWEVER, everywhere we go, still, as a group, we are a spectacle. We walk into a bar, and everyone, and yes I mean every single person there turns and stares at us. We get mixed reactions, some places and people loves us, treating us like celebrities. Then there are the "others." It would be fair to say that not everyone in Spain loves us. When we walk into a restaurant, or shop, it is typical of the employees to roll their eyes and fight over who has to deal with us. It sucks, but I honestly don't blame them. We are a rowdy bunch, loud and VERY American wherever we go. It takes us hours to decipher the menu at restaurants, and then more hours to actually decide what we want and communicate this to the camarero (waiter). By the end of the meal, the whole restaurant usually hates us and we are scurrying out of there, heads down, back to class.
More recently on a train ride into Madrid, we were all, boys AND girls, sitting as a group, casually sharing some Sangria and wine :) About 20 minutes into our unusually mellow ride, a group of about 15 bachelors board the train of course, in our car. Immediately upon their entrance we know we are doomed. They get on, take one look at us and sit themselves down on either side of us, immediately harassing and attempting to flirt with the girls. Not only is it one of their Bachelor parties, but it is tradition in Spain (Mom and Dad please look away) for the Bachelor himself to wear a hmm lets estimate 2 foot "plush p****" around his waist...You can only imagine what the rest of our train ride was like. Thankfully I was sitting against one of the windows and most of the harassment was geared at the girls lining the aisles - Kelly-Ann in particular.
So, as you can tell, its a little harder for us to blend in here than it is in America. None of us are really used to the attention and honestly, I think I speak for the group when I say, none of us really like it. After being here three weeks (!!!!!) already, I dont really pay attention to the comments and stuff anymore but it would be nice to be able to blend in for once, to be a local. I am already looking forward to coming back to the States and fitting in, not having to worry about interpreting the menus, communicating my needs and not having men act like wild animals around a group of girls! Anyways, here are some pictures from the last few weeks for you to enjoy!! Miss you all, 99TJP.
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| At Kapital (a discoteca) in Madrid! |
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| Out to dinner! |
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| Banco de Espana (National Treasury) |
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| Madrid! (and the one below!) |
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