A Culture Wake Up Call

Hola!
The end of our second day in Spain has arrived, and all I can say is that it has definetly been a culture wake up call. First everything here is so small! The people, the cars, the roads, the houses and many other things are so small compared to things in America but one thing that is big here is the people and the pride for their country. Never have I seen so many nice, welcoming people in a country. For example, these families are always handing us food! Breakfast, Pre-made breakfast and lunch, and then a snack ready for us when we get out of the pool. Its incredible how welcoming these families are with many of them not being able to speak very good English.

But not only are they welcoming and always offering us food, a nice place to stay, and trying to make us feel comfortable, but they have so much pride for their country. In America people are so consumed with materialistic things, here that is not seen what so ever. The people are happy to have what they have. They do not need big houses, or fancy cars to make them happy for a living. They live with what is needed and thats it. I think its something we all can learn from this trip and living with these families, to be less materialistic and enjoy what we have in life.

Living with a family is a very new and different experience, but one I will never forget. On top of the families and the people around us, we visited the beautiful city of Barcelona today. We went down many of the popular streets, took a visit to the Fresh Market and saw the Cathedral. The fresh market was so neat minus some of the meat parts that were shown. But the gelato was so good! We ate lunch at a Olympic Mall in Barcelona and got to see all the different shops. Barcelona is absolutley gorgeous with all the different, ancient architect on the buildings. We will return to Barcelona tomorrow and see more sights. I am very excited and cannot wait! We are all happy to be here... oh and we are all surviving with the training ( the most important part). :) Hope all is well in Jacksonville! Miss you all!!!
Adios!
Taylor