Embracing Life the Spanish Way
a Bus that never came, my first impressions and the start of a big adventure
So here I am. All packed up, my suitcase next to me, the sun is shining, lots of cyclists are riding past me and it doesn't feel like January at all. I check Google Maps to see how to get to my apartment by bus. However, every timetable is out of date and I wander around Gandia for 30 minutes trying to find my way to my apartment. And so began my semester abroad in the Spanish city Gandia directly at the beach. I was completely lost and overwhelmed. But I was also immediately welcomed with Spanish friendliness and helpfulness. After many people explained in Spanish different ways to bus stations, that partly didn´t even exist, my landlord picked me up and drove me to the apartment. The first few weeks were very exciting. Not only did I enjoy living so close to the beach, but I also got to know the open, warm, but also somewhat scatterbrained nature of the Spanish people.
Learning Patience the Spanish Way
Things continued in the same relaxed manner at university, which wasn't always an advantage, however. When I arrived in Gandia, I went straight to the international office to sort out the last few organizational details. However, it all took a little longer than expected. There were a few problems with the course selection, the UPV app, and my student ID. I wasn't used to not having any real control over the situation and at the time I was very desperate and afraid that I wouldn't be able to get into any courses. I wasn't really registered as a student, so I had to go to the international office every week. All the procedures took longer than usual and I was told many times to be patient, but everyone was always willing to help me. No matter how long something takes and how many problems there are, my experience is that Spaniards always want to help you and are there for you; you just have to be patient.
When University comes with a Café con Leche
The courses at the university reminded me less of the typical lectures I know from Germany and more of lessons at school. They were mostly very interactive and we had homework almost every week. The professors placed a lot of emphasis on attendance and participation. Some professors considered interaction with students particularly important, so they would quickly move the lecture outside to the campus with a café con leche so that we could enjoy the nice weather. The atmosphere at the university was very pleasant, and working with my Spanish fellow students was also very interesting.
Festivals as a reflection of culture
This special character of the Spanish people, which I had the opportunity to get to know in everyday life, is also reflected in their festivals and traditions. In Spain, everyone tries to get the most out of life. They set their priorities differently and can be completely passionate about something. I am used to a different approach in Germany. That doesn't mean that one is better or worse, it's just a different perception of life and priorities. I noticed this particularly in their traditions and festivals. They reflect their strong local identity, the Spanish way of life, and their community.
Las Fallas
A very special festival that is only celebrated in the Valencia region is Las Fallas. The festival, which takes place throughout the Valencian Community, symbolizes purification and the beginning of spring. Las Fallas usually begins on March first, with the highlight of the celebrations taking place from March 15 to 19.
Between overwhelm and admiration
The first time I went to the Mascleta with friends, I was quite overwhelmed. The entire city center was crowded, there was music everywhere and people were shouting and dancing. I was overwhelmed by the traditions and the community spirit that the Spanish create. But it was also very unfamiliar. The fireworks were incredibly loud, we covered our ears and wondered what the point of fireworks in the middle of the day was. Meanwhile, the Spanish celebrated extensively, the atmosphere became louder and louder, and you could see that they had been waiting for the festival for months, while we felt rather alienated at that moment.
I was also very torn during the last nights of the Fallas and the burning. On the one hand, I was overwhelmed by the huge crowds, had to think about all the pollution caused by the fireworks, and wondered what it was all for. On the other hand, I had never experienced anything like this before. Everyone celebrated together, running from street to street and discovering something new around every corner. You felt like you belonged, no matter what culture you came from.
At first, the Spanish way of life felt a little unfamiliar to me. I struggled with the lack of structure that I was used to in Germany. But over time, I was able to adapt to the way of life and even learn from it. Whether it was attending a lecture with a café con leche or wandering through the streets of Valencia in the evening during the Fallas. Spain taught me how important it is to occasionally experience life from a different perspective. I recommend that anyone planning a trip to Spain to bring plenty of patience and an open mind. Things will probably turn out differently than planned, but the most important thing is to simply embrace it and let the Spanish art of living work its magic on you.
Kommentare 1
HOLA, SOY LA ESTUDIANTE LARISSA HERBST 👁️🦷👁️