Paella and Stereotypes.

Let it be known that culture shock is real and very potent. I will not go into the gory details of how difficult it is to be understood or how frustrating it is to watch as joke after joke goes flying over your head while you just sit there smiling, but understand that life as an exchange student is not all fun and games.

That said, I have a lot to share. Yesterday was Madelin´s Birthday, and this was not necessarily the easiest Birthday she´s ever had considering that is she is an exchange student, like myself, and has only resided here in Spain for as long as I have. Since she has not had time to make friends, my local coordinator, her host mom, some neighbors, and I all held a celebration for her. The most notable aspect of her Birthday celebration was the paella (pah-eya) that one of her neighbors made. Imagine: a large frying pan full of fragrant rice, steaming seafood, legs of chicken, garlic, and onions sizzling over a flame that is tended by a Spanish chef who obviously knows what he is doing. Served with a carved lime and sprig of cilantro atop, it is the picture of deliciousness before me on the table. Yes folks, this is the dish of España! Needless to say, I downed my entire plate in reccord time, but still managed to save enough room for a square of cake. Paella can be made in almost anyway (without chicken, with various spices, etcetera) but the rice is it´s base; it isn´t a Paella without the rice. Now, when you think of Spain, you can think of bullfighting and Paella!

Ok, here´s an interesting tidbit. I happened to glance over at the TV program that we were watching over dinner the other night when I noticed that the melodramatic series had introduced a new character: an American exchange student! I found this very interesting because, although you cannot trust these over-exagerated shows to actually reflect the beliefs or thoughts of every Spaniard, you can find indications of the American stereotypes that are pervasive in any culture. So, the goofy spanish guy is running around in a cowboy hat and with a toy gun, talking excitedly about how they are going to have an American there! "What fun! *bang, bang!*" The classic Spanish mom hits him upside the head lightly when the doorbell rings and everyone runs to the door. Upon seeing a young man of asian descent at the door, the goofy spaniard tells the "china man" to leave because the don´t want any flowers and slams the door. The mom chastises the goofy guy, saying that the young guy at the door is the American exchange student! (go figure; America is known for its diversity!) And the mom invites the young man in. The each character then begins to introduce themselves, but speaking painfully loudly and slowly. Even after the exchange student nods yes, that he does speak Spanish, the characters still treat him like he´s hard of hearing! (my god can I relate to that! one of my teachers speaks at a deathly pace everytime we talk one on one!) At the end of the bit, one of the guys asks the exchange student if he wants to go out clubbing. She exchange student vigorously nods yes! The spanish guy asks if he has money to pay. The exchange student whips out his wallet. The other guy takes his wallet and opens it. Everyone else gathers around to look at what must be a heck of a lot of dollars, because the Spanish guy then exclaims, "Drinks are on me tonight!" And everyone cheers.

My conclusion: We Americans are stereotyped as a very wealthy, diverse people who are generally associated with cowboys and (drawing on my own experience now) Hollywood. The other day I got the classic "Have you ever met a famous person" question. I laughed out loud when they asked me that. I´ve also gotten the "Do you surf" one and "Don´t you live on the beach?" The other thing that always draws a smile to my face is seeing two guys kissing each other´s cheeks and beeing all touchy-feely. :-) It´s so normal here, but it never fails to make me giggle a little bit in my soul.
To the left, an imitation bull-fighting ring at the mall! A few aquaintances holding on for dear life! Above on top: two aquaintances, my host sister Janire, myself, and a friend in a park. Above on bottom: Janire, me, and a friend. And below: Janire, and two other friends.

Ok, I´ll have you guys know that I´ve foregone taking a shower in order to write this. You had better appreciate it! jk. But really, aside from MJ, Emily Jo, and my mom, I really have no idea who reads this. Comment and let me know what you think. I´d love to hear your response. Love, Jocelyn.