Expectations vs. Reality

Though I've never formally written it down, I love to compare my expectations for an event, trip, etc. to the reality I discover later on.  You'll find here, juxtaposed (look what cool words I know!), my preconceived notions of Salamanca and what I have come to known as authentic and true.

EXPECTATION: People in Spain are bilingual; even if I speak to them in Spanish, they'll likely respond in English.
REALITY: False. This stems from my experience in Paris (I don't speak French, but some of my friends did), where Parisians would only address us in English. Lesson learned: Salamanca is not Paris! Hardly anyone here speaks English, which works in my favor completely. I have had plenty of opportunities to practice Spanish and I am so glad I had to work through the few communication struggles I had. There's no better way to learn a language than needing it to order food.

EXPECTATION: The food will make me want to vomit.
REALITY: False. If you know me well, you know that I can be a picky eater at times.  Many people warned me that I would have to branch out when I went abroad.  But really, food in Spain is pretty normal. The most common food is bread. If you don't like bread, that's a bit ridiculous (unless you are sensitive to gluten...that's a pretty good excuse). While there are some strange foods here, overall I have had no troubles! Take that, amigos.

EXPECTATION: Everything in Spain is old!
REALITY: False. Not everything is old; though, lots of things are. In Salamanca, the central portion of the city has all old, stone buildings.  Outside this circle, however, there are almost exclusively modern apartment buildings and shops (who would have thought in the 21st Century?).  A good mix, I'd say! The older things are much prettier, though.

EXPECTATION: Spanish men are beautiful.
REALITY: Eh. Some are, some aren't. Pretty standard for the most part, I'd say. There are some gems, but we have those in America too. Thanks for misleading me, ladies haha.

EXPECTATION: I will fall in love with the city.
REALITY: True. I wouldn't say that Salamanca is my favorite of European cities, but it is definitely the one I know the best and I am sure to have a soft spot for it for the rest of my life.  I feel so comfortable navigating the streets now that it feels like my city.  Also, when people told me it was the best place to study Spanish I was skeptical; now, I am certain they are right.  I feel so lucky to have spent a month of my life here.

I have two more days in Salamanca plus one day in Madrid (ahhhhh I am so excited!!!) and then it's Party in the U.S.A.