These are a few stories, tidbits, whatever you'd like to call them, that I have wanted to share, but that did not fit in any other post. Enjoy!
1. Salamanca is known as the Golden City in Spain, as many of the older buildings have golden-colored stone. They take this title very seriously; so seriously, in fact, that businesses are required to have their signs lettered in gold. Even McDonald's changed their color scheme for this rule!
2. I am a huge fan of the cheek-kissing tradition here (and in many other European places). Except, of course, if the kisser is a creepy guy. I'm not so into that.
3. The other day, as I was walking back from lunch to my room, an old man I had never seen before turned around in front of me and began talking to me. Below is a roughly-translated transcription of our conversation:
Old Man: You're not Spanish, are you? You're American!
Me: Yeah, I'm from the United States.
Old Man: You're not from here!
Me: Nope, I'm from the United States.
Old Man: Which state are you from?
Me: California!
Old Man: Oh, the peninsula! California is a peninsula.
Me: I think you might be thinking of Florida. California is actually attached completely.
Old Man: A peninsula is like an island that's kind of attached! Spain and Portugal are a peninsula, and so is California.
Me: Um...well Baja California in Mexico is but California in the U.S. isn't.
Old Man: No, it's actually a peninsula. peninsula.
Me: Well I have to go now....
Old Man: Goodbye! It's a peninsula.
So there's that.
4. My conversation class is held at a cafe. On one of my last days in class, an older, very excited-looking woman approached the table. In her hand she held a die and asked each of us to predict what number she would roll. She went around and forced each person at the table to guess. My classmate, Andrew, guessed correctly and asked "so what do I win?" She said "a hug!" then just hugged him and went off.
Spanish people are funny.
That's all I can think of right now with my jet-lagged mind. I may add more things to this list later, though.
The one with the lady with the die is my favorite
ReplyDeleteHaha yeah she was since great! You and Colin would have had a field day with her
DeleteMeg loved that story. I wish I could have watched you two read it together
ReplyDelete