Micky Balsamo's Murcia Blog

 Culture Shock     Being in Spain for merely a week has already opened my eyes to a large variety of emotions and epiphanies. The majority of the time thus far in Murcia (more particularly than Madrid) I have definitely felt a bit lost or uncomfortable while adjusting to the cultural environment here. Prior to this experience, having never exited the United States, I was living in what some would call a bubble.  Ahora puedo ver cómo actúan otras culturas y finalmente ser la persona de afuera. Es interesante ver nuevos estilos de vida y experimentar una nueva cultura. I have found it hard to adapt here and feel at home, however I feel very comfortable with the group we are here with.  I am still getting used to living with a family that does not speak english, as I find it hard to connect at times, but it challenges me to keep up my efforts to learn more Spanish.           I feel as though I may be entering the distress and crisis ph...

  Culture, to me, is a great mix of traditions, values, beliefs, and artifacts that shape the identity of a group of people. It can be shown through the way communities find unity and togetherness with one another. Culture influences everything, from the everyday activities we do to the overall development of individuals and their cultural communities. Culture connects people, and to those who are apart of difference cultures, tradition and tendencies are often conversation starters to learn more about one another and ask questions. The expression of culture allows individuals to feel seen, accepted, and instills a sense of belonging. I do not know much about the Spanish culture, besides the active nightlife, food, and siesta. I picture Spain to be a very lively, active, and welcoming place where there is always something going on and festivities to be had. I find myself aligning pretty well with these notions about Spain. I know that their culture is often very loud and there is a...