My latest happenings
Another day in the city of Madrid and let me tell you, so much can happen in the course of, well, less than a week. First of all, I have not been able to update you on a daily basis (because believe I have time!) due to the incompetence of my computer at the moment. Unfortunately, I have been having problems when I start it, as there are times when the screen fails to show; it’s pitch black- no signs of it working whatsoever! This was getting so bothersome (as it has been acting like this for more than a day now) that I restarted my computer so that it was in the same condition it was when I initially got it. However, that also means that I have lost of my pictures- from the time I was in Mexico up until the ones I had taken a few days ago. The only ones that have been saved are those on CDs, those online, and those that I managed to not erase in my camera. The same goes for my music- all gone! No worries though. I will take more here; I have an opportunity to create more memories and that I shall gladly do. I shall do as Thoreau has suggested and let myself lose all of the images of those pictures. Recently, we read a few passages in his book Walden in which he talks about nature and the reason he loves it so much. He wants us to know that it is not until we lose our way, literally, that we truly get to know ourselves. It is not until then that we take the time to observe everything around us. Thoreau criticizes the media because with it, we will have imprinted forever images that can always be explained; there is no room to explore the place once again as pictures serve as exact replicas of our experience- each and every time being the exact same experience. Only by getting lost are we actually able to observe each and every minute detail of our surroundings. Then and only then can we actually find ourselves…I know; it is a lot to take in, but at the moment I appreciate that mentality because it is true. Since I have no clue of where I may be at times, I look at everything- from the way that the bricks of a building are becoming each and every day more weathered to the way that some street signs/announcements are trying to attract a certain type of people. Observation at this moment is vital.
On that same not of observation, I would like to explain the dynamics of "good customer service" in Spain. In no way whatsoever is it like your typical Starbucks (no offense of course- I love that place!) When you first walk into a place, the concept of "everyone is treated equally" is out of the question. Currently, I am sittingin one of my favorite coffee shop/bar-- or should I call it "Cafeteria"-- and until today, I can tell you that service has only been okay. Whereas in many places in the US, employees must treat their customers well, for they are "paying customers," here they are not obliged to even acknowledge you when you enter. They are not being nagged at constantly to say hello to the customer (for there is a difference in saying "the customer" and "their customer"); nor are they being nagged at constantly to provide great service and to behave nicely to everyone who walks in. This being my fourth time here, I can definitely see a difference in their behavior towards me. The first time I walked in, it was almost as if I were completely anonymous- just another person. The second time was essentially the same; perhaps this time they actually acknowledged my existence. The third was just a hello as I was in, but this fourth time was much better.
On a different note, I must say that I absolutely LOVE getting lost here. From just getting off on the wrong subway stop, to taking some random bus, or taking a wrong turn on purpose, I do it all just with that purpose. It is marvelous doing just that- there is so much that I have seen and gotten to know just because "I got lost." Although, I advice you to not do that before a class....it might make you late-- don't ask how I know. Perhaps you may be thinking that it is dangerous, but let me explain to you that, frankly, you almost can't be lost for too long. As long as you find a subway station, you are absolutely fine; actually, it's for that same reason that I have become very skilled at taking the subway station. I have yet to learn all of the bus routes though...
Also, I wanted to say that while I have been here, I have come across some cultural differences and some clashes as well. In Mexico, at a very young age, children learn to be polite. What I never knew, however, is that in the same manner that one must be polite in his/her behavior, so it must be in speech (spoken language). Politeness is a part of Mexican culture. In a way, I always thought that it was the same everywhere, until a professor pointed it out to me yesterday. She knew that I was Mexican, or of a Mexican background,because of the way I spoke. "Mande" which can be translated as "Excuse me? What did you say?" or "Would you please repeat that?" is common only to Mexican culture. Being here, again for less than a week, has showed me this already.
A cultural clash that I find, for myself at least, is that of the pronunciation of words.... For some reason, I am having a hard time trying to decide which accent to use- my own Mexican accent or the Castilian Spanish accent. Never did I think that I would want to whistle when I talk no use a lisp, and frankly, there are situations where I do not know if I want one or the other! Only time will tell what I decide to do- but do not worry! I shall advise you of my decision.
Unfortunately, still dealing with jetlag, i must force myself to bed as I have classes Friday. Oh! One more thing- thank you all who have written! Sorry i have been unable to respond to your e-mails or your comments; I will try to do that soon, but I hope this helps as a temporary substitute. Until next time!
On that same not of observation, I would like to explain the dynamics of "good customer service" in Spain. In no way whatsoever is it like your typical Starbucks (no offense of course- I love that place!) When you first walk into a place, the concept of "everyone is treated equally" is out of the question. Currently, I am sittingin one of my favorite coffee shop/bar-- or should I call it "Cafeteria"-- and until today, I can tell you that service has only been okay. Whereas in many places in the US, employees must treat their customers well, for they are "paying customers," here they are not obliged to even acknowledge you when you enter. They are not being nagged at constantly to say hello to the customer (for there is a difference in saying "the customer" and "their customer"); nor are they being nagged at constantly to provide great service and to behave nicely to everyone who walks in. This being my fourth time here, I can definitely see a difference in their behavior towards me. The first time I walked in, it was almost as if I were completely anonymous- just another person. The second time was essentially the same; perhaps this time they actually acknowledged my existence. The third was just a hello as I was in, but this fourth time was much better.
On a different note, I must say that I absolutely LOVE getting lost here. From just getting off on the wrong subway stop, to taking some random bus, or taking a wrong turn on purpose, I do it all just with that purpose. It is marvelous doing just that- there is so much that I have seen and gotten to know just because "I got lost." Although, I advice you to not do that before a class....it might make you late-- don't ask how I know. Perhaps you may be thinking that it is dangerous, but let me explain to you that, frankly, you almost can't be lost for too long. As long as you find a subway station, you are absolutely fine; actually, it's for that same reason that I have become very skilled at taking the subway station. I have yet to learn all of the bus routes though...
Also, I wanted to say that while I have been here, I have come across some cultural differences and some clashes as well. In Mexico, at a very young age, children learn to be polite. What I never knew, however, is that in the same manner that one must be polite in his/her behavior, so it must be in speech (spoken language). Politeness is a part of Mexican culture. In a way, I always thought that it was the same everywhere, until a professor pointed it out to me yesterday. She knew that I was Mexican, or of a Mexican background,because of the way I spoke. "Mande" which can be translated as "Excuse me? What did you say?" or "Would you please repeat that?" is common only to Mexican culture. Being here, again for less than a week, has showed me this already.
A cultural clash that I find, for myself at least, is that of the pronunciation of words.... For some reason, I am having a hard time trying to decide which accent to use- my own Mexican accent or the Castilian Spanish accent. Never did I think that I would want to whistle when I talk no use a lisp, and frankly, there are situations where I do not know if I want one or the other! Only time will tell what I decide to do- but do not worry! I shall advise you of my decision.
Unfortunately, still dealing with jetlag, i must force myself to bed as I have classes Friday. Oh! One more thing- thank you all who have written! Sorry i have been unable to respond to your e-mails or your comments; I will try to do that soon, but I hope this helps as a temporary substitute. Until next time!
When you find yourself in the mountains on a dark cool night with the stars shining in their brilliance, remember them, they remember you.
ReplyDelete