As I’ve returned back to the United States from Europe, I’ve noticed some lifestyle changes that occurred in Europe that I want to bring back. While there are plenty of things I don’t like about the Spanish culture, there are plenty of cultural differences I love that I don’t necessarily have to leave in Spain.
Be active
The American culture is so inactive that getting exercise is a trendy hobby! I’d attempted to be more physically active time and time again, but always got so bored. However, moving to Spain and living in a culture that forced me to be more active showed me a lifestyle that I can’t leave behind. You know the whole “60 minutes of activity a day” scheme? Do it! Ever since coming home from Europe, I go on an hour walk every morning; it’s not much, but believe me when I say it’s all it takes.
Dress well
I’ve touched on this before: Spaniards are incredibly well-dressed, and that definitely rubbed off on me. I make an effort to wear a skirt and flats when I can, instead of going back into my everyday jeans and tank top look I used to wear. It’s not nearly as commonplace in America, so it does give me a little confidence boost, knowing that I present myself better than a lot of people around me.
Find other travelers
While living in Spain, I got to talking more to friends, and even mutual friends, that I hadn’t ever really spoken with before. Europe is a great mutual interest to have, and one of my favorite things to talk about is differences in culture - between American culture, Spanish culture, European culture in general, or even another culture that I’m not as familiar with. When I talk to these friends, it helps keep me connected with the things that I don’t want to just forget about now that I’ve left Spain.
Interesting you say they dress well because Carrbiean Latino cultures also dress super well too! And the being active thing is so hard in America! It’s almost like the want us fat