When you travel to a new place, you will learn that people often have different practices, beliefs and opinions than you do. Meeting people with different perspectives than your own is a unique and exciting opportunity to learn more about the world.
One different perspective that I have experienced here in Spain is the understanding that meal times are meant to be long, relaxing, social events. In the United States, I am very used to eating my meals quickly. My perspective was that it is important to be efficient and productive during the day. However, here in Spain, meal times usually extend over a two hour period, or sometimes even longer! Everyone slows down, enjoys their food and has long, meaningful conversations with their friends.
When I first arrived in Spain, the slow service at restaurants and long meal periods frustrated me. I am accustomed to eating quickly and then moving on to the next activity. However, many of my Spanish friends have told me that meals are meant to be relaxing and enjoyable. In Spain, nobody rushes through a meal. I have learned to appreciate spending meal times talking with friends, enjoying my food and being present instead of hurrying to move on to the next thing.
