When entering a new country, you automatically become aware of the new atmosphere and environment. In Spain, I felt welcomed, refreshed, and calm with my first breath of air. I was excited to escape and dive into a new culture! It was a fresh start!
Where I currently live in Granada, I have met my neighbors and feel comfortable asking them for anything. I feel like it is pretty normal to know almost all your neighbors here. It is as if everyone in Granada knows each other! I see people walking in the streets I know, and they are also running into people they know all the time, too. One time I ran into my professor on the streets three times in one day. What a coincidence! But this also shows how willing people are to walk about and socialize here in Granada.
In order to get to know more people, I participate in something called intercambios which are language exchanges. These get-togethers are a great way of practicing a new language and meeting people from all over the world, including locals. I have also met many locals by going out dancing, enjoying the night life, and going to cafes. The most popular dance here in Granada is, of course, flamenco, but it is very hard to learn. I do not know how to do this dance, so I have signed up to take a flamenco class.
