Many older Spaniards insist that racism doesn’t exist in Spain and claim it’s worse in the U.S.A. Meanwhile, the majority of street vendors, here, are African immigrants, likely struggling with work permit delays or denials. Spain’s colonial history is often viewed as a necessary part of its past rather than something with lasting repercussions. There’s even a national holiday celebrating colonization. Certain words that are no longer acceptable in the U.S. are still used here, like mulatto as another way to say "mixed race". Although converstations about race have become purposefully censored under the Trump administration, I feel as if there is at least a greater effort to have these conversations on social media and in society as a whole. Thankfully, I haven’t personally experienced blatant racism in Spain; nor have I been followed in stores or made to feel out of place. Mostly, the attention I receive is positive and stemming from curiousity about where I am from.
The food in Spain has been great, although I do miss spicy flavors. Spanish cuisine doesn’t have much heat, but its cheeses, jamón, olives, bread, and tapas are delicious. When I need a change, I often go for Moroccan food, which isn't hard to find, given Granada’s deep Moroccan influence. Since Spain is the closest European country to Morocco, and Granada was under Islamic rule for centuries, the connection is still evident—most notably in the form of the stunning Alhambra. The Alhambra is a palace and fortress built by the Nasrid rulers of Granada, who were the last Muslim dynasty in Spain. It served as their residence and seat of power.
The city is warm and beautiful, even in winter.
