Buenos dia guys!
I’m Lucia, I’m from Italy and, like lots of you, I’m wondering about how it’s already been one month that I’m in Spain for my Erasmus project.
I’m 21 and I really love travelling, but this kind of project it’s becoming more than my usual travels.
I think that when you visit a new country for some days everything fascinates you, everything it’s new and amazing! But you don’t really want to understand all the things that you see, because simply you couldn't do it… as you will stay there for maybe two weeks.
But what about us? People from all over Europe, all over the world, that have to remain in Santander, the capital of Cantabria, for six months or maybe one year?
I think that, in this case, we couldn’t be tourists anymore, we have to face everyday life (yes, but with more parties) here; this is an interesting opportunity to deeply understand another culture and maybe compare it with our traditions, that, I suppose, could be better or worse in different cases.
During this month, for example, I experienced how the Spanish horarios are very different from the Italian one; I have two Spanish roommates and we almost never eat together…I’m always hungry before them!
Also shops have very weird horarios… in Italy supermarkets usually close at 8 pm and are open on Sunday, here it’s very different! Let me know if I’m the only one surprise about that ;-P
Another thing that I have to face, but this aspect it’s unfortunately the same in Italy, it’s that only young people can speak English, even if they work for a public institution.
I could swear to you that they can understand me perfectly in Italian but not in English!
Finally I couldn’t forget to mention the beauty of Santander. It’s impossible to not being amazed everyday about living close to the ocean, with mountains all around and beautiful landscape everywhere… and I swear that with my (italian) bike I’m discovering it all :)
Thank you for reading my stuff, let me know if you join this month's feelings and your consideration about Santander!
Lucia