Feeling American in Spain

Looking ahead to studying abroad, I expected to learn more about my country through the eyes of others, and I also expected to learn more about myself as a person. What I didn't expect was to learn about myself as an American. \nSure, I identified myself as an American because I appreciated my country and because that's where I lived, but now I'm learning that I'm really inherently American. Having never lived outside of the United States before, I used to pretentiously consider myself significantly different from the average American. Now I see I not only have many things in common with the Spanish, I'm also a flaming "Yankee," as some so fondly refer to us here.\nI find myself missing ideologies such as efficiency. Everyday things take longer here, but there's no legitimate reason. Professors pass out all papers individually, no "take one and pass it down" here, folks. Buying class packets can take quite a while because they don't even have them ready. You ask for them and they copy them for you while you wait! \nI'm not mad while I'm waiting for these things. I find it humorous. Oh, and stores open at 10 a.m or 11 a.m. -- or whenever they want. One of my first experiences here was trying to go to a restaurant someone recommended only to find it was closed for the week for "personal rest." Then, of course, the stores are closed for siesta, which begins at 1:30 or 2 in the afternoon, and lasts until 5 p.m. when they re-open until 9 p.m. or so. \nI also miss quantity. Everything in Europe is so small -- again, not something that I'm uncomfortable with, but it takes adjustment. I used to consider myself a fairly reasonable consumer and didn't buy as much as the typical American. But what I have found is that a reasonable consumer in the United States is considered a "shopaholic" in Spain. I miss stocking up on things. I miss Target and Sam's Club. I don't think I'm buying much here, but when it takes so much effort to actually get it, I feel like I'm buying stuff all the time. \nSomething which also automatically labels me as an American is discussing politics with the Spanish. I'm getting used to talking about socialists and communists without picturing the devil. That's a tough one because it's an ingrained American value.\nIf I did want to go all out displaying my patriotism I've definitely figured out how to do so. Carry a JanSport backpack, wear a North Face jacket, New Balance shoes, jeans and a T-shirt, add a baseball cap and top it all off with an iPod and no one will bother speaking Spanish to you. More than half of my American classmates fit this description or at least a watered-down version of it. Oh, and I almost forgot, eating while walking is a good clue that you're an American, too. \nWhile becoming more acclimated to Spanish culture I'm also becoming more comfortable and aware of my own culture. I feel more American than I ever have in my life ... in Spain!