I have been granted the most amazing opportunity to study abroad for the semester in Trujillo, Spain. I have been here for a little over a week in this small medieval town, and it has taught me a few interesting things about the Spanish culture.

1. Coffee time is all the time. Locals typically order Cafe Cortado, a small coffee or espresso served with a bit of warm milk.
2. Tapas are free. No, I'm not lying. Tapas come free when you buy a drink, and can include a variety of Spanish snacks and appetizers. Directly translated, tapas are tops. They are commonly known as tapas because they come on top of your drink when served. P.S @ The U.S, please learn how to do this.
3. Spaniards have an interesting food schedule. Every meal is pushed later from the common meal time in the United States.
   1. Dinners are typically around 9-9:30 pm, but can stretch even later depending on the family schedule.
   2. Restaurants only serve certain types of food at certain hours. Don’t expect to be served lunch or dinner at 4-6pm, only small snacks and dessert.
   3. Young people typically go out at around 12 am until very early hours of the morning. My host family told me it is common to go out until 5 am, and sleep all hours of the day the morning after.
4. A shot of alcohol is called Un Chupito - so cute right?
5. Everyone comes home for the hour of Siesta. Typically lasting from 2-5pm, Siesta is known as lunchtime in Spain and is the largest meal of the day. Siesta directly translates as a nap. The hour of Siesta consists of a large lunch with the family, and commonly follows a short nap after. Most shops are also closed around this time.
6. Every family home has una Camilla. La Camilla is a table with a large blanket as a tablecloth and heater underneath. La Camilla is very common in Spanish family homes in the Extremadura region, known as the most western part of Spain. Families typically use the tablecloth as a blanket with their feet underneath the table to warm up during the winter months. A word from the wise, this is the most amazing invention.
7. It does not need to be five o’clock to have a drink. Most Spaniards typically go out for a glass of wine or una cerveza, a nice cold beer at around 12-2pm.

Locals in Trujillo, Spain live a very tranquil and peaceful life. Family comes first, and the time spent with loved ones is prized above all else. Tradition is important. Mealtime with family is not something to be rushed. My first couple of weeks here have made me realize how much the U.S breeds a mass consumerist mentality. People here are happiest not with acquiring more things, but with embracing the most simple aspects of life. Food, family, and quality time spent with the ones loved most.

"Así es la vida" - "This is life"