Let’s talk about socializing. Spanish culture (and the Mediterranean lifestyle in general) fully emphasizes the importance of sharing and socializing with friends, colleagues, and family members. This is illustrated in cafés and bars. The term “sombremesa” means to linger and socialize after a meal. Meals in Spain can easily last 2-3 hours, a duration that can make even the most patient American twitch. Weight staff in restaurants do not rush you and in fact it may be difficult to track them down. Part of this is because there is no tipping culture in Spain and the weight staff make the same wage no matter how many tables they turn over. But mostly this is due to the Mediterranean culture that encourages sharing ideas and experiences with others through social conversations. Spaniards often share not just the good things with each other, but also the bad things. This is extremely helpful for supporting a strong mental health. If aunt Lucy has a bunion, you’re gonna hear about it!
Last year on this trip, I made a conscious decision to give my students space during downtime as I felt it might help them connect with each other without the presence of a professor. I was also considering the unwritten American rules which can frown upon leisurely encounters between professors and students. This may have been OK for the students, but for me, it resulted in many lonely hours and many sad meals (que violin music here). This year, in the spirit of living a Spanish Mediterranean lifestyle, I have made the conscious effort to be the 21st wheel in our group and thankfully this lovely group of students has adopted me as one of their own. I mean I’m not going to the club with them but I’ll get tacos. I’ll get tacos all day long boy! I can say with all honesty, this simple change has made the experience 100% better. This is such a fun group to hang out with and I’m grateful to have them here with me.
In terms of experiences, today we had a guest lecture from Juan Pablo Pacheco Bejarno on the Mediterranean lifestyle which kick started this conversation on socialization. We discussed how it is common in the US for people to eat by themselves at work, sometimes a result of not having a proper break room to share lunch but also it is often just difficult to find the time to take a break! Students were open and engaging which is so nice to see from my perspective.
After class, we went to a local market (San Miguel) in the heat of the city to try some Spanish fare. We tried local cheeses, patatas bravas, cod croquets, mixed fruit, and washed it down with a larger than expected glass of Sangria. It’s a lovely way to teach a class. ;)
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