IDIOMAS: Inglés
Noticeable Differences Between New York and Madrid In my year and a half of living in Madrid, I’ve noticed many ways that Spanish culture differs from American culture. I grew up in New York, so I thought it would be particularly relevant to compare my home city to my new city. Below are 10 distinct characteristics that separate Madrid from New York, in the classroom, on the streets, and everywhere in between. Meal Times This probably doesn’t come as a surprise. Most places outside of Spain have different typical meal times than what is considered normal here. However, in New York and in the United States in general, we tend to eat on the earlier side, with lunch falling between 12pm and 2pm, and dinner between 5:30pm and 7:30pm. In contrast, I’ve noticed Spanish meal times lie generally between 2pm and 4pm for lunch and 8pm and 10pm for dinner. This also means that lunch time is a part of the school day in the U.S., meaning the students have an hour - 30 minutes for eating and 30 minutes for outside play like ‘recreo’ - built into their day, as opposed to how most students arrive home for lunch after the school day ends in Spain. Water Bottles This is particularly noticeable at school, but it seems as though the American auxiliares are the only ones who constantly carry around reusable water bottles. This is not to say that no one in Spain drinks water, but I’ve been told it’s a very American thing to take your bottle with you everywhere you go. Breakfast In the United States, people like to call breakfast the “most important meal of the day,” and the typical “American breakfast” reflects that sentiment: eggs, bacon, cereal, oatmeal, pancakes, french toast, waffles, sausage links, etc. Not everyone eats like this every morning for breakfast in the United States, but the concept differs drastically from what you might find in 48
Spain. I’ve noticed it’s typically lighter: pastries or toast with a Colacao/Nesquik or a coffee however you like it. Personal Space This is hugely apparent, maybe not just in Spain but in Europe as a whole! Especially compared to New York, everything here feels closer and more friendly. As a result, people get closer to you! In the U.S., personal space is a BIG thing. You do not stare or encroach on other people’s space. In Spain, that personal space bubble is smaller, so people who speak with you or pass you on the street take less distance. It is definitely an element of culture shock! Public Transportation Particularly in New York, public transportation can be questionable. It is often dirty, confusing to use, and can sometimes be unsafe. One of my favorite things about living in Madrid is how incredible the public transportation is. While Madrid is already an incredibly safe city, the metros, buses, and cercanias reflect that tenfold. And the fact that they are relatively easy to navigate is an added bonus! Home Appliances The biggest comment to make here is DRYERS. In the United States, most people do not hang their clothes to dry. Obviously dryers exist in Spain, but they are less common here than they are in the U.S. Ultimately, it seems that Spanish people make the choice to hang-dry their clothes both for financial and sustainability purposes. It’s a win-win!
