Becoming Spanish

Today's theme was appreciation for culture. I saw some amazing examples of this theme today. The Roman ruins were very thought-provoking. When we were visiting the ruins and discussing how the ancient hierarchy was set up, I couldn't help but notice significant similarities between our culture and theirs. It seems to boil down to the decisions of the upper class. It seems that those decisions dictate the social protocol within society. The exception to this is revolution, but the standard is to conform to the majority and that laws that have been made "by the people". Unfortunately, this stifles opposite minority opinions. It's amazing how much significance could be found in a pile of strategically placed crumbling rock. I very much enjoyed the little cathedral that was empty at the time. Although it was not as intricate or as ornate, it was beautiful. The lack of hustle and bustle, the fewer number of people, and the quiet reverence really appealed to me. There is importance to quiet moments of reflection in a sacred place. There is value to having a devotion to a higher cause, and to better yourself. I love that this need to connect to a higher power is a common theme throughout the world I've visited so far.

The festival that we serendipitously came across was definitely the best part of the day. Madrid is an amazing place. The people here are more friendly than Barcelona and the pace of life is much slower. I have seen quite a few more families here than anywhere I have been in Spain. I love all of the traditional Spanish clothing at the festival! We had the chance to see some very good opera performers and listen to a fantastic orchestra. I was in love with the way it emphasized Spanish culture.
I forgot to mention the amazing little town that we had the pleasure of stopping in on the way to Madrid. Santa Maria was its name. The stereotypical Spanish town. When I thought about what Spain would look like, Santa Maria is what I pictured. It was exciting that we stopped in town right in the middle of the siesta period of the day. This town actually participates in the custom, unlike Barcelona. I may have seen four other people the entire time we were in the town. After perusing a local cemetery, we drove into the countryside behind the town. I can definitely understand why the original settlers chose that spot. This country is beautiful in a way I have never seen. The people are fascinating to watch in their day to day interactions, the culture is new and exciting, and the landscape is breathtaking. Plus, chocolate and churros are an amazing combination!