Submitted by Madeline Clark on the 2018 winter session program in Spain sponsored by the School of Education…
Growing up, I have always heard the phrase “loud Americans” and I always thought that people were exaggerating. After spending a week traveling from the United States to Portugal to Spain, I can honestly say that this is extremely true. At first, I didn’t think being loud was a big deal. Sure, yes, we were loud, but I didn’t think it would make us stand out in a way, that would put me and my group at risk.
Picture this… 22 college students lugging 50 pound suitcases through the metro in Madrid; carrying them up and down flights and flights of stairs. Complaining and talking extremely loudly. The typical loud, American tourist. This made us not only stand out, but extremely vulnerable. Due to the fact that we were a large, loud group, we became targets for the local pick-pocket of Madrid. Unfortunately, as a result of this one girl got her phone stolen. Although, this was an extremely unfortunate experience leaving us all extremely on edge, it also brought us back to reality.
Being in a large group does not only make you a target for a pick-pocket; it also makes you a target for marketers and promoters. These people are extremely aggressive and proactive, but they also know who to go up to. Numerous times in just this past week 50+ people have approached us asking for money, offering fliers promoting restaurants, etc.
The past week reinforced in us that we need to not only be aware of our surroundings, but also try our best to not stick out in a group and fully immerse ourselves in the culture.
