Spain: Appreciating Spanish Culture

Submitted by Rita Sweeney on the 2019 winter session study abroad program in Granada, Spain sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures…

It is strange to think that I am more than halfway through my UD abroad experience in Granada, Spain. I have been able to learn even more about this great city as well as spend a day in Seville. The way of life in Spain has become more natural to me and I have come to love the traditions of my host family and the manner in which they live. It was an adjustment at first compared to my life in America, but it has opened up my mind to a new way of life. I hope to carry the knowledge and habits I have gained here into my life in Delaware. In addition, the opportunity to interact daily with natural Spanish speakers has been invaluable for my education. It is really fun to get to know the teachers better as well as the rest of my study abroad group. In my last remaining weeks here, I am looking forward to traveling to other areas of Spain during our free weekend and continuing to incorporate another country’s culture into my life.

In Granada and many areas of Spain there is a great mix of cultures due to the rich history of the Iberian Peninsula. This photo is from a street in Granada that is full of Moroccan and Arabic shops and restaurants.
This photo is of the Granada Cathedral in which we learned about important architectural aspects of buildings during the time period it was built. We also visited to the Royal Chapel right next to the Cathedral which holds the remains of King Ferdinan and Queen Isabel.
In Seville, we visited one of the biggest churches in the world and climbed roughly 47 flights to reach the top of a tower connected to the church. From the top of the tower, you can see all of Seville and more!
Paella is one of the most popular dishes in Spain. It consists of rice, peppers, meat, and seafood. We were able to enjoy this Spanish dish with many family members as it is typical to eat a large lunch at home with family.