In general, the Spanish have a more pronounced rhythm to their lives than we do in the US. Perhaps I take note of this rhythm simply because it seems to have a bit more complexity or richness to it. In the US you can generally say that we get up, we go to work, lunch somewhere in between for an hour (if lucky), drive home at a usual time in the evening and attempt some semblance of a personal life with what's left. Oh, and we go to bed sometime between 9pm and.. say 10pm. Keep in mind I am generalizing. In Spain it's different. Up early and at work by 8, the typical Spaniard did not go to bed before midnight the night before. There is a break by 2pm for several hours and many have lunch out taking advantage of an affordable "menu del dia" at a local restaurant, returning to work by 3 or 4pm working till 7 or 8pm. Meeting friends at a local bar on the way home is common - the bar is the Spaniard's "sala de estar" [living room]. Dinner is most likely at home and will happen anywhere from 10 to midnight depending on the day of the week.... y repita!
Of course, our way of life seems so simple, if not boring in comparison, but their schedule is rather set. I have fallen into this rhythm and find myself going places when they are most crowded, and avoiding them if they are empty. The Spanish are social animals, wanting to see, converse, and be seen. Sometimes I think we spend a bit more time (perhaps too much) avoiding people and crowds as if they are something bad. So, for example, I've taken to going to the grocery store after hitting the local gym by about 7pm - just like everyone else. A mad house is the only way to describe it. A very small, close grocery store with people rubbing shoulders, hollering to one another, talking on cell phones, all while trying to shop and check out. I love it. In the US, I'd hate it.
As I mentioned, I've also joined a local gym, Energy Gym, in the Chueca neighborhood - just 3 blocks from my apartment. This is part of my local experience also. I don't encounter any other foreigners at this particular neighborhood gym and I think I understand why. This place is for "serious" weight lifters - or at least they take themselves so. It's a bit foreigner-unfriendly since they won't speak anything but Spanish to you - I think they really don't want too many outsiders there. Besides, the place is so small (claustrophobically so, as the gym review states in the link) there really isn't room for many more people. A few times a persistent English speaker has come in and the attendant has asked me to come to the front and translate. I know she speaks some English.
Changing subject to eating. I'm going to list a few nearby places recommended by my coaches and that I've been to. Como me lo como [as I eat it]. This place has a 10 Euro fixed price menu during the week - a really great, off the beaten path place that caters to locals. Another one is A 2 velas [2 candles] with a really low key, comfortable atmosphere, great food, and super great prices. They also have a really inexpensive, nice daily menu. Gracias Clara!
[geek moment] not going to geek much on you today. Except maybe one thing. The word Pijo/a - It's funny how my last name haunts me. In Czech, Picha means "snobbish pride." Well, in Spain the word Pija or Pijo means basically the same in colloquial Spanish - snobby, posh, or yuppie. Keep in mind the Czech pronunciation of "ch" and the Spanish pronunciation of the "j" are the same.¡Hasta la próxima entrada!
Well, at least pijo is more appropriate to you than picha! :-)
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