Hey guys,

I am going to be going to live in Valencia in about a month now and I was curious if any of you guys had any advice for me going in so I could keep them in mind.

Well, here is a question for the Spaniards. I am a little concerned about living in Spain after the attacks on America. I am not worried about terrorism, but more about the anti-american sentiment. It is apparent that many Europeans hate America and what it does around the world. I really hope that people judge me based on the fact that I'm an american. What is the general opinions of Spaniards about Americans? Do people typically distinguish between the character of American policy and the character of American people? I read message boards from Spain and they are filled with criticism. Now, believe me, I'm definitley open to criticism, and I realize that there are two sides to every coin. America has done some bad stuff and I realize that. But, I have read that most spaniards like to talk politics. Will I get grilled on US policy? What I'm trying to find out if most of the people in Spain have this anti-american attitude. What about with students?

[ 12-07-2001: Message edited by: Michael Allen ]

Hi Michael.

For years, the socialist party has backed an anti-american sentiment in our society (I'm sorry to say this, but it is true). Being anti-american was to be modern. They even were anti-NATO at first, but then they rectified and supported our entry.

Now things are rather different, and the only anti-american party is the communist one. But it is more about speaking against than of thinking of it. I mean that these close-minded people say bla bla bla about USA, but they can't really support most of their opinions.

Then, what will you find in spaniards attitude? In most cases no reaction. It is against USA as an ideal not against americans. I don't really think you may find anyone treating you bad, indeed, I believe that you will find people who will be more kind to you for being american.

After the 11th of September most of the people have simpathy toward americans, and the communists have polarized to the opinion "they've been attacked because of all they have done before".

Don't be afraid, american members of the board will give you their points of view of their experiences here

In the part that concerns me, you are most welcomed here

Fernando

Hi Michael Allen - As you might have guessed, this board is loaded with Americans - in fact, MadridMan is from Ohio. We keep going back to Spain - anywhere and everywhere in Spain - because we all love it. LOVE Spain and LOVE the Spanish people. If you read many of the posts relating to time spent in Spain you will discover an abiding love for the country and the people.

I have the feeling that you are going to be a student in Vallencia - there are lots of people on the board who, at some point in there lives were - or are - students in Spain. Take a look at these posts as well.

I can't believe you will have any problem as far as being an American. Fernando summed up the situation very accurately -

Enjoy your time in Vallencia! The rest of us envy you!

Hi Michael Allen,

So I'm another American, but Fernando made a good point. Let me offer some of my experiences.

The last time I was in Spain I traveled to a close friend's wedding in Malaga, toured Anadalucia, and then flew north to Bilbao. I spent a lot of time away from tourists, and was usually always the only (yikes) American around as my traveling partner was Latin American.

Now, let me get to you... As Fernando said, the attacks have polarized many in the country regarding our country and government. But that does not mean you will be verbally attacked wherever you go. In my opinion, the Spanish are incredibly wonderful people, and usually always respectful!

In my case, through friends of mine here in the U.S., I stayed in many family homes. What a wonderful experience. As in many "Latin" cultures, an invitation to the home is to be treated in the highest regard. Even with my gringo-white skin they made feel like family! It was in these homes I made some observations about the Spanish, from an American point of view...

Spanairds can be very passionate, by American standards. (A Spanish friend of mine joked to me in Santander that the Spanish could argue passionately about when the bus is coming) And you are right! When it comes to politics, the Spanish are quite alert to discussion. To an American they may to be in "attack mode." They are not, but simply confident in their views and hungry for civilized discussion.

This is a cultural trait that I found very very refreshing. If you are confident in your views, not arrogant, and respectful in discussion, it is my opinion that many Spaniards find the opportunity to talk with an American to be a real treat. Be your own personal American diplomat, I've found, and enjoy the ability to show other cultures that not all Americans are naive, loud, brash, and arrogant!

But beware. I have found American culture errors on the side of not offending others. Spanish are in no way to be considered rude, but I found Spanish people arn't as cautious with expressing their views. If your feelings get hurt...so be it. Don't take everything personally...chances are after a heated discussion a Spanaird with buy your drinks for the wrest of the night. I also found Spanish to be incredible generous people!

Most Spanish, especially if you're in an academic setting, you'll encounter are quite sophisticated, educated, well read, AND very opinionated. Even if they don't have a "formal" education, many are STILL very well read.

Go and enjoy such a beautiful and passionate culture. The passion, from my view, is one of most possitive attributes of Spain. Lively discussions will ensure you never have a "boring" time with the Spanish!

Let me leave you with a little advice a friend gave me. He happens to harbor some strong anti-American sentiment, but is always respectful of me, and he enjoys debating me on my country. After "true passionate Spanish discussion" I was concerned I might have offended him. He said, "no way, you didn't give me the feeling of needing to win the conversation - is was only a discussion."

If you want to be on the safe side, just avoid the "American" subject. You'll probably only get a few jabs. On the other hand, you said you'll be there a month. My suggestion would be not to miss the opportunity to try and "jump into the society and culture" I might even suggest engaging a playful Spanaird in a discussion.

If you are confident, willing to admit the U.S. is not perfect, and not easily offended, I'd say dive in and enjoy Spain's never-ending passion. It's part of the experience!!!

Have a great time. I leave in 10 days for Christmas in Madrid...can't wait!!!

Hey, Actually I'll be in Spain from January until August. Whoa! I had never thought how long that will be until just now! Trust me, I don't exactly take American foreign policy to heart. If someone takes a jab at American foreign policy It very well may be well-deserved. However, it should be noted that the reason, I believe that the American people are so ambivalent about foreign policy is because we live in a huge country and most people don't really think about other cultures because of that.

As far as being a gringo! Well, that is definitely a characteristic I have! I have very blonde hair and somewhat fair skin! I'm sure I will stick out a little. Maybe I should have gone to Sweeden but I seriously don't think I'll have a problem with Spaniards. I feel that being a counterexample of the Stereotype of Americans will show people that Americans are basically good people. Well, just to steer the discussion in a new direction, Does anybody know much about Valencia? I know it is next to the big resorts of Alicante, but I don't really see much tourist info on Valencia as much as I do for Sevilla, etc. This is a good thing I believe. I would rather there not be too many tourists where I go. however, I would like to meet some other Europeans on vacation there.

Hi Michael.

JJP and Puna have described us spaniards from an american point of view very well

It is very interesting to realise how you see us. That is something I understood when I went to the USA. I was used to talk about politics, religion and other such controversial issues, but man, in the USA those topics are forgiven!

I realised that some people get offended when I expressed my points of view, it was never my intention of course, but americans are quite sensitive in certain topics. Also, you make an extremely polite usage of the language, whereas we say things straight-forward, you use perifrasis and polite expressions to say the same. Our lack of that expressions will always end up in make us appear rude and unpolite (those expressions as "we will have to agree to disagree", "as far as I'm concerned", etc...).

Keeping on what you asked: Valencia is probably the third city in importance after Madrid and Barcelona (if not so, probably between the top five). It is quite industrialized but beautiful. The people is very kind.

Keep in mind that you will be near to Madrid (3 and a half hours by car), that you have the beach very near (moderate temperatures) and the best citric fruits you have ever tasted (Valencia is very famous, not only for the paella, but also for its citric fruits).

Regards.

Fernando

Michael Allen,

I don't think you could have a better attitude. You've either traveled quite a bit, or you are simply a born traveler.

Yes, you could be going to Sweden, but then you wouldn't be opening your mind up to what is different. Swedes have their own wonderful culture, but I think you'll find Spain to be culturaly energizing.

You may encounter some really really nasty anti-American sentiment. Such is life... It sounds like your confident, and know the good points of our American culture. Don't be afraid to point them out, in a solicited discussion!

I envy your upcoming in journey for over six months! I have no understanding of Valencia, but let me make some suggestions. Spain has a good (like all of Europe) train system, a surprising good bus system, and airfare prices have been coming down quite a bit. We flew AirEuropa (purchased on American website) from Malaga to Bilbao one way (in August!!!) for about $60 USD.

I'm sure you want to settle down in Valencia, put down some roots. Just make sure you take advantage of seeing the contrasts of the country. Bilbao, Madrid, and Sevilla, represent (in my opinion) much deeper contrasts than say San Francisco Chicago and Miami. Try to experience these wonderfully different cities. Oh, and San Sebastian (near Bilbao) feels almost like a Spanish Monte Carlo, of sorts...not to take away from its own uniqeness, though.

If you have any questions on Andalucia or the Basque Country (if you later decide to take weekend trips) let me know - I could be more helpful!

Michael Allen

I was in Spain during 9/11. Talk about feeling out of sorts with one's own sense of place and nation. I found that while most Spaniards shared a very stereotypical view -- that all Americans are full of %^&$ and full of themselves -- I never found anyone who didn't sympathize with what had happened in the US that day. In fact, I think people were actually even nicer to me than they would've been ... if you can imagine an already generous people being even more generous.

Having lived abroad for some time in my life, I can understand why the rest of the world sees us the way they do ... but what they don't know or don't mention is that the US is so vast and diverse, geographically and culturally. It's up to you to be your own ambassador and break the stereotype. You can also be a citizen of the world, who happens to have an American passport.

I heard all sorts of words about Americans while I was there. I was always diplomatic, even when someone would ask me if we really ate hamburgers all the time ... I mean the question made him look stupid, not the Americans he was referring to!

And as far as looking ... what does that mean? I'm fair-skinned and blue-eyed with auburn hair. My grandfather was born in Asturias and he was blond. I really don't have any American blood, but am still considered American.

I hold American citizenship, but my parents were born in Cuba and my grandparents were Spanish. The bottom line -- we "Americans" all come from somewhere else. Our country is young and our roots are not so deeply set as they are in Spain. When we are abroad, and especially after an event like 9/11, we are suddenly put under the spotlight, made vulnerable ...

Being in Spain during this time, when the US is redefining its national identity, can be quite an eye-opener. If I were you, I'd relish every minute of it! You can learn to appreciate your country from a more balanced perspective and you will learn a great deal about yourself and your relationship to your roots, wherever they are.

Enjoy your time in Spain!

Churrito

Well, I wish I could trace my roots back to the "Old Country," but I don't know where that is! Probably Ireland judging from my last name Allen. However through family tree research we traced our roots back to before the revolutionary war and that ancestor lived in North Carolina! Too bad, i guess. I knew about Austurias, which I have to say really appears interesting. It is Spanish, but people say the geography and people look sort of Celtic like those in Ireland. I find that really interesting. I hope I get the opportunity to visit there.


Anyone have any ideas for travel outside of Spain? I've already been to Paris, London, Brussels, Amsterdam and some cities in Italy. I was thinking of maybe Austria or Germany?

It just hit me the other day that I will be giving up English and only speaking Spanish in a month! It is exciting and a little sacry at the same time! I feel comfortable with my Spanish, but it is still weird.

Michael Allen,

Long, long time ago, the 'Celtas'(yes same people as the Irish) lived in the north of Spain, they had fair hair and eyes. The 'Iberos' in the south had dark hair and eyes, and were a little shorter, I think. Anyway, with time they all "got mixed up" and Spaniards today descend from the 'Celtiberos'. Only afterwards, we had centuries of moorish occupation, and that probably counts too.
And there are a lot of Latin American immigrants here today, just like in the US.

What I mean is, you won't necessarily stand out solely for being fair skinned, this is Europe!; I'm 100% Spanish and my looks have never stand out as Hispanic in the US or the UK, etc, quite the contrary.

I'm positive you'll be absolutely fine in Valencia!; if anything, in my view, the two topics with which Europeans have more difficulties "understanding" Americans are the death penalty and the gun control laws.
You may choose to avoid them, it's up to you; also, maybe these days, the whole war situation is touchy for some.

And as Churrito points out, some people deeply dislike it when someone, like an exchange student, gets here and seems surprised to find we wear regular clothes instead of 'trajes de gitanas'(flamenco outfits), or expect us to eat tacos, enchiladas, burritos, etc....with which North Americans are far more familiar with than us really.

And yes, there are some people with even strong anti-American feelings....About that....let them be, remember that unfortunately, envious people exist everywhere, if you know what I mean

Ah!, if you witnessed some man complimenting, or praising a female's appearance, don't think of it as sexual harassment!, he'll be saying a 'piropo', ha,ha!
We aren't as politically correct!

I believe you'll be in Valencia for 'Las Fallas'!, talk about crazy festivities!!!, M.A., I really hope you like firecrackers, fireworks, and anything related to gunpowder!!!
Valencia is the homeland of the 'paella'!, you'll be able to experience fisthand its many delicious variations :p


pim

[ 12-10-2001: Message edited by: pim ]