This blog post was written by Global Gap Fellow Xavier Lopez.
November in Spain is such a unique and magical time. Without Thanksgiving being celebrated here, the city skips straight to preparing for Christmas. Beautiful lights are already going up, and you can feel the Christmas spirit beginning to take hold.
By now, I’ve become so accustomed to using the bus to get around that if someone told me they were driving somewhere, I’d almost find it strange. Public transportation here is not only safe and efficient, but it also eliminates much of the need for cars. Most people either walk to their destination or rely on the bus system. This approach is not only cheaper than owning a car but also much more environmentally friendly. Over time, I’ve grown to appreciate and prefer it.
My service placements involve working with two very different groups—Spain’s elderly population and its youth—offering me a fascinating perspective. The elderly I work with, many of whom suffer from Alzheimer’s, still have incredible stories and wisdom to share. It’s a privilege to listen to them and learn from their experiences. Meanwhile, the youth in Spain have their own distinct interests, which I can’t help but compare to what kids are into back in the U.S. These interactions give me a deeper understanding of the cultural differences and similarities between the two countries.
Lots of love,
Xavier Lopez