This goes to show you that being kind to the people you meet will help you build friendships and foster happiness.
Anywhere you are in the world, it is important to do things that bring you joy. I love to be artistic and active, and I enjoy spending time chatting with my friends. Since doing these things make me happy, I decided to join a few activities here in Spain. For example, every Tuesday and Thursday, I go to a painting class where I chat with local Spanish people and use oil paints to create beautiful art. I also joined a gym where I can take fun classes like yoga and dance. On Wednesdays, I go to a Spanish lesson where I practice having conversations with a professor. I also love to be a part of the community by relaxing at cafes and drinking warm coffee, which is a very popular activity in Spain and a great way to spend quality time with friends.
There are also some cultural differences here that I had to adjust to. For example, every day from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., people usually take a break from working by relaxing at home. This break time is called a siesta, which means “nap,” although not everyone naps during this time. Many businesses close during these hours and reopen after 4:00 p.m. Most places also close on Sundays, so I need to make sure that I run all of my errands during the week! It is little differences like these that make adjusting to a new country and culture so interesting and rewarding. I am thankful to be able to be a part of life here in La Rioja.
