The last time I was in Spain, I was studying abroad for a semester in Toledo, a beautiful city right outside of Madrid. I loved spending time in Toledo, Madrid and southern Spain. I felt that I got to experience stereotypical Spain with its cobblestone streets, big stone buildings and cathedrals, Flamenco dancing, sangria and paella.
This time, I am living in and getting to know Galicia, a completely different area of Spain. Galicia seems to break every one of the stereotypes Americans have of Spain. If you order sangria at a restaurant here, the waiter looks at you, shakes his head, and offers tinto de verano. When you see traditional dancing and listen to local music, you will hear bagpipes and see Muñeira dance. Both of these are vastly different from the rhythm, sounds, and outfits you experience and associate with Flamenco. The locals in Galicia are also much more likely to enjoy pulpo, or octopus, instead of paella, a traditional dish of rice, spices and meat more commonly found in southern Spain.
It is interesting to see how we often have very specific stereotypes of other countries, cultures, and people that usually come from a very small sample of the population and aren't representative of the country as a whole.
