One thing I really like about the Spanish is that they are not afraid to show how they feel. No one has ever described them as stoic, cold, or unemotional.
When we first moved here, it took us by surprise sometimes. You’d be standing in the street talking to someone, and they would move closer to talk to you. Talk about “up close and personal”, this was more like 2 inches from your face! And friends like to hold your arm or touch your shoulder as they speak to you.
Coming from England, where personal space is sacrosanct, and to invade it is a sign of aggression, this was a bit of surprise. It took some getting used to. And having being born in the midwest of America, to a Scandinavian family, it was even more to get used to! Growing up, we always knew we were loved, but physical signs of affection (or anger) were not really the done thing.
But now, I love it. I find it so refreshing to be able to say what I’m feeling, without censure. Or, if you are ever sick, you have to be prepared for questions from friends as to the intimate details of your illness – nothing is too personal!
The reason I mention this is that Spain won the World Cup last night. (my US friends may not know that) Watching the game in town, celebrating with the people in the village, was great. There was lots of alcohol consumed, but no violence. Small children were there with parents. Teens were there. Grandparents were there. All jumping around, all singing.
They really do know how to celebrate in style. Enjoy the video!
A highland fling 
July 12, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Felicidades España. Thanks for sharing your video.
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July 12, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Da nada, y muchas gracias!
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July 12, 2010 at 1:32 pm
As Spanish, I feel flattered. It’s so nice no-Spanish people supporting that kind of behavior.
About yesterday’s event, it was awesome. Everybody singing, jumping together, even with unknown people.
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July 12, 2010 at 4:17 pm
It was awesome, no doubt about it. Our village has 3300 people, and I think everyone was in town celebrating!
The people here have been so welcoming and helpful to us in our olive farm venture. We never feel like foreigners, and try to join into village life.
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July 12, 2010 at 2:32 pm
I absolutely love the Hispanic culture. I’ve been studying it for the past couple of years!
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July 12, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Hispanic culture is a pretty wide subject, but yes, it’s fascinating! Have you been to Spain? The north is very different to the south – we live in Andalucia.
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July 12, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Nice read, and video. I do enjoy my personal space but grew up showing affection as well. I’m in the US and am a huge Football (American Football) fan. Just recently began watching some soccer. I really enjoyed the World Cup. Congrats to Spain!!
Check Us Out! A Little Place For Some Internet Traffic Road Rage!
Road Rage with A & A
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July 12, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Thanks, Adam. I grew up in the US (SD) and my brothers loved American football. I never got into it because the games are sooooo long! I love the speed and passion of football, and Spain is a good place to be to get that!
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July 12, 2010 at 5:04 pm
It’s nice to see how someone can come to love other cultures. Great article and video!! I’m from Argentina but I’ve lived in Houston, TX for the past 8 years now and I love the USA and its culture. Congratulations to Spain and to you for showing your support to others.
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July 12, 2010 at 5:18 pm
Thanks, Matias! I grew up in the US (love it), moved to England (loved that) and now live in Spain, which I adore! I wish everyone could have the same chance to do that – I believe there would be a lot more understanding in the world!
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July 12, 2010 at 10:37 pm
Glad Spain won over Negative Netherlands. Man some of those fouls were brutal.
We need more of the spanish work culture / enjoyment of life in the USA.
http://blog.ericmerten.com/2010/07/12/wcfinal-2010/
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July 13, 2010 at 7:57 am
Hi Eric, thanks for the post! Yes, Holland played a rough game and were lucky not to have at least one other sent off.
The Spanish work culture is “work hard, but work is just work”. They love to be with friends and family, and that is paramount. I think in the US and the UK, the balance is wrong.
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July 13, 2010 at 12:13 am
Thanks for the great post and video. You’re lucky to have experienced it personally. I started out a Brazil fan and then switched to Germany, and, after their respective losses, finally picked a winner in Spain. They showed those Dutch thugs some style and grace and won with honor. Congrats to your adopted land.
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July 13, 2010 at 8:01 am
Hi there, thanks for the comment! The Spanish did it this year for the first time ever, and in a style that beat out the aggression of the Dutch!
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July 13, 2010 at 4:25 am
What a great video! I’m jealous because I happen to be a Spaniard living in the US, and I’d have loved to be there, maybe next time 😉
La Seleccion Espanola, what a well-rounded team!
They so deserved to bring that cup home 🙂 and It’s impressive how they are all so humble. I Love it!
I love Spain. Andalucia is pretty cool.I’m glad you like it 🙂
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July 13, 2010 at 8:00 am
I am so sorry you missed the celebrations! It was great here, but that was repeated all over Spain!
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July 14, 2010 at 12:51 am
Oh I know, I saw the big party in Madrid via Telemadrid Sat 🙂
I bet there are still people celebrating, we like to celebrate, hahaha
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July 13, 2010 at 6:31 am
I do envy the Spanish way of life, of family and community. I feel we here in Britain are too isolated sometimes, especially in big cities.
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July 13, 2010 at 7:59 am
Hi, thanks for the post! Yes, the community and family feeling here is one of the best things. I lived in the UK for many years, and it is all about the individual – here, people are much more engaged with those around them. You never feel like you have to handle life alone!
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July 13, 2010 at 9:03 am
Thank you for sharing the celebration. It looks great. I am germany supporter, but had to accept Spain is a better team. I found sport always unite all kind of people and that is very interesting. By the way, I really admire your courage in venturing in totally different industry at foreign land. All the best. I will link your blog to mine, hope you don’t mind.
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July 13, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Thanks for posting, and for linking to my blog! Germany looked a good side, but they didn’t play all that well against Spain, I thought.
You’re right, it was hard to make the leap of faith, and move to a country with different customs and language – but you soon find that people are pretty much the same everywhere! We love our new life in the outdoors!
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July 13, 2010 at 12:10 pm
really very happy moments, congratulation to Spain
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July 13, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Thanks! Everyone is still on a high here!
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July 13, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Spain appeals to me too. It’s a really nice place. I may do a tour there in a few years. Perhaps twelve months wandering would be good.
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July 13, 2010 at 1:20 pm
It is a big country with a lot to see, so do plan on enough time to see and do what you want. There is a good train network, so no need to drive unless you want to.
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July 14, 2010 at 1:54 am
What you said about people being so personal is very, very true. I’ve only spent a weekend in Spain, but I definitely felt what you described. Everyone was so friendly, and if I asked for directions or help with whatever, the people were more than happy to lend a hand.
Life was similar in Italy, where I lived for a while. I’m American, and when I came back Stateside, it was really hard to re-adjust to the US way of life. There are great aspects of American culture too, but I really miss the openness and community that is so valued in the Mediterranean.
I wish I could have been in Spain to celebrate this glorious victory! Enjoy it!
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July 14, 2010 at 8:25 am
I’m American too, and have lived in the US, England and here in Spain. Each has its great aspects, for sure. But I do love the Spanish attitude towards friends, family and the community. I am sure the US and UK used to be like this, but no longer, sadly…
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