Excerpts from Paige Biglin’s Letters Home: Although the city seemed overwhelming at first, I am really getting to know my way around. I walk a lot since my house is so far away from teh downtown, and my mental map is rapidly improving. A lot of people walk here so it is also a great opportunity to observe and figure out what exactly gives away the fact that I am from the U.S. I have a few theories (some bordering closely on fact): first, Spanish women don't wear athletic shoes, even when they walk around a lot. They also wear jeans less often, and not in the standard 'blue jean' color that mine are. There's a lot of trendier denim colors and styles among younger women. The characteristic that most gives me away, however, is my (our, since others in my program also do this) penchant for walking fast. I keep trying to slow down and follow the pace set by the Spaniards on the sidewalk, but after years of cultural training (and my running background...) it is very difficult to just stroll, especially when I have an "important" destination.

Despite my obvious American traits, I have had several personal victories in fitting in! A few days into the program, someone on the street handed me a brochure on English classes. I have been asked for directions three times. A salesman in a store asked Elizabeth and me if we were from Portugal. (Well, close enough!) I am excited that once my Spanish becomes more fluent I will be able to fit in even more.