Lugo, Spain Americanize

Food Truck fun

Lugo has been americanizing lately, and it's not just because of me. :P For example, Halloween. OK, Samhain is a similar Galician holiday so there's not much of an argument in this case. But in other parts of Spain where there never was a similar tradition it's being celebrated today. Why? I don´t know, because it's something to spend money on? Because so many children and adults study English and learn about it in their classes? Regardless, I appreciate getting to somewhat celebrate a treasured holiday, but I'm bothered by its increasing popularity.

 Another example are the food trucks which were in Lugo this past weekend. Again, it's not necessarily an American concept, but 10 years ago I bet Spaniards would have been completely miffed by the idea. Now it's growing popular, apparently. I had a a nice time, and there was great ambiance, especially after sunset for Spanish dinnertime. Plus, I was delighted to have a bagel one day (it's been over a year) and Mexican food the other. I just find this globalization slightly...annoying. I came here to adapt to a new culture, not have the culture adopt the USA's culture.

There are some simple social interactions, however, that remain to me totally Spanish. Eating breakfast the other day alone in a cafeteria, when a stranger walked in he wished me que aproveche to enjoy my meal. A stranger! I still don't get over that, it makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Or saying goodbye after having ridden an elevator with someone. Today for example we said goodbye after leaving the elevator, then walked 20 feet to the building entrance, and again said goodbye when leaving the building. Had I not offered a chau or ata logo, I would have been the rude one. Just basic manners here in Spain that make life more pleasant. Maybe we can export that kind of behavior to the USA!