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Hey guys! 

So I haven't written in awhile (awhile for me, but when compared to some of the other AFSers I am a freaking machine pounding out these blogs!) simply because I couldn't think of anything to write about. However, I had some time and figured that since so many of you are living vicariously through me throughout this experience, I could tell you about some little things I have seen or noticed here that I may take for granted, or not think much of because I now see them every day.

1. Dreadlocks. Dreadlocks are everywhere. EVERYWHERE! Sometimes a full head of dreads, other times just one or two and the rest a normal head of hair.

2. Roller skates / blades, scooters, skateboards, and bikes are used 10000x more often, and sometimes more than one at the same time. For example, on more than one occasion I have seen someone riding a bike, with someone holding onto their shoulder while cruising along on roller blades. Or, a person on roller blades, while pushing a stroller. In addition, it is rare that their is only one person on a bike at a time. The norm is two, whether the second person is on the handle bars, spokes, who knows where, you see a bike, you will most likely see two people on that bike.

3. Saying bless you (salud in Spanish) is not as habitual as it is in the U.S. I find this one very strange, considering the people here are so warm, friendly, and willing to help each other out.

4. Arrows painted in the street actually point in the direction the traffic is coming FROM! This is actually kind of important, so if you ever find yourself in Spain keep that in mind!

Now to set some stereotypes straight, or confirm their validity.

1. All Spaniards are tan. False.
Although their are those girls and boys in my class or around town with the perfect tan you are just as likely to find a pale chico here, as you are in New York.

2. All Spaniards are very friendly. True.
For the most part true. There is definitely less of a barrier between friends groups and new comers, however I strongly believe that we are almost just as friendly and welcoming in good old Pine Plains. Also, I have found that it is actually a lot easier to make friends with other AFSers than it is to make friends with the people in your town / school, but no worries, I am making both!

3. Everything is really delayed and relaxed when it comes to time. True.
This is most definitely, 100% no 150% true. School starts at 8:10, students still walking in at 8:25. Dance class at 6, I am the first to arrive if I get there at 5:58. Hungry at 7:30, dinner is at 9. Tired at 10:30 at a school night, that's ok.. but your family might give you some funny looks or think you are feeling sick if you go to bed before 11 on a school night.

I am sure there are many, many more things that I am leaving out, but I simply cannot think of them right now! If you have any questions or are really really curious about something, put it in the comments or inbox me your questions on Facebook, because I am just not sure what to write about now that most of the initial firsts are all done with.