Cross the street the Spanish Way

So my pressure has mounted as I have discovered that more than three people actually read this thing. \nYou know when you're sitting in your 10 a.m. lecture and the person sitting next to you reeks of beer, bad B.O. and is in desperate need of a shower? You think to yourself, "Damn, someone had a good night last night!" They probably went out, got belligerent the night before, passed out for a few hours and rolled out of bed in time to get to class. It then gets to a point where you almost want to get up because it is unbearable (Those of you who don't have lecture classes can't partake in this exercise).\nWell, let me tell you a little bit about how the Spanish party. Picture that situation, but imagine that the person came straight to class from the bars and clubs. That is one variable in the distinction of life in Spain from life in the U.S. \nHere, the clubs don't start getting good until well past 2 a.m. There are bars on almost every corner, and staying out until 6 or 7 a.m. is normal. You know how when you're at the bars having a blast and it suddenly hits 2 a.m. and you're kicked out? Well not here. After the bars, many venture off into the discotecas or clubs. \nI have yet to partake in such a courageous act as to go out until 6 or 7 a.m. and go straight to class. 7:30 comes awfully quick, and often times I am still tired no matter what time I go to bed.\nWhich leads me to another thing: siesta. The greatest thing of all. At about 2 p.m., most stores close and everyone goes home to have lunch (also known as "la comida"). This is by far my favorite time of day. After lunch, many take naps until about 4:30 p.m. Stores begin to open again after 5 and stay open until 9 or 10. You couldn't ask for a better day, and having to adjust to the normal "American" routine when I get back in January is going to be difficult. \nSometimes you don't realize how different simple things can be in a foreign country? For example: crossing a street. I love how pedestrians have the right-of-way in the U.S. I have always taken this for granted. You can cross Kirkwood whenever you want, cars will slow down and even stop when you cross. You can always expect the car will stop to allow you to mosey on, despite gestures made with their hands and/or shouting. \nDefinitely not here. Of course we have crosswalks (which I like to call a "paseo de cebras"), but don't even think about crossing unless the crosswalk light is green. The minute it starts blinking, you literally have almost three seconds to book it. These cars are merciless. Even the mopeds will run you down. \nAnd just because I love all my readers, a sneak peak at what my next article will cover: food and meals in Spain. Get ready, it will hit all Indiana Daily Student news stands Oct. 5.