Right before I left for Spain, the United States had sent out a travel advisory alert urging U.S. citizens to remain in the country if possible, in fear of the future following the attacks in Paris.
My parents were hesitant of my upcoming trip but knew I was going to be leaving regardless of their hesitations.
The attacks on one of the most iconic cities in the world shook individuals from across the globe. One of the things I was curious to explore when arriving in Spain was if there was added security and if the perception was as catastrophic as it was from the eyes of the American public.
There was nothing out of the ordinary when I arrived in Spain, but also the focus on the media had shifted from the attacks onto the refugee crisis that is continuously growing, especially in Southern Spain, where I live.
This past weekend I traveled to Paris on a spur of the moment holiday with a friend. In less than 48 hours, we tried to take in as much of the Parisian lifestyle as we possibly could.
I kept my eyes open to tribute signs to the victims, any signs of nationalism or any inkling that there was a tragic attack there a few months ago.
I didn’t see a thing.
There were more security checks at the Beauvais airport than in Seville, but that isn’t saying much. It is common to breeze through security in Seville, so I don’t have much to compare other processes to in an accurate manner.
My friend and I went to the Eiffel Tower on Friday night after we settled into our hotel.
I started to cry at the first sight of the sparkling monument I had only seen half a million times in movies and from other people’s adventures.
The people standing around us, mesmerized by the beauty of the lights glimmering in the rainy, frigid air, all knew what happened nearby less than four months ago, but there was no aura of fear whatsoever.
I contribute this lack of empathy and dwelling to the culture of Paris and France in general.
One of the biggest cultural shocks I experienced in my first few weeks in Spain was the bluntness on the Spanish public.
Nothing is sugar coated whatsoever. If someone thinks someone else is unattractive, they say it without hesitation. It isn’t something perceived as rude, just brutally direct.
In France, it is the same thing, and in Paris in an even more dignified manner. I thought the Spanish lifestyle was the fanciest and most sophisticated I had ever seen. That was until I had a small taste of the Parisian way.
It is better to focus on the future than to dwell on the past. That was my lesson this past weekend. I also learned the Marie Antoinette macaroon, although may seem disgusting, is without a doubt the best flavor.
Paris has my heart, and I know I will make my way back one day in the future. I can enjoy the memories I made without focusing on the bad of the past perceptions.
It is nearly impossible to experience the best things in life if fear is the guide.
afmaling@indiana.edu @aly_mali
