Moda Buena

 The biggest difference in fashion between the U.S. and Spain is that Spain has fashion whereas the U.S. does not have fashion. This statement is slightly over dramatic, but I have been immensely impressed by the fashion in Spain. The biggest trend here is skinny jeans of all colors for both males and females. Heels are a must at night for girls. Strappy sandals or flats are typical during the day, and a sweater or nice jacket is worn in cooler weather. The typical boy's dresscode is similar to the United States' clothes. However, Spanish guys are always dressed nicely, never in athletic shorts and shirt (even when they play soccer, it is a jersey with their shorts). My favorite thing about the fashion here is the hairstyles. My favorite was a girl who had only a small section on the side of her head braided in 'corn rows' with the rest straightened. Also, guys have amazing hair here. In terms of attitudes between guys and girls here, they seem a bit more distant than girls and guys in the United States. Typically, the only guys and girls I see alone together are dating (which I assume from hand holding or kissing).
  Spanish children seem very mature and much more relaxed here. They are always dressed much nicer than children in the United States. I have been impressed by their attitudes. I still see children complaining at times, but that is to be expected from any young children.
  I think the Tandem activity is very important for the Spanish course. Though I had to leave my comfort zone originally, I have really enjoyed learning more about the Spanish people. The hardest thing about the Tandem conversation is trying to talk about ideas or attitudes. It is easy to talk about hobbies or the weather, but much harder to explain differences in the way two cultures think.