My study abroad group began our adventure in Spain just over a week ago. While the time seems to have passed quickly, each day was filled with unforgettable moments. Through these experiences, I have come to recognize characteristics that contribute to the uniqueness of Catalan culture, politics, and business. To comprehend the extent to which my foreign perspective diverges from that of Spanish society, I will use this blog post as a reflection of some notable observations from the week.?
I find it interesting that the elements of Spanish culture are interrelated. The language, religious beliefs, social structure, communication, as well as values and attitudes of the Catalan people combine to define their lifestyle. My roommates and I start each day by embracing the Catalan language as we commute via metro and foot to our classroom. Individuals of all different professions and backgrounds ride the metro, allowing us to discover how those in this region of Spain interact with one another. The tone of their message is just as important as the words themselves, making Spain a high-context culture. After visiting Montserrat Monastery, a location where many miracles are attributed, I can confirm that religion shapes attitudes and imposes constraints on the roles of individuals. The fact that the majority of shops are closed on Sunday is congruent with this set of beliefs. I have concluded that a similarity exists between the social structure of the United States and Spain. When children get a better education, they improve their class. Taking a tour of Casa Mil?, another famous work by architect Antoni Gaud?, reinstated the truth that one?s education is highly valuable.?
Catalonia?s drive for independence from Spain is at the forefront of politics in Barcelona. One day in class, my peers delivered a presentation about the movement, and they particularly focused on explaining the 2017 Catalan independence referendum. They clarified that the flags we see hanging from many balconies in Barcelona symbolize Catalan nationalism. It is astonishing to me that the Catalans even have their own national anthem. Catalonia is one of Spain?s wealthiest and productive regions, so the autonomous community?s determination to officially gain independence is comprehensible. Touring the FC Barcelona museum and stadium allowed me to understand how the football club has adopted Catalan values. The Catalan professional football club, also known as Bar?a, competes in La Liga. The club?s motto ?Mes que un club? expresses its role in driving Catalan freedom from the rest of Spain. Assuming that the independence movement is successful, Bar?a must be prepared to be pushed out of La Liga.?
The relational business culture of Spain was conveyed this week during a company visit to Freixenet and as I shopped at local stores. Freixenet, the largest exporter of Cava worldwide, began producing sparkling wine in 1861. I had the opportunity to learn about the company?s history of producing its signature beverages and developing customer relationships at a global scale. Freixenet emphasized the importance of the aging process and meticulous work to produce the best possible product. Cer?miques Joaquim Sal?, a pottery store in Cadaqu?s that was founded in 1910, is another business with a respectable reputation. Each time I travel abroad, I seek to purchase a plate representative of the location to add to my plate collection. Strolling through the charming streets of Cadaqu?s, a coastal town north of Barcelona, resulted in me finding the perfect addition. Joaquim Sal?, the owner of the store, explained to me that he is now running his family business that has been around for generations. To continue pleasing customers, each item sold is handcrafted by a famous Spanish artist. The unique plate I bought was locally made by an artist recipient of a gold award for his craftsmanship. Speaking to the locals of the beautiful town in Costa Brava was the best possible way to end the week!