Lol I've lived abroad for a while in cultures where nudity is normal between women...but that is not a story I would have expected elsewhere! Love that you just rolled with it :)
Hahaha yeah, I think we all have a hidden reservoir of ability to go along with things just to avoid conflict. I’m genuinely curious how others would’ve reacted in my place. At the same time, I can imagine that the same part of my temperament that let me roll with it was probably what made her feel safe (or reckless) enough to flash me. Thanks for reading, Rebecca!
I'm not shocked! I think after childbirth me and friends and strangers in the park are diving into deep intimacy in seconds sharing our lives and experiences! Boobs are shown in beaches or swimmingpools or at the gym showers! As Spanish we are very "desvergonzados" with our bodies.
I'm not like that, but I have learnt to embrace it and cherish it!
During summer holdays we are adopting the late Soanishs hours
because is so hot! But during the normal year we have adopted the European dinner hours because we have to survive with little twins!
I am shocked with the wine story, that is a big NO! I can imagine some people doing it but I feel really bad about this hapening!
And my English is so broken! Sorry!
Good luck with recovery!
I had a C section and spine surgery one year after childbirth, I had enough surgeries! My boobs are shaggy and I've made my peace with it!
I think your English is just fine, tocaya! Thanks for your comment.
Re: the wine—I do remember taking sips as a kid (probably not as a baby though—I’m from Andalucía, exaggeration is my middle name!) and reacting with absolute disgust. Personally, it worked more as a deterrent than anything else.
Haha yes I remember when I studied in Spain being shocked at how late the kids were out, playing in the plazas. Or kids at bars, that kind of thing.
I could never get used to the late Spanish nights, I must admit! I felt like such a grandma! "You mean you don't START going out to dinner until 10 pm???"
But I guess you all learn to do it from a very young age. 😝
Hey Christina! To be honest, I really struggle with the Spanish meal schedule now, especially when I’m back with the kids. I need my grown-up time after they go to bed!
When we were little, my parents taught us early on to respect siesta hours—we could play or read, but absolutely no noise. I guess that’s how they survived having us awake so late.
I also remember that, as a Spanish kid, you learn to sleep in very early in life.
Still, I much prefer early dinners, and I don’t miss that about Spain at all.
I’m currently living in Madeira, Portugal, and we’re moving to Greece in a month!
I need to learn how to implement this "quiet siesta time" for my kids (even if they're not napping), haha. (Certainly the 6 year old isn't napping at this point, and the 3 year old is starting to phase out of it.)
For what it’s worth, I was a voracious reader from a very young age—and my parents had zero qualms about plopping my brother in front of the TV during siesta time. It all gets exponentially easier as the kids grow up.
P.S. I’m jealous your 3-year-old is phasing out of naps. I can’t wait for our release from nap jail! Not even the midday break is worth being tied to the house at naptime. My son’s a terrible sleeper anywhere else, and if he doesn’t nap properly, bedtime goes off the rails real fast.
I am a little too guilty of popping them in front of the TV, too. Trying to get a better hold on that. ;)
I also remember the first time I went to the beach in Spain, in Málaga (early 20s), and seeing topless women walk around. It just isn't done in the U.S.. So maybe you all are just more used to going topless?? 😂
Thanks, Carolina! I'm glad the ending landed for you. Discovering the human behind the crazy/unexpected/weird is my number one goal when I write about anything.
Lol I've lived abroad for a while in cultures where nudity is normal between women...but that is not a story I would have expected elsewhere! Love that you just rolled with it :)
Hahaha yeah, I think we all have a hidden reservoir of ability to go along with things just to avoid conflict. I’m genuinely curious how others would’ve reacted in my place. At the same time, I can imagine that the same part of my temperament that let me roll with it was probably what made her feel safe (or reckless) enough to flash me. Thanks for reading, Rebecca!
I'm not shocked! I think after childbirth me and friends and strangers in the park are diving into deep intimacy in seconds sharing our lives and experiences! Boobs are shown in beaches or swimmingpools or at the gym showers! As Spanish we are very "desvergonzados" with our bodies.
I'm not like that, but I have learnt to embrace it and cherish it!
During summer holdays we are adopting the late Soanishs hours
because is so hot! But during the normal year we have adopted the European dinner hours because we have to survive with little twins!
I am shocked with the wine story, that is a big NO! I can imagine some people doing it but I feel really bad about this hapening!
And my English is so broken! Sorry!
Good luck with recovery!
I had a C section and spine surgery one year after childbirth, I had enough surgeries! My boobs are shaggy and I've made my peace with it!
I think your English is just fine, tocaya! Thanks for your comment.
Re: the wine—I do remember taking sips as a kid (probably not as a baby though—I’m from Andalucía, exaggeration is my middle name!) and reacting with absolute disgust. Personally, it worked more as a deterrent than anything else.
Haha yes I remember when I studied in Spain being shocked at how late the kids were out, playing in the plazas. Or kids at bars, that kind of thing.
I could never get used to the late Spanish nights, I must admit! I felt like such a grandma! "You mean you don't START going out to dinner until 10 pm???"
But I guess you all learn to do it from a very young age. 😝
Where are you living now?
Hey Christina! To be honest, I really struggle with the Spanish meal schedule now, especially when I’m back with the kids. I need my grown-up time after they go to bed!
When we were little, my parents taught us early on to respect siesta hours—we could play or read, but absolutely no noise. I guess that’s how they survived having us awake so late.
I also remember that, as a Spanish kid, you learn to sleep in very early in life.
Still, I much prefer early dinners, and I don’t miss that about Spain at all.
I’m currently living in Madeira, Portugal, and we’re moving to Greece in a month!
I need to learn how to implement this "quiet siesta time" for my kids (even if they're not napping), haha. (Certainly the 6 year old isn't napping at this point, and the 3 year old is starting to phase out of it.)
And wow, Greece in a month - sounds amazing!!
For what it’s worth, I was a voracious reader from a very young age—and my parents had zero qualms about plopping my brother in front of the TV during siesta time. It all gets exponentially easier as the kids grow up.
P.S. I’m jealous your 3-year-old is phasing out of naps. I can’t wait for our release from nap jail! Not even the midday break is worth being tied to the house at naptime. My son’s a terrible sleeper anywhere else, and if he doesn’t nap properly, bedtime goes off the rails real fast.
I am a little too guilty of popping them in front of the TV, too. Trying to get a better hold on that. ;)
I also remember the first time I went to the beach in Spain, in Málaga (early 20s), and seeing topless women walk around. It just isn't done in the U.S.. So maybe you all are just more used to going topless?? 😂
I was very surprised that the title was not an exaggeration in pure Andalusian style!
Right? I think the hype is well-deserved.
Loved it! I really empathized with your expat experience, but I was amazed by the final conclusion of the event, so real and so human.
Thanks, Carolina! I'm glad the ending landed for you. Discovering the human behind the crazy/unexpected/weird is my number one goal when I write about anything.