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By Diana Lalata, Class of 2017
I am now 45 days into my study abroad program in Spain, and in these 45 days, I have experienced at least 45 moments of culture shock. One of the most peculiar aspects of Spain’s culture—in my opinion—is the personal greeting of giving two kisses on the cheek, as opposed to the distanced “firm and confident handshake” that is practiced so relentlessly in the United States. However, this first impression gives context to other seemingly “odd” cultural norms. Spain’s immediate trust and less cynical view of the human race creates the perfect setting for the establishment of a unique private transport system called Blabacar.
In fancy terms, Blabacar is a cost-effective rideshare system for wanderlust-filled and frugal travelers to venture Spain together on scenic road trips through the breathtaking (and ear-popping) mountain ranges of the countryside. In less fancy terms, Blabacar is a more organized method of hitchhiking.
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| Diana Lalata Class of 2017 |
My friend and I decided to book a Blabacar from Salamanca to Madrid, only paying a third of the cost of a high-speed train. We braced through the traditional Spanish “besos” greeting and introduced ourselves as international students with tight budgets, but an insatiable appetite to see the world. We then packed into the small red Fiat, buckled our seatbelts and secured our fate with a complete stranger. The first five minutes of the three-hour long car ride followed the typical exchange between Spaniards and Americans—our new friend, Angel, asked if we spoke Spanish, as we hesitantly responded, “Si. Un poquito” (Yes, a little bit). As we began to answer the common questions that almost everyone asks in college, “¿Qué es tu mayor? ¿Qué quieres hacer después de graduarte?” (What is your major? What do you want to do after you graduate?), Angel was completely surprised when I told him that I was studying Political Science and interested in pursuing a career in public service.
This cued endless questions about American foreign policy, my thoughts on President Obama, if Hillary stood a chance at winning the next election, and more. It was at this moment of panic in the hot seat that I felt the language gear shift in my brain and suddenly I found myself speaking confidently in Spanish. I expressed my concerns for the future of United States and European relations, compared America’s immigration policy to that of Europe, and explained the lack of opportunity for state secession in contrast to the imminent and contradictory separation of the Catalonian region from Spain. In exchange, I learned much about Spanish history and politics, inspiring a new ambition to research more on global issues.
My study abroad experience has been both eye-opening and full of wonderful surprises—a dreaded three-hour car ride turned into a phenomenal learning experience for four strangers cooped in a car on the way to Madrid. I thank Blabacar for the inexpensive and unique opportunities to practice speaking in Spanish and to learn from others. In addition, I publicly apologize to my parents for disobeying their advice to “never get into a car with a stranger,” but it was well worth taking a ride on the adventurous side.
Diana Lalata, of Louisville, Ky., is a junior McConnell Scholar studying English, Spanish, and political science.
Diana Lalata, of Louisville, Ky., is a junior McConnell Scholar studying English, Spanish, and political science.