Recommendations for Salamanca from a Mere Transient

As my short six weeks in Salamanca are nearing a close, it seems only natural that I would have gained enough insight to provide recommendations for future students in regards to "what to do" and "what not to do". While I believe that these recommendations would be widely accepted by my peers, I feel that if I spent another whole six weeks here that they would change or that I would be able to come up with even more helpful recommendations. I am not saying this to belittle my forthcoming suggestions, but only to provide a perspective toward the fact that even just a week ago these recommendations would have been different. However, I believe that the city has become a part of me and that these recommendations will effectively help any newcomer acclimate to Salamanca (and Spain in general) and take advantage of all that it has to offer.

Recommendation 1: Travel. Traveling on the weekends has been one of my favorite parts of my time in Spain. Much like the United States, the many parts of the country can be completely different. One should travel in order to receive as much of a comprehensive view of the country that is possible. For example, when I went to San Sebastian, it looked like a city I would have more imagined to be in France than in Spain. Traveling helps break the monotony of Salamanca because you discover completely new things. Though the old parts of Salamanca are undeniably beautiful, seeing them every day naturally results in less appreciation for them. In turn, traveling is also beneficial in that it can make one appreciate Salamanca more because it allows one to distinguish the nuances that make Salamanca what it is.

Recommendation 2: Speak with your host family. I've found that this is the best way to practice and improve your Spanish. In my experience, the host families tend to be more tolerant of less competent Spanish speakers, which could stem from the fact that they're accustomed to this because of past students. They’ll correct your Spanish and let you know better ways to say thing. Also, they're native speakers - The reason that you take Spanish is to be able to communicate with Spanish speaking people. You'll be able to understand the initially incomprehensible Spanish speakers if you speak with the people who grew up speaking the language. In addition, the commoners throughout the city tend to be unsympathetic to you if you are having trouble getting your point across. So improve your Spanish with your host family and impress that brute of a waiter.

Recommendation 3: Take brief siestas. This is a recommendation I wish that I was given. When I first arrived in Spain, I was under the impression that a siesta was a 2-hour-long manifestation of stereotypical Spanish laziness. So, I figured that I’d indulge, and later found out that I was the lazy one. An authentic siesta is no longer than a half hour, and now I’m in the habit of sleeping two to three hours in the middle of the day. While in the United States, I never take naps and especially do not during the academic year because I’m strapped for time. So I’m probably going to have to work in order to eliminate this habit. So refrain from doing this and take actual siestas.

Recommendation 4: Try new types of food. You’re in Spain so unless you plan on coming back soon, this is the only time you’ll be able to sample the authentic Spanish cuisine. The way the food is prepared is very different from the United States. In addition, it’s simply fun to try new types of food. This coincides with my first recommendation to travel while you’re here. Different regions of Spain have different types of typical dishes, so try each region’s respective famous dish.

Recommendation 5: Take advantage of the Nightlife. One of the great things about being in Salamanca is that it is a college town, and you’re a college student. In turn, there are venues of all types where you can enjoy yourself at night, and many are different from any typical place in the US. Whether you want to tranquilly drink a bottle of wine with friends at a street cafe and feign sophistication, or if you want to go clubbing and dance the night away, there is a suitable location. Alcohol is a social catalyst. Utilizing this truth in a responsible manner can result in some of your most memorable nights (note that I said responsible). The city of Salamanca recognizes this and can facilitate great nights out.

Recommendation 6: Socialize with people of other countries. When else can you do this? The social dynamics of other countries are very different from what we’re used to. It’s really interesting to see the way they interact with other people. It also helps if they speak English. But one of the nights in which I was most amused was spent with a British girl who proceeded to write extremely vulgar insults on post it notes and stick them on any chump who came within close proximity of us in the bar. And who doesn’t get a kick out of a foreign accent?

Recommendation 7: Go to San Fermin. Enough said.