By meaggymurphy
Patterns are funny things in life. They are so dependent on variables like timing, culture, necessities, and personality; however, patterns have a way of becoming rigid and invariable. They become routines whether we want them to or not. Part of the reason I chose to come study abroad in Spain was because I have a previously unspoken/unwritten promise with myself regarding routines. This self-contract is that I will always take the opportunity to challenge myself to break out of patterns. I know myself to be a person who becomes easily bewitched into a routine- if I could, I'd wake up at the same time everyday, eat the same thing for breakfast, and go through a series of comfortable motions until bedtime. But where's the fun in that?! Life is about variety, switching it up, and trying new things. This is why I love travel so much; it literally forces you to break out of habitual familiarities and adapt in an unfamiliar environment.
Spain has done a good job of shattering my well-established U.S. routine. For example, somewhere along the line in life, I was bitten by the "Early to bed, early to rise" bug. It's annoying, I know. When I'm in America, I take comfort in the pattern of waking up early, having a cup of coffee, and doing productive things until it's time for class or work. One of the biggest adaptations I've undergone in Pamplona is the acceptance that this routine simply does not work.
The life of a student in Spain is one that tends to start later and end later. Everything here happens later. Breakfast happens when I'm used to having lunch, lunch when I'm used to having dinner, and dinner when I'd usually be fast asleep. Life is very much more nocturnal; this past week I was surprised/horrified to hear a friend telling me that during exams, he prefers to play fútbol at night, return home to eat around 10 p.m., and then study from midnight till the sun comes up. That's his routine. I don't think I'll ever be that much of a night owl. But at basic as it sounds, I like talking to people whose life rhythms are different from mine- simple patterns tell a lot about traditions, preferences, and what people find significant in life. For me, it's just as important to participate in and experience as many life patterns as possible as it is to establish one for myself. Luckily, I'm getting to experience the routine-shattering shift that I was hoping Spain would provide. So far, I'm keeping my promise to myself and adapting. Someday, the time will come when I realize that I'm just as comfortable in my Spain routine as I was in my American routine, and then I'll know it's time for a new challenge. For now, I'll keep enjoying the novelty and freshness of my life rhythm in Pamplona.