Weekend update #3

I am now entering the final week of school. I'm looking forward to the end of classes, because even in Spain school can be a drag. I'm also excited about having more time to explore the city. However, the end of school also means all my ISA friends are going back to reality. We've only had a month together, but I've met some really great people. I know it won't be goodbye forever, but there will still be tears when they leave. Thus, this weekend will be really special since it will be the last ISA trip before everyone goes to Madrid to leave.

This weekend we're going to Córdoba and Granada. Both of these cities have very impressive architecture, mainly with Muslim influences. Córdoba was one of the largest cities in Western Europe during the tenth century because it was the capital of the Caliphate of Cordoba. Granada was the last city to fall to the Christians in 1492, and has the Alhambra, one of the most famous of Muslim buildings.
These two cities are examples of why time is viewed differently by Americans versus Europeans. When I was told a building in Madrid was quite new, I assumed that meant a few decades. When I asked how new, the response was "Oh, just a few centuries". Seeing as my country is "just a few centuries", I couldn't entirely comprehend how someone could call a few centuries new. However, when viewed through the eyes of a Spaniard, with thousands of years of history, the United States of America, with recognition of independence in 1783, is new.

Here lies the debate, as well as an assumption of culture shock: Since the USA is new, it doesn't have beautiful architecture or a rich history; conversely, since Spain is old it only has elegant architecture and a strong historical tradition.
I must say, I've seen breath-taking views in the US and slums in Spain. The US hasn't had a civil war in over a hundred years, while Spain didn't have it's current form of government until 1978.
This isn't to say the debate is completely false. However, when opening your mind to new cultures and experiences it is prudent to avoid any exaggerations or definitive conclusions about any culture...including your own.