El dia del padre!

Today is Father's Day in Spain! (Because   every.   single.   thing. is different between the United States and Spain-- this includes holidays).  While I'm usually opposed to most of the differences I find here in Spain (talk about change overload), I actually prefer Spain's Father's Day over the U.S. due to the reasoning behind it.  The reason Father's Day is March 19 in Spain is because it is also St. Joseph's Day.  If you recall one of my previous posts, Spain takes the days of Saints pretty seriously even celebrating them like a small birthday.  And St. Joseph played a pretty big role in the Catholic/Christian religion.  Ehem... he was that guy who ya know was pretty famous for raising a really famous kid who went by the name of Jesus...

Kidding.  But you would surprised at how many people don't know the story of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.  Anyway, it makes a lot of sense to hold Father's Day on the same day as Saint Joseph's Day.  So I prefer the significance of Spain's Father's Day over the one in the United States held in June. 

While I'm on the topic of differences between the two countries, here are some more I've discovered recently...

Day Light Savings Time:
Yep.  This is different too.  While the U.S. changed their clocks about a week and a half ago, Spain has still not changed theirs.  I don't completely understand how it makes sense for the countries to change at different times of the year.  Also, I've asked dozens of people, and no one seems to know when day light savings time is here in Spain.  So for now, I'll enjoy the five hour difference between here and home instead of the normal six hour difference.  (Trust me, you would be surprised at how one hour makes such a difference when it comes to corresponding with people in the U.S.)

Crutches:
Even crutches are different in Spain!

I cannot report the effectiveness of this particular type of crutch since I've avoided breaking any bones since moving to Spain.  But I am curious to know which is the better (aka more comfortable) model.   

Pick Up Trucks:
 So for those of you who had the pleasure of growing up watching the TV show "The Wild Thornberries," you will recall distinctly the type of vehicle the family drove.  Well when it comes to farming in Spain, they use those safari looking trucks instead of pick up trucks.  On the topic of farming, you will be happy to know that they do use John Deere tractors which I think is pretty cool.

You know you grew up in a small farm town when you get excited about seeing John Deere tractors...

Kids Don't Lie:
I don't know whether it's just the kids in my school or all Spanish schools, but it's incredible to me how almost every kid is completely honest and doesn't lie.  For example if you ask a kid if they did something, they will admit to what they did instead of lying about it.  Or if you ask an entire class who was the person who threw the pencil (for example), the kid who threw it will turn himself in.  I like Spain's honesty in this aspect!

Eat and Play at the same time at recess:
Something that will make every school Nurse and administrator cringe... kids playing and eating their lunch at the same time.  We're not talking a little game of hide and seek.  We're talking full on soccer games, tag, running around, etc.  I'm still shocked that since I've started working in my school, there hasn't been any choking incidents.  (Thank goodness since I'm obliged to play the role of the school nurse too.)

Happy Father's Day Dad!!

Felicidades!