Sunday, December 18, 2011

Technology

In this article it talks about how Spanish households are the most reluctant in Europe to use new technologies. It turns out 45 % of Spanish homes are against using the latest technology in their lives. Their study was based on the four main communication technology services: Internet, mobile phones, landline phones, and digital/ satellite tv. The results showed that 23% of the Spanish household are on the edge of the digital age and have an "emotional barrier" to new technologies. On average each house has 1.3 services in their homes and they dont like services such as Internet because the believe they are a waste of time. Overall only 5% of the population show real interest towards switching to newer technology services in their home.

I think this news is very sad. Here in the United States I think we are very modern. I mean if you think about it,  new cell phones are being released every month. Apple is also continuing to make new products like the iPhone and iPad. These are very popular and top sellers in the United States. It's surprising to me that Spain is not into new technology since they are known for their Tourism. People are always coming in and leaving, so why aren't more new products being discovered?

http://www.euroresidentes.com/Blogs/2005/03/domestic-use-of-new-technology-in.htm

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Spanish Wedding Customs

In a tradional Spanish Wedding the groom groom gives a watch to the bride's father when hes proposal is accepted. In earlier times brides would wear black dresses but now they returned to while just like we wear here in the United States. Because dining late is a Mediterranean custom, wedding ceremonies often aren't scheduled until the evening. Usually the bride's father escorts his daughter to the church after having ensured that the groom hasn't seen her the night before the ceremony. The groom's mother walks down the aisle with her son.

Even though I've never been to a real wedding I know of the American Customs. I've never heard of the groom walking down the aisle, let alone with his mom! The brides only have this honor and they get escorted by their fathers. The Spanish traditions also suggest that the bride's father stays with her the night before her wedding making sure the groom is no where to be found. I thought the bachelorette party takes place that night! I also learned that weddings in Spain take place in the evening. Here in the United States most weddings take place in the afternoon and the receptions occur at night. I found it interesting to learn about tradional Spanish Weddings because someday I think it would be fun to attend one!

http://www.worldweddingcustoms.com/wedding_customs/wedding_traditions/spanish_wedding_customs.html

Monday, December 12, 2011

Shopping in Spain's Barcelona


In Barcelona there are around 35,000 shops! Most shops are close to eachother so it's very easy to wander from store to store. There is a very well known 5 KM line of shops. This shop is home to the Ramblas, through Placa de Catalunya along Passeig de GrĂ cia and up Avenue Diagonal. Some of the big names in Spanish styles include Versace, Giorgio Armani, Burberry, Bally, Cartier and Calvin Klein. The popular European style is called "chic."
I absolutley love shopping! It would be such a fun experiene to shop in Barcelona. 5 KM filled with clothes, jewelry, and shoes is every girl's dream. I bet some of these stores could be compared to the stores on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. I wonder how many people travel to Barcelona each year to go shopping at such fine stores.I also wonder if the popular styles in Spain are similar to the ones here in the United States. I know I've heard of Calvin Klein before and Burberry but I haven't heard about any of the others. Out of all the shopping stores in Barcelona I bet there is one that's the most popular. Here in the U.S I'de say stores like Dash ( Kim and Courtney Kardashian's store) are very well know.

http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/shopping/barcelona-spain-shopping.html

Monday, December 5, 2011

President of Spain?

It turns our the President of the Government of Spain is as known to us English as the Prime Minester of Spain. The office is established under the Constitution of 1978. The King of Spain most nominate a candidate for the presidency who stands before the Congress of Deputies for a Vote of Confidence in a process known as a Congressional Investure. The current prime minister since December 21, 2011 is Mariano Rajoy Brey. As for term lengths, there are no limits. Presidents are by conventions, the leader of the victorious party. So no terms are imposed on the office.

Im sure there are many differences with the way America and Spain are run. I mean they are whole different countries. Although the nomination process seems very long and difficult I'm sure it's a very precise system. I found it surprising that there are no term lengths for Spanish Presidents. Here in America we have elections for new presidents every 4 years. I wonder how strict the Spanish democracy is. I know there are many tourists coming in and out of that country so I bet they have to keep a close eye on them. I'm also curious as to if any women have ever ran for presidency in Spain. There have been women who have ran here in the U.S but they never made it the whole way.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Spain