no pasa nada

Notorious phrase here in Spain. Upon arrival, I actually thought it meant that nothing is happening. It means something more like "don't worry about it," "whatever," or, perhaps most accurately, "Hakuna Matata." Little did I know initially that this simple little slogan not only is meant as a passing phrase, but it more accurately describes the Spanish way of life. Don't feel like opening your shop for three more hours after siesta? No pasa nada. Don't feel like checking my backpack for the 6oz of perfume I forgot to put in those little Ziplock baggies before boarding my flight? No pasa nada. Don't feel like finishing a sidewalk repair in less than 5 months? No pasa nada. This mentality is both endearing and terribly irritating. But mostly I feel like it is just something I have gotten used to about this place, something I know neither I nor no one else can ever change. 

And something that has begun to rub off on me. I have started getting incredibly irritated by the prospect of going to class (don't worry mom and dad, I always go) and writing essays. I currently actually am evading a terribly boring Cine essay by updating this here blog. I honestly always feel like there are more useful things I could be doing to further my comprehension and appreciation of this wonderful country. I sincerely believe I learn more about Spain when I am out and about the town with my friends, when I am dining with my host family, when I am running the gorgeous Ruta de Don Quixote around the city. Like Mark Twain always said, I will not let my schooling get in the way of my education.