In the U.S., I hear the same health lecture from everyone. Eat right. Exercise daily. Stay fit. Blah blah blah. But during my time here in Spain, it seemed to me that the idea of health consciousness has been nonexistant.
Then I realized why.
The other day I noticed that on average I walk about 5-6 miles a day. At home I hardly walk more than 1 mile. In my classes we've had several discussions on the lack of gym culture here in comparison to that of the United States. But the reality is...they don't need one here. If you're walking everywhere, how much "exercise" do you really need in order to stay normally fit?
I like that I've become so accustomed to walking, and this has me wondering if I will bring this habit of walking with me back to California. Actually, I have picked up quite a few habits here -- such as using only cash and jwalking -- that may or may not come with me back to the States. These habits may not seem big or life-changing, but they are the tangible evidences that I've actually taken something back from this experience.
So, what will be my first sign of change in Los Angeles? Walking to Ralph's instead of driving.
There's my random thought for the day.