On a daily basis, I've seen most host family change their clothes on average about three or four times a day. They dress up and take care to look their best when they leave the house and almost immediately change into comfortable clothing once they return. My host mother and I have talked about the different clothing appropriate for different outings and it seems that many granadinos have an internal dress code they follow. A nice dress or business casual outfit for a woman going to work or school, jeans and a nice top for going out with friends, and the more typical American style of dress (I.e casual) when going to to parties or going out for the night. Men seem a little more relaxed and a nice shirt and nice jeans or shorts seem to work in most situations.
Casual wear is sparingly used by granadinos. T-shirts are uncommon here. I've seen more suits in one day than I've seen tshirts or school spirit wear in three weeks. I have never seen a granadino wear sweatpants, not even in the house. And casual wear is solely for inside the house and occasionally exercise or pets.
The difference between older persons is more obvious porque here older folks feel a stronger desire to take care with their looks. Women with grandchildren wear makeup and high heels while I remember times when my grandma wore tshirts with Angels and ketchup stains on it.
The difference between young people here and America is that American young people feel much more comfortable wearing a wide variety of clothing types during almost all situations while granadinos feel more comfortable showing more skin on a daily basis and especially at fiestas. Women favor wearing their hair long, straight, and loose and many chicos have short, styled cuts.
Speaking of younger people, their culture is quite unique. While they share similarities with both American and Spanish culture, it is unique. Many young people are extremely outgoing and friendly. Most seem eager to make new friends of all types, Spanish, American, etc. They're loud and eager to have a good time, like to stay out to ridiculous hours of the morning, and take full advantage of the legal 18 year old drinking age. They love to dance, and are much more comfortable with each other than Americans. Personal limits are almost nonexistent in Spanish joven culture as far as I can see. They're not afraid to hug or kiss each other, and I've seen young people grab strangers and dance closely with them during a good song at the discoteca. However, despite this image of party going immature teenage youth, they're much more than the typical irresponsible view of teenagers that many Americans first would assume. Many care about politics and current events of their own country and others, they care about others, and are completely willing and even excited by the idea of helping an American practice their Spanish. It can't be easy trying to speak to a foreigner in broken English while they talk to you in broken Spanish, but numerous people have made that effort and I'm happy to say some of them have remained friends. I've been taught about Spanish culture, the city, the language, and even dancing!
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