When I first arrived in Valencia, one thing felt very strange to me: how late everything happened. In Austria, I was used to having dinner around 6 or 7 p.m. and spending the evening at home. In Valencia, people usually met their friends much later, often around 9 or 10 p.m., and restaurants were still full late at night. At first, I did not understand how people could stay awake for so long.

During my first weeks, it was difficult for me to get used to this lifestyle. Sometimes I was already tired when my friends wanted to meet. I also found it strange that the city was still full of people in the evening. Families with children, students, and older people were all outside together. The streets and squares were full of life, and everyone seemed to enjoy spending time with other people.

After some time, I slowly changed my daily routine. I started eating dinner later and meeting my friends in the evening instead of staying at home. Even on days when I had already eaten at home, I would still go to a bar with my friends later in the evening. We would sit outside, have an Estrella, share some patatas bravas, and just talk for hours. I realised that people in Spain do not only go out because they are hungry. They go out to spend time together and enjoy the atmosphere. It became normal for me to go for a walk after dinner, have a drink on a terrace, or simply sit outside and enjoy the warm evenings.

This experience helped me understand that there is not only one “right” way to organise your day. Before coming to Spain, I thought my daily routine was normal, but now I know that every culture has different habits. Instead of judging these differences, I learnt to be more open and curious.

Looking back, I think this experience changed me. I became more flexible and more willing to try new things. I also learnt to enjoy the little moments more. Sitting outside with friends, having a drink, sharing some food, and talking about our day may seem like small things, but they can make an ordinary day feel special. I think this is something I will take home with me.

Adapting to another culture does not mean losing your own habits. It means understanding why people do things differently and appreciating another way of life. I think this is one of the most important lessons I learnt during my Erasmus semester in Valencia.