Lisa Morales Duke reveals shocking culture shock after moving to Spain

Lisa Morales Duke, an American woman, relocated to Spain seeking a new lifestyle and a break from the hustle and bustle of life in the United States. Upon her arrival in Spain, she encountered a culture shock that left her surprised at the country’s observance of Sundays as a day of rest. Lisa noted that almost all grocery stores and businesses were closed, a stark contrast to the constant activity she was accustomed to in the U.S. where Sundays are often viewed as just another day within a busy week. The quietness of the streets on Sundays struck her as significant, leading herself and many others to reflect on the differences in cultural values regarding leisure and downtime. Fueling some of these observations, comments from individuals on social media reinforced the notion that Spanish Sundays are typically reserved for families and church, thereby embracing slower rhythms of life. Supporters of the Spanish lifestyle emphasized the necessity of having more downtime and how such practices could benefit people’s overall well-being. Some users highlighted that a day of rest allows for relaxation, family time, and even local traditions like siestas, which have become an iconic representation of leisurely living in Spain. Lisa expressed her belief that the U.S. could benefit from such a cultural shift that places greater value on taking time to unwind. In Spain, most shops are indeed closed on Sundays, with limited exceptions for certain tourist and commercial areas. This traditional approach not only encourages residents to slow down but also fosters greater connections within families and communities, reinforcing the cultural significance of shared moments away from the fast-moving world many experience in other countries. Lisa's reflections underscore a larger conversation regarding the varying paces of life around the globe and what might be gained from adopting elements of other cultures into one's daily routine.