La Fiesta de American PIES

Being an American is kind of a double edge sword.  The world has varying and constantly shifting views on us, our culture, our country and of course, our politics.  So TWA (traveling while American) can be a bit tricky sometimes, seeing as you never know what you'll encounter.  Throughout South America, I was embraced as an American.  In Argentina, being American and everything American was considered "re cool" (very cool).  However, the last time I was in Paris (shout out to J) I was met with general disdain for being an American.  So coming to Spain, I wasn't sure what to expect when it came to pulling out the American card.  Would the Spaniards embrace it, accept it or reject it?  Well, I can't speak for all of Spain, or all Spaniards, but the group of Spanish friends we've made seems to not only accept it, but also embrace it.

During botellón last weekend, our Spanish friends started talking about what they thought about America.  They only had positive thoughts, albeit mostly stereotypical ones.  But one thought in particular stuck out.  "Nosotros nos gustan las fiestas Americanas!"  (We like American parties!)  I was a little confused about that, considering the nightlife here seems better than in the States.  They continued with their explanation, saying that they'd seen "la pelicula de American Pies" (pronounced amhaireekin pee-ays) and thus thought ALL American parties were like that (think crazy, Hollywood version of frat parties).  Nacho (whose cousin is studying abroad in the States) told me in awe that his cousin said that in America there are big parties in houses, and that people go to the parties even if they don't know the owner of the house!  "No lo puedo creer!"  (I can't believe it!) he said in disbelief.  

So after much pleading (on their part), we decided to have a "typical" American Pee-ays party, complete with drinking games, music and junk food.  They boys came fully prepared, bring bottles of wine, vodka and snacks, while we supplied the plastic cups, cards and beer.  We taught them how to play kings, and also added in some new Spanish rules.  The backdrop was an itunes play list of your standard American party music (i.e. rap, pop, bad 80's, etc).  At the end of the night we played flip cup (my team won, obviously) and then they taught us how to play a typical Spanish drinking game.

Throughout the night I was surprised at how much they drank, only because for the most part, Europeans can drink a lot, but they pace themselves.  Americans, on the other hand, drink a lot in a short period of time with the intention of getting drunk.  So it was surprising to see them chugging their drinks, when they usually sip, relax and talk.  They explained that it was "la fiesta de American Pee-ays, y los Americanos beben asi" (it was the American Pie party, and all Americans drink like this).

Overall, the party was a success!  They had a great time at an "American" party and want to have more in the future.  We'll see about that...I'm not quite sure they can handle it ;)

At the beginning of the night

Me, Amy and los chicos