Reflection

This cultural project was very interesting and I had a good time learning about a new country. My knowledge on Spanish culture did not change much however it was enlightening to learn about a culture I am familiar with from a new perspective. Cuba has a strong identity and they are filled with pride and joy. This is much like other countries in the Spanish culture however the different nuances such as religious aspects, specific food and sports separate Cuba from its counterparts. If anything, learning about Cuba has me interested in learning about Spanish cultures from different latino countries. 

The most interesting artifact I chose was the architecture in Cuba. I already have a fascination with architecture due to my own personal interests. The architecture in Cuba is captivating and worth it for anyone to go and see. To see the history of the architecture and how it is present in the current architecture in Cuba is incredible. It is even more interesting to see how different cultures and specific people decided what the architecture would look like and how it has changed over time. One thing I admire about Cuban architecture is the fine detail, and love for one's craftsmanship. Here in the United States, a lot of things are transitioning to becoming simplistic and minimalistic. New buildings are glass with a dull look. There aren’t many buildings with artistic and creative vision behind them. Cuba’s buildings have an architect's creative passion built into it which can be seen by the amount of details. The buildings flow in rhythm with the vibe of the area and the culture that is present in the country. 

The way I live and think about my life is to pursue my passions and become as well rounded as I can. Learning about other cultures I found is an excellent way to do this. When immersing yourself in a new culture you truly get to understand and relate to how someone else is living. You are now able to connect with and communicate with them through their culture. As humans, we should walk with compassion in our hearts. Learning how others live through their culture will provide us with compassion and empathy that could make the world a more understanding place. Everyone of us humans walks around expressing our specific culture through what we wear, how we talk and much more. To truly learn someone, no matter who they are I believe you have to learn their culture because that is who they are. It is also important to learn about other cultures because you will be introduced to new things in your life. It's a way to try new food, activities and even languages. The experiences you make when interacting with culture different than your own is enlightening.

It is by no means necessary to learn a language in order to learn about a new culture. Learning about a new culture can be as simple as trying new food recipes or watching a program that is popular in whichever culture you are learning about. With that being said, learning the language of a culture is full immersion and a good way to understand the culture. There is a minor but significant difference between learning and understanding a culture. Understanding a culture is achieved when you have lived that culture for a certain period of time. Going through real life experiences in the world of that culture will allow you relate to the other people in that culture. Learning about it can be done from books, other individuals relaying information to you and through other secondary sources. If someone wants to feel what a certain culture is like, learning the language to that culture is a good start.