Upon my arrival in Valencia, my experience began with a minor delay because we had to wait approximately 45 minutes for our baggage to arrive. This was not a major issue for me, as I landed at 2:00 PM but could not collect the keys to my new apartment until 4:00 PM, since the rental agency only opens in the afternoon. This initial situation already hinted at a different rhythm of daily life in Spain.

When I entered my apartment, I was surprised by the condition of my room. It was very dirty, and I had to clean it thoroughly before I could feel comfortable living there. At that point, it was already around 5:00 PM, and I felt slightly stressed because I needed to buy food and cleaning supplies. I assumed that I had only two hours left before the shops would close. However, I discovered that the supermarket was open until 9:30 PM. In contrast, shops in my home country typically close around 7:00 PM.

This was not the only time-related difference I noticed. The structure of my university schedule is entirely different from what I am accustomed to. Many of my lectures begin at 4:00 PM and continue until 9:30 PM. Since I am enrolled in third- and fourth-year courses, most students are completing internships during the day and attending university in the evening. Even my latest examination is scheduled from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, which is very unusual for me.

These experiences made me realise that the perception and organisation of time in Spain differ significantly from those in my home country. Days begin more slowly and end much later. Time appears to be more flexible and less rigidly structured.

This observation intrigued me, and I began to pay closer attention to how time is experienced in Valencia. From my balcony, I often observe the street below. Several restaurants are located nearby, and I have noticed that lunch is typically served around 1:00 or 2:00 PM, with many people present at that time. Between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM, the streets become quiet, only to become lively again in the evening often until midnight during the week and until 2:00 AM on weekends. On one occasion, I returned home from a bar shortly before midnight during the week, and the bus was completely full.

Even the house rules in my shared apartment reflect this rhythm. Quiet hours begin at 11:00 PM, whereas in my home country, silence is expected from 10:00 PM onwards.

By observing the people on the streets of Valencia more closely, I have come to notice a general sense of calmness in their behaviour. Their walking pace is noticeably slower than what I am accustomed to, which initially made me reflect on my own habits. I often catch myself moving more quickly, seemingly in a rush, and realise that I appear more stressed in comparison to those around me. This difference in tempo is not limited to walking; even at the supermarket checkout, locals seem to approach tasks such as packing their groceries with a relaxed and unhurried attitude. These subtle observations further illustrate the more laid-back rhythm of daily life in Valencia, which contrasts with the more time-pressured environment I am used to.

These observations have helped me not only to adapt to life in Valencia but also to reflect on my own cultural norms. In my culture, time is often associated with structure, efficiency, and predictability. In Spain, however, time seems to be more closely linked to community, enjoyment, and flexibility. It is fascinating to see how a universal concept such as time can be lived so differently and how these differences shape our everyday experiences.