When I first arrived in Spain, I had a very difficult time understanding the local way of life.  I couldn't handle waiting in line and having people cut in front of me, people walking so slow on the street, or having no idea what the concept of personal space here.  When I first got here I would wait while people cut in front of me, wait for an hour for someone to help me in a store, and wait again to pay at a restaurant.  Now I know that to the Spaniards it isn't rude, but necessary to push your way in line, and be aggressive about what you want or need.  Not in the pushy American way, but here everyone is slower and more relaxed, so if you need something, you need to make a point to express it.  To answer the last three questions at once, it took a serious moment of self reflection and observation to bring about this change in mentality.  I had to stop thinking about how different I was and start observing how things actually worked here.  It is a truly profound personal moment when you are forced to step outside your way of thinking, observe it, and make the changes needed to adapt to a new culture.  I realized that when things are new, we are often quick to judge and slow to understand, but gaining understanding is only what leads to acceptance and is crucial for adaptation and personal growth.  I feel that now I will try much harder to understand another culture before judging it, and always try to observe rather than stay stuck in my way of thinking.  These types of learning experiences are very personal, but I don't think I could have had them without the friends I made here.  Having people to support you, talk to and experience new things with is most crucial part of a successful transition to a new culture.