When I first got to Spain it was difficult to understand jokes and humor.  When my host mom made a joke, for example, telling me that I could go out but I had to be home by 11pm, and then laughing at my surprised expression, I thought she was being mean.  I wasn't used to people making fun of the way I talk or how I act so openly.  I kind of felt like an animal at the zoo, always being talked about.  How pretty I was or how different.  Now it doesn't bother me, I think I understand that all my host mom's jokes are meant well.  I think that this change was brought about by just feeling a little more comfortable in Spain and comfortable with the fact that I was different here, and to my host mom, I was kind of exotic and interesting, just how Spanish people are interesting to me.  When I get home, I think I will be more able to adjust to experiences outside of my comfort zone.