Culture Shock

I was raised in a culture different from the culture my Grandparents wanted me to experience. It could be old age stubbornness, deep rooted prejudice, or their personal beliefs. Either way I love them, despite the derrogatory comments they've given about my home and the country I grew up in (not their country of birth). We don't see eye to eye on immigration policies, refugees, or even interracial marriges, but I love them, and they love me. Last summer my family visited Washington D.C, it was an amazing experience. D.C was full of rich history, amazing architecture, and a lot of taxis. One day in D.C we were lost and I asked a lady how to get to the National Mall, she told me that she only spoke Spanish, which excited me. I hadn't been able to speak Spanish since we'd left home for the summer. When I replied in Spanish she also seemed excited that she was able to speak her mother tongue. I left that situation not only excited for the exchange I had with that stranger, but I was able to get directions. My Grandmother scoffed as we walked towards the bus stop, she said, "If you come to my country you should speak my language." I was so shocked by this remark, I didn't know what to say. My first thoughts were, "How could anyone think this?" She has visited the country where I grew up many times, and she doesn't know the language... I am still saddened by her opinions on many things, but they are her opinions, and I love her. I try to portray enough love to make up for the hate given by other people in hopes that my attitude will show them how nice it is to be loved.