1. Walks
I love love walking! Perhaps my favorite thing about Spain (and Europe in general) is that you can walk wherever you want, whenever you want. All you need is a pair of shoes and the city is literally yours for the taking. Sometimes I walk by the bay, and sometimes I go through the city and sometimes I just wander, but it's always refreshing to walk outside instead of being imprisoned by a car.
The only drawback is when you have to cross the street, because sometimes you have to wait 85 seconds and then they only give you 17 to cross the street. And when the little green man lights up at last, it's as though the gate was opened at the racetrack. Everyone furiously swarms across in crazy dodging patterns trying to find the most direct path without bumping into anyone.
But it's still fun, and I enjoy it very much.
The only drawback is when you have to cross the street, because sometimes you have to wait 85 seconds and then they only give you 17 to cross the street. And when the little green man lights up at last, it's as though the gate was opened at the racetrack. Everyone furiously swarms across in crazy dodging patterns trying to find the most direct path without bumping into anyone.
But it's still fun, and I enjoy it very much.
2. Bread
One thing you will always see at the lunch table is bread. Usually a baguette-type loaf. Thought those were just in France? Well luckily they're also made in Spain!
What I think I most like about this delicious bread is that the Spaniards buy it fresh everyday. If the husband goes out to get the morning paper, he better not even think of coming home without the bread! It's pretty serious business and always has a presence at the table. Everyone passes it around and tears off a piece. Some use it almost as a utensil, while others just like it for cleaning up the leftover sauce on their plate.
"Give us this day our daily bread" has a whole new meaning over here.
What I think I most like about this delicious bread is that the Spaniards buy it fresh everyday. If the husband goes out to get the morning paper, he better not even think of coming home without the bread! It's pretty serious business and always has a presence at the table. Everyone passes it around and tears off a piece. Some use it almost as a utensil, while others just like it for cleaning up the leftover sauce on their plate.
"Give us this day our daily bread" has a whole new meaning over here.
3. Greetings
Something peculiar that I've observed is that when Spaniards meet each other in the street, they don't say what you'd expect.In the U.S when we see someone we know, we say "Hey" or "What's up?" and then maybe stop to chat awhile. But the people in Spain say "Hasta luego". See you later. I've even heard someone say "Adios".
Only once have I been with someone who actually stopped to talk with their friend upon crossing paths. At first it sounded so funny to me, to say "bye" instead of "hello" but I think it's because otherwise they'd never get to where they were going.
Also, it's kinda nice if you think about it. Almost like a little promise, "See you next time"
Only once have I been with someone who actually stopped to talk with their friend upon crossing paths. At first it sounded so funny to me, to say "bye" instead of "hello" but I think it's because otherwise they'd never get to where they were going.
Also, it's kinda nice if you think about it. Almost like a little promise, "See you next time"
4. La siesta
Yes. Of course. I have to include the siesta in this list.
However, like most stereotypes it's not what you'd imagine. The classic idea is that everyone goes back to bed for a little cat nap in the middle of the day. In fact, the majority of Spaniards don't even sleep during this time. Almost all the shops close down for about 2 hours or so and it's a time where you can just chill. Read a book, sit back and relax before getting on with the rest of the afternoon, or returning to work. I think we could use a little bit of that back home.
However, like most stereotypes it's not what you'd imagine. The classic idea is that everyone goes back to bed for a little cat nap in the middle of the day. In fact, the majority of Spaniards don't even sleep during this time. Almost all the shops close down for about 2 hours or so and it's a time where you can just chill. Read a book, sit back and relax before getting on with the rest of the afternoon, or returning to work. I think we could use a little bit of that back home.
Well, that's all for now
But it's not the end! There's so still so much more to discover,
So as the Spanish say "Hasta luego" ;)
So as the Spanish say "Hasta luego" ;)