This is my first opinion here in Ciao Uk. I have a little experience in Ciao España but for me it´s a challenge writte an opinion in a foreign language. So sorry for my english and I hope it worth the trouble of reading it. I´ll try to make it comprehensible and interesting for all of you that have only a remote desire of visit my country ;-).
First of all some details about us:
- Spanish people are somewhat used to give the welcome to foreign travels around the world. So, don´t be afraid of asking anything. People would make the effort of understanding you although they didn´t know a word of english. Don´t expect something like it in Paris for example ( I talk about my personal experience).
- Bullfighting is a controverted subject. You´ll find here people that love it like some kind of religion ( it´s a very strong tradition). And people like me that are against it. You don´t have to go a bullfighting only because you are in Spain. I´m spanish and I´ll never go to one.
- Siesta is another of our exported topics. Yes, we do. Most of us, make a little sleep in the noon. But only when work or study allow us to make it ;-p.
- I listened that foreign people thinks we are very calm. Well, this is very relative. It´s not the same thing a little coaster town that Madrid. When people like me who lives near the coast in a small town goes to a big city like Madrid we are called "paletos" ( a slightly unpleasant way to say we aren´t so cool like city people) because we walk slowly in a very different way. But I supose this happens in every country.
- In Spain we aren´t all Sevillanas, flamenco dancers, bullfigthers... and olé. All this, is Andalucia. People from differents regiones (something like countys) are different. Not worse or better. Only different. If you want toros go to Pamplona at San Fermin. If you want Fallas come to my Valencia. If you want a incredible green landpscape go to Asturias or Cantabria.If you want Sevilla´s Fair... etc.
And here are some adverts for you if you have planned visit Spain:
- This is true for all "travelers" countries in the world: The more languages are spoken at the restaurant the more expensive will be the bill. It´s an unwritted law. When you saw a beautiful poster in the restaurat saying: English is spoken... Run!. Only are 2 possibilities: Or You´re in Benidorm,Costa del Sol or another place very touristic and you actually can stay and try, or you are probably in front of a tourist trap.
- Our scheduler is some different of the rest of european countries. People work from eight or nine o´clock in the morning to the noon. And from 4 or 5 in the afternoon to 8 or 9 o´clock. This is the scheduler of most of the shops. But if you are in a medium city or in a touristic area don´t worry. Most of the malls are open from ten to ten. And so do small shops in towns like Benidorm or Gandia Beach. But if you are in a small town in the middle of nowhere think about it.
- Spanish nights are famous around the world. This doesn´t mean that all the people dances and drinks to the dawn. We have works, we have studies. Saturday night... well, this is another thing ;-p. So, dont expect one Tuesday around twelve o´clock p.m. seas of people walking in any small town in Spain if is not a celebration day.
Umm... I´ll try to add more things another day. I´ll hope this opinion can be of some help for any of you. And if you have some questions about Spain here I am ;-)!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Congrats! I give you the except because i,m agree with you.I hope that with your review many topics of spanish topics go down(you know..siesta,ringingbulls,flamenco)Spanish are more than all this.Bueno ni que decir tiene que me ha gustado bastante tu opinion, has compensado la del ciao.es jajajaa digo hahahaha..que estamos en Uk jeje.Saludos.Dudu o kalimero x x jaja joder que gracia me hace lo de las crucecitas.Bueno ya.
RICHADA 13.05.2005 23:59
What can I say? Exceptional YES! I have never visited your country although my "International marriage" (Polski / English) has certainly broadened my mind to foreign culture and travel. My wife would like to learn your language too. Come to Brighton sometime - we have ALL nationalities here, many, many Spanish work here too in the summer. I like your writing style, it is excellent in any language!
darpor 13.05.2005 18:11
I have been to Spain twice in the past and would be happy to return there again. A beautiful country with very friendly people but more importantly I like the cuisine. Good review. Darren.
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