![\"dos](\"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/what-not-to-do-in-spain-fb-1024x612.png\")
<\/h2>\n<\/h2>\nA country famous for its friendly people, great weather, excellent food, interesting history and chill-out lifestyle, incredible museums, wonderful music, etc. Spain is a great place to visit and a fantastic country to live in.<\/span> Nevertheless, until you\u2019ve spent some serious time in a place, it can be difficult to get a feel for everyday life and how people really live.<\/span><\/p>\n We\u2019ve set out a few pointers that can probably be applied in most parts of the country, and they may help you to avoid some awkward or frustrating situations, make some friends and essentially get a feel for life in Spain. They will also introduce you to some interesting topics and good conversation starters that you can use to practise your Spanish.<\/span><\/p>\n via <\/span>Pixabay<\/span><\/p>\n The 17 autonomous regions that make up Spain have different identities, cultures and even languages. Respecting and understanding this is a pretty important part of understanding Spanish culture as a whole, and is something often overlooked by tourists. <\/span><\/p>\n The Spanish accent and even vocabulary in Granada will be different from that in Alicante. The Barcelona and Madrid street-styles are clearly defined, with much more traditional, smart and formal attire generally seen in the capital. Galicia, the Basque Country, Valencia and Catalonia all have regional languages (not dialects!) and even the Catalan spoken on the mainland will be different to the Balearic Island variations. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I distinctly remember seeing a group of British men on a Stag-Do in Barcelona last year, walking the streets dressed as toreros (bullfighters). Catalonia banned bullfighting a few years ago, and so this was a cause of great amusement for the locals around me…but not really in a good way.<\/span>Tourists sporting Mexican-style sombreros will give off an equally bad vibe, and should probably check their maps to see which continent they\u2019re in. Just do your research, ask questions, and show interest and the regional differences will open you up to one of the most interesting aspects of Spanish culture.<\/span><\/p>\n via <\/span>Visual Hunt<\/span><\/p>\n These are the established lunchtime or <\/span>siesta<\/span> hours, and apart from the biggest supermarkets and chains, all shops will close at these times. Don\u2019t fight it, just head to a restaurant instead (these will definitely be open at that time) for a <\/span>men\u00fa del d\u00eda <\/span>and go back to the shop later on<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n The same also goes for trying to buy fresh fish on Mondays, or bizarrely, for visiting your bank on some days of the week, although this varies depending on the bank or branch. The fishing boats don\u2019t go out on Sundays, and so if you do manage to get some, it\u2019s unlikely the quality will be the best. Many restaurants and bars also close on Mondays.<\/span><\/p>\n Unlike some Northern European countries, Spain respects the mid-day break and having a day off. Once you know the rule, you\u2019ll only make the mistake of heading out shopping at 3pm once, or in my case at least three times before it became ingrained in my brain. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Punctuality is different in Spain to some other countries, especially when compared with the UK. Lateness is not chastised in the same way, and is not considered quite so disrespectful, especially for social events. This feeling that lateness is acceptable is exacerbated by the length of time that it can take to get things done, for example registering as a foreigner in Spain or opening a bank account, giving the impression that time is not important.<\/span><\/p>\n However, this does NOT mean that you should assume that all Spaniards will be late. In my experiences when it comes to university lectures and work in Spain, people are pretty punctual.<\/span>Once, a professor at my university turned up 20 minutes late to an exam for the class. In that instance, not a single Spanish student batted an eyelid. They just sat the exam and got on with it. I learned that flexibility is the key to dealing with punctuality in Spain. You don\u2019t need to alter your own behavior, or second-guess other\u2019s, just don\u2019t be too offended if your friends or colleagues turn up a little later than planned.<\/span><\/p>\n via <\/span>Visual Hunt<\/span><\/p>\n If someone invites you to <\/span>tomar algo<\/span> of a weeknight, be warned. Going out for a quick drink could mean getting home at 3am, and don\u2019t expect the evening to begin until 11pm. At the weekends, a night out <\/span>farreando <\/span>can end even later, at around 6am. <\/span><\/p>\n Socialising in Spain is a natural thing, and as bars and restaurants generally stay open much later than in other countries, time is not such an issue. It is much more normal to go out for a bite to eat or a drink on a weeknight here, and people generally seem to spend more time out of their houses and socialising. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re coming from the US or the UK, then going out as late as the Spanish do is a shock to the system, but it is something you can definitely get used to. Furthermore, it\u2019s important to note that going out late in Spain doesn\u2019t necessarily mean drinking a lot as food is often eaten whilst drinking and the emphasis of a night out often lies on quality time and conversation. \u00a0<\/span>Don\u2019t be too quick to say no, some of the best nights start like this. You\u2019ll might get introduced to a cool new place, meet some people and get a taste for Spanish social life at its best.<\/span><\/p>\n via <\/span>Pixabay<\/span><\/p>\n Mealtimes in Spain are a lot later than in other countries, with lunch being eaten around from 2pm to even 4pm and the famously late dinner that is eaten at around 9pm or later. Whilst waiting that long to have dinner might seem like an ordeal, lunches in Spain are generally substantial full meals. The classic <\/span>men\u00fa del d\u00eda <\/span>found in most restaurants can consist of three courses and a drink, and so it really does set you up for the rest of the day.<\/span><\/p>\n Having said this, snacks mid-morning and late afternoon are a pretty standard affair in Spain, especially as breakfast is often not a big deal. I have known Spaniards to breakfast on little more than biscuits and <\/span>Cola Cao <\/span>(a chocolate milk drink), especially on weekdays. Therefore, it makes sense to have a snack mid-morning and a sandwich or <\/span>bocadillo <\/span>is a popular choice, especially filled with ham or cheese. <\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>merienda<\/span>, or afternoon snack is a popular way of staving off hunger before sitting down for dinner and biscuits,<\/span> tostada<\/span>s or yogurts seem to be popular, especially for children.<\/span><\/p>\n The siesta is an iconic part of Spanish culture, but is also a very misconceived one. Foreigners assume that Spaniards sleep through the afternoon, whilst in reality few have time for a quick kip. <\/span><\/p>\n Regional differences and personal preference, along with contemporary Spanish work schedules mean that the traditional siesta is not present in all Spanish households. Traditionally in the hotter, southern regions of Spain, the siesta is more prevalent and is a way to escape from the intense midday heat. This is also true of other regions in the summer months.<\/span><\/p>\n Especially in the bigger cities, Spaniards, in lieu of a nap, have a break from work (note the closing of shops mentioned earlier). They take their time to eat lunch with friends, colleagues or family and enjoy this part of their day. Many people in Spain still go home for lunch in the middle of the working day.<\/span><\/p>\n via <\/span>Visual Hunt<\/span><\/p>\n Spanish people are warm, and if they want to be friends with you, you\u2019ll know! You\u2019ll also know when they don\u2019t. Spanish people, and of course this is a generalisation, are open and friendly. They will ask questions and chat to you about their lives, even if they don\u2019t know you at all. The friendliness, in most cases, is genuine and Spain can be a great country for making friends.<\/span><\/p>\n In some countries, directness can often be perceived as rudeness, and advice, greeting or conversation from strangers on the street set alarm bells ringing in the ears of, say, a Londoner or a New Yorker. <\/span><\/p>\n This is not the case in most of Spain, and it is normal to ask personal questions and to give hugs and kisses on both cheeks. Strangers also greet each other in lifts or public places with a friendly<\/span> hola. <\/span><\/p>\n As illustrated in the popular Spanish film <\/span>Ocho Apellidos Vascos<\/span>, regional stereotypes prevail. In Spain, southerners are generally considered warmer and friendlier than northerners. These regional stereotypes are always a hot topic! \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n via <\/span>Visual Hunt<\/span><\/p>\n The food in Spain is delicious. There is a huge abundance of fresh produce cooked beautifully, and so it brings me to the verge of tears seeing tourists tucking into fish and chips, greasy pizzas or English breakfasts. It\u2019s not all <\/span>tapas <\/span>and <\/span>paella,<\/span> it\u2019s not all deep fried, and there are options to please everyone from healthy eaters and vegans to carnivores and kids.<\/span><\/p>\n Trust local recommendations, as the quality of classic dishes can vary greatly, especially in touristic places, and ask Spaniards for their favourite local dishes. \u00a0When trying this tactic with a restaurant owner in Valencia I was treated to a glass of home-made port at the end of my meal! \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Via <\/span>Pixabay<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s easy, especially when comparing the Spanish attitude to life with somewhere like the US or UK, to assume that less work and less effort results in less stress. Nevertheless, assuming that Spain is a \u2018lazy\u2019 country is totally inaccurate and I\u2019ve learned that the relaxed attitude to life is simply that; an attitude, a way to approach life.<\/span><\/p>\n Spaniards go to work, and get their jobs done. Children go to school, and university students study. People are focused and committed to their careers, and to achieving their goals, crisis or no crisis. Young Spaniards travel the world to better their careers, open their minds, \u00a0and gain valuable experience. <\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s also worth noting that a huge number of people in Spain are studying to learn English as a second or third language. <\/span><\/p>\n Spanish streets, especially in the big cities, are seldom quiet. The sociable lifestyle means that people of all ages are out and about. It is not uncommon to see small children out with their parents playing or eating fairly late at night. Traffic noise and squeaking brakes in towns contribute to this, and so heavily residential or rural areas are much quieter, as would be expected.<\/span><\/p>\n Another particularly Spanish noise is the sound of the TV on in the apartment next door. In my experience some Spaniards like to leave the TV whilst they eat dinner, clean the house, or hang around at home as a kind of background noise. This can be quite a nice white noise if you\u2019re the kind of person who doesn\u2019t enjoy total silence. If you\u2019re not that kind of person, bring earplugs.<\/span><\/p>\n via <\/span>Pixabay<\/span><\/p>\n I\u2019m all for freedom of expression, and if you do choose to wear your swimmers in the supermarket no one in Spain will actually stop you. However, you are guaranteed to stick out like a sore thumb and locals will spot you as a tourist from a mile-off. <\/span><\/p>\n If you are holidaying in Spain, near a beach resort then put some clothes on when you get off the beach. Spaniards would very rarely walk around in beach gear when not actually on <\/span>la playa<\/span>, and tend to wear trousers over shorts even in summer. Wear what makes you feel comfortable in the heat, but showing some respect for Spanish culture can make fitting in a lot easier. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span> <\/b><\/p>\n Finally, don’t forget to learn some Spanish phrases with this Spanish Phrasebook with Audio.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/span>\n What other no-no\u2019s can you add to this list? Leave your comments and share with the rest of the readers.<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A Guide to Traveling in Spain A country famous for its friendly people, great weather, excellent food, interesting history and chill-out lifestyle, incredible museums, wonderful music, etc. Spain is a great place to visit and a fantastic country to live in. Nevertheless, until you\u2019ve spent some serious time in a place, it can be difficult […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":263,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","tve_updated_post":"![\"dos](\"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/seville-doorway.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDo NOT disregard regional differences.<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"dos](\"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/flags-.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDon\u2019t try to buy anything between 2pm and 4pm.<\/span><\/h2>\n
Don\u2019t get uptight about the time.<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"dos](\"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/looking-at-watch.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDo NOT agree to go for a \u2018quick drink\u2019 <\/span>a tomar algo<\/span> without knowing what you\u2019re getting yourself into.<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"dos](\"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/spanish-bar.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDon\u2019t take the siesta idea too literally, but take a break.<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"dos](\"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/chihuaha-resting.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDo NOT shy away from affection and greetings.<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"dos](\"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/clasped-hands.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDon\u2019t forget to try that amazing tortilla you were recommended, or the <\/span>calamaritos<\/span>, <\/span>gazpacho<\/span>, the <\/span>pan con tomate<\/span>, the <\/span>escalivada,<\/span> the <\/span>napoletanas,<\/span> the <\/span>bacalao<\/span>\u2026<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"dos](\"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/tortilla.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDo NOT assume that the relaxed vibes are due to laziness.<\/span><\/h2>\n
Don\u2019t expect a quiet life; embrace the background noise.<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"dos](\"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/street-in-barcelona.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDo NOT wear a bikini in the street<\/span><\/h2>\n
___TVE_SHORTCODE_RAW__<h2><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-262 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/what-not-to-do-in-spain-fb-1024x612.png\" alt=\"dos and donts in spain\" width=\"1024\" height=\"612\" \/><\/h2><h2>A Guide to Traveling in Spain<\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A country famous for its friendly people, great weather, excellent food, interesting history and chill-out lifestyle, incredible museums, wonderful music, etc. Spain is a great place to visit and a fantastic country to live in.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nevertheless, until you\u2019ve spent some serious time in a place, it can be difficult to get a feel for everyday life and how people really live.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ve set out a few pointers that can probably be applied in most parts of the country, and they may help you to avoid some awkward or frustrating situations, make some friends and essentially get a feel for life in Spain. They will also introduce you to some interesting topics and good conversation starters that you can use to practise your Spanish.<\/span><\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-228 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/seville-doorway.jpg\" alt=\"dos and donts in spain\" width=\"600\" height=\"366\" \/><\/p><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">via <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pixabay<\/span><\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do NOT disregard regional differences.<\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 17 autonomous regions that make up Spain have different identities, cultures and even languages. Respecting and understanding this is a pretty important part of understanding Spanish culture as a whole, and is something often overlooked by tourists. <\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Spanish accent and even vocabulary in Granada will be different from that in Alicante. The Barcelona and Madrid street-styles are clearly defined, with much more traditional, smart and formal attire generally seen in the capital. Galicia, the Basque Country, Valencia and Catalonia all have regional languages (not dialects!) and even the Catalan spoken on the mainland will be different to the Balearic Island variations. <\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I distinctly remember seeing a group of British men on a Stag-Do in Barcelona last year, walking the streets dressed as toreros (bullfighters). Catalonia banned bullfighting a few years ago, and so this was a cause of great amusement for the locals around me...but not really in a good way.<br \/><\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tourists sporting Mexican-style sombreros will give off an equally bad vibe, and should probably check their maps to see which continent they\u2019re in. Just do your research, ask questions, and show interest and the regional differences will open you up to one of the most interesting aspects of Spanish culture.<\/span><\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-225 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/flags-.jpg\" alt=\"dos and donts in spain\" width=\"600\" height=\"414\" \/><\/p><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">via <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visual Hunt<\/span><\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t try to buy anything between 2pm and 4pm.<\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are the established lunchtime or <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">siesta<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> hours, and apart from the biggest supermarkets and chains, all shops will close at these times. Don\u2019t fight it, just head to a restaurant instead (these will definitely be open at that time) for a <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">men\u00fa del d\u00eda <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and go back to the shop later on<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/i><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The same also goes for trying to buy fresh fish on Mondays, or bizarrely, for visiting your bank on some days of the week, although this varies depending on the bank or branch. The fishing boats don\u2019t go out on Sundays, and so if you do manage to get some, it\u2019s unlikely the quality will be the best. Many restaurants and bars also close on Mondays.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike some Northern European countries, Spain respects the mid-day break and having a day off. Once you know the rule, you\u2019ll only make the mistake of heading out shopping at 3pm once, or in my case at least three times before it became ingrained in my brain. <\/span><\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t get uptight about the time.<\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Punctuality is different in Spain to some other countries, especially when compared with the UK. Lateness is not chastised in the same way, and is not considered quite so disrespectful, especially for social events. This feeling that lateness is acceptable is exacerbated by the length of time that it can take to get things done, for example registering as a foreigner in Spain or opening a bank account, giving the impression that time is not important.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, this does NOT mean that you should assume that all Spaniards will be late. In my experiences when it comes to university lectures and work in Spain, people are pretty punctual.<br \/><\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once, a professor at my university turned up 20 minutes late to an exam for the class. In that instance, not a single Spanish student batted an eyelid. They just sat the exam and got on with it. I learned that flexibility is the key to dealing with punctuality in Spain. You don\u2019t need to alter your own behavior, or second-guess other\u2019s, just don\u2019t be too offended if your friends or colleagues turn up a little later than planned.<\/span><\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-226 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/looking-at-watch.jpg\" alt=\"dos and donts in spain\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">via <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visual Hunt<\/span><\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do NOT agree to go for a \u2018quick drink\u2019 <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a tomar algo<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> without knowing what you\u2019re getting yourself into.<\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If someone invites you to <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tomar algo<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of a weeknight, be warned. Going out for a quick drink could mean getting home at 3am, and don\u2019t expect the evening to begin until 11pm. At the weekends, a night out <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">farreando <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can end even later, at around 6am. <\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Socialising in Spain is a natural thing, and as bars and restaurants generally stay open much later than in other countries, time is not such an issue. It is much more normal to go out for a bite to eat or a drink on a weeknight here, and people generally seem to spend more time out of their houses and socialising. <\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re coming from the US or the UK, then going out as late as the Spanish do is a shock to the system, but it is something you can definitely get used to. Furthermore, it\u2019s important to note that going out late in Spain doesn\u2019t necessarily mean drinking a lot as food is often eaten whilst drinking and the emphasis of a night out often lies on quality time and conversation. <\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t be too quick to say no, some of the best nights start like this. You\u2019ll might get introduced to a cool new place, meet some people and get a taste for Spanish social life at its best.<\/span><\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-229 \" src=\"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/spanish-bar.jpg\" alt=\"dos and donts in spain\" width=\"797\" height=\"531\" \/><\/p><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">via <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pixabay<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mealtimes in Spain are a lot later than in other countries, with lunch being eaten around from 2pm to even 4pm and the famously late dinner that is eaten at around 9pm or later. Whilst waiting that long to have dinner might seem like an ordeal, lunches in Spain are generally substantial full meals. The classic <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">men\u00fa del d\u00eda <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">found in most restaurants can consist of three courses and a drink, and so it really does set you up for the rest of the day.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having said this, snacks mid-morning and late afternoon are a pretty standard affair in Spain, especially as breakfast is often not a big deal. I have known Spaniards to breakfast on little more than biscuits and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cola Cao <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(a chocolate milk drink), especially on weekdays. Therefore, it makes sense to have a snack mid-morning and a sandwich or <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bocadillo <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is a popular choice, especially filled with ham or cheese. <\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">merienda<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or afternoon snack is a popular way of staving off hunger before sitting down for dinner and biscuits,<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tostada<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">s or yogurts seem to be popular, especially for children.<\/span><\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t take the siesta idea too literally, but take a break.<\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The siesta is an iconic part of Spanish culture, but is also a very misconceived one. Foreigners assume that Spaniards sleep through the afternoon, whilst in reality few have time for a quick kip. <\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regional differences and personal preference, along with contemporary Spanish work schedules mean that the traditional siesta is not present in all Spanish households. Traditionally in the hotter, southern regions of Spain, the siesta is more prevalent and is a way to escape from the intense midday heat. This is also true of other regions in the summer months.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Especially in the bigger cities, Spaniards, in lieu of a nap, have a break from work (note the closing of shops mentioned earlier). They take their time to eat lunch with friends, colleagues or family and enjoy this part of their day. Many people in Spain still go home for lunch in the middle of the working day.<\/span><\/p><p><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-223 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/chihuaha-resting.jpg\" alt=\"dos and donts in spain\" width=\"800\" height=\"526\" \/><\/p><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">via <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visual Hunt<\/span><\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do NOT shy away from affection and greetings.<\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spanish people are warm, and if they want to be friends with you, you\u2019ll know! You\u2019ll also know when they don\u2019t. Spanish people, and of course this is a generalisation, are open and friendly. They will ask questions and chat to you about their lives, even if they don\u2019t know you at all. The friendliness, in most cases, is genuine and Spain can be a great country for making friends.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some countries, directness can often be perceived as rudeness, and advice, greeting or conversation from strangers on the street set alarm bells ringing in the ears of, say, a Londoner or a New Yorker. <\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is not the case in most of Spain, and it is normal to ask personal questions and to give hugs and kisses on both cheeks. Strangers also greet each other in lifts or public places with a friendly<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> hola. <\/span><\/i><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As illustrated in the popular Spanish film <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ocho Apellidos Vascos<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, regional stereotypes prevail. In Spain, southerners are generally considered warmer and friendlier than northerners. These regional stereotypes are always a hot topic! <\/span><\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-224 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/clasped-hands.jpg\" alt=\"dos and donts in spain\" width=\"800\" height=\"640\" \/><\/p><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">via <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visual Hunt<\/span><\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t forget to try that amazing tortilla you were recommended, or the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">calamaritos<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gazpacho<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pan con tomate<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">escalivada,<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">napoletanas,<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bacalao<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2026<\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The food in Spain is delicious. There is a huge abundance of fresh produce cooked beautifully, and so it brings me to the verge of tears seeing tourists tucking into fish and chips, greasy pizzas or English breakfasts. It\u2019s not all <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tapas <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">paella,<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> it\u2019s not all deep fried, and there are options to please everyone from healthy eaters and vegans to carnivores and kids.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trust local recommendations, as the quality of classic dishes can vary greatly, especially in touristic places, and ask Spaniards for their favourite local dishes. When trying this tactic with a restaurant owner in Valencia I was treated to a glass of home-made port at the end of my meal! <\/span><\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-231 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/tortilla.jpg\" alt=\"dos and donts in spain\" width=\"600\" height=\"571\" \/><\/p><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Via <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pixabay<\/span><\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do NOT assume that the relaxed vibes are due to laziness.<\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s easy, especially when comparing the Spanish attitude to life with somewhere like the US or UK, to assume that less work and less effort results in less stress. Nevertheless, assuming that Spain is a \u2018lazy\u2019 country is totally inaccurate and I\u2019ve learned that the relaxed attitude to life is simply that; an attitude, a way to approach life.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spaniards go to work, and get their jobs done. Children go to school, and university students study. People are focused and committed to their careers, and to achieving their goals, crisis or no crisis. Young Spaniards travel the world to better their careers, open their minds, and gain valuable experience. <\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also worth noting that a huge number of people in Spain are studying to learn English as a second or third language. <\/span><\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t expect a quiet life; embrace the background noise.<\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spanish streets, especially in the big cities, are seldom quiet. The sociable lifestyle means that people of all ages are out and about. It is not uncommon to see small children out with their parents playing or eating fairly late at night. Traffic noise and squeaking brakes in towns contribute to this, and so heavily residential or rural areas are much quieter, as would be expected.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another particularly Spanish noise is the sound of the TV on in the apartment next door. In my experience some Spaniards like to leave the TV whilst they eat dinner, clean the house, or hang around at home as a kind of background noise. This can be quite a nice white noise if you\u2019re the kind of person who doesn\u2019t enjoy total silence. If you\u2019re not that kind of person, bring earplugs.<\/span><\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-230 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/street-in-barcelona.jpg\" alt=\"dos and donts in spain\" width=\"600\" height=\"337\" \/><\/p><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">via <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pixabay<\/span><\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do NOT wear a bikini in the street<\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019m all for freedom of expression, and if you do choose to wear your swimmers in the supermarket no one in Spain will actually stop you. However, you are guaranteed to stick out like a sore thumb and locals will spot you as a tourist from a mile-off. <\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are holidaying in Spain, near a beach resort then put some clothes on when you get off the beach. Spaniards would very rarely walk around in beach gear when not actually on <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">la playa<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and tend to wear trousers over shorts even in summer. Wear what makes you feel comfortable in the heat, but showing some respect for Spanish culture can make fitting in a lot easier. <\/span><b> <\/b><\/p><p>Finally, don't forget to learn some Spanish phrases with this Spanish Phrasebook with Audio.<\/p><p>[thrive_leads id='2257']<\/p><p><b>What other no-no\u2019s can you add to this list? Leave your comments and share with the rest of the readers.<\/b><\/p>__TVE_SHORTCODE_RAW___<\/div><\/div>","tve_custom_css":"","tve_user_custom_css":"","tve_globals":{"e":"1","font_cls":[]},"tcb2_ready":1,"tcb_editor_enabled":1,"tve_landing_page":"","_tve_header":"","_tve_footer":""},"categories":[6,7],"tags":[37,23,20,22,24,16],"class_list":["post-221","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-spanish-culture","category-spanish-travel","tag-dos-and-donts-in-spain","tag-fun-facts","tag-spanish-habits","tag-spanish-people","tag-spanish-tradition","tag-travel-tips","post-wrapper","thrv_wrapper"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=221"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15693,"href":"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221\/revisions\/15693"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/263"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=221"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=221"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=221"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}