What do you see when you think of Spain?

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Anita P

Before I came to live in Spain I always thought, that people listen and dance to Flamenco music at night, wear this typical Flamenco dress style... and that bull fighting is their most appreciates hobby... and that they drink sangria and eat paella every day...
But now after so many years in Spain, I learned, that very few people really dance and listen to Flamenco music (which is a pity somehow, as itâ€™s very nice) and bull fighting is a kind of cruel blood sports (at least Spanish people who defend it would call it sports, tradition or what ever) but not popular at all in the North of Spain or in the middle of Spain or in the islands.
Some people in the South (Andalusia) and Catalunia (Costa Brava, Barcelona) and Costa Valenciana (Valencia, Castellon, Benidorm) have this kind of "hobby", but most Spanish do not even like to watch it.
The famous dresses are worn only in Southern Spain, mostly in Seville and only during typical festivals.
The famous Flamenco dancers are almost all gipsies and the common Spanish people do not know how to dance it.
Most Spanish people do not like to drink Sangria, itâ€™s a cheap drink for tourists which produces a headache the next day and authentic paella only exists in Valencia...
But most Spanish people are nice and much more open minded than in the rest of Europe, apart from Italians and Portuguese, they do not behave as arrogant as the British do and accept foreign people much easier as in other parts of Europe.
Spain has beautiful nice beaches and wonderful typical villages, the Mediterranean food is famous all over the world and they are experts in fish & seafood.
People are a little noisy and sometimes it seems as if they were permanently yelling at each other, but itâ€™s their way of talking.
Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, San Sebastian... etc do offer a splendid leisure time and cultural offer.
Spanish people like to go out a lot and live more on the streets than inside their houses, they love to go for a walk, sit in cafes and have dinner and drinks out.
They are very outgoing.
Spanish people talk a lot and love to make friends with everybody.
Spanish women like to dress always well and spend a lot of money in hairdressers, perfumes and clothes; they like to be very presumed (but in a nice way).
Men also want to be up to date and fashionable always...
I like to live in Spain, because before I tried in USA and UK and felt very bad there, as everybody seemed to expect that I had to neglect my own roots to be accepted there.
Here in Spain, people are interested in my culture and traditions and are keen of getting to know more about them without trying to change me.
I donâ€™t know if I explain myself well, but I love to be living here, because I feel accepted although I am different and not forced to accept 100% their culture to be maybe accepted by them in the futureâ€¦
Spain = Colour and life.

rose1

My family, especially my little Spanish grand daughter Jessica.

SUE

Anita gave a very detailed answer. I enjoyed it.

I think of some of the most wonderful times of my life! I lived there for only a year when I was younger, and still, after almost thirty years, some of my fondest memories are of that time. I think of a golden sort of warmth...the sunlight is more golden there (especially in the late afternoon). That golden warmth extends to the people's personality. They are warm and open and generally kind and helpful.

Went back this past June, and was surprised to be practically invited to stay. After only a few days in Madrid, the waiters at my breakfast place said I was already a member of the "barrio". A couple of days in Sevilla, and I was long back home again. It sure helps to speak the language, but there's always someone around to help you out if you struggle through it.

If you don't know any: the first few phrases you need in any country are:

Hello - Hola or Buenos DÃas (morning), Buenas Tardes (after lunch and until about sunset), Buenas Noches (saying goodbye at night, or after dark).

Goodbye - Hasta Luego is my own favorite, but there are many versions.

Please - Por Favor

Thank you - Gracias (pronounced Grah thee ahss throughout Spain, but not in the Americas - and Grah thee ah in the south).

You're welcome - de nada (pronouced day nahhhhhh in the south).

How much? - Â¿CuÃ¡nto cuesta? or Â¿CuÃ¡nto es?

Where is...? - Â¿DÃ³nde estÃ¡?

Everything else you can get through with rudimentary sign language and theyÂ´ll be glad to help you through.

If you want any pointers on what to do or what to see...you can email me, spayer@yahoo.com, or check out any of the many websites. Si Spain is one of my faves.

Joan el guiri

Sun, the beach, and sailing in Summer.

Tapas and a good glass of tinto beside a log fire in winter.

I

aswath12345

the spanish armada!!!

Sanjeev

Fernando Torres terrorising opposition defenders with his mesmerising runs and scoring a goal.......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scott M

A big old leg of ham.

Ella Viaja

The ocean & beautiful countryside.

Stupid

bull fight

pyaramor37

narrow streets
bright modern houses right next to ones from medeival times...
huge cathedrals
paella paella paella
flamenco
poka dotted dresses
small ice cream shops that you can only get to by walking
the best milkshakes on earth
rain and the brightest sun all in one day
people of all different appearances
young people talking
frappy cappucinos
dark wavy hair
hmm..... i just described my house
haha

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