1. Try it first, ask later
So, Spanish food is amazing. One of my favorite things about it is that it's not loaded with seasonings and added "flavor" packets. It's all about the natural flavors of the food (and there's some garlic added in, always garlic in Spain haha). Their food is simple, and filling, really yummy, but, sometimes it can be a little... adventurous for the every-day American.
Spaniards are great at not wasting, ANYTHING. Especially food. They eat every part of every animal. Everything from pigs snout, to bull tail, there's some cheek, a little intestine, and even blood. Yes, there is the "normal" selection of meats that we're used to, but the more unique plates can be amazing too. And, if you don't ask, you might not even realize you're eating a part of a face. It sounds really disgusting, but try it! And before you get too judgmental, remember, they aren't wasting. It's a wonderful thing if you think about it.
2. A little history, some tours, some exciting sites, but don't forget to enjoy it
If you're traveling to Spain, you'll see some amazing things. Architecture from the Roman Empire, historical landmarks and monuments, the beautiful influence of the Arabic cultures who came from Africa in 711 A.D and were in the peninsula until 1492 A.D. There's so much to see and take in, that it's easy to get wrapped up in going from one thing to the next, that you miss the chance to actually experience the culture. Spain has an amazing charm to it. The people really know how to enjoy life, and what matters. They put family first, and the time they get to spend together is precious. You won't see teens embarrassed to be with their parents, but instead, they're up and running around playing with their little cousins. Grandparents and grandchildren walk along the streets together. On Saturday and Sunday afternoon, you can see families of sometimes 3 or 4 generations sitting in the Plaza Mayor together, enjoying some ice cream and their time with each other.
One thing we lack as Americans is this. And it seems that, traveling, the event that we do together as families, even becomes "work". A lot of times we come home from a trip, jokingly saying "I need a vacation after my vacation". Travel, especially to foreign countries, becomes a timetabled event. "The museum opens at 9, so we should get there at 8:45, then, there's an exhibit at 12 I want to get to, so let's make sure we rush there. At 1:40 we have 20 minutes for lunch before the tour starts..." And so on and so on. I understand, you want to maximize on your time here. You're only in Europe once, MAYBE twice in your life, you should take advantage of that. And I couldn't agree more!
Take advantage of embracing the Spanish lifestyle. Instead of 20 minutes for lunch, spend an hour (maybe more)!! Sit on the outdoor terrace, eat slowly, watch the people walk by, enjoy a nice cup of coffee after. Talk to the people you're with. In Spain, lunch is the most important meal of the day, and they do spend an hour, sometimes two eating together, laughing and talking. It's a bonding time.
In the evening, when things are winding down, go enjoy a glass of wine and a tapa outside. Ask your family and friends what has been their favorite part of the day. Talk about what you've seen and what you're going to see. Just relax and enjoy being together. Traveling, especially to Spain, doesn't have to be, and shouldn't be stressful.
3. Don't just stay in one place
This is only if you get the chance. But, I think it's worth taking into consideration. When traveling to Spain, make sure you have enough time to go to at least 3 or 4 different places, spending minimum 2 days in each. One of the amazing things about Spain is its diversity. It's a small country (compared to the US) but it still has so much to offer. You have the green, mountainous north, with small villages and quaint towns. In the center you have the capital, Madrid, and the surrounding provinces. Each one has it's own charm and history. Castilla y León for example takes pride in their deep "Castillian" roots. They believe they speak the purest form of Spanish (this can be contested) and their landscape, though not green and luscious like you'll find in the north, is filled with rolling plains and various types of crops. The south is a world all its own. With strong Arabic influence, the south is colorful and exciting. The people are open and friendly, and always welcoming. The weather is perfect almost year-round, and the food is amazing. There are other regions as well, we can't forget Catalonia directly to the south of France. They not only have their own culture, but like Galicia (directly above Portugal on the west coast) they have their own language.
Spain is filled with diversity. Visiting the big cities, Madrid and Barcelona, is important. And there's a lot to see there. But if you want to get to know the real Spain, you have to travel not only outside of the metropolitan areas, but also to different regions. Sometimes you'll think you aren't even in the same country.
4. Learn a little of the language before you go
Yes, most places you go you might be able to find someone that speaks English. But there's no guarantee. Spain, unlike their neighbors to the west (Portugal) isn't known for their ability to pick up other languages well.
I'm not saying take a Spanish class and become fluent, or even conversational, before a week or two week trip. Just learn a few phrases. Where is the bathroom? Can I have...? How much does this cost? (and numbers, or course). Simple things. And even if you sound like an idiot trying to say it, and maybe you don't say it correctly at all, at least you've tried. And the people really appreciate that.
I should note, however, don't assume that NO ONE around you speaks English. While you shouldn't just figure that everyone will go out of their way to speak your native tongue to you, don't be so naive to think that English is some exotic language that no one knows. It's English! It's the universally recognized international language. So just be careful, don't say anything you wouldn't normally say in public.
5. Comfy clothes are not street clothes
You rarely see someone walking around Spain in sweat pants and a t-shirt. While in the US it's perfectly acceptable to go to the grocery store in your pjs, in Spain it is not. I'm not saying get all dressed up, make-up, hair done, high heels. No no. But instead of sweats, pull on a pair of jeans, or cute shorts. In place of the T-shirt, find a cute tank-top. It doesn't have to be fancy, just can't be something you would wear to bed.
On that note, however, wear comfy shoes!! You will walk A LOT!
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