The best things, and worst things, about Spain!
Hola! Yes, long time no type!
It's been tricky to find something worthwhile to blog about now we've settled into a rather relaxed pattern of van chores, moving around the country and basically enjoying our extended holiday. Now we have finally found some incredibly good WiFi, I felt now was the time to post an update!
Having been in Spain for nearly two months now, I have developed a fondness to certain parts of the Spanish culture and some others...not so much, but really, Any bad things are minor things, so let's get started!
The best things about Spain:
This one is obvious. The Spanish have a healthier relationship to food quality and production. Mercadona, lidl, Aldi, supersonic and carrfore all stock well priced spanish wine and cheese! The local fruitereers are also a delight selling very cheap produce that is incredibly fresh and delicious. I have become addicted to the Spanish tomatos, they're much much nicer than the normal tomatos in the UK.
Again, obvious answer. The Spanish rarely have rain/grey chilly days. I have spent most of this winter in the shirt and jeans and been really comfy. Some days I've actually been too warm and been longing for some shorts!! Highest we've seen the temp go is 24 degrees - equivalent to a gorgeous late spring/ early simmers day back home. The spanish still seem to be wrapped up in their coats though 😂 overall, it's been so nice to see the sun more often and I'm yet to get bored of the spectacular sunsets and clear skies!
3- their recycling system
I'm a bit of an environmental person and it's been refreshing to find so many types of recycling bins all within walking distance. So easy! They are all managed well everywhere we have been so far.
Even in the busiest cities, we have rarely been stuck in any traffic jams. Most roads are clear and flat!
It's true, the Spanish love to party and celebrate holidays. Grey have more of em! The Christmas celebrations go way beyond new years Eve as we experienced in Maro and their bonfire fiesta!
Whilst it's a bit frustrating to deal with at first, you get used to siestas and everything shutting mid afternoon. We usually take these few hours out of doing any chores to grab a cerveca and relax somewhere, like we are doing right now!
7- the scenery and wildlife
It's different everywhere we've been but each place is special. Whether it be beautiful sandy beaches, tropical palm trees of snow capped mountains - spain is beautiful
8- most people are friendly
Far from grumpy, very laid back and I've yet to have anyone get annoyed with my broken Spanish lol. The spanish are mostly down to earth and have a relaxed approach to everything.
The not so great things about Spain:
1- the city traffic lights. Why have you guys placed crossings and traffic lights as soon as you come off a roundabout?! So infuriating and travelling through any city is slow thanks to the unlogical light systems. Please get a three light system like the UK at least!
This one caught us out! I'm Valencia I got a right ear full from the other old ladies swimming and it took me a few minutes to realise they were angry at me cos I wasn't wearing a swimming cap! Not only did we not know this rule (no signs anywhere for this and we were not told) but we didn't have any cos...well, no one in the UK likes wearing them and we usually don't have to! In the end the frustrated life guard threw us both some lost property caps and we've been using them since...I still dislike wearing them though!
3- the strict rules. Again, not really an issue as I've started before, the Spanish are mostly relaxed and not usually jobs worth. However, sometimes we have had issues with parking and I've seen many places ban doggos which is a shame but the worst was going to a restaurant for 'just drinks' do we could get a bit of WiFi time. The waitress came over to ask what we wanted from the menu of the day. When we said we just wanted drinks? 'Oh! No no no no' 'you can't do that!' 😮 we left promptly!
4- being obviously British af and being assumed as a mindless, ignorant tourists. Come across a few scammers on our travels trying to pray on our lack of Spanish bt I think we've been rather savvy in spotting any scams so far and knowing what tricks someone could use.
Annnnd, that is all I can think of for now! To conclude, Spain is pretty great and been a nice, easy and beautiful place to drive around and explore over the winter!