Curious behavior about Spanish people

The Spanish like to stand in the middle of the street and not move for you or a passing car. They take their children to all places, at any time of the day. Children are part of life, therefore not to be ignored. Nor disciplined. Sure, they hope they will behave, but it doesn’t mean that anything will be said or done when the child decides to misbehave, other than shove a packet of crisps in their hands, shrug and turn back to their conversation….the child returning to its previous misbehaving.

And yet…I adore the Spanish! They have a very positive and down-to-earth view of life. I’m sure it is because of all the ‘shrugging’ and the ‘mañanas’. They enjoy the moment preferably in the sun, with food, together with friends or family. If you are on holiday in Spain and your destination is quite touristic but you don’t fancy sitting between you fellow-country people, I will tell you the following…

There are a lot of restaurants with both Spanish and English menu’s and their food is usually really nice but on the expensive side. And, as I found, not so much typical Spanish. So, you might be better of going to a small bar where they sell ‘tapas’. Often you’ll have to stand at the bar due to lack of space, but I promise it will be worth it. And you are wise to look at their selection of food, instead of ordering blindly from the menu. What looks good, usually tastes good. And I mean usually, so don’t be upset if you ordered something small and not quite to your likening. Just do as the Spanish do and….shrug. Better luck next time!

They do everything with their family. Part of that reason is because most people I know still live with their parents at the age of 30. Young people move out when they get married or temporarily when going to university. All due to the fact that renting or buying your own apartment is very expensive. They work many hours, but have little free time, although it doesn´t explain why there always seem to be a lot of people in the streets at any time of the day.

They shrug. A lot. What cannot be done today will be done tomorrow. Tomorrow can mean: next day, week or month. They just have one word for it: Mañana. They are champions in inventing excuses. Therefore, they are never guilty of anything.

They don’t apologize or say thank you. It’s considered fake when done too often and when they like (or dislike) something, they won’t hide it from you.

So before you go out your hotel, apartment or owners direct in Spain, remember this tips and you’re golden!