Things I have learnt about Spain so far...

* Siestas are not a joke. If you think you going to find a shop, that isn't a Chinese shop, open between 2-5 you can think again. This is serious business. Or lack there of at least.

* Having a shot of vodka, equivalent to our South African triple, with a glass of water on the side at 9 in the morning is totally acceptable. I swear, I saw it this morning at the little cafe in the bus station. Didn't know whether to laugh or join in.

* If you taking the bus, make sure you have some way of telling the time. Having the correct time in a bus is not a priority here. In fact, I have not been on a single bus yet that is showing the right time. It's as though the driver spins the wheels of the clock every morning and wherever it lands will be the time that the bus will use for the day.

* Wednesdays seem to be pensioners day out on the buses. If you hoping to be on time, take a taxi. Some old folks take up to 5 mins just to board, never mind get the money out and paying. Bless.

* The weather is a lot like Cape Town. If it says cold with 90% rain, take your coat, umbrella, wellies, bikini and sunblock. What it should say is pretty cold with 90% chance of all seasons during the day. Okay, obviously not as drastic as that,but it does change quite often during the day.

* Learn how to speak and understand Spanish, fast.

* The Spanish people love their big white cut out letters for the names of each town. Very sweet

* Most graffiti done here is by true artists. You are more likely to find an artwork than silly, seemingly 'meaningless' scribbling. It's everywhere though! Wherever you look, you are bound to see at least one graffiti artist work around you

* It seems, and I stand to be corrected as it is purely my own limited visual knowledge, that what you drive is of a higher priority than what you live in. I have yet to see a kokoroche (mostly illegal taxi and car held together by glue, duck tape and a prayer) round here.

* Pedestrians actually use the bridges over the hi ways here. There are no death defying acts of trying to run over the hi way. You simply walk a little further and use the bridge. Incredibly sensible.

* kokoroche is obviously my own unique spelling.

Comments

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