1st timer to Spain- behavior and appearance tips needed
 

Hi all,

It's my first time to Spain and, given the current political climate, was wondering what tips you can share.


Will be traveling through Andalucia and could use your opinion- what behaviors and appearance should be avoided? We certainly would like to avoid any anti-American sentiment...

Many thanks!

Avoid wearing a "Kill them all. Let God sort them out" t-shirt.

Your normal behaviour will suffice.

General courtesy and good manners, but then surely you are like that anyway?

There is very little anti-American sentiment in Spain, I'd say there's more of that in American itself!

As for appearance, no public nudity or indecency. All common sense really.

Don't wear any clothing article that diplays themes on "I support George Bush and the Iraq Invasion".

Not a political comment here, just a subjective answere to your question.

I would expect the Spanish feel a little defensive about appearing to let the terrorists decide the outcome of national elections. And I'd avoid talking about the train bombings and muslim fanatics making statements about re-conquering lost lands in Spain.

The Spaniards I've spoken with recently weren't defensive at all about their election results.

I agree. My Spanish friends weren't defensive or reticent about "appearing" to cave in to terrorists. They were resolute in getting rid of a government that attempted to mislead them about who was responsible for the attacks and dragged them into a war they didn't want to enter in the first place.
As far as anti-Americanism, it's directed at the current regime in D.C., not John or Jane Doe American.

I agree with the majority of Spanish people (and Americans for that matter, if allowed to have their votes counted) and communicated such whenever it was appropiate and was happy to do so. Most people I met in Spain were gracious and kind and seemed to realize that I was, like them, first and foremost, a human being.

Have a great time--Spain is a wonderful country!

Having just recently returned from Spain I echo the sentiments of all the above.

I hope you aren't worried about some sort of "backlash" akin to the way some Americans seem to feel about Europeans who do not share our particular views...fortunately, you'll find none of that, and be thankful for it. Enjoy your trip.

I just returned from Andalucia last month, there were virtually no Anti American sentiments. However, I was surprised by the scarcity of other American tourists. Lots of Brits, French, Germans and Italians however. Much of the Andalucian coast has a very strong British presence.

We were in Madrid mid-April. We dressed and behaved as we would here in NYC. There was absolutely NO anti-american sentiment that we could detect. In fact we found the people to be very pleasant and friendly. This was out first time in the country and we look forward to returning.

Artlover, you wrote: "I agree with the majority of Spanish people (and Americans for that matter, if allowed to have their votes counted."

Are you trying to say we have a repressive government that controls voting and the press? I guess you don't watch CNN and MSNBC very much.

I hope you are not one of the few remaining cry-baby democrats that still harp on Gore losing the election according to the laws of our great nation. If that is the case, just get over it.

Thank you so much for all your thoughts and comments. I had heard from some friends to avoid wearing bright colors and subdue my excitement at being in a new country.

However, it sounds like gracious behavior and a respect for the culture are all that is needed.

Thank you!

I applaud your sensical ways, Shiny-Object.

By the way, "gracious behavior and a respect for the culture are all that is needed" applies not only while in Spain, but while in all country that you visit.

Enjoy.

May I add that "gracious behavior and a respect for the culture" should be observed even when one is in their native country.

My last trip to Spain was 9/21/01, right after 9/11. We debated long and hard whether or not to go. Eventually, we decided that life was too short (as displayed in the worst possible way to us on that day) and continued with our plans.

Travel advisories said to "keep a low profile", and "avoid tourist areas", etc. And what did I find when I got there? The Spaniards wearing t-shirts with American flags on them; in Barcelona, a banner draped from a building that proclaimed "I love NY".

Melodie

Avoid calling the new Prime minister an appeaser.