I am planning my 3rd trip to Europe and I would like to go to Spain this time around. <BR>Nonetheless, 5 people ( they are hispanics) that have visited before advise me not to go. They tell me the people there are horrible and extremely rude to other Spanish speaking people. If I go they tell me to speak only ENglish. I think its ridiculous for me to speak English in Spain when I can communicate perfectly and fluently in spanish. I wonder if this is true. Help! Should I go? Please Help. Thanks.

Are you a troll? <BR> <BR>No seriously, I speak Spanish, my husband speaks English, and we have always been treated well in Spain...I personally love Spain - great sights and great food!

I've only been to Barcelona -- where the language is Catalan, not Spanish (although almost everyone we encountered seemed to speak Spanish) -- and thoroughly enjoyed it. No rudeness whatsoever. In fact, the people were quite wonderful, and I'd gladly go back there again any day.

That is strange! I go with Am. who speak Spanish and we have never been hasseled (OK, but only because she is Am., and then not anymore than anywhere else). We all struggle so much w/learning lang. to where we go I can't imagine not using that skill. I wish we all just spoke Italian and got on w/it. Jeezz!

I'm also hispanic and speak Spanish. I went to Spain last year visiting Barcelona, Granada, Sevilla and Madrid-spoke Spanish the whole time and had no problems. I really enjoyed Spain and its people, so much so that I'm going back this October. Just go and have a great time.

I'm not sure if you meant that you are hispanic or just that you speak Spanish, but I have a Puerto Rican friend who claims that she was treated poorly in Spain and felt that it was because she is Hispanic and spoke a different kind of Spanish (in one case she heard someone make some kind of ethnic slur). Unless you are extremely sensitive, however, this doesn't seem like an adequate reason for not going or not speaking Spanish when you are there.

I loved Spain it was so very beautiful and much more than I expected, I didn't find the people rude just reserved. There is a big difference!Go you will love it and very affordable.

I am Peruvian and my husband and in laws will be traviling to Alicante, Spain in June 01. Is there any tips we should know? <BR>

I am also Hispanic, been all over Europe and have never been better treated than in Spain. Spain is wonderful, incredible history, and amazing sights. Strange, because I never heard of such complaint from friends and family that have been to Spain. From my experience, Spaniards loved to talk and asked questions about my life in "America". I was even taken in a wonderful impromptu tour by a guard in El Alcazar in Toledo when I asked him a question in Spanish and he commented on my accent. <BR> <BR>Angie, bottom line is go and make your own opinions.

Either you are a troll or your friends are fanciful. <BR>I say your friends may be fanciful because most people in Spain don't speak English, so their advice is nuts. <BR>(unless you only go to beach resorts) <BR>I say you may be a troll because your post fits the template: <BR>I am from Mars, I'm going to Venus, I hear they are anti-Martian there??? <BR>Sorry, but we get a lot of that on this forum. <BR>However in case I'm wrong & you are genuine my advice is to go.The Spanish are a very kind people.

I´m spanish and I´m glad to deal with people all over the world who also speak spanish. We have something in common important and not only language. In my opinion only rude people may behave this way but not only respect of hispanics, they are rude respect of everybody. It wouldn´t be just that a bunch of not well mannered guys could take place of the majority of this people. Come to Spain and I´m sure you will have a good time.

Thanks everyone for your help. I have decided to go to Spain and hoping to have a memorable experience.Pedro, you are right, one shouldn't make generalizations or let others make you see things the way they do. I will go to Spain have a good time and make my own assumptions. Once again, thanks.

My brpther and I with wives spent almost a month is southern Spain and consider it one of the best vacations we have had. I speak reasonable Spanosh (worked in Latin America)and had no trouble with either English or Spanish. <BR>I made a "report" of sorts for a friend about everything we stayed and visited. <BR>I can only recommend it highly. <BR>If you want, I will send you a copy of the report --- with all its typos --- if you would like. <BR>Richard

I'm American & after 3 years living <BR>in Spain still can't think of a more fascinating country ...keep in mind that from early 1500s-late 1600s Spain was a world superpower..there are 4 languages & huge regional differences in gastronomy & customs...many Spaniards are loyal to their town or city first, their region second but don't speak much English..asi que sea valiente hombre y compra tus billetes pronto....Buena Suerte y Buen Viaje!