happy- why so conflictive today? Plenty of Spaniards carry backpacks. They are a very hot selling item right now in the trendy stores where you can find them with buddhas and vishnu pictures, as well as different colors and sizes. At my office there were 5 women, 4 backpacks and 1 postman bag (I was the latter).

I agree that those huge camping backpacks are for traveling, not day to day life. Same with Jansport backpacks, but smaller ones are common among anyone needing to carry stuff and wanting to keep their backs healthy from injury.

<<Since when did a backpack signal, "I am a Spaniard.">>

Earlier in her post kenderina said:
<<I haven't said that marks one as a spaniard and if I've explained myself incorrectly I'm sorry.>>

Peace. Paz.

never, it signals that never. But also doesn't signal "I'm a foreigner". Of course, I'm talking of little backpacks not the big ones you use for the mountains and the woods, I would die of hunger in the woods with my backpack :)

When I was in Spain I went to El Corte Ingles and bought a shoulder bag that has a label which reads, "Hedgren Urban Bags Stockholdm-Antwerp-Barcelona."

It is a smart little thing with deep pockets, and it is washable.

I am happy with it and it is what I use to carry odds and ends while wandering the streets of cosmopolitan cities.

Those who prefer backpacks should use them even if, in the opinion of some, it makes them sitting ducks and unwitting targets for those who wish them ill.