Suggestions for Off the Beaten Track travellers.
 

1. Don't expect anything to be open in Spain during Siesta.
2. Don't expect everyone to take credit cards.
3, Don't expect everyone to speak English
4. Don't expect that our rules of the road 'rule' elsewhere.
5. Don't ask for anything or take anything without saying "Gracias" or Por favor. (or the equivalent).
5..Don't expect the greatest beds, soundproofing, posted check out times, in room dryers, etc.
6. Don't put anything but your butt in the Bidet (to wash your underpinnings, of course).
7. Don't travel slow in the fast lane...Speed limits are posted by each lane and they get furious if you disregard this...they travel very fast in Europe.
8. Don't expect the bread, butter, condiments to be included. Often they are not.
9. Don't expect to find easy parking...they will give you a ticket in a hurry.
10. Don't spit, throw away gum, etc., anywhere but in a bin, and the bins are far and few between.
11. Don't mind if they seat others at your table when it is crowded. A common practice.
12. Don't expect to call the 'elevator'..it is a Lift and often unpredictable and slow.
13. Don't expect the maps to be always current...expect to back track some.
14. Don't talk religion, politics, or in any way you think American is better, wiwer, etc.
15. Smile often and regularly...it's the universal language.
p.s. don't expect the menu to be in english...have an adventure.

" Don't expect anything to be open in Spain during Siesta "

Wrong in big cities. Corte Ingles department stores is open at midday (we don't call it Siesta time but "mediodia" )as there are big supermarkets, cafes, tapas bars....
Little shops are closed, yes.

11. Don't mind if they seat others at your table when it is crowded. A common practice.

Not in Spain.

Sorry, I meant are (there is one almost in every city) opened :)

Hello Kenderina, how are you? I hope you are having lovely spring weather as we are having here in Northern California. I also hope everyone in your family is healthy and happy. My best regards to you.

Hi, LoveItaly !!! Not so lovely weather, it has been raining rather heavily for two days and it's still a bit cold. Today stopped and the sun has been shining this afternoon, let's see if it stays ;)

All my family it's OK, thanks !!!

Hope you are enjoying that lovely spring. A big hug for you ;)

Don't put anything but your butt in the Bidet (to wash your underpinnings, of course).>>

what, no feet???

&quot;<i>10. Don't spit, throw away gum, etc., anywhere but in a bin, and the bins are far and few between.</i>&quot;

OMG :O May I ask what is different at home??

LOL - must be lots of spitting where the OP lives!

#3 - At home (in the US) I've learned not to expect everyone to speak English so why would I expect people in Spain (or any other non-English speaking country) to speak English.

#4 - each state in the US has different driving rules such as passing on the right. I couldn't go to NY state and expect to get away with the rules that &quot;rule&quot; in NJ.

#5 - Again, at home I say please and thank you. I don't have to wait to go to Spain to learn politeness! :) And sometimes I have to say it in Spanish.