I got a kick out of Annabelle's remark about being impressed by the "cute guys" as a teenager. I was in Spain in 2000, as a 66 year-old, and I certainly noticed how good-looking so many of the men were! Some things never change...

Who said Madrid is very "masculine"? What a perfect description! Spain is so different from one region to the next, with food, climate and even languages changing! I would stay away from the coastal resorts, just a twenty minute drive inland will take you to a completely different world! Anywhere you stay, the Parador hotels are almost allways stunning buildings of historical interest... Oh! a great tip for anyone staying in hotels is Spain: Book your hotel through a travel agency such as the "Halcon" chain, and get up to 60% discounts compared to booking directly through the hotel! Have a good trip, be adventurous with the food - and avoid paellas unless you're in La Comunidad de Valencia - true home of the authentic paellas!

We were in Spain two years ago.

I found madrid to be like any other city. Less noisy and messy than I expected. Could have been a cross between a more orderly Rome and Paris.

Seville is a smaller city. Was a bit surprised even younger department store clerks (20-22 years old) spoke little or no English

Barcelona is a real city. They think they are not part of Spain. The language is different but they speak more English.

Everywhere we went there were English menus and everybody was friendly.

While Spain is different from other countries, so are other countries different from each other.

France is French, in Switzerland they speak mostly German and some French and Italy is Italian.

Some people speak with their hands as well as their mouths.

Food in better restaurants is good everywhere. Food in lower restaurants may be less enjoyable anywhere.

Plan your trip and have fun.

I learn a few words in the local language. Hello, Good-bye, thank and your welcome for starters. Then The Bill Please and How Much is That.

These were all amazing descriptions of Spain which I was looking for (on a separate link). I love this site and everyone who loves travel and food as much as I do!