Spanish Living

If we have learned one thing while living here in Spain, it is that we need to accept the way they do things here.  We refer to this as “This is the WAY”.  A direct quote from the Disney show “The Mandalorian”.  The way things are done here doesn’t always make sense, and always requires a dose of patience.  What I have noticed is that the more you accept their backward or archaic ways of doing things and don’t question the motive behind it, the more your frustration level evaporates, and you must laugh, you just can’t help yourself.  They get the job done, eventually. This applies to visa paperwork, apartment rental paperwork, banking, and don’t even get me started about the post office and notary services. 

What started out as a frustration, has turned into laughter and acceptance.  We just turn to each other, say “this is the WAY” and laugh.  At the end of the day, whatever needs to be done, is done.  “It is the WAY”

They have such as elegant way with signage in Spain.  Once you get used to where to look for the street signs it makes total sense.  In the US, we have signs hanging from lights or on poles on the corner of intersections.  In Spain, they are on hand painted tiles on the building at the corner of the intersection.  They also have hand painted tiles for their “beware of dog” signs. These tiles are cemented to walls and sides of buildings.  Some of the older homes and buildings also have painted tiles cemented on the building showing possibly the profession of the person who built the home and or the year it was built.  They also like their statues and monuments. Definitely gives you the feeling of living in another world.  

We came to Spain with the idea that at least one of us was fluent in Spanish and would be able to communicate whatever was needed.  Well, not exactly.  First of all, we moved to the Northeastern part of Spain, Cantalonia, and their primary language is Cantalon.  So all of the signs, menus, etc, are in Cantalon.  Eating has definitely been an adventure, we are not always sure what we are going to get.  People here do speak Spanish as well as Cantalon, however, what we have come to learn is not all Spanish is the same.  For example, if you want shrimp to eat, they are not called camarones, they are gambas.  A car is not a carro, it is a coche.  Want some juice, it is called zumo, not jugo.  Here are a few more examples:

English                  Spain                     Latin America

Floor                      Suelo                     Piso

Cell Phone            Movil                     Cellular

Computer            Ordenador          Computador

Pen                        Boligrafo              Pluma

Peach                    Melocoton          Duranzo 

Apartment           Piso                     Apartamento

To Drive               Conducir              Manejar

Cool                      Guay                      Chevere

The list keeps going.  And let’s not forget “vosotros” – We refer to this as “You All”. I started language class about 4 months ago, and I am working my way through it.  It has been an adventure that keeps us on our toes.

I just learned about a Catalan Christmas Tradition, El Caga Tió.  It is a Catalan log that poops nougats and gifts at Christmas.  Their version of Santa.  Here is how it works.  El Caga Tió is a log with a drawn-on face, a big smile, and a jolly red hat.  During December you feed the log scraps of food and then he poops presents and candies when you hit him with a stick and sing a song!  Here is the song:

After feeding him for weeks, on December 24, a blanket is placed on the non-face end of Tió. Then the singing, and the beating would commence.  The blanket is then lifted, revealing presents and turron or chocolates.  After Christmas, the log is used as firewood.  Love it!  

OK, so I did not expect to need a dentist so soon after arriving in Spain.  During our adventure to southern Spain, my face started swelling.  Of course, I figured if I ignored it, it would go away…  hahaha, fat chance.  We tried to go to the pharmacy to get some antibiotics and were told I needed to see a dentist first.  Lucky me… there was a dentist just one block from the hotel we were staying at – Ugh!  I truly did not know what to expect and was prepared for the worst. 

With my trusty translator at my side, I went in seeking help.  First, we were handed an iPad and asked to answer a series of questions about what was going on.  Once we finished, were taken to the back for x-rays.  I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised!  They had all the latest technology – the place was amazing, and the staff were very friendly.  I was told that I had a cracked tooth, and it was infected.  They gave me a prescription for antibiotics and told me I needed to take care of it when I got home.  When we got back home, I made an appointment with a local dentist and again, all the latest technologies and super nice staff.  I now have 1 less tooth and am very confident that going forward they will take very good care of me.  Oh, and by the way, the cost was a fraction of what it would be in the US.

We sold our cars before coming to Spain except for one (emotional attachment) which is safely stored in the states for now.  Too costly to bring it to Spain.  The thought was to find a place close to what we need and close to public transportation.  So far, we have adjusted well to this new concept.  We rented a car twice and here is what we have learned:

On the downside

• Gas is over $8 a gallon, so a hybrid is a must
• Parking is a problem everywhere – if you do find a spot, your car probably won’t fit.  And if you make it fit, you will definitely walk away with a dent or two.  A small car is a must
• Navigating the narrow streets in the older parts of town are a challenge (see my video in Girona Spain)

On the upside

• The roads are top notch
• Gas stations are just off the side of the highway (like a rest stop in the US). You just exit the offramp, get your gas, and get right back on.  Each one offers different amenities like restaurant, convenience store, gift shop, hotel/hostel, rest area, showers, etc.  Of course, some are nicer than others, but super convenient.
• Road signs are easy to read
• Google Maps Nav warns you when there is a speed camera up ahead

We decided to investigate buying a “small hybrid” car.  It would give us more flexibility in exploring Europe.  We were told we could order one (nothing available now) and hopefully it would be here in 8-9 months, thanks to Covid and the chip shortage.  So… that’s on hold for a while.  For now, we will plan our trips utilizing the train and rental car when needed.  Off to more adventures….

We are fortunate to live close to the markets, restaurants, bars, shops, the beach, and the train station.  “Almost” everything we need is within walking distance.  We did purchase what we call our little carrito. It helps us easily carry the items we purchase – especially from the market (and the wine shop-that’s for another blog).  We walk to the market at least once (sometimes twice) a week to get what need.  We buy what we need for up to a week, no more. The fresh bread is amazing.  I can buy a baguette loaf for .60 and it tastes amazing. 

Since we live in a small town, choices at the stores are more limited than what we are used to.  For example, they have Heinz Ketsup ~3, and one-off brand ~1.  One brand of mayonnaise, no syrup, one brand of bar soap – you get the picture.  Of course, the larger towns and cities have all the options. We have learned to adjust to what is offered close to us. We have 2 refrigerators, so there is plenty of room, however, we have chosen to keep it fresh. The benefit is that we have both lost weight and are feeling good.  

We also have tons of restaurants and bars to choose from and lots of little shops.  There are no chain restaurants or fast-food establishments in our town. For that, you need to go into the larger towns and cities (there you can find McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, etc.). Most of the shops here are small family-owned business, the items are unique, and you can “usually” find what you need.  For big box stores or malls, you need to go into Barcelona where you will find all the big stores and malls – shop to your hearts content.  

When looking for a place to live in Spain, a washer and dryer were on my “must have” list.  We were fortunate enough to find one – washer / dryer combination (not so popular in the US).  First order of business – figure out how to change the language (it was set to French from the previous renters). OK, got over that hurdle and I was able to wash a load of laundry – first load was just towels, just in case.  Once clean, I tried the drier part of this combo.  It ran for 3 hours and when finished, the towels came out so stiff, I could stand them up – I am sure I did something wrong.  Fortunately for me there was a “clothes hanging contraption” upstairs on the roof top deck I decided to give a try. Of course, first attempt, the wind blew it over and all that was clean, was now dirty again. We learned to secure it from the wind, and  I have to say, I am hooked!  The breeze and warm air not only dry the clothes, but it also irons them as well.  Mother Nature – best invention ever!

They are very big on recycling here in Spain.  It was not our direct intention when coming here to reduce our carbon footprint, however, it is what happened.   We mostly eat fresh, no processed foods, which minimizes what we throw away.  You would be amazed how much waste is packaging.  

They do not have a trash day where you take your trash cans out to the street.  There are huge multicolored recycling bins everywhere that you deposit your trash when your bins are full.  They are broken down as follows:

• Gray:    All that cannot be recycled
• Brown:    Organics (eggshells, fruit/veggies waste, etc.)
• Green:  Glass (without caps)
• Yellow:  Plastics/cans (well crushed)
• Blue:     Paper/Cardboard (folded or well crushed)

We created bins in the apartment where I separate the trash and when full, we take them down to the bins on the street.  Took some getting used to, but we got the hang of it.  You can teach an old dog new tricks.  

Spanish time is alive and well in Spain and after three months, we are still adjusting.  Here is the schedule I have sort of figured out – so far….  Most stores don’t open until 10:00-11:00am and then they close around 1:00-2:00pm.  They open again around 5:00pm and close around 8:00pm.  Restaurants are a totally different story.  As for breakfast, I don’t know, we are not up that early anymore (have to love retirement).  They start serving around 1:00pm until 4:00-4:30pm.  If they remain open after 4:30, they will serve you a drink (coffee, wine, beer, etc.) and maybe you can get something sweet, but no food.  They start serving food again around 8:00pm.  Not exactly sure what time they close – we don’t stay up that late.  

Since it doesn’t get dark until 9:30pm the later time schedule makes sense.  We have fallen into the routine of eating our “dinner” or larger meal between 2:00-4:00pm, and then have something light in the evening.  Love me some tapas!!!