Quirky Madrid

One of the greatest perks of living in another country is enjoying the differences between that culture and your own.  When you start thinking that Spaniards are quirky, just imagine how unusual you seem to your new co-workers.

Spaniards are very friendly.

An elevator in Spain is an ideal location to observe this outgoing behaviour. A Spaniard will undoubtedly speak to you, a simple hello, how are you, but for an unknowing visitor to this country you may find this alarming.  Don’t panic, it is completely normal to indulge greetings from strangers. Be sure to return the greeting.

Time warp?

In Spain the morning is the afternoon and the afternoon the night. Spaniards are famous for their unconventional timetable more so than any of their neighbouring European countries. If you are meeting someone for a coffee at 7pm that is still a Spaniard’s afternoon.  And it remains afternoon until you have dinner.  The morning functions in like manner, afternoon in Spain is after lunch.  Anytime before you have lunch is still morning. As a second breakfast is usually taken around 11am and lunch not before 2, you can see how their timetable might shift forward.

Would you like meat with that?

Vegetarians…Spaniards’ idea of vegetarian fare doesn’t always qualify as meat free. You will find that vegetarian dishes often have jamon cooked in for flavor.  Be very clear about your dietary needs.

Smoking everywhere.

Spaniards smoke. An attempt to implement a law modelled after other European cities’ smoking restrictions, failed here. Spaniards do not always respect your non-smoking lifestyle. Food and cigarettes share the same social settings.

Speak the truth.

Spaniards are blunt. If you look tired your work colleagues will no doubt remark on your appearance. Something to the effect of ‘you have a very bad face today’.  Do not take it personally. This works for insults or compliments.  Spaniards say it as they see it.

The mañana factor.

As the timetable is different so is the concept of efficiency.  Generally there is a mañana factor that should always be weighed in to the date when something is said to be ready and when it will actually be ready.

• < Prev
• Next >