They fold small, go into a small clutch bag or a pocket, loads of lovely designs, cheap to stupid prices, best to have a black one plus one other.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jCLJb9lPZaQ/Rl5b9oNvuII/AAAAAAAAATA/NMNO-K1XLEk/s400/mantilla1.jpg
Be polite, Try to speak Spanish. l always had a small
pocket Spanish/English dictionary, and a pad of paper.
When l didn't understand, l would have them write down
what they were saying, and try my best to communicate.
As long as you are trying, 99% of people will try to help
you.
Don't be pushy. l found in small shops, that the first time
l went in, l had to wait a while, after all the regulars got
served. On the second visit, the server definitely remembered
that l had been in before, and l got in the queue. After that,
l was a customer, and got full honors, lol! They look after
their regulars, for sure.
You will find that the small grocery stores are usually cheaper
than the large chains like Carrefour - so make sure you have
a good look around for excellent quality foods at great prices
in the local corner shops.
You are going to have such a great time - appreciate what you
are going to have. Make the most of it, and try all the new
foods - at least a bite.
Dart is right, about the only thing you should avoid is any discussion about the Civil War and Franco. This era tore families apart and it's still a very confronting topic for most Spaniards.
The previous answer which states that women should cover their heads in church is totally incorrect. I've visited Spain many times and lost count of the number of churches I've visited, both as a sightseer and for Mass. As with other Western countries, women no longer have to cover their heads. But a bit of respect is required, so don't enter a church with bare shoulders or wearing shorts or a mini-skirt and, if a service is in progress, sit quietly at the back until it's finished or come back later.
I live in Spain and have been to church. People are mostly well dressed, but some of the young women look like they are dressed to go out to a night club and that's in a rural village.
Most Spaniards don't like being seen drunk in public, though there are a few exceptions. Just act normally, be polite and you will be treated accordingly.
It depends on the location, but if you are polite and respectful of everyone, you won't have any problem.
We have a saying that says "donde fueres haz lo que vieres", it means something like do what you see the others are doing.
Don't be nervous, people knows that foreign people have another habits. Don't try to impose anything. Rules are just like another point of planet, COMMON SENSE.
I hope you'll learn a lot!
I agree with others...your program will give you a complete orientation, including how to behave, and what not to do.
I never saw "every woman" covering her head for church...some of the middle-aged women, yes.
And, no. You don't need to cover your hair when touring, though some churches insist on covering shoulders. If they do, they have little shawls for you to borrow. They actually made my HUSBAND wear one!
And no public drunkenness...a little tipsy is okay, but absolutely drunk? It's just not done. They are pretty moderate in that sense.
How NOT to kiss a Spaniard >> http://www.tumbit.com/blogs/1093-how-not...
http://www.xenophobes.com/books/The-Xeno...
There is nothing really. Be polite and don't get drunk or swear.
Don' mention "the War" (either of them) or Franco.
Your exchange program should teach you all that.
I'm traveling to Spain as a foreign exchange student in just a little more than a year. What are the do's and don'ts of everyday life in Spain? What is considered rude? or taboo?
Be polite, Try to speak Spanish. l always had a small
pocket Spanish/English dictionary, and a pad of paper.
When l didn't understand, l would have them write down
what they were saying, and try my best to communicate.
As long as you are trying, 99% of people will try to help
you.
Don't be pushy. l found in small shops, that the first time
l went in, l had to wait a while, after all the regulars got
served. On the second visit, the server definitely remembered
that l had been in before, and l got in the queue. After that,
l was a customer, and got full honors, lol! They look after
their regulars, for sure.
You will find that the small grocery stores are usually cheaper
than the large chains like Carrefour - so make sure you have
a good look around for excellent quality foods at great prices
in the local corner shops.
You are going to have such a great time - appreciate what you
are going to have. Make the most of it, and try all the new
foods - at least a bite.
Dart is right, about the only thing you should avoid is any discussion about the Civil War and Franco. This era tore families apart and it's still a very confronting topic for most Spaniards.
The previous answer which states that women should cover their heads in church is totally incorrect. I've visited Spain many times and lost count of the number of churches I've visited, both as a sightseer and for Mass. As with other Western countries, women no longer have to cover their heads. But a bit of respect is required, so don't enter a church with bare shoulders or wearing shorts or a mini-skirt and, if a service is in progress, sit quietly at the back until it's finished or come back later.
I live in Spain and have been to church. People are mostly well dressed, but some of the young women look like they are dressed to go out to a night club and that's in a rural village.
Most Spaniards don't like being seen drunk in public, though there are a few exceptions. Just act normally, be polite and you will be treated accordingly.
It depends on the location, but if you are polite and respectful of everyone, you won't have any problem.
We have a saying that says "donde fueres haz lo que vieres", it means something like do what you see the others are doing.
Don't be nervous, people knows that foreign people have another habits. Don't try to impose anything. Rules are just like another point of planet, COMMON SENSE.
I hope you'll learn a lot!
I agree with others...your program will give you a complete orientation, including how to behave, and what not to do.
I never saw "every woman" covering her head for church...some of the middle-aged women, yes.
And, no. You don't need to cover your hair when touring, though some churches insist on covering shoulders. If they do, they have little shawls for you to borrow. They actually made my HUSBAND wear one!
And no public drunkenness...a little tipsy is okay, but absolutely drunk? It's just not done. They are pretty moderate in that sense.
How NOT to kiss a Spaniard >> http://www.tumbit.com/blogs/1093-how-not...
http://www.xenophobes.com/books/The-Xeno...
There is nothing really. Be polite and don't get drunk or swear.
Don' mention "the War" (either of them) or Franco.
Your exchange program should teach you all that.
I'm traveling to Spain as a foreign exchange student in just a little more than a year. What are the do's and don'ts of everyday life in Spain? What is considered rude? or taboo?
