Spain is a country of color, contrasts, unique culture, live music and warm hearts. The temperament of the locals has long been a legend among tourists from all over the world, and local laws only surprise those who are here for the first time. However, there are many things you need to know about Spaniards and Spain before you even get to the birthplace of bullfighting.
Many rules in Spain, including the rules of conduct, are unspoken, but they are strictly observed by the locals from an unconscious age. In order not to get into an awkward position, or even worse - to get a fine or a reprimand from the police - you should know some rules of conduct in the cities and resort areas of Spain.
You can not appear on the street in swimsuits or with a naked torso
Break the dress code in the city
The Spaniards, unlike the prim French or Italians, rarely set rules for wearing specific clothes in cities, but one such rule is invariable - by no means. you can not appear on the street in bathing suits or bare-chested. Even if your hotel is within walking distance of the beach, you must change into your casual clothes when leaving the shore. Violation of this rule will result in a fine up to 300 euros.
criticize the king
A topic that is better not to touch when talking with Spaniards will be politics. The majority of the population is genetically programmed to demonstrate love for the king and the current government, even if their personal attitude towards the current policy is not at all positive. To speak badly, by the way, is impossible not only about the current ruler of Spain, but also about all the leaders of the Spanish people who preceded him.
Violate traffic rules
In general, this is a relevant rule for all countries, but in Spain, since 2010, fines for such a violation began to grow annually. For crossing the road in the wrong place, you can get a receipt for payment 200 euros. Tougher laws apply to cyclists - you can ride a two-wheeled horse on Spanish roads only with a helmet, its absence will cost the violator 500 Euro.
You can't argue about football
Argue about football and old age
The issue of old age and death is a cornerstone topic in Spain. And if the thought of an imminent end causes superstitious horror, then treat even the elderly as weak old people here categorically impossible. A real Spaniard, even at 70 years old, will demand to be called a "young man." The topic of football should not be raised at all - this is a sacred topic for many Spaniards, and any passer-by can turn out to be a zealous fan of one particular club.
Drink alcohol in the wrong place
Since 2013, the strictest law has been introduced in Spain, restricting the activities of bars and those who come to them. Now, even for drinking beer near the entrance to the bar, you can get a fine up to 1000 euros. The same applies to any other alcoholic drink, regardless of the proximity of the institution - you can drink alcohol in Spain only in specially designated places. By the way, this rule also applies to hotels, if there is no mini-bar in the room, then you will have to go to the nearest restaurant or cafe.
Do not drink alcohol in the wrong place
Ignore greeting
Politeness is rule number 1 for tourists in any country, but in Spain it is customary not just to greet a person when you meet - you need to do it loud and clear- this shows respect and disposition towards a person. Residents of provincial cities can also enclose even an unfamiliar person in a strong hug - there is no need to be afraid of this so as not to offend the interlocutor. You need to say goodbye even to the staff of bars and cafes - just say: “ hasta luego!", so as not to pass for a visiting rude.
Trying to sneak onto the beach at night
Since the 1990s, throughout the coastal regions of Spain, a law has been passed on no night swimming. This was done for the safety of the vacationers themselves, as the number of drowned tourists began to grow at an alarming rate. The second reason is the frequent gatherings of the homeless, leaving behind piles of garbage and causing a lot of trouble to the local authorities. The third reason is the most piquant - tourists too often began to have sex on the beaches, which, of course, cannot be done in God-fearing Spain.
Night swimming banned in Spain
Break the daily routine
This rule is not only about fiesta when most establishments in Spain close for the afternoon break. In most cities in Spain, the population remains believers who observe not only fasts, but also routines in the church. For example, in Barcelona on Sunday it is better to come to church and serve the service, which will begin with the obligatory communion.
Littering in a public place
Another immutable rule, which, nevertheless, is regularly violated by tourists. Garbage is a real scourge of the Spanish streets, and at the height of the tourist season, some quarters can turn into natural dumps. To avoid this, a system of fines for inaccurately thrown chewing gum and candy wrappers was introduced. This also applies to smoking, especially on the beaches. Penalties for such violations reach 700 euro, and there is a good chance that over time they will only grow.
Spaniards are regularly late
Be too punctual
When meeting with the Spaniards, you need to remember - they are regularly late. Punctuality here cannot be called a national character trait, so 15-minute etiquette delays are considered the norm in Spain. In fact, if you have an appointment with someone from the locals, you should prepare for being late for half an hour or even 45 minutes. If even after this time no one came - be sure - your person simply forgot about the meeting.
Bring food to the hotel room
This rule applies not only to the room itself, but also to the hotel building. Even inexpensive hotels have on-site or nearby places where you can have lunch or dinner, plus, for most hotels, this is commercially unprofitable. As for etiquette, in no restaurant in Spain you can ask to wrap leftover food with you.
Security measures
When making walks and excursions, try to have a photocopy of your passport with you, and it is best to leave the original, as well as the air ticket with money, in the hotel safe. In shops, tourists need to be vigilant and not leave their wallets and handbags unattended, since theft is not uncommon here, and at a quite professional level.
Do not leave any valuables in the car, either in the cabin or in the trunk. This will help you avoid a lot of trouble.
It is better not to stop on the roads of Spain in order to give someone a lift or just help the voter, especially in this country this is not at all accepted, for these purposes they resort to the help of police and technical assistance, which are called by mobile and landline phones along the roads. Because of this, both those who “vote” for help and those who voluntarily offer it should arouse well-founded suspicions.
Hotels
As a rule, Spanish resorts have city hotels that do not have their own beaches, they are located in small towns with a large number of bars, shops, discos and restaurants. Swimming pools and sunbeds in almost all hotels are free for tourists.
Animation programs do not exist in all hotels. Children's mini-clubs usually open during the summer season, and indoor pools in hotels operate from June to September. Outdoor pools, as a rule, can be visited from eight, nine o'clock in the morning, until nineteen - twenty o'clock.
Features of a separate base:
Usually, two or three-star hotels located in the city center are given for excursion programs, they are not among the best, since they are intended only for overnight stays, since tourists spend the rest of the time on excursions. From the food there, as a rule, a continental breakfast and dinner are offered. Among the beach hotels there are beaches of almost all possible categories at any price and for different tastes. Meals are usually buffet style. However, at this time, there are already quite a few hotels offering full board ("all inclusive").
shopping
Shops are open from nine in the morning to thirteen o'clock, and from sixteen to twenty o'clock (large stores, most often, work without breaks). On Saturday, shops are open until one in the afternoon, and on Sundays they are closed. During the tourist season, retail outlets often close later than usual. When making a purchase of imported goods, the value of which exceeds 91 Euros, many stores offer to issue a "tax free" (refund of part of the taxes), which ranges from six to twelve percent
from the cost of the entire purchase. To do this, a receipt is provided, which will have to be presented at a certain point at the airport before departure. In Spain, prices may be slightly higher than in Turkey, however, they are quite reasonable. In this country, as you know, there is a siesta, the duration of which is from one in the afternoon until four in the evening. During this period of time, most government offices, banks and shops are closed for a break. There is no siesta only in the Sierra Nevada.
When applying for “tax free”, ask to do this on the white and blue “global refund” forms, since these forms allow you to get cash at the airport. It is not always possible to do this using other systems, and either a check by mail is provided, which you can cash out within 2 years in any country in the Eurozone, or a transfer to a credit card.
Purchases
As you know, Spanish products have a certain value in the world. Folk crafts have developed here over many centuries, and have a well-deserved reputation, largely due to the diversity of products. The pottery of Toledo or Sargodelos is world famous, as is the Manises school in Valencia, which is famous for its extraordinary creativity.
Leather products and leather are very popular products here. Saffiano leather, which is most often trimmed with gold to accentuate its beauty, has been made for many centuries in Cordoba. The market offers to buy bags, clothes, shoes and other modern products. Here the prices are quite reasonable.
Catalonia can offer high-quality leather goods at great prices - this is the quality that distinguishes local shoes. The most popular stores where you can buy leather products are located in such cities of Catalonia as Barcelona, Taragona, Mataro, Tortos, Reus. Although in almost every Spanish city you will find where to buy quality leather goods.
Wood, glass, and other noble materials also take pride of place here. Stunning glassware is produced by the La Granja factory, and glassware from Cadalso in Madrid, as well as those from Ourense, Maria, Cuenca and Mataro, are highly prized by collectors. Religious wood carvings and sculptures and furniture are also an important part of Spain's products.
Valuable here is such a folk craft as chasing from Toledo. Centuries-old techniques are used here, both for chasing itself and for the production of steel, from which weapons of world fame were made. By the way, tourists often bring such products from these places.
A "typical" dinner in a cafe will cost ten, thirteen euros, and in a restaurant about twenty euros.
Usually they make up ten percent of the total amount of the order.
Spanish national cuisine is abstract, as there are a large number of different regional cuisines. Obvious are such nuances as the type of cooking: dishes are stewed in wine, can be baked with sheep cheese, grilled, grated walnuts, sage greens are widely used. The most common dish here is paella (seafood pilaf). While vacationing in Spain, be sure to try "Jamón", which is dry-cured pork.
Customs
Entering the territory of Spain, you can import foreign currency in any amount, if the amount exceeds five hundred euros, then you must issue a declaration. After the perfect tour, you can take out the previously imported currency from here, but not more than the amount declared at the time of entry.
It is allowed to import duty-free two hundred cigarettes, two liters of wine, one liter of stronger spirits, food, things and household items - everything that does not exceed the limits of personal needs. Video - and radio - and photographic equipment must be declared. The import of film equipment needs a special permit at the Spanish embassy.
You cannot import certain medicines, ammunition, drugs, weapons and explosives. Historical values, jewelry and antiques cannot be imported without obtaining a special permit.
Useful Phones
Police - 091;
Ambulance - 061;
General information - 095;
Rescue Service - 122;
Fire - 080;
City codes:
Alicante - 96;
Valencia - 96;
Barcelona - 93;
Granada - 958;
Cadiz - 956;
Girona - 972;
Cordoba - 957;
Madrid - 91;
Las Palmas - 928;
Malaga - 95.
Transport
Routes and schedules of public transport can be provided to you by the hotel porter at the "reception".
The T-1 travel card in Barcelona for only ten trips also applies to trips, both on city buses and on railways. A T-2 type card grants the right to travel only on the railway and in the metro. In Spain, there is no difference in fares on the metro or on the bus.
Trains are worthy competitors of buses here, they are good for traveling over longer distances. In addition, they are twice cheaper than buses, and at the same time, they are much faster. For example, a bus from Barcelona to Salou takes two to three hours (depending on the traffic density), while the train will cover this distance in just one hour and forty minutes.
Transport rental
To rent a car, you will need to provide your passport, as well as an international driver's license. In some companies, there are additional requirements, for example, that the driver was at least twenty-one to twenty-three years old, and the rights were issued no earlier than two years ago. You can rent transport here for twenty to one hundred and twenty euros per day. As a rule, companies require a credit card or a deposit equal to the cost of rent in full.
The main highways run along the coast on the French side and connect the provincial cities with Madrid. There are three types of highways here: state roads (marked on signs and maps with the letter N), you can drive on them for free, freeways (letter A) with a toll, and municipal roads (letter C) with a toll. As a rule, in Catalonia, almost all motorways are tolled.
Toll roads, however, reduce travel time, and are quite acceptable and no more expensive than free roads, thanks to fuel savings.
Saving money on car rental is not justified, because, seduced by the cheapness of a small, unknown company, you can fall under severe “penalties” for any, even very slight, damage to the car, as well as fraudulent handling of funds on your credit card. Keep this in mind if your holiday plans include car rental.
If you are going to Spain in the summer and want to travel by car, then be sure to get a cardboard “shutter” from the sun's rays. It is installed on the "torpedo", closing the windshield. It is sold almost everywhere and costs only two euros. Without such a damper, the interior of the car (seats and steering wheel) heats up very quickly, as a result of which the driver and passengers begin to feel significant discomfort, which does not add to the positive impressions of walking in Spain.
Holidays
In As - Neves in the last days of July, the feast of St. Martha is held. It is celebrated in a rather peculiar way - everyone rushes around the church of St. Martha in coffins. At the end of August, the Tomatina (War of the Tomatoes) festival takes place, these days the streets of the cities of Spain are colored with various shades of red.
clothing
In the daytime of summer, comfortable clothing designed for relaxation is suitable, in the evening it is best to grab a sweater, jacket or knitted jacket.
Going to Spain for the first time, it is useful to know the generally accepted rules and norms of behavior in order not to make stupid mistakes and look decent in this European country. We will try to present all the necessary information for the discoverers of this magical land.
Language
For starters, you should know that not all of Spain speaks Spanish. For example, in Catalonia and the Basque Country, Catalan and Basque are spoken, respectively.
Money
When crossing the border, you cannot carry more than 6,000 euros, and many Spanish shops and restaurants do not accept banknotes with a face value of more than 100 euros. Those. you will have to put money on a bank card or get enough small bills.
By the way, coins will come in handy for paying for left-luggage offices, automatic public toilets, when buying water, snacks in vending machines or visiting cafes or restaurants with. Given that Spaniards can also refuse cashless payments if the purchase amount is less than 3 euros, the presence of coins becomes even more necessary. Also do not forget to carry documents with you- they may also be asked to present with a cashless payment.
Transport
If you want to see other cities, you have to choose between bus and train are the main types of public transport in Spain. Buses are the cheapest means of transport. Also, unlike railway stations, they have left-luggage offices.
For long distances (for example, Madrid-Seville) during sales seasons, it is advantageous to use an airplane, since the cost of a flight can be 20-30 euros.
For movement around the city, you can. Depending on the company and car, this service can cost from 30 to 80 euros per day. But the requirements for such a service are quite stringent.
So, you must have an international driving license issued no earlier than a year ago at the time of rental and be at least 23 years old. You may also be asked to leave a passport or credit card as a deposit, as well as pay for the entire service in advance.
Tips
In hotels, you can leave a tip of 1 euro per day to the maid, but this is at your discretion. Compulsory tips must be given to the porter(1 euro per seat). You can tip guides and drivers of tourist buses of your choice, and in restaurants and cafes they usually leave 5-10% of the check amount.
What not to do
If you like to visit traditional tourist sites, then be sure to dress in such a way that your knees and elbows are covered, otherwise you may not be allowed into the cathedral.
On many beaches it is forbidden to have sex, and if you violate this rule, you can be issued a significant fine.
There are many reasons to go to Spain. For some reason, Hemingway wandered there all the time. He found something Spanish there. In our understanding - completely Russian. It is no coincidence that Hemingway, among other "foreign" writers, was considered one of our own. It is no coincidence that the Soviet hit is "Carmen", it is no coincidence that Bizet-Shchedrin ...
And in general, Spain is one of the rare truly "male" countries in the world. Well, even with a very strong strain, can anyone name a more masculine occupation than bullfighter? And who has not dreamed of being on a land that gives birth to such men?
You face Spain as an inevitability. Need to go. The question of where exactly is difficult to resolve: there are no bad resorts in Spain. Nevertheless, you have to choose.
Costa Brava. Considered a cheap resort. An ideal place for those who go to the sea for the sake of the sea. There are many bays here, which means that the waves are small and the water is never cold. The child will love it. Lots of hostels for families. Not far from Barcelona, where a dad who is thirsty for a cultural program can visit numerous museums. In addition, near the town of Figueres with its main attraction - the Salvador Dali Museum. Museum for all moms and dads.
Between the Costa Brava and the neighboring Costa Dorada is a unique place in which the Spaniards have placed all the interesting things that, from their point of view, can be seen in other countries. Here, on the territory of 115 hectares, sights scattered across five continents are collected. Mother Earth is divided here into the Mediterranean, Polynesia, China, Mexico and the Wild West. And what is wonderful, you meet here exactly what is supposed to be found in these areas, that is, the Great Wall of China, the Mayan temple, the jungle and so on.
Costa Dorada. It is famous for its many bays and beaches. The beaches here are quite wild. The resort is not the most expensive. Europeans come here with their families. Non-family youth also travel here. One of the reasons is that there are many cheap three-star hotels here.
Costa del Azahar. Residents of Madrid come here to relax. This means that the Spaniards themselves recognize it as a quite worthy place for a vacation (it is unlikely that they are so economical that they choose this coast solely because of its proximity to the capital). Costa del Azaar is almost inaccessible for Russian tourists, as domestic travel agencies bypass it with their attention. But the neighboring resort, Costa Blanca, is very popular in Russia.
Costa Blanca. It is here that the Russian nouveau riche fulfill their dream of a luxurious foreign villa. Despite the abundance of "new", here you can relax inexpensively and tastefully. The places here are exceptionally beautiful - the nouveau riche, after all, do not buy anything in vain.
Costa de Almeria. Pretty expensive resort. In addition, from Russia you have to get to him completely on the chaise longue. Therefore, it is not in great demand in our market.
Costa del Sol. It is considered the most picturesque Spanish coast. In any case, most of the photographs reflecting the extraordinary Spanish beauties were taken here. This is the birthplace of flamenco (so there is a chance to see real, non-touristic flamenco). And if you ask a Spaniard where it is better to watch a bullfight, he will tell you that you have already arrived. Here she is, according to Spanish concepts, the most beautiful (if this epithet is generally applicable to bullfighting).
Here is the city of Rondo with the Bullfighting Museum - the oldest bullring. Here are the real Andalusian courtyards that any tourist can see. The descendants of those who built Andalusian houses still live in them. And by agreement with the municipalities, they let foreign tourists into their homes who dream of touching the old days. The municipality, of course, pays extra for hospitable hosts for their hospitality.
The two most popular resorts on this coast are Torremolinos and Marbella.
Torremolinos. A place for middle-class people, although there are also very expensive hotels. Historically, European pensioners and European youth come here. Both those and others precisely because of the low prices. For pensioners there are quiet courtyards of coastal hotels, for young people there are discos, bars and an international party.
You can do good shopping here. At hand to Malaga and Granada, where there are a lot of cheap and high-quality clothes. Yes, and you can get silver (tip from "i": the best silver items are sold at the Triton Hotel. At the best prices).
Retreat. If you don’t have much money and you live in a three-star hotel that doesn’t have its own beach, you should know that you saved money. Because in Spain there is no private ownership of the beaches. And you can go to the beach of a five-star hotel with a clear conscience. You have the same right to it as that fat-bellied Scandinavian.
Marbella. Near the Costa del Sol is the most expensive Spanish resort of Marbella. It is also one of the most prestigious world resorts. The local hotels do not fall below four stars. Every summer and autumn, "moneybags" from all over the world come to Marbella. In the port of the town of Puerto Banus adjacent to the resort, there are their yachts, on board of which these bourgeois like to spend their weekends. And once a year to make a promenade in the Mediterranean. In general, everything here is not cheap. And it is so arranged according to the highest level that cars are allowed to enter the streets of the city only with a special pass. Even limousines. The ladies who come here are in the habit of walking along the embankment on foot. And it would be nice to just walk, so they walk in a neckline and diamonds. But worst of all, the men look exactly the way men who accompany ladies in plunging necklines and diamonds are supposed to look.
There are many luxurious villas around Marbella. We have already noted here: the Spaniards know that the demand for these expensive dwellings is especially high among Russians.
Naturally, next to Marbella, as a place where rich people relax, there are many golf courses (to be exact, there are 27 of them). And if golf is tired to hell, then you can rent a yacht. And get back a little unwind in the fresh air.
And in the evening you can go all to the same embankment. And sparkle with Russian diamonds so that the Yankees (not to mention the Germans) become depressed for a long time. And in the five-star Torrequebrada hotel (only 22 kilometers from Marbella), where the most respectable Spanish casino is located, "ours" will definitely get even with Western competitors.
In the morning you can get out into the old town - of course, if you are interested in walking along the paved streets and, as if by chance, wandering into the orange grove, which is located right on the Town Hall Square. And then, ignoring the paid dinner in one of the most luxurious hotels on the coast, refresh yourself in a tavern, the walls of which are hung with portraits of bullfighters who visited this institution. And be sure to eat "jamonserrano" - a smoked pork leg (if you do not try this dish so sweet to the stomach of every Spaniard, then this same Spaniard will never believe you that you have actually been to Spain). Wherever you happen to be in Spain, you should definitely try (in addition to hamonserrano) gazpacho - a cold tomato soup, as well as fried sardines with olives and boquerones en vinagre (small fish with vinegar).
Costa de la Luz. famous for its beaches. They are so huge that even the Rabinovich family (including all the uncles and aunts with children who left for America, great-aunts and grandparents who left for Israel with their grandchildren, and Aunt Khasya, who remained in Odessa in spite of everyone) will not be able to occupy even a hundredth of the adjacent to the hotel stripes.
Galicien and Kantabrien. Well, what can I say. Here is the best cuisine. Therefore, these resorts were chosen by the Germans. But not the best weather. Therefore, the Spanish north is not very favored by our compatriots.
Mallorca. The last and most tempting place. The largest of the Balearic Islands. Spain, about which they say that it is not Spain. The Spaniards themselves do not quite agree with this statement. They see better. The Germans - the first of the foreigners to recognize Mallorca as an ideal holiday destination - once treated it with disdain. And they even called it "the island of cleaners", hinting that even the servants can afford to rest in such a cheap resort. Over time, the Germans changed their attitude towards Mallorca, calling it "the island of surprises." The unprestigious resort in Germany is back in fashion. And not only the Germans. Hollywood celebrities buy villas here. Sean Connery was one of the first wealthy Americans to dig in here.
Frederic Chopin and George Sand, who spent the winter of 1838-1839 here, are recognized as the first Mallorcan tourists. On this occasion, every year in September in the town of Valldemosa, where these world celebrities spent the winter, the Chopin Festival is held, at which the current world celebrities perform. Among other works by Chopin, they also perform what was written by the Polish composer during his Spanish period. It is clear that apart from composing mazurkas - in the 19th century, in Mallorca, in winter - there was nothing to do. No entertainment. However, in winter and now they are not particularly found. You need to go to Mallorca in the summer, and even better in September - early October, when it is not so hot, but not yet cold, and the Mediterranean waters washing the island are already clear of the bodies of heterogeneous tourists. What is there to argue - winter time by the sea is for especially romantic natures. But in the summer, Mallorca is worth going to for those who have not noticed any impulses in themselves for a long time.
You are a very serious person. But, despite the seriousness, they got children. So: children, if they find themselves in Mallorca, will remember this vacation until the very gray hairs. Here you (or rather, them) have a water park, a dolphinarium, a Jurassic park, and all sorts of quite modern water activities.
If you are a very serious person and you have much more money than children, then you should stop at Cape Formentor. Here is the hotel of the same name - one of the most luxurious in Spain. The sea sand here is so fine that it looks like dust. Your girlfriend will love it here.
In Mallorca, there is something to do for those who have not yet lost their romantic outlook on the world. And even if at the same time you still managed to give birth to a couple of children, then know that in Spain children are not a hindrance to romance. 4-5 star hotels have special programs for children. It is better to check in advance whether the autonomous entertainment of your child is included in the price of the tour. In Spain, they can provide an individual nanny for a child, or they can offer leisure activities among peers. Usually, Spanish lessons and sports programs are provided for children. Since it is much more correct for any normal child to hit his “groupmate” with a spatula in the face than his father or mother (and even more so a foreign nanny), it would be better to place him in a peer group after all. In the end, in twenty years it will be easier for him to conclude a commercial contract with a German, the reliability of which he once determined with a spatula. Relationships are best made in childhood.
Yes, one more thing for the romantics. If you go a little deeper into the island, you can see the "real Spanish life". But if it comes to your mind to communicate with the villagers, then keep in mind that they, as it should be for true Spaniards, speak only Spanish. In Mallorca, Spanish is Majorcan (a dialect of Catalan). In general, there are four Spanish languages in Spain. In addition to Catalan and Castilian, which was recognized as the state language under Franco, there is also Gallic and Basque. And if you, referring to the map of roads, suddenly find that on the way in kind there is not the same village that is indicated on the map, do not be alarmed: just the settlement on the sign is indicated in the language spoken in this area. It's okay: a real Spaniard in the depths of the island will always tell you where to go.
And in order to move properly, it is better to rent a car. And not to be chained to your hotel and the beach. Then you can get to the glass factory, where products are blown according to the technology of the 17th century (a vase with a coating that does not allow you to distinguish it from a product created three centuries ago - and your mother-in-law will love you like her own son). You can also visit the fair where leather goods are sold. A seventeen-year-old son is unlikely to be pleased with the design of a jacket purchased there, but a forty-year-old father will appreciate its quality.
You can only go around all the wonderful caves on the coast by car. And tired of the natural beauties (the coast of Mallorca is so beautiful that you can really be a little stunned by this beauty), you should join the spectators of a jousting tournament in some village. It is even possible that one of the knights will choose your companion as his Fair Lady. And then another - "bleeding" winner - will give her a rose. And expressively look at you. Maybe after that the story of Carmen will not seem so literary to you. It is not necessary to go to bullfighting in continental Spain - it is enough to visit Mallorca to understand that the bullfighter is not so much a profession as a national character.
Today on the agenda is the issue of security for those who are going to Spain.
Spain has long been very popular with families with children: it’s good to go here in the spring so as not to suffer from seasonal allergies, people swim here most of the year, and it’s inexpensive compared to the rest of Europe. And there are also a lot of water parks in almost any bay of the Mediterranean Sea, fresh seafood, smiling Spaniards. And not far from Andorra: you can have a warm New Year's holiday without drastically changing the climate to Asian, and at the same time go skiing in the Pyrenees.
Spain is a comfortable country for families with children at any time of the year. And yet there is one "but" that I want to mention.
And this “BUT” bears the name of Barcelona.
Barcelona is beautiful and interesting. But it is one of the most popular cities among tourists. And also among the Arabs and blacks, seeking to cash in on tourists. Madrid is also “good”, but it cannot be compared with Barcelona.
The topic of keeping your own property with you concerns any traveler, but families with children doubly so. After all, it’s one thing to rush between the hotel and the police alone, and it’s completely different to lose your passport, car or money, having a pair of toddlers standing on your head.
Plus, having children makes us much more distracted. Where the perpetrator would normally need a companion to distract the victim from his luggage, with children there is not even a need for an assistant. You still always look at the child, not at the suitcase.
For starters, a couple of stories from personal experience
For the first time I met Barcelona about 8 years ago, in my student years. Went down one flight of stairs to the park. And then she lost her bag and camera. As it turned out, the locals shouted at me that I didn’t need to go (I was wearing headphones), but no one followed me to stop.
A couple of days later I walk down the street. In front of me is a confused American woman. Just arrived. I put the suitcase at the pay phone and the bag on it, threw a coin, turned around - but there were no bags. That is, she had nothing left. Not a penny.
My second visit to Barcelona. By car. We went out for pizza in the evening. We returned to the car - the tire was cut. Automatically threw the bag into the car, under the front seat. On the floor. While they were thinking what to do, someone opened the car door, grabbed a bag from there, slammed the door and disappeared. Two meters from me. None of us three adults even noticed this man. My aunt, who was standing on the other side of the street, drew my attention to the absence of a bag. She is I saw everything, but did not run up and did not shout- There was a large black man.
Friends went to a bar for a drink. The bag is on the back of the chair. Five minutes later, no bag.
Why not go to Barcelona? Why go. But skillfully use other people's rake and circle the word "Barcelona" on a personal map with a red felt-tip pen.
What to do and what not to do in Barcelona?
So that you are not robbed, and if you are robbed, it does not affect your budget and mood, you should be careful.
Passports, computers, documents, wires for equipment, spare keys to the house and car, spare memory cards and batteries - leave everything at the hotel. First thing.
Arriving at auto with foreign numbers, it is better to leave it at the hotel and travel by public transport. No problems with parking, no problems with punctured tires (it's a shame, even if nothing is stolen in the end).
bag better to keep it to yourself. Backpack or shoulder bag. Do not put on the floor even in a cafe, literally. One glance to the side at the running child - and the bag is gone.
In secluded places like parks go with a soap dish, company, no bag.
choose housing in a calm area. I even thought about it when booking a hotel. But from hunger I forgot about everything in search of a pizzeria.
But what if you were robbed in Barcelona?
The passport
Go to the consulate and issue a certificate of return. Go home with her, no big deal. The main thing is not to steal it on the eve of departure on Sunday 🙂
Documents for the car, rights
This is bad, all this cannot be restored in Europe. Apparently, it makes sense to keep it in the car at all. The bag will be stolen sooner than the car. And if the car is stolen, the rights and registration certificate will not help much, alas.
Cards
Run to block. The nearest Internet cafe, for example. I’m sure they will even give you a free Skype call (I was given) if you explain the situation. I arrived by taxi to the hotel in 15 minutes. I called one bank - the card has already been blocked on suspicion of fraud, that is, they have already tried to withdraw money from it. I called another bank - the same story. So block everything urgently and do not set the pin code "1234".
All money at all
Go to your hotel by taxi, upon arrival, ask the reception to pay for a taxi on credit, call your home country from Skype and ask to send money by Western Union.
In general, in the end no hopeless situations, of course.. Most importantly, remember: Barcelona is beautiful and interesting. And, most importantly, safe when you're smart(increased reasonably). There is no need to fear for your own life. Here you can simply be left without money and documents, not even noticing in which direction and with whose help they disappeared.
