Got a question about Spain? Traveling in Spain, working here, living in Spain, the culture, the language, the people? If there is something you would love to know and think we might be able to help out with, then please ask us in the comments below, and we will try to answer over the next week or two either in posts here on the blog or in a podcast. What do you want to know?
25 Responses to “What do you want to know about Spain or Spanish culture?”
Note: Comments are closed on posts after 2 days to keep the spammers at bay!
Brandon
28 Feb 07 at 4:59 am
I’m in my early twenties and planning to move to Spain within a year. I’d like to know what to expect as far as what people my age (22, college age, generally) do when they go out. I imagine it may not be a whole lot different from what people my age around the world do, but is there any of those “only in Spain” things that we talk about so often here? What’s a typical night out for a Madrid college student or twenty-something?
Mark
28 Feb 07 at 5:07 pm
Just be interested to find out about job opportunities for those with basic Spanish language and sorting out rented accomodation.
Brandon
28 Feb 07 at 8:41 pm
I’m with Mark; I’d also really to hear about/from some Americans who are working there, since that would be my situation- not just my situation, but also Mateo’s on the forum, and others as well, I’m sure.
Patty
1 Mar 07 at 12:15 am
I just discovered this site and the podcasts about 2 weeks ago and am still working my way through the podcast (I’m up to NFS 25). I’m biking the Camino de Santiago in mid-May and also will have several days to spend in Madrid. One thing I’d like to know is what might be some unique activities to do with my Spanish friends, beyond the obvious tapa-bar hopping. They are in their early 30s, and one idea we have now is to go to the opera, which they have never done. Any other suggestions? By the way, I love this site and the podcasts, I’m sure I will follow it long after my trip is over; I especially like hearing topics where Ben and Marina have different viewpoints.
Pepino (Dave Hall)
1 Mar 07 at 10:29 am
My question is really basic, but it confuses me and it’d be nice to have a clear idea. Basically, I’m not a coffee drinker – can’t stand the stuff, so I know nothing about the different types, and when I’m with friends from the UK who want me to order for them, I have no idea what’s what. Can someone give me a quick run down of all the popular Spanish names for different coffees, along with their English equivalent name (if it exists) and a quick explanation of what is particular about each coffee? Also, are their any English types of coffee that are just not available in Spain, as I could do with knowing about that too. Thanks!
Ben
1 Mar 07 at 6:49 pm
Thanks for all the suggestions, we will cover them all, any more questions anyone?
Jemma Watts
1 Mar 07 at 11:33 pm
I’m soon to visit the white villages of Andalucia. I am a food photographer and would like to combine my holiday with interest in the local cuisine and any recipes/cooking methods/eating habits/festivals/traditions stories etc that are typical of that region of Spain. Are you able to help with any suggestions? Thank you.
Beatriz
3 Mar 07 at 8:25 am
I am looking at moving to Madrid in the next 6 months (have spanish citizenship) and am looking for employment agencies that I could contact to see what kind of jobs I would be best suited for with my skills. Thank you.
Katie
4 Mar 07 at 9:33 pm
for ben and the americans asking about work-type activities: this is a good way to come over legally and be employed (though it’s really a “grant”: http://www.sgci.mec.es/usa/AC/indexing.shtml
i’m on my second year in the program. it’ll be my last–but it’s been quite good.
Katie
4 Mar 07 at 9:34 pm
for ben and the americans asking about work-type activities: this is a good way to come over legally and be employed (though it’s really a “grant”): http://www.sgci.mec.es/usa/AC/indexing.shtml
i’m on my second year in the program. it’ll be my last–but it’s been quite good.
Osman
5 Mar 07 at 12:37 am
I just love Spanish spoken countries and their cultures! Spain would be one of the first countries i would like to visit! I even started to blog in Spanish although my Spanish is poor yet! I wish there was a way for me to go to Spain
http://myspanish.wordpress.com
Peppy
5 Mar 07 at 3:32 pm
Hi!
I live in Russia and my native language is Russian. I have started learning Spanish a couple of months ago in order to move to Spain some day.
But first I need to receive a job invitation from Spanish company (or the company that has its office in Spain) as Russians do need contract to get visa. Could you please advice any good headhunting Spanish sites where I can search for job offers for strangers, but not native English speakers. I know lots of Spanish companies are doing business with Russia but how to find one looking for the employee.
Tarana
7 Mar 07 at 6:15 am
I am a twenty-something looking to move to Spain. My plan is to go there and learn spanish for 3 months at a school and then apply to many companies as I can. Anyone out there in the same boat?
As a non Spanish speaking foreigner, how is life going to be in Barcelona ?
Stephanie
10 May 07 at 2:35 pm
Hi my name is Stephanie and I am from the united states of America, are we allies?why would you want to live and work in Spain? And why do you trade with your main trading partners? Please please please get back to me as soon as possable its very important!!!:)
tish
10 Sep 07 at 5:31 am
i went to barcelona through this site and what an experience it was. hi stephanie i dont know about allies but im sure somebody else will reply?
peppy just want to say gud luck! with your job
onyekachi ezekwe
2 Jun 08 at 8:05 pm
iam twenty-four yrs old boy, hoping to be in spain within a short time.i want to know about spanish life, how many language they speak and the beauty places to stay.
hope to here from u.
Ray
3 Jun 08 at 5:12 am
@ onyekachi ezekwe:
Language:
The one language that will work practically everywhere in Spain is Spanish. There are various other languages and dialects, such as Catalán, Basque, and Gallego, but most people will understand you if you can speak Spanish.
In my experience, there are many people who understand English, as well, but I find it easier to converse with them in Spanish, as I have a hard time understanding, and I want to speak the language of the land. Spaniards are very open in their way of speaking, in general, and accept visitors quite well. One thing that I had to learn, since moving here from the U.S., is that the ‘openness’ also means that they easily make observations and say ‘what is on their mind’ – and they rarely mean any of it in a negative or hurtful way, it is just part of their culture, and they have grown up with it.
Beauty:
There is so much beauty to be found in Spain. Of course, where you find it will depend mostly on how you define beauty. I think the big cities in Spain, Madrid and Barcelona (and others) are beautiful cities, but I cannot stand to live in them (nor any city) for very long before I feel like I am losing touch with myself, because I am getting too much ‘in touch’ with my neighbors. The natural landscapes are also as beautiful as they are varied. There is anything you might like, from alpine forests, sand dune filled deserts, pastoral farm country, and absolutely stunning sea-scapes. What makes all of these even more enjoyable is the combination of great weather, throughout all of Spain, in general, and the ancient and mixed heritage that can be found everywhere you go.
I recommend trying to find someone who is from where you are from, who has already visited Spain, and come to visit some place in Spain that they haven’t been to. That way you can compare, and share unique stories when you go back. It took me a long time to realize that there isn’t just ONE Spain, Spain is a million all in one.
joe
18 Jul 08 at 12:49 am
I am going to Spain next week and I want to bring a gift for my host family? What do people there typically need or want?
Ben
19 Jul 08 at 10:12 am
hi Joe, maybe something nice from your region, something typical, or a nice photo book showing your part of the world.
jessy martilo
22 Jul 08 at 10:27 pm
i am doing a school project in the summer. i can`t find a good map or broshor. can you help me?
Edith
23 Jul 08 at 1:23 am
Whay kind of map or brochure are you looking for? If it’s about Spain, you might want to check out this site yourself. Have fun!
Jonk
23 Jul 08 at 12:11 pm
Jessy, with a little bit of research here and through Google there’s no doubt you’ll be able to find a wealth of good information.
onyekachi ezekwe
28 Aug 08 at 4:01 pm
very soon i will be in spain, please can you help me to tell me the meaning of go,come, how old are you,what is your name,and other common things one have to know when you are new in spain.where do you come from,thename of their present president and how many states or region are there in spain.thanks ,hope to hear from you soon
isabella
27 Mar 09 at 8:15 pm
how old do you have to be to start school in Spain or in Madrid????