20 Things You'll Notice Living in Spain

It is my second day in the U.S. and I already miss my host family and the many friends I made in Spain. It was the adventure of a lifetime living in Spain and traveling around Europe. My Spanish family and I grew very close and I now consider them my real family. Our lively dinner conversations and paseos through the neighborhood are still vivid in my mind. But, the best memories of all are the cultural differences I learned and experienced.

Besides kissing one another on each cheek when meeting or hanging my underwear on a clothesline for the world to see, there is a myriad of fun and interesting cultural differences in Spain that are worth mentioning.

1). Even guys wear capris and they especially love skinny jeans a.k.a nut-huggers.

2). Beer is typically the same cost as a liter of water. Conserve water, drink beer.

3). Ham is a major staple. It's equivalent to chicken for Americans.

4). Sandwiches or bocadillos do not come with mayonnaise or mustard or any other condiment. When the sign says ham and cheese sandwich, it is exactly that. Ham and Cheese.

5). More than half of the public restrooms in bars, restaurants, etc. are not stocked with toilet paper and about a quarter of them are missing the toilet seats. Perfect the hover technique!

6). In most bars, it is socially acceptable to throw your napkins and trash on the floor. When in doubt, mimic the locals.

7). Employees are allowed to drink on the job whether one works in a bar or a corporate office. The company cafeterias serve alcohol and it is common to drink at birthday or retirement celebrations on-site.

8). Obesity is practically unheard of and unseen in Spain. Even with their amazing metro system, the Spanish spend a great deal walking.

9). Most children live with their parents until they are married or if they are lucky enough to find ten roommates to share a shoe box.

10). Most of the Spanish do not speak English; learn the basics for ordering food, directions, etc. before arriving.

11). When heading out for the night, most individuals do not meet up till around 10:30-11:30 pm and typically do not arrive home till around 6 or 7 in the morning. Make sure you carry your eye-drops!

12). There are many beggars. Many of the beggars have odd deformities: missing hands, toes, tumors on the face; and they want your money. Some beggars even pretend they are injured and walk around on crutches. Don't be fooled. I was told the Spanish government takes very good care of these individuals; and many receive a hefty stipend, even the illegal ones.

13). The Spanish will go out of their way to make you feel comfortable or to help you. I had to ask for help quite a few times and the Spanish were always quick to guide me and ensure I was taken care of.

14). Most shops close between 2-5 pm for siesta, the restaurants and bars are packed at this time.

15). It is cheaper for one to order and eat their food standing at the bar than sitting at a table.

16). The first floor is typically not the first floor. Before reaching the first floor, there is entresuelo, principal, and THEN the desired destination of primero suelo. Thanks to the two extra floors I routinely forgot about, I have thighs of steel.

17). Spanish guys do not wear hats, nor women for that matter. I only saw one person the whole time wearing a hat and he was an American.

18). Olive oil is on EVERYTHING! Drizzling, dipping, deep frying, even baking, it's the Spainaird's best friend.

19). Time is not of the essence. In Spain, asking for the bill then waiting twenty minutes and watching the person you asked walk past you ten times without making eye contact can be quite common. The Spanish tend to always be tardy, it is not meant to be intentionally inconsiderate, it's just socially acceptable.

20). There is no such thing as free refills. Many times I had to order two beverages because the bottles and drinks are half the size of ours. I would always tend to leave thirsty or broke as most drinks were 3-6 euro a piece.

There were so many differences, but these were the ones that stuck out the most to me. All in all, Spain was amazing. A piece of my heart will always remain there. If I could overnight a pitcher of locally-made sangria and a plate of croquetas, I'd be in Spanish heaven once again.