Spain💞

When I travel, I am always taking in what I love about a place, and naturally what I don't. Being in Spain this past week, I can't help think they've got a lot of things right.

Commercialism hasn't completely taken over and that is such a beautiful thing in itself! Yes, there are fast-food places in historic buildings, and that is hard to swallow, but what matters is the history remains.

Shops close for siesta every afternoon and people clear the streets, as they rest or spend time with loved ones.

Supper is around 9pm and everyone is dressed nicely. No one is on their phone. People are sitting around tables, talking and being present. Not to mention food and wine are maybe half the price as home.

After supper time is promenade. Family and friends of all ages take an evening stroll. By evening I mean 11pm or so...but walking together after a meal is such a beautiful and healthy tradition! 

The coffee, the pastries, paella, fresh fruit and vegetables, markets, beautiful handmade items, and all of the ice cream you could ever dream of; it is bliss.

The language. Music to my hears. "Hola! Buenos dias! Cafe con leche por favor. Gracias!" I just love it! I have to laugh everytime a phrase Dora The Explorer taught me proves to be helpful and I hear her little voice saying it in my head, "De nada".

I almost forgot! Tipping is completely optional and not even an option on a debit machine. You also must request your bill after a meal. You will never be brought a bill and urged to move on because of time restraints and turnover. We didn't know this right away, which was initially frustrating, but is it every nice to not feel rushed.

The warm weather, magical trees, stone or tile walkways, narrow streets, architecture, beautiful music and the sense that life is more balanced; I love Spain.

The only things I don't completely love are that pedestrians do not have the right of way. Cars most definitely do, as well as motorcycles, bikes and scooters. People don't smile as you cross paths. Infact, they don't seem to smile unless they are providing a service. They are lovely, lovely people when they are helping you though...and it seems genuine. Oh-the smoking. Many people still smoke old school, yucky cigarettes. I could do without that.

The hard part? Leaving it all behind and wondering when and how Canada got some things so wrong and others so very right.