A First-Person Story from My Friend’s Perspective
This was my first real vacation in years, and I was beyond excited. Honestly, I got hit with a bit of culture shock but learned a lot about planning and travel. The trip was extra special because I proposed to my girlfriend, which was a highlight. I wanted to share some of my observations from the trip and see what you all might think or add to the experience.
Where We Went
We traveled through some amazing places: Barcelona, Besalú, Girona, Montserrat, Alquézar, Torla-Ordesa, Monte Perdido National Park, Lárrede, Zaragoza, and Madrid. Each spot had its own unique charm, and I was constantly amazed by the beauty and history around us.
Plazas and Social Life
I absolutely loved the big square plazas in the cities, filled with cafes and people. We don’t really have anything like this in America. It was such a vibrant social scene, and it felt like the heart of each city.
Dining Schedule and Food Quirks
Adjusting to the late-night dinner schedule was tough. We could never quite get used to eating so late. And can you believe water was sometimes more expensive than wine or beer? Another thing I noticed: bathrooms don’t have fans, and breakfast isn’t a major meal. They serve stale bread as if it’s normal!
Infrastructure and Natural Beauty
Spain has these incredible tunnels that cut straight through mountains instead of winding roads up passes. Driving from Girona to Torla-Ordesa, passing through the tunnels felt like entering a completely different country—such a dramatic change in scenery and vibe.
Zaragoza and Montserrat
Zaragoza had some of the most unique and amazing food. As for Montserrat, it was truly a wonder of the world. I could have spent days there, exploring and taking in the views.
Alquézar and Hiking
Alquézar was stunning, and I regret not having enough days to propose there. It has an amazing hike over a river that I would love to revisit.
Coffee Culture
Being offered coffee after meals, especially dinner, was awesome. As a big coffee fan, I never said no, even if it meant horrible sleep. The coffee was worth it every time.
Driving Challenges
Driving in Spain was generally similar to the US, but the bigger cities were super stressful. The highways, however, were a relief from the chaos of city driving and all the motorbikes.
80s Pop Music and Covers
One weird thing I noticed was the prevalence of 80s American pop music and bad covers. It was everywhere, from fancy restaurants to local bars. In the US, covers aren’t as popular, so it was a bit surprising.
Restaurant Etiquette and Menus
We had a bit of a mishap when we sat outside only wanting drinks and got yelled at because it was an “Eat only” area. Also, we never figured out if we could order off the normal menu during the “menu of the day” times, which led to us over-eating quite a bit.
Smoking and Canned Seafood
Smoking is still quite popular in Spain, which was a bit surprising. On the plus side, I discovered canned octopus and squid, which I brought back and am still enjoying.
Urinals and Public Restrooms
I encountered some unusual urinals in Spain—either they wrapped around you for privacy or were awkwardly high off the ground. It was a strange experience, to say the least.
Fashion and Tipping Culture
I was expecting a more distinct clothing culture, but it wasn’t drastically different from NYC or LA. Also, the no-tipping culture was a nice break. We tipped a few times, but it wasn’t expected, which was refreshing.
Pollen and Asking for Service
In Madrid, the trees were shedding pollen like crazy, and I kept getting stuff in my eyes. Also, I never got used to asking for service. Sometimes I waited forever, like one time in Madrid when I waited 25 minutes for a beer and just left.
Leisure Culture
It was fascinating how comfortable people were just sitting at cafes or bars for hours without being rushed. In the US, people tend to be more on the go, but in Spain, entire families would be out late, enjoying dinner together.
Safety and History
Barcelona felt safer than Seattle does these days. The worst you had to worry about was getting robbed, whereas in some parts of Seattle, the concerns are much more severe. The ancient history and architecture in Spain blew me away. I wonder if locals get used to it or are just as intrigued as someone from the US.
General Impressions
The overall pace of life was refreshing, even if it hit me like a set of bricks. The contrast between new and old history was mind-blowing. People were nice, getting service was awkward, and I felt terrible for not knowing more Spanish (thanks, Google Translate). Driving was easy, the limited options were appreciated, and the culture was fascinating.