This was going to be called ‘Spain Completed’ but we think we might be back!
Spain is such an easy place to be. Firstly, everyone is respectful of each other, the Spanish are easy going, well-mannered, polite and accommodating. They always follow the rules, which means they are predictable and reliable. We liked to watch the ’promenade’ each evening when friends get together to stroll and chat. Children are exceptionally well behaved, we didn’t see or hear a child crying or having a tantrum the whole three months.
Secondly, Spain is convenient. By that we mean the necessities of life are easy to find and are affordable. Supermarkets, mini markets, corner shops and independents are always within walking distance, even petrol stations sell fresh bread. Buses are frequent, on time and cheap. Cycle routes are in all towns and cities. Buses and bikes are why car traffic is minimal. Cars are only used as a means of transport and not as a status symbol. Rubbish is collected frequently, at night so that roads aren’t clogged up during the day. Outside gyms are abundant as are play-parks.
Thirdly, the weather enables an outdoor way of life. Cafe and restaurant culture are the norm for most people, usually outside, and it’s affordable – coffee or a glass of wine/beer for £1.50, three course menu del dia inc glass of wine for £7-10 (a little dearer in Barcelona). Food and fuel are considerably cheaper, and a free tapas with your drink is always a lovely surprise.
Fourthly, driving is easy, main roads are very good and well signposted. Drivers are respectful and non-aggressive throughout the whole country.
Despite the reliability and politeness of the Spanish people, the sunny weather, cheaper cost of living, varied scenery, fabulous Moorish towns and cities of Andalucia, long coastlines, free parking – especially for campers overnight, there are some downsides to Spain.
BULLFIGHTING is still a popular form of entertainment, it’s too distressing to say any more than this; and hard to believe it is also televised.
POOR ANIMAL HUSBANDRY – we hardly saw any farm animals outside, except sheep and goat herds in the south. Considering Serrano or Iberico ham is one of their staple foods, we didn’t see a single pig the entire time. Ditto chickens and cattle. Farm animals are kept inside, so there is no free range meat. And they are slaughtered very young, lambs often at few weeks old, and veal rather than beef.
LACK OF WILDLIFE – we saw very little wildlife, even in the national parks, sparrows and magpies dominate.
PLASTIC GREENHOUSES LEFT TO DISINTEGRATE – horticulture is intensive, often in plastic greenhouses which, when no longer needed, are left to disintegrate and blow into waterways and into the sea. Chemicals are widely used by untrained people in the greenhouses, often migrants who are ‘trapped’ and have no other means of supporting themselves.
USE OF PLASTIC BAGS – you are offered plastic bags in all shops.
SPANISH PEOPLE ARE NOISY – they speak loudly to each other, especially on their mobiles, and seem to be unaware of disturbing other people. Forget about sleeping on a Saturday night, there will be a party with loud music nearby, even when you are in the middle of the countryside.
SAHARA SAND STORMS WHICH COAT EVERYTHING – this happened twice within a couple of weeks and leaves a fine dust in the air which makes breathing difficult, and buildings and vehicles coated so they all look orange.
RUBBISH ALONG ROADSIDES – as the Spanish are rule followers they never leave rubbish if a sign tells them not to, but if there’s no sign they throw rubbish anywhere, inc beer bottles out of car windows. This was especially the case in southern Spain.
BARKING DOGS – if the dogs aren’t barking in the countryside at night there is something wrong! They often bark in the towns too.
DOGGIE DO-DOS – in the south no one cleans up after their dog, in town or country.
Finally, EATING OUT in Spanish restaurants is not terribly exciting, there is a lack of regional cuisine.
Sunset and sunrise somewhere in northern Spain, on our last wild camping spot before the ferry back to UK.