Europe

Starr Polish · 05-12-2002, 08:04 PM

More specifically, Spain. I'm going there in June, and was wondering if anyone had tips on packing, blending in and basically what to expect.

I'll be there for eleven days, and I have a very small bag. My mantra is pack light, pack light, pack light, but suggestions on how to do this would be greatly appreciated. I am, afterall, a sixteen year old girl, and we are known for overpacking.

I also don't want to appear as a 'gringo turista', so any social taboos would also be nice.

Thanks so much!

webwizard333 · 05-12-2002, 09:09 PM

My Spanish teacher just returned from her trip to Spain, so I have a few tips. Try to stay in a hotel that was formerly a castle. The wjole bull sport thing is deteriorating and don't expect much attention given to it; soccer is becoming the predominant sport. The trains are very good, so take advantage of them, they're called AVES and are part of RENFE, which is a sophisticated railroad service (similar to the American Amtrak). If you go to Madrid you may see the Nazi symbol (the name escapes me right now), but don't take offense, it was just a former Christain symbol taken by Hitler. Yes, you can take swords onto planes, but they are sealed tightly and will be cheched. Have fun!

Spock · 05-13-2002, 04:24 AM

Samsonite makes wonderfil plastic bags that you put your clothes in and then push out the air -no pumps or vacs needed- They giveyou so much more extra room and your clothes spring back when you open the bags .
No tee's with national slogans or such on them. Solid colors or "normal" type tops are best for blending in.
Beware the attitiude towards women is quite different in Spain also.

Starr Polish · 05-13-2002, 09:23 PM

Thanks for the tips. Sadly, I am on a guided tour, so I can't do the castle hotel thing, but I plan to go back, so maybe then!

Yeah, I knew about the regards to women. I also found out that it is considered unladylike to cross your legs in Spain. Only men do that. Hmm.

olsonm · 05-13-2002, 09:33 PM

Don't have any tips. But I hope you have a great time SP!

aldesign · 05-14-2002, 12:27 PM

There is no way to blend in.
the first few days u will be the milkbottle family, then ull be tanned enough.

Its usualy great weather in Spain, ive been 5times, food is very good. They have loadsa touristy British stuff, but u can also try a little Spanish Food, btw if u have some fish, try SWORDFISH steak, they do it over there a lot, and its very Meaty, not v.fishy. GREAT!

The swimming pools will be ice-cool, but the weather should be hot enough to encourage u to step foot in them, (slowly.)

Put plenty of sun cream on.
Play lots of Pool in bars, with ur dad or bro or someone.

thats aboot it.
As a bloke, i find it easy to pack, but u girls always take too much stuff.

andy

***Earniel*** · 05-15-2002, 02:52 PM

If you plan on visiting any churches be sure to wear something that covers your knees.

If you plan on buying food at noon, bad idea. Many shops (except in the big cities) are closed due to siesta. Better to buy it before hand. We didn't know that on our schooltrip, we nearly starved.

But since it's a guided tour, it won't be a problem I think.

Sun cream is a very good idea if you have a pale skin like me. I even managed to get sunburned ears.

I can tell you this: Spanish guys stare . It's annoying at first but you get used to it later.

If you have the time visit Toronto, tonnes of shops selling swords and some for a good price too

mirrille · 05-15-2002, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eärniel
If you have the time visit Toronto, tonnes of shops selling swords and some for a good price too

I hope I'm not being stupid here. Is there a Toronto in Spain as well? If so, where?

I'd think I would have heard if there was.

Starr Polish · 05-15-2002, 11:11 PM

It's very possible, Mirrile. There is a Madrid here in Iowa, but it's pronounced differently.

I'm planning on wearing skirts, knee length or longer. Is ankle length too much? And what would make me the most obvious looking tourist? I'm trying to avoid some of that, at least.

mirrille · 05-16-2002, 12:55 AM

I think you will look like a tourist no matter what, short of buying new (non-tourist i.e. no flamenco outfits) togs when you get there. Just be tasteful, not too flashy, and dress for the weather. When in doubt, covering up is better than being too revealing, so the advice about covering the knees in church sounds right.
Of course, I've never been to Spain, but I've been a tourist. Have fun!

Eruviel Greenleaf · 05-16-2002, 01:10 AM

Have fun! I've never been to Spain, but I've been to Costa Rica and a lot of the same tips apply there. My friend went to Spain last year with my school, and she had a great time!

I think the swords are in Toledo. My friend wanted to get me one but didn't want to try and take it back on a plane!

***Earniel*** · 05-16-2002, 02:25 AM

Naturally EG is right. I meant Toledo, don't know where that Toronto came from. You'll have to excuse me on that one, I'm having pre-project defending-nerves.

I went to Spain in a bus so I had little problem taking the sword with me. But on a plane, well I can imagine that not being such a good idea right now.

Eruviel Greenleaf · 05-16-2002, 02:27 AM

Good luck defending your project then!

viggosbeard · 05-16-2002, 11:19 AM

dont listen to aldesign - eating swordfish is really very unlucky , just ask the swordfish, meat is murder , theyve got lots of orange groves so stick to them ! go and see some flamenco dancing , it is beautiful it has such romance and passion , it really does move you. What you do in spain depends on where you go - like all countries spain has its own problems , but if you are on a package thingy you should be safe - i think you may need a headscarf though if you are going to church type places. please dont get your photo taken by men with donkeys or monkeys as they are (in general) very poorly treated ( the donkeys and monkeys ,not the men ) - and how anybody could consider going to a bull fight is beyond me ! please dont do it !

Sorry to be a bit preachy but the air con has broken at work! The bulls shall have their revenge !!!

Starr Polish · 05-16-2002, 05:21 PM

Er...I'm not a vegetarian. We do have the option to go to flamenco or bull fighting, but I'd prefer the flamenco. It's cheaper, and bullfighting disgusts and bores me. We just did a really stupid unit on it in my Spanish class.

The closer I get, the more scared and excited I am!

***Earniel*** · 05-16-2002, 05:40 PM

I detest bull fights. In bull fights I supporter for the bull. Go on! Trample that stupid cowardly good for nothing toreador!

Oh before I forget. If you visit Barcelona, look out for your money. Lot's of thiefs there.

aldesign · 05-17-2002, 09:50 AM

Bull fights,
they are loadsa fun,
its a part of Spanish culture, and its cool to watch]#

ive been to 2 or 3, when i was little,
and i wasnt affended by it.

its quite good entertainment.

andy

***Earniel*** · 05-17-2002, 11:56 AM

You're a troglodite aldesign.

afro-elf · 05-17-2002, 12:10 PM

old bull fights vs new

I "BELIEVE" that now they drug the bulls and dull their horns is this true?

afro-elf · 05-17-2002, 12:13 PM

Can I make a request to agree or disagreee but no ad hominem attacks

05-12-2002, 08:04 PM	#1
Starr Polish Elf Lord Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Slow down and I sail on the river, slow down and I walk to the hill Posts: 2,389	Europe More specifically, Spain. I'm going there in June, and was wondering if anyone had tips on packing, blending in and basically what to expect. I'll be there for eleven days, and I have a very small bag. My mantra is pack light, pack light, pack light, but suggestions on how to do this would be greatly appreciated. I am, afterall, a sixteen year old girl, and we are known for overpacking. I also don't want to appear as a 'gringo turista', so any social taboos would also be nice. Thanks so much! __________________ “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.” –Bertrand Russell

05-12-2002, 09:09 PM	#2
webwizard333 Elf Lord Join Date: May 2001 Location: myob Posts: 587	My Spanish teacher just returned from her trip to Spain, so I have a few tips. Try to stay in a hotel that was formerly a castle. The wjole bull sport thing is deteriorating and don't expect much attention given to it; soccer is becoming the predominant sport. The trains are very good, so take advantage of them, they're called AVES and are part of RENFE, which is a sophisticated railroad service (similar to the American Amtrak). If you go to Madrid you may see the Nazi symbol (the name escapes me right now), but don't take offense, it was just a former Christain symbol taken by Hitler. Yes, you can take swords onto planes, but they are sealed tightly and will be cheched. Have fun! __________________ Boo!

05-13-2002, 04:24 AM	#3
Spock An enigma in a conundrum Join Date: Oct 1999 Posts: 6,476	Samsonite makes wonderfil plastic bags that you put your clothes in and then push out the air -no pumps or vacs needed- They giveyou so much more extra room and your clothes spring back when you open the bags . No tee's with national slogans or such on them. Solid colors or "normal" type tops are best for blending in. Beware the attitiude towards women is quite different in Spain also. __________________ Vizzini: "HE DIDN'T FALL?! INCONCEIVABLE!!" Inigo: "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."

05-13-2002, 09:23 PM	#4
Starr Polish Elf Lord Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Slow down and I sail on the river, slow down and I walk to the hill Posts: 2,389	Thanks for the tips. Sadly, I am on a guided tour, so I can't do the castle hotel thing, but I plan to go back, so maybe then! Yeah, I knew about the regards to women. I also found out that it is considered unladylike to cross your legs in Spain. Only men do that. Hmm. __________________ “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.” –Bertrand Russell

05-13-2002, 09:33 PM	#5
olsonm Elf Lord Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: minneapolis MN Posts: 920	Don't have any tips. But I hope you have a great time SP! __________________ Gandalf lives...oh and Frodo too. Haldir Lives!!!

05-14-2002, 12:27 PM	#6
aldesign Elven Warrior Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Uk Posts: 447	There is no way to blend in. the first few days u will be the milkbottle family, then ull be tanned enough. Its usualy great weather in Spain, ive been 5times, food is very good. They have loadsa touristy British stuff, but u can also try a little Spanish Food, btw if u have some fish, try SWORDFISH steak, they do it over there a lot, and its very Meaty, not v.fishy. GREAT! The swimming pools will be ice-cool, but the weather should be hot enough to encourage u to step foot in them, (slowly.) Put plenty of sun cream on. Play lots of Pool in bars, with ur dad or bro or someone. thats aboot it. As a bloke, i find it easy to pack, but u girls always take too much stuff. andy __________________ The funniest story on the net, made by entmoot fanatics, visit it @ FOTMB.com FRODO LIVES!! GET FREE AVATARS HERE!

05-15-2002, 02:52 PM	#7
*Earniel* The Chocoholic Sea Elf Administrator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: N?n in Eilph (Belgium) Posts: 14,363	If you plan on visiting any churches be sure to wear something that covers your knees. If you plan on buying food at noon, bad idea. Many shops (except in the big cities) are closed due to siesta. Better to buy it before hand. We didn't know that on our schooltrip, we nearly starved. But since it's a guided tour, it won't be a problem I think. Sun cream is a very good idea if you have a pale skin like me. I even managed to get sunburned ears. I can tell you this: Spanish guys stare . It's annoying at first but you get used to it later. If you have the time visit Toronto, tonnes of shops selling swords and some for a good price too __________________ We are not things.

05-15-2002, 11:11 PM	#9
Starr Polish Elf Lord Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Slow down and I sail on the river, slow down and I walk to the hill Posts: 2,389	It's very possible, Mirrile. There is a Madrid here in Iowa, but it's pronounced differently. I'm planning on wearing skirts, knee length or longer. Is ankle length too much? And what would make me the most obvious looking tourist? I'm trying to avoid some of that, at least. __________________ “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.” –Bertrand Russell

05-16-2002, 12:55 AM	#10
mirrille Elven Warrior Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Canada Posts: 479	I think you will look like a tourist no matter what, short of buying new (non-tourist i.e. no flamenco outfits) togs when you get there. Just be tasteful, not too flashy, and dress for the weather. When in doubt, covering up is better than being too revealing, so the advice about covering the knees in church sounds right. Of course, I've never been to Spain, but I've been a tourist. Have fun!

05-16-2002, 01:10 AM	#11
Eruviel Greenleaf Alcoholic Villain-Fancying Elf Pirate Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Lyonesse Posts: 4,547	Have fun! I've never been to Spain, but I've been to Costa Rica and a lot of the same tips apply there. My friend went to Spain last year with my school, and she had a great time! I think the swords are in Toledo. My friend wanted to get me one but didn't want to try and take it back on a plane! __________________ Eruviel Greenleaf in a past life. "Whoever has come to understand the world has found only a corpse, and whoever has found a corpse is superior to the world." -The Gospel of Thomas SQUAWK!

05-16-2002, 02:25 AM	#12
*Earniel* The Chocoholic Sea Elf Administrator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: N?n in Eilph (Belgium) Posts: 14,363	Naturally EG is right. I meant Toledo, don't know where that Toronto came from. You'll have to excuse me on that one, I'm having pre-project defending-nerves. I went to Spain in a bus so I had little problem taking the sword with me. But on a plane, well I can imagine that not being such a good idea right now. __________________ We are not things.

05-16-2002, 02:27 AM	#13
Eruviel Greenleaf Alcoholic Villain-Fancying Elf Pirate Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Lyonesse Posts: 4,547	Good luck defending your project then! __________________ Eruviel Greenleaf in a past life. "Whoever has come to understand the world has found only a corpse, and whoever has found a corpse is superior to the world." -The Gospel of Thomas SQUAWK!

05-16-2002, 11:19 AM	#14
viggosbeard Elven Warrior Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: the banks of the Royal Blue Mersey Posts: 247	dont listen to aldesign - eating swordfish is really very unlucky , just ask the swordfish, meat is murder , theyve got lots of orange groves so stick to them ! go and see some flamenco dancing , it is beautiful it has such romance and passion , it really does move you. What you do in spain depends on where you go - like all countries spain has its own problems , but if you are on a package thingy you should be safe - i think you may need a headscarf though if you are going to church type places. please dont get your photo taken by men with donkeys or monkeys as they are (in general) very poorly treated ( the donkeys and monkeys ,not the men ) - and how anybody could consider going to a bull fight is beyond me ! please dont do it ! Sorry to be a bit preachy but the air con has broken at work! The bulls shall have their revenge !!! __________________ You cant resist her Shes in your bones Shes in your marrow And your ride home You cant avoid her Shes in the air In between molecules Of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Only in dreams

05-16-2002, 05:21 PM	#15
Starr Polish Elf Lord Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Slow down and I sail on the river, slow down and I walk to the hill Posts: 2,389	Er...I'm not a vegetarian. We do have the option to go to flamenco or bull fighting, but I'd prefer the flamenco. It's cheaper, and bullfighting disgusts and bores me. We just did a really stupid unit on it in my Spanish class. The closer I get, the more scared and excited I am! __________________ “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.” –Bertrand Russell

05-16-2002, 05:40 PM	#16
*Earniel* The Chocoholic Sea Elf Administrator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: N?n in Eilph (Belgium) Posts: 14,363	I detest bull fights. In bull fights I supporter for the bull. Go on! Trample that stupid cowardly good for nothing toreador! Oh before I forget. If you visit Barcelona, look out for your money. Lot's of thiefs there. __________________ We are not things.

05-17-2002, 09:50 AM	#17
aldesign Elven Warrior Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Uk Posts: 447	Bull fights, they are loadsa fun, its a part of Spanish culture, and its cool to watch]# ive been to 2 or 3, when i was little, and i wasnt affended by it. its quite good entertainment. andy __________________ The funniest story on the net, made by entmoot fanatics, visit it @ FOTMB.com FRODO LIVES!! GET FREE AVATARS HERE!

05-17-2002, 11:56 AM	#18
*Earniel* The Chocoholic Sea Elf Administrator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: N?n in Eilph (Belgium) Posts: 14,363	You're a troglodite aldesign. __________________ We are not things.

05-17-2002, 12:10 PM	#19
afro-elf Hoplite Nomad Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 3,931	old bull fights vs new I "BELIEVE" that now they drug the bulls and dull their horns is this true? __________________ About Eowyn, Does anyone know what her alias Dernhelm means? She was kown as dernhelm because of her exclaimation when she realized that the rider's headgear was heavy and obscured her sight. 'Dern Helm" Culled from Entmoot From Kirinski 57 and Wayfarer.

05-17-2002, 12:13 PM	#20
afro-elf Hoplite Nomad Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 3,931	Can I make a request to agree or disagreee but no ad hominem attacks __________________ About Eowyn, Does anyone know what her alias Dernhelm means? She was kown as dernhelm because of her exclaimation when she realized that the rider's headgear was heavy and obscured her sight. 'Dern Helm" Culled from Entmoot From Kirinski 57 and Wayfarer.

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