The Whiplash Diaries

One minute I know exactly how something works. The next, I don't, and that's most days here. The differences I’ve encountered in 12 days have been bananas. I’m not going to fill the beginning of this blog with a heavy intro, let’s just get right down to it! ¡Vamos!

1.  Air conditioning: the air conditioning here is interesting. It’s not freezing cold the way I am used to. It’s more designed to “take the edge off” the heat and is probably set at a temperature closer to 27ºC, or 80.6°F which is the minimum temperature by law in the summer. This is tied to Spain's energy-saving push of 2026. Some businesses are allowed exceptions to that rule (gyms, salons, restaurants, laundries and transport vehicles) and of course homes can set their air to whatever temperature they want. Not every store or building has it or utilizes it. People seem to just be acclimated to the heat and literally “don’t sweat the small stuff.” If you truly need to cool off, drink water or take a cold shower.

2.  Walking: after only half a day here, Bri and I realized we needed to slow our walking way down! People here stroll, not walk. This might partially have to do with the #1 point above – strolling keeps you cooler than walking fast. The other reason people stroll here is because no one is in a hurry to get anywhere. Life in the States feels like warp speed compared to the pace of life here. So in order to not look like monkeys on crack amongst the locals, we learned to stroll.

3.  Crosswalks: I’m used to going into a crosswalk when there are no cars coming regardless of the signs. Almost everyone here abides by the rules. They wait patiently (again – they aren’t in a rush to go places) and when the little man lights up green, everyone walks across. We have resisted the urge to hurry across a la Minneapolis and just hang out until we’re officially allowed to venture forth.

4.  Coffee: it is the norm here to order one café con leche (coffee with milk) in the morning. That is it. Second cups of this particular order are not usual, and you also typically have an orange juice or a pastry or maybe even a “tostada” which is a toasted bread with tomato, olive oil, and salt. If a second cup is desired, you change it at this point to a “cortado” which is an espresso shot and a bloop of milk. In the States, I drink a few cafés con leche at home and am used to the larger cups of coffee that are ordered if I’m out. Sure, you can order another café con leche – if you don’t mind announcing the fact that you’re a tourist.

Cafe con Leche

Cortado

5.  Clothes: the locals here wear lightweight, linen clothing or thin cotton. They vary in color and have different patterns. No one is wearing brand name clothes or tee shirts with sayings on them. Clothes here are elegant and understated and most clothing is worn for practical reasons and not status purposes. That is not to say that fashion is thrown out the window – quite the opposite. I’ve seen different levels of fashion in design and quality. Also, there is something fashion forward about not announcing yourself, and letting your overall presence speak for itself.

6.  Luxury Bags: no one here has the ones we are used to seeing in the US. If they are luxury bags that the women here are carrying, they are by designers I do not recognize, or the labels are not obvious.  I don’t know if this is a Granada thing, or if it is going to be typical for the region or Spain in general, I am keeping my eye on it!

7.  Bags: everyone brings their own bag(s) to the local mercado or grocer. I did have the presence of mind to do that on our first day when we went to the little store around the corner, as I was used to that in Minneapolis and our trips to the Lunds & Byerly’s there. I was glad I did, because people here are definitely all on board with minimizing waste and repurposing.

8.  Dogs: Spain is dog friendly, except the shuttle from the airport to Granada. Devante ended up taking a taxi to Granada instead, because they expected little Paco to travel underneath the bus with the suitcases. We were shocked and horrified. Absolutely not – it was crazy to even consider it! That was the only real hiccup with Paco in Spain, but you should know this if you ever find yourself over this way with your furry friend. Dogs are welcomed everywhere, except for indoor seating at restaurants. But because we are always sitting outside in the cool morning air or balmy evening breeze, we aren’t worried.

9.  Dog #1s & #2s in Public: it is required by law that dog owners must carry a bottle of water mixed with either vinegar or soap to rinse away your dog’s number 1 or 2 after you pick it up. If your dog is not feeling well, you are expected to carry wipes for the sidewalk after picking up and rinsing, to gather up any residue Fido may have left behind. Failing to adhere to these rules can result in a stiff fine – anywhere from 200€ up to 6,000€ (yes, 6,000 euros, which is around $6,900 USD) if you are caught being irresponsible. I LOVE THIS RULE! Because of these expectations and stiff consequences for not meeting said expectations, we have not stepped in nor seen any waste from the dogs here.

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10.  Bathrooms: there is no flushing of toilet paper here. Everyone uses a waste bin next to the toilet for their needs. Some of the more modern buildings do not continue this practice, but a majority of places we’ve been to- still do. In fact, I’ve only run across one place that didn’t ask that of us. Many homes have bidets as an additional cleansing option, but in public spaces, the bin is the way. No one bats an eye about it, it’s simple human existence and nothing to be prudish or shy about. It’s actually a pretty elegant, low-cost workaround that lets old historic buildings keep functioning without forcing disruptive, expensive infrastructure replacement. People here respect their cities and the history on every street, so they work together to do what needs doing.

11.  Food Purchasing: everything is sold in smaller amounts. Jars of sauce or condiments or milk or whatnot, all small. People here go to the grocer every couple of days with their canvas bags, so everything is made for a few days and not a big family for a few weeks. Options are smaller in amounts and I like that. No one is making a huge haul at the store. Every few streets there is a grocer, so the neighborhood utilizes the one that makes sense, walks there and fills a bag or two.

12.  Food: I'll tread lightly here, because everyone I love is still in the States and pointing fingers isn't the goal. What I'll say is this — you can taste the absence of the chemicals, fillers, processing, and fakeness. Eating here is like eating food for the first time. I'll leave it there.

Washing machine under the counter!

13.  Washing Machines: if you’re lucky enough to have one in your place, chances are good that it is small. And it won’t come with a dryer. You wash your clothes, and then you have a drying rack to hang them. The machine takes a long time, as it is energy conscious and goes about its work diligently and gently. I think people here probably wash their clothes mindfully, in that they must wear things more than a few times and wash probably consists of mostly underthings and socks. (Maybe this is why they stroll?)

14.  Siesta!: it’s a real thing here! We are learning to stay inside mostly from 3-5, 6ish. We rest, literally will lay down and either rest our minds and bodies, or actually sleep. Most shops and restaurants close down during this time, so everyone has a chance for self-care. Sometimes there is an afternoon morsel, sometimes not. At 5 or 6, people start venturing out in search of a gelato or some such little treat. Dinner doesn’t start until 9:30 or 10. I used to wonder about eating that late and going to bed, but I was wrong. About the going to bed part that is. People are up shopping and going for family walks after dinner, many don’t go home until at least midnight.

15.  Prices: generally everything is much less expensive here. Clothes are very reasonably priced. I’ve already had to do a little shopping to blend in a bit more. Groceries are wonderfully priced as well. Things are either comparable or much less. Olive oil is very cheap, coffee is comparable. Toiletries are inexpensive. Wine is never really over 12€, most being 2-4€ a bottle. Liquor is the same as far as being less expensive goes. Devante’s favorite brandy was $65 back in Minneapolis, but here in Spain it is 23€. Phone plans are 8€ a line/mo., which includes unlimited talk, text and data. We will be doing this soon, as we will be able to port our numbers. Health insurance per person per year ranges anywhere from 480€/yr to 1,200€/yr both with no co-pays, no deductible, and it covers dental, vision and health. That’s private health care. Public health care is completely free for residents.

16.  Credit Scores: non-existent here. Any credit card or loan you get is given off of your income.

17.  Tipping: non-existent here, they pay their employees a livable wage.  Any tip you leave should ONLY be if you were extremely impressed, and should be modest, like a few euros as opposed to a percentage. It’s not really ever seen, never expected, but always appreciated even if they think you’re nuts.

18.  Temperament: no one is mad here! We’ve not seen road rage, again probably because no one is in an actual hurry, yet they all move efficiently and pointedly on the roads. We have not seen anyone yelling or being ridiculous. I have not seen one drunk person, except for the woman throwing up in a tree in the plaza who spoke with an American accent. No one drinks to get drunk. People are respectful, even when they may have a reason to be upset.

19.  Phone Free Zone: no one sits on their phones whilst visiting with each other at the table. There is much lively discussion, loud laughter, voices raised in friendly banter and connection. People here are off their phones for the most part, they are connected with others as opposed to their phones. Even recording of being places or with a group is not common. No one is taking photos or videos of themselves with cutesy TikTok inspired movements or silly facial expressions for Instagram. I’ve taken out my phone at dinner to take food porn, but even then I feel like I stick out so I try and be quick and discreet. It’s truly refreshing to see so many people in the moment. Obviously we are taking photos at tourist spots and beautiful landscapes, but phones at the table or while walking? It’s a no.

20.  Personal Aesthetic: I am not seeing people who are obviously injected or enhanced. The look here is natural, or at least, the appearance of naturality. Women age here and do not seem bothered by meeting an unrealistic expectation. Makeup is light or non-existent. Accessories are queen though! Women enjoy bracelets, necklaces and earrings, long skirts with tank tops, sandals and hair swept up in messy buns or simply sleep pony tails. Men are more difficult to determine. Many are in suits for work, or work as servers so they are in their work uniforms. They are charming and friendly.

So, I’m no expert in all things Spain, but a novice like me is noticing these things right away. I’m sure there are so many more things that are unique to this place and so very different to the States, and maybe I’ll do a part 2 in a few months! Until then, know that you have a friend across the world who thinks of you all often and wishes you were here!

¡Hasta luego!