In September's month's I talked about a few things that could be useful to people from the States who plan on spending time in Spain. As I said at the end of that article, life in Spain is extremely enjoyable and any initial challenges will soon be forgotten as you slip deeper into this country's placid lifestyle. Remember that as you read this and don't get discouraged by any of the points I bring up. They're intended to make your transition from one culture to another smoother, not to discourage you from growing beyond your country's borders. 

Policital, not Social Animosity towards the U.S.
"I don't have a problem with the U.S.'s people," I was recently told by a Chilean expatriate living in Southern Spain's Costa del Sol "just its government."  A sentiment that echoes the feelings of most people in Spain, almost regardless of age or political orientation.  But people here make a clear distinction between the U.S. as a political entity and people that happen to be from the U.S., and it's highly unlikely you'll ever be made to feel unwelcome because of your American-ness.

As a U.S. citizen living in Spain, I can tell you that people here are just too social and friendly to let a chance at positive interaction pass by because of something as unimportant as someone's nationality.  This might not (actually I'm pretty sure it doesn't) hold true in all other European countries, but then again, you really can't compare Spain to any other country in the E.U.  There's something about that Latin blood that makes people here warmer and more fun-loving than in other places, more willing to put differences aside and just have a good time together. 

This doesn't mean, however, that you don't have to be sensitive to the fact that you're a guest in someone else's home.  You're in a new culture – be respectful of it and you'll benefit from a very rewarding learning experience. Plus you won't offend people and It'll be much easier to make friends.  Anyway, that should be common sense: realizing that we all live in one world and have more in common than we have differences.  If you feel the U.S. is God's chosen land on earth and its government has the right to trample other peoples in a blatant display of self-interest … well, you'll have an easier time if you decide to voice such views as little as possible.

Quick Tongues
Not meaning that Spanish people are quick with insults or anything of the sort, but that they speak quickly.  Which is fine if you already speak Spanish pretty well; you'll appreciate the way Spaniards use their language as a form of communication, entertainment and art all in one.  But if you're yet to learn or still learning Spanish, it'll take a while before you bridge the gap between what you're seeing in textbooks and what you're being exposed to in the streets.

The good news is, the best way to merge your theoretical Spanish with your practical Spanish is by getting around and hanging out with Spaniards as much as possible.  You'll find them to be extremely patient and willing to do anything in their power to help you communicate with them.  Sure, you could live the rest of your life in Spain and get by with only the most basic Spanish, especially in places like Torremolinos and Alicante where – thanks to the many British expats – English is spoken as much as Spanish.  You'll avoid the challenge of learning a new language and also miss out on a world of new experiences and possibilities. 

So don't be discouraged if the way people around you talk sounds nothing like what you've been learning in the textbooks. Keep beating away at the door and though it may seem like your progress is slow one day you'll find it wide open. 

Spanish cities are compact, efficient – even Madrid, which is huge, uses space as effectively as possible.  This, translated to the road (and from the point of view of the average American driver) means that you'll have people constantly tailgating you, cutting you off and generally getting way to close to your vehicle than you feel comfortable with.  Don't worry though 'cos once you get used to it you'll prefer driving here than in the States; there's something truly satisfying about successfully engaging a situation that demands all of your skill and attention.