Spain Long Stay Vacation
Posted on May 8, 2008
Filed Under Spain Holiday | Leave a Comment
Tired of the rat race? Considering joining the legions of ex-pats (ex-patriots, or people who choose to eschew the tourist label permanently and stay in another country for life) who have reached tranquility and contentment by relocating to sunny, beautiful Spain? Its not tough to choose between taking a siesta (daily afternoon nap popular in Spain) and tackling afternoon traffic! But before you sell your DVD collection and donate your car, consider a long stay vacation in Spain.
A Note about Visas and Your Spain Long Stay Vacation
Perhaps youve done Europe before, especially if youre considering a long stay vacation in Spain. Then you know how easy it is to visit the European Union, where being a tourist for up to three months requires no visa, just a passport that remains valid three months outside of your stay.
But perhaps youre contemplating working in Spain, or staying longer than three months? Here it becomes important to secure the proper documentation, lest you be found out. Your long stay vacation in Spain could come to an abrupt stop if you are there without official permission. If you are not a citizen of the EU, it is important to secure a visa.
How Do I Get One?
If you are living in the US, chances are good there is a Spanish consulate in the nearest major city. Its very important to apply and obtain your visa before you leave; there are no emergency exceptions and your home embassy in Spain will have little sympathy for you if you did not attempt to plan properly for your long stay vacation in Spain.
Other Concerns
So, youve applied for your visa, youve looked into an apartment (there are many companies on the internet to help you with this, however long you stay on vacation in Spain). Perhaps youve chosen the idyllic mid-sized city of Seville with its sweeping bridges and mild climate to wile away the chilly winter. Pero hablas español? (But do you speak Spanish?)
You may want to look into it. You will probably find that locals are friendlier during your long stay vacation in Spain to you if you at least attempt to speak their language. You dont have to be perfect, but knowing, for example, to use the formal usted instead of tu may make all the difference when youre in a bind. And you probably will be, at some point. All part of the adventure, right?
Culture Shock
Maybe youve experienced the feeling that suddenly things in a foreign country have lost their cuteness and are now seeming too, well, foreign. This is called culture shock and it can occur on your first long stay vacation in Spain or your fifteenth. Its a typical reaction to difference. For example, before your Spanish smooths out, you may become frustrated with verbalizing your needs to someone to speaks little or no English.
How to Deal
If culture shock happens during your long stay vacation in Spain, know youre not alone. Sometimes the unpleasant feeling that everyone around you does things in a way youre not used to can be a valuable learning experience—think of all the refugees who are in your country for the first time. Just realize that its OK to have an off day. Youll get over it. Many people find that they experience culture shock anew when they return to their home country after their lovely long stay vacation in Spain.
Spain Travel
Posted on April 30, 2008
Filed Under Spain Travel | Leave a Comment
One of the most beautiful and most fascinating countries to visit is Spain. Spain is a country that is full of beauty and splendor from border to border. Many people from all over the world love to travel in Spain. There are so many unique and interesting things to see in Spain that no matter which part of the country you are, you will be amazed at its awesome beauty.
Bullfights
One of the most popular tourist attractions to see when traveling in Spain are the bullfights. At the beginning of the bullfight, two Aguacilillos come out on majestic horses. They go up to the president and ask him for the key to the toriles (or bull stables). They open the door and the bull enters the ring. The bullfight actually consists of three rounds with three different bulls. The final round is where the matador will attempt to kill the bull with his red cape and sword. Bullfights are bloody and some people protest them. Nevertheless, they are a major tradition in the Spanish culture.
Flamenco
The Flamenco is the traditional dance of Spain. No one can travel in Spain without seeing a flamenco dancer. Flamenco is more than just another dance. It is an art form. The flamenco dancers are graceful, yet precise with their majestic dance moves. The dress of the flamenco dancers is beautiful. The women usually wear a beautiful long dress and the man will wear a suit. It is usually danced to the traditional sounds of the flamenco guitar and other traditional Spanish music. When traveling in Spain, one must see the flamenco dancers.
Paella
Paella is one of the traditional Spanish dishes that are served all over Spain. When traveling in Spain, one will not want to miss out on this fabulous dish. It is flavored Spanish rice mixed with various meats such as shrimp, lobster, crab, sausage, chicken, pork and beef. There are many different variations of this popular dish. No matter what variation is offered, one should make every effort to try this delicious Spanish dish.
Spain is full of tradition and customs. Bullfights, flamenco dancers and paella are just a few of the traditions that are very popular throughout Spain. One cannot experience the true Spanish experience without experiencing these three popular traditions. Spain is a wonderful country to visit. You make a lot of nice memories while you travel in Spain. With all of the unique and exciting traditions and customs Spain has to offer, you will have the trip of a lifetime.
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