Marie Louise Graff - Culture Shock! Spain: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette

This 6th edition published in 2008, reprinted 2009, by:

Marshall Cavendish Corporation

99 White Plains Road

Tarrytown NY 10591-9001

www.marshallcavendish.us

First published in 1993 by Times Editions Pte Ltd, reprinted 1994 (twice), 1995 (twice); 2nd edition published in 1997, reprinted 1997, 1998, 1999; 3rd edition published in 2000, reprinted 2001, 2002; 4th edition published in 2003, reprinted 2003, 2004, 2005; 5th edition published in 2005.

2008 Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited

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eISBN: 978 981 4435 94 9

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Printed in Singapore by Times Printers Pte Ltd

Photo Credits:

All black and white photos by or from the author except pages x, 3, 8, 11, 13, 62, 64, 113, 120, 125, 138, 165, 201, 220221 (Alex Drummond); pages 22, 162, 171 (Larry Horner); pages 58, 69, 141, 145, 192, 203 (Louise Horner); pages 12, 77, 150, 180, 185 (Jill Richards) and pages 85, 159 (Amy Sholtz). Colour photos from: Getty Images pages a, bc, e, n (top); Photolibrary pages d, fg, h, i, jk, lm, n (bottom), o, p. Cover photo: Lonely Planet Images

All illustrations by TRIGG

Culture shock is a state of disorientation that can come over anyone who has been thrust into unknown surroundings, away from ones comfort zone. CultureShock! is a series of trusted and reputed guides which has, for decades, been helping expatriates and long-term visitors to cushion the impact of culture shock whenever they move to a new country.

Written by people who have lived in the country and experienced culture shock themselves, the authors share all the information necessary for anyone to cope with these feelings of disorientation more effectively. The guides are written in a style that is easy to read and covers a range of topics that will arm readers with enough advice, hints and tips to make their lives as normal as possible again.

Each book is structured in the same manner. It begins with the first impressions that visitors will have of that city or country. To understand a culture, one must first understand the peoplewhere they came from, who they are, the values and traditions they live by, as well as their customs and etiquette. This is covered in the first half of the book.

Then on with the practical aspectshow to settle in with the greatest of ease. Authors walk readers through how to find accommodation, get the utilities and telecommunications up and running, enrol the children in school and keep in the pink of health. But thats not all. Once the essentials are out of the way, venture out and try the food, enjoy more of the culture and travel to other areas. Then be immersed in the language of the country before discovering more about the business side of things.

To round off, snippets of basic information are offered before readers are tested on customs and etiquette of the country. Useful words and phrases, a comprehensive resource guide and list of books for further research are also included for easy reference.

Spain is a land of contrasts. A fascinating mixture of cultures, architecture, landscapes and climates, it is a country begging to be explored and offering newcomers as wide a choice of lifestyles, business opportunities and entertainment as any other country in Europe.

Spains history is equally contrasting. One of the most ancient countries in Europe, it has survived numerous conquests, religious wars and violent upheavals. From being one of the wealthiest and most powerful countries in the world during the reign of the Catholic Kings, through a devastating civil war from which it took the country many years to recover, to today, when Spain is considered one of the more progressive countries in Europe with a stable economy and a choice of climates to suit even the most demanding tastes.

Although Spain is a fast changing country, many people, particularly in the countryside, go about their daily life in a traditional way. This farmer prefers a leisurely form of transport to modern, motorised vehicles.

So many people have been so very helpful that to try and list everyone by name would fill the book before it got started.

Writing this book proved to be a fascinating experience! However well you may think you know the country you live in, you find you learn a surprising amount of new facts when it comes to writing a book about it. However, any attempts at generalising about the culture of a country must begin with a disclaimer... no matter how much research may have gone into it, the result cannot avoid being coloured by the views and attitudes of the author.

My husband and I visited Spain originally in 1953 and have been living on the Costa Blanca, off and on, since 1973. All five members of our family agree that choosing to retire in Spain was perhaps the best thing we ever did. Without determined encouragement from my daughter Josie, I wouldnt have dared tackle the project but she kept insisting You can do it, Ma! and jollied me along when I wavered. My grateful thanks for her perseverance.

I would rather be first in a little Iberian village than second in Rome.