10 things I can tell you about Spain

1. It seems like the Franco government is still at work; why have machines that employ 2 men for efficiency when you can hire 20 to do the job! There are Armies of street sweepers with push brooms!

2. Spaniards like to drink and get drunk! This is evidenced in the fact that even McDonald's serves beer!

3. When you're told something will happen at a certain time, even if in writing, it is only a loose target that they hope to get close to. You must allow alot of latitude for "it will happen when it happens" is the motto. It is Spain. (An actual response I got at hotel front desk today).

4. They will get close to you and I mean in your personal space. For Americans, this can be alarming. For Spaniards, casually touching whether on Metro or giving kisses "hello" is a way of life. And be careful, it is also an opportunity to pick pocket you.

5. Spain is a tobacco company dream. Everyone smokes. I can already feel the second hand smoke COPD beginning and I have only been here 3 days!

6. The Chinese seem to own almost every small store; mini mart and quickie shop.

7. There is a reason why Europeans are skinny; who can afford to eat here?

8. Want to see how small airlines can make seats & install them on aircraft? Book Air Europa. If you drew a straight line down from the back of the seat in front of you, there would be about 2" of leg room. You will never curse a CRJ again. (Ok, well maybe that's not true)

9. Soccer (aka football) here is a religion. Do not get in between a TV and soccer hooligans watching a game and whatever you do, do not wear Manchester United colors! You will be killed and your body will be with Jimmy Hoffa's.

10. You will be attempted to be pick pocketed in Spain. Forget crime in Rio de Janeiro or anywhere else. This place is capital of petty theft.