Espana means Espace

If you look past the areas that are hundreds of years old and look at just the things built/planned in the last 20 years, this country really allows for alot of room! The Madrid Airport is so large (terminals and runway) that it would make any USA airport planning commission envious and Barcelona has the same theme. I can honestly see why Barcelona needs so much with the volume of cruise ships coming & going from this port. These are not the smaller ships this are the new really super big ones! And what is really intriguing is the space is used! Las Ramblas, a wide pedestrian avenue in Barcelona is packed all day long! There are dozens of airline choices and the flights are full!
I should make one correction though... you need not look at just the last 20 years. If the planning of parks/housing tracks by Gaudi at the turn of the century are any indication, they meant to have alot of space as soon as the walls of the old city were destroyed. And on that note, I will just comment that I really do not like the artistic work of Gaudi. I join the ranks of those that just don't see the same passion as some others. And about that Gaudi cathedral here, you know the one they have been building for 127 years, alrighty already. Enough. Yuck.

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.