Hey guys, what do you think about Spain?

Question

and what about its president?

Answer 1

I used to have a high opinion of Spain, because of Spanish music, language, and culture. However, my nephew's girlfriend is in her third year at university, and she is living for one semester in Spain, because she intends to become a teacher of Spanish here in the USA. She has e-mailed my nephew, telling him of the horrible way the Spanish people are treating Americans visiting their country, making pig noises at her, etc. I find this very sad, because Andrea is a very sweet young lady. Why do these Spanish people who are being so rude not realize that more than 49% of Americans, which includes the majority of educated Americans, do not support the foreign policy of President Bush?

Answer 2

S^pain's a great place to live.   (18 yrs experience).  If you have a sense of humour and don't keep talking about things are 'in my country' you will probably be liked - foreigners are usually appreciated. Only in one town where I lived for 5 years did I find it hard as a foreigner, but I eventually got accepted there by becoming a part of local life and fighting for local causes.

In all other rplaces I lived, I found that the first tendancy was to like foreigners.

President Zapatero is a moderate socialist.  Seems to be doing a good job.  Spain has one of the most democratic governments in the world.  They bend over backwards in this sense in order to make up for years of dictatorship and repression.

You'll always find some ________'s, like everywhere else.  (In the USA, a lot of people will give you a hard time if you are Arab, for instance.  In Quebec, if you are from France!  etc.).  The secret is how you behave.  Behave well, and chances are good you will be liked anywhere you go.

The Spanish do not find drunkenness particularly funny.  They love their wine, but despise those who are immoderate.  They won't necessarily show it, though.

The Spanish will invite out of politeness.  They will understand perfectly if you say, 'thank you very much - some other time, perhaps.'  If you accept too readily, you might surprise some!

If you say to someone, 'Let's go to that restaurant (or bar) - it may be construed as an invitation, and you will be expected to pay.  Don't think they are freeloading - it is just etiquette.  You need to word your suggestion carefully.  - Is such a restaurant any good?  etc.  Without saying 'Would you like to come with me'.

Answer 3

It's FABULOUS!!!!!!!  Jo t'aquiera!

Answer 4

I lived in Spain for two years and LOVED IT!

For the comment about the poor girl that was treated badly, don't judge all of Spain by that.  I've travelled to several countries in the world and have noticed similar things everywhere, such as:

-every country hates some or all of its government officials (you can't please everyone!)

-they all hate paying taxes

-the country, culture is incredibly beautiful

-the people (in general) are very nice and helpful

-idiots can be found all over the world!...

Go, enjoy Spain for its beauty!

Answer 5

Regarding Mr id's answer, I find that really hard to believe.  I live in Spain (Barcelona area) and have never heard of that happening.  People do not like American foreign policy and the superiority attitude and arrogance of your government, but are intelligent enough to treat a person on an individual level.  As an American ex-pat living over here I have to admit having been pre-judged at times but once people get to know you as an individual there are no further problems.  Obviously I like it here or I wouldn't stay.

Zapatero was a very necessary break from Aznar.  He fulfilled his campaign promise of getting troops out of Iraq.  (The campaign started over a year before the bombings in Madrid).  But,  he's a politician, if you get what I mean.  At least we have a more democratic system than the US (each party is represented in our equivalent of the House and Senate  by the percentage of votes it gets) so politics are more lively and more negotiating has to take place.

Answer 6

I think the females are really attractive ... and I like the way they dance