No matter what part of the world you are in, some things will always be the same. For example, there are going to be places to buy food, clothing and additional necessities in most of the countries you travel to. There are going to be buildings, homes and people, churches, famous sites and schools. So why is surviving in a different country so hard?
1.) The language barrier. Try to know some words in Spanish and always keep a dictionary on hand. As long as you make an effort to try to talk to the Sevillanos in Spanish, they will work with you. If you expect to walk in, speak English and expect that everyone should accommodate you...think again. This is something I learned very quickly. Yes, in Madrid and Barcelona, and even in Rome, you can expect to find many people who speak English. But Sevilla is different. It takes a while to be able to express yourself and more often than not, you will find yourself using a million different words to describe the one word you want to use, but speaking the native language will be beneficial to your experience.
2.) The older Señoras have opinions...and they are not afraid to share them. You are a 22 year old American coming from a part of the country where the winters last from November to March. So as soon as 75 degrees hits in the spring, it is shorts and sandals time. In Sevilla, 75 degrees is still chilly. So you will find the older ladies shaking their finger at you and telling you to put on a coat. They do not care who you are, where you come from or what your background is. If they think you are dressing inappropriately, they will tell you. The same goes for the grocery store and other public places. There can be a line of 50 people, but it doesn't matter. Those ladies will make it to the front, and without shame, cut directly in front of you with much poking and pushing involved. In my opinion, stand your ground on this one. Many people are told to "respect your elders" when they are growing up. Forget that here. Those ladies will beat you to everything so when they push, push back.
3.) It sometimes works to your advantage to use the excuse "Oh but I do not speak English." For example, people come up to you and try to talk to you about money or some cause they are promoting, just stand there and say "I do not speak Spanish!"
4.) Do not take any plants from anyone. The gypsies around the touristy areas will offer your rosemary, you will not know exactly what it is, why it is being offered to you, or what to do. One second later, they are putting it in your hand and hounding you for the money you "owe" them for taking the plant. Oh and if you see anyone pretending to drop a baby, they baby is made of wood, you will run to try to help it, and the gypsies will steal your things. Get it? Got it? Good. Stay away from the gypsies or the "bargain" trip you thought you got from your travel agent or social club can turn into not such a bargain after a few run ins with these people.
5.) Frutarias = best friends. Often times in the United States, specialty stores charge more than they should for items you can find for cheap in your local grocery store. There is a produce store by my house in the U.S. that charges an arm and a leg for their locally grown tomatoes. Of course they are delicious, but after a few runs to get "local" tomatoes, it starts to put a dent in your wallet. So a piece of advice for broke teachers or students like myself who are living or working abroad, avoid the grocery stores when it comes time to buy fruit, meat or fish. Fruterias are the stores that sell fruits and vegetables in Spain. I was able to get 4 bananas, one very large head of romaine lettuce, 3 very good sized tomatoes, 2 green apples and an onion for 3.80 euros. In the grocery store, that would have been double.
6.) Do not be afraid to bargain hunt in another country. Always keep your eyes peeled. If you want to buy something, but you think it is too expensive, you WILL be able to find it for cheaper somewhere else. If you were in the United States and saw a pair of $500 shoes that you absolutely love, most people my age would not go and drop $500 just for that pair of shoes. You would search TJ Maxx and Marshalls to find a look alike for A LOT cheaper. It is the same for shopping in Europe. First off, the euro is more expensive than the dollar so keep that in mind before you buy. Second, just because you are in a foreign country doesn't mean you have all of a sudden lost all of your bargain hunting skills. Try to stay away from the touristy areas where things will be more expensive and head of the beaten path. You will find stores and restaurants that are so much cheaper than the ones you saw by your hotel in the center of the city. It might take a little more time, but it will be worth it!
I will keep updating this one post as I think of things since I am learning new tips everyday living as an American here in Sevilla!
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