What one learns in a classroom is just a very small part of the learning process. The real learning starts when one crosses borders and travels miles for real knowledge.

When you’re traveling through Europe, you will be visiting some countries similar to yours, and some that are very different- your trip to Spain will be different.

Spain continues to be one of my favorite countries for this very reason. What are some things I learned during my first trip to Spain?

1. Everything really does shut down during siesta

Don’t plan anything between ~2:00pm-5:00pm, because stores really do shut down in order to get their daily nap on. The timing varies in different areas of Spain and can be as early as midday or as late as 2pm. Shops will close then and reopen between 4-5pm. I’m not sure what the history is here, but I felt siesta to be much needed, since your usually out until 6AM the night before.

2. Don’t eat a light lunch

Spaniards don’t eat dinner until 9PM earliest. So if you want to blend in, you should probably do the same. They also don’t go out to the bars until Midnight or later, meaning you shouldn’t start pregaming at 8 like you did in college.

3. Automatic lighting

Spain is eco-friendly, meaning a lot of the lights are on timers (even in public places). Don’t worry if the lights go off on you while your popping a squat in the public restroom. No one is there to mug you.

4. No dryers

Another effect of eco-friendly Europe. If you are living with someone during your first trip to Spain, don’t expect them to have a dryer. You will learn to use a clothes line. Worried about your collection of thongs hanging on display to the public? The woman I was living with literally made an art display of my underwear in the bathroom.

5. Croquettas

These little tapas are life changers. After you leave Spain, you’ll never taste anything like them. I’ve been trying to find a Spanish restaurant in the US with similar Croquettas for years. No luck.

6. Be Ready Lots of Ham

Spain is ham crazy. There are even ham flavored potato chips (which are actually pretty good).

7. Watch yourself on the Sidewalk

There are no rules to walking in Spain. They don’t stick to the right side, and they won’t awkwardly dance with you if you are both walking the same path. It is basically like a game of chicken. You need to either move out of their way or hold your ground. You will both probably end up shoulder checking the shit out of each other while your surrounded by 15 more feet of sidewalk, but this is how it’s done. When in Rome.

8. Its an accent, not a lisp

Spanish in Spain is a lot different than Spanish in central or south America. There is a lisp involved in their accent, not everyone you meet has a speech impediment.

9. A club is not a club

While strolling back to your hotel at 2am, you may see a business labeled “Club” and think “Ohhh DANCING! Lets go!”. Please refrain. These are brothels.

10. A tortilla isn’t a tortilla

While glancing over a menu, you will almost always see a tortilla as one of the items. This isn’t the type of tortilla you order at Mexican restaurants. It is actually a famous dish in Spain comprised of eggs and potatoes.

11. Carnivals arn’t just for kids

You can find way more than dangerous fair rides and chocolate covered oreos at Spain carnivals. Be ready for lots of booze and dancers in cages.

12. Blondes beware

If you have light hair, you will be a hot commodity in this region of the world. You may think this will be an ego booster, until your being cornered in the bathroom by an over aggressive Spaniard. Their not dangerous, just a bit more aggressive than the average American.

13. Relax. Everyone’s Late.

Everyone knows that Europe is a more relaxed culture than the United States. Spain, however, is an extreme example. These people don’t care about time. If you have a meeting, don’t bother rushing around, because the chance is the other person will be late. One time while I studied abroad, I was in a rush to get to class because it was my first day. The woman I was living with offered to show me where the school was and I graciously accepted. We didn’t get out the door until class started, and even then we stopped to get her minutes for her cell phone, to say hi to the neighbors, and do other meaningless tasks.

14. Be Prepared to Drink A lot

It’s a part of the culture and they insist on it. The woman I was living with would make Irish coffee so strong that I would be able to smell it from across the room… at 8AM. For lunch, she would insist on me drinking beer (even though I desperately needed water) because it “helps to digest”. Their nightlife is some of the best I’ve ever seen. The bars are open until 6AM at least, even when most of the clientele have to be at work at 8.

15. Free Apps in the Internet Café!

If you are posted up in the internet café or bar (these can be used interchangeably), the bartender or hostess will most likely bring you free appetizers or tapas.

16. Cocktails

A Rum and Coke = A glass of Rum filled to the brim and a bottle of coke. Plan Accordingly.

Did you learn anything interesting during your first trip to Spain? Share with us below!