Things in Spain and Valencia that foreigners find weird

Posted by Lucy on 8 junio, 2016 2 Comments

Last month, the nation's favourite cultural magazine, Vice, published an article called Immigrants explain what shocked them most about the Spanish culture [in Spanish]. It inspired me to do a similar version about Valencia even though, as you'll see, the majority of things on this list may as well be geared towards Spain in general. Here's our take on some of the things that shocked us most about life in España. Before anyone gets uppity and starts commenting profound thoughts like "Go home and don't come back then if that's how you feel, you dick", please note that this post is by no … [Read more...]

Cosas de España y Valencia que les parecen raras a los guiris

Posted by Lucy on 8 junio, 2016 1 Comment

El mes pasado la revista cultural favorita del populacho, Vice, publicó un post llamado Inmigrantes nos explican qué es lo que más les chocó de la cultura española. Y me inspiró hacer una versión para Valencia aunque, ya veréis, que la mayoría de las cosas que figuran abajo también van para España en general. A continuación se puede ver lo que chocó más a mis amigos guiris de la cultura valenciana y española. Antes de que vayáis soltando comentarios en plan "Si no te gusta, vete a tu país y no vuelvas, cabrona", que sepáis este post no sirve para criticar a España/Valencia/TÚ en lo más … [Read more...]

«Whatever happened to that old saying, ‘Love thy neighbour’?»

Posted by Lucy on 14 septiembre, 2015 2 Comments

If you grew up in the UK you probably lived in a house, with university halls being your first taste of living in a flat. After that you either get a house of your own or slink off back to your parents' gaff. Unless, of course, you move to another country. In Spain, over 65% of the population live in a piso or flat - something which may take some getting used to if, like me, you grew up in "the new estate" of a small Yorkshire pit village. Here's the view from my bedroom window at my parents' home. On a good day, you hear the odd car, the trickling of the neighbour's water feature and a … [Read more...]

UK vs. Spain: a boozy comparison

Posted by Lucy on 26 mayo, 2015 12 Comments

A nation with a penchant for boozing? We're not so different, you and I... Food, weather, customs, meal times? If you're a Brit and you've ever lived in Spain, or if you're a Spaniard and you've ever called the UK home, then you'll know that there are more than a few things that take some getting used to. One of the main hardships is getting your head (and stomach) around the schedule. It's been said time and time again by every expat blogger out there, but this may be intrinsic in order to understand the subject matter of this post. Lunch in Britain can begin as early as 12 o'clock whereas, … [Read more...]