Ok, let's get back to Sevilla information :) (For more basics, see
here.)
A lot of people in Spain, and in Sevilla, speak English. But they will appreciate it so much if you at least try a little Spanish from time to time. Even if you know Spanish already, there are some words/phrases that are used in Spain that are different from other Spanish-speaking areas. Here are some things to know:
- "
Hola." Obviously. If you've never heard a single Spanish word before, this means "hello." You will also hear "
Buenos días/buenas tardes/buenas noches" (good morning/afternoon/night) or, just simply "
buenas."
-"
Gracias." Thank you. Or, as the Spaniards say it, "grathiaaah."
- "
Adios," or "goodbye." Again, with the Spanish accent, they pretty much drop the "s" so they say it more like "adioooo." You may also hear "
Hasta luego," or simply "
hasta" (see you later).
- "¿
Qué tal?" which means "how are you?" They teach you in Spanish class that this means "what's up?" to which you would think you should respond "nada" or "nothing" like we would in English. Whatever the actual translation is, the response is always "
bien" (good). Well, unless you're not bien. But no one really wants to hear that. You may also hear "¿
Cómo estás?" or "¿
Qué hay?" Same response all the way around.
- "
Por favor" and "
de nada" (please and thank you, respectively).
- "
Dónde está....." which means "Where is....." The most important one of course is "¿
Dónde está el servicio?" (Where's the bathroom?). You can ask for the "baño," but Spaniards don't really use that word. Signs will either point to "servicios" or "aseos," never "baños." Women's bathrooms will either have "mujeres" or "doñas" on it. Men's usually will have "cabelleros" or "hombres." Just say "
SERVICIOS?!" if you are in desperate need and can't remember the whole sentence.
- "
Vale." You will hear this word more than anything. It means "OK." They say this at least once per sentence, I'm pretty sure. If someone asks you a question, you can just respond with "vale." Well, first you should make sure they aren't asking you to do something crazy. Just don't say "OK." That makes it obvious you are American.
- "¿
Cuánto es?" or "¿Cuánto vale?" means "How much is it?" You are always taught in Spanish class to ask "Cuánto cuesta," or literally, "How much does it cost?" You will never hear a Spaniard say that. "Cuánto vale" can be used for things that are more valuable or precious. If you are asking how much a rosary is in a convent, for example, use "cuanto vale" to show respect for the item. But "cuanto es" will get the point accross!
- "Cerveza."
Now, here are some do's and don'ts for Sevilla.
DO carry a map with you. At all times. But,
DON'T carry it around in plain sight and rely on it too much. Nothing points out "tourist" like walking around with your nose in a map or guide book. Also,
DO know how to read a map. I'm not sure why this is so difficult for most people.
DO be prepared to do a lot of walking. I mean a lot. On that note,
DO bring super-comfy walking shoes. This will probably make it obvious that you are a tourist, as Spaniards don't wear tennis shoes or Tevas, etc. But you don't want to be in agony from all the walking. Sometimes comfort really
is more important than being fashionable.
DO expect to do a lot of walking. I know I already said that. I want you to understand.
DON'T expect dog owners to pick up after their dogs. So,
DO expect there to be poop everywhere. Watch your step.
DON'T take your eyes off the road. Besides the poop everywhere, the cobblestone streets are uneven and easy to trip on. Also,
DON'T listen to music while walking. The streets are very narrow. You need to be able to hear if a car is coming (or a bike) or you will get run over. If you have headphones in, you won't know what's coming behind you.
DON'T expect a stranger to volunteer to help you out if you are lost. They think they will be insulting you if they come up to you and say, "do you need help?" So:
DON'T be afraid to ask for directions/help. They have probably noticed you are struggling and look lost. They will be more than willing to help and are super friendly if you just say "Perdona, ¿dónde está....?" (excuse me, where is....?).
DO try tapas. Try a lot of them. Also,
DO try jamón iberico. Even if it looks gross, just try one little taste. You cannot miss the country's most iconic food (see
here for more).
DO see a flamenco show. It's amazing. In my opinion, anyway.
DO see the main sights: the Cathedral, Alcázar, Museo de Bellas Artes and Plaza de España. (There are plenty
more to see!)
DON'T eat while walking around. Just don't do it. If you must eat out in public, at least sit on a bench or something. The Spaniards will scoff at you if you are eating while walking in public.
DON'T expect spectacular service from waiters, salespeople, etc. They don't get tipped, so they don't feel the need to impress you. On that same note,
DON'T tip. Unless it
was spectacular service. I mean, really outstanding. Also,
DON'T let someone convince you it is "normal" to tip. Tell them you know they are lying, take your money and run. Not really, but...kind of. (I have a terrible history with taxis. See my
Madrid story.)
DON'T pick things up and touch everything in stores. Clothes, fine. Everything else, just look. If you really want it you can pick it up. But you'll usually get some nasty glares or comments if you are too touchy.
DON'T get drunk and rowdy in public. Or in private, but mostly in public. It's fine to drink. And drink a substantial amount. But do so slooowwwly, over the entire night. While hanging out with friends. Not because you want to get wasted and hit on Spaniards. Or Americans. Or anyone.
DON'T talk about bullfighting or about either Sevillan fútbol team (Betis or Sevilla). You will inevitably insult someone who is on the other side of the issue.
DON'T expect to blend in. Every local will know you are a tourist. No question.
DON'T let the gypsies hand you their bundle of herbs or spices or tree branches or whatever they are. They are trying to get money out of you. Don't talk to them, just keep walking. Avoid them at all costs. (Or else it will
cost you. baahahaha).
DO buy nun goodies.
DON'T miss the nun goodies.
DON'T expect huge, super-fancy hotels. These buildings are old. Like, older-than-the-USA old. They don't have giant rooms or super updated bathrooms. But they are nice and well-kept (for the most part). Just don't complain if its not 3000 square feet. You don't need that much room, you should be spending your time out in Sevilla anyway. Also,
DON'T expect HBO and ABC and English-speaking television. In Franco's time (we'll have a history lesson later. Maybe.), English TV/movies were not allowed. Everything was dubbed. While Franco's no longer around making everybody miserable, it is pretty impossible to find any English-language TV shows. And there are only one or two theaters which play "original-format" films. Again, you should be out exploring the city anyway, and not watching TV. So don't complain if you can't watch your favorite shows because they are in Spanish.
DON'T eat the oranges off of the trees lining the streets. They weren't planted for food, they were planted so they'd look pretty and smell nice.
DO try all kinds of food. Even if it looks weird or you aren't really sure what it is. Even if it involved sea snails or fried squid eggs. (But NOT if it includes
mayonnaise soup.)
DON'T expect gigantic eggs-bacon-and-hashbrown breakfasts. Have some toast and coffee and fruit and you'll be fine until lunch. Where you should expect a giant meal.
DON'T eat lunch before 2pm or dinner before 7pm.
DON'T expect to get any really great beer. You will have one option most of the time. Cruzcampo. And it's not real great. You might be able to get some other variations in a few places, but don't expect it. Wine, on the other hand, you'll have a million options.
DO expect to hear some "piropos" (cat-calls) from Spanish men on the streets.
DON'T respond-you will only make it worse. Just keep walking. They are harmless and only want to get a reaction.
DON'T expect air conditioning or central heat. I guess maybe some nice hotels have it. Not many other places though.
DON'T be afraid to take photos. I know this may contradict everything I've said about trying not to seem touristy. But you will want to have photos of everything. Just take them. BUT,
DO respect places of worship, other people, etc. when taking photos. Turn the flash off when its not completely necessary, don't take pictures of strangers without asking them, don't think you deserve to be the front of the line or have the best view just because you are taking a picture. These things are common sense, people. If you are going to be a tourist, then:
DO be a considerate tourist, one who gives your home country a good name.
DON'T expect to be able to buy anything during the siesta (about 2-5pm every day) or on Sundays. Nothing will be open.
DO take advantage of the siesta. Nothing like the city closing down to prompt you to take a nice nap.
DO go to Triana to see all the ceramics. There are so many stores with so many beautiful things.
DON'T think someone is going to rob or rape or kidnap you. Sevilla is pretty safe. As long as you are not dumb. But, on that note:
DON'T completely trust strangers. If a bunch of people come up and try to talk to you, keep a close eye on your stuff. I don't see this happening in Sevilla, but you never know. I had a friend who almost got robbed by a 3-person team in Barcelona because they were all distracting her in different ways (including discretely spraying liquid makeup all over her, offering to help clean up, asking for directions, etc.). She's smart so she didn't get robbed. But many people are way too distracted to notice what's happening. Also,
DON'T take your eyes off your stuff when you are in a crowded bar. Don't take with you more than you need, and keep it close to your body. Don't set your purse on a table, etc. If you do that, you deserve to get robbed. That's just foolish. Finally,
DON'T walk around all by yourself late at night. I'm not gonna lie, I did this a few times and was just fine. But its pretty stupid. Just stick with your group or take a taxi (they are easy to hail and pretty cheap within the city center).
DON'T try to bring back something prohibited to the USA. Including plants, fruits, etc. Go
here to see what is allowed and not (more to come on this later).
DON'T expect super-clean public bathrooms. Well, actually, don't expect public bathrooms at all, really. If you are out walking around and need the toilet, find a Corte Ingles supercenter and find their bathroom. Or go into a local bar, order a cerveza and use the toilet. But they are usually pretty gross. There is very rarely toilet paper and often no toilet seat. Bring kleenex with you (you can buy it for cheap at the chino stores) and get used to hovering over the toilet...
DO pack to take with you:
-comfortable walking shoes. I know I mentioned this a million times. My poor feet hated me for not taking more comfortable shoes.
-If you are going in summer, take very light, breathable clothing. It's freaking HOT.
-a good camera. So many beautiful things to take pictures of!
-sunglasses. With all the walking you'll be doing outside, you'll want some.
-if you will be there for a long time, bring some comfort foods that you can't live without. Some people freak out when they find that peanut butter is not available or is super expensive overseas. If you can't live without it, bring some with you.
-a nice going-out outfit. Spaniards like to dress up to go out. If you are trying to get into a club, you will
not make it in in jeans and sneakers. Bring a cute dress and heels (or flats...) if you're a girl and some slacks and dress shoes if you're a guy.
DON'T bother bringing:
-too much! Pack light. I am terrible at this, but just know that you will most likely buy a lot of souvenirs. So you want room to bring them back. My recommendation is to pack some toiletries and snacks that you will use up while you are there. Then, you will have the room that was taken up by those things to fit souvenirs. Plus you won't have to spend travel money on those things.
-a computer, if you are taking a shorter trip. You don't want to have to worry about losing it, breaking it, lugging it around, getting it stolen, etc. But if you are studying or will be there for a longer period of time, it will be nice to have.
