Sun, 22 November 2009
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No concept of time? Everything stops in the heat of the day? These are just some of the perceptions that foreigners have of Spain – thanks to guide books out there.MADRID -- Spain's inhabitants have spent centuries arguing - and even warring - over their national identity is and whether they even have one. But if Catalans, Basques, Galicians, Andalusians and Castilians cannot agree on what Spain is, foreigners seem to have no qualms about how to portray the country.
In guidebooks read by Britons, Germans, French, Italians, Russians and Japanese, age-old stereotypes mingle with sharper observations about modern Spain, today the world's second-most-popular tourist destination, after France.
Of the 60 million tourists expected to visit the country in 2008, many will have found out that few Spaniards partake in a post-prandial siesta or arrive late for every meeting, though others will have had their ideas about Spain's party culture and sense of community reinforced.
"You cannot avoid noticing the contagious enthusiasm for life of the Spaniards," observes Germany's Baedeker guide.
"The rhythm of life is guided by the need to meet up of an evening, all generations together, on the streets and in the tapas bars. That gives unity to the country," argues a French guide.
The Germans even go so far as to offer advice on how to partake in an element of Spanish culture that still exists in rural areas but is fast fading in the cities: the evening paseo.
Siesta in Barcelona
This article seems to dismiss the various views of the quoted publications. I would argue they all have some truth.
If you visit Salou, Benidorm etc, then yes the "siesta" is difficult to detect, the beaches, shops and streets will be full, albeit not with Spanish people.
If on the other hand, you find yourself in a "Spanish" Spanish resort like say, Gandia, then it is very noticeable.
Venture inland, avoiding ex pat hot spots and real Spain, with Spanish people, although changing, is still quite traditional, matching those descriptions you dismiss as stereotypical.
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